THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 08-11-24

Stories by KENVILLE HORNE

THE TWO MEN WHOSE BODIES were found in the Petit Bordel mountains on Thursday 7th November have been identified as Johnny Holder and Kelorn ‘Beeshit’ Baptiste, both of

PRISON OFFICER KENSON

KINg said it is “neither here nor there,” about a EC$34,000 court-ordered amount to be pay to him by the attorney general and three police

Holder and Baptiste were reported as having been shot and the same report said that

the dead men.

officers, over his wrongful arrest and imprisonment on May 22, 2020.

“ I am neither here nor there, you know. ….. It’s not really about the money, it’s about social responsibility. I took this case really to show people that you can challenge the system, you know, the system is not infallible, and to also allow people the opportunity to see that there’s

nothing to fear and challenge in the system,” King told The Vincentian. during an interview with THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday.

“It’s a decision that the court had pending as to how much I would have been paid in damages….. since last year 2023 when the case was call in front of Justice Esco Henry. So it was just a

of

determine how much they were going to pay in damages,” King added.

In recalling the matter, King related that in May 2020 he was arrested at his workplace after making a post on Facebook. The post made reference to the Prime Minister. He noted that three police officers arrested him on Continued on Page 3.

Kenson King may not have got

he requested

Lowmans Leeward, a community some nineteen or so miles from Petit Bordel.

Above: Johnny Holder

Below: Kelorn Baptiste

Rose publishes threebook series - ÂReflectionsÊ

people-first perspectives, with the easy fluency of one of our Caribbean’s sociopolitical giants.

the personhood of our foreparents.

ONE OF ST VINCENT AND THE Grenadines (SVG) foremost social commentators and journalists has published three volumes in a series titled ‘Reflections’.

Renwick ‘Kamara’ Rose’s timely, insightful, clear-eyed ‘Reflections’ on Women’s Struggles for Justice and Equity ; We Grandparents’ BackpayStruggle for Reparatory Justice ; and Reclaiming Our Independence and Defending Democracy present the

As a dedicated activist who was always at home and always grounded, Kamara’s vision is untarnished by extraneous meanderings which undermine the forward march of Vincentian and Caribbean people throughout the world.

In Women’s Struggles for Justice and Equity, Kamara’s credentials as SVG’s foremost feminist are passionately exhibited as he advocates consistently for the elevated recognition of the multiple vital roles played by women in every facet of our society. He chronicles, in detail, the unwavering strength of our women who never shirk their assumed responsibilities despite non-recognition and under-appreciation.

We Grandparents’ BackpayStruggle for Reparatory Justice, presents Kamara’s clarion and constructive calls over the years, for the acknowledgement of the dehumanisation and genocide wrought by conquest and colonisation; and the acceptance of the need for reparatory justice in order to repair the erasure of

In Reclaiming Our Independence and Defending Democracy, the bird’s eye view afforded Kamara during this period of our history, just over 45 years ago, unfolds with an immediacy because he was then central to the progressive movement’s valiant attempts to contribute to the charter of our country’s Independence. His presence then, sought to give voice to the unheard community groups which were being squeezed out of the process. Today, his writings allow these voices to echo and to be recorded in our youthful quest for the shaping of ourselves as a Vincentian people. Together, these three sets of ‘Reflections’ take us from thence to now. These ‘Reflections’ give us the contexts and the texts which inform the now. They give us perspectives which must undergird our trajectory.

The books are available now on Amazon in paperback and Kindle format. Paperbacks will be available next week for purchase in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

A virtual panel discussion to launch the books is being planned for Wednesday, November 20. (Submitted)

Renwick Rose is one of this country’s foremost social commentators and journalists whose involvement in peoples’ struggles gives him a firsthand view of those realities.

The covers of the publications do not distract from the deopth of reflection that lies within.

V News 3

State to pay $100K+

IN ADDITION TO HAVING TO SETTLEin an amount of Ec$34,000.00 with Kenson King, the Attorney General and a Police Corporal Mohammid Lavia have also been ordered to pay Okeno Fergus, of Owia, a total of EC$102,754 in compensation and legal fees.

Fergus had suffered a gunshot wound to his left leg at the hands of Corporal Lavia, and had brought a lawsuit against the officer and the state.

On Tuesday, High Court Master Cybelle Cenac-Dantes, on Tuesday, ruled that Fergus receive: EC$65,000 for his pain and suffering and loss of amenities: EC$15,000 in exemplary

and aggravated damages; EC$6,000 for future medical care; EC$1,178 for special damages; and legal fees of EC$15,576.70.

The Master also ordered that interest is to be levied at 4% as of July 14, 2022, the date on which judgement was handed down in favour of Fergus.

The Master was acting upon a ruling made by Justice Esco Henry, High Court Judge. Judge henry had found Lavia and the state liable to Fergus for battery and assault.

Lavia’s case of having been provoked, that Fergus had struck him with a bottle and appeared to be ready to hit him again hence his discharge of his

‘Not about the money,’ says King

Continued from Frontpage.

instructions of the head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Clauston Francis. He was taking to theCentral Police Station and held there in unsanitary conditions and inappropriate sleeping facilities, for approximately 32 hours.

When the matter was heard by Justice Henry, she ruled that the arrest and detention caused a level of embarrassment and negative effects to King’s reputation.

The judge also found the arrest to be unreasonable and that the conduct of the officers was unnecessary, irregular, oppressive and invalid.

King had asked for compensation of EC$60,000 for general damages for the wrongful arrest, EC$15,000 for aggravated damages and EC$45,000 for exemplary damages, a total of EC$120,000.

However, in her judgment on October 29, High Court master Cybelle Cenac-Dantes ordered that King receive general damages of EC$16,500; exemplary and aggravated damages of EC$12,000; prescribed costs of EC$5,700 and interests of 5% from May 4, 2023 –the date of judgment.

And as he looks back on what has transpired to date, King sought to remind citizens at large that “The system is there for all of us and we are there. That’s why you have laws, the constitution and so forth in

place to protect you against the system and that when the system steps out of line, you know, you can challenge it. And the most important thing I think, is to also let officers know that they can say no to what they deem to be an unlawful order.”

He reiterated, “It wasn’t really about money, you know, the money is just actually on the top of it,” explaining further, “So these are the things that I really stood on., but you know, I think I have achieved what I went on to achieve.”

The three police officers who arrested King are detectives Sergeant Biorn Duncan, Corporals Dwight James and Alex Primus. They were represented by Joezel Allen from the AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers.

King was represented by Zita Barnwell of Jomo Thomas Chambers.

And as what’s up next for King, “I still have the sedition matter that is pending,” he reminded.

Among the grounds for the sedition charge dating back to 2021, King is alleged to have uttered, inter alia, “There is no longer any peace in St Vincent. This is a war eh? This right now is a war. We are in a war and in a war there are casualties. We need to make some casualties. One way or the other because there are already casualties on our side. The moles? Stamp out the moles. Stamp out the moles and dem too.”

weapon, was rejected hands down by the Judge.

Reports were that Lavia and Fergus somehow got into an argument in Sandy bay. It developed into a scuffle during which Fergus is alleged to have used a bottle to hit Lavia who, on fearing that he was going to be attacked again, drew his firearm and shot Fergus in the left leg.

convicted.

Fergus was arrested and charged in July 2019 with wounding Lavia and was tried at the Georgetown Magistrate’s court, where he was

Fergus appealed his conviction. It was overturned and the case was set for trial before another magistrate.

THE VINCENTIAN could not ascertain, up to press time, whether the case had been heard a second time.

Two found dead in ‘Peto’

Mountain

Continued from Frontpage.

Residents in Petit Bordel reported hearing loud explosion around 2am and police from all reports responded with some haste to reports by resident.

Even after the bodies were discovered and retrieved from the mountain, a heavy police presence was noticeable in Petit Bordel and neighbouring Rose Hall.

According to the third man, who goes by the nickname ‘Alkaline’ and who was found alive, on Thursday 7th November, sometime around 2am, he and two other men - Johnny Holder and Kelorn ‘Beeshit’ Baptiste - were asleep in a ‘shanty’ (a small, rough shelter) in the Petit Bordel Mountain.

He related that they were awaken by male voices saying, “Nobody move then they open fire.”

He was lucky to be shot in his hand and he ran out of the ‘shanty’, jumped over an embankment and escape the gunmen.

When it appeared to him that it was safe i.e. that the gunmen had left, he returned to the ‘shanty’ only to discover Holder and Baptiste dead with signs of multiple gunshot wounds including to the head.

A canvas of views of residents in the area revealed that many believed that the latest shooting deaths were linked to two homicidesgun related - that occurred in Petit

Bordel in late September. Stanran ‘Standpipe’ Stapleton, 29, was shot and killed on September 27 and two days later, September 29, at around 2am, Othnell Lavia, aka Curtell, a 37-year-old farmer, died after being shot.

Many residents in the community suspected that Lavia was killed in retaliation for Stapleton’s death and Holder, one of the two recently deceased, was also alleged to be involved in that shooting.

On October 9, Iran Stapleton, Stanran’s brother, was apprehended at the Argyle International Airport after attempting to flee the country. He was later charged with causing the death of Lavia.

Readers will recall that in 2023, Holder escaped death after he was shot in the foot while in ‘Pole Yard’, Arnos Vale.

He along with Lemron Mason of Ottley Hall were in November 2023 granted bail after being charged with seven indictable offences, including assault with a deadly weapon and robbery, in connection with an action in Campden Park.

In December 2023, a then 23-yearold Holder was sentenced to prison for breaching a curfew ordered by the court.

Indications are that Kelornn Baptiste had a record of run-ins with the law and had served prison time in the past.

The homicide count for the year now stands at 41.

Chauffeur fined in penis photo case

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

A CLEAR MESSAGE WAS SENT on Tuesday to those who use, or intend to use computer systems to harass others.

The signal came at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court when Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie fined 48-yearold chauffeur Hudson Prescod of Vermont/New Montrose $10,000, in a case in which he used his cell phone to send a picture, via WhatsApp, of his penis to his stepdaughter’s cousin Brianna Allen, 18, of New Montrose.

Prescod, who was unrepresented, has until October 31, 2025 to pay the fine. He was also bonded for one year. In breach of the bond, he will have to pay the court $2,000 forthwith, or go to prison for one year.

Prescod had pleaded guilty to, ‘that on October 28, 2024, via WhatsApp, he unintentionally or recklessly used his cellphone to send to Brianna Allen an obscene image that is menacing in character and caused her to feel harassed’.

The charge was laid under Section 18(1) of

the Cyber Crime Act 2016.

The facts showed that because Prescod’s stepdaughter’s phone was not working, Prescod would message Allen’s cellular phone to relay certain pertinent information, but during such time, he chose to send explicit videos and photos from the internet with words attached such as “that could be us,” amongst other statements.

On October 28, 2024, at about 6:43pm, Allen opened a WhatsApp Messenger on her cellphone and saw that she had one message

Man discharged in road death case

AN 80-YEAR-OLD FITZ

HUGHES

man who was charged with causing death by dangerous driving just over two years ago, was discharged at the Serious Offenses Court last week Wednesday after Senior Magistrate Colin John upheld a no-case submission from the man’s lawyerPatina Knights.

