THE VINCENTIAN PDF-19-04-24

PSU PRESIDENT NOT HAPPY: STRIKE ACTION AT AIA AVERTED

Disruption of operations at the AIA has been averted with the Airport Management and the PSU reaching an agreement.

Elroy Boucher, is not pleased with the outcome.

ALTHOUGH AN AGREEMENT WAS REACHED between the Public Service Union (PSU) and the Argyle International Airport (AIA), the Union’s President,

According to Boucher, he would have walked out of the meeting and move forward with strike action.

The Public Service Union (PSU) had served notice on the

management of the AIA that it would call its members at the airport out on strike action if by April 12, 2024, settlement had not been made with respect to an outstanding retroactive increment dating back to 2017.

The increment which amounted to 15% (of salary) was paid in January 2023 and the expectation was that payments for the years 2019 through to 2022 would have followed.

The two-hour long meeting between the

PSU and AIA on April 11 ended with the workers at the AIA accepting an offer which included payment of 60 percent on outstanding retroactive payments, with the remaining 40 percent to be awarded as per vacation, i.e. in lieu of actual payment.

EMPLOYERS NOT COMPLYING WITH MINIMUM WAGE

EMPLOYERS ARE BEING REMINDEDthat non-compliance with the recent minimum wage increases is a breach of the law.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves disclosed on radio on April 17 that not all employers were complying with the minimum wage law.

Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves announced in this year’s Budget address that minimum wage would increase for a wide section of workers in the country, setting a minimum of EC$1,000 per month or EC$50 per day, The new wages took effect for

most workers on March 01, 2024, with the exception of workers in Pre-Schools and Nursing Homes which came into effect on April 01, 2024. Continued

Boucher also confirmed that this action will affect some 153 workers at the AIA and the total amount outstanding was $228,000 as per information shared by the AIA.

Continued on Page 3.

Elroy Boucher, President of the Public Service Union (PSU) didn’t agree with the final outcome but respected the decision of the workers concerned.

Rotary Conference come to SVG

THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED Rotary District 7030 Conference 2024, opened here yesterday evening –April 18 – and will run until April 20 at the Kingstown Baptist Church. (Full coverage will follow in next week’s edition.)

Prior to the opening, the organizing committee shared progress on preparations for the event, which is the first time the District Conference will be hosted in the picturesque setting of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The following is a release from the host:

“Under the visionary leadership of District

Governor Brian Glasgow, the conference theme “Sharing Hope” embodies the spirit of Rotary International, emphasizing the collective impact of collaboration for positive change. With over 3,200 Rotarians in 75 Clubs across 17 countries and territories in the Southern Caribbean, District 7030 exemplifies diversity and unity, making this year’s conference a true celebration of cultural richness.

“The conference itinerary is packed with engaging activities, including a pre-conference workshop for Presidents and Secretarieselect, an opening ceremony and welcome cocktail, Project Fair, Vincy Village showcasing Vincentian talent and products, Island Night Hospitality Event, Polio Awareness Walk, and a grand Closing Ceremony.

“One of the highlights of the event is the Project Fair, where participating Rotary Clubs from District 7030 will present their project ideas to potential partner Clubs from Districts in the USA and beyond. This collaborative platform underscores Rotary’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in communities worldwide.

“Moreover, the ‘Vincy Market’ provides a unique opportunity for Vincentian entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products and services,

adding a vibrant touch of local flavour to the conference experience.

“As the conference draws near, the District 7030 Conference Team eagerly anticipates welcoming all stakeholders to the beautiful shores of St. Vincent and thee Grenadines for an unforgettable experience filled with camaraderie, cultural discovery, and the shared mission of spreading hope and goodwill.”

Brian Glasgow - District Governor - has guided the processes leading up to the hosting of the Conference.

Shafia London, Conference Chair.

PM lands $1.00 per year

PRIME MINISTER DR. RALPH GONSALVES,never one to back down from a challenge or to set a challenge for others, has lived up to that defining trait of his person.

Holding fast to that trait, Dr. Gonsalves has offered up, not for the first time, a rather compelling challenge.

Speaking on a recent API broadcast, the Prime Minister said he was the owner of a portion of land — 5 acres or so “in the country” - which he is prepared to allow “… any two, three, four, five young people, or not so young persons,… to work…”

He invited anyone so interested to contact him.

Apart from agreeing to use the land solely for farming purposes, the only other condition (of use) is that the person or persons to whom the land is availed, must pay the owner, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, EC$1.00 per year.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has some lands which he prepared to have others work at a ‘peppercorn’ rate.

PSU President not happy: Strike action at AIA averted

Continued from Frontpage.

Boucher explained that since 2017 when the Performance Management System came into effect, workers at the AIA were subjected to performance appraisals.

“However, at no time at all were workers given an increase based on their performance,” Boucher told THE VINCENTIAN.

The AIA made one payment, as per the retroactive amounts, in 2023, the PSU President said, “and we said you have erred; it is not rocket science, you have to pay the retroactive payments for the year 2020, 2021 and 2022.”

When the PSU met with the AIA team in 2020, Boucher said that they were told that the company was unable to pay increments for the years 2017 to 2019.

“One long story about the fact that it was too costly for them, and they couldn’t afford it,” he explained.

The workers agreed to compromise, Boucher said, and made the decision to forget about the 2017 and 2018 increments.

“I let them work it for themselves. All they have to do,

I’ll have an agreement with them, they have pay me just one dollar for the whole year, with that agreement, because I want nothing what you have, because, and I don’t want it to be on it without the agreement to think it’s your land, it is my own, but I allow you to use it,” Dr. Gonsalves said.

Prime Minister Gonsalves first offered his personal lands for agricultural use on October 16th of last year. To sate no one has taken him up on the offer, he told the API.

