HOMICIDE
50 AND 51 RECORDED
by KENVILLE HORNE
this country’s 51st homicide victim for 2024.
His death on Monday 9th December followed closely on the 50th homicide, that of Ronald Millington who was shot and killed in Murray’s Village on Friday 6, December.
Jarvis Horne – No. 51
Horne, who was employed with the Environmental Health Department, commonly referred to as the Sanitation Department, was gunned down just outside his workplace in Kingstown. around 6:00pm on Monday 9, December
A police report said that officers of the Royal SVG Police Force responded promptly to news of the shooting and on arrival at the scene, discovered Horne alive with multiple gunshot wounds to the head.
He was taken to the nearby Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he died.
According to an eye witness, Horne was already into his evening shift when he was killed.
“ He was coming from ‘Bottom Town’ area and when he reached close to Clear Habor, (a business that delivers high-performance customer care services in the Caribbean and located at the corner of Lower Middle and Lindley Streets, Street and ND Linley Street,) just across from his work
place, a gunman come from the area close to where the bridge is and entered Clear Harbor side and shoot Jarvis,” said the male who was working in the vicinity of Clear Habor at the time of the shooting. He said that the gunman then ran in the direction of Rose Place.
“ Yo could see all the blood dey, right next to the blue drum. That is where he was killed,” said the man as he pointed at the spot where deceased body was found.
The deceased also sold agricultural produce at the roadside in his community and had a passion for music. However, a family told THE VINCENTIAN that Javis had told them he felt like his life was in danger, because people wanted to kill him.
Ronald Millington – No. 50
On Friday evening, December 6, 2024, the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force reported a shooting incident in Murray’s Village that resulted in the death of Ronald Millington, a 40-year-old self-employed member of the community, bringing the homicide count for the year then to 50.
The police acted swiftly in response to the reports concerning the incident. Upon their arrival at the scene, the officers encountered Mr. Millington, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head.
Continued on Page 3.
Ronald Millington had escape the aim of a gunman on a previous occasion.
Jarvis Horne may just have had a premonition about his death.
Jarvis Horne’s body was found lying next to this barrel. Blood stains to the right show where he lay.
of Police
Charge of
Take your security seriously
Face to Face programme carried on NBC Radio.
Bailey’s, underlying message to residents and visitors was to be “vigilant during the holiday season.”
The warning came from Assistant Commissioner of Police in Charge of Crime, Trevor ‘Buju’ Bailey, as he spoke on the Tuesday 10th December, 2024 episode of the
VINCENTIANS AND VISITORS alike have been warned, especially at this festive period, to be on their “Ps and their Qs” for scammers and other ill-intent persons, who are bent on taking advantage of persons with fraudulent schemes and games.
He urged shoppers to safeguard their personal items when out shopping, and appealed to them, during the heightened activity at this time, to be mindful especially about their cellular phones and jewelry,
‘popular’ targets for thieves, and which they carry on their person. He made a special mention of the need to safeguard these items when shoppers venture into crowded areas.
Bailey also took the time out to highlight the increasing use of CCTV cameras by property and business owners.
While he recognized this as a significant and effective means towards safeguarding one’s property, he noted that many private homeowners and
businesses operators “focus their cameras primarily on their property, without considering the immediate surroundings.”
He encouraged homeowners and business owners to expand their camera coverage to include the perimeter of their property and surrounding areas so as to enhance security.
Bailey was simple and to the point in his appeal: “… take your security seriously this Christmas season.”
Homicide 50 and 51 recorded
Reports are that Millington was shot dead near the Apostolic Faith Church in Murray’s Village sometime after 10:20 pm, while on his way home.
Red Letter day for AIA
SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER,2024
was a Red Letter Day in the short history of the Argyle International Airport (AIA).
For the first time, and on that day, the airport welcomed three American Airlines aircraft/flights.
The flights originated from JFK New York; Miami, Fl. and for the first time from Charlotte, North Carolina.
Adding even more significance to the occasion was that Vincentian Captain Rochell Roache-Lanza of Bequia commanded the inaugural flight of American Airlines’ new direct service from Charlotte to AIA; and Tevin Goodridge Da Silva another Vincentian, served as the first officer on the flight arriving from JFK, New York.
Roache and Da Silva each received a gift bag from the SVG Tourism Authority, to commemorate another historic milestone on their résumés.
Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development, and Culture, expressed his enthusiasm for this historic
moment saying, “The arrival of three American Airlines flights on the same day is a significant milestone for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This achievement underscores the strategic growth of our destination in the U.S. market and demonstrates the confidence major airlines have in the potential of our tourism industry.”
As it stands, the North America to SVG/AIA route is served by America Airlines, JetBlue, Westjet, Spirit Airlines, Caribbean Airlines and Air Canada.
The UK to SVG/AIA route is served by Virgin Atlantic Airways.
Among the airlines providing interisland service are Caribbean Airways, LIAT20, InterCaribbean Airways and Winair.
Argyle International Airport (AIA) officially opened on February 14, 2017. The first international flight to land at the airport was a Dynamic Airways charter flight from New York City.
The project broke ground on 13 August 2008, with a work team of Vincentians and Cubans.
Readers will recall that Millington was shot, but escaped death, when on Sunday 16 June, 2024, a masked gunman entered a bar in Murray’s Village where he and other men were ‘liming’.
The gunman opened fire, killing 33-year-old businessman Zeno Lee, better known as ‘Sarge’ of Murray’s Village. The gunman also attempted to murder Enrique King, a 24-yearold bartender from Richmond Hill, while Millington sustained grievous bodily harm as a result of being shot and in his escape fell into a river.
As a result of that ordeal, Millington had to walk with the aid of a crutch and previous to all of this he had part of one of his hands amputated during a dispute with a man.
Following investigations into the June 16 shooting, police arrested and charged Lemar Isaacs, aka Chak, 22, unemployed, of McKies Hill, with the murder of Zeno Lee, attempted murder of Enrique King, wounding Millington with intent, and using a firearm to aid in the commission of an offence.
Shooting continues
And the shooting in capital Kingstown continued on Tuesday 10th December.
The Royal SVG Police Force (RSVGPF) reported that it was investigating a shooting incident that occurred in Rose Place, Kingstown, in the vicinity of the Rubis Gas Station, on the morning of December 10, 2024.
The police confirmed that at approximately 11:50am, a 35-yearold vendor from Ottley Hall was shot in his right leg by an unidentified male assailant. The victim was transported to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), where he was receiving medical attention up to Wednesday.
Investigations into this and the two fatal shooting are ongoing, and the police has appealed to anyone with information that could assist in identifying the perpetrators to come forward.
The combination of these murders and the continuing brazen use of firearms point to a worrying reality that pervades this country of 110.000 people.
Assistant Commissioner
in
Crime, Trevor ‘Buju’ Bailey made a simple but poignant appeal to residents and visitors.
Continued from Frontpage.
A first, three AA aircraft at the AIA on the same day,
‘I
will die,” honey thief declares
Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS
BRIAN CUFFY, the 69-yar-old unemployed man who stole several bottles of honey on various occasions from Massy Stores claiming that he used it to treat his asthma, told THE VINCENTIAN, “I can’t bear prison. I will die.”
Cuffy made the comment while sitting in the prisoners’ row at the Kingstown Magistrate Court on Monday, after being ordered to pay $447.23 in compensation for the honey by January 17, 2025, or go to prison for three months.
Cuffy was also ordered to pay forthwith $119.80 of the compensation but was unable so to do, and had to be returned to His Majesty’s Prison where he had been on remand for one week pending sentencing.
When Cuffy appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court last week, he pleaded guilty to six counts of stealing honey from Massy Stores on November19, 22, 25, 26 and 28, and December 2. The honey stolen altogether valued $575.00, but four bottles were recovered. He was remanded
Cybercrime offenders stare stiff penalties
TWO PERSONSwho used cellular phones to distribute and transmit sexual images of another, including a woman who also published defamatory comments, face the possibility of being fined and confined when they return to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on December 16 for sentencing.
Reno Roberts, a 27-yearold unemployed Georgetown man, and the woman, Zarietta Zavisha Wilson of Ottley Hall are both charged on two counts with intentionally and without lawful excuse or without the consent of Claudia Castello of Belair, using a computer system to distribute and transmit sexual explicit images of Castello that contained personal identification information of Castello, contrary to section 16 of the Cybercrime Act, 2016.
while sentencing was postponed.
His lawyer, Grant Connell, told the Court in mitigation that based on his instructions Cuffy suffered from asthma, and he mixes the honey with molasses to treat the condition. Cuffy had told this to the Court last week.
Connell also said that he understood that when Cuffy was arrested, he had an asthma attack and had to be taken to the hospital.
Even as Cuffy sat in the Court on Monday awaiting his sentencing, he complained of feeling ill and had to be taken back to prison.
He returned several minutes later with what appeared to be an inhaler.
Before the sentencing hearing, Senior Magistrate Tammika Da Silva-McKenzie asked him: “You want me to put off the sentencing until you fell better?” And gave the stern warning, “I don’t want no medical emergency in here.”
But Cuffy felt he was able to proceed.
Following his sentencing, Cuffy told THE VINCENTIAN, he suffers from asthma and was experiencing shortness of breath while sitting in
Brian Cuffy is caught between the devil (prison) and the deep blue sea (unable to pay compensation).
Court. He described his week on remand as horrible, having to sleep on the concrete floor with one blanket.
He said it was like a nightmare having to go back there as he did not have the money to pay the first part of the compensation.
He said he sells coconuts on the beach and could pay the money if he was given time.
In addition to the compensation, Cuffy was sentenced to three months in prison, but that sentence was suspended for six months.
Painter charged for having prohibited gun
no
A 33-YEAR-OLD PAINTER
of Walvaroo charged with possession of a prohibited firearm modified to be fully automatic, according to the police report, will make his next court appearance on January 9.
Appearing before Senior Magistrate Tammika DaSilvaMcKenzie at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, the defendant, Jason Richards, pleaded not guilty to possession of a Glock 26 pistol, a prohibited weapon, without the authorization of the Minister.
Richards also pleaded not guilty to possession of 24 rounds of 9 mm ammunition without license.
Richards, who was represented by attorney Grant Connell was granted $20,000 bail with one surety, on condition that he report to the Central Police Station every Thursday between 6am. and 6pm, and surrender all travel documents.
Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit without permission from the Serious Offenses Court or a high court.
The matter was adjourned to January 9 and transferred to the Serious Offense Court.
The charges reported reportedly stem from a police action at Redemption Sharpes on December 5.
Only the military are allowed to carry prohibited weapons.
Under the recent amendments to the Firearms Act, possession of a prohibited weapon, in the Magistrate’s Court, has moved from 10 years to 15 years in prison, and the fine up from $20,000 to $50,000.