Julius Dublin, a farmer, was charged with causing the death of Cosmore Lewis, a 74-year-old mason of Chateaubeliar.

It was alleged that on June 30, 2022 around 5:10 p.m., Dublin drove the motor vehicle T5778 in a dangerous manner along the Chateaubelair public road and struck Lewis, who died on July 4, 2022. Dublin was not charged until

September 2023.

The Preliminary Inquiry (P.I) started at the Serious Offenses Court earlier this year, and was adjourned on a number of occasions.

But on Wednesday, following the close of the Prosecution’s case, Knights submitted that the Prosecution had to at least satisfy the Court that Dublin was driving that vehicle far below the standard of a competent driver, but the Prosecution had failed to show this.

“This is not a court of speculation, it is a Court of law and facts, and if the Court proceeds, it will be left to speculate as to how this incident occurred.

The Prosecution alleged that Dublin wanted to move from the left

Continued on Page 23.

from Prescod, i.e. a photo of his penis.

Later that day when Allen told her mother about the WhatsApp message, a report was made to the Criminal Investigation Department (C.I.D.).

Constable Enrico Castello took the report and a statement by Allen was also recorded.

On October 31, 2024 at about 2:00pm, Castello invited Prescod to the Central Police Station, informed him of the report made against him, cautioned him and interviewed him in the presence of Justice of the Peace (JP) Albert Chewitt.

Prescod volunteered a statement in writing in which he admitted to the offense. He was discharged from the station, pending further investigations.

At around 10:00am on November 4, Castello

invited Prescod to the C.I.D., reminded him of the report, and subsequently arrested and charged him.

This action was predication on further Police investigations involving examination of Allen’s phone, which revealed other obscene material and which were shown in court at the magistrate’s request.

Prescod had told the Court that his action was not intentional, and that it was meant for one Nicole who resides abroad, but he refused to give permission for his cellular phone to be examined.

Being further questioned by McKenzie, Prescod said that he worked as a chauffeur for former Health Minister Robert Luke Browne. He said he worked for $1700 after a month, after tax deductions.

The Magistrate informed him that the

Calypsonian charged with theft

A 2024 NATIONAL CALYPSO MONARCH finalist, Marvo Morgan, has a date highlighted on her calendar.

Sadly, that date, April 8, 2025, was not set in preparation for Vincy Mas 2025 or anything to do with her calypso exploits. It’s for her next court appearance in connection with the theft of EC$273.33 worth of items from Massy Stores, Kingstown.

Morgan, who got the judges nod for the 2024 calypso finals with the tune, ‘Nobody’s Listening’, made her first appearance before Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

The 44-year-old civil servant who sings with the ‘On Tour’ Calypso Tent, has been charged with stealing: four secret

offence carried a maximum penalty of $25,000 or one year in prison, and he could be fined and confined.

Prescod earned a one third discount on guilty plea.

When THE VINCENTIAN asked Prescod, outside the court room, why he pleaded guilty if his action was not intentional, Prescod said that if he had pleaded not guilty, he would have had to await trial and he did not want to keep coming back to court pending trial.

The Cyber Crime Act was passed in SVG on August 22, 2016 to provide for the creation of offences related to Cybercrimes and other related matters.

deodorants valued at EC$85.80; two packs of Anchor Pre-packed Cheddar Cheese valued at EC$51.04; one bottle of Majic Fabric Freshener valued at ED$13.98; two packs of Oreo Twists Vanilla and Raspberry biscuits valued at EC$23.90; one box of Biore Charcoal Pore Strips valued at EC$25.70; two packs of Yorkie Raisin and Biscuit valued at EC$13.90; two packs of Sante FIT Cereal Biscuits valued at EC$6.54; two packs of Eat Natural Raw Peanut Almond and Cocoa Protein bars valued at EC$27.90; one pack of Summer’s Eve Cleansing Cloths valued at EC$20.45; and two packs of Sante FIT Biscuits Cocoa valued at EC$4.10.

The items altogether

were valued at EC$273.33.

The offence was reportedly committed at Massy Stores, Upper Bay Street, Kingstown on October 30, 2024.

The Glen/Diamond resident pleaded not guilty and she was allowed to continue on Station bail which had been granted at the Central Police Station.

The court ordered that the Prosecution disclose all witness statements and other relevant material to the case by December 19. The matter was adjourned to April 8, 2025.

The Prosecution intends to call four witnesses.

Right: Calypsonian Marvo Morgan has a date set for a different kind of appearance.

Hudson Prescod

Bulze is top public speaker

by GLORIAH...

AS IF DETERMINED TO FULFIL THE2024 theme of the Lions Club South, “Make your mark”, sixteen-year-old Rahj Bulze of the Dr. J P Eustace Memorial Secondary School made his mark by speaking his way into first place in the annual Lions National Secondary Schools Public Speaking Competition Final. It was held at the Methodist Church Hall, Kingstown on Tuesday, 5th November.

The other contestants were Alexander Cummings of the St. Martin’s Secondary; Macy Baptiste, Sandy Bay Secondary; Kyra Johnson, North Union Secondary; Jaheem Primus, St. Vincent Grammar School; and Samarah Lynch, of the Mountain View Adventist Academy.

Each was charged with presenting a main topic: “Our world is in a state of confusion as it tries to reconcile one’s inalienable rights, civil liberties, religious beliefs and the role of the State.” The second segment heard topics chosen by the students themselves, and the third featured impromptu presentations.

The competition ensued with competitors digging deeply into the parameters of the main topic. Of course, their content was shown through various versions of each speaker’s microscope. The discourse unraveled beautifully as numerous instances for the presenters’ stance on the issue, as each sought to convince both the judges and the audience, on his/her point of view.

The studentprepared segment had the audience sitting up straight and paying close attention. The topics centred around

the following ideas: Alexander Cummings: Using sport as a means of nation development; Macy Baptiste: When hurricane-like behaviours erupt in schools; Kyra Johnson: Young people and spirituality; Jaheem Primus:Olympics 2024 -Beyond the pursuit of medals; Samarah Lynch: The van culture; and Rahj Bulze: Violence in communities is ruining lives.

The impromptu segment proved to be quite an interesting and thoughtprovoking one. Following were the topics chosen — Alexander Cummings: Youth development; Macy Baptiste: Children’s right to be safe and healthy; Kyra Johnson: Rest, relaxation and play; Jaheem Primus: Educational experiences; Samarah Lynch: World Children’s Day; and Rahj Bulze: Developing talents and abilities.

Segment results were announced as follows: 1st place Main topic: Alexander Cummings; 1st place student-prepared topic: Rahj Bulze; and 1st place Impromptu: Rahj Bulze. Overall, following in second place was Samarah Lynch, with Alexander Cummings placing third.

An excited and overwhelmed Rahj Bulze told The Vincentian, “It was an experience. I never even dreamed that I would place first. I said I would come out and try my hardest to beat the competition but never in my wildest imagination did I expect to place first.” He acknowledged that his overall preparation was the “true winner” for him. He even chose to give his ‘two cents’ to prospective student competitors to, “Believe in yourself. Don’t worry about what others may say. It may be hard to face a huge crowd and speak, but with time, your vocabulary and communication skills will be drastically improved. Use that broarder perspective to your advantage!”

The 2025 version of the Lions National Secondary Schools Public Speaking Competition is scheduled to take place during the month of our Independence, October.

Champion Speaker Rahj Bulze receives his trophy from Mavis Joseph, Education Officer.

Public Speaking Finalists and Lions Club South members at the conclusion of the 2024 Competition.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Director: Desiree Richards

Editor: Cyprian Neehall

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

Website: www.thevincentian.com

Email: thevincentianpublishing@gmail.com

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

Editorial

Loyalty and Principal

WOULD THIS COLUMNbe faulted if at this ‘early stage in the game’, i.e. the one leading up to the next general, it delves into the state of our politics?

After all, isn’t it that our vote will be determined by how much we understand those politics and what we think of those (politicians and their functionaries) who represent our politics, so the earlier we come to grips with this, the better we are positioned to make a sound decision?

How often have we not declared that “politics is a dirty game”? How often have we made an analysis of our politics based on the actions of our politicians? And in so doing, take a scrutinizing look at some of the people (politicians) that are in the system and deem them dirty men and women? That they blatantly lie, cheat and slander all in the name of politics?

Yes, we are guilty, even if we don’t admit it, of seeing only what those representatives do and say but have little or no regard for how what we do affects the outcome of an election and eventually what is our politics.

That is why we must first and foremost accept that in our current political landscape there is a fine line between our political loyalty and our principle — the latter to mean what we understand and accept to be just and upright.

In this era of heightened transparency, if not the demand for same, blind political loyalty, without the necessary grounding in principle, is a threat to personal credibility, one’s own standing in society.

For too long we have been fed and accepted the maxim that political loyalty is a virtue, particularly within the machinations of the party which relies on cohesion (blind cohesion?) to advance its policies and sustain its electoral superiority, if any.

In a real world, loyalty is all about shared values and committing to collective responsibility and action, all towards the goal of ensuring the common good… that the goods of the earth are for all and not a few.

However, and sadly so, loyalty has a sinister side … a side that demands silence, complicity in the face of unethical behavior, downright questionable decisions and selfish

motives, that, if the political blinkers are not removed, will become the antithesis to the well-being of the public, i.e. the public good.

When political loyalty overrides personal convictions, principle, it quickly leads to a loss of integrity, both on the part of the functionary and the politician.

When a politician's actions are perceived as abandoning moral standing in favour of party loyalty, the public must be quick to react, since the damage to personal credibility can be long-lasting.

It follows that the million-dollar question for a politician, to include those who are not seeking public office, is: Should I stay in the political arena or leave if I cannot reconcile loyalty with principles i.e. if my principles are threatened?

Remaining in the political arena does not always necessitate abandoning one's principles. Those who feel emboldened can stand firm on matters of principle and challenge policies/practices that they assess to be harmful to the welfare of the people.

And if it is that in a case where one stands firm but recognizes the need for compromise in the interest of the good of the people, that compromise should be on methods not values.

Always, if one is true to oneself, especially if one considers him/herself to be a principled politician/political activist, one should be able to find ‘a way through the briar’ and advocate for better policies and respectful dissent.

That might be idealistic, since when loyalty and principle become diametrically opposed, when the values/policies of a party conflict with personal convictions, there is, in all good conscience, no other solution than to step away from the political limelight so as to preserve one’s integrity. It should always be that loyalty to a party, any organization for that matter, should never come at the expense of one’s loyalty to ethical principles or public trust.

Loyalty should never be equated with blind obedience. It is, instead, a commitment to serving the public in line with both ethical principles and the common good.

The price of sacrificing personal principles for political allegiance can be too high if not devastating.

Why

do we make things complicated?

A FEW WEEKS AGO, I laboured through a painful discussion on a routine resolution to approve the financing mechanism to fund a previously approved budgeted item. According to the minister responsible for the port, this loan would not increase the overall cost of the budgeted line item for the port construction. She nervously tried to assure us that the funds requested would not increase the project’s cost. She assured us that these funds would be used to purchase operating equipment for the port. She did this to the best of her ability above the usual partisan interruptionsomething I hated but has grown to accept as the way we do business.