Firearms Amnesty update

(Editor’s Note: The following is a release from the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.)

THE ROYAL SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES POLICE FORCE (RSVGPF), in collaboration with the government, is pleased to provide an update on the ongoing National Firearms Amnesty (NFA) 2024.

Launched on March 1, 2024, the initiative has been progressing successfully, with 44 days remaining until its conclusion on May 31, 2024.

The NFA is designed to foster a safer environment across our multi-island nation by reducing the number of illegal firearms in circulation.

To date, the programme has successfully retrieved 8 illegal firearms and 209 rounds of ammunition from the community. This is a significant step towards our goal of removing illicit firearms from the streets and diminishing the potential for violent crime.

We wish to remind the public that the amnesty is a ‘No questions asked’ and ‘No prosecution’ initiative. Individuals are encouraged to voluntarily surrender any illegal firearms and ammunition in their possession without fear of prosecution or

questioning. It is important to note that this is not a ‘buy back’ program, and no compensation will be offered for the surrendered weapons.

Firearms can be handed over to the nearest police station or to designated community leaders including ministers of religion, justices of the peace, parliamentarians, lawyers, or authorized firearms dealers.

The RSVGPF is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We are urging anyone in possession of an illegal firearm to take this opportunity to contribute to a safer community by participating in the amnesty.

Yet, even against that ‘act of goodwill, the money was never paid, and “you are telling them that you still cannot pay what you owe after all these compromises,” Boucher lamented.

According to Boucher, the discussions was about money owed to the workers at the AIA; it was not a negotiation.

“It is not a salary negotiation or something that you are bargaining for,” he told THE VINCENTIAN.

The Union’s President argued that he was not supposed to be negotiating whether the workers were paid or not.

“If there is any negotiation, it would be basically them saying that they are unable to pay all of the amount owed and we look at how we can get the remainder whether in cash or in kind. Which is how it actually turned out.”

However, Boucher said that during the April 11 meeting, the Chairman of the Board of the AIAGodfred Pompey, insisted that the company was unable to afford it and that he and the other members of the PSU were already making their way to walk out of the meeting when the deal that was eventually accepted was broached.

Boucher was clear that he was upset with the management and their approach but accepted that when the workers were asked to make a decision, the majority of them agreed to accept the offer.

“But what transpired really is not fair, I would have gone against it, but I have to respect the decision of the majority,” he told THE VINCENTIAN, commenting further that the process could have been better with the “company (AIA) being a little more respectful and honest to the workers.”

Employers not complying with minimum wage

Continued from Frontpage.

“And I am urging the tiny majority who are not complying to do so,” Gonsalves appealed.

The prime minister said that he contacted the Labour Commissioner and the Labour Department after he had received reports that some retail clothing stores in Kingstown were not complying with the new set of wages, which came into effect on March 1,

2024.

So too, he said, he had received information that a particular private sector enterprise offering medical services were not complying with the minimum wage law.

“And I called someone involved and they told me that that was not the case, but I said check it out because I get the information,” he said.

The new wages were the

law of the land and Gonsalves said that he was urging all employers to comply.

He advised workers that the best way to ensure compliance was for them to inform the Labour Department or get the message through one of the ministers of government, or the office of the Prime Minister, whenever they felt they were being denied what was rightfully theirs.

The Firearms Amnesty will run until May 31, 2024.

Murder accused freed of gun charges

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

ATEENAGE boy who has been facing a murder charge since July 2023, was cleared of three other charges when he returned to the Serious Offenses Court on Tuesday.

In addition to the murder charge, the accused, Cole Oliver of Pole Yard, Arnos Vale, was charged with wounding Aaron Cabral of Glen with intent, using a firearm to aid in the commission of an offense, and possession of a firearm without a license.

All three charges reportedly stemmed from a shooting incident at Glen on June 15, 2023. Oliver was 18 at the time.

On Oliver’s return to Court on Tuesday, Prosecutor Renrick Cato made an application under Section 68 of the Criminal Procedure Code to have the firearm-related charges and the wounding with intent charge withdrawn.

However, Senior Magistrate Colin John indicated that the complainant seemed not to have any interest in these matters and that he could not be located.

As a result, the Magistrate dismissed the gun-related charges. He however discharged Oliver on the wounding with intent charge, as that charge was laid indictably which would have involved a Preliminary

Inquiry (P.I), if heard.

Preliminary Inquiries cannot be dismissed as they are not trials, which means that Oliver could be recharged on the wounding with intent charge.

Concerning the murder charge, stemming from the shooting death of Golden Vale resident Kemon Orlando Roberts, 28, the Prosecutor was granted an adjournment to Tuesday, April 23, despite strong objections from Oliver’s lawyer Grant Connell.

Connell pointed out that the guidelines state that for an accused on remand, the matter should not be in the system for more than six months without being heard. He said that the timeline for those on bail is nine months.

Connell said his client had been on remand since July 20, 2023, in connection with the murder matter, and the Prosecutor is still asking for another adjournment.

“I have had adjournments since November”, Connell told the Court, referring to the murder case.

“He (the Prosecutor) hasn’t updated the Court as to where we are with the file”, the lawyer added.

But the Prosecutor said that if he did not have the file, and the file was not in a state of readiness, he would not have requested a short adjournment.

After listening to both sides, the Magistrate granted the Prosecutor’s

request and adjourned the matter to April 23.

Oliver was first taken before the Court on June 26, 2023, on the firearm-related charges, and the wounding with intent charge, just days after the police had issued a wanted notice for him. He pleaded not guilty to those charges and was released on $12,000 bail with one surety.

Cole Oliver is still to have his day in court to answer to a murder charge.