On indictment, the maximum penalty moved from 20 to 25 years in
Jason Richards as he left the the Serious Offences Court on Wednesday.
prison.
For possession of unlicensed firearms, in the Magistrate’s Court, the maximum penalty moved from $20,000, or seven years in prison to $25,000, or ten years in prison, and a person could be fined and confined.
Peto man charged with attempted murder
Wilson is also charged with publishing defamatory comments of Castello to wit, “Any man want pussy to buy, go ‘Bike’ bar and ask for ‘Barbie’, that bitch love f…” contrary to section 19 (1) of the Cybercrime Act.
Castello is also referred to as ‘Barbie’.
The offenses were committed on October 10, 2024. The duo pleaded guilty when they initially appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court about two weeks ago, but sentencing was adjourned twice.
On their return to Court on Tuesday Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie told them that they could be fined, confined, or fined and confined, but she was leaning towards the option of fined and confined.
The Magistrate, however, contended that she had to assess all the factors and look at written submissions from the Prosecution. She ordered that those submissions be ready by December 12 and sentencing will be on December 16.
Hooper was granted bail when he appeared in Court on Monday after being charged with the attempted murder of a 13-yearold.
Hooper, 35, is reported to have used a cutlass to chop the teenager in the head during an incident at Petit Bordel on December 1.
The victim was hospitalized following the incident but was
subsequently discharged.
Hooper was not required to plead during his appearance before Senior Magistrate Tammika McKenzie at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Prosecutor Aliston Stapleton did not object to bail, and the Court set bail in the sum of $25,000 with one surety.
As part of his vial conditions, Hooper was ordered not to contact
the victim, to surrender all travel documents, and to report to the Chateaubelair Police Station every Monday and Thursday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit, and he is not to leave the state without permission of the Serious Offenses Court or a High Court. The matter was adjourned to January 9 and transferred to the Serious Offenses Court.
The serial
of the firearm was unknown.
PETIT BORDELresident Shelton
Zarietta Zavisha Wilson of Ottley Hall – one of two persons to be sentenced for cybercrime offences.
Mayreau: 4 months after Beryl
AS ONE GETS CLOSER TO THE ‘EPICENTER’ of the damage inflicted on the southern Grenadines by Hurricane Beryl on July 1st, 2024, the effects are still evident: two churches completely ‘bombed’, and dozens of structures still unattended to, and persons still living in shelters, tents and other with relatives. That is the stark reality, but the buzzword ‘resilience’ is on display at every turn as Mayreau residents get on their feet again.
Rebuilding homes
Some home owners who had property insurance have already rebuilt and are assisting others in whatever little way they can, which is a demonstration of support for each other. One resident, Anita Wilson, who operates First Stop Supermarket, said she was able to get a team of workmen from the mainland to repair her home, because her property was insured and that she can now reside on the upper floor of the building which lost the entire roof. All in all, about 60% of roofs have been restored. The remainder is made
up of those are waiting for insurance to release funds, and others who don’t know how and when they are going to start. Of the 60% of homes with roofs, some of the buildings are still incomplete, many lacking doors and windows.
Another reality that surfaced post-Beryl is that most of the houses that did not lose their roofs are now leaking. The stress and vibration these structured endured, compromised their strength, with hair-thin cracks developing and now allowing rain water to seep through these cracks and
into these buildings.
In shelters and meal aid
There are still about a dozen persons living at the lone shelter located in the pavilion at the hard court. Others have improvised living quarters and live in tents and as stated earlier, others are living with friends or relatives on the island. The unhindered movement of all the grenadines ferries between the mainland and the southern grenadines, ensures that fresh food, medical and housing supplies are readily available.
Everyday over 50 persons gather for lunch at a relief kitchen that feeds the majority of persons on the island.
The main chef Zannie Adams and a team of sous chefs have faithfully fed the Mayreau residents including foreign volunteer vets who are taking care of pets, mainly dogs, from just after the storm impacted the island. Just after the storm, over 200 persons were fed daily.
According to one of the Mayreau residents he is happy with the arrangement as he does not have to worry about preparing a main meal for his family and himself, so he could concentrate on rebuilding his home. He noted that right after Beryl they would get a breakfast and lunch, Monday to Saturday, but in recent times it is just lunch alone, for which he and others are still very thankful. There is no shortage of drinking water and school children are also fed with nutritional meals every day, thanks to Zannie and his support staff.
Although electrical power has been restored, telecommunications is still an issue, but the presence of a few Starlink units guarantee that Mayreau is still in contact with the rest of the world.
Attending to local businesses
As for local restaurant hit by Beryl, owners have begun the rebuilding process. Robert Lewis,
aka “Righteous”, and James Alexander of Island Paradise fame, both restaurant owners, are busy retaining their original flavor like “Righteous”, or rebuilding stronger with an improvement in ambience like Island Paradise. Dennis Hideaway is still untouched post-Beryl, and as he finalizes plans to rebuild has set up a restaurant in St. Vincent to keep his culinary skills sharp.
The main malaise that enters the conversation ever so often is the fact that several persons who operated shops at Salt Whistle Bay have not been able or allowed to rebuild. Some of these residents have conducted business there for over 35 years and this they claim is unfair since these business operations catered mainly for the tourist/visitor market.
That apart, the lone primary school and preschool with a combined total of about 40 children are still in operation. The Principal does not have an office from which to conduct his work but is sufficiently resilient to operate under dire conditions. That is the indomitable spirit that characterizes the Mayreau community, a positive vibe that must be commended and supported.
Contributed by Donald De Riggs
Reconstruction work in progress.
Right: One of the nearly completed houses.
Zannie Adams (3rd from R) and kitchen crew.
Principal printing test papers from makeshift office.
One of the ‘bombed out ‘ churches.
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Managing Director: Desiree Richards
Editor: Cyprian Neehall
Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129
Website: www.thevincentian.com
Email: thevincentianpublishing@gmail.com
Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Editorial
Crime Statistics and farms afar
AFTER CAREFUL DELIBERATION,we have decided that a pronouncement made by the Prime Minister’s Press Officer should not go unattended, i.e. without placing what he said in its broad context so that it does not remain as simpleton as he would want us to accept.
The statistics which the Press Officer quoted recently on Boom 106.9 FM, we are wont to accept as accurate, given his ‘assurance’ of his sources of information, e.g. the RSVGPF.
What we must tell the Officer up front is that we recognized that he was plastering a festering sore with the flimsiest of band aids, but in the process, as faithful an officer as he is, he failed to deliver an effective political spin on a serious issue like crime… violent crime especially.
How could the Prime Minister’s Press Officer, with all his ‘accurate statistics and power of reason’, before rushing into pronouncing on a serious issue as crime, not make a simple assessment which the Commissioner of Police (Ag) would corroborate later in that day, to wit: “The recent rise in violent crime, particular murders involving firearms, has brought significant unease to the general public.”
Here the Commissioner was correct in deducing that while what the Press Officer was so quick to jump to ‘sell’ us, that the reality was not so much whether there were three less cases of assault or so many less cases of homicide to date, but that the ongoing crime situation, characterized by brazen violent crime, murder, assault, armed robbery, was unsettling and that the citizenry of this country now felt like they were living under a cloak of fear.
It is a case of the nature of crime not the frequency of crime that will determine the extent to which citizens of this country, especially a more aged demographic, feel safe and secure.
Just like any other variable, crime is open to quantitative and qualitative analyses.
It’s a sorry thing when we chose to use the quantitative evidence to put a spin, to fulfil a narrow position, on something as devastatingly impactful as crime, especially violent crime. All of what was used/disclosed to convince the citizenry that ‘things are
One year later, and the killing continues
not as bad as they appear to be’, was simply torn to shreds by two murders on each side of last week Friday and last Monday.
So, let us stop the ‘politricking’ by making premature use of information as it relates to a reality in our midst that is at one time disconcerting as it is frightening. Leave the batting up to the batsmen and the bowling to the bowlers and get on with the business to which our Commissioner of Police (Acting) has beckoned us to be a part.
It could not be that our Prime Minister sanctioned the immature use of crime statistics to feather the political nest of his government? This could never be if we know our Prime Minister the way we think we do.
Those 25,000 acres
We take a quick look-in on that agreement signed between SVG and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela…. an agreement that would offer Vincentians access to 25,000 acres of lands in Venezuela for joint investment.
“This agreement seeks to boost agricultural production to guarantee food sovereignty for the countries in the bloc (ALBA),” said a release following the signing of the agreement.
So, we take it that the idea is to encourage our farmers, or those of us with money, to invest in an effort in faraway Venezuela. But stick a pin!
How does this agreement help the farmers here in SVG?
How is this ‘cooperation’ going to contribute to our own food security? How are we going to get around the sanctions that would hinder if not block altogether the movement of produce out of Venezuela?
Have we entered into this agreement at a time when Venezuela is grappling with its own food security situation? Have we signed an agreement at a time when Venezuela is facing its greatest crisis as it relates to a scarcity of farmers?
At a time when we should be energizing our fledging agriculture industry, why would we want to be sidetracked with assisting another country to boost theirs?
Does this agreement, with its lack of detail and transparency not smell of utter rubbish disguised as some radical initiative?
ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO, before the appointment of the current Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP), I said I was not going to write about the poor level of policing the people of SVG were receiving. Later that year, the CoP retired, something I was advocating for at the time. I then suggested that we look beyond our shores to find a replacement; in the interim, an acting commissioner was appointed, but over a year later, we have not yet begun the search for a replacement.
In October of 2023, Acting CoP Williams told our nation, soon after his appointment: “… I would be the first to put my hand up and say that we can do better. The people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines expect us to do better.” He also said he wanted Vincentians to sleep with their windows open without fearing intrusion or being assaulted in any way, form, or fashion.
Then, a funny thing happened. The Acting CoP said that Vincentians should not expect sweeping changes simply because of his appointment, adding that change will come as needed. He said the department would re-establish a hotline where the public could call and report tips to the police; he said we could expect it to be ready by the end of October 2023.
Over a year later, with our body count approaching last year’s number and the sound of gunshots still a part of our “goodnight salutation,” acting CoP Williams is telling us again about a crime prevention “App” for us to use from the comfort and safety of our homes, to inform him and the courageous team of crime prevention officers of criminal activity. He once again promises us that all our calls will be confidential, and this time, it will be available by the end of the first quarter of next year.
I am back one year later at the table and feeling as frustrated as ever. Last year, I wrote an open letter to the governor-general asking for help. I must admit I did not expect anything to change. After all, who am I to be so presumptive to expect anything will change because I asked for it?
So, I decided it was time to return to our people. I want to join our nation’s many concerned citizens and say we must do better. I am not satisfied with the notion that overall, “crime is down,” but the homicide
numbers continue to be too high. Mr. Acting Commissioner, you must do better. I am not calling for your removal. Yet. But today, after one year in the chair, your performance in the job is less than satisfactory. I’ll say it needs improvement; continued performance at such a low level of productivity will make it difficult for “we the people” to support you for a regular appointment to the position.
In keeping with my willingness to support you as acting commissioner until the next elections, I offer a starting point for you to complete your performance improvement plan:
* Develop a plan to double our urban and suburban patrols. Be creative, allow our police officers to use their vehicles, and pay them an allowance;
* Initiate a specialized training programme of officers to be assigned to our schools — ensuring a school resource officer programme with at least twenty officers;
* Appoint a citizen committee to provide feedback on the effectiveness of your programs. You do not need the approval of the Prime Minister for the creation of such a group.
* Identify weaknesses and budding elements of corruption within your ranks and stamp them out immediately.
Now, I will speak to the other elephant in the room; unfortunately, politics and party affiliation often make it challenging to implement any objective changes. This is a damning indictment, not just of the systems, but of the culture we’ve let fester in our country. We must end it now if we hope to address crime in our country and enable our police officers to do their jobs.
To the many honest and hardworking officers who serve with integrity, I know you are feeling attacked today. But let me end by saying you are the backbone of the system and the reason some of us still have hope. Please understand the reason for our panic and anxiety, and know we are willing to work together to build a better SVG.
Horatio.
No to Kartel in carnival
IF I KNOW YOUwell you have already heard the ‘rumour’ that Jamaican dancehall artiste and bleach specialist Vibz Kartel is set to perform in next year carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. If what I am hearing, and reading as rumour, he is set to perform on carnival Friday which opens the last weekend
of the carnival. You know Mr. Editor; I am no fan of Kartel and no amount of feting him by our prime minister and his government and followers will change my mind. How could I ever be a fan of a man whose country’s Police Force says he is responsible for over 100 murders in his native Jamaica.
I must admit that I can’t stop the man from performing wherever he gets a contract. But how in God’s name can Trinidad soca artistes stand by and allow a dancehall concert on carnival Friday night? That is a slap in the soca artistes’ face. How could they allow a dancehall man to
Human rights day
THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Human Rights Association wishes, through this medium, to thank you and your staff for your continued support over the years, and to wish you God’s richest blessings for the remainder of 2024, despite the numerous challenges nationally. December 10th each year is celebrated as International Human Rights Day - a day when the United Nations has, since 1948, afforded us the opportunity to “reaffirm our unwavering dedication to a vision of a common humanity, one rooted in shared values”. Through the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, we are encouraged to “stand up for our own rights and those of others, by taking action in our daily lives and promoting the kinship of ALL human beings.”
This year, as is the norm, the organisation, with support of the Network of NGO’, is organising a whistle-stop commencing from Marion House at 9:00 am, through Kingstown then to the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic and Lodge Village Primary schools, where messages will be presented to the students and teachers. Human Rights booklets will be distributed on route, as well as to the children and staff of the schools visited. Your further
occupy such a big billing in the carnival that boasts the best soca anywhere around?
I understand that not everybody likes soca but Carnival is the time for soca not dancehall! You think we could go to one of those reggae festivals in Jamaica and sing soca?
Tackling
education referencing the specified day is appreciated, as well as your representation and participation in the event next Tuesday; December 10th, 2024. Respectfully,
Jeanie Ollivierre, PRO/Education & Training Officer, SVG
Human Rights Association.
(Editor’s note: We apologise for having to carrying the forementioned a week later than originally planned. It was due to eleventhhour demands that forced its omission.)
And because we like to ‘follow fashion’, I am appealing to promoters here not to even think about bringing Karel here for Vincymas. You have the whole year to choose from, but I know some of you would be looking to capitalize on our carnival season when people home and abroad get involved.
And I know we have some soca men who seem to idolize Kartel and would welcome a chance to perform on the same stage as he. That is fine but please do it outside of our carnival.
I hope the Trinidadians take a stand against Kartel in their carnival.
Charles, Edinboro.
PEOPLE ARE ASKING:
* WHETHER SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT of rent is owing by operators of the restaurants at the Argyle International Airport? If so, what is the amount and when will it be paid?
* Are we truly committed to enhancing the tourism industry when our capital city is plagued by a presence of beggars, persons with mental issues and rats?
* When is the Traffic Department going to realize that they need to station an officer at the corner of Fly’s residence and Lewis Motors in Cane Garden, especially during the 6:30am — 10:00 am period? Are we waiting on some terrible accident to occur before we do something about the disregard, especially by mini vans, for regulations that govern the flow of traffic at that corner?
* How many van drivers have been taken to court for playing amplified music in their vans without the written consent of the Commissioner of Police?
* When are we going to see and hear less of the Agriculture Minister talking politics and more of the technical persons (who are trained) talking about agriculture?
* Why is the Tourism Minister not allowing the Public Servants to speak ON Tourism and about flights in and out of AIA? By the way, is the government still paying the airlines for empty seats?
* How do the top ranking officers of the Royal SVG Police Force feel having to sit back and hear the prime minister press officer rattle off statistics about crime in this country? Has the press officer been handed a new and expanded terms of reference?
* If Christmas is a religious festival, how come so many radio stations are allowed to play all these lewd and suggestive songs, using Christmas and parang as a shield?
FOLLOWING on your editorial of Friday 29th November, 2024, allow me to suggest, like you started, somethings that we can do with the intention of reducing violence against women.
First: We have to implement an education programme that addresses the issue from an early age and even up to our work places. And like you suggested, we need to have the teachers do a course on gender violence.
Second: We have got to update the laws — introduce harsher penalties for offenders as well as to offer support for the victims.
Third: Following on that, we have to have support services like shelters, counselling services and there must be adequate funding to support these.
Fourth: We must make a special effort to engage the boys and men in the community. Engage them in discussions on what it means to be a man, non-violence and respect.
Fifth: We have to have a proper data system which provides information on cases as well as persons who inflict violence on women. This data must be made available to the NGOs who we could engage to work with men and women in the community.
Just my two cents on this important issue.
Jane
violence against women Breakdown
IT MIGHTbe coincidental, but two recent publications of THE VINCENTIAN having to endure a late start to circulation because of a breakdown of the printing press, seems a little too convenient for one not to raise an eyebrow.
First, it was the ‘Independence Edition’ that affected, among others, an Independence Message from the acting Commissioner of Police; and then last week’s edition (December 6) which featured, among others, crime statistics according to the prime minister’s press officer, and world statistics on violent crime which ranked our beloved homeland #2 per 100,000 people.
It was interesting that interviews with the Prime Minister, including the one on Sunday, 1st December on WEFM made no mention of our growing crime problem. This makes me wonder if we are going back to the old days of WIBS and 705 conveniently breaking down seemingly to stifle information to the public.
Coincidentally, upon arrival at a certain state institution, I came upon a security guard taking a nap in an inconspicuous spot. Sleeping on the job???
I am not saying the Prime Minister and the Acting Commissioner of Police are doing the same, but one thing is certain: that guard’s action or nonaction was clearly a dereliction of duty. Nuff said. Carlyle Douglas
BAICO impact is severe
THE RECENT RULING BY THE CARIBBEAN COURT OF JUSTICE (CCJ)in the matter involving British American Insurance Co Ltd policy holders within the Eastern Caribbean and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, may confirm a troubling pattern in regional investment going forward.
So said Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves while responding to a question during the November 28 Sitting of the House of Parliament about the overall financial loss to Vincentians.
According to Gonsalves, it was tradition of the House not to comment on court cases, but he indicated that the outcome confirmed a troubling pattern in regional investments going forward, where investors from smaller jurisdictions placing money in regional entities and then in the event of a challenge, are told that their investment cannot be reclaimed.
The CCJ recently ruled that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago did not breach any of the Articles contained within the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas when it decided to intervene and rescue policy holders from that country following the 2009 collapse of BAICO and CLICO (Colonial Life Company Ltd).
“It has potential trouble going forward for the ways in which regional investment takes place and the way in which responsibility is shared in the event of a challenge that everybody becomes less regional and more local in their use of resources,” he contended.
According to Gonsalves, the accumulated loss to the economy of St Vincent and the Grenadines was estimated at EC$290.12 million.
He further disclosed that the total number of executive premium annuities stood at EC$188 million with the amount owed to local corporations amounting to EC$22 million from 39 policies and 149 individual policy holders amounting to EC$45
million.
All policy holders of EC$30,000 or less have since been received payment, however the remaining policy holders must wait on the remaining active recovery avenues.
They include the outcome of the issue relating to the contesting of assets believed to belong for Lawrence Duprey, former Chairman of CL Financial, the parent company of CLICO and BAICO.
This process follows a court ruling in the United States against Duprey in the sum of US$125 million.
And the other is the action by the supervisor of insurance in SVG against a regional commercial bank for its alleged failure to ring
fence assets of BAICO, which is currently an ongoing court matter.
He also mentioned the status following the High Court Order in Barbados on 12 May, 2023, of BDS$29.6 million bond and which had been held by the Supreme Court for the benefit of CLICO policy holders in the Eastern Caribbean.
However, this process was delayed due to title issues with some of the properties — while some properties were transferred, the majority required applications on the various land laws in Barbados, Gonsalves explained.
The judicial managers made progress with these applications and are currently seeking court approval to distribute BDS$24.6 million of the bond proceeds to policy
holders with a detailed distribution plan is expected to be presented in the Barbados High Court and then subsequently to the High Court in SVG.
According to Gonsalves, the plan ensures equal distribution among territories excluding those who have ring fenced assets such as St Lucia, St Kitts and Anguilla.
He however cautioned that persons may only get back cents on their dollar of their investment — “they are not going to recover anything remotely resembling the full amount that they entrusted these entities.”
He said that the collapse of CLICO is to date the worst financial shock experienced in the region, the finance
minister said, and at the time, the insurance legislation in Trinidad and Tobago had remained unchanged.
That along with the deficiencies in the operations of CLICO further highlighted the inadequacies of the legislative framework in the Twin Island Republic which he said up to that time, did not have the authority to conduct on site investigations, supervision or share information with the other regulators.
These deficiencies underscored the need to strengthen the regulatory framework in the insurance industry throughout the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU).
Firstly, he said that local insurance legislation had been
Crime Crisis – ULP must act now!
THE UNITY LABOUR PARTY(ULP) government has failed miserably to combat violent crime in St Vincent and the Grenadines. One of the promises of the ULP during its elections campaign was to be tough on crime and the causes of crime. We are now seeing that crime is spiraling out of control. Fifty-five (55) homicides were recorded last year, breaking the record of the previous year of forty-two (42) homicides. It appears that we are heading for another record-breaking year. For the year so far, fifty-one (51) homicides have been reported.
The ULP does not care about Vincentians. The ULP government has overseen the worst period of criminal violence in the country’s history. It gets worst every year, not just in numbers but in how the killings are done: mainly by gunshots; involving young people, committed in broad daylight and multiple victims in an incident. Last year, there was a mass shooting in Kingstown where five persons lost their lives and recently three persons were shot to death in Kingstown.
The ULP government does not care about the escalating crime situation in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The ULP does not care about the negative effects that violent crime has on the economy, the health sector; nor the emotional and psychological impact on relatives and friends of those affected.
Instead, crime is trivialized by those in authority with statements such as, ‘Some men have chosen a life of crime because they have to mind pretty, high maintenance women.’
Studies have shown that unemployment and poverty are contributing factors to crime. Yet, the ULP government has failed to address these critical issues that are plaguing our society. St Vincent and the Grenadines has a youth unemployment rate of 41% - the highest in the OECS. Growing poverty is also a grave concern. Poverty has gotten worse over the period of the ULP government, moving from 30.2% of the population in 2008 to over 36% in 2018.
We have also seen a drastic decline in our moral values during the period of this administration, a reflection of the
‘Education Revolution’. St Vincent and the Grenadines now has an education system which has failed to foster and nurture societal norms and values among students. This critical function of education was thrown out with the advent of the ‘Education Revolution’. This was well thought out by the ULP government. It is the opinion of many scholars that the decline in moral values has contributed significantly to the escalating crime in the country.
Instead of addressing the crisis seriously, the ULP government does not seem concerned. They have failed to appreciate the gravity of the problem. Tackling it requires tough choices and a willingness to be decisive and consistent; but they just do not care.
Moreover, the ULP government has failed to create a national crime plan to address the increasing rising rate of crime across the country. We need an effective plan to address the rising rate of crime. This should encompass a new and integrate national policing plan to target key areas of violence, increased international cooperation and resources needed to tackle crime.
The NDP continues to recommend the following measures: focus on crime prevention: invest heavily upfront on crime prevention by implementing our Spiritual Social and Redemption Charter which will steer vulnerable young people away from criminal behaviour and towards positive social behaviour. restore trust and confidence in the police and the criminal justice system; introduce community policing; support a well-resourced and wellequipped criminal justice system; protect women and girls from sexual violence and domestic abuse with dedicated services; professionalize and modernize the police service and establish a forensic lab.
It is obvious that the ULP does not care, otherwise, they would have taken the crime crisis in the country seriously and implement measures to address it.
enhanced with respect to the insurance fund requirements to establish more effective protection to policy holders.
Additionally, Gonsalves mentioned the setting up of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in 2012 which he said was set up to regulate certain entities and businesses in the financial sector including insurance companies.
And shortly, the FSA Act was expected to be amended to further promote a more cohesive supervisory approach which will allow regulators to better share information, identify emerging risks across the region and advise the authorities on the identification of companies whose failure could pose systematic threats to the financial stability of the region.
(DD)
In addition to our recommendations as they relate to combating and preventing crime, the NDP will also develop the country’s economy. We will build an economy that delivers real and tangible improvement in wages, encourages the growth of new business and provides opportunities for our young people to live and work here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
The centrepiece of this is our strategy to develop the four pillars of the economyTourism, Agriculture, the New Economy and the Blue Economy. These four pillars comprise the engine room of our economic development with the potential to rapidly grow the economy, create thousands of new jobs, increase exports, and generate more revenue for the country.
To do this, we need to ensure that each sector has the support needed to grow. This means that we will have a targeted export plan to open new markets and increase exports annually. We will establish a National Development Bank which will benefit businesses. We will also set up an innovation campus to drive innovation and skills agencies to better support employers. We want to make St Vincent and the Grenadines the shining light of the Eastern Caribbean.
We will deliver more jobs for our young people. As a country, we are in desperate need to ensure that we make a meaningful impact on young people’s life. Too many of our young people face bleak and dispiriting choices. Too many of our young people do not have sufficient opportunities. Creating jobs is not an end in itself. Creating jobs allows our young people to build a life here in St Vincent and the Grenadines and to contribute to our society.
Too many of our young people do not have work or the prospect of a well-paid or meaningful job. Instead, many of our young people are trapped in makeweight work provided by the government. The NDP is committed to developing the economy which will create opportunities for all Vincentians.
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V Beyond Imagination
“The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” — Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German-born theoretical physicist who was best known for developing the theory of relativity in 1905.
IN ADDITION TO PROVIDINGyoung minds with a thirst for knowledge, many progressive teachers and administrators at pre-schools design and encourage activities that encourage their students to engage in activities that stimulate imagination. This is often done through play, art, and other creative activities. Such educators know that children who are so stimulated can develop the realization that imagination is not just a fanciful ability, but a powerful force that allows individuals to imagine what does not yet exist and to move beyond the known into new realms of possibility. Societies and cultures that create and encourage their citizens to explore possibilities develop the ability to imagine new possibilities and to seek to constantly embark on driving progress, innovation and discovery.
Imagination is a powerful force that energizes human creativity, innovation, and progress on an individual and communal basis. Imagination is considered foundational for those individuals who constantly focus on improving their best efforts and/or developing skills and techniques for improving products and/or performance. These are individuals who envision the impossible and develop systems, structures, and procedures that push the limits of what is believed to be achievable. They are prepared to take calculated risks as they embrace the challenge of constantly improving products and services. However, the benefits of a vivid or active imagination are not achieved without the willingness to take action. Theodore Levitt (19252006) the accomplished German-born economist, said it well when he noted that, “Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things.” The phrase “beyond imagination” embraces the idea of that moment when the idea moves from merely being a thought or dream, and morphs into the realm where it evolves to reality.
Many examples abound of outstanding human achievements that were previously considered impossible when they were first proposed. The concept of flight is a perfect example. Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), the Italian painter, scientist, sculptor, architect, and engineer, was known to have sketched designs for flying machines. However, it was not until 1903 when the Wright brothers succeeded in the first powered flight. Similarly, many persons were skeptical when John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) the 35th President of the United States of America, on 12th September 1962, announced that they would land a man on the moon. This became a reality in 1969 as NASA’s Apollo 11 mission landed Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon.
These examples remind us that imagination followed by action can make what appeared impossible possible. However, the idea of “beyond imagination” is not limited to the physical realm. The rapid advances in science and technology will continue to expand the boundaries of what we
understand about life, medicine, and the universe. For example, the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we communicate and the quality and cost of our communication. In addition, AI provides ready access to information that benefits all professions. Recent media presentations confirm that some modern robots are now capable of performing surgery. These advances would have commenced with a thought that morphed into action — taking us beyond imagination.
However, our journey beyond imagination demands that individuals and societies act in ethically responsible ways. As is often the case, developments in science and technology that generate a lot of good also have the potential to be used for evil. It is therefore imperative that we make every effort to guarantee that we are ever cautious to make sure that ethical boundaries are retained even as we rapidly advance beyond imagination. The administrators in our homes, schools, and churches must be forever conscious of the roles that they must play in ensuring that their wards are forever mindful of maintaining the ethical moorings. Such training is critical in combatting the tendency to engage in the thoughts and actions that generate evil imaginations and actions.
We are living in very exciting times as we observe the rapid advancement of science and technology. Over the past century, innovations in areas such as medicine, energy, computing, and communication have transformed almost every aspect of human life. New ideas quickly emerge to shift the landscape as we know it. The increased investments in research and development and the rapid growth of computer power continue to push the boundaries of innovation and the speed with which knowledge is disseminated.
The journey beyond imagination is not limited to pursuing and achieving the extraordinary. We are challenged to use this vast array of knowledge and skill to find solutions to many of the challenges that now plague our planet. We anticipate that greater attention will be paid to protecting and preserving our fragile eco-systems and that, sooner rather than later, our brilliant minds will provide solutions to the challenges that we now face in relation to several chronic diseases, climate change, the blue economy, food security, etc. However, it is imperative that we move beyond the planning stages to the implementation of such noble dreams and ambitions. Sir Arthur Lewis (19151991), the St. Lucian economist who received the Nobel Prize for economics in 1979, reminds us that, “Making the plan is an exercise in imagination; but implementing the plan is the real struggle with reality.” The urgency of doing will propel us beyond imagination to much greater accomplishments in science, business, and the larger society.
Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
SVG is eating its young
WITH 18 DAYS LEFT IN 2024,our country will easily earn the title ‘killing fields of the Caribbean’. On Tuesday, December 10, marked internationally as Human Rights Day, a man was shot and injured in Kingstown. He narrowly escaped becoming the 52 homicide victim in our nation of just over 100,000 people. We are not just the killing capital of the Caribbean; we are galloping fast to become a very unsafe place to live.
Our government has proven unable to protect life, the most sacred possession of a people. Nothing it says or does resembles a sensible or meaningful approach to this damning problem. Its recurring mantra to be tough on crime and the causes of crime has proven meaningless as violent crime spirals out of control. If we take the government’s unreliable numbers, close to 500 Vincentians have perished violently since 2011.
With 51 homicides for 2024, we are killing ourselves at more than one person per week. We are smashing homicide records year after year. In 2024, 55 persons lost their lives violently. The 2024 record overtook the 2023 record of 42 homicides by 30 percent. It’s an open question whether the 55 homicides recorded last year will remain standing come December 31. Don’t bet on it.
The killings remain targeted rather than random, but most frightening is the frequency with which mostly young men lose their lives and the increasingly brazen nature of the killers. The police remain woefully unresourced. The government’s policy regarding policing appears to be directed at finding employment for young men and women rather than fighting crime.
For years, the police high command has been clamouring for a forensic lab that may aid in crime detection and possible solutions. With the high incidents of rape and sexual assault in SVG, police officers are not equipped with rape kits that may help them to detect, obtain and protect evidence. At trials, you wait in vain for the prosecution to introduce scientific evidence that definitively ties the accused to crimes for which they are charged. Police stations nationwide function without vehicles, working telephones and toilets, broken windows, and inadequate bedding.
It is small wonder then that without adequate training and armed with a gun, police officers routinely harass, disrespect, brutalise and shoot citizens, thus resulting in alienation from nationals they swear to protect and serve. The disconnect rather than a partnership between the security apparatus and citizens partially explains why few persons offer critically important information to crime fighters. Like other persons in the public service, police officers are dedicated to the pay cheque rather than those they are paid to serve. Many use their job as a resume booster when applying for visas to the United States and Canada or for policing jobs
elsewhere.
We cannot solve crime if large swats of our youthful population are not gainfully employed. We are creating fertile ground for crime when so many young men and women fall through the craters in our educational system. Young people have to be given a stake in the system. The official view that more jobs are available than persons willing to work is at the heart of our difficulties. The governing elite has convinced itself that it has done all it can. The official claim that a small band of worthless men are resigned to a life of crime is shortsighted and counterproductive. For years, our political overlords actively entertained and encouraged the unproven notion that violent crime is not a problem. According to this discredited view, the criminal elements will kill off each other, thus allowing us to go back to peace and tranquillity. The last ten years have demonstrated how wrongheaded our leaders are. The more young men shot and killed in the turf and drug wars, the more recruits. Young men are so impoverished that they kill for hire for a few hundred dollars. Others kill simply to belong.
Any serious government or security official knows that guns used to rob, shoot, kill and terrorise citizens are not manufactured here. Neither is the crack cocaine that fuels the jealousies and rivalries that inevitably lead to murder and mayhem across the land.
We can bet our lives that there are some among the ‘respectable class’ who bring in guns and drugs. Therefore, why does the security establishment target the small fry rather than the kingfish?
The American Drug Enforcement Administration led an investigation that smashed a Bahamas drug ring involving senior police officers and implicating corrupt politicians. Eleven Bahamians were either arrested or indicted. They are accused of taking bribes to allow the use of Bahamas air and sea ports as trans-shipment points for cocaine smuggling. Two years ago, they broke up a similar ring in BVI that nabbed the premier. We doubt that our police and other public officials are clean. We know that cocaine regularly disappears from the evidence room, and no one pays a price with their jobs or jail time. We can be sure the stolen drugs end up on our streets and contribute to the corruption and destruction of citizens.
What happens to us? Until we start investigating and taking down the high and mighty politicians and senior police officers who may be benefiting from the drug and gun trade, youth may be fooled into believing that the deadly game of crime pays.
Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com
Australia to ban social media for children
(Editor’s Note: Given the increased and seemingly unmonitored exposure of our young people and children to the many social media platforms available, we thought this article and the issued addressed therein would make for instructive reading.)
Australia’s House of Representatives on Wednesday 4th December, 2024 passed a bill that would ban children younger than 16 years old from social media, leaving it to the Senate to finalize the world-first law.
The major parties backed the bill that would make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent young children from holding accounts.
The legislation passed 102 to 13. If the bill becomes law this week, the platforms would have one year to work out how
to implement the age restrictions before the penalties are enforced.
Opposition lawmaker Dan Tehan told Parliament the government had agreed to accept amendments in the Senate that would bolster privacy protections.
Platforms would not be allowed to compel users to provide government-issued identity documents including passports or driver’s licenses, nor could they demand digital identification through a government system.
“Will it be perfect? No. But is any law perfect? No, it’s not. But if it helps, even if it helps in just the smallest of ways, it will make a huge difference to people’s lives,” Tehan told Parliament.
The bill was introduced to the Senate on Wednesday 4th December, but it adjourned for the day hours later without putting it to a vote. The legislation was expected to be passed on Thursday, the Parliament’s final session for the year and potentially the last before elections, which are due within months.
The major parties’ support all but guarantees the legislation will pass in the Senate, where no party holds a majority of seats.
Opposition to the Bill
Lawmakers who were not aligned with either the government or the opposition were most critical of the legislation during debate on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Criticisms include that the legislation had been rushed through Parliament without adequate scrutiny, would not work, would create privacy risks for users of all ages and would take away parents’ authority to decide what’s best for their children.
Critics also argue the ban would isolate
children, deprive them of positive aspects of social media, drive children to the dark web, make children too young for social media reluctant to report harms encountered, and take away incentives for platforms to make online spaces safer.
Independent lawmaker Zoe Daniel said the legislation would “make zero difference to the harms that are inherent to social media.”
“The true object of this legislation is not to make social media safe by design, but to make parents and voters feel like the government is doing something about it,” Daniel told Parliament.
“There is a reason why the government parades this legislation as world-leading, that’s because no other country wants to do it,” she added.
The platforms had asked for the vote to be delayed until at least June next year when a government-led com missioned evaluation of age assurance technologies made its report on how the ban could be enforced.
In support of the Bill
Melbourne resident Wayne Holdsworth, whose 17-year-old son Mac took his own life last year after falling victim to an online sextortion scam, described the bill as “absolutely essential for the safety of our children.”
“It’s not the only thing that we need to do to protect them because education is the key, but to provide some immediate support for our children and parents to be able to manage this, it’s a great step,” the 65-year-old online safety campaigner told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
“And in my opinion, it’s the greatest time in our country’s history,” he added, referring to the pending legal reform.
(Source: AP News)
Soroptimist hosts Seminar on gender-based violence
SOROPTIMIST
International of St. Vincent and the Grenadines hosted a one-day Seminar at the UWI Global Campus, Murray’s Road, Kingstown on Saturday 30th November, 2024, as an activity to mark the UN 16 days of Activism to end Violence against Women & Girls.
Presentations were made by the Police CPL599 Miss Jordon, Senior Magistrate Tammika Da Silva-McKenzie, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Alissa Alvis and Community Activist Camille Crichton.
Police CPL 599 Jordon of the Police Domestic Violence/Sexual Offences Unit focussed on Acts of Violence, Magistrate Da Silva-Mckenzie on the Role of the Court, Dr. Alvis on the Trauma of Violence and Miss Crichton shared on Victimology.
Invitations to
participate in the Seminar were sent to Trade Unions, Credit Unions, Church-based groups and Community Organisations and from all reports, the sessions were well subscribed.
The deliberations clearly indicated that violence against women and girls takes many forms, from cyber
bullying to serious bodily harm and murder. It robs families of cherished providers and children of their main parent or guardian, and inflicts serious mental and emotional abuse.
The Seminar called on women to stand-up for and with women against violence in all its forms and to become more
educated and informed about the multi-faceted subject.
Remarks were made by the Minister of Gender Affairs Hon. Keisal Peters at the Seminar, who encouraged women and men to speak up and about the harm of violence. (Source: Soroptimist Int’l SVG)
Zero Hunger Trust Fund on the move
THE ZEROHunger Trust Fund is expected to focus on backyard gardening in schools.
CEO of the Zero Hunger Trust Fund Safiya HorneBique says the National Home and Community Gardens Food Security Project, will focus on schools across the country, especially those in the most vulnerable communities.
On Monday December 2nd, the project distributed another set of seedlings in various communities on the leeward side of the island.
Horne-Bique says that beginning in January, the ZHTF will be assisting a number of schools in establishing backyard gardens produce from which will serve the national school feeding programmes.
“Gardening is one component, we are focusing on schools. Come January we will be asking for the schools to grow their own produces. One of the things we do at the Zero Hunger Trust Fund is that we support school feeding for about 17 primary schools in St.Vincent and the Grenadines. We do this in the most vulnerable areas to ensure persons there, have access to one meal every day, free of charge,” said Horne-Bique, as she emphasised the importance of the work of the ZHTF.
Safiya HorneBique
Participants and facilitators of the Soroptimist-hosted seminar.
Taiwan launches Demonstration Farm
A MAJOR MILESTONEin the pursuit of strengthened food security and agricultural resilience was celebrated on November 29 with the official launch of a demonstration farm in Georgetown.
According to a release from the Republic of China (Taiwan) Embassy here, “This initiative, spearheaded by the Taiwan Technical Mission in collaboration with local farmers, represents a renewed commitment to rebuilding better and more sustainably in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.”
At the launch, Taiwan’s Ambassador to
St. Vincent and the Grenadines, H.E. Fiona Huei-Chun Fan, emphasized the project’s broader vision: “This farm is not just about growing crops–it is a hub for innovation, learning, and resilience. Together, we are not simply recovering from the hurricane’s impact; we are creating a stronger, more sustainable agricultural sector for the future.”
Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in July, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour quickly engaged with the
Taiwanese Embassy to address the urgent need to restore agricultural productivity. In response, Taiwan allocated USD 184,000 and dispatched two agricultural specialists, Mr. Lai and Mr. Lee, to assist local farmers in September. Their work over the past two months has been instrumental in reviving agricultural systems and introducing sustainable techniques.
On-site at the Orange Hill Biotechnology Centre, the specialists, with the support of the Ministry and the Zero Hunger Trust Fund, have successfully produced a variety of vegetable seedlings,
including lettuce, sweet peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers, as well as papayas, squash, and watermelons. These seedlings have already been distributed to farmers, equipping them to jumpstart production and recover from the hurricane’s impact.
Additionally, the team is promoting backyard gardening initiatives nationwide, empowering families to grow their own food. This effort contributes not only to household food security but also to building a resilient and selfsufficient community.
Prime Minister Dr. the
Hon. Ralph Gonsalves and Minister of Agriculture Hon. Saboto Caesar toured the vegetable nursery with Ambassador Fan on the same day as the Food Insecurity Project Distribution Ceremony. They expressed gratitude for Taiwan’s swift and generous support.
Prime Minister Gonsalves extended heartfelt thanks to the government and people of Taiwan for their unwavering commitment to St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and Minister Caesar highlighted that this collaboration has not
only enhanced seedling production but also transferred vital cultivation knowledge to our farmers, fostering long-term resilience in the agricultural sector. This demonstration farm stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between Taiwan and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It symbolizes hope, innovation, and a shared commitment to building a brighter and more resilient future, said a release from the Taiwanese Embassy. (Source: Embassy of Taiwan)
Ambassador H.E. Fiona Huei-Chun Fan addressing the gathering at the launch.
The demonstration farm includes new approaches to and practices as it relates to cultivating vegetables and fruits.
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (left), Ambassador Fiona Huei-Chun Fan (2nd from left). Agriculture Minister Saboto Caesar and Taiwan Technical experts all show signs of being pleased with the demonstration farm.
Senseless killing
VERNON JOHN, father of Alston Henry, one of the three men who were gunned down during the early hours of the morning of December 1 during a
mass shooting in Paul’s Avenue, said that his son did not deserve to die in that manner.
Henry, a 38-year-old ‘cart man’ who was also known as ‘Red Ants’, was among three men who were shot and killed during the incident. The others were Don Ashton and Lawrence ‘Bolo’ Warren.
According to John, a resident of Fairbaine Pasture, they (the deceased) were not violent people and none of them deserved to be gunned down in such a manner.
He told THE VINCENTIAN that his son had recently taken up
Alston Henry was among three who were shot to death – motive unknown.
residence in Paul’s Avenue, Kingstown, and disclosed that the day before his son was killed, he met his mother and asked her to try to convince their son to get out of Paul’s Avenue.
“Because it was a kill zone,” he said.
John said he too pleaded with his son to leave, admitting that the last time he spoke to his son was sometime in October.
He said that he told Henry then that he could come and live with him in Fairbaine.
“I said, ‘Alston, you have people who love you. Your mom loves you; I love you and don’t talk about your sisters’,” he told THE VINCENTIAN.
He even told him that he could sell the coconuts in his yard and keep all the money.
He went as far as to let him know that his sister who was residing in Canada was making
plans to send for him and to get him into rehab.
That was to be the last interaction John said he had with his son.
The distraught man said that on November 30, he was at a funeral service during which the Pastor spoke about violence, saying that nobody knew who was going to be next.
He was overcome, he said, with the strange feeling that his son was going to be killed.
The following day, his daughter called from overseas to give him the unfortunate news that his son, his fourth child, had been shot and killed.
He said that on receiving the news, “My body run cold,” adding that no one deserved to die like that.
He said that he has not seen the autopsy report but understood that his son was shot multiple times about the body.
John admitted his son
had shortcomings; that he had been abusing drugs for about a decade or so and that he had served six months in prison after being convicted for a wounding charge.
But quickly added that he remembered his son as having a good heart, recalling that Henry spent his earlier years cultivating marijuana in the hills, and would often share the income earned with members of his family.
He described his son’s death as senseless.
“There are some who believe that they are gods and no matter what some do others will look to them and swear for them,” John said.
“They don’t care who they pounce on, it seems like they are protected,” he continued.
As for the present situation of gun related crime, John believed we were worse than a “shanty town.”
Most of the shootings have been taking place in Kingstown and to date, no arrests had been made, he noted. Regardless, he was seeking for justice for his son and for other parents who lost their children to senseless violence, and advised the public to be vigilant and steadfast. (DD)
Vernon John described his son’s death as a senseless killing.
Haiti: Unpaid wages not true
A UNITED NATIONS-BACKED security mission to Haiti, led by Kenyan forces, has denied reports that some of its officers have gone months without pay.
In a statement on Friday, the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti (MSS) said that it “categorically refutes” reports that officers have not had their wages paid for three months.
“All MSS personnel have received their salaries, including monthly allowances, and no MSS officer has tendered their resignation as alleged,” the statement reads.
“MSS officers remain highly motivated and fully committed to supporting the Haitian National Police [HNP] in conducting decisive operations aimed at dismantling gang networks and restoring stability.”
The allegations of unpaid wages come as the MSS struggles to make an impact on conditions in Haiti, where armed gangs have unleashed a wave of violence, wreaking havoc on civilian life and destabilising the country.
The UN estimates as much as 85 percent of the capital of Port-au-Prince has fallen under gang control. More than 700,000 people are displaced across Haiti as a result of the violence.
The news agency Reuters reported in an exclusive story on Friday that nearly 20 Kenyan officers have resigned from the MSS over delays in pay and poor working conditions, citing three sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.
In its statement, MSS said that Reuters did not contact the mission for comment before publication, but a spokesperson for the news agency has said that Reuters stands by the story.
The mission, already heavily scrutinised due to the poor track record of foreign interventions in Haiti, has made little headway since arriving in the Caribbean island nation in June.
Difficulties related to funding have
been present from the start. While originally envisioned as a policing mission staffed by 2,500 personnel, Kenya has sent only about 400 officers since June.
Questions have also emerged around the stability of funding from the United States, the primary financial supporter for the mission.
While the administration of US President Joe Biden has promoted the Kenyan-led effort, it is unclear whether that support will continue in 2025, when Biden is replaced by President-elect Donald Trump.
In response to the lack of funding, officials from the US and elsewhere have pushed for the UN to launch a peacekeeping mission in Haiti.
But a previous UN peacekeeping mission to the country ended in 2017 amid outcry over its role in reintroducing cholera to the country and allegations of sexual assault.
Security in Haiti has worsened since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise in 2021. But even with the presence of the Kenyan force, gang violence has continued to climb, and the country continues to struggle to establish stable governance.
Haiti has not held federal elections in years, a fact the gangs have seized upon to claim legitimacy.
In addition, last month, a transitional council tasked with restoring democracy to Haiti fired interim Prime Minister Garry Conille after only six months in the post. The move spurred further questions about corruption in the transitional government — and the future of Haiti’s leadership.
Killing continues
Meanwhile, At least 184 people were killed over the weekend in one of the poorest neighbourhoods of Haiti’s capital, the United Nations says, with
human rights groups attributing the killings to a personal vendetta by a local gang leader.
Nearly 130 of those who were killed were more than 60 years old, the UN said on Monday, adding that gang members burned bodies and threw them into the sea.
The massacre was “orchestrated by the leader of a powerful gang” in Cite Soleil, a sprawling slum by the sea in the capital, Port-au-Prince, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk told reporters in Geneva.
“These latest killings bring the death toll just this year in Haiti to a staggering 5,000 people,” he added.
Haiti’s government condemned the “massacre” as act of “unbearable cruelty.”
July 29. (Jean
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called on the Haitian authorities “to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that perpetrators of these and all other human rights abuses and violations are brought to justice,” his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. (Source: Al Jazeera and Other Agencies)
A Kenyan police officer walks in front of an armoured personnel carrier during a joint operation with Haitian police in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on
Feguens Regala/Reuters)
At least one gang led by Jimmy Chérizier, aka Barbeque, has taken a frim stance against the presence of Kenyan soldiers in Haiti. (Source: Al Jazeera)
Good intent, wrong means
Dear George,
MY DAUGHTER found out that I sold my body to get money to pay for her subjects. She vowed not to continue with her education just to get back at me, disappointing me because I had high hopes for her going on to university.
Things were hard with me; money was not flowing. I had to get the money somehow so she could do her exams. I do not know how she found out. Since then, she has been referring to me as ‘whore’ and ‘slut’, and no longer accepts me as her mother. She is my only daughter; she was all I have been living for. I am not a bad person but did what I did out of need, sacrificing everything for her only to be insulted and ridiculed by her.
I have decided that from here on she will have to find her own way through life. What else do I have to live for now that she has basically disowned me? This letter to you will be the only clue she has about why I did what I did.
Depressed.
Dear Depressed,
The message I’m getting from you is, you definitely love your daughter. You made a last-ditch effort to get your daughter what she needed at the time, though, admittedly, albeit your actions were not the most becoming. I can understand your daughter’s disappointment and anger. You will have to have a conversation with her during which you should express sorrow and regret for your actions. You may very well need a counselor to sit with both of you. With time your daughter could heal emotionally and get to the point of being ready to listen to you. Beneath her anger I am sure she still loves you. With time and counseling both of you could get through this.
George.
Look ahead not back⁄
Dear George,
AFTEReleven years of marriage, my wife informed me that she had a miscarriage before meeting me. I was obviously extremely upset that she deliberately withheld this from me. As a
result, I started wondering what else she was hiding. When I inquired about why it took her that long to disclose what she did, she said she did not think it was important. Yet, she drilled me on my past doing her best to squeeze everything out of
What a friend!!!!!
Dear George,
AN ACQUAINTANCEof mine just started a small business. He needed an injection of capital ($4,000.00) and I understood that he got the money from my girlfriend. She never mentioned anything of the sort to me.
Recently, I was short $300.00 on a repayment and asked my girlfriend to lend me the money. She went on and on about her not being a bank and that she had no money to lend. I knew she had the money. Needless to say, I defaulted on my repayment.
To this day I have not told my girlfriend that I knew about the arrangement between her and this friend of mine.
I’m not mad because she didn’t lend me the money, but rather because she could put him higher than me on her priority list. I’m beginning to question my status in the relationship.
Not Sitting Well.
Dear Not Sitting Well,
Your girlfriend is well within her rights to do whatever she chooses to do with her money. The question is should she have secretly assisted your friend while at the same time denying you the same privilege? You now know where you stand as far as her priority list is concerned. Continue to observe.
George.
me. To be truthful, the trust that existed between us has been terribly shaken. How could she?
Not Happy.
Dear Not Happy,
Yes, there is something unfair about your wife wanting to know everything about you and she withholds disclosure of this significant event in her life.
I, however, do not see her failure to mention this significant past event as malicious but rather a decision made from fear. Transparency is everything and ought to be always practised. No need to make a mountain out of this.
See this as a chance to start afresh and to be transparent. Do not let this interfere with the good thing you have going presently. Looking back can only cause you both to wallow in negativity and to lose focus on what’s really important. Stay focused!
George.
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)
Get involved in creative groups. Romance may be likely if you travel. Your honesty will not only win you points but also respect. You will be encouraged to get involved in a moneymaking venture.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21)
You should try to elaborate on an idea you have regarding a product or service for the home. Take care of any dealings with government agencies. You may make someone else look bad. Assist a relative or good friend by setting of a budget for them.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21)
Any contributions you make to organizations will enhance your reputation and bring you offers. You can make personal changes that will enhance your reputation and give you greater self confidence. Travel and communications will not run as smoothly as you had hoped. Don't jump into investments too quickly.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
You don't owe anyone an explanation. Do your own thing, you need time to yourself. Try not to allow your partner to lead you astray or upset your routine. Don't be too eager to spend what's left over; more unexpected expenses are evident. Look for professional guidance if it will help unite the family.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22)
Don't let someone you work with put words in your mouth. Don't let others try to create unwarranted guilt if you can't meet their demands. Someone you care about may let you down or criticize your methods. Travel and entertaining conversation will be informative and uplifting.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)
You need activity. Have some fun, but draw the line if someone tries to fast talk their way into your heart. You can ask for favors but don't take them for granted. You can make it up to them later.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)
Don't get involved in other people's problems. Major job changes or opportunities to get ahead professionally are apparent. Your attitude is changing rapidly and your plate is overloaded. Don't even bother trying to get their approval on the things you want to do.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Visitors may drop by unexpectedly, resulting in tension with your lover. Although it does look promising, be careful not to overextend yourself or you will lose in the long run. Make sure that new mates live up to your high standards. Listen and formulate your course of action. You will be indecisive.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)
Think of starting a new business or emotional partnership. Do something together and you'll be surprised how sweet a deal you can make. Don't let someone talk you into parting with your cash unless you can truly see the benefits of doing so. Hard work will bring rewards.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)
Get involved in the activities of children. They will teach you far more than you expect. You're in a high cycle for romance. Use discrimination and play hard to get. Your ability to deal with others will help you in getting the support you need.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)
Don't play on your partner's emotions. Don't let friends or relatives make you feel guilty if you're not able to attend one of their affairs. Put your emotional energy into passion not anxiety Uncertainty regarding your direction is likely.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)
ACROSS
1.Disabling spray
5. Winter pear
9. Ford midsize car
12. Univ. housing
13. Biblical preposition
14. Rage 15. Misstep 16. Actor Penn 17. Alphabet’s ending 18. Catchers’ gloves 20. Slumbers 22. Steeples 24. Singer Mitchell 25. __ and dined 26. Cut apart 29. Alias letters 30. Equip 31. Country singer Bandy
32. Hotel employee 35. Get down to brass __ 37. Sir’s counterpart
38. Doohickey
39. Airship
42. Hied
43. Family man
45. Lips
48. South Bend’s state (abbr.)
49. Elephant features
50. Actor Estrada
51. Football coups (abbr.)
52. “__ Bridges” (TV show)
53. Negate
DOWN
1.Physicians (abbr.)
2. Internet service (abbr.)
3. TV show about FBI profilers (2 wds.)
4. “The __ Strikes Back”
5. Sculptured heads
6. Small bills
7. Depot (abbr.)
8. Owneroccupied apartments
Hassles with your boss are sure to erupt if you speak your mind. It's a good time for long awaited relationships to begin. Don't press your luck with your loved ones. You may have a problem with coworkers if you try to tell them what to do. 9.
41. Type of pear
Take place
__ Mahal
Poplar, e.g.
Poor grades
Q-Tip, e.g.
Toll road
Lively Irish dance
Quick swim
CD-__
Flee hastily
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
Hilary Duff role (2 wds.)
Showery
Motorists’ org.
Time division (abbr.)
Place for planes
Central Leeward Secondary: Undisputed Football Champions
CENTRAL LEEWARD SECONDARY SCHOOL (CLSS) are the undisputed 2024 champions of Secondary Schools’ football in SVG.
Their Senior and Junior teams clinched their respective categories as the finals of the Zess Cola Inter Secondary School Football Championship came to an end last Sunday, Dec. 08, at Victoria Park.
In the senior division, CLSS claimed their fourth consecutive Championship title, albeit, after a hard fought encounter against Petit Bordel Secondary School (PBSS).
College
The Champions had to come from 2 goals down to draw in regulation time. Obama Barbour and Jamarie Jack were the goal scorers for CLSS, while Javan Cato and Dave Laborde scored for PBSS.
With the scores still tied at the end of 20 minutes of extra time, the match was decided on penalty kicks, in which the defending champions prevailed, 41.
Obama Barbour was named the Championship’s best midfielder as well as MVP of the finals.
Other standout performers were: Jaymor Williams of Bishop’s College
Jshan Samuel of Central Leeward –top scorer among the Juniors.
Kingstown (BCK) — top goal scorer with 18; Devon Morgan of CLSS - best goal keeper; Dexroy Hooper of PBSS - best defender.
Bishop’s College Kingstown finished third.
The CLSS Juniors clinched their title when they defeated Georgetown Secondary Juniors 2 — 0. Jshan Samuel netted both goals for the winner and was named MVP of the finals. He also scored the most goals, 20, in the championship.
Samuel’s teammates - Sean Johnson
and Shemron Gaymes - were adjudged best goal-keeper and defender respectively of the finals. Jewel Cruickshank of the Georgetown Secondary took the accolade for best
KPS takes primary football title
KINGSTOWN
PREPARATORY SCHOOL (KPS) are the new champions of the Zess Cola Inter Primary Schools Football Championships. They defeated the Questelles Government School (QGS) 3 — 1 in the finals of the championship played last Sunday, Dec. 08, at Victoria Park. Logan Gylle, with a brace, and Shaquille Dublin were the goal scorers for KPS. Omarion Ballantyne. Converted for the QGS. There was quite an outstanding feat in this year’s Championship with Amallie Lavia of the Owia Government School scoring an unprecedented 36 goals, to run away with the scoring title.
Others who were named among the outstanding performers in the finals were: from the KPS Logan Gylle — MVP, Lashorn London — best goal keeper and Shaquille Dublin — best
mid-fielder. Roger Bailey of the Questelles Government School was
best defender.
CW Prescod Primary School (CWPPS) finished third
Zonal
mid-fielder.
Troumaca Ontario Secondary finished third.
Stories by I.B.A. ALLEN
the
in the Championship.
winners were: QGS - Zone A; CWPPS - Zone B; Sion Hill Government - Zone C; Owia Government School - Zone D.
Kingstown Preparatory School – 2024 Primary Schools Football Champions.
Questelles Government School – 2024 runner-up. Amallie Lavia of the Owia Government School scored a record 36 goals.
Central Leeward Secondary Seniors – 2024 Champions
Central Leeward Secondary Juniors – 2024 Champions
Jaymor Williams of Bishops
Kingstown – top scorer among the seniors.
IT – DAT clinches Pre-Season Relays
IT- DAT Academy edged out High Performance by a mere two points, to champ the James Cordice/ X-Ceed Sports Club/ Team Athletics SVG Pre- Season Relay Classic, held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Diamond Track Facility.
When the points were tallied, IT — DAT finished on 198 points, with inaugural winners- High Performance196 points.
X-Ceed Sports Club docked third with 179, ahead of XCel’s 117.
Chatoyer - 20 points and Mustangs - 18, were the other two competing clubs.
In the genders segment, IT DAT topped the Females with 78, while X-Ceed had 76; High Performance — 72, as they were in striking distance of one another. X-Cel’s females put together 22 points.
Meanwhile, there was no separation for IT- DAT and High Performance among the males, as the two were in a dead heat on 106 points.
Next was X-Cel on 95; XCeed - 91, Chatoyer - 20 and Mustangs — 18.
Reflecting on the second edition, Godfrey Harry, President of X- Ceed Sports Club was happy with the
general organization of the meet.
“It was a wellexecuted event; something that was needed by the athletes. It is a test for them for this part of the season; it was a good yard-stick for the coaches”, Harry commented.
Notwithstanding the satisfaction, Harry disclosed that the organisers will be evaluating the event, noting, “There are a few areas that we can work to develop”.
He expressed gratitude to all the sponsors - James Cordice and Island Sipz Water — and supporters - Team
Open Males – 4 x 300m Relay.
Safe Sports Commission launched
THE THRUSTtowards encouraging safe sports here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been formalized, with the launch of the Safe Sports Commission, as mandated by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee (SVGOC).
The launch, held under the theme ‘Bridging the gap between sports and safety’, took place on Thursday, 5th December at the Conference Room of the Beachcombers Hotel, Villa.
The launch drew on the knowledge/expertise of a cross section of professionals including:
Dr. Alisa Alvis, a Clinical Psychologist; Sargeant Stephen Billy of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force; Shimano Bailey, a Social Worker and Lead of the Safe Sports Commission; Moureeze Franklyn, a lawyer; and Keith Joseph, President of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), who made his presentation via Zoom. The intense and engrossing discussions facilitated by the panelists resulted in unanimous recognition and acceptance of the need to have sports people conduct their craft in an environment that
was conducive to all.
Ethics, outreach, legislations and enforcements were identified as paramount to ensuring this goal.
Billy, in his wrapping up, laid clear that, “It is high time that sporting bodies to enact safeguarding policies to protect our athletes. My vested interest in this is to see a policy that really teeth and bites; when it is ethically wrong, deal with it from the organizational standpoint; when it is against the law of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, deal with it from that point of view.”
Bailey, meanwhile, noting that there are
Athletics SVG for sanctioning the event and providing the Meet Manager, the coaches, officials, athletes and spectators.
The brainchild of USAbased Vincentian — James Cordice, the Pre-Season Relays began in 2022, but none was held in 2023.
Cordice who is originally from Clare Valley, migrated to the USA thirty—six years ago. He has represented the interest of St. Vincent and the
Grenadines well in the Diaspora, giving community service to and through several organisations in New York and Pennsylvania especially. Cordice is credited for doing much of the heavy lifting that facilitated the Thomas Saunders Secondary School becoming the first St. Vincent and the Grenadines institution in 2011, to attend the Penn Relays in the USA.
some ground rules already laid down, agreed that more must be done to firm up the conduct of all involved in sports.
“There is a code of ethics for athletes when they are travelling. Once you are affiliated to the Olympic Committee, you are guided by the policies that you put in place, but one of the things that we
just don’t want to do is to put a policy in place and it contradicts the other associations”, Bailey underscored.
He thus sees the launch as the first stage of development of the overall engagements which should advance to the next phase of training, safeguarding
officers and working with the other stakeholders. Bailey heads a sevenmember Safe Sports Commission that includes, Neeka Anderson-Isaac, Akiyama Johnson, Dellon Durrant, Kia Prince, Sorenya Miller and Kellisha AshtonYorke.
National Fast Five Netball winners decided
Tournament were announced last Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the Kingstown Netball Centre, New Montrose.
Preceded by three matches in each of the divisions, suspense grew prior to the revelations, as permutations were needed to decide some of the places.
In the end, it was Sion Hill Netball Team that took Division Two with Police Youth Club Blazers - second and third, All Stars. Maple Netball Team topped Division One, ahead of X-Ceed Sports Club One and X-Ceed Sports Club Two in that order.
And, in the Male Division, Maca Crushers was first, AM Shottas second and Advent Ballers, third.
In addition to the team awards, the Most Outstanding player in each of the fourteen teams was recognized.
The Division Two awardees were Ammique EdwardsSion Hill Netball Team; Macy De Shong- All Stars; Dalonya Questelles, Shanice WarrenBlaze Strikers; Arielle Mc Donald - Police Youth Club Ball Blazers.
In Division One, the recipients were Ketonna Campbell- Maple Netball Team; Kayla Miller- National
Properties Netters; Jacintha Adams- George- Inter Island Trading Inc./DHL Mitres; Shanice Daniel- X- Ceed Sports Club One; Akousa Horne- X- Ceed Sports Club Two. Most Outstanding Players among the males: Darrion RobertsX-Ceed Knights; Kenran DanielAM Shottas; Keno MatthewsMaca Crushers; Philbert Prescott - Advent Ballers.
There was also a special recognition given to Woodrow “Keylee” Williams, for his contribution to the sport of Netball over the years.
Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association’s Fast Five
Champions - IT-DAT Academy
Sion Hill Netball Team
Ketonna Campbell (left) accepts Maple Netball Team’s trophy from Dr. Orando Brewster.
From Left: Stephen Billy, Moureeze Franklyn, Dr. Alisa Alvis, Shimano Bailey.
Nine Mornings, Noon and Nights
THE WEST INDIES’ win over Bangladesh last Tuesday was their second in their last 13 encounters at the One Day International level. The third of that ODI segment ended yesterday Thursday.
That result lays the foreground for the three T/20 games starting at Arnos Vale Sunday, December 15.
Bangladesh returns to the venue where they secured their first Test win in the Caribbean. The records show that West Indies went into that match with a rebranded squad, the product of another disputes which impacts the state of affairs up to this day.
The ODI series ought to have been another walk over by Bangladesh, for West Indies had been dismal at that version.
A recommitted West Indies chased 295 runs with ease. It was a pleasing display by the Sherfane Rutherford and Shai Hope. That inspired confidence, and the second win was as convincing. A repeat batting performance ensured a series victory.
Given the rarity of wins, there is no doubt that continuation of that momentum is anticipated.
The stage is set for the showdown. Vincentians are anxious for the spectacle having failed to attract big cricket for a considerable period. Their appetites were whet for the World Cup. But there was no West Indies. The crowd enjoyed the games, picking any sides that suited them, and unconcerned with the result.
This time they will be patriotic, for no matter what the situation, Vincentians West Indies supporters.
The players may not savor the Vincentian tradition known as Nine Mornings. They will be engaged in high octane rivalry and their energy will be focused on action on the field.
Spectators from the region and beyond will be startled by the Nine Morning activity. The Nine Morning events, justify the name. Vincentians use the nine days before Christmas in their own way.
If you have the nerve, Nine Mornings could be an ongoing flow.
When your body forces you to sleep, you might be surprised how quickly time goes. With the cricket setting the framework, this year marks a special time here. That is as good a time as any for everyone to gear up for the new year. Reflection is in order, and projection for the next stage.
Upheavals worldwide have raised tension to unprecedented uncertainty. What we are seeing are circumstances out of the ordinary by any stifling of the imagination.
The T/20 matches give Vincentian fans an opportunity to show the West Indies team their solidarity, and display that hospitality for which we are known. We anticipate a clean sweep. That will make the Nine Mornings celebrations more enlightening.
That’s the main item on the Nine Mornings calendar. Activities for the most part are spontaneous. While planned programmes are signs of an organized society, Vincentians are used to those matters that fit into their survival. That includes exercises.
Some may be sincere, suitable for the spirit. Aspects of giving and sharing and looking out for one another are the order of the day.
Other elements are rearing, some not in keeping with the ambits of normalcy. Don’t surrender your peace. Guard it diligently and go about your life in ways that add to the creation of a healthy nation.
Football clubs get added assistance
THE TEN CLUBSparticipating in the Premier Division of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) National Club Championships, are to receive added benefits compliments that national organization.
Apart from the start up EC$5000.00, clubs are having their transportation to and from the venues met, as well as having the stipends to their head coaches covered.
In addition to assistance with offsetting transportation cost and the stipend for head coaches, each club was also given, before the commencement of the Championship, a $1500 grant towards assisting in procuring uniforms, shoes and other related items.
Second Vice-President of the SVGFF- Yosiah Dascent, with responsibility for technical matters, disclosed that clubs have responded favourably to the assistance.
“From all reports, the clubs are happy with the offers thus far, especially the transportation,” Dascent said.
As for the transportation facility, Dascent explained, “At present, we have a well-coordinated
Yosiah Dascent, Second Vice-President of the SVGFF, said that the introduction of the transportation facility was in direct response to expressed woes of the clubs.
system in place, that players are transported to and from the venue. Players are dropped off at their place of abode throughout the mainland, namely North Leeward and Georgetown on the Windward side.”
He said that his organization was responding to the woes of clubs, as transportation has been one of their more challenging operational requisites.
“We have listened to the clubs, hence we responded accordingly. Players can come to the matches, knowing that getting back home is assured as there is a system in place,” Dascent added.
TBPO T20 concludes this Weekend
CMT Out ah Trouble will be hoping that Sunil Ambris (pictured) can maintain his form and help take them to the finals.
THERE WILL be a new champion of the National Lottery Authority TBPO T20 Cricket Competition. This, as defending champions Sion Hill Tallawah were ousted in the quarter finals last weekend.
The Competition concludes this weekend with the semifinals and finals being played at the Dauphnie Playing Field.
The first semi-final will bowl off on Saturday from 1.00pm when BOSVG All Star faces CMT Out ah Trouble, followed by Fairbaine United against Dauphine United at 3:00pm.
Sunday will see the first of the third-place playoff beginning at 10.30am to be followed by the finals at 1.00 p.m.
In the quarterfinals matches played last weekend, BOSVG All Star beat Sion Hill Tallawah
by 18 runs. All Star made 101 for 8 in 17 overs; Newborn Joseph getting 29, and Alex Roberts 2 for 21 bowling for Sion Hill, who replied with a disappointing 83 all out in 13.4 overs, Joseph 3 for 23.
Dauphine United defeated Dr. Thomas Injectors by 6 wickets. Injectors got to 84 for 8 in 15 overs, Javon Nero 31 and Leo Williams 3 for 13. Dauphine United eased to 85 for 4 in 14.2 overs, Baldwin DeBique 21.
CMT Out ah Trouble beat Kombat Warriors by 22 runs. Out ah Trouble made 136 all out in 16.1 overs, Sunil Ambris blasting 76 of that total. Warriors’ Romano Pierre took 2 for 10. Warriors replied gamely with 114 all out in 16.2 overs. Romano Peters 33, Desron Maloney 26. Travis Cumberbatch 3 for 19.
Fairbaine United booked their semi-final spot with a victory over Young Stallion by 8 wickets. Stallions faltered, making a paltry 69 all out in 13.4 overs, to which Fairbaine replied with 70 for 2 in 10.4 overs, Glendon James getting 40.
I.B.A. ALLEN
SVG U15 cricketers win one, lose one
AS OF TUESDAY10th December, St. Vincent and the Grenadines had won one and lost one match in the 2024 Winlott Inc Windward Islands Cricket Board Under-15 Championship, currently being played in St. Lucia.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) began their hunt for subregional Under-15 cricket glory with a seven-wicket defeat of defending champions Dominica at the Gros-Islet Playing Field, in one of two Sunday’s opening fixtures.
The Vincentians won the toss and invited the Dominicans to take first knock. The boys from the “Nature Island of the Caribbean” were soon all out for a disappointing 96, as they had no answer for skipper Jorden Charles, who returned figures of 7.4/3/12.6.
SVG then eased to victory, closing on 97 for 3 in 15.2 overs, skipper Charles completed an outstanding all-round game finishing with 21 not out.
On Monday, the Vincentian went down to their host, St. Lucia, by four wickets in the match played at the at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
It was a case of St. Lucia overcoming a series of errors — sloppy fielding and 45 x-extras, to pick up their second consecutive victory as they bowled out the Vincentians for 149 in 38.5 overs.
Jorden Charles, Captain of the SVG U15 cricket team, led from the front in his country’s victory over defending champions Dominica.
The Saint Lucia innings got off to an unimpressive start in the hunt for 149, with opener Daniel Lorde out for two. But an innings from Kyle Stephen — 56 in 50balls - set the home team on a course to victory from which they did not deviate and reached 149 for 6 in
the 32nd over. Tuesday was a rest day. The next round of matches was scheduled for Wednesday, with St. Lucia facing defending Champions Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines matching up against Grenada.
I.B.A. ALLEN
Classifieds V
Making land ownership clear
From Backpage.
“The lack of data impacts us on multiple levels,” he said, adding, “The lack of quality data, and in the context of a country like St. Vincent and the Grenadines… with scarce resources and numerable often insurmountable threats, the availability and quality of data about our country, about our landscape is absolutely critical.”
The Minister stated categorically that the Aerial Mapping project will help to make the process of land transactions more efficient, and reduce the incidences of land disputes.
“When we transfer our system from registration by deed to registration by title, that title will have a history of all transactions on the land and it will be the sole record of the history of that land and it won’t require a trip to a lawyer. You will be able to look up the plot that you own, the plot that you are interested in purchasing,” Minister Gonsalves explained.
Don’t remove the markers
Of much significance to last Tuesday’s launch was the contribution of Keith Francis, Chief Surveyor.
Addressing some of the mechanics involved in the exercise, Francis pointed to a fixed wing drone which he said will be crucial to providing photographs/imagery that will inform the production of a Digital Map of each land parcel.
The drone will be guided by certain ground controlled points. These points, Francis explained, “are iron stake markers” that have already been placed on the ground throughout the state.
The makers are surrounded by a plywood cross
painted in black and while.
The markers, he underscored, were crucial to the work of the drones and he made a passionate plea for them not to be removed indiscriminately.
He assured that they were temporary and that they will be either removed or would have disintegrated by January 2025. (Additional source of information: API SVG)
MAKING LAND OWNERSHIP CLEAR
Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance/Economic Development highlighted the availability and quality of data about our country as being absolutely critical.
by WILLIAM KOJAH ANTHONY
HAVE YOUever bought a portion of land only to discover that you are not the only person who has paid for it? That the same parcel was sold three time before? Or have you been in a situation where land that you bought was not properly identified? These are instances arising out of situations where land purchases are not properly registered. That, among other related issues, is a shortcoming that poses a challenges for land
purchasers, even land owners and not least, government. This uncertainty impacts national development.
Towards a digital map
In an effort to ensure accurate data of land use in the country, an Aerial Mapping project, involving the use of drones, that will produce a digital (land) map of the state, to be used by the Lands and Surveys Department.
The Aerial Mapping Project, part of the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP). The CARDTP, funded by the World Bank, aims in a broader sense to modernise aspects of the public sector, making it more efficient, and is being implemented simultaneously in countries of the OECS.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines leg of the project was launched last Tuesday morning at the Arnos Vale Two Playing Field.
The project is being undertaken by a United Kingdom-based companyPlace.
Frank Pichel, born in the USA, will direct the work on behalf of Place. He brings experience of having worked in similar undertakings in Africa, Turks and Caicos and Anguilla, to his attachment in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Ending land disputes
AI REAL ESTATE
Keith Francis, Chief Surveyor spoke of the Digital Land Map that will result from the mapping exercise and appealed to the public not to disturb or remove ground control markers.
Speaking at the launch, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Works and responsibility for Lands, Montgomery Daniel, welcomed the Aerial Mapping/ Caribbean Digital Transformation Project.
He sees the updating of records as they relate to lands and land use as providing the framework for meaningful development, and anticipates an end to land squabbles and disputes when the mapping exercise is over and the information collated.
Daniel pointed to settlement of disputes over lands, and faster registration of properties as a result of the mapping exercise.
And while he recognizes
that the Lands and Survey Department will see an increase in their work load as a consequence of the gathering and application of the data, he is happy that the nation is taking advantage of the digital window to improve services to the communities.
More efficient land transactions
Frank Pichel of Place, the company conducting the exercise, spent time answering questions regarding logistics, etc. in relation to the operation of the drone.
Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Camillo Gonsalves, in his address at the launch, said confidently that the $30M project “will be for the nation’s benefit.”
Minister Gonsalves noted
that the Lands and Surveys Department has been working with dated information, data he said that was further compromised by climate change.
The red drone, crucial to the aerial mapping exercise, will do flights of 35-45 minutes and is cleared to fly as high as 2000 feet in our air space.