She did what was expected of her without the flair and flamboyance of some of her counterparts. Her performance can only be described as that of a steady and reliable administrator, but she will hardly get any votes in West Kingstown based on that performance. In today’s political environment, it seems that most of our parliamentarians and wannabes believe that shouting, ignoring the facts, and insulting each other is what winning a seat in Parliament takes. We must do better; I know we can.

Anyway, back to the resolution. We were told it was for forty million dollars, and it was to purchase needed equipment for the new port, and very little more in the introduction by the Minister of Finance. He then read the resolution by title, and the Speaker of the House then proceeded to open a discussion on the item. This is where the conversation deteriorated into misstatements, speculations, and sometimes even unrelated items. For example, one parliamentarian stated that his research on the port was that it was showing about one million dollars in profit. Another indicated that our streets are not safe because of the significant failure at the port.

While this was happening, I looked up the public record of the port. I was disappointed that the most current audited financial records online were over five years old, showing at the time a profit of over two million dollars. Then, there was a discussion about the administrative process used to establish the equipment price to be purchased with the money. While this made for an exciting conversation, I found it unnecessary and honestly disrespectful to the employees at the port. We cannot continue to treat our employees as

incompetent and untrustworthy as they do their jobs according to the rules. Elected officials cannot continue to micromanage administrative processes to show that they are providing the political oversight they were elected to provide. So, after six hours of discussion, here are a few questions that remain unanswered even after approval of the resolution: What is the length of bonds sold? Will there be an early call option on these bonds? What is the debt-torevenue ratio of the port? What is the projected growth in revenue for the port throughout the life cycle of the bonds? Will the government be asked to encumber any of its revenues? Will the failure to make a payment result in a call of the total bond outstanding? Of course, other operational questions could have been asked or provided, such as, would this equipment improve the efficiency of operations? Would any efficiency gain in the operations result in the redundancy of the staff at the port? I think this is what Representative Bramble asked, to which no answer was provided. While some additional information was provided during the wrapping up by the Minister of Finance, it would have been helpful to have that information at the beginning. For example, we learned in the wrap-up that the current profit of the port exceeds four million dollars. The interest rate on these bonds is 5.75%. We were told during the wrap-up that the Port Authority would also be refinancing an existing loan. We were reminded that the port was providing an additional ten million dollars towards the cost of the equipment. While we have lost the opportunity to get answers to these questions, I would like to employ the Government and the Port Authority to help us better understand the impact of these bonds on the people of SVG. It is not uncommon for such bonds to have a provision that states that before a default is declared, the Port Authority will have to increase fees to meet its obligations.

The obvious issue on the table that was missed entirely by everyone in the opposition is that these bonds were already issued. All the government was asking for was a ratification of the Port Authority action because the lending agency required it.

Horatio.

What’s not making any sense:

Our 45th Independence Celebration

THE WILLINGNESS to try something different, something new, must be taken in a positive light. The early morning parade as we have become accustomed to, was viewed as the cause of many unwelcome occurrences, such as fainting of persons on parade due to the penetrating, unbearable heat from the sun.

Someone had a thought, threw it out to the head who initially thought it was not a good idea to adapt a new parade time (from morning to afternoon/evening), but eventually gave way to give it a try. Vincentians, almost in their entirety,

wanted to sample/experience the change. Were separations in place to adequately accommodate the change?

It was a Sunday evening, and many grasped the opportunity to go out, breathe a breath of fresh air, a sort of libation from challenges they encountered for the past couple of years. This was noticeable. When you look at Kingstown in the evening after work, to borrow the words of some persons, it is like a ‘ghost town’. There is an absence of people and mini-buses in the early hours of the evening, 6pm-8pm.

Traits of Trump?

I OWE YOUfive hundred dollars; I then borrow five hundred dollars from you to repay you.

Public Servants were told that seven percent is more than twelve.

This is 2024 not 1954, yet every construction project done by the government, the word modern precedes it, e.g. it’s Modern Port, Modern Parliament etc. Who is going to build an ‘Ancient’ Port, Parliament or ‘Anything’ for that matter in 2024?

There are temporary schools, etc. which cost more than the proposed permanent ones. Don’t be surprised if the hospital in Arnos Vale is temporary. I’ve heard that between 2001 and now, our Prime Minister has had five different St. Lucian P.M.s to work with. It’s a good thing in my opinion. A Prime Minister should go every three years. It could well be one of the reasons why St. Lucia is years ahead of us. Lucians don’t allow any party to squat in office, as is obtained here.

When you allow them to squat, it’s very difficult to remove them. They file legal proceedings to obtain title to “land” then the natives lose their land, rights, freedom, etc. forever.

Concerned Citizen.

PEOPLE ARE ASKING:

Why must tax payers have to bear the legal cost the court awarded to a man who was shot by a police officer not on official duty at the time?

What is the total sum the government owes for legal cost to trade unions and private individuals as ordered by the court?

Can the Minister of Finance and the Attorney General be charged for Contempt of Court for refusing to carry out an order of the court?

Is it illegal for a private citizen to have a boat with more powerful engines than the Coast Guard?

When one is hospitalised, is he/she given the COVID vaccine against their will/unknowingly?

Did the Police Welfare Association have any input in revising the figure for

police officers for

World Cup?

That Sunday, October 27, it was like the spell had been broken. People turned out in their overwhelming numbers, only to find that inadequate accommodation was in place for them.

Victoria Park failed to house the massive turn out of those who felt liberated, who then became disappointed as there was no way to go forward or backward after entering.

Failure on the part of the organizers to envision a more suitable venue to adequately accommodate must not go unnoticed. There is no fun feeling stuck in a sardine tin.

There, where is the love, respect and appreciation for the parade troops?

We invite guests to our land and the best of everything is set in place. Our invitees are housed in the best, given the best foods to eat in the best dining areas.

Our troops, after long and hard hours of trying to give of their best on the parade ground, were directed to an abandoned school building, in a yard that has an ugly look, no form of decoration, to be handed next to nothing to eat.

We love our visitors, our invited guests; we are happy to give of our best

in every possible way. But we must not treat our people with any less reward/honor for their hard work, dedication and faithfulness.

Many, I’m sure, would have welcomed, after standing for long hours, a chair to take the load off their feet in a nice atmosphere, a glass of wine, champagne or drink of their choice to be refreshed, and an opportunity to mingle a little.

The omission of the troops marching up the streets at the end of the parade was an error.

We as a nation believe in change, yes, change that makes us better. The Observer.

Government Homeless in Union Island

FOR

DONKEY YEARS the government has been renting buildings, at great costs to the country’s treasury, to carry out its local operations. Not that their activities were adequate to constitute local government as obtains in many other Caribbean multi-island

states, but the little that is done is necessary. Although there are many public buildings, most are in disrepair and Hurricane Beryl has destroyed many of the rented premises. This is the opportune time to repair old buildings and build new ones. Union

Island deserves proper infrastructure to carry out government business. Government infrastructure should take priority in the rebuilding process.

The drinking water at the teacher’s house in Badeau was discoloured so the decision was taken to

Bigging-up John Hinds

MR. EDITOR,no disrespect to the others who were named Sporting and Cultural Ambassadors on Independence Day 2024, but I must single out one of those for special mention.

As a fellow West Kingstown man, I must ‘big up’ Mr. Fitzgerald King, whom we all know as John Hinds. Yes, for those of us who have known this young man since his school days will forever refer to him as John Hinds.

Yes, I have watched this young man since he was a goalkeeper for Bishop’s College Kingstown. I watched his development through First Division Football in Kingstown, and it was no surprise that he rose to become a goalkeeper for the national football team, and a darned good one if I may say so myself.

But it that is not his only outstanding trait. He is more so an unsung hero for the time he has

given to coaching youngsters and even persons who gained selection to the national team, without any due recompense. Many who have given far less, have earned so much more than John has ever, for giving of his expertise. Maybe something could be done to see that he is compensated for all those years.

And then there is his duty as a referee. When no one else was available, or whenever no one wanted or refused to officiate, John was a whistle away. And this was not confined to Kingstown. He is perhaps the most widely known and recognized football referee in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, regardless of how many others might be more certified.

And that’s not all. When it was fashionable to be associated with persons less abled that most of us, there was John, ready and willing to brave all the odds to

coach those students at the School for Children with Special Needs, preparing them for and accompanying them to the Special Olympics.

When the real bell is rung in this regard, we cannot pass over the work of persons like John Hinds, Woodrow Williams and the late Tyrone ‘Tweety’ Spence.

The thing is that John is very much able, ready and willing to continue to do what he has been doing for most of his life, i.e. giving service to sport.

You, Mr. Editor, will know firsthand, and more so than all those who think they know about John’s contribution to carnival, how it all started and how it has developed. Not to mention that formidable calypso-critics team he formed with one Michael ‘Georgetown’ Medica.

Congrats John. You deserve every bit of national recognition accorded you.

Chares, Edinboro.

change the roof from felt to galvanize. The materials bought were apparently stolen and since then the building was abandoned, occupied by squatters and fell further into disrepair. It should be repaired now.

Police houses at Ashton and Clifton housed Sergeants and Inspectors in the past. Having permanent high-ranking police living here should improve our present security situation. The temporary policing policy does not seem to serve us well. Officers are here this week but gone the following week. The police houses should be repaired and allowed to serve their purpose.

The next government building, the old Clifton Health Clinic that earned the name “Bagdad” because it was used as a local prison, needs repairing or rebuilding.

The Social Welfare Office behind the Clifton Preschool, was completely destroyed by Hurricane Beryl and would have to be rebuilt. The Office of the Director of Grenadines Affairs was also located there, although I am unaware of what affairs were being directed and what local problems it helped to solve. It is clear that some major construction work needs to be done if government is to secure an operational home in Union Island.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD

National Pride by most, running down SVG by some others

THE ISSUE

ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 27, 2024, SVG celebrated the 45th anniversary of its reclamation of independence from the departing British colonialism. The centrepiece of this commemoration was the event on Sunday evening at Victoria Park which contained three central features: (i) The Parade headed by the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, and other uniformed groups, including a contingent from the Grenada Police Force, and 38 Vincentians who are on active duty in the United Kingdom Navy; (ii) the National Independence Address by the Prime Minister; and (iii) a splendid cultural performance of nearly three hours.

The turnout at Victoria Park by the general public was massive, the largest ever in our history. Nationals and residents of all classes, ages, and political affiliations swarmed the event, most of whom were decked out in one or more of our national colours. Victoria Park was bursting at its seams; thousands were stranded outside; there was no space for them inside – not even standing room; and large numbers who were stuck in the traffic simply went home to watch the event on television.

There was an unprecedented outpouring of national pride in our country and its institutions; people were celebrating, too, our sterling achievements since 1979 and particularly the amazing accomplishments over the last 23 years, since the dawn of the 21st century. There was an upbeat mood that the country was on the right track, despite our challenges, weaknesses, and limitations; we were celebrating our good works, our strengths, and our possibilities; we were enveloped in bountiful faith, hope, love, and dreams for our future. All this was the overwhelming mood, feeling, and expression at the 45th anniversary of our coming home to ourselves and our history.

Still, there were the minority of permanently disgruntled persons who are possessed of an ingrained obsession to run-down SVG, to denigrate the huge achievements of the last 23 years, to see nothing good in our land of immense progress, and to bad-mouth the efforts of those who sacrifice daily to lift SVG higher. This disgruntled minority are simply unable to read and know the times, and act accordingly. This lot is poisoned by opposition politics, by the lived, unfulfilled experiences of their nearly 25 years of vaunted ambition, and hunger for power, not satisfied. This poisoned obsession of “running down” is laced with bile, anger, and lies; it is marinated by an insatiable reach for that which is clearly unattainable by them. One feels sorry for those NDP supporters who blindly follow their leaders into this quagmire of ignominy, their spiteful divisiveness, and their backwardness.

HUGE REPRESENTATION OF FOREIGN GOVERNMENT

Some 25 countries were represented by their diplomatic representatives. The Republic of China (Taiwan) was represented by its distinguished Foreign Minister who came specifically as the personal envoy of his President.

In the build-up to the massive event at Victoria Park, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves held bilateral discussions with fifteen of these foreign dignitaries who requested formal one-on-one engagements; these discussions were held between Friday and Sunday afternoon. Our Foreign Minister was not in SVG to share the Comrade’s load; he was in Samoa, in the Pacific, representing SVG at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Every single foreign representative/diplomat reported to the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or to the Ministers of Government that they were exceedingly impressed with the parade, the Prime Minister’s address, the cultural performances, and all the relevant arrangements for the celebration/ commemoration of our reclamation of independence. They all gushed about the phenomenal strides SVG has made, and is making, and the exciting plans for the future. They commented on the massive turnout as an expression of people’s confidence in their country and leaders.

Several of the foreign dignitaries commented on the boorishness of one or more members (three of them in all) of the parliamentary opposition who were seated in the VIP area with the diplomats. At one juncture in the Prime Minister’s speech, one of the opposition members started to boo loudly in displeasure; at one or two occasions in the PM’s address, one or more of the opposition shouted: “Rubbish”. And as the Prime Minister was detailing his 17 special announcements, one of the NDP’s leaders was heard to mumble, sounding deflated: “None of this or that will save you from defeat next time.” Well, we have heard that story before!

The foreign dignitaries/diplomats were most offended by the behaviour of the opposition members present –their leader, Lorraine Friday, was absent as usual. It would have irritated the opposition abundantly when they saw the foreign diplomats applauding lustily the Prime Minister’s address. When will the NDP stop their anger, bile, divisiveness, and plain rudeness? Would they ever learn?

Government has not delivered on its promises

THE UNITY LABOUR PARTY(ULP) government has failed to deliver on most of its promises it made to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines in the 2024 Budget. It was a budget of broken promises, half measures and an exercise in trying to gaslight the electorate.

This is a government that promises much but delivers little. We are in the eleventh month of the year, which means the financial year is almost finished. Based on the track record of the ULP government, it is highly unlikely that the projects which were outlined by the Minister of Finance and have not yet begun would be implemented.

Vincentians can no longer trust the government when it makes promises to them. So, we can say that the government has betrayed the trust of the people. The Minister of Finance promised the following in his 2024 Budget, but has failed to implement then: renovation of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School, construction of the Kingstown Anglican School and the construction of two brand new secondary schools - the Sandy Bay Secondary School, funded by the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Brighton Secondary School, financed by the Saudi Fund for Development; upgrade of National Public Library; rehabilitation of the fisheries centre in Owia and provision of sanitary facilities for the fishers operating out of Lowman’s Bay and Shipping Bay.

He also promised that the Solidarity Fishing Fleet project would spend $4.4 million this year to purchase and equip 4 modern tuna boats, in the first instance, and to train fishers in the operation of those vessels and the business of commercial fishing. Where is this project? No progress has been made on it. And what of the construction of the Marriott Resort. When will that begin?

The Minister of Finance told Vincentians that around the same time that Sandals opened, we would also be opening the Holiday Inn Express and Myah Suites hotel at Diamond. Eight months after the opening of Sandals, the Holiday Inn Express is yet to be opened.

Other promises were the development of 16 acres of land along the coast of Brighton into a recreational park and bird-watching retreat; construction of cultural, education and production hubs in Belle Vue, Petit Bordel and Troumaca, the launch of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ National Orchestra and National Choir, constructing, expanding and refurbishing healthcare facilities in Biabou, Calliaqua, Central Kingstown, and Diamonds; begin construction of a SMART health clinic in Belair and begin construction of a Multipurpose Community Centre in Diamond. These projects have not started.

We recall that in the ULP’s manifesto in the general elections of 2020, they promised they would create thousands of new jobs. We are now in the fifth year of this ULP’s term in office, and the jobs still haven’t been created. Moreover, we have the lowest wages in the region.

When the ULP gained power in 2001, they promised that they would be tough on crime and the causes of crime. Instead, we have seen an increase in violent crime in the country. The year 2023 was a record-breaking year for

homicides where fifty-five (55) homicides were recorded. So far in 2024, thirtynine (39) homicides have been reported, closing in on the record level of homicides reached in 2023, most of which were gun related.

We have reached a point in our country where the government cannot continue to ignore the scourge of gun crime. People are losing their lives at an alarming rate. Yet, the government remain quiet as incidents of murder occur.

The Minister of National Security should present a detailed and prescriptive plan to reduce homicides immediately. We cannot afford further loss of lives. The failure by the Minister of National Security to implement measures to combat the crime crisis in the country has demonstrated that he is out of touch with the people.

Our Five Priorities

The NDP’s plan will fix the deeper issues which our country face. Our five (5) priorities are the key issues Vincentians care about. We will work to improve all of these areas, bringing a significant positive change to the lives of all people in our country. Our plan is realistic and achievable, i.e. to improve the economy, reduce unemployment and underemployment, make the country safer, improve our roads and provide healthcare which can be trusted.

The NDP Plan

Develop the economy of the country: The NDP has a new economic plan for our nation, a plan that will provide opportunities for all. This plan is built upon four economic pillars - tourism, agriculture, the new economy and the blue economy.

Create more and better paid jobs: We have a plan to create more jobs and cut the unemployment rate. We will raise wages across the country by investing in our people and creating higher value jobs through the use of technology.

Make our country safe again: Crime is out of control in St Vincent and the Grenadines, affecting everyone either directly or indirectly. An NDP government will uphold the law, invest in new crime-fighting techniques, protect women and children, and provide more training to the police so people can feel safe again in their communities. Ensure that everyone has healthcare we can trust: An NDP government will ensure our people have a healthcare system we can trust. We will establish a National Health Insurance programme and ensure access to medicines and reliable care.

An NDP government will develop new projects such as a national skills training college, and a performing arts centre, improve our roads and ensure our infrastructure works well and promotes economic growth.

Vincentians should not be bought by the empty promises of the ULP. The question that should be answered is: Are Vincentians’ lives better after 23 years of the ULP in government? They are tired and out of touch and do not deserve another term in government.

Views V Courage to Explore

“You cannot discover distant lands by remaining onshore.” – Jesus Pazosformer Chief Executive Officer of Neal & Massy, Trinidad and Tobago

DICTIONARY.COM DEFINEScourage as, “the mental or physical quality that allows a person to face danger, pain, or difficulty without fear.” It conjures up an image of confronting someone or some situation that may appear threatening. Instances of pain, fear, or adversity may readily come into mind. However, when it comes to exploration, whether mental, emotional, intellectual, or physical, courage takes on special importance. It can make the difference in terms of how well the situation is handled and the likely outcome. The act of exploration – whether considering distant lands, new opportunities, new ideas, or the depths of our own consciousness – requires courage and a deep sense of commitment. It is not for the faint hearted or the feeble minded. This may be especially so when efforts are being made to unravel thoughts or motives that may have generated some discomfort and/or the realisation that a more concerted effort should be made in pursuit of self-improvement.

Exploration is essentially linked to the unknown; and the unknown can sometimes be frightening and intimidating. The single mother who dropped out of secondary school as a result of an unplanned pregnancy may discover that she has the wherewithal to pursue her academic dreams. With courage, and encouragement from other significant persons in her life, she can resume the academic journey with a focus and determination to make herself, her child, and her “fan club” proud. Such accomplishments are possible when there is courage to explore.

Exploration is fundamentally linked to the unknown. And the unknown can be scary. The early explorers who set out to discover new lands, trade routes, and resources would have had to persuade themselves and others of the value of taking the calculated risks of venturing out from the known to the unknown. Marco Polo (1254-1324), the Italian traveller and merchant who journeyed to Asia provided valuable insights in relation to his fears and accomplishments in his writings titled “The Travels of Marco Polo.” Vasco da Gama (1460-1524), the Portuguese explorer who was the first to reach India by sea would have been accompanied by sailors whose foresight was not as positive as his own. However, even as they contemplated the follies of his determination, he persisted and opened up a new maritime trade route that is still functional today — many years hence. Christopher Columbus (14511506), the Italian explorer sponsored by Spain, ventured forth from Europe to explore the Americas in 1492. Ferdinand Magellan (1480-1521), the Portuguese explorer known for leading the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe also needs honourable mention when considering the courage to explore; facing the unknown with confidence. The inclusion of James Cook (1728-1779) also beckons to be included in this list. This British explorer drew detailed maps of the Pacific and chronicled his exploration of Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii. Henry Hudson (15651611), the English explorer known for

his exploration of north-eastern United States and Canada also needs noble recognition. They all possessed the courage to explore and, in so doing, changed the then known world. These explorers played meaningful roles in developing geographic knowledge and connecting different parts of the world through trade and colonization.

However, it would be remiss of us if we neglected to highlight the significant positive contribution made by many of our female explorers such as the English explorer Isabella Bird (1841-1904) who travelled extensively in Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas and chronicled many of the exotic natural discoveries. She was one of the first women to be elected to the Royal Geographic Society.

Gertrude Bell (1868-1926) was a British writer who played an important role in the Middle East during and after World War I. She was instrumental in exploring and mapping that region. The British explorer and writer Freya Stark (1893-1993) also travelled extensively throughout the Middle East and chronicled many of her experiences as she explored many of the remote regions there. The English explorer Mary Kingsley (1862-1900) travelled extensively throughout West Africa where she studied local cultures. The chronicles of her adventures have proven to be invaluable to anthropology. In the field of aviation recognition must be given to the Jean Batten (1909-1982) of New Zealand who bravely made several solo flights across the world. Like their male counterparts, these women broke barriers in their respective fields and contributed greatly to our understanding of the world.

John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), the 35th President of the United States of America, once noted that “Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.” This statement is pregnant with wisdom. It provides a timely reminder that our motivation to pursue a dream or commit to a task is likely to be ignited by our appreciation and commitment to a purpose. This is as true for the athlete who desires to improve her athletic performance as it is for the student who desires to obtain top grades in his exams. That purpose, that focus, that dream, that ambition, can be the determining factor in unearthing the courage to pursue the goal with passion. New heights of success can be achieved, and new lands explored, when we are determined to pull up the mental anchors of fear and doubt and trim the sails of courage in pursuit of the distant lands.

The courage to explore, whether through physical journeys, emotional introspection, or intellectual pursuits, is essential for personal and/or communal progress. Embracing this courage allows us to traverse the complications of life with gusto and confidence, foster understanding, and eventually, discover our truest selves.

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

Giant electoral asteroid

strikes America’s intellectual class, which fails to notice

THE DUSTBIN OF HISTORYawaits thousands of race-baiting professional panic-mongers whose craven dishonesty gave Donald Trump a popular-vote mandate.

As election results poured in last night, revealing the incredible fact of eight years and millions of hours of hysterical propaganda somehow achieving negative results, America’s opinion-making class continued broadcasting from a magic place far up its own backside, a land no message can reach. They never learn:

Jill Fillipovic in Slate this morning:

It turns out the United States is pretty damn sexist–and a lot of men wanted this election to be about them. Their votes for Trump weren’t about just the economy, or crime, or immigration; their votes were about reasserting their dominance… Many of them desperately want female affection… but, having not exactly earned it, long for a time when female deference was essentially mandatory.

Malaika Jabali in Guardian US:

Since Trump was last in office, a plethora of podcasts and media personalities… has emerged, framing women as both oppressors and second-class citizens. Hypersexual and frigid. Cunning and simple. Golddigging parasites while also careerdriven and disgustingly independent. In the manosphere, things don’t have to make sense. They must simply invoke certain feelings. Trump is an expert at that.

Dana Bash, who’ll be headlining a lot of mocking election post-mortems, explained Trump’s win to a mute Anderson Cooper by proclaiming, “We’re all living in a manosphere now”:

Bash was also peeved at Puerto Ricans in Pennsylvania who failed to obey identity expectations and fume at the Madison Square Garden “debacle.” Meanwhile, Joy Ann Reid at MSNBC said we needed to be “blunt” and identify the true culprit, white women:

Then there’s Morning Joe Scarborough, who virtually overnight went from saying “This version of Biden, intellectually, is the best Biden ever,” to imploring him postdebate to “do the right thing” and withdraw. Looking mad enough to kidnap a bus full of co-eds, Joe went on air this morning and declared Democrats “need to be honest” and admit white men weren’t the only culprits in this fiasco. “It’s misogyny from Hispanic men. It’s misogyny from black men,” he said, before chiding Democrats for not recognising “a lot of Hispanic voters have problems with black candidates.”

Guest Al Sharpton heartily agreed, and added, “And with other Hispanics!”

If you’re keeping score, that means white men, white women, black men, Hispanic men, and nonwhite voters generally were to blame for Trump’s win. And if you were afraid the most obvious suspect of all was forgotten, David Corn of Mother Jones already found the true culprit: Russia again attacked a US election to help Trump. This should be a big deal. Eight years ago, Donald Trump became president amid a flurry of miscalculations and arrogant misreads by political and media professionals from both parties. The commentariat first insisted he couldn’t win the Republican

nomination (we were told to await the “real candidate” as he rose in polls), then told us he couldn’t win the general without endorsements and corporate backing. Then Trump did win and it became instant conventional wisdom that this impermissible political choice proved the rural malcontents who voted for him were moral troglodytes and white supremacists deserving of their fates.

A strategy of relentless vilification on the one hand and selfcongratulation on the other became standard. “I won the places that represent two-thirds of America’s gross domestic product,” chirped Hillary Clinton. “The places that are optimistic, diverse, dynamic, moving forward.” A list of pundits (Paul Krugman was a favourite) concurred: the Trump voter was a knuckledragging parasite living off the coastal wealth creators, whose votes mattered more. When Joe Biden won in 2020, media quickly noted that Trump was only supported by 29% of GDP, practically the same thing as only being supported by 29% of people. White Rural Rage became the most predictable New York Times bestseller ever.

The cult of mass political psychosis was mind-blowing. Trump became a representation of evil more terrifying to laptop-class American adults than the Boogieman is to toddlers. Grown men and women rooted for the president to be proven a Russian agent. Studio audiences roared at the idea of vaccine-refusers dying. All explanations for Trump’s support other than racism and fears of “status loss” were dismissed, and his immigration policies were denounced as abhorrent and Hitlerian until Harris adopted them in this cycle. Voters were told a billion times that Trump is a fascist dictator-in-waiting and a threat to democracy. They were chided a billion more times to remember he’s a convicted criminal. Virtually every federal enforcement agency made announcements proclaiming a vote for Trump to be tantamount to aid to foreign enemies. At the end of all this messaging, Trump gained. He went from a twotime popular-vote loser to a president with a mandate of 5 million-plus votes. Despite constant reminders of his racism, he gained with black and Hispanic voters. There are species of tapeworms that could have grasped last night that voters got tired of being stereotyped as bigots by gasbags like Reid and Scarborough and told their race or gender or whatever compelled their political choices. An infant knows this, too, is a form of racism, and that too many “you ain’t black unless…” speeches will tend to push people after a while to reach for something sharp, or give Donald Trump a landslide win. If 71 million people giving you the finger as eight years of statements and predictions go belly up on live TV won’t budge these idiots out of their “All people who are not me are racist” bubble, nothing will. Perfect, virginal ignorance is a rare sight. We should admire theirs for the shimmering collective pearl it is, though I worry the exhibition might keep running for another ten years.

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

Vincy Penn Relay pioneer honoured

Story (abridged)

by: Nelson A. King

US CORRESPONDENT naking@verizon.net

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS, INC. (SVGAM) and the New York-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consulate General to the United States bestowed special honors on James Cordice, the Vincentian-born pioneer and coordinator of Vincentian and Belizean high schools participating in the prestigious annual Penn Relays Carnival at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

The honour was bestowed on the Clare Valley native on October 19, during the SVGAM Annual Independence Gala, at the Annunciation Hall in West Roxbury, MA, while the Consulate General did so on October 25 during its annual Flag-Raising at the Bowling Green Charging Bull Triangle in lower Manhattan, New York.

Cordice was recognized, among other things, for his

“outstanding contributions through the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Pennsylvania then and now (through) Team SVG International, which has brought student athletes from St. Vincent and Belize to compete in the prestigious Penn Relays for over a decade.”

Honour dedicated to his mother

In accepting the award, Cordice, who was also the keynote speaker at the October 25 event, dedicated the honor to his mother, Liliath Sheila Nanton-Cordice, who died, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines a few weeks before, at 98.

After pioneering “the journey to Penn” for the Thomas Saunders Secondary School and the Grammar School in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Stan Creek Ecumenical College in Belize, Cordice said several students from St. Vincent and the Grenadines have obtained

scholarships and attained associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and even US residency.

He highlighted beneficiaries of the Penn Relays initiative, such as Olympian Brandon ValentineParis, a current track and field high school coach in North Carolina; and Olympian Handal Roban, who holds the Penn Relays high school boys 800m record in 2022 and is currently a third-year student at Penn State University.

But Cordice said that “it is the spirit of giving, giving being the chief component of receiving, that is the root cause of the many great gifts that was bestowed on St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the world,” like Vincentian Olympian Shafiqua Maloney, who, at 13, competed at the Penn Relays, through Cordice’s initiative, for the Thomas Saunders Secondary School. Maloney was recently named a sports ambassador by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Law students advised to study hard

SENIOR MAGISTRATE COLIN JOHNis encouraging law students at the St. Vincent Community College to achieve their goals through hard work and discipline.

John’s advice came on Monday when a group of first year law students of the Community College attended the Serious Offences Court, under the supervision of their teacher, Attorney Adrian Odle, to familiarize themselves with the court process.

The Senior Magistrate said, “It’s not a matter of being dunce or bright. What you put in is what you get out, so you have to be prepared.”

The Magistrate also highlighted some of the benefits and achievements to be derived from the profession.

“It’s a noble profession, it’s a profession of longevity,” John told the students, adding that there was no time limit on how long someone could stay in the profession.

He, however, hinted that while the profession could be financially rewarding, it could also be very challenging.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

John said that he did not agree with the view expressed by some people that the profession was oversaturated. He noted that the profession has a variety of areas and their services will always be needed in at least one of these areas.

“Be disciplined, take the stress and study hard,” he urged.

Senior Magistrate Colin John had some sound advice for law students of the SVGCC.

Below: Jenell James, president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Massachusetts, Inc. presents award to James Cordice, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Belize’s Penn Relays pioneer and coordinator.

St. James opens new facility

SIX MONTHS FOLLOWING the groundbreaking ceremony in March marking the start of construction of the first phase of the campus of the St. James Medical School of Medicine (SJSM), the facility was officially opened on October 17.

The 5,500 square foot facility provides classroom and student spaces in a modern setting located in the community of Golden Vale that is expected to house up to 120 students. “We started in 1999

with very humble beginnings in Bonaire with just 22 students and very few faculty and that from there, here we are today,” Shirsha Guha, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the SJSM said at the opening ceremony.

The facility, she continued, was just the first phase and when completed, the building will encompass about 48,000 square feet of classroom, faculty and student facilities.

“We are very proud that we have been able to take this step today,”

the COO said.

Student enrolment is currently at 800, with equal enrollment at campuses on Anguilla and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Guha recalled observed that the new facility was opened at a time when the school was looking to expand its enrolment from countries outside the United States and Canada, by bringing in students from India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“We are very excited about the way

forward...we have received so much love and support from St Vincent and its people and we are truly honoured to be here today,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kallol Guha, Founder and President of SJSM, shared that 25 years ago when the school just got started, they could not have predicted such an occasion — that is the official opening of the medical institution’s own space.

resources will be pooled together in going forward.

“We are now standing here at the beginning of a new facility,” he said.

“When I look back to those days, from there it’s a long way,” Dr. Guha continued.

There were a lot of bumpy roads along the way, he remarked — with the low enrolment in the beginning, to the forced relocation from Bonaire.

And now, there was the decision to merge the campuses on Anguilla and the one here which Dr. Guha said was a good decision because the

But the changes that the SJSM had undergone were not that easy because they were forced to comply with what was taking place around them.

Finance Minister and Parliamentary Representative for the area, Camillo Gonsalves commended the medical school for being the only medical school operating here for taking the bold step of building a facility from the ground up.

“And because of that, we feel like St James is part of us,” Gonsalves said.

He spoke of the institution’s considerable growth saying that it had established and meshed itself into the community. And they had discussions about deepening this outreach to the Vincentian community and had expressed a willingness to increase academic opportunities for local students.

“This is a mini miracle that we are here this soon after the groundbreaking and it bodes well for the future success of the future phases of the St James School of Medicine,” Gonsalves said.

He said that he knew that once the enrolment had increased and the faculty grew that it would be an institution that would be the

envy of the entire region. (DD)

Shirsha Guha, COO/SJSM spoke of the facility as being the first phase.

Below: The welcome view of the new St. James Medical School of Medicine at Golden Vale.

Dr. Kallol Guha, President and Founder of SJSM, recalled the humble beginnings and challenges of establishing the School.

Every space is put to some use.

Xavique Cyrus: A story of Perseverance

Xavique Cyrus’

hope is that his story would have a positive impact on young people in SVG as they struggle with life experiences.

ONCE A PROMISING TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETE-

Vincentian Xavique Cyrus, who is based in the USA for the past eight years, has written another chapter in his battle to persevere.

And he wants other young Vincentians to take pages of his publication, as they battle challenges in their lives.

A holder of two Associate Degrees, one in General Studies and the other in Wellness and Exercise Science, as well as Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology, Cyrus was unable, for a protracted period, to find a job to match his academic qualifications.

The 31- year-old Cyrus recounted some of his pains and frustrations.

“After graduating in

December 2023, from the University of Texas, I started to get frustrated, when no one was hiring. I prayed and tried to keep the faith, but I realized that life is always a struggle and that there is something at the end of that struggle,” Cyrus related.

Although the going was tough, Cyrus said that he was determined not to give up nor give in.

Cyrus, who ran for local track clubs- XCel Track Club and the IT- DAT Academy, philosophised, “It is the struggle that leads people to become successful, because when there is no struggle, men will become weak and would not want to find ways of helping themselves.”

His endurance and perseverance paid off and Cyrus eventually landed a job at Tyler Junior College as a

Recreational Sports Director.

“… such is life and such is perseverance and the reward for patience,” Cyrus acknowledged.

A second chance

Considering himself a gogetter, Cyrus revealed that while attending college, he did not sit down and wait.

“While attending college, I worked part-time in the gym as a front desk clerk. This just shows that waiting is not all that bad,” he said.

Cyrus confessed that he did not make much of his schooling at the Georgetown Secondary School, however, was forced to pull himself together when he migrated to the USA in 2016.

“I got two CSEC subjects, but it was all because I was ‘kicksing’ around at school, followed idle company, but

learned my lessons outside the classroom the hard way,” Cyrus admitted.

The Orange Hill native who grew up in Georgetown said that he draws on his past to guide him in tough times.

“I often remind myself that I got that second chance to make something of my life now that I am in the USA. I fooled around in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but I am drawing on my past to shape my future,” he confessed.

Not one to gloat on his “relative” success, he wants his story to go out to youngsters, especially in the country of his birth.

“Life is a struggle and will always be a struggle; climbing those mountains and going through those valleys without surrendering to pressure are what matter most, … the reward may take time but is sure,” Cyrus concluded.

Science/Technology Fair launch: Moving Forward with Science

THE NATIONAL SCIENCE ANDTechnology Fair, launched last Tuesday, will run from November 11 – 15, 2024 at the Kingstown Methodist Church Hall.

The Fair, with its theme, ‘Sustainability. Securing a brighter future for SVG’, will be sponsored once again by VINLEC and prizes are expected to be awarded for three institutional levels — primary, secondary and tertiary — and in an open category.

Deputy Chief Education Officer Jocelyn Blake-Browne addressed the launch and disclosed that if her department’s plans come to fruition, there will be a more exciting approach to science teaching at schools.

Blake-Browne referred to a ‘revision” of the Primary School Science curriculum.

She hinted at making the curriculum “more inclusive, and more hands on,” so that students can “have something to look forward to.”

The number of schools that take part in the Science and Technology event was far from satisfactory, the Deputy Chief Education Officer observed, and she encouraged teachers to

support the students in their endeavors for, taking part in the Science and Technology Fair gives students the opportunities to broaden their horizon in practical areas, she posited.

Students, she insisted, will improve their research techniques, their use of technology, ability to communicate and strengthen their networking abilities by taking part in any Science and Technology venture.

She is hopeful that there would be more projects this year.

“We need to motivate the students,” Blake-Browne appealed and suggested outdoor activities so as to sharpen the students’ awareness of things environmental.

Simple aspects like looking at weather conditions can be ways students can be exposed to their surrounding and arouse their curiosity, and Blake-Browne urged teachers to explore beyond the ‘chalk and talk’ approach.

The Deputy noted that it was not one-way traffic. She urged students to develop that drive within themselves and she scoffed at the mindset that science was ‘something’ for the gifted students alone.

For Blake-Browne, teachers have to make their lessons “interesting” and “inclusive, to grab the students’ interest,” all this towards changing the mindset.

She was joined at the head table by VINLEC’s Communications Officer Bria King.

King highlighted that VINLEC’s continued sponsorship of the event was fueled by their recognition of the power of technology in helping to overcome many of the challenges that faces today’s society.

She is hoping that students bring

their ideas forward and make an impact on areas where they are needed.

Juanita HunteKing, Education Officer for Science, shared her enthusiasm about the annual event and with the increased interest shown by students.

Science Association President Jovarnie Rose recognized that the Science and Technology Fair provided the platform for students to display their skills.

Students and teachers added a cultural flair to the launch.

This included a rendition of the Alban Henry composed folk song MOONLIGHT (Poor Man’s Lantern) on pan, by six-year-old Corey Browne, a student of the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School. (WKA)

Jocelyn Blake-Browne, Deputy Chief Education Officer, addressed, inter alia, the issue of teaching science and how this can be improved.

Bria King, Communications Officer/VINLEC described her company’s sponsorship as indicative of its commitment to support technology as a change agent.

Juanita Hunte-King, Education Officer for Science, is as always enthused about science and the Annual Science fair.

Corey Browne, six years old, thrilled with his rendition on pan of a popular local folk song.

Bongo Ras Highly praises Selassie

GILES FRANCOIS WAS BORN IN the North leeward Town of Chateaubelair and has been a spiritual part of that community. Symbols of his status surfaced early in his life, not least being his involvement in the struggle that advances the cause of the black man and decorates his life.

Understandably, he prefers to be known as Bongo Ras Highly, evidence of his African heritage. Some still refer to him as Ras Bongo Iley. Whatever, there is no doubt that Bongo Ras Highly persists with and lives his cultural tradition. His newest creation as a songwriter/singer is a song dubbed ‘Hail Rastafari’. A driving force behind the

production is Kris Kemist, to whom Bongo Highly gives high commendation. Recorded at Reading, the track, includes works of some of the area’s most highly acclaimed musicians. Back vocalist Indira Rudder adds a touch of class to the creation.

The track was recorded at Reality Shack, in England and coincided with the 94th commemoration of His Imperial Majesty’s Coronation, November 2, 1930.

This came about as a result of a course Bongo Highly was doing there. He referenced that the song was “produced as part of the Reggae Collective Artist Development Project, an initiative by CultureMix Arts, with support of the Arts Council UK.”

While in the UK, he linked up with the Fairfield House, the property that Emperor Haile Selassie lived in during his exile from Ethiopia.

His newest release is his tenth Reggae composition. Bongo Ras Highly hopes to have the number on local air waves soon, especially with a video to complement the venture.

Bongo Ras Highly was a teacher in the early 1970s and his participation

in the Teachers Strike of 1975 led him to be ostracized from the profession. He has been a musical enthusiast with outfits like Chally and the Boys, Music Shack, Youth Uprising, Top Six and Herb Roots as signs of his foundation.

Bongo Ras Highly is a member of the On Tour Calypso Tent reflecting his versatility in the musical genres of the Caribbean. (WKA)

Bongo Ras Highly is as dedicated to his Rastafarian Faith as he is to the music of the Caribbean.

The jacket cover of Bongo Ras Highly Ras Highly Bongo’s 2022 release, Spread Out’, produced by SVG’s own De Minister.

Bongo Ras Highly linked with the Fairfield House, the property that Emperor Haile Selassie lived in during his exile from Ethiopia.

Leave him out!!

Dear George,

MY BOYFRIEND seems to be paying more attention to my mother instead of me. I am tired of addressing this with him.

One time I caught them in a more than normal embrace and she was stroking his cheeks. His excuse? He was saying goodbye to her. I also saw a text he made to her telling her she means more to him than anyone else. George, I think my boyfriend is having an affair with my mother. I am terribly upset and disappointed in both of them.

Please tell me how I can fix this and get my boyfriend to focus on me again.

Seeking Answers.

Dear Seeking answers,

The fact that ‘your boyfriend’ has created these doubts and not maintain a clear demarcation between your mother and you, is cause for concern. Furthermore, your mother should know better.

There is something whispering to me that you took the wrong man home. Your options are as follows: leave your boyfriend to your mother and move on or spend the rest of your life competing for his love and affection.

George

Stay in your lane

Dear George,

I CAUGHTmy sister’s boyfriend making plans to marry another woman. Instead of letting him know I overheard his conversation, I went to my sister with the information, hoping she would wise up and kick him to the curb.

Instead, she accused me of meddling in her affairs. She is so into this man that she cannot see him doing wrong. I need to know how to reach her and wake her up.

Concerned Sister.

Dear Concerned Sister,

Take legal action

Dear George,

I LENT MY FRIENDone thousand dollars over a year ago. He wrote a promissory note committing to repay me in six months.

I kept asking him about the money and he would insult me and warned me not to harass him and got violent and threatening.

My rent is past due but meanwhile he is living it up and traveling in and out the country. Right now I honestly do not know what to do.

Upset.

Dear Upset,

You were wise enough

My suggestion to you is to stay in your own lane and out of your sister’s affairs as she has asked you to. She is an adult and should be quite capable of managing her own affairs and is adult enough to accept the consequences of any bad decisions she may have made.

George.

to get your friend to sign a promissory note to repay the loan. You certainly can take legal action against him on the strength of that signed document. Let the law take care of him at this juncture.

George

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)

You need to fulfill your needs and pre sent your talents. Focus your efforts on details, and keep to yourself in order to finish your work. They won't pay you back and you'll be upset. Escapist tendencies will result in a poor reputation and a lack of confidence.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)

Try to make arrangements with close friends or relatives to spend a few days away. Don't try to hide your true feelings from your mate. Emotionally, things may not run so smoothly. You can finish projects early, which will bring you praise from superiors.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

Your position may be in question if you haven't been pulling your weight. You may find that your plans will cost a little more than you had expected. Travel should be on your mind. Get involved in a competitive sport that will bring the challenges you thrive on.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

You will find that money could slip through your fingers. Think twice before you agree to take on any new projects. Opportunities for travel and socializing are evident. Don't be too quick to respond to a plea for help.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

Compromise will be necessary. Don't hold yourself back because you think you're too old. Romantic relationships should stabilize. Don't hold back.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

You will be extremely sensual; take precautions and don't take any risks. You'll be dropping friends for no apparent reason. You will attract new love interests. The emotional state of peers may cause a problem for you.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

Be sure to sidestep those who are eccentric or unpredictable. Don't bother complaining, do the work yourself. You need to make your lover feel wanted, not like a piece of the furniture. Involvement in groups will be favorable. Business partnerships will prove lucrative.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

Health problems may prevail if you haven't been getting enough rest. You can win if you're open and up front with your boss. You need an energetic outlet that will help you dissipate your anxiety. Children may be on your mind.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

Make sure that all your legal papers are in proper order. Don't second guess yourself, just go to it. Self-improvement projects will payoff in more ways than one. Get back into a routine that promises a better looking, more aware individual.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

Payoff all your debts before you go out and celebrate. You can ask for favors and get sound advice from close friends or relatives. Group endeavors will provide you with entertainment. Put your efforts into making constructive improvements to your environment and to your state of mind.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)

You must look into your options. Your emotions may get the better of you. Do not invest in joint ventures. You need to get down to basics with regard to yourself.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

ACROSS

1.Cape __, MA

4. Tobacco holder 8. Rib, for one 12. Former airline

13. Hymn’s end 14. Like a big fan

15. B-ball official

16. What a dieter measures

18. Sawyer’s pal 20. Ancient 21. Places for tabs

23. Waffle brand

25. Caesar and others

26. Pertaining to water

29. Friend (Fr.)

30. Slips over

31. Omaha’s state (abbr.)

33. Tableland

35. Rover’s friend

36. Combustible material

37. Stretchy fabric

38. Reprimand

41. Long skirt

42. Deli order (2 wds.)

45. Liable (to)

49. __ Patrick Harris

50. Three, in Rome

51. Foster’s costar in “Sommersby”

52. A few

53. Very wide shoe width

DOWN

1.Middle (abbr.)

2. Have bills

3. Yellow flower

4. Chess pieces

5. “__ Old Cowhand” (2 wds.)

6. Canadian prov. 7. O’Toole’s rank (abbr.) 8. Voting paper

9. Roman writer 10. Innings count, usually

11. Genesis locale

17. Roman robes

Large dipper

Govt. agcy.

Wilted

Fifty-fifty

Hindu teacher

Skipper’s direction

Start

Yield territory

Wall beams

Cardboard

Burning

Modern office

Consider starting a small business on the side. Look for a marketable gimmick. You may have difficulty trying to get your mate to understand your position. You should be raising your self esteem and confidence in order to promote your work. Help those incapable of taking care of their personal affairs. 19. “__ My Party”

48. lota

Bambi’s father

Adorable

__ about (approximately,

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

Cripple

Reply (abbr.)

Feline zodiac sign 46. Before (prefix) 47. Kickoff device

Titles decided in National Karate

WHEN KARATEKAS MADE THEIR LAST bow last Sunday, November 3, at the West St. George Secondary School, it signalled the end of two days of competition, in the 2024 Hairoun Karate Federation (HKF) National Championships.

Set in two segments, Saturday saw the Kata events taking place, with Sunday set aside for the Kumite. Saturday’s results showed the Seishin Karate Club copping six of the seven gold medals that were at stake, as they won all but the Male 20 and Over category.

Among the gold medallists for Seishin were females Nathalia Greaves who won the 6-8 Mixed, Ari Da Silva - the 9-11 age group and

Bascombe

Stanley 2nd

Amiyah Bascombe- 1215.

Liam Bollers topped the Male 9-11; Aaron Mc Donald, the Male 12-15 and Christian Joseph, the Male 16 -19.

Breaking the clean sweep was Isaiah Caesar, who took the Male 20 and Over. He represented the SVG IKD Shotokan Karate Club with some aplomb.

On Sunday, the script was similar, only that Dragon Ryu Karate bossed the Kumite segment with five first places and Seishin, the other.

Rishaud Roache braced two gold medals, winning the Male 16-19 and 20 and Over. Rishaud’s younger

sibling- Rishawn, won gold in the 12-15 age group, with Kalilah Williams being the top performer in the Female 9-11 and Mwanza Hypolite in the Male 9-11.

Amidst the Dragon Ryu charge, Amiyah Bascombe, representing the

Seishin Karate Club, won the Female 12-15.

The overall medal count showed Seishin Karate Club earning 7 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze; Dragon Ryu- 5 gold, 9 silver and 10 bronze and SVG IKD Shotokan Karate Club- 1 gold, and 1 bronze.

Students utilizing SVGOC facility

STUDENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT of Natural Sciences Applied Associate Degree in Sports Sciences of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC), are making use of the Sport Information Centre and Museum of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee.

The facility, located on the ground floor of the Olympic House, Villa Point, offers the students access to

in Masters TT

computers and other relevant technological apparatus, as well as resource material, as they pursue the module in Biomechanics.

On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 61 students, stashed in three groups, made good of the facility.

Lauding the SVGOC for its vision to have such a facility and to avail its resources to students and others, Sports Coordinator of the SVGCCRoxell John said: “We are grateful that we can use such a facility. It is something that augurs well for the development of sports and studies among our students”.

be undertaken by the students, because of the connections to other sites that are sports related and possess pertinent information to many of our topics”, John commented.

Officially commissioned on April 30, 2024, the Sport Information Centre and Museum was set up to be a repository.

finished second in the Commonwealth Table Tennis Masters Championships played at the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium in Barbados.

The Championship, which ran from October 15 — 20, 2024, featured players 55 years and over.

Stanley, who had played unbeaten in his run to the finals, went under in the final, 11/4 11/4 4/11 11/3, to David Griffith of England, whom he had beaten in the group stages.

The two finalists also teamed to place third in the Doubles.

Stanley’s unbeaten run through the group stages included victories over Grenadian Anthony Forsyth (11/6 11/5 11/7); David Griffith of England, 11/5 11/8 13/10; Frederick Powlette, Barbados, 11/3 11/2 11/3; Courtney Springer, Barbados, 11/6 13/11 10/12 11/8; and Wayne Branch also of Barbados, 11/5 11/7 11/8.

The Sport Information Centre and Museum also provides networking access to several sporting platforms and sites.

“We will be using the facility from to time to time as the internet access is good …. and serves the projects to

At the opening held at the facility, General Secretary of the SVGOCKeith Joseph noted: “It is also a means of encouraging students when they do their projects to afford us an opportunity to remain in our system so that we can come back and see some of the works that our students are doing, especially at the Community College where they are doing the Associates Degree”. Joseph said then that the SVGOC plans to expand by adding more features, despite the small space with which to work.

SEAN STANLEY, FORMER National Table Tennis champion, did himself and his country proud when he

Rishaud Roache (right) in Kumite combat with Terrance Providence

Kalilah Williams (9-11) top performer in the Kumite segment.

Amiyah

(12-15) gold medallist in both segments.

Sean Stanley remains active on the local Table Tennis circuit.

Students at work on the project at the SVGOC Facility

Calderon, Douglas take Smart Toilet TT titles

Stories by: I.B.A. ALLEN

ST. LUCIA’S DEANDRE CALDERON and Derron Douglas of Trinidad and Tobago shared the honours when the My Smart Toilet Seat Table Tennis Series concluded here on the weekend.

Interestingly Calderon, 19 years old — won bronze in the Junior category (under-21) in which Douglas ruled supreme, but went on to win the senior category.

His victory in the senior category came as he triumphed over Trevor Farley of Barbados in the seven-match final, 11-5, 11-4, 10-12, 11-7, 10-12, 11-8.

Douglas earned third place when he defeated fellow Trinidadian Imani Edwards-Taylor, 11-8, 11-9, 11-7, 11-2.

Calderon earned $2,0000 USD for the top spot, Farley pocketed $1,200 USD for the second position, third placed Douglas walked away with $600 USD, and Edwards-Taylor $400 USD for the fourth spot.

The quarter finalists - Damion Dublin and Lamont Gregg of SVG, and Barbadians Mark Donwell and Barbados and Kevin Farley — each got $200 USD.

Douglas secured his Open Gender

The enthusiasm is expected to bubble over as the SVGCC Invitational Football Championship heads into the

THE QUARTER-FINALS OFthe 2024 National Lotteries Unique Touch

Junior Category (under-21) title when he disposed of his colleague EdwardsTaylor, 11-5, 11-4, 10-12, 11-7, 10-12, 11-8, in the finals.

Deandre defeated Lamont Gregg of SVG, 11-2, 11-2, 11-2, 11-6, to earn the bronze medal.

For his title winning feat Douglas earned $2,000 USD. Second placed Edwards-Taylor was rewarded with $1,200 USD; Calderon took way $600 UWSD as the third place winner and Gregg $400 USD for the fourth spot.

Quarter finalists Caleb Howard of

took part in the series.

SVGCC football heads into semis

Soccer SVG Community College Invitational Football Championship are out of the way.

Sports Sciences Freshers booked a semi-final place with a 3-2 victory over Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies (DASGS) Year One. Kareem Davis netted in the 35th minute, Shayne Lynch in the 41st and Jullanus Gaymes in the 48th minute for Sports Sciences Freshers. DASGA Year One goals came from Gabriel

Bajans take Rugby Tournament

BARBADOS MEN AND WOMEN’Srugby teams emerged champions in both categories of the recently held SVG Rugby Union Annual Independence 7’s Tournament. The tournament, held under the theme ‘Celebrating Camaraderie, Regional Rivalry and the Growth of Rugby’, and played at the Sion Hill Playing Field over the Independence weekend (Oct. 26-28), featured: one male and two female teams from Barbados; one male and one female team from Rouges, St. Lucia; one male, two female and one veteran team from SVG.

Results in the male

Jackson in the 16th minute and an own goal in the 55th minute.

In another quarter-final clash, Sport Sciences Soon Grads defeated Division of Technical and Vocation Education 30. James Grant registered a brace in 36th and 49th minutes with a 2nd minute goal from Delano Benjamin setting victory pathway.

JeBelle Youths inflicted a 5-0 trashing on Hope International Youths. Lenroy Dalzell scored in the

category: Barbados 12 — SVG 15; Barbados 12 — St. Lucia 7; Barbados 29 — SVG2 7; Barbados 32 — Veterans 19; St. Lucia (Rouges) 34 — SVG1 17.

Results in the female

14th, 8th and 14th minutes while Ajay Delpesche found the back of the net in the 21st and 29th minute for Jebelle Youths.

Meanwhile, System Three Youths out classed Galaxy Gladiators 4-1. Denzel Bascombe struck in the 32nd and 51st minute, Aeron Collis in the 12th and Shemron Phillips in the 36th minute for System Three Youths. Omar Williams was the lone scorer for Galaxy Gladiators in the 38th minute.

category: Barbados2 10 — SVG2 5; Barbados1 32 — Veterans 19 1; SVG1 12Barbados2 0; St. Lucia (Rouges) 22 - SVG2 0 ; SVG1 24 - SVG2 0.

Despite the final results, the SVG Women’s team made their mark, securing a commanding 12-0 victory over Barbados Women’s team, proving that they are a

formidable force on the field and an inspiration to future female athletes in SVG, the SVG Rugby Union said in a post-Tournament statement.

SVG, Leah Cumberbatch of SVG, Macahlie Hazelwood of SVG and Mdjai Collymore of Barbados all earned $200 USD as quarter finalists.

Approximately 27 players from Grenada, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and host country SVG

Deandre Calderon (right) of St. Lucia receives his cash award from Curtis Bascombe, General Manager of My Smart Toilet Seat ASVG Ltd.

Derron Douglas (right), Trinidad and Tobago, gladly accept his cash award from Curtis Bascombe, Manager of My Smart Toilet Seat SVG Ltd.

Barbados men’s team - champion

Barbados combined female team - champion

semi-final round.

Sports V

CWI Super 50 round-up:

The trumpet sounds Greaves in fine firm

THE WORLD IS ADJUSTING to a new sound and no one knows what the trumpet will sound like. Many musicians have crossed the world stage and have inspired or thrilled the world with their versions on the trumpet.

Hugh Masekela has distinguished himself as perhaps one of the world’s best on the instrument. Vincentian born Ellsworth McGranahan ‘Shake’ Keane was identified as one of the greatest Flugelhorn players. Shake Keane died November 11, 1997, having reached the score and ten. Besides his musical genius, Shake was a poet with depth and acclaim equal to his status as a musician.

If Masekela and Keane have anything else in common, the one which sounds loudest is the trumpet. No one will come close to equaling the music that the Donald Trump era will sound like.

The world woke up to the news of his return to the office as President of the United States of America following last Tuesday’s poll.

The outcome is leaving a trail of reaction and responses. No one is sure how his journey as 47th President will unfold. There were glimpses during his previous tenure. One might have thought that people would have been familiar with the Donald Trump recipe for handling problems.

People will say that having seen the back of Trump in 2020, and the way in which he functions, there would have been some hesitancy in returning to the Donald Trump era.

Donald Trump has rebounded with vengeance. No one can blame the American people. It is democracy at work, and no one will deny any part of the world their choice.

There are many factors influencing American democracy. Perhaps one cause that the Biden/Harris suffered is the Palestinian issue.

It is said that Arab American voters took their wrath on the Democrats’ for their apparent lethargy in handling the Palestinian issue.

I shudder to think what might have been the situation had Trump been in office when the so called atrocities flared up October 7, 2023.

Palestinians will know that as bad as it has reached under Biden/Harris, matters are likely to worsen under the Trump administration. And the conflict seems likely to worsen in other areas, including the Caribbean. That will spell a setback for the Caribbean, for with all those issues about immigration, influxes of returning nationals can be viewed as impending scenarios.

There may well be an impact in sports, for many American visas will be required when sporting activities are slated in and around the USA.

Sports and politics are not the usual riding buddies. Most people look at sports as games, and politicians are not known for their overwhelming attention to sports. Most are caught up with ‘genuine’ areas of development. They forget the role that sports play in ensuring that those who contribute to the upkeep of the economy owe their ability to involvement in sports and to the evolution of sports as an economic platform.

WITH SOME THIRTEEN MATCHES

played up to November 5 in the 2024/2025 CG United Super 50 Cup, there were five centuries recorded, with three of those being accredited to Justin Greaves.

Greaves, a Barbadian by birth

but who is playing with the Leeward Island Hurricanes in this edition of the Super 50 Cup, has had scores of 111, 112 and 152 not out against the West Indies Academy, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago respectively.

The other centurymakers were Matthew Nandu who hit 116 for Guyana Harpy Eagles against the Combined Colleges and Campuses, and Kevin Wickham, 118 against the Leeward Island Hurricanes.

And as of the 13th games, Barbados Pride stood out as the only unbeaten team, having played three matches.

While each of Guyana Harpy Eagles and Leeward Islands Hurricanes has played four matches, they trail Barbados with both countries suffering 2 losses each.

The Hurricanes, though, have two wins along with Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and Windward Islands Volcanoes.

Guyana Harpy Eagles, Combined Colleges and Campuses, and Jamaica Scorpions

Justin Greaves is keeping the Leeward Hurricanes in Championship contention as well as keeping the CWI selectors’ eyes focused on him.

each has one win, with the West Indies Academy still looking for their first win.

The highest team total recorded up to the thirteenth game was 292 by the Leeward Hurricanes in their successful victory chase against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, the defending champions.

The 2024/2025 CG United Super50 Cup began in Trinidad on Tuesday 29 October and will run until Saturday 23 November.

Southern Girls records first win

SOUTHERN GIRLS

recorded victory over Northern Girls in the opening fixture of the female category of the North Leeward Sports and Cultural Organisation’s (NLSCO) 2024 North Leeward T20 Super League, played at the Cumberland Playing Field, last Sunday.

Southern Girls posted 117 for 9 from 20 overs, Zavian Stephens top scoring with 27. Tracy Byron captured 2 for 20 and Shanel McKie 2 for 24 to be Northern Girls

best bowlers. Northern Girls responded with 90 from 19 overs. Shanel Mckie led the runs chase with 25 while Jeffrina Joseph chipped in with 24.

Nyasha Durrant was the main destroyer snaring 5 for 22 with her off spin, and was deservedly named Player of the Match. She was supported by former West Indies player Juliana Nero, 2 for 8.

In the male segment, Rose Hall Future legends beat Fitz Hughes

Summerset by 7 wickets.

Fitz Hughes 118 from 20 overs with Romano Pierre leading with 43 and Rellan McKie getting 25. Alfred Howe- 4 for 16 off 3.2 overs and Geron Wylie-2 for 18 off 4 overs led the bowing for Rose Hall.

Rose Hall Future Legends replied positively with 119 for 3 from 12 overs. Player of the Match Rickford Walker smashed 51 and

Dave Duncan 32. Jeremy Haywood was Fitz Hughes’ best bowler with figures of 2 for 33. Spring Village Ajuba defeated Peto Stars by 3 wickets in a low scoring game. Peto Stars scored a modest 62 from 12 overs. Asif Hooper took 3 for 5, Richie Richards 2 for 23. Spring Village Ajuba struggled in their runs chase and eventually got to 63 for 7 from 13 overs, Hooper unbeaten on 18, propelling him to be Player of the Match.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Southern Girls opened their season with a comfortable win over Northern Girls. (Photo Credit: NLSCO Facebook)

Northern Girls disappointed with their response. (Photo Credit: NLSCO – Facebook)

Matthew Nandu continues to show application.

Kevin Wickham is making good use of the exposure.

Man discharged in road death case

National pride by most, running down SVG by some others

ACTIVITIES GALORE

Continued from Page 4.

side to the right side, but McCarthy Williams, the main witness in the matter, said he did not see Dublin’s indicator on.

Prosecutor Renrick Cato told the Court that if Dublin did not indicate, he would be responsible for the collision.

Cato added that even though he had indicated, that he must get right away from the other person because he was moving from a major road to a minor road.

“He wants to go into a minor road from a major road, he must indicate and he must wait”, the Prosecutor said.

Williams had told the Court that he did not see the collision, but he saw Lewis from about 146 feet away.

In his summation, the Senior Magistrate said the Prosecution’s case relied on Williams’s evidence and the Court has to be satisfied that the evidence was so tenuous that a Jury properly directed could convict. He said that the Court was not convinced that at the actual time of the accident, Williams could have seen if Dublin’s indicator was on.

John said that “based on this, I think that the evidence is very tenuous, and there is no case to answer”.

As a result, Dublin was discharged.

There was an abundance of activities in the period of celebrations for the reclamation of independence, 45th year. Among some of the major activities sponsored by the government were: (i) The flag-raising ceremony and fireworks at the Cruise-ship Terminal area on October 21st, the memorial day of the 1935 anticolonial uprising, led by George Augustus Mc Intosh, which opened the gates for the ongoing social democratic revolution in SVG; (ii) the Schools’ Independence Rally on October 24th, at which were announced 104 national awards, including 32 national scholarships, and numerous national exhibitions, special awards, and bursaries for university education for students who sat CAPE and Associate Degree Exams – a new phenomenal record; (iii) the launch of a public consultation on Thursday October 24th for the construction of a $4 million bridge at London (Sandy Bay), and two others for Overland and Noel in North Windward – the base of the

indigenous people and National Hero, Joseph Chatoyer; (iv) the ground-breaking of the historic US $78.7 million Acute Care Hospital at Arnos Vale on Saturday October 26th, at which the Foreign Minister of Taiwan spoke warmly and eloquently of Taiwan-SVG ties, which the NDP promises to dismantle; (v) two evenings of “Night Market” held by Invest SVG and the business community; and on Tuesday October 29th, Parliament was convened and passed unanimously two vital Bills: (a) The Supplementary Appropriation Bill No. 2 of 2024, authorising $154 million to continue

the Modern Port Project ($100 million), and to start-up the Acute Care Hospital ($54 million).

AI REAL ESTATE

TRUMP RETURNS TO THE WHITE HOUSE

Donald Trump gives

FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, considered a political outcast after losing the presidency in 2020 and an attack by his supporters on the U.S. Capitol, was elected to another term on Wednesday in a decisive and astounding victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.

His win completes one of the most remarkable comebacks in political history, just four years after voters ejected him from the office.

Trump defeated Harris 295 to 226 as far as the electoral votes to win the presidency. He need a minimum of 270 to do so.

The former president captured battleground states that for weeks had been considered a toss-up. The race was both improbable and historic. His return to the White House comes after he was impeached twice, survived two assassination attempts and was convicted of 34 felony counts.

He becomes the first president since Grover Cleveland 132 years ago to lose the office and win again four years later.

Trump’s triumph at the ballot box was a remarkable moment in a

Mar-a-Lago. (Credit: Reuters)

presidential contest unlike any other.

While driven into near-exile after the violence of Jan. 6, 2021, Trump quickly began planning a comeback from his home base at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. He announced his 2024 candidacy in

Harris gave

November 2022, shortly after congressional elections in which Republican candidates did worse than expected.

Trump’s victory over Harris puts the nation on a vastly different course than the one charted over the past four years by President Joe Biden, a Democrat who beat Trump in 2020 in a close race that Trump still falsely claims he won. Harris served as Biden’s vice president. During the campaign, Trump sought to tie her to what he said were the administration’s

PENNISTON RESIDENT WINS

LOTTO JACKPOT

failures on the economy, immigration and other issues.

Trump vowed that, if given another term, he would begin the mass deportation of undocumented migrants, seek retribution against his perceived political enemies, send the military into Chicago and other cities coping with violence, and impose tariffs of as much as 10% on most foreign goods.

“Look what happened — is this crazy?” Trump told a screaming crowd of supporters at the Palm Beach County Convention Center early Wednesday morning.

Echoing comments he made on the campaign trail, Trump called his supporters “the greatest political movement of all time” and said his victory and GOP wins in Congress had provided “an unprecedented and powerful mandate.” He promised to help the country heal after the divisive election, stressing that “we have to put our county first for at least a period of time.”

“We have to fix it,” he added.

(Source: USA Today)

PENNISTON RESIDENT DEVIN ADAMS,the most recent National Lotteries Authority (NLA) Lotto Jackpot winner, said, on receiving his cheque for $335,000.00 last Thursday, that he could not express the way he felt – just that he wanted to return to his job and dwell on the thought of being the sole jackpot winner. As far as to what use(s) he will put his winnings, Adams, a self-confessed man of little words, said he intends to use the money to help his mother and secure a property for himself. He told the media that he presently lives in a twobedroom house with his mother and two siblings. One of the two siblings has three children, the other has one, but he has none. They all share a small space, he disclosed. Adams purchased the winning ticket on Friday, November 1 — the day of the draw — as a ‘quick pick’. That ticket with the numbers 2, 3, 10, 13, 18 turned out to be the winning combination. {DD)

his victory speech at

Kamala

a defiant concession speech. (Credit AFP)

Devin Adams (left) accepts his Lotto jackpoy cheque from MacGregor Sealey, Manager- NLA.