However, Oliver was brought back to Court on July 20, 2023, after being charged with Robert’s murder.

Roberts was reportedly shot several times in his head during an incident at Golden Vale shortly after 8 a.m. on July 20, 2023.

Farmer on gun, ammo, ganja charges

A 37-YEAR-OLD Dickson village farmer will return to the Serious Offenses Court on June 17 for trial on gun, ammunition, and marijuana charges.

Dearon Glasgow has been charged with possession of a Kahr .45 pistol without a license, 30 rounds of .45 ammunition, and 1,816 grams of marijuana with intent to supply.

Glasgow pleaded not guilty to all three charges when he appeared before Senior Magistrate’s Colin John at the Serious Offenses Court on Monday. He was granted $10,000 bail with one surety on the condition that he report to the Georgetown Police Station every Wednesday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Glasgow’s arrest was triggered by a police action at Dickson Village around 5:45 p.m. on April 12.

A Kahr 45 pistolsare manufactured in in Greeley, Pennsylvania, USA, the Kahr Firearms Group.

Inmates, officers tested for T.B

Dwayne Bailey, Acting Superintendent of Prisons, denied that there was an outbreak of any disease at the prison facilities here.

THE VINCENTIAN has been reliably informed that officials from the Health Department recently carried out health awareness education and medical tests on prisoners and prison officers for tuberculosis (TB), at the prison facilities here.

The publication understands that the action was taken after a prisoner who died from a certain illness was also

suspected of having TB.

THE VINCENTIAN was however informed that nobody else at the prisons had tested positive for the disease.

During a sitting of the Serious Offenses Court on Tuesday, attorney Grant Connell asked Senior Magistrate Colin John to ensure that a prisoner, who was before the Court, left the building as soon as possible.

The prisoner was heard coughing in the dock, and Connell told the Court that there was some talk about a certain disease at the prisons.

After the prisoner had made his appearance, the Magistrate ordered that he be taken away.

However, when contacted on Thursday, Acting Superintendent of Prisons, Dwayne Bailey, told THE VINCENTIAN that “there was no outbreak of any disease whatsoever at any of the prison facilities.

TB is a disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air. It usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, kidneys and spine.

Bail granted for ganja charge

A 36-YEAR-OLD FARMER of Fitz Hughes was granted $10,000 bail with one surety when he appeared at the Serious Offences Court, on Wednesday, on a marijuana possession charge.

Standing before Senior Magistrate Colin John, Gilbert Small pleaded not guilty to possession of 14.528 grams of marijuana with intent to supply.

Small was granted bail on the condition that he report to the Chateaubelair Police Station every Monday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and will return to Court on June 10.

Small’s arrest was triggered by a police action at Fitz Hughes on April 16.

Whale catch in Bequia

twelve (12) feet wide.

BEQUIA’S VERY

OWN CALYPSONIAN LEGEN

D‘J Gool’ paid tribute to famed (whale) harpooner Athneal Ollivierre from the Grenadines Island of Bequia, declaring him to be “..the greatest whaler man”.

Athneal Ollivierre passed away on July 04, 2000, in La Pompe, Bequia, at his home which, in keeping with the measure of the man, faced the sea.

But Athneal’s legacy lives on, albeit amidst a debate on whether the tradition of whale catching and slaughtering should be allowed to continue.

That said, last Tuesday, April 16, Athneal’s son, Brian ‘Bruce’ Ollivierre, who inherited his father’s role as harpooner, led a crew on the whaler ‘Perseverance’ and struck a large, female whale off Spring Bay, in the north of Bequia. This catch followed one in March, 2023.

Reports are that Brian had to strike the whale twice before gaining control of the giant mammal.

The whale was measured at forty-four feet six inches long, twenty-two feet wide, and had a tail that was

Residents across the island of Bequia were elated by the catch.

As referenced the whaling tradition has found itself at loggerheads with those who want to promote a whale-watching industry.

But, the International Whaling Commission’s Aboriginal Whaling Provision (IWC — AWP) permits St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) to continue whaling, recognizing that indigenous or aboriginal subsistence whaling is not the same as commercial whaling. Aboriginal whaling does not seek to maximize catches or profit as obtains in Japan.

In accordance with the IWC — AWP, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has an annual quota of four whales.

Notwithstanding this protocol, whalers in SVG have locked horns with the St Vincent and the Grenadines Preservation Fund, which spearheads a movement to stop the practice of whale catching in SVG, and replace it with an organsied whale watching industry.

It is recalled that in 2019 when a 44-foot 11inch whale was caught on Bequia and many resident celebrated the successful catch, Director

of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Preservation Fund - Louise MitchellJoseph said in a public statement that she was saddened by the catch.

Mitchell-Joseph, who was then also chairman of the St Vincent and the Grenadines National Trust, said the Preservation Fund had secured funding to sensitize the whaling community of the sevensquare-mile island (Bequia), to the benefits of whale watching and conservation.

But, according to Edwin Snagg, at the time Director of Grenadines Affairs and St Vincent and the Grenadines’ (SVG) Commissioner to the International Whaling Commission (IWC), “whaling in SVG is aboriginal, cultural and historical and cannot be stopped at the snap of a finger.

“I don’t think we are in a position at this time to engage in whale watching because even though we have a quota of four whales per annum, over the years, we have not been catching four whales and the fact that has been happening, is an indication that we don’t see them. So, if we don’t see them, would you tell me what is there to watch?” Snagg told journalists in 2019. (KH)

Photo Source: St. Vincent Times

The whale caught in Bequia last Tuesday, is the first since a catch in 2023.

Bequia captures its whaling tradition in a Maritime Museum which displays boats and tools used in the craft of whale hunting.

The teams that will eventually make the successful catch watch and wait for the right moment to strike.

Police note irresponsible use of crossing

Police Constable 1040

Rick Hunte highlighted a number of concerns the RSVGPF Traffic Department has with respect to use of pedestrian crossings.

THE IRRESPONSIBLE

ATTITUDEof drivers and pedestrian alike to use of crossings on the roads in this country, has not escaped the attention of the Traffic Department of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF).

Speaking on a recent episode of the Traffic Talk programme, aird on WE FM, Police Constable 1040 Rick Hunte highlighted the issue and disclosed that the Traffic Department has in fact, noted a heightening of the attitude as referenced.

“According to the pedestrian crossing regulation, any driver who stops on a pedestrian crossing or fails to stop at a

Pedestrians are urged to desist from lingering on crossings.

pedestrian crossing is guilty of an offense,” Constable Hunte reminded listeners.

He also noted that pedestrians linger on the crossing, and cited that pedestrians have taken to using their phones while using the crossings.

The constable went further to say that it has been observed that pedestrians, on reaching halfway on a crossing, turn around and go in the opposite direction. Worse, pedestrians are known to walk slowly on the crossings while indulging in conversation with others, putting spend to the protocol that one should walk briskly when using a stipulated crossing, and to always complete the cross from one side to the other.

Also highlighted by Constable Hunte was the increasing incidents of

disregard for the authority of a Police Office on duty at a crossing.

“We have observed that there are pedestrians who don’t respect the police officer while that officer is regulating the traffic. They would walk across the pedestrian crossing while the officer is regulating the traffic,” he said.

He called upon citizens to desist from such practice and to respect the officer who is on duty at a pedestrian crossing.

“Wait on that officer’s permission before crossing,” he advised.

An officer is placed at a crossing not only to ensure the free movement of traffic but to also ensure the safe crossing by pedestrians, Constable Hunte told his listening audience.

Always, pedestrians, for their own safety, should respect the authority of officers assigned to crossings.

Party Politics and Stooges

presents it as a something new to consider if not to act upon. Does this reflect a dearth of idea by the party that adopts the other’s idea?

In a world without mirrors, this fudging works.

There was an obvious uncontrollable wave of responses, producing a cacophony which meant many of the responses went deciphered.

From the little that could be discerned, there was some responses that sided with the spokesman, but it appeared that the majority attacked him for his ‘stupidity’.

The truth is that while the comment aroused reaction, there was no real reflection on the content of the comment, far less the context.

It unearthed a saying: “If we all thought before we spoke, oh what a quiet world it would be.”

Some sober reflection thereafter might have said the spokesman could have used a different reference, i.e. not stooges, but taking off on the comment, the truth is that it is interesting that political leaders will do everything possible to protect and retain their position of power only because the subordinates — stooges - trade their intellect so as to be able to sit close to the leader.

It is not uncommon for leaders to feel disrespected and threatened by a hint of a call for a change in leadership.

In situations of threats, ghost-like or otherwise, leaders are wont to employ ‘big-stick’ measures to quell any uneasiness. Some leaders might even reverse the threat with a threat of expulsion, while another leader might work to convince ‘dissidents’ to see their way.

When situations like these arise within a ‘party in power’, a ‘line’ is drawn between party survival and national development, with the former taking a back seat however temporary.

From this, one is likely to conclude that our politics define national planning as limited by a term in office and instead prioritize the survival of the party over the country’s development.

Even more dastardly, is that in our political culture the views of the opposing party are never assessed as good or meaningful. Funny though, there is fudging when one party drapes its opponent’s idea in new clothing and

Our politics makes the electorate mere repositories of the ‘labourings’ of one party or the other, but in the final analysis, it’s the financiers who call or determine the shots.

And then there is the classroom we call the cabinet. What a shame that qualified academics and senior civil service personnel are often not allowed to speak out, far less express a contrary view on a matter.

Only the headmaster has the right idea… the answer to the many problems facing the people.

These are the same intelligent men and women who use the parliament as a comedy stage not unlike the Three Stooges of movie fame, with bantering of a debasing tone as they hide behind a thing called parliamentary immunity. And then these are the same intellectuals who willingly obey an ‘order’ to walk out of parliament in a show of opposition to say, a ruling by the Speaker.

When all is said and done can we honestly say that party politics is producing anything other than mediocrity? How many ‘quacks and invalids’ to use the Mighty Chaldust’s metaphor, hide behind the Headmaster and enjoy a piggyback ride to victory. What do these people have that qualifies them for decision-making on national development issues that others outside of the classroom do not have?

In our culture who is going to blame the leaders from gathering around the people they can control — stooges? When this happens don’t expect that any of these leaders will do anything other than to defend their subordinates, regardless of how incompetent and immoral they might be.

Party politics is a stage to pappyshow and mamaguy that complements the parliamentary dictatorship that we embrace as a system of making laws to govern the people.

Maybe we should ask: Are we in fact producing stooges with our party politics?

IN HIS SUPPORT FOR THE AMENDMENT to the Criminal Code Chapter 171, one parliamentarian said the new Law is a “step in the right direction.” Other Parliamentarians on both sides of the House concurred with this sentiment. Everyone fully supported the long-awaited amendment and said it was a good thing.

I found a few things unusual; for example, the Prime Minister (PM) pointed out that no one had any comments on the draft bill during the comment period. No one offered any comments, not the churches, the women’s organizations, the children’s advocates, these selfappointed critics of law enforcement officers, or the “internet crazies.”

This I found disheartening. It is as if everyone agrees with the theory that to reduce crime, we must increase penalties. After all, we also agreed with this theory when we addressed the penalty for illegal gun possession. Our intention seems to be to scare the immoral child molesters and the criminal elite using guns into compliance.

What I found telling was, the same week we were celebrating our successful passage of these two amendments, a judge a few miles away was sentencing an accused and convicted child abuser to a onemonth suspended sentence. A few weeks earlier, a judge sentenced another man to three years for an “attempted buggery” of an elevenyear-old child. Please note that with all his troubles, this man was given a one-third discount on his sentence because he pleaded guilty. I can go on with more examples, but I think you get my point; I’m not at all convinced that increased penalties will change anything. But I suppose this is what governments do: pass laws and hope for the best. Sometimes, we must do that, but most of the time, we must address the problems more fundamentally.

Don’t get me wrong, I think some of these minimum sentences needed to be adjusted. Another thing that needed to be changed was using the word “defective” to reference a less able person. That’s a discussion for another day. A budget amendment

should have accompanied this change in the Law–a budget to fund the setting up of the various supporting structures for the victims of these crimes. Until we begin to allocate resources to help the victims of these heinous crimes, we are only giving lip service to the idea of protecting our children.

I found myself talking to the radio last week as a senator explained how one of her first cases took over eleven years before the victim had her day in court because she was afraid to testify. I keep asking why. All I could think about was how we protected that child from her accuser while she waited for justice. What did we do to help that child overcome her trauma? Was she removed from that dangerous environment? She did not share those parts of the story with us, so I assume she had to deal with it alone. Maybe she got some help from her family.

Madam Senator, experiences like these should have moved you to advocate for a more robust support structure for the victims. As I see it, the courts will continue to do what they currently do: give generous discounted sentences to all who pleaded guilty when they get caught. Are these discounts on sentencing a reward for saving the courts the burden of the cost of a trial? In the meantime, the victims are left to cope with the trauma by themselves and worry about what will happen to them when the convicted person gets out of prison after a short stay.

Another thing, this was the perfect opportunity for us to deal with the age of consent. Why do we continue to think that a child at the age of fifteen is sufficiently mature to consent to sexual activity with an adult? While I appreciate the calls by some opposition members for a change to the age of consent during the final reading of the Bill, we all know that this is not where a significant change of this nature can or will be made. It’s time to get serious about our children’s lives and stop politicizing a non-partisan issue.

Still no grip on crime

IT’SAPRILand we have recorded 12 homicides according to the police. I am not certain whether or not the chap who was shot by the police is included in this number.

Coming off of a record year (2023 — where the official statistics given are that there were 52 cases of murders and 3 cases of homicides — whatever that means),

whether the number up to Friday 12th April was 12 or 13, this is simply too many. It might be wishful thinking especially given the rate of unemployment among our youth, but the number should be nil.

So, the reality is that we began 2024 just where we left off in 2023.

Murder, and some gruesome ones (baby

killed in Rose Hall, North Leeward, men killed and burnt in Park Hill, occupy the front pages of our newspapers and online news pages.

Sorry, but if the political leaders of this country think that by increasing the penalties for possession of firearms and ammunition is going to prevent or even make a dent in the number of

gun-related murders here — and these are the majority — they are wasting time thinking. No amount of gun amnesties is going to help either.

Guns are in the hands of criminal elements in this country, many of them known to the authorities, but whose hands are tied by law and otherwise.

Our PM man of and for the people

DR. RALPH

GONSALVES, our Prime Minister, is the longest serving Prime Minister in the CARICOM community. His service of 23 years has been unbroken. He is considered the senior leader in the CARICOM community to whom many other leaders look to advice and example.

I want to say, without any water in my mouth, that Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has demonstrated to us that he is a selfless, courageous, hardworking and dedicated leader. He might just be the best leader to have emerged from our land.

The thing about Dr. Gonsalves is that he has shown he is dedicated to

fostering and promoting the socio-economic development of not only his own beloved SVG, but to the Caribbean as well.

And not only has he been recognised by his Caribbean colleagues for his intelligence and wisdom, but he has been recognized by international organisations and countries across the globe.

You see, Mr. Editor, his leadership skills have transcended our borders and touched many lives in the wider world. And what I think marks him as a man of worth by the larger countries is his readiness to defend the truth.

Of course, we know he is never lost for words, and he can speak eloquently and intelligently on a wide range of topics and issues. But he is more than words; he matches his words with action — a trait that is not found among too many leaders in the Caribbean far less the world.

Dr. Gonsalves, when he led his party to victory for the first time in 2001, promised to approach his work guided by the slogan “Together Now”. He promised to work for all regardless of political allegiance, class or what have you.

If you look around in this country and

Soccer election 2024

CONGRATULATIONSto the

2024 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) executive. The public will be looking forward to an improved relationship with this new executive.

What the SVGFF owns — building, buses, training grounds, equipment, etc., have been given by FIFA after many requests dating back years ago. FIFA assists forty-one Caribbean affiliates (countries). It doesn’t assist those in charge so it is up to each affiliate (country) to elect knowledgeable persons to administrate the sport’s development and transformation.

Candidates who contested the general election in March 2024 hastened to the radio and television to promote themselves and their plans. Some of them identified the issue of lack of infrastructure as the reason for the poor standard and quality of clubs and players.

Football/soccer started on an open field, infrastructure came after to aid its development, and the transformation necessary to make the sport viable as a livelihood and business.

When St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) beat Suriname, they practised and played without lights; most soccer games are still played throughout the country on open fields.

The problems and poor results that the sport is experiencing are due to the consequences of elected administrators, allowing inexperienced persons to administer the sport at all levels.

Since 1978 when the benefits of becoming a member of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and FIFA became known, many of those holding top executive positions had little or no experience with the process of joining teams and clubs. Before too long, people began forming ‘gangs’ to force their way to becoming elected at the national level. In 1979 we witnessed the first gang elected and there began the destruction of teams and clubs. The ’79 Executive did not last a year.

During the ‘80s, there was less and less training conducted in the morning and as for the afternoon, players began arriving late (after 5pm) because they no longer had a say in their team’s

So, while the authorities are good at offering condolences, sympathy, and the promise to deal with the problem, and we acknowledge their sentiments, we need to see serious change. We need to feel safe and secure once more.

conclude that Dr. Gonsalves has not made a difference, a big difference in promoting and achieving the physical development of this country in ways that others marvel at, and in helping Vincentians out of poverty, you have got to be blind or dishonest.

Dr. Gonsalves has set this country on a development path that will benefit all Vincentians. Those who will succeed him as leaders of the ULP, have a clear course to follow. Our hope is that they will not change course.

Long live our Prime Minister.

Paul, Jamaica

preparations.

Many players migrated during this period, making things worse.

Teams and clubs lack proper preparation. They don’t have the required space, and not enough time and balls to enhance their discipline, skills and techniques, courage, concentration, and confidence. At practice games they sweat, get frustrated, angry, and then get into trouble.

Club administrators don’t have regular meetings, and do not raise funds in the event they win the club championship, which makes them eligible to compete in the FIFA club championship. This leaves many to wonder if these administrators care about players’ development.

The national executive set no better examples. They do not host any seminars, workshops, or conferences to educate club administrators and their technical staff. They do not raise funds; they just spend the development funds.

Who serves two masters at the same time and produces or gets good results? These are just a few reasons our soccer has fallen over the years.

I await community policing day and night — after all, the RSVG Police Force is awe, and new police vehicles. We need to work with the communities and increase patrols, not only in the so-called high-risk areas, but throughout SVG.

It’s a pity that the whole community group network, the NGO network has been destroyed. Has this given rise to an increase in crime?

Working with these groups, if they existed, would have made it so much easier to have less talk and more action?

Whatever we are doing to combat crime seems to be falling short. Let us commit, especially our politicians, to join forces in a national fight against this scourge.

Thomas

Honours for a departed Police Officer

Dear Sir,

I AM WRITINGto express my deep disappointment and disgust at the lack of honours accorded to the late Mr. John Westmore Hazell, a retired Inspector of Police during his funeral procession and service at the Kingstown Methodist Church on Monday 8th April, 2024.

It is customary for the Police Force to pay respects to retired officers by providing a quarter guard at their funerals. Additionally, it is expected that senior officers would be in attendance to honour the service and dedication of their former colleagues. However, in Mr. Hazell’s case, neither of these traditions was upheld.

I wish to commend the Commissioner of Police for arranging the Police Band to accompany the funeral procession, and I extend my gratitude to the retired policemen who attended the church service to pay their respects. However, the absence of a quarter guard and senior officers is a glaring oversight and a disservice to Mr. Hazell’s years of service dedicated to the Police Force.

As a retired Inspector of Police, Mr. Hazell deserved the utmost respect and recognition from his former colleagues and the institution he served faithfully for over twenty-six (26) years. The failure to provide appropriate honours reflects poorly on the Police Force and undermines the values of camaraderie and respect, which should be upheld by the organisation.

I, therefore, urge the Commissioner of Police to investigate this matter and ensure that such oversights do not occur in the future. It is essential that the memory of our fallen colleagues be remembered with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Yours faithfully,

Big capital projects on-going in SVG

The issue

OVERthe last 23 years, thus far, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government under the leadership of Comrade Ralph has been conceptualising, sourcing concessional loans and grant funds for capital projects, and implementing massive, unprecedented capital programmes within the overall framework of a compelling developmental narrative designed to uplift lives, living, and production in SVG for all!

Despite all the resource challenges and limitations inherent in a small, vulnerable, multi-island nation and its legacies of underdevelopment historically, the ULP government has led this country magnificently. We have done so by enhancing our nation’s strengths and possibilities and embracing an efficacious solidarity with our friends and allies overseas in every material particular.

Out of all this, the ULP has delivered monumental iconic capital programmes and projects (physical and non-physical) inclusive of the Argyle International and Canouan Jet airports; the Education, Health, Housing, Water, Telecoms, Electricity, Sporting, and Cultural Revolutions; the Rabacca Bridge; the Modern Medical and Diagnostic Centre; the Modern Port Project; Agriculture and Fisheries initiatives. In conjunction with the private and cooperative sectors, our government has further ensured the development of non-state capital projects such as Sandals Hotel, Myah Suites and Hotel Alexandrina, telecommunications advances (Digicel and Flow), and so forth.

Currently, there are huge statedriven capital projects underway. Let us summarise this unprecedented, historic explosion of capital works.

Some major infrastructure projects

The list of some major infrastructure projects currently being done in SVG includes:

1. The Port Modernisation Project costing some EC$650 million.

2. The Sandy Bay Sea Defence Project costing over EC $40 million.

3. The Diamond Multi-Purpose Centre costing EC $1.5 million.

4. The Sir Vincent Beache Stadium at Diamond costing nearly EC$30 million ($10 million is being spent this year for further roll-out).

5. Rehabilitation of nine schools (CDB-financed) costing some EC $40 million.

6. Arrowroot Revitalisation Project (modern factory at Orange Hill) –estimated cost EC $7 million.

7. Massive on-going Road Construction and Rehabilitation Programme all across SVG, including the following five bundles:

(i) Feeder Road Improvements costing in 2024 EC $5.4 million financed by a grant from the 11th European Development Fund.

(ii) Road Rehabilitation project financed by a soft-loan from Taiwan of EC $121 million ($40 million being spent this year).

(iii) National Disaster Management Roads and Buildings finance by a softloan from the CDB of over EC $75 million (EC $20 million being spent this year).

(iv) Construction of Secondary, Village and Feeder Roads at a cost of nearly EC $90 million financed by softloans from Kuwaiti Fund and OFID. The contractor KDL, which has been underperforming, pledges to complete all their contracted road works by the end of 2024.

(v) Multiple roads being rehabilitated or repaired by BRAGSA (appropriate cost from its annual subvention, EC $10 million).

8. Improvement to Arnos vale

Sporting complex at a cost of EC $38 million.

9. Diamond Hotel Project costing EC $135 million.

10. Housing Programmes of all kinds totalling EC $25 million.

11. Volcanic Eruption Emergency Project (VEEP): EC $18 million being spent in 2024, financed by soft-loan from World Bank-IDA.

Some major non-physical capital project

Below is a list of major non-physical projects actually underway:

1. SET programme financed by Taiwan annually: EC $2.5 million.

2. Capitalisation of the Contingency Fund: EC$14 million in 2024 (currently the Fund has over EC $60 million for the “rainy days).

3. ON-SITE Programme for 2024: EC $1.4 million.

4. Human Development Project financed by World Bank-IDA at a cost of EC$27.7 million: EC $5 million for 2024.

5. COVID-19 Response Programme (Health and Social Safety Net Needs): EC$2.7 million for 2024 financed by a CDB soft-loan.

6. Caribbean Digital Transformation Programme (World Bank-IDA soft-loan of EC $80 million) – allocation for 2024: EC $22 million.

7. Various Capital Support Programmes in Education from several sources amounting to nearly EC $20 million in 2024.

8. Farmers’ Support Revolving Fund: EC $1.3 for 2024.

9. Various capital programmes to support fisheries: In excess of EC $6 million in 2024.

10. Land Purchases by government: over EC $5 million for 2024.

11. Fleet Expansion (Purchase of vehicles) for Police: EC $1.5 million for 2024.

Some major capital programmes in-train

Further, there are major capital programmes (physical and non-physical) amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars in the process of being rolled out.

These include:

1. The Acute Care Hospital at Arnos Vale: EC $300 million.

2. Polyclinics and Clinics across SVG funded by soft loans from the Saudi Fund amounting to some EC $40 million.

3. Joint Venture for the construction of Marriott Hotel at Mt. Wynne (contribution from government: EC$135 million from a Taiwan soft loan).

4. Modern Parliament Project: EC $22 million — soft loan from Taiwan.

5. Modern High Court Project: EC $28 million-soft loan from Taiwan.

6. Little Tokyo Bus Terminal Redevelopment: EC $7 million, mainly from ALBA Bank.

7. Georgetown Market over $2 million (including the price of land) financed mainly by a grant from Taiwan.

8. Sandy Bay Secondary School at Orange Hill financed by a soft loan of EC $12 million from CDB.

9. Educational, Cultural, Artistic, Production Hub at Belle Vue, Rose Hall, and Petit Bordel: EC $27 million financed by soft loan from Saudi Fund.

10. Park Hill Educational, Cultural, and Wellness Centre: EC $3 million, a grant from Taiwan.

11. Blue Economy Project, including component for Agriculture and Fisheries of EC $27 million for 2024.

Crime and violence – the biggest social challenge in SVG

(Excerpts of the Honourable Fitzgerald Bramble’s presentation to the Firearms Amendment Bill, 2024)

THIS BILL which seeks to increase the penalties for illegal firearms possession and related activities is a reasonable step which we in the opposition NDP support.

It is no secret that crime and violence in this country arguably pose the biggest social challenge to our people, closely contested by poverty and unemployment. Indeed, the daunting, but telling statistics of unprecedented high levels of poverty, unemployment, cost-of-living, incidence of mental illness, allegations of corruption in public office highlight our reality here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

All of this is happening under a government who, when they came to office in 2001, emphatically said they would be tough on crime and the causes of crime. A government who promised us integrity legislation in the first 100 days after getting into government and after my recent calculation of 8,490 days, we are yet to see anything close to integrity legislation. And we wonder why there is wide spread speculation about the level of corruption in public office in this country.

The crime situation in this country is out of hand, to say the least. We have reached an all-time low when having heard of the frightening experience of innocent, sick people, lying in their hospital beds only to hear gun shots ringing out in the said hospital from an assailant who entered a ward of the hospital in an attempt to finish off a previously attacked survived victim of a gun murder attempt. I shudder to think that we can get any worse than this.

We recognize on this side of the House that there is no single strategy nor policy that will adequately address the occurrence of crime in any country. I want to re-emphasized at this juncture that the bill to amend the Firearms Act to basically increase the penalties for the violation of the Act, is a step in the right direction, but let us not lose sight of the fact that it is also an indication that the government recognizes the far-reaching nature of crime and violence, particularly gun violence in this country and they must, by extension accept and take responsibility for such. The primary role of government is to protect and safely secure its people and you must do so with authority, vision and foresight. Your approach must be smart and inclusive if meaningful progress is to be made in the fight against crime.

Crime in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been a significant concern, with a rise in homicides and various criminal activities. The country has experienced an increase in intentional homicides over the years, reaching a record high of 55 murders in 2023. The surge in crime has been attributed to factors like the gun culture, the cocaine trade, and the involvement of criminal gangs and groups specializing in drug trafficking.

The most common types of crime in

St. Vincent and the Grenadines include homicides, gun-related violence, drug trafficking - particularly cocaine, domestic violence, robbery, and praedial larceny. The country has faced a surge in intentional homicides, with a record high of 55 murders in 2023, attributed to factors like the gun culture and the cocaine trade. Additionally, gun violence has been a significant issue, with firearms being used in the majority of murders recorded in the country. For example, 2022 and 2023 combine, saw St. Vincent and the Grenadines experiencing 97 homicides. We had 42 in 2022 and 55 in 2023, and of the 97 homicides, 71 of those were gun related.

I have heard the repeatedly our Minister of National Security calling for a united effort for us to address the problem of illegal firearms and violence and urging our citizens to cooperate with law enforcement to make our streets safer. And, I wish to use this opportunity to echo that call, but that call must be meaningful and that call must be genuine because we in the opposition feel that we have just as important a roll to play in addressing the issue of crime and violence in this country.

The Prime Minister and Minister of National Security repeatedly and in my view irresponsibly and flippantly attributes the source of crimeparticularly gun homicides - to a handful of young men whose motive is to take care of their high maintenance women. There are in my view several illogical and irrational derivatives from this. How do you know how many or who are the criminals perpetrating gun violence and homicides when very few arrests are made? Secondly, if it’s only a handful of young men then it shouldn’t be difficult to find them. Over the past 10 years, we have had in excess of 400 homicides but just about 100 arrests and even less successfully prosecuted and convicted. Are we to assume then that the gun homicides criminals are repeat offenders who are not caught? But this doesn’t make sense because there is no data to support this.

In my own constituency of East Kingstown, we experienced the only mass shooting in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, when five men were gunned down in one shooting incidence last year in the uptown quarry area. Has anyone been arrested? If so, what is the status of the investigation and the legal process? Or, are we to assume that the authorities just throw their hands up in the air and say there is nothing we can do.

Resources and support for our law enforcement personnel is woefully inadequate. So, whilst we support the stiffening of penalties as per this Bill, the impact as a deterrent will be diminished if the ability to investigate, arrest, prosecute and convict is weak, at best. We cannot be happy, proud or even socially comfortable when we ranked number 7 in the world for homicides rate per 100.000 people.

V Sharing hope

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” – Martin Luther King Jr. (19291968) – American Christian minister, activist, and political philosopher

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL (RI) is a global service organization that originated in Chicago, USA, in 1905. Paul Harris, a visionary attorney-at-law, was the founder and first president of the Rotary Club of Chicago. He had focused on bringing together professional leaders to promote goodwill, encourage friendships, provide humanitarian services, and foster peace. The Rotary Club of Chicago then ignited similar interest in neighbouring cities. It was therefore not long before the passion to provide humanitarian services went beyond the United States of America. Rotary International now embodies all of the Rotary Clubs around the world. There are 1.4 million members spread among 46,000 clubs worldwide. These are grouped into 529 districts, and the districts into 34 zones. Rotary District 7030 oversees the activities of the 75 Rotary Clubs in the 17 nations of Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, Curaçao, Dominica, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago.

RI’s president for 2023-2024, Gordon R. McInally, selected the theme “Create Hope in the World” for his term in office. Influenced by this, Rotary District Governor for District 7030, Brian Glasgow, coined his district conference theme to be “Sharing Hope” as he seeks to inspire the 3,200 Rotarians, numerous energetic Rotaractors (young adults), and members of the various Interact (school-based) clubs. The Rotary District 7030 conference will be held at Kingstown Baptist Church during the period 18th to 20th April 2024.

There are too many homes and neighbourhoods where individuals appear to be despondent. Faced with a variety of medical, physical, and/or financial challenges it is no wonder that some among us appear to be drowning in despair. Service clubs and individuals who are committed to sharing hope realize that doing so can provide a beacon of light in the darkness. Bishop Desmond Tutu (1931-2021), the South African churchman, politician, archbishop, author, and Nobel Prize winner, reminds us that “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” Through Rotary activities/projects efforts are made to encourage those who have stumbled on their journey. This will include, but not be limited to, those who may be physically and mentally challenged; offering them the warmth of encouragement and inspiring them to develop the skills and attitudes needed to succeed. Rotarians are committed to sharing hope; infusing communities with optimism and reminding individuals that there is good reason to be proactive in seeking to improve their varied conditions despite the challenges and fears that may arise. Nelson Mandela (1929-1968) encourages us to be more focused on our hopes than on our fears. He noted that, “May your choices reflect your hopes, and not your fears.” Sharing hope cultivates resilience and fortifies the human spirit.

Many of the Rotary clubs in District 7030 have engaged in activities that have assisted individuals and communities to rebound following a tragedy. This has been evident immediately following hurricanes and volcanic eruptions. Rotarians were at the forefront of providing support to residents of Guadeloupe and Montserrat in the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo (1989). Similarly, Rotarians supported recovery efforts of the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda following the devastation caused by Hurricane Luis (1995), and Hurricane Georges (1998). More recently, Rotarians from St. Vincent and the Grenadines joined forces with those in Grenada immediately following the devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan (2004). The Rotarians in Dominica supported recovery activities following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria (2017). Rotarians, by nature, are committed to bringing and sustaining hope. This was also evident in St. Vincent and the Grenadines during the aftermath of the eruptions of the La Soufriere Volcano (1979 and 2021).

Rotary clubs have also been actively involved in managing and participating in numerous other humanitarian projects. These have included, but not limited to, providing clean water and sanitation facilities; outfitting hospitals, medical clinics, and schools; distributing wheel chairs and medical supplies; providing medical services; and supporting numerous disaster relief efforts. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Rotary Club of St. Vincent, supported by officials of the local Ministry of Health and the Environment, regularly provided free medical clinics in rural villages and remote islands throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). The Rotary Village Doctor Programme is often considered to be the “flag ship” of the Rotary Club of St. Vincent. However, there have been many other Rotary projects in SVG that stand out as monuments of outstanding community service. Many local Rotarians periodically reminisce about the Fancy Water Project and reflecting on how Rotarians, aided by volunteers from the respective communities, and with part-funding from a Canadian Rotary club, constructed a dam in the hills close to the village of Fancy and piped water half a mile downhill to facