THE VINCENTIAN PDF -13-09-24

Indication that work continues apace at the site for the Acute Care/Referral Hospital.

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES has one tertiary level healthcare institution –the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), situated along the busy Leeward Highway and adjacent to Victoria Park, a primary venue for the annual carnival, concerts and sporting events.

The MCMH morphed from what was the Colonial Hospital and just as the name was indigenised, so too has its staff which is now predominantly Vincentian.

Now, if everything goes according to plan and barring any major natural disaster, this country will by 2027 have a second tertiary level healthcare facility — an Acute Care/Referral Hospital located at the northern end of the runway of the decommissioned E.T. Joshua Airport, in Arnos Vale.

offer an expanded range of healthcare services to include new services in areas such as Cardiology, Neurology- including enhanced acute stroke care, Thyroid services, Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases care, enhanced Ophthalmology as well as major invasive surgeries.

The estimated total cost to construct and equip the hospital was put at US$110 million and it was projected to take 32 months to be completed.

The Unity Labour Party (ULP) government had initially secured part financing to the tune of US98 million from the World Bank.

However, in the wake of the destruction wrought by Hurricane Beryl, the government was successful in convincing the World Bank to have those funds diverted to the National Recovery

Fund, managed by the government.

From all reports, the government had already approached the Taiwan government for a loan and this negotiation resulted in Taiwan agreeing to extend a loan of some ES$125 million, as assistance towards meeting the scheduled commencement and eventual construction and equipping of the Acute Care/Referral Hospital.

According to Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves, who tabled the Bill in parliament

Continued on Page 3.

The modern facility will

Right: Professionals at work ensuring that the site is proportioned.

FLOW customers encouraged to apply for credit

TELECOMMUNICATIONScompany FLOW is encouraging customers who had their service interrupted during the passage of Hurricane Beryl and have not yet received a credit, to come into the company’s office and lodge a request to receive one.

According to Wayne Hull, Country Manager of FLOW, to date the company has rebated 6,876 customers for interruption of services during the passage of the category 4 system on July 1.

“And what we have

Wayne Hull, Country Manager of FLOW, assured those customers who have not received a credit in lieu of disrupted services, that FLOW is still open to receiving/processing requests for same.

said to our remaining customers is if you have not been credited, you have the opportunity, you can go into the store, make a request, the agents would do their due diligence and they would more than likely issue your credit,” Hull explained.

Hurricane Beryl caused “Armageddon-like” destruction on Union island, demolishing more than 90% of the buildings, and disrupting telecommunications services.

system was not full proof.

He was at the time speaking at a consultation in Mesopotamia on September 10 facilitated by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC).

It was the second in a series of consultations put on by the NTRC to provide customers with the opportunity to interact with the two major telecommunications companies operating here.

As of September 10, Hull said that there were over 400 credits that were being processed.

“So, we have been continuing to issue the credits to our customers,” he said.

According to Hull, everything in a computer

“So, if you think that you were out of a service for an extended period of time, you can go into the store, they will check for any usage and the agents would be empathetic,” he said.

The company is said to have incurred EC$9.2 million in damage with 80 percent of fixed services being disrupted on the mainland and 100 percent disruption in the Grenadines, Hull said.

As for the mobile service, the Manager said that 68 percent of mobile sites were offline on the mainland and all the sites in the Grenadines were offline.

“So, in one event our company has suffered a significant loss,” Hull said. (DD)

LIATÊs schedule to include SVG

LIAT 2020 Ltd. is among three airlines that have been granted permission to begin operating here shortly.

Liat 2020 Ltd., headquartered in Antigua, commenced operations on August 6 and is expected to begin operations here on October 4, the airline announced on its social media page.

Its schedule already includes service to Barbados, St. Lucia and Dominica, Grenada and St. Kitts.

The other two airlines are Winair out of St. Maarten, and Sunrise -a Haitian airline.

According to Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves while speaking on radio on September 8, people have

been having difficulty moving across the region since the collapse of Liat 1974 Ltd in 2020.

“And especially so, to get to the Northern Caribbean,” Gonsalves said.

Now, Vincentians will have options with the coming on stream of Winair which, according to Gonsalves, is expected to travel to St. Maarten, and in a future schedule, to Tortola.

Taiwan loan carries new hospital

seeking approval for the sum to be borrowed from Taiwan, this country has 30 years over which to repay the loan, with the first payment due in 10.5 years, and payable in 60 semiannual installments.

The loan, Gonsalves told parliament was set at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 1% plus 0.2%.

And while government was able to win bipartisan support in parliament, August 22, 2024, for its proposal to borrow the money from Taiwan, this came not before the Opposition had registered its concern about how the contract for the construction of the hospital had been awarded.

On July 26th, 2024, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

with the Taiwanese company Overseas Engineering & Construction Co. (OECC), to begin the construction of a new Modern Acute Care Hospital at Arnos Vale. The contract was valued at US$100 million.

The parliamentary opposition New Democratic Party went on record as criticizing the government’s decision to enter into a MoU with the Taiwanese firm, without going back to tender, which it said the World Bank had suggested.

It contended that a tendering process for the hospital construction had already begun under the World Bank procurement guidelines, and that it had been trimmed to two candidates. This process, the NDP added, had been brought to an abrupt halt to accommodate the entry of the Taiwanese company.

But government defended its action,

The expectation is, in the interim, that persons will be able to make connection to Tortola from St. Maarten.

“And indeed, to make a connection from St. Maarten to Anguilla,” he said.

According to Gonsalves, he had not yet seen the schedule for Haitian airline Sunrise, but he said that he understood that it is most likely to go through one of the French territories — Martinique. Meanwhile, JetBlue remained on course to begin serving St. Vincent and the Grenadines later this year, the prime minister said. (DD) LIAT 2020 Ltd. is gradually expanding its scheduled service across the Caribbean.

positing that to return to tender would have affected the commencement schedule and delayed construction, given that the tendering process could take another year. This, in addition to the likelihood of costs increasing. mitigated in favour of entering into a feasible and immediate contract, the government argued.

There was also a connotation that it made for easier processing and accountability given that Taiwan was the lender in this case.

According to Minister Gonsalves,

the US$125 million loan, in the main, will be applied to the construction but portions of it will also go to a component referred to as Strengthening Health System Resilience, the employment of healthcare consultants and creating a project coordination team.

If there was any doubt, with this latest loan agreement, Taiwan has established itself as this country’s leading, single benefactor, to what some commentators say is to a tuine of EC41 billion and counting. (BN)

Right: The area is quickly losing its greenery to make way for the hospital.

Gov’t’s policy impacts court decision in travel matter

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

TWO NATIONALSof Grenada, who pleaded guilty on Monday to charges of illegal entry, have been advised to follow the correct procedure if they intend to return to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The advice came from Senior Magistrate Colin John after he reprimanded and discharged Kendell Blackman, 27, and Kamal Mc Kintosh, 28.

The Senior Magistrate told the men, who were both unrepresented, that while he took into account the fact that they entered the country illegally, he also considered the

government’s policy regarding the “free movement of people”, and advised them to do the right thing next time. John told them he would have to make a removal order, and that if they wanted to return to SVG, they would have to write to the Chief Immigration Office here for permission, or visit their Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Grenada, which will then communicate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.

When questioned, the men told the Court that it was the first time they were visiting SVG. They were here to spend time with their friends at Fitz Hughes, they said. When the Magistrate

Double murder accused on gun charge

A 20-YEAROLD MONTROSE/ Layou man already facing two charges of murder, returned to Court on Friday, September 6, after being slapped with a firearm charge stemming from one of those murders.

Olan

asked if they had money to pay for their travel back to Grenada, they said that could be arranged through a phone call.

The Magistrate then informed them that they will be handed over to the Immigration Department here, from where they could make their arrangements to get back to Grenada.

The men were charged with, that on September 9, 2024, at Chateaubelair, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, did enter the state by boat and disembarked without the consent of an Immigration officer.

They were also charged, on the same date, that they knowingly and willfully

allowed themselves to be landed as prohibited immigrants.

They pleaded guilty to the charges and were reprimanded and discharged on both counts.

The facts presented by Prosecutor Renrick Cato earlier showed that around 9:10 p.m. on September 9, 2024, police at the Chateaubelair Police Station were investigating a report of theft when they went to a home in Chateaubelair, in respect of that investigation.

A search warrant was read to the property owner and he consented to a search.

Two men were standing in the porch. The officers identified themselves as police

‘Pit Bull’ to stand trial for murder

Senior Magistrate Colin John applied a regional policy decision in arriving at his ruling on an illegal entry matter.

officers and asked the men for their names which they gave as Kendell Blackman and Kamal McKintosh, both of Grenada.

They were questioned as to how they entered the country and both men said they entered by “a big boat.” When asked if they cleared with Immigration, they said no. The officer contacted the Immigration Department before having the men taken to the Central Police Station, and handed over to Immigration personnel.

On September 10, 2024, they were cautioned by Immigration officers, and they said they arrived in

Union Island from Carriacou on a speed boat. They then took a big boat from Union Island to mainland, St. Vincent, but did not clear with immigration officials.

All ports of entry were checked, but no records of the men’s entry were found. They were later charged.

Accused in stabbing incident remanded

WALVAROOresident,

Michael Lyscott, aka ‘Metal’, has been charged with possession of a firearm with intent to commit the offense of murder on November 18, 2023, at Layou.

Lyscott was not required to plead when he appeared before Magistrate John Ballah at the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court, which sat in Kingstown on September 6.

The new charge stems from the November 18, 2023 murder of a Layou resident, Leon ‘Zacchaeus’ Gaymes, with which Lyscott is also charged.

Gaymes died after being shot several times at his home on Texier Road, shortly after 8pm.

Lyscott is also facing another murder charge, stemming from the death of Delano ‘Smokes’ Patrick, a 33-year-old construction worker of Layou, who was shot and killed in his hometown around 1 a.m. on October 15, 2023.

Lyscott had appeared at the Serious Offenses Court on separate occasions in July this year on the murder charges and was remanded to await his Preliminary Inquiries (P.I).

Concerning the firearm matter, he will return to Court on October 16, 2024.

Rion ‘Pit Bull’ Cole will face a judge and jury on a murder charge, in connection with the August 2022 strangulation of 43-year-old Zarrel Veronica ‘Keisha’ Small of Arnos Vale.

On Wednesday, Senior Magistrate Colin John committed the 24-year-old man to stand a High Court trial, after concluding that a prima facie case was made out.

The Preliminary Inquiry (PI), which started at the Serious Offenses Court earlier this year, concluded on Monday, but the Senior Magistrate had adjourned the matter to Wednesday for a decision.

Ten witnesses testified for the Prosecution, including the investigator PC1016 Ramon Smith of the Major Crime Unit (MCU), handyman Edwin Edwards who was an inmate at His Majesty’s Prisons along with Cole in

2022, and a witness who testified under the Witness (Special Measures) Act.

Deacon Toussaint will return to the Serious Offenses Court on September 18, in connection with a stabbing incident at Richmond Hill on Monday.

Rion ‘Pit Bull’ Cole is on his way to the High Court.

Small’s body was discovered around 6 a.m., August 25, 2022, on the tarmac of the decommissioned E.T Joshua Airport, in an area where tires and trailers were stored. She was found, reportedly with what appeared to be a piece of PVC pipe inserted in her vagina. An autopsy showed she died of asphyxia, due to manual strangulation.

Cole conducted his defense while prosecutor Renrick Cato appeared for the Prosecution.

Prisoners caught snacking in Court

AS SENIOR

John presided over the Offences Court on Monday, two prisoners sitting in the prisoner’s area chose to have a small snack, while awaiting their turn in the dock.

The prisoners, Olan Michael Lyscott aka ‘Metal’ of Montrose/Layou, and Rion ‘Pit Bull’ Cole, 24, of Paul’s Avenue, both accused of murder, were sharing what seemed to be nuts.

On recognizing what was happening, the Magistrate inquired of the officer as to how they came in possession of what they were eating. The officer said he did not know, but added that both prisoners were taken

to the washroom earlier that morning. It was not clear what the Magistrate said, in response, but he stood down the proceedings for a few minutes.

During the break, Cole was heard saying that the police officer who took him to the washroom should be charged for carelessness, and Lyscott was heard telling a police officer, “You see me opening the pack, and ain’t say nothing”.

The Court resumed after the break but the Magistrate said nothing further on the issue.

Practices of this nature are not uncommon. There is never a dull moment in Court.

Toussaint has been charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Elwyn Delpesche of Evesham, with intent.

Toussaint was not required to plead when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Colin Joh at the Serious Offenses Court on Wednesday. On the issue of bail, Prosecutor Renrick Cato told the Court that the victim was still warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, and asked that the accused be remanded for one week pending a medical report on Delpesche’s condition.

When Senior Magistrate Colin John asked for the nature of the injury, the Prosecutor indicated that Delpesche reportedly sustained a stab wound to the back.

The Magistrate then told Toussaint that he will be kept (on remand) until next Wednesday pending a medical report on the victim.

MAGISTRATEColin

Olan Michael Lyscott, aka ‘Metal’.

Police to be paid soon for WC duty

INFORMATION SUGGESTSthat the payment to members of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) for services rendered during the hosting of international Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup matches here, is being processed.

Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies, told THE VINCENTIAN that he had been reliably advised of this by a member of the Local Organizing Committee, SVG. The issue was highlighted when members of the RSVGPF complained about non-payment for work done

during the staging of the World Cup matches.

“My understanding is that the government has accepted this responsibility as part of the host agreement,” Dr. Shallow told THE VINCENTIAN.

“However, not uncommon with significant spending, which is not unique to governments, expected processes have to occur,” he continued, and advanced this as contributed to the delay in honouring the payments.

“Based on my last update, I have no reason to doubt that the police officers

Right: Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of CWI, is optimistic that it will be long before members of the RSVGPF are remunerated for their services rendered during the World Cup matches played here.

in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be paid, and I sincerely hope this happens soon,” the CWI President said.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves spoke briefly on the issue on radio on September 11, saying that the issue of the non-payment to local police was brought to his attention a day earlier, September 10.

providers have by now either been paid in full, or partly.

Vincentians who plan to travel to the UK in 2025 will need to obtain an ETA before embarking on their trip.

ETA needed for travelling to UK in 2025

VINCENTIANS DESIROUSof travelling to the UK will need an Electronic Travellers Authorisation (ETA) as of January 2025.

A press release from the British High Commission in Kingstown on Tuesday 9, stated that the UK Government is digitising the UK border and immigration system to enhance security and improve the experience for travellers.

Towards this end, “By April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation to travel to the United Kingdom (UK),” the press release stated.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is among a number of countries that require only a passport to travel to the UK but will, as of January 25,2025, require an ETA.

ETAs are digitally linked to a traveller’s passport and ensure more robust security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK, helping to prevent abuse of our immigration system. An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to

six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires.

“Everyone wishing to travel to the UK, except British and Irish citizens will need permission to travel in advance of coming here. This can be either through an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or an eVisa,” the statement further noted.

People who need a UK visa to live, work or study in the UK are now issued with an eVisa, providing digital proof of immigration status, instead of physical immigration documents which can be lost, stolen, or tampered with. eVisas mean people no longer have to wait for or travel to collect a physical document, streamlining their experience.

According to the arrangement, as of the 27th November, 2024, eligible non-Europeans can apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025. ETAs will then extend to eligible Europeans from 5 March 2025, who will need at ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.

This move comes on the heel of increase anti-immigration protest in the UK. (Compiled by KH)

“I will need to find out from the Ministry of Finance what that is about,” he said, adding that the issue had not come to him in any way prior.

Dr. Gonsalves said that as he understood it, the ICC had not passed over the money to Cricket West Indies to pay those who worked during the World Cup.

And according to him, it now seemed to be a debate whether payment to the police is the responsibility of Cricket West Indies or the government.

Meanwhile, monies owed to service

Shallow confirmed this to THE VINCENTIAN saying that his finance department had assured him of this.

And he advised any vendor who was not yet compensated to follow up with their point person to ensure that their invoice was submitted.

Following the staging of the 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup held between June 1 and 29, a number of vendors, including caterers, disc jockeys, had complained about not being paid for their services. (DD)

Roy Cape entertaining on the day he was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Letters degrees by The UWI.

UWI mourns the Passing of Roy Cape

THE SOULFUL SOUNDS of Roy Cape’s saxophone once echoed through the grounds of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine Campus, leaving an indelible impression on many who heard them. That will forever be a fond memory as the campus community mourns the passing of Roy Cape, an iconic musician and beloved Honorary Graduate. From gracing the stage as a performer to receiving one of the university’s highest honours, his connection with The UWI was a special one when in 2011, in recognition of his contribution to Caribbean music and culture, The UWI conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa.

Affectionately known as “Doctah Horn,” Roy Cape was an icon of resilience and artistic excellence. Born from humble beginnings, his journey to international acclaim is an inspiration to all. Despite early adversities, including institutionalization at the St. Dominic’s Children’s Home at a young age, he found solace in music, discovering the clarinet and saxophone, which would go on to define his renowned career. A man of disarming simplicity and subtle sophistication, his talent transcended borders, carrying the melodies of the Caribbean to audiences around the world. In 2004, he received the Humming Bird medal in gold in the national honours list and numerous articles in the popular press have highlighted and paid glowing tributes to his work.

For over five decades, Roy Cape’s sound was the heartbeat of Carnival and his contribution to the music industry, particularly in calypso and soca, is incomparable. As the founder and leader of the Roy Cape All Stars, he nurtured and supported countless artists, significantly shaping the region’s musical identity with his band being the preferred choice for many singers, composers, kaiso and soca artistes, as well as masqueraders and party-goers. Roy Cape and his band were exceptional ambassadors for these art forms and successfully spread their influence globally.

As a performer, Roy Cape toured extensively, bringing his music to prestigious events such as the WOMAD the Portsmouth Festival in England, the Hoogstraten Festival in Belgium, the Helsinki Festival and the 2006 World Cup Soccer Finals in Germany, as well as performing across the Caribbean.

In paying her respects, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Pro ViceChancellor and Campus Principal of The UWI St. Augustine Campus, offered her condolences:

“Roy Cape’s passing is a tremendous loss, not only for the music community but for The UWI family since as an Honorary Graduate, he will always be part of our legacy. His extraordinary contributions to Caribbean music and impact on the Caribbean soundscape will continue to inspire generations, particularly through his unmatched work in brass music. Although his contributions to the steelband movement may have been less visible, they were significant as he mentored, connected personalities, and built relationships that godfathered the pan movement.”

Former Campus Principal of The UWI St. Augustine, Professor Clement Sankat, also reflected on Roy Cape’s immense contributions:

“Roy Cape was a leading figure in Trinidad and Tobago’s music scene. From Tents to Fetes, including UWI Carnival fetes, his saxophone brought sweet soca music to the ears of many, accompanying icons like David Rudder, Black Stalin, and Blaxx. The UWI recognized his immense talent with an Honorary Doctorate, celebrating his warmth, humility, and generosity. Though he is gone, his music and legacy will live on.”

Sharing sentiments of condolences, Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles said, “As a true cultural and musical icon, Roy Cape’s contributions have been immeasurable. His passion and talents were inimitable. Across the university system, The UWI mourns this loss.”

Roy Cape’s unmatched influence was further celebrated during “Pappy: A Tribute to Roy Cape” at The UWI Classic Concert in 2016, where the region’s top performers honoured his life’s work and raised funds for his medical expenses.

The UWI extends its deepest condolences to Roy Cape’s family, friends, and the wider Caribbean music fraternity. His life was a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and community. Though he has left us, his music will continue to nourish our hearts, minds, and souls for generations to come. May he rest in peace. (Source: Media Press Statement)

MOA receives ruminant pens

THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE’S (MOA) Livestock Division now has two brand new ruminant pens for its use.

The pens, located at the Rabacca Livestock Breeding and Multiplication Centre, were officially handed over to

the Livestock Division by Ambris and Pilgrim Building Contractors (A&P Construction), during a brief ceremony at the Rabacca Centre, on Monday 2nd Sept, 2024.

A&P Construction was contracted to construct the pens and the undertaking, completed in 32 months, was funded to the tune of EC$944,107.92 under the World Bankfunded Volcanic Eruption Emergency Project (VEEP).

Allan Pilgrim (left front) of A&P Construction deals the official handover of the pen with a handshake with Dr. Monica Davis of the Animal Health Division. Others staff members of that Division are also pictured.

Allan Pilgrim of A&P Construction officially handed over the ruminant pens to Dr. Monica Davis, Veterinarian Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division.

Dr. Davis expressed appreciation and optimism for the positive impact the pens will have on agriculture.

The pens will provide suitable accommodation for the animals, including those that were recently

Brand new ruminant pens located at the Rabacca Livestock Breeding and Multiplication Centre.

imported under the UBEC CERC, Food Insecurity Project.

About VEEP: The Volcanic Eruption Emergency Project (VEEP) is implemented through the Economic Planning Division of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Information Technology.

(Source of Information and photos: VEEP)

Some goats have already taken up residence in the new accommodation.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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Editor: Cyprian Neehall

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

Editorial

Fighting crime: The Judiciary’s responsibility

WHEN THE IDEA OF FOCUSINGon the judiciary and its responsibility in the effort to solve the problem of crime in SVG surfaced in a discussion with one of our ardent readers, that reader warned that to do so would be threading on dangerous ground. As far as that reader was concerned, the judiciary was sacrosanct.

It was time, therefore, to remind our reader that our constitution, in as much as we would want to see certain changes to make it more relevant, makes provision for establishing three arms of governance: the legislature/parliament — the lawmaking body; the executive — cabinet headed by a prime minister; and the judiciary — made up of our high and magistrates’ courts.

Each of these arms is handed certain or more precisely, particular responsibilities, i.e. that each has its own duties in contributing to nationbuilding, not least through addressing the problems which weigh down our society and retard its progress.

As our parliamentary opposition never ceases to remind us, and if the truth be told merely echoes the ‘complaints’ of a majority of citizens, save and except for a spiralling cost of living crisis there is no other problem that strangles the society to the extent that the scourge of crime does; a scourge that the authorities know is fueled by gangs and the transnational illegal drug trade.

Yes, we lay blame at the feet of our legislature and cabinet, and the police service, for not effectively dealing with the crime wave. One is wont to say this blame is legitimate but we cannot exclude the judiciary since it also has roles and responsibilities that it is called upon to fulfill to the citizens of this country, in the ‘war’ against crime. We are well aware that there are exacting punishments as prescribed by law for serious offences such as illegal possession of firearms, rape, sexual assault, incest and murder to list a few.

These punishments, harsh as some might think they are, are on the law book, having been created by our elected legislators and supported (obligated so to do) by the executive arm of national governance.

What raises concern is the application of these laws and moreso the penalties imposed. To quote

The role of Radio in today’s society

another reader, “Our courts have grown soft.” Whether that is so or not, whether the courts (judges and magistrates) are adhering to certain sentencing guidelines as prescribed by the Eastern Caribbean Court, more and more citizens are expressing concern that criminals are not feeling the extent of the law.

Could it be that the judiciary, in its own discretion, often does not see it fit to impose harsh or harshest penalties allowed under the law, on those found guilty of all-too-familiar crimes, e.g. gun crimes, assault, breakings?

One is left in the cold it seems, to ponder on a disturbing thought: Is there a disconnect between the perception the judiciary has of society and the (daily) reality that citizens live?

To return to the second reader referenced. He asked, “When is the judiciary going to take a firm stance against criminals?”

And then there is the observation that there is relative ease with which criminals are granted bail at the discretion of judges and magistrates. Criminals access with consummate ease, a revolving (bail) door provided for them by our criminal justice system.

More and more citizens, especially those affected by criminal acts, are wary of what they perceive to be the leniency enjoyed by criminals at the discretion of judges and magistrates, who, as referenced earlier, might be stymied by sentencing guidelines they are made or feel obligated to follow.

Perhaps it is those guidelines that must be reviewed but for the time being, because they impact the work of the judiciary, that arm of governance will remain in the damning glare of the public.

With constitutional responsibility comes accountability. Citizens are in their right to hold our legislators and ministers to account, and demand that they act.

Notwithstanding what is expected of those arms of governance, the judiciary cannot be sacrosanct. Citizens have the right to scrutinise its actions and demand that its approach meets the needs of our society.

Time the judiciary involves itself in some introspection especially as it relates to its role in ‘fixing’ the problem of crime in SVG.

FOR YEARS, I have listened to the morning radio with disgust and disappointment; disappointed in the lack of depth in the discussion and the unwillingness of some hosts to challenge some presenters/callers when they make their outrageous, unsubstantiated statements. Yet I, and the public I assume, tolerate it because now and then, I (we) get some small insight into the thinking and mindset of our people.

I want to spend time this week talking about two issues that seem to have elevated to the top of the trash heap. One is the level of disrespect afforded to our women and children on the radio waves. I find some of the conversations on morning radio distasteful and, indeed, not ageappropriate for our children.

A few weeks ago, I heard one radio host engaging in an offensive interview with a young lady in her workplace. The interview was filled with sexual innuendos. What was even more shocking and disturbing was the host’s behavior when someone pointed out to him that a woman on Facebook was concerned about his objectifying the young lady. Then he went on a fifteenminute rant with what he thought was an appropriate melody of love songs, while professing some special love for her. Today, I joined her in opposing his behavior by calling his conduct inappropriate and uncouth.

I remind our folks of a saying by Martin Niemöller, a prominent Lutheran pastor in Germany: “First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out–because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out–because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out–because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me–and no one was left to speak for me.”

To end this section, I must say it was difficult for me to take him seriously when he expressed his outrage about a two-year-old case of sexual harassment in the police department.

With the budget just about fifteen weeks away, we have now entered into the public review of some of the government’s capital projects. Unfortunately, some people are taking to the radio waves to highlight and criticize the government and the opposition with half-truths and innuendoes. It is as if someone woke up and told them it’s time for everyone

to list some high-profile projects and try to excite us about their progress or lack thereof.

Those who oppose the government use high-profile projects like the hotels at Ratho Mill, Mt. Wynne, and Peter’s Hope as evidence of a failed government. With the exception of the Mt. Project, government’s involvement is limited as it relates to financing and construction. I am not saying that the government has no responsibility for these failing projects. For instance, at least one of these projects is on land sold to the developer by the government at a reduced price. I cannot help but think that this negotiated and renegotiated deal was not in the best interest of our nation. It is time for the government to step up, scrap this project, and reset it.

The government is expressing pride in getting the hospital at Arnos Vale finally started three to four years late, a sign of success. This hospital is turning into a Mimi airport-style project. I am predicting the opening will be delayed for a myriad of reasons. No matter which party is in office, when the contractor delivers the shell building in the next three years, I say this: we will not be ready with the furniture and fittings, and insufficient people will be available to staff this facility. The parking lot and the promised cleanup of the “pole yard” area will be incomplete, and make no mistake, the current traffic issues in the region will not be resolved. By the way, I applaud the government for not taking another delay option by securing an alternative loan for the hospital.

The next big project is the “modernization of the Kingstown port.” Unlike the supporters of the NDP, I think the port improvement project was needed even though I think its location will become a logistical nightmare for us in the future. So, I guess we are doomed to listen to the continuous shouting and confusing muttering of the few who enjoy hearing themselves. These guys, coupled with the designated political hackers on selected radio stations, are trying to launder the message and convince us that what we see and hear is not the truth, but what they are about to tell us is.

Horatio.

Spiritual Baptist holiday misleading

THE MAY21st Spiritual Baptist Day is yet another day divide-and-rule game shamefully played out in the Parliament of our country. (Not too long ago a Bill was made law in a dark part of the morning in our Parliament. That is the extent we are prepared to go to get our own way.)

Now, another law was made to give Spiritual Baptists a holiday. Absolute nonsense, and misleading!!!

There is no record in the history of SVG showing Spiritual Baptist got

any day of freedom to worship. The first Spiritual Baptist recorded in SVG was under Act No 16 of 1978 under the leadership of the late Japheth Stapleton of Rose Hall. The second is under Act No. 10 of 1938. There are many more, including Mt. Carmel under the leadership of Johnny Jones and his archdeacon, who was found dead around the AIA area some years ago. His Baptist group came about in 2021.

So, we had the first group, 24th

Challenge of School Based Assessment

SCHOOL BASED ASSESSMENTSare intended to give students a better chance of passing. The Exercises enable students to develop and demonstrate certain essential skills in a particular subject area. Students have the advantage of doing the tasks over and over until they have perfected the skills and can have their best mark recorded. It is essential that students report their work in the prescribed manner. No matter how well a practical is done, it must be reported well so that students can get the best marks for their efforts.

A major cause of no grades for CSEC students is absence from one or more components of the Examination. In most cases, the SBAs were either not submitted, or not done. In some cases, there is no assessment for some of the skills. The problem is compounded when some students were absent when the practical was done.

Faced with all these challenges while teaching Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Integrated Science, I changed the design of the experiments so that all the skills can be taught and assessed in all the experiments that were done. Thus, each exercise makes provision for aim, hypothesis, method, analysis and interpretation, conclusion, discussion, prediction, planning and designing, and drawing. In this way, if a student is absent for one exercise where a particular skill was the focus, the teacher can use another exercise to generate the mark. Sometimes when a delinquent student appears at school, regular classes must make way for practical exercises. In this way I was able to guarantee that all students had sufficient practical exercises that are worthy of assessment.

Another useful practice was deploying cooperative learning classroom instructions where students are grouped to help each other. They check each other’s work and encourage corrections. By the time the SBA books reach the teacher, all the required elements are present. Students know that their own success is tied in with the success of others, so they take interest in everyone getting the work done and written up well.

Anthony Stewart, PhD

July 1978, and the second on 22nd April 1983. Where is the foundation for this Baptist Day apart from Johnny Jones’, now come, advice to P.M. Gonsalves?

It would have been wise if the Prime Minister advised the Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs to mobilize the leadership of that fraternity for consultation and avoid this embarrassment.

The only group of people who got their freedom to worship in the month

of May was the Christian Pilgrim Faith on the 22nd of May 1951. Seems like the government and the Spiritual Baptist are governing in the same way.

Check the records in the Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs and you will see what we are reasoning about. Madness!!!

Christian Democrat

The unappreciated donkey

IT GIVES me great pleasure to write this piece about the unappreciated donkey–a creature often belittled, humiliated, and dismissed as one of the most foolish among God’s creation.

Once a common sight in St. Vincent, the donkey has become a rare species, having paid a heavy price for its kindness, loyalty, and obedience to ungrateful humans. Rarely do we hear praise for the donkey after it has rendered its service; instead, it is often disparaged with mean and outrageous comments.

As seemingly foolish as it might sound, this four-legged creature has made significant contributions to our nation. Long before the

advent of fancy cars and modern transportation, it was the donkey that served as a transporter, for example, taking farmers from point A to point B. Regardless of the weather –be it pleasant, unpleasant, or gloomy –the donkey could be relied upon to reach its destination. It provided invaluable services: transporting produce from mountainous terrains and offering manure far superior to many synthetic fertilizers. Even when tired or ill, it was depended on for climbing hills and navigating rough terrain.

On another front, before sanitation trucks were available, it was the donkey cart that removed garbage from the streets, performing this task willingly and

without a murmur.

Despite being overworked and abused –whipped with sticks and cutlasses– the donkey continued to labour diligently, often without complaint. Sadly, instead of receiving tribute, the donkey has been stereotyped as one of the lowest creatures.

The donkey, which once played a crucial role in farming, is now becoming scarce.

The Ministry of Agriculture and farmers should consider repopulating and reintegrating the donkey into society. With rising fuel costs, there may come a time when people can no longer afford gasoline for their motor vehicles. The donkey is a treasure trove, built for hard labour and

durability. It has worked like a slave, often receiving only a modest treat of grass in return. Nevertheless, it has always cooperated with its master.

I repeat: It gives me great pleasure to write this piece about one of God’s least appreciated creatures, the donkey.

Carden A. Michael

The Vaccine Mandate lingers

THE GOVERNMENTof St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has caused significant controversy with its COVID-19 vaccine mandate. It was declared that the decision to implement a vaccine mandate was made in an effort to protect public health and curb the spread of the virus.

This mandate required the majority of public servants, teachers and police officers to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Those who refused to comply with the mandate were terminated from their positions.

The dismissal of numerous teachers, public servants, healthcare workers, and police officers, sparked debate about individual rights, public safety, and the role of government in health matters.

Many professionals expressed their concerns about the mandate; others cited personal beliefs, religious and constitutional rights, and medical reasons for their refusal to get vaccinated.

The loss of these educators has raised questions about the impact on the education system and the students they serve. And though

their dismissal numbers were much less than the teachers, the police force lost many committed and dedicated workers with years of experience. The police force’s ability to function effectively was undoubtedly compromised leading to concerns about public safety and community relations. After all, police officers are essential for maintaining law and order.

Today, despite the many changes around the world, this tyrannical government, characterized by poor timing and a lack of vision, maintained its stance regarding the mandate. Although the dismissals ignited protests and discussions about the balance between public health and individual freedoms, the Government remained unmoved.

The ruling by Justice Esco Henry, stated that the special measures rules made under Statutory Rules and Orders 28 of 2021, the vaccine mandate law, ‘are unlawful, unconstitutional, and void’. As expected with a government that has no love and heart for the suffering of its people, it went ahead and appealed this matter to the

Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal.

Since the May 2nd appeal trial, the people of SVG and the Caribbean who have an interest in this matter, have been awaiting the judges’ decision.

As the situation continues to evolve, the government of SVG must pay a high political price for its decision. Isn’t it ironic that the individuals in Parliament who made the laws had a choice as to whether they could be vaccinated or not? How can they explain that such a mandate applies to some and not others? What happens to all who travels in public service vehicles and end up back in the same home, whether they were vaccinated or not? I think it’s time that the government tells us the real truth about mandatory vaccination, the complexities of public health policy, individual rights, and the need for a functional public service. The long-term effects of these dismissals on the education system, law enforcement, and public trust remain to be seen.

Brenton Smith

The law against consuming alcohol in funeral processions

BY DR. THE HON. RALPH E. GONSALVES POLITICAL LEADER, UNITY LABOUR PARTY

THE FACTS

ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2024, the Parliament of SVG passed a Bill for an Act to amend the Public Order Act, Chapter 396 of the Laws of SVG. This Act creates an offence of possession of intoxicating liquor in an open container (bottle, cup, glass, etc.) or consuming the liquor, in a funeral procession. The penalty for the commission of this office is a fine in the Magistrate’s Court not exceeding two hundred dollars. The Act also empowers a police officer to arrest the offender without a warrant and to confiscate the liquor.

The provisions of the Act are as follows:-

“1. This Act may be cited as the Public Order (Amendment) Act 2024.

“2.The Public Order Act, referred to in this Act as the principal Act, is amended by inserting after section 15 the following new sections-

‘15A. (1) A person shall not have in his possession or consume intoxicating liquor while being part of a funeral procession through a highway, road, or other thoroughfare.

(2) For the purposes of this Act intoxicating liquor has the meaning given in the Liquor Licence Act.

‘15B. Section 15A (1) shall not apply to the possession of intoxicating liquor in a sealed bottle or container.

“15C. (1) A police officer may arrest without warrant a person whom he finds contravening section 15A if, in the opinion of the police officer, to do so is necessary for the safety of any person.

(2) A police officer may confiscate any intoxicating liquor in the possession of a person arrested under subsection (1).”.

“3.Section 18 of the principal Act is amended by inserting after subsection (2) the following subsection-

‘(3) A person who contravenes section 15A commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars.’ ”

REASONABLE LEGISLATIVE RESPONSE

This measured Act to address the growing problem of drinking rum and beer in funeral processions is undoubtedly supported by the vast majority of people in SVG. In the debate on the Bill, I even reviewed provisions in the laws of Canada and most of the States in the USA which address a similar matter. Every reasonable person, properly advised on the factual situation and the law, is expected to support this law. All members of the government side in Parliament supported the Bill; the members of the Opposition did not support the Bill!

In piloting the Bill in the House of Assembly, I pointed out, among other

things, that although existing legislative provisions address issues such as drunkenness in a public place, offences against the public in general (Chapter XVIII of the Criminal Code), and offences against religion (Chapter VII of the Criminal Code), there is no specific provision dealing with consuming intoxicating liquor in funeral processions, a growing practice highly offensive to general public. The Bill closes this gap in the law. The six speakers on the government side hammered home the compelling case for the Bill; the four members of the opposition who spoke on the Bill all opposed its passage. In my wind-up of the debate, I sought to persuade the Opposition to resile from their opposition to it, but sadly they did not. However, when I requested under the Rules of the House for “a division” (putting the issue to each member of the House to vote “yes, no, or abstention”) the Opposition descended into confusion and disarray, but they still did not support the Bill in their individual votes.

THE OPPOSITION FOLLY AND DISARRAY

In their speeches to the House, each of the member of the Opposition (Dr. Friday, and Messrs Leacock, Cummings, and Bramble) acknowledged, to one degree or another, that consuming alcohol in funeral processions is a worrying problem. But still each of them opposed the Bill.

Dr. Friday contended that making the consumption of alcohol in funeral processions an offence is “an over-reach”. He thought that “over-zealous policing” may be a bigger problem. He posed the query: “What problem would this Bill solve?” Clearly, Friday was ducking the issue: It is plain as to what problem (consuming alcohol in a funeral procession) is being addressed. Also, how can policing this problem be worse than the problem itself?

St. Clair Leacock averred that I was “grandstanding and looking for votes”. He trumpeted the ridiculous proposition: “You can’t legislate behavior or morality.”

Daniel Cummings was dismissive in his conclusion: “I fail to see what this legislation is trying to solve”. He critiqued me for allegedly “setting up a straw man to knock it down”. This is a nonsensical criticism.

Fitz Bramble mistakenly read the Bill as addressing “drunkenness” (there is in fact an existing law against drunkenness in a public place – this Bill is about consuming alcohol in a funeral procession). He nevertheless ploughed on with this quotable gem in his opposition to the Bill:

“I have to think long and hard about the significance of the Bill. I don’t see what this Bill will solve.”

He concluded: “From where I stand, this Bill is a waste of time.”

Rebuilding process in Union Island is slow

(Excerpts of the Member of Parliament for the Southern Grenadines, Terrance Ollivierre’s presentation on the New Times Program)

“WORK IN UNION ISLANDseems to be deliberately slow. Since the time Hurricane Beryl devastated the Southern Grenadines to the present, only fifteen houses have been scheduled for attention. And even while they have listed fifteen houses, they have not started work on all of those houses.

The poor and the vulnerable will need help from the government to replace their house roofs. There are also people who have said, give us the materials and we would fix our houses.

I have said that there should have been a depot in Union Island to store materials. And after the contractors have verified the estimates that were presented to them by the homeowners. then you give the people the materials so that they can go ahead and fix their houses.

There are others who have relatives overseas and on the mainland. They have bought the materials to fix their parents’ homes. All they are asking, is for the government to provide the labour in order for them to get the roofs on.

The cleaning up process is finished and it is important that the rebuilding of homes begin. If the government had fixed the houses in Union Island, do you think you would have had so many persons still on mainland, St Vincent? The people want their houses to be fixed in order to be at home.

I listen to the cries of people. When it is raining, it is ‘hell’ in Union Island. Water settles in the houses, then there is the problem of mosquito. Does the government care about the people of the Southern Grenadines?

Further, I said in parliament during my debate on the Supplementary Estimates that the government cannot make decision for the people, you have to consult with them. Then there was a consultation in Union Island. The Prime Minister was told vehemently, No! We do want to send our children to school on the mainland. We want you to fix the schools here. I was also told that those parents who are on the mainland did not give a definite answer for their children to be sent to school on the mainland.

Is it to achieve your goal you deliberately slowed the work in repairing the secondary school in Union Island? So, the students are forced to come to the mainland. The people of Union Island should not be treated that way. If is the seat you are trying to get, I tell you, you will not succeed!

The rebuilding process should have been at such a pace that Union Island should have been returning to normal by now. For example, the tourist season is almost here and there are people who want to make preparations for it, but they can’t.

There are areas in Union Island such as around the vegetable market and the water front where the boat boys and fishermen had their shops and storerooms; I have been informed that these people were told by Planning not to rebuild in those areas, but there is no alternative given to

them. When we discussed the Supplementary Estimates in Parliament, we were told that funds were available for these persons for income support. They are yet to receive any. If you remove them from the water front area, where will they go? Some of those persons told me that they were paying taxes. Some of them have been there for over twenty years.

The authorities told them not to go back there and they are not given an alternative. What do you want them to do? This is another instance where the government is stifling the people of Union Island from earning a living. The government is taking the people of Union Island for granted and they are not assisting them to get back on their feet.”

Central Leeward Selects Candidate

The NDP Central Leeward Constituency Division has officially selected Mr. Conroy Huggins as the candidate for the constituency of Central Leeward in the upcoming general elections. The selection which took place at the Sir James Mitchell Auditorium was contested by Mr. Huggins and Ms. Rachael Ceasar, a long-serving teacher from Barrouallie. Conroy Huggins is a respected educator who was dismissed by the ULP government as a result of the draconian vaccine mandate. He is widely recognized for his community activism and contributions to the agricultural sector, both locally and internationally. As a Christian family man and advocate for his community, Huggins has emerged as an esteemed member of the Central Leeward Constituency.

Speaking after his election, Conroy Huggins expressed his gratitude to the Constituency Division for their show of confidence in him. He further said, “The constituency of Central Leeward, is in desperate need of proper representation.”

He added, “Central Leeward is my home, where I grew up. I am committed to going above and beyond for my people, and that is why I am proud to be part of a team led by Dr. Friday, a team that will lead this country into a better future under an NDP government. The cost of living is out of control, and too many people in Central Leeward are struggling to make ends meet. I decided to stand for the NDP–to bring change to my constituency.”

President of the NDP, Dr. Godwin Friday, praised all those who took part in the selection process and thanked both Ms. Caesar and Mr. Huggins for their commitment to the NDP party and their community. “I am pleased that the NDP continues to attract such committed and highly qualified candidates and look forward to working together to make our country better.” Dr. Friday further stated. “I now look forward to the ratification process by the party’s Central Committee, which will take place very soon. The NDP is building a winning team and there is room for all as we move forward to make our country better.”

Competing in the Third Wave

“Strategic Foresight is not fortunetelling. It is about thinking ahead so you can act ahead, it is preparing strategy so that you or your organisation can anticipate possible futures and remain viable not just today but also in the future.” – Patricia Lustig – Globally recognized Futurist and CEO of LASA Insight Limited.

THE 1997 PUBLICATIONof the book

“Competing in the Third Wave: The Ten Key Management Issues of the Information Age,” (ISBN 10:0875848079) was coauthored by management consultants Jeremy Hope and Tony Hope. The book provides a framework for businesses navigating the complexities of the modern digital economy. However, it goes beyond the concepts presented in relation to the internet’s evolution to remind readers of the value of developing strategic foresight in anticipating what is likely to appear and to make adequate preparation to mitigate against the dangers and to harness the possibilities that may emerge. Planning and preparation become significant for accomplishing personal and corporate goals.

During the 1960s, researchers like J.C.R. Licklider of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) introduced the concept of a network of computers. This provided the launching pad for the internet as we know it today. Many consider this to have been the first wave in the evolution of the digital economy. The internet was then seen as a “new communication medium”. The second wave was ushered in as individuals and companies benefited from the web and ecommerce; businesses began leveraging the internet for commercial purposes. The third wave involves the insightful incorporation of technology into various industries and aspects of life. This has been especially evident in the fields of energy, health, agriculture, and education.

As can be anticipated, individuals and companies that focus on leveraging information technology skills can readily create and sustain competitive advantages that allow them to outperform their competitors. Conversely, those individuals and companies that resist the changes that information technology ushers in are likely to be grossly disadvantaged to their own demise.

Based on the foregoing, it is important to understand the new landscape and to adapt to the changes that they bring. In a rapidly changing environment, it is imperative to embrace a proactive approach and an attitude of adaptability. The analogy of “running faster to stay in place” is quite relevant for those who will compete in the third wave. To get ahead it will become increasingly challenging for businesses to attract and retain skilled employees who are capable of navigating the waves and teaching work colleagues to do so. It is quite understandable that there will be members of staff who may have an aversion to critical aspects of information technology (e.g., several years ago a senior government official who was then in her 50s indicated that

she gets a migraine headache just by turning on her computer). However, with tactful guidance, patience, and empathy such an individual can develop the necessary skills to be able to use the technology to improve productivity and overall performance.

Competing in the third wave is not just about enhancing innovation or doing things more efficiently. A critical component revolves around understanding business processes and strategies and ensuring that the computerized programmes and processes are completely aligned with these. Thus, it is critical for leaders and managers to ensure that the technology, societal impact, and the strategic foresight are synchronized. While information technology plays a pivotal role in the third wave it must never be viewed in isolation from the other aspects of the operation. It plays a critical role as a driver of transformative change, but it does not operate in isolation. It is also imperative to recognize that while emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) will support and enhance the efficiencies and effectiveness of existing businesses they will also create entirely new opportunities and industries. Entrepreneurs and early movers are therefore likely to maximize their benefits from developing the mindset and skills needed to ride the wave.

The development of a proactive culture and a propensity for strategic foresight must be considered crucial for navigating this evolving complex landscape. Leaders, managers, and strategists must anticipate and prepare for future trends, opportunities, and dangers. It is critical to create and maintain an attitude that focuses beyond the risk and potential crisis situations knowing that even within the risks there are opportunities for growth and development. Companies like Boeing, IDEO, IBM, Google, and Microsoft are proficient at leveraging insights and predicting trends that allow them to outcompete their rivals.

There is wisdom in contemplating the idea of anticipating what is likely to be in the future and making plans now to reduce the risks and enhance the benefits. Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, reminds us to, “See the future and be prepared for it.”

Competing in the third wave requires a holistic approach. It demands an objective assessment of our systems, structures, and procedures and a concerted effort to make every effort to guarantee that these are aligned to take full advantage of the technological and societal changes that will continue to emerge in the third wave.

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

Budget 24: Nine months in

I WANTED TO GAUGE where we are as a country and as a people. I thought a good place to start was to go back to budget 2024 and see how the numbers match our reality. Budget 2024 was an estimated $1.6 billion. It was said to be a 12 percent increase over the 2023 budget. A few things jumped out at me.

The budget is more than 90 pages long and covers the usual areas: health, housing, education, security, etc., but there are a number of glaring omissions. I read in vain for a disclosure of the total debt faced by the country. In light of the series of huge loans taken from the Republic of Taiwan, I wanted to know, as a stand-alone debt burden, how much we owed to the regime in Taipei. The debt must be approaching $1 billion. Since the loans were from the Taiwan Import/Export Bank, I have been curious about the interest rate and other terms of payment. Remember, this is a country our prime minister boasts has a ‘hook in the gill’ of our country.

Rather than a discourse about this very important matter, Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves drivelled on about the 2022 IMF Article IV Consultation, ‘The debt ratio is projected to peak at 89.2 percent of GDP in 2024 and steadily decline thereafter to fall below 60 percent of GDP before the regional target date of 2035… The IMF goes on to say that ‘The public debt to GDP ratio is expected to remain elevated in the near term before steadily declining afterwards, noticeably as construction of large investment projects is completed.’

Significantly, other Transfers amount to $156.6 million, Interest Payments and Loan Charges to $107.2 million, Amortization to $188.6 million, and Sinking Fund Contributions to $22.6 million. Taken together, these payments or setasides come close to one-third of the national budget. Has anyone ever wondered what constitutes other transfers? Year after year, citizens suffer through a 5-hour budgetary presentation without ever knowing what many of these terms mean.

What we do know is that when wages and salaries of $389 million and pensions of $70 million are added, more than 67 percent of the budgetary allocations are taken. It means that a very small slice of the budget is left to do everything else that our society needs. A troubling aspect of this situation is that because of the burgeoning debt, the nation collects upwards of 60 cents of each dollar, which goes toward paying the debt.

This brings us back to the IMF quote offered by Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves. Can we be satisfied, as the IMF seems to suggest, that this debt is manageable? This situation is alarming and demands fiscal prudence, greater economic management, and efficiency. Should we be grabbing at every big-ticketed project, such as the Kingstown Port that cost hundreds of millions of dollars? In 2022, the public debt was $833 million or 88 percent of gross domestic product. Is this sustainable? The next generation is being burdened with debt, which is frightening. Currently, each Vincentian owes the equivalent of about $8,500. This average debt per citizen may be much greater considering the amount of borrowing that came as a result of Covid, the

volcanic eruption and the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

Our government projections are sometimes way off. Budget 2024 allocated $15 million to improve cricketing facilities for the T20 cricketing World Cup. Depending on who you believe, by the time the games were played, the expenditure skyrocketed to between $38 and $50 million. I invite you to imagine a situation where St Vincent spent approximately $50 million on cricket, $15 million on the Athletic field at Diamonds and allocated only $27 million to agriculture and fisheries.

Budget 2024 committed $24 million to building 234 new homes and rehabilitating 520 more. An audit of the progress made in this regard will be interestingly revealing.

Forty 43 million dollars was allocated for hotel development at Diamond and Mt Wynne. There has been no movement regarding the Hotel at Mt Wynne. Based on where our country’s development stands, one wonders whether the government should be involved in the hotel development business in the first place. Moreover, the funding for these hotels is snatched from the National Insurance Service. Should money from the NIS be taken to build hotels when the pension fund is experiencing tremendous strain?

Budget 2024 boasts of the construction boom currently taking place in the country. Frankly, this has been a recurring theme budget after budget. Instead of the boast by our finance minister that ‘big tings a’ gwaan’, would it be unfair to observe that construction is probably the only constant ticker in SVG? Is this why schools and other public facilities are left to run down so that millions of dollars can be spent on rehabilitation? Is that why we allowed the old teachers’ college building at Arnos Vale to run down? Now, there is a mad rush to spend $3 million in 3 months to fix it to house students from the Southern Grenadines.

According to the Finance minister, Budget 2024 proposed upgrading the Mt. Wynne Beach Facility and developing a new tourism site at Troumaca, developing the Brighton Recreational Park, as well as 16 acres of land along the coast into a recreational park and bird-watching retreat. Progress report anyone?

We were told that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of dredged sand off the coast of Brighton Bay will be used for development. Now may be a good time for a report back. While the minister is at it, he may willingly tell us how much money the government made by selling the dredged sand and how much the Aecon, the company contracted to build the port saved by dredging our sand rather than buying and transporting the sand from abroad. It’s almost time for Budget 25. Vincentians can conclude whether Budget 24 has met citizens expectation.

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

Casper/Maria Marshall Centre

Message on the occasion of International Literacy Day, September 8, 2024.

(Editor’s Note: Ideally, we would have liked to have included this contribution in our issue of Friday 6th September, 2024. That didn’t work out but we need little telling that the message therein is still relevant and are pleased to carry it this week.)

SEPTEMBER8 is celebrated as International Literacy Day, since 1967.

This Year’s Theme is: “Promoting Multi-lingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace”.

Over forty years ago, under the leadership of the St. Vincent Union of Teachers (SVUT), the need for Adult Education and Literacy sparked the formation of several groups with the common mission of addressing the issue. This initiative led to the formation of the National Association for Mass Education

(NAME), which embraced Literacy as not only to read and write, but also Numeracy and wider knowledge of societal systems and issues.

In selecting this Year’s Theme, UNESCO explains that: “…adopting a firstlanguage-based, multilingual approach to literacy and education, can help to promote mutual understanding and respect, while solidifying communal identities and collective histories”.

The Theme reminds me of a Workshop hosted by NAME, where in one session our esteemed Poet Cecil Blazer Williams used this same approach. He said to the Tutors and Learners that in fact St. Vincent and the Grenadines had two languages — our Dialect and English. It was up to the Tutors and Learners to translate the Dialect into standard English — at the time described as the “Queen’s English”.

With the massive progress made in the various Education Revolutions — from Hon. E. T. Joshua — who made it mandatory for children to go to school up to age fourteen (14) years; to the Educators who taught the children at primary level up to Standard 6, and in some cases, Standard 7, to the Pioneers who broadened secondary level educational opportunities; to Hon. Milton Cato, who continued to broaden primary education and Technical Skills training; to Hon. J. F. Mitchell, who, following the success of the Technical College, brought the

Community College to birth; to the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, under whom administration opportunities for knowledge, at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, have vastly increased.

However, a dark cloud is edging its way over these successes, as we come face to face with an ongoing Literacy and Numeracy failure among too many of our youth. The light of Literacy has to emerge and do so urgently!

As stated by UNESCO, “Global challenges, such as the pandemic have served to exacerbate the problem”. How is this problem to be solved? There is a need to promote multilingual education. In our present state of poor results in English — it is for us to translate our musical dialect into the ‘King’s English’.

Our Literacy Heroes, Tutors and Enablers, started that particular Revolution through the St. Vincent Union of Teachers. They are too numerous to list, but among them, we should not forget the work of Carmelita “Camo” Williams of blessed memory. They had a struggle for support to deliver the sessions. Today. in this digital age, a very good tool exists. The Cell Phone, which is very accessible, should be put to use now as a “Good Servant” of Literacy, and not as a “Bad Master”, robbing time from becoming wise in Literacy.

Nelcia Robinson Coordinator

Gaymes: First Vincy International Netball Umpire

MOETH GAYMEShas become St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ first International Netball Umpire.

This was announced on Thursday, September 5, 2024, by the sport’s governing bodyWorld Netball.

That new accomplishment adds to Gaymes’ status of

being the lone Vincentian FIFA Approved Football Referee.

For Gaymes, obtaining an International Umpires Awardee (IUA) was always in the making. He admitted, “After years of knowing that our furthest achievement in the field was Advanced

Umpires, I pledged to myself that I will become SVG’s first International Umpire in this sport”.

The pathway to Gaymes’ becoming an International Umpire was cleared on January 24, 2023, when he was appointed as an International Talent

Training for the Yacht Charter Industry

THE ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines Sailing Association (SVGSA) is proud to announce an exciting new initiative aimed at engaging local youth and introducing them to the various employment opportunities available right on their doorstep in the yacht charter industry.

In partnership with the French Embassy to the Eastern Caribbean States, Barbados and the OECS and Blue Life Yacht Charters, this programme offers hands-on training and work experience in a growing and lucrative industry.

The yacht charter industry is a key economic driver in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. With a growing Blue

Economy, the country needs skilled, marine-savvy individuals to support this expanding sector. Through this programme, the aim is to equip young women and men with practical expertise, confidence, respect, and essential life skills.

The programme will be based in Bequia and is scheduled over a series of 8 weekends between October 2024 and May 2025. There will be no costs for the chosen participants given that the programme is fully funded.

Sailing is deeply embedded in the heritage of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and this programme seeks to harness that legacy to open up career pathways.

Participants will be trained for various roles within the yacht charter industry, gaining firsthand experience and valuable skills to thrive in this dynamic sector.

Jenny Trumble, President of the SVG Sailing Association said, “By tapping into these local opportunities, we aim to create a new generation of professionals who are ready to embrace careers within St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ thriving marine sector.”

For more information, please contact Monica at: monica@bluelifesailing.com

(Source: SVGSA)

Identification Umpire, which made him eligible to umpire matches for teams ranked 11 and below and do international youth events, within a four-year period, a prerequisite to an international status.

Gaymes was able to clear those hurdles in a short time frame as he was part of the Commonwealth Youth Games Fast5 Netball Competition, held in Trinidad and Tobago, August 8 to 10, 2024.

Then most recently, August 24 to 27, he officiated in a Paradise Cup series in Barbados, between the 15th ranked host and 11th ranked Northern Ireland.

Gaymes believed that it was the latter’s performance that hastened his attainment of international umpire status, in just over one and a half years.

The beginning

Gaymes revealed that he began umpiring as a teenager, when he stepped in to officiate at a match in his hometown of Barrouallie, when there was no one to officiate.

He built his craft officiating in community competitions

and the national tournament under the aegis of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association.

His regional break came in 2008, when he umpired in the then ECCB/OECS Under-23 Tournament in St. Lucia. Duty at other tournaments in the Caribbean area soon followed.

One who credits himself on doing self-assessment and bettering his acumen, Gaymes revealed: “After every match on the regional scene, when I got my feedback and or tournament report, I’ll quickly choose an area or two to work on to ensure improvements… That is the dedication and hard-work, I must say, that I have put in”.

Gaymes’ IUA status, according to World Netball will remain valid for a period of four years after another testing and reappointment.

Right: Moeth Gaymes

The promotional flyer for the training programme.

Brooklyn street co-named in honor of Vincentian

“I want to say, ‘I’m so proud of you’”, she told Sherma, flanked by community members who have lost loved ones through senseless violence. “I love Sherma’s family. I’m sending my love to the family. Long live King Kobe!” Sherma, also a Frenches native — flanked by her mother Elizabeth “Betty” Chambers, family and community members, and Joseph — expressed gratitude to all.

“We’re going to spread love. All I can say, ‘thank you, thank you’”.

“The family is the reason when we started a foundation in Tyler’s honor,” she told the ceremony.

CG McIntosh told THE VINCENTIAN afterwards: “The co-naming of the street is one significant way of honoring the life of our loves ones,” McIntosh said. “Long live Kobe, and I wish the family all the best with life after Kobe.”

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

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, community members on Aug. 24 joined elected and other officials, and families and friends in the co-naming of East 8th Street in the Kensington section of Brooklyn as Tyler Kobe Nichols Way.

Nichols, whose parents hail from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was 21, when he was inexplicably fatally killed on Dec. 23, 2020, by what his aunt, Carlene Chambers, a registered nurse, formerly of Frenches, Kingstown described as reported knifewielding members of the Crisps gang.

Chambers said Nichols and

his brother, Shane, had gone to a barbour shop a few blocks from their home in Kensington, when they were attacked by about five youths reportedly from the gang. Tyler was stabbed in the back.

New York City Council Member Rita Joseph, the Haitian-born representative of the 40th Council District in Brooklyn, and Tyron Stearns, community coordinator for the 67th Precinct Clergy Council in Brooklyn, popularly known as The GodSquad, presided over the ceremony.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consul General to the United States Rondy “Luta” McIntosh was also among attendees.

Ashley Duverneau, Nichols’ girlfriend, who was born in Brooklyn to Haitian parents,

said they met 10 years ago.

“We made so many memories — playing basketball,” she told the ceremony. “He had 21 years of memories on this block.

“Mommy, when it comes to Tyler, we’re not going to stop,” said Duverneau, turning to Nichols’s mother, Sherma Chambers. “They are going to know his name forever. We appreciate all of you guys (community members) every single day. Long live King Kobe!”

Spencer Ostrander said he was honored to co-author the book, “Long Live King Kobe”, on Nichols with Paul Auster.

“Sherma has devoted her life to fighting violence,” he said.

Natasha Christopher — the Trinidadian-born president of Akeal Christopher Community Center, Inc., named in honor of her son, who was shot 12 years ago, June 27, and died 15 days after.

During the unveiling ceremony, she described Sherma Chambers as a “caring” person.

Council Member Rita Joseph (right), presents replica of Tyler Kobe Nichols Way to Sherma Chambers, in the presence of Tyron Stearns, community coordinator for the 67th Precinct Clergy Council. (Credit: Nelson King)

Right: Tyler Nichols, 21, was killed in a random attack allegedly by members of a known gang. (Credit: New York Daily News)

The unveiling of the Tyler Kobe Nichols Way. (Credit: Nelson King)

Ashley Duverneau, Tyler Kobe Nichols’s girlfriend, addresses ceremony.

Sherma Chambers (mother of deceased) addresses ceremony, with her mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Chambers seated in wheelchair. (Credit: Nelson King)

V

Education

Adult & Continuing Education: Offering a second chance

THE ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

DIVISION was created in 1986 in the Ministry of Education, under the name Adult Education Unit.

By 2005 it was carrying the name, Department of Adult and Continuing Education (DACE).

It is founded on and guided by the concept that Adult and Continuing Education ‘includes all initiatives geared towards the non-formal and continuing education of adults. It encompasses a wider range of activities than just training people to read, write and count. It includes initiatives to equip adults with income generating and life skills’.

DACE, in essence, provides “a second chance” for persons on a quest for education/training, with Desrie Richards, Senior Education Officer/ Administrative Co-ordinator of the Department, describing it as being driven to serve the “marginalised, poor, and unemployed.”

The department’s programming is delivered through nine zones nationwide.

Richards summed up the

DACE’s philosophy and programming during a press conference at the National Public Library ‘s Conference Room last Tuesday, September 10, the conference being part of the activities to mark the Department’s Week of Activities: Saturday, 7th September to Friday, 13th September.

In addition to programmes that offer skills training to include craft development, the department also offers more formal classes to prepare learners for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate exams, positioning them for further academic study or entry into the streamline employment opportunities.

Persons engaged in skills training are monitored and certified through nationally coordinated exercises, bolstered by connections with universities and specialised agencies, as well as collaboration with local, regional and international entities.

Richards is pleased with courses in Fundamentals of English and Mathematics.

institution’s commitment to supporting students.

When it comes to the Adult Education, Merle Gelizeau is a familiar figure. She boasts of being the longest serving Craft Instructor around.

She recalled interaction with Lennox ‘Skully’ Hunte, Julian ‘Peling’ Pollard, Lennox Haynes, Neil Cato, Conroy Dyer, who made their expertise available.

Hayden Ferdinand coordinates activities in Zone 8 which covers North Leeward.

He emphasized the joint venture operations that includes linking with civic organisations and local bodies. Ferdinand admitted “nothing is perfect,” He contends, however, that “we should try our best to make it that way.”

Tuesday’s event was part of activities which wind up Friday September 13 with an Art and Craft Exhibition at the Old Treasury Building in Kingstown. (WKA)

Kathleen Edwards, Business Skills Instructor attached to the Department, noted that 82.7 percent of the trainees are female. She invited persons to visit the DACE Facebook page, the “fastest way of getting the message across.”

Kenlyn Medley, Zonal Coordinator for Zone Six, is also responsible for matters related to the CXC exams.

Participants are showing improvement, Medley pointed out. She urged candidates to register early and work on their Student Based Assessment (SBA). She pledges her

Desrie Richards, Senior Education Officer, DACE.

Head table at the pres conference: (L-R): Hayden Ferdinand, Zonal Coordinator (Zone 8); Kolene Thomas, Business Skills Instructor, DACE; Kathleen Edwards, Social Skills Instructor, DACE; Desrie Richards, Senior Education Officer, DACE; Kenlyn Medley, Zonal Coordinator (Zone 6); and Merle Gellizeau, Craft Instructor.

DACE engages communities through Town Hall Meetings as per this one held in Barrouallie. (DACE Facebook Photo)

A Graduating Class from a training programme conducting by DACE at the Glen Learning Centre. (DACE Facebook Photo)

Participants in a Small Appliance Repair training module of DACE. (DACE Facebook Photo)

The products of the graduates of a DACE cake baking and decorating class that was held in June, 2024. (DACE Facebook Photo)

YAF Competition winners announced

IN FEBRUARY OF THIS YEARthe Youlou Arts Foundation (YAF) launched its first art competition for Secondary Schools Students.

The competition was opened to students between the ages 12 through 16. They were asked to create artwork on the theme ‘Caribbean Cultural Patterns’, requiring that they pay attention to the following criteria: creativity, interpretation of the theme, originality and proper use of medium.

The art teachers at the schools entering the competition were responsible for choosing five (5) art pieces worthy of entering the competition, and for making sure that the selected pieces were handed over to the team at the Youlou Art Centre.

Three judges appointed by the team at the Youlou Art Centre did the final judging in August.

Youlou Arts Foundation was happy to announce

place

that 18 students took part in the competition. They represented: St. Clair Dacon Secondary, Thomas Saunders Secondary School, St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, St. Martin’s Secondary School, J.P Eustace Memorial Secondary, and Girls’ High School.

The entrants’ work is on display at the Youlou Art Centre, Indian Bay.

The winners of the inaugural competition were:

* 1st Place - Loriel Pope from St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown Secondary — ‘Caribbean Express’;

* 2nd place - Zahndra Roberts from the Girls High School — ‘The Fabric of Our Lives’;

* 3rd place - Kala Dublin from St. Clair Dacon Secondary School — ‘Caribbean Cultural Patterns’.

Two entrants received honorary mention: Kingslie Millington from St. Martins Secondary School and Talonie Tucker from St. Joseph’s Convent Kingston, each with a piece entitled ‘Caribbean Cultural Patterns’.

The first place received a cash prize of $500, second place $400, third place $300 and two honorable mentions $100 each.

The sponsors for this year’s competition were: St. Vincent Cooperative Bank Ltd., St. Hill Insurance and Theo Saunders Shop, to whom Youlou Arts Foundation extends a huge thank you.

Youlou Arts Foundation is focused on bringing attention to the visual arts in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and nurturing artistic talent among the youth.

Right: Third place ‘Caribbean Cultural Patterns’ by Kala Dublin.

First place ‘Caribbean Express’ by Loriel Pope.

Right: Second

‘The fabric of Our Lives’ by Zahndra Roberts.

OF THIS and THAT

by DONALD DE RIGGS

IMUST STATEfrom the outset that I am impressed with the level of print media journalism in SVG and had a great time reading all three local papers over the past weekend. Despite the fact that some stories are replicated in all papers, there are regular columns that are only found in each paper including exclusives, i.e. found in only one publication. Today I comment on issues that need to go one step further.

Cuban ‘Medics’

First is the report that Cuban medical professionals have a problem understanding English and in particular our dialect. If these medical professionals do not understand what the patient is telling them, then they can make a WRONG assessment or diagnosis and based on that error, prescribe the wrong medication which can have irreversible consequences, including death. Just as when Vincentians who have to study in Cuba have to spend one year learning Spanish, why can’t we demand, or politely ask, that our friends from Cuba learn English before they come here, so that they can communicate effectively and be of maximum usefulness while delivering service to our community?

Security concern

I also read online, this time, that an amendment was made to our laws to, among other matters, allow Caricom nationals to be employed as security guards in this country. This is setting a DANGEROUS precedent and I wonder how persons in the Opposition allowed that group of ‘workers’ to be included. One could easily employ a hitman or woman from another Caricom territory to come here under the guise of a

security guard, do their job and exit the country without scrutiny.

Vincentians wake up!!!

With a local unemployment rate among young people hovering above 30%, why should we be allowing security guards to be ‘imported’ here while we have so many young persons who can be trained to fill those vacancies? Our local security companies ought to be the most vocal in denouncing this latest move by this government, and join with the rest of the public and legal community to demand that this class of workers be struck off the list of Caricom ‘professionals’ allowed to work here.

Maduro cringing

Maduro must be cringing now that the world’s biggest bully seized his toy plane. When he announced earlier this year that Venezuela was claiming a major portion of Guyana based on a dead man’s letter, which put the Guyanese government under duress, he must now be thinking different with the US turning on the pressure. Now mind you, I am not condoning the work of US policy makers; they are the

dirtiest crooks in the world, having destabilized economies and murdered leaders who do not serve their economic, political or ideological interests. ‘Ole’ people here have a saying that ‘every bully has his breaker’.

Medical Ganja Conference

And finally, all TRUE RASTA, (and I don’t mean those persons who wear dreadlocks as a style), and right thinking nationals must condemn and protest against the medical marijuana fest scheduled to take place in SVG. Local lawyers including Ronnie Marks (a former ULP senator) and Grant Connell have repeatedly called for the total legalization of the herb. The BIG contradiction is that the Vincentian petit bourgeois community can smoke the herb without fear of being arrested because they can pay over $100 for a ‘fake’ prescription, while almost every week you read in the papers where a man is charged and in some cases jailed for not being able to pay the fines for a few pounds of weed. Peter Tosh sang “Legalize it, and don’t criticize it”.

What a country of double standards, eh?

Businessman assists needy students

FOUR HUNDRED CHILDRENacross the state will each receive a brand-new backpack and school supplies compliments Paul’s Avenue businessman Jawanza ‘Sanga’ Fraser.

Fraser explained that his motivation to involve himself in a cause of “giving back” came from his experience as a child. He recalled his first day at school, when he walked into his classroom and saw his peers happily displaying new school supplies and backpacks, while he struggled with worn out items.

Now that he was in a position to

USA-based Jamal Ballantyne - a former national midfield footballerhas joined with Fraser in a cause to serve needy students here. (Photo Source: St. Lawrence University website)

help others so that they do not experience the embarrassment he did, he has joined with a USA-based colleague- Jamal Ballantyne, and Jamal’s grandmother, to make sure that at least 400 needy school-aged children receive some assistance that will make their learning experience more comfortable.

“Thanks to Jamal Ballantyne’s grandmother for the vision. Both me and Jamal spend our money to buy the bags to give to the less fortunate children. We also thought about the impact of Hurricane Beryl and the need to help those affected,” said Fraser in an interview with THE VINCENTIAN newspaper.

Besides Jamal Ballantyne and his grandmother, Fraser also acknowledged the support of his cousin, Zane Hector.

And the effort Fraser did not just focus on Fraser’s immediate community of Paul’s Avenue; he responded to those in need regardless of the community from which they came.

The backpacks are filled with essential supplies such as notebooks, rulers, pencils and more.

Fraser’s benevolence did not just stop at the distribution of the

backpacks and other school supplies. He has also provided additional support to seven students by purchasing their textbooks. At press time, he was awaiting another shipment of bags for distribution.

Combating the negative vibes

The businessman is mindful that there are people who have a certain perception of him and will have negative comments to make about his efforts.

Recognising this, he has countered with a response that they are those who “are not willing to do anything positive, who sit around and spout their negative talk.”

He reminded those people: “When action start to speak, words sit down and listen. And what I am doing is action.”

He beckoned those who are speaking negatively “to first ask themselves, what are they doing to better their society. So do some action and stop dealing with words.”

His message to those who might feel inspired by his work is “Each one helps one. Always put kids first because they are the next generation.”

(KH)

VINLEC supports School Meals

THE ST. VINCENT ELECTRICITY SERVICES LTD(VINLEC) has joined forces with the SVG Zero Hunger Trust Fund to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to three schools located near its power plant.

This partnership is a significant step towards ensuring that students receive nutritious meals and supporting local farmers.

At a ceremony held at VINLEC’s main office in Paul’s Avenue on Thursday 12th September, VINLEC presented a cheque in the sum of nineteen thousand five hundred dollars (EC$19,500.00) to the SVG Zero Hunger Trust Fund.

The three new schools that will benefit from this donation are the South Rivers Methodist School, Spring Village Methodist School, and the Fitz Hughes Government School.

VINLEC’s role in this partnership involves sourcing fresh produce from

local farmers and supplying it to the participating schools. This not only helps to address food insecurity among students but also provides a valuable market for local farmers.

“We are excited to be part of this initiative,” said Bria King, VINLEC’s Communication Officer. “VINLEC is committed to enhancing the lives of the communities we serve. By providing fresh produce for school meals, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of our children.”

CEO of the SVG Zero Hunger Trust Fund Safiya Horne-DeBique, expressed her gratitude for VINLEC’s contribution. “This partnership is not just about providing food, it’s about investing in the future of our children,” she said. “By promoting healthy eating habits and supporting local farmers, we are creating a sustainable food system.”

Jawanza ‘Sanga’ Fraser displaying some of the backpacks destined for students in need.

The law against consuming alcohol in funeral processions

Continued from Page 10.

In my wind-up to the debate on the Bill, I posed this query to the Opposition: “If as you agree that drinking alcohol in a funeral procession is, to one degree or another, a worrying problem or trend, what therefore is the large principle at stake which prevents you from supporting the Bill? The Opposition never articulated, in this regard, any “large principle”; they laboured and meandered with inconsequential, erroneous, or ill-advised mutterings, but any reasonable, right-thinking person can easily rubbish their arguments or contentions on this matter.

At my call for “a division”, confusion and disarray descended upon the Opposition – by the time of the vote, the Leader of the Opposition had left the Chamber. When each member was called upon to vote by the Clerk of the House, “yes, no, or abstain”, the responses of the members of the Opposition were as follows:

- Terrence Ollivierre: “There is a sufficiency of laws on the books.”

- St. Clair Leacock: “There is a sufficiency of laws on the books.”

- Daniel Cummings: “Like my colleagues, I say there is a sufficiency of laws on the books.”

- Fitz Bramble: “No to the Bill.”

- Shevern John: “I did not speak on the debate; so, I am not required to vote.

The Clerk of the House then pointed out that she still has a vote. Leacock shouted to John: “You can vote your conscience.” After some delay, Senator John said. “I abstain.”

Neither Nigel Stephenson nor Isreal Bruce was present in the House on that day.

PASSAGE OF THE BILL

The Bill was passed by a vote of 13 members from the government side; Calos James absent; he was on government business overseas. The Clerk of the House announced the vote as: 13 “YES” for the Bill; 1 “NO”; 1 “abstention”; and “3 declined to vote.”

SUMMATION

I make three points in summation:

First, as the record of this debate shows, the government presented a compelling case in fact and law for the Bill’s passage. This

Bill, it is to be noted, was published and widely circulated several weeks before its consideration in the House of Assembly.

Secondly, I advise all members of the public to familiarize themselves with two sets of laws, already on the books and codified under the previous NDP administration, addressing: (i) Offences Relating to Religion, (Chapter VII of the Criminal Code) and (ii) Nuisance and Other Offences Against the Public in General (Chapter XVIII of the Criminal Code). Of particular interest under Chapter VII are the offences of “Insulting any Religion” (which carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail); and “distributing a Religious Assembly” (which carries penalties ranging from the maximum of two-to-five years in jail depending on the circumstances). Under Chapter XVIII, of particular interest, in the context of the current discussion, are the offences relating to “Disorderly Conduct” (maximum of 6 months); and “Drunkenness” (small fines up to one year maximum, depending on the circumstances).

Thirdly, I appeal to the general public that we continue to hold dear the treasured, uplifting tried and tested values of our Caribbean civilization which have served, and continue to serve, our societies very well. Amidst all the changing scenes of life, there are anchors to hold us steadfast and free. I urge, too, that we resist the temptation of so-called “advanced and modern” capitalist societies which put the “anythinggoes” attitudes of an atomized individualism of decadent societies, as against the cohesive solidarity of a “social individualism”. How can an Opposition be so irresponsible not to see the dangers of an atomized individualism in consuming rum and beer in funeral processions of solemnity and joyous Christian celebration? Is hedonism to be preferred or encouraged in public places? Surely, no reasonable person, upon sober reflection, ought ever to oppose the measured legislative response passed in the House of Assembly on September 3, 2024.

Marriage plans set asunder

Dear George,

I AM ENGAGEDto my girlfriend of five years and our plan was to get married in the coming year.

It so happened that I developed kidney problems and I’m in need of a transplant. I’m presently in the USA and on the waiting list for a kidney. I’ve been a US citizen for some time now.

I asked my girlfriend to have the tests that will determine whether or not she was a match for me but she refused. Worse, she said she was not marrying a man with kidney issues. She has called off the engagement and has refused to even take any of my calls. Should I continue to try to reach her so I can persuade her to change her mind?

Disappointed

Dear Disappointed,

Sometimes situations in life force us to make unpopular decisions. Your girlfriend’s decision to call it a day, though seemingly cruel, was an honest one.

She has the right to choose not to marry a man with medical issues and she did. She chose what she thought was the best for her.

The thing to do now is to keep hoping that things (health wise) would turn out well for you.

Try not to hold it against her but instead think of it as she doing what she had to do, and so must you.

George

Still looking for a wife

Dear George,

I AM TIREDof looking for the right woman.

The last three relationships I’ve had all ended in separations and it had nothing to do with me being at fault. Two of the women left and went to the opposite sex and the other to a next man for money. They all started out genuine and sincere but

got distracted somewhere along the line. I am 39 now and do not have much time left to find a wife - a good wife.

Fed up

Dear Fed up,

The search for a wife can be challenging but that does not mean you

should give up. Maybe you should ease up a bit and try not to appear too desperate. Continue to do the right things and operate in the right circles and one day, when you least expect, you will meet the one you are searching for.

Love has a way of finding you when you are not even looking.

George

My girlfriend likes to compare

Dear George,

I MET THIS highly educated and extremely good looking girl not too long ago, and instantly fell for her. I was convinced we had a future together. However, there is one thing about her that is forcing me to think otherwise.

George, she is always comparing me to her past boyfriends. It’s either that one was “bigger”, more romantic or free handed. I have spoken to her repeatedly not to do that but she seems to be blinded to how much it is affecting me.

Not sure

Dear Not sure,

Do you think this is something I can overlook and still marry her?

You have to follow your gut feeling on this on which might be telling you this relationship will not work. Making comparisons with past relationships is a recipe for disaster. Have another frank talk with her about how what she is doing is affecting you and the relationship. If there is no change, then you will know you have to move on from this one.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)

Be an individual. It’s the person you are that people love. Being stubborn with a loved one could back fire. Work toward win–win outcomes. An opportunity at work promises to be positive. If indulging in retail therapy, ensure the budget can cope.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)

Love is intense! Get ready to embrace change. You could be making–up or breaking–up. Think before you speak –the way you communicate with others will determine what happens next. Learn a new skill for personal development.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

If you need to tell someone where you stand on a matter, get straight to the point. With Mercury moving into your home and family zone, you don’t want any mix–ups. To build a family unit, make your house a home. With money, take notice of your own advice.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

It takes two to tango. When looking for a perfect partner, prepare to compromise – life is about give and take. Making and spending money are both necessary, but make sure there’s more cash coming than going. Family demands attention.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

Everything you touch can turn to gold! To win at work, combine common sense with experience and you can’t go wrong. If something’s troubling you, share a problem to get another viewpoint. To build a love bond, make the first move.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

Striving for perfection is what puts you above the rest. When you have an air of confidence, it attracts the attention of decision makers. Be passionate about work and money to ensure more comes your way. With love, don’t be possessive.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

Nothing ventured, nothing gained! When love is on your mind, don’t be shy. With friends, be bold and a reveal how you really feel. Decisions at work could be taken out of your hands. Good news –unexpected money can boost your bank account.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

Choose carefully who you share a secret with; make sure they can be trusted. If you want attention at the work place, do something different. Be creative and think outside the box. Love goddess planet Venus sends connections your way, who you meet now can play a significant part in your life.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

Nothing is impossible! Write a wish–list for your dreams to come true. Be careful of holding onto something that’s passed its expiration date. Not everything is forever. A new start at work heads your way. It will happen with the time is right!

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

You can have it all, don’t take “no” for an answer. Setbacks and restrictions at work will be a thing of the past. The way you manage money is up for review. Love relationships have a mind and destiny of their own – fate is in control.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)

Get ready to take charge! Sudden change at work can play right into your hands. Your efforts are about to be noticed. Travel is in the stars; have your bags packed. Money matters look positive. To win love, use a soft approach.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

Lighten up. Don’t take life too seriously. A new start in love can set your heart racing. Leave emotional baggage and trivial upsets behind for good. When investing or saving cash, make sure you negotiate the best deal possible.

ACROSS

1.Not on 4. Brush’s mate 8. Librarian’s admonition

11. Angle starter

12. Orange-red color

13. Laughing sound

14. First doubledigit

15. Groucho’s brother 16. Common street name

17. Author Ferber et al. 19. Natives 21. Drama division

22. NYC summer setting

23. Sounded like a horse

27. Crashes into 31. River bottom

32. Axiom

35. “Fool – Love”

36. Put your hands together

38. Nullifies 40. Boring tool

43. Pierre’s refusal

47. Gigantic person 50. “__ Man” (2 wds.)

51. Teens’ heroes 53. __ culpa

55. CPA’s busy month

56. Driving hazard

57. Shucked corn part

58. Fast jet (abbr.)

59. Deborah or Jean 60. Tachometer letters

DOWN

44. Revered one in Asian cultures

1.Cooperstown’s Mel 2. At large 3. Valuable item 4. Used a Flexible Flyer 5. Hockey great Bobby __ 6. Shade tree 7. Dracula’s drink 8. Former NL stadium 9. Satan’s

domain 10. Dress bottoms

12. Latin dance 18. Bother 20. Middle (abbr.)

23. “Must-see” network

24. Snaky fish 25. Mrs. Eddie Cantor

26. Blocker of “Bonanza” 28. It follows morning (abbr.)

29. One Stooge 30. Last-yr. students 33. Not as rough

34. Conceited one 37. Lily __

39. Picnic intruder

41. __ broom

42. Cuplike spoon 44. Prejudice

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

45. Refs’ cousins

46. Old Dodge model

48. U.S. citizen (abbr.)

49. __ tide

52. Above, poetically 54. Sleeve locale

Hendrickson pleased but cautious

RETURNING FROM BONAIRE with a draw and a win, St. Vincent and the Grenadines senior men’s Football outfitVincy Heat sits second to El Salvador on 4 points, in Group A of League B, after the September window of the 2024-2025 Concacaf Nations League.

But for recently installed Vincy Heat Head Coach- Ezra Hendrickson, pleased as he is, is not going over the moon with the results, noting, “We have made the first step, but the ladder is high”.

Hendrickson made this assessment as he addressed a welcome ceremony for the team last Monday, September 9, 2024, at the VIP Lounge at the Argyle International Airport.

Vincy Heat drew 1-1 with Bonaire on Thursday, September 5 and beat Montserrat, 2-0, last Sunday, September 8.

The Vincentians had to come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw versus hostBonaire, at the Stadion Antonio Trenidat.

Quincy Hoeve headed the host into the lead in the 36th minute, but Steven Pierre capitalized on a defence error by Bonaire’s goal-keeper- to level the score on minute 39.

The Vincentians returned to the venue on Sunday, in what was essentially their “home match”, to extend their run of wins on the Montserratians. Cornelius Stewart scored in the 15th minute and Diel Spring in the 88th.

Montserrat though, had two opportunities to score on a penalty kick, but Lemus Christopher saved Brandon Barzey’s shots.

Hendrickson insisted: “There is a lot of catching up we need to do … There is a lot of things that even in this last game here (versus Montserrat) we did play better in the second game than we played in the first game, there are things that we did not get to train leading up to these games”.

The former Vincy Heat player, captain and Assistant Coach is pleased

with how quickly his charges have bought into his coaching methodology.

“I coach professionally, it takes five to six weeks for a group of players to really grasp your philosophy, game model style of play…To be able to play in just three or four weeks is very good… I am looking forward for much more improvement”, Hendrickson said with delight.

With eyes on the next outing against El Salvador on October 10 and

13, both at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, the coach noted: “We four to five weeks before our next game against a very formidable opponent … Someone that we can’t take lightly … The beauty of it is that we play both games here in St. Vincent and we always say, we Vincy don’t back down from nobody”.

El Salvador leads the group on six points, having defeated Montserrat and Bonaire, 4-1 and 2-1, respectively.

Kydd swims best-ever at Para-Games

PARALYMPIC SWIMMER KENTREAL

KYDD, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ lone representative at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France, came away from the Games having recorded his best time in the Men’s 50m Freestyle.

Competing in the S9 category of the event on

Football returns to Arnos Vale

STARVED FROM INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALLfor just about one year, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ showpiece sporting venue, The Arnos Vale Playing Field is back in business as far as being a venue for international football is concerned.

The modernised field will host two matches between El Salvador and this country, October 10 and 13.

The first of the tie will be classified as St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ home match and the second, their away encounter.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines was set to host El Salvador in Group F of the Concacaf Zone World Cup Qualifiers last June 9, but the unavailability of the Arnos Vale venue saw the match being played at the Dr.

Franklin Essed Stadium in Paramaribo, Suriname. El Salvador ended victors 3-1. Indication that the Arnos Vale Playing Field was cleared for use by the SVG Football Federation came last Monday, September 9, 2024, at the welcome ceremony at the Argyle International Airport, as Vincy Heat made its way back from meeting Bonaire and Montserrat in Bonaire, in the Concacaf Nations League. Assuring that Vincentians will get their first taste of Football at nights at the Arnos Vale venue, were President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football

The Arnos Vale Playing Field will host its first football match under lights on October 10. (API)

Federation- Otashie Spring and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E Gonsalves.

“You will be playing under the lights next month here at Arnos Vale and I am sure we will have a large crowd”, Gonsalves announced.

The lights at the Arnos Vale Playing Field were installed ahead of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ hosting of five matches in the International Cricket Council’s Men’s T/20 World Cup, staged June, 2024.

September 2, Kydd, an amputee, clocked 31.45s in Heat Two, bettering his 31.67s done at the 2023 Para Pan American Games, held in Santiago, Chile.

For Kydd, it is a feat that he relishes as he continues to build a pathway in Swimming.

Comparing his Chile outing to that of his recent effort in France, Kydd said, “It (France) was a bigger stage, more people … It was more breathtaking …This experience will help me a lot, as it is a very challenging sport, because you have to put your best into it and work hard, as it doesn’t come easy”.

Meanwhile, President of the National Paralympic Committee Inc. St. Vincent and the Grenadines- Rudi Daniel, who was in France to witness Kydd’s performance, stated, “This was his third international… He has done Limoge, France; he has done Santiago, Chile, now he has done Paris, 2024, that is the best time he has done so far”.

Looking ahead, Daniel proposes, “...he is good for 2028”, the next time

the Paralympic Games are held in Los Angeles, USA.

Dexroy Creese, also an amputee, was St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ first Paralympian. Creese created that piece of Vincentian sporting history when he competed at the 2020 Tokyo Games in Japan, held over in 2021, because of the coronavirus pandemic. Kydd, also has history on his side, as he was the first Vincentian to participate in the Para Pan American Games.

Para-swimmer- Kentreal Kydd saved his best for Paris, France.

Ezra Hendrickson – Head Coach.

Table Tennis programme targets the youth

THE VINCY TABLE TENNIS FOUNDATIONand the UK Friends of the Mustique Charitable Trust officially brought its first round of collaboration to an end, after two years programming.

The closing ceremony, which was held at the St. Vincent Grammar School, recognized the work the coaches and players had put in over the two years.

Programmes were held in Troumaca, Fancy and Clare Valley, each location accommodating 15 players.

Mrs. Dularie Malcolm, Administration Director of the U.K Friends of the Mustique Charitable Trust, said at the closing, “I was impressed when I saw the changes the programme had created and the impact it had on the kids. It stressed what we were looking for in terms of positivity - keeping the kids occupied, sharing the love for the sports, creating an avenue to attract kids and keeping them in the sports doing positive things.”

The intention of the Trust is to improve the opportunities for young children, young people and vulnerable adults while supporting the development of sustainable local communities throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Malcolm explained. Romaro Spencer, Head Coach of the Vincy Foundation,

Romano Spencer, Head Coach/Vincy TT Foundation, appealed for support as the Foundation looks to expand its programme.

Antrobus tops Keep Fit Race

LUCKY ANTROBUS

was the first to the finish line at Casson Hill last Sunday afternoon, September 8, 2024, to win the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union’s Keep Fit Road Race.

Antrobus’ winning time was 3:10. 09.46, in the 56.6-mile event that saw the cyclists ride off from the decommissioned ET Joshua Airport Tarmac to Tourama, then to Mount Young and back to Tourama, and returning via the Windward Highway to end at Casson Hill.

explained, “The intention of the Foundation is to involve itself in collaborations like this one (re. Mustique Charitable Trust) so that programmes can be started in other locations.”

Fifteen other locations have been identified as targets for the programme.

Programme participants and officials at the closing ceremony.

Right: Dularie Malcolm (Mrs.) Administration Director of the U.K Friends of the Mustique Charitable Trust, addressing the closing ceremony.

Spencer stressed, “Without the funding, half of what we did could not have happened,” as he appealed for more support in an effort to not only popularize the sport but more importantly, to use the sport as a means of contributing to the positive development of young people here.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Top archers decided

Second was Zefal Bailey in 3:16.55.73 and third- Gabriel Doyle in 3:16.55.97.

The Keep Fit race was a prelude to an Open Invitational set for September 22, in which the same route will be traversed, but with an additional loop from Mount Young to Tourama. That event is expected to field participation by cyclists from Barbados, Grenada and St. Lucia.

The Keep Fit and Open Invitational are preparatory events for St. Vincent and the Grenadines participation in the 2024 Caribbean Cycling Championships, slated for Guyana in November

AFTER TWO DAYSof intensive rivalry played out at the playing field that adjoins the West St. George Secondary School, the top archers in the country emerged as the Archery Association of SVG hosted its National Archery Championships, September 7 and 8, 2024. Taking gold in the Barebow Men

Extraordinary Beginner 15 metres category was Kris Simmons, while the silver medal was copped by Jason Scott. Rounding up the top three was

Andre Hadley, who collected the bronze.

In the Barebow Mixed Beginner 30 metres category, Teneka Baptiste topped with the gold, with Prince Johnsilver and Brian Gibbsbronze.

Taking the Recurve Men’s Beginners 30 metres gold medal was Adrian Parris, with Tristan Parris copping the silver, and Arush Balipalli, bronze.

Meanwhile, Jared Nichols copped the Recurve Men’s Development 50 metres

segment, ahead of Rayon Clarke and Nichols Deane, taking gold, silver and bronze, in that order.

Taking gold in the Recurve Women’s 50 metres was Divya Jiandani; the silver went to Richol Richards, with Marese Burgin earning the bronze medal.

And Nichols and Jiandani took gold in the

Development

category;

went to Clarke and Richards and bronze to the duo of Deane and Burgin. Twenty archers competed for honours in the two days of competition. Saturday was reserved for the archers to shoot for qualifying scores, with Sunday’s activities geared at elimination.

Recurve Mixed Team

50 metres

silver

Lucky Antrobus

Recurve Women’s 50m: left to right: Richol Richards, Divya Jiandi, Marese Burgin.

Recurve Men’s Beginners 30m: From left to rightTristan Parris, Adrian Parris, Arush Balipalli.

Sports V

In the spirit of sports

IF THERE WASgreater collaboration in the sporting sector grounds would have been ready for the 2024 Masters T/20 competition for the originally earmarked date. A two-week delay might be the window players need to get themselves further in shape.

That tournament, involving local teams, sets the stage for an international championship organised at two phases. That is part of a Ministry of Tourism extravaganza.

It adds to the Independence celebrations package and serves as a platform for cricket enthusiasts to keep their fitness in a relaxing and familiar routine.

The benefits of renewing and establishing friendships at the regional and international level form part of this Masters showdown.

Older men enjoy reliving dreams they cultivated over the years.

Taking part in a Masters tournament, in any discipline, adds that verve of rejuvenation. Many men, having seen the phases of life, take their current situation as echoes of mercy.

Involvement throws off many a stigma, clears the clots in the blood vessels, and allows persons to feel the thrill and the joy of life.

With a free flowing spirit of natural endurance, players have the platform to show their younger citizens, the value of social interaction.

Rivalry at any level makes for healthy exercise. Persons have to be clear how they cherish the gifts that they are offered. The ability to be flexible at this juncture come with some fusions of sacrifice.

That was not the only price you paid. The burden you bore, sometimes having to shrug, just for survival equips you for another period of probation. And you still have the spirit of fulfilling your dreams. After all, you have come so far, and that is the most profound blessing.

You have lots to be thankful for, and you have to be genuine about it. Be respectful to everyone, no matter how insignificant you think that other person might appear to be.

That is a trait of humanity that must not be allowed unfettered reign.

Never burn the bridge over which you have crossed. You might need it as an escape route. One may have to run away from raging waters, or rising floods. In any event, take care of yourself. That the best you can do. Keep your head above waters, and maintain that spirit of gratitude.

Coach Ezra Hendrickson will draw some satisfaction from his team’s performance at the Nation’s League. His squad beat Montserrat 2: nil, following a one all tie with Bonaire.

El Salvador, the other team in the Group, secured a 2: 1 win over Bonaire, following a 4:1 score line over Montserrat.

Vincy Heat meet El Salvador October 10 and 13. By then the Groups’ winner would have been close to determination.

The Vincentian senior football squad meet Monsterrat November 14, The campaign rounds off against Bonaire November 17.

CWI introduces new selection process

CRICKET WEST INDIES (CWI) is moving to effect changes in its selection process.

Indication of this thrust was confirmed by Miles Bascombe, CWI Director of Cricket, while speaking at the CWI quarterly media conference held at the College Cricket Academy in Antigua, last week.

The process, according to Bascombe, will be driven by data derived from talent and performance reports from the six territories that comprise CWI.

And while the Head Coach will now have the responsibility for final selection, that person will be advised by a Senior Talent Manager who will be responsible for collecting and collating data from the territories and passing same on to the Head Coach.

“The Senior Talent Manager will sit with the Head Coach to ensure he is making the selection decisions based on the data he receives,” Bascombe told the Media Conference.

The data with which the Senior Talent Manager will be fed will come from Territorial Talent ID in all territories. This, Bascombe emphasised, will be a key component in the selection process going forward.

Territorial Talent IDs will be contracted in each of the six territories. They will be responsible for drawing all the information of the talent in their territories, i.e. provide players’ depth charts, players profile development, players’ performance, etc.

The territorial level will be informed by a Local Selection Network, which will interface with CWI Contracted Technical Personnel in each of the six constituent territories.

Franchise head coaches and assistant coaches are also expected to assist in collecting data, “which will give us a lot more eyes on the talent,” Bascombe assessed.

Miles Bascombe, Director of cricket/CWI, giving insight into the new selection process

And as far as the underlying aim of the new selection process is concerned, the CWI Director Cricket shared, “What we aim to do is to take the engine room of the selection system back to where the talent resides, which is in the territories.”

He posited that the ‘new’ process should ensure that the final selection is a product of the quality of information that is passed to the head coach, all the more reason, Bascombe said, why it was important to make sure that the Head Coach has the best data available from all the territories.

An impression of the new CWI selection structure.

Five changes in Volcanoes squad

FIVE WINDWARDS VOLCANOESplayers have lost contracts ahead of the team’s participation in the CWI Super50, but head coach Kenroy Peters is

unperturbed. In fact, Peters expressed being excited by the new complement. Those losing contracts were: Shermon Lewis, Larry Edward, Kamani

Baugh Jr. joins VolcanoesÊ Staff

FORMER West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman

Jamaican Carlton Baugh Jr. has taken on a new role in his cricketing journey, joining the Windward Islands Volcanoes as their assistant coach.

Baugh began his duties on September 2 under a one-year contract. He will work closely with head coach Kenroy Peters as the batting coach, with a primary focus on sharpening the skills of the team’s batsmen.

The Volcanoes are currently in preparation here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the upcoming Super50 Cup and the West Indies Championship, set to take place next year.

Baugh played 21 tests scoring 610 runs and scored 482 in 47 ODI and 3 T20 for the West Indies.

His résumé includes coaching stints with the Jamaica senior women’s cricket team; assistant coach with the Jamaica Scorpions franchise and coach of Lucas Cricket Club in Jamaica.

Melius, Trevon Walcott and Nicholas Redhead. They have been replaced by: Gilon Tyson, Stephen Pascal, Kamal Hamilton, Keon Gaston and Noel Louis.

The Volcanoes Franchise, with SVG as their home base for the past year, has officially commenced their training for the Championship, scheduled to start on October 29 in Trinidad.

Peters noted, “The fitness assessment and screening with medical teams is the first component of our preparation. This is one of the key parts of our preparation…. making sure everyone is healthy.”

He disclosed that 60% of the squad is already in SVG with the others currently participating in the ongoing CPL. A number of pay-for-play players are expected to join the squad currently in training, to bolster the preparation leading up to the Super50, Peters said.

The coach admitted, “I am a lot more confident with our preparation. I know from the planning that has been put into it and the areas we are

expecting to target, that we are going to have a much better performance than last year. … We are just looking to build on the momentum of the four-day championship and take it one step closer to doing the double.”

Three support staff have been added to the set up: Orlanzo Jackson joins as the pin consultant coach; Soreyna Miller, sports mental coach and Carlton Baugh as the assistant batting coach.

Carlton Baugh Jr.the new assistant coach for the Windward Islands Volcanoes.

Kenroy Peters - Head Coach of Windward Volcanoes.

for West indies cricket.

Seized jet used in prisoner exchange

From Backpage

According to Gonsalves, he had seen the reports about the seizure of the aircraft but had not received formally any information regarding the issue from the US Government or through any diplomatic channels or otherwise, and that he was trying to ascertain whether the jet landed here before making its way to Venezuela.

“But nobody in any political directorate controls which plane comes in… that’s a matter for the Director of Civil Aviation,” Gonsalves said.

Gonsalves further explained that unless there was something untoward about a particular plane or boat to which they have been alerted, there was no reason not to allow them to enter.

The U.S also alleged

that the aircraft was purchased using a Caribbean-based Shell company to hide Maduro’s involvement in the purchase.

The Prime Minister said that he was checking with the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to determine if any company registered here purchased the aircraft.

He stressed, however, that the registration of an international business company was not authorised by anybody in the political directorate.

“That’s a normal company formation,” he said.

If a company was

requiring an international banking license however, that goes to the minister of finance. “So, people have the whole process cockeyed.”

But Gonsalves said that he has seen another report that the aircraft was registered in San Marino, a European microstate.

But what was strange about the comments being made about the issue according to Gonsalves was that no one asked about what type of sanction existed.

According to Gonsalves, the sanctions against Venezuela were unilateral, and local

government would cooperate once they have been informed by the US of a particular sanction.

“This is not a United Nations sanction,” Gonsalves contended.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines was bound by international law to follow the sanctions of the United Nations Security Council, Gonsalves explained.

And when there are such sanctions, he said, they come to him as Prime Minister and he immediately sends out documents to individuals and agencies including the Attorney General, the FSA, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU),

the Commissioner of Police, the Comptroller of Customs and the Chief Immigration Officer.

“Remember, the difference between a unilateral sanction and an international sanction from the Security Council, international sanctions from the UN Security Council are to be obeyed by all responsible nations,” Gonsalves explained. If there is a unilateral sanction of a particular state, they may seek the cooperation of another state in complying with those sanctions.

“But I don’t know of any communication which has been so made,” he continued.

AI REAL ESTATE

by DAYLE DA SILVA

THE LUXURY JET, used by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, that was seized by the United States Government, was the aircraft used in the exchange of prisoners between both countries in December 2023.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves confirmed on radio on September 8 that the jet, a Falcon 900EX, was used in transporting prisoners, which this country facilitated, from Venezuela to Canouan as part of the second exchange in December 2023. He was addressing the issue which made headlines after news broke that the aircraft — which the US Government alleges was bought illegally — had passed through St. Vincent and the Grenadines on its way to Venezuela in April 2023.

Continued on Page 27.

HANGING CAUSED 11-YEAR-OLDÊS DEATH

ELEVEN-YEAR-OLDGifton

Myle of Francois, Vermont, was expected to begin his secondary education in September, having written the primary school exit examination in May.

That was turned upside down when the boy was found dead, hanging by the neck, on August 20, 2024.

A source told THE VINCENTIAN then, that Gifton’s body was discovered by his cousin Kleran, who reportedly told his mother that he had

seen Gifton earlier “with a piece of rope” under the house, and it looked like “he was trying to tie it on to something.”

Now, some three weeks after the discovery of Gifton’s body, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) confirmed that the finding of a post-mortem examination conducted on August 22, 2024, determined that the cause of Gifton’s death “was due to hanging.”

The RSVGPF said that there was no evidence to suggest foul play.

Speculation was rife in his community immediately following the

discovery of Gifton’s body. Some residents of the community described it as a case of suicide but wondered what could have driven an 11-year-old to commit such an act, especially that he was considered a “bright and promising young boy” who could not stop saying to his friends and family how much he was looking forward to starting secondary school. Another view expressed to THE VINCENTIAN was that he might have been “playing a game that went wrong.”

In this regard, his death remains a mystery.

Gifton Myle died before fulfilling a dream of attending secondary school.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (inset) has confirmed the jet in questioned was in Canouan in 2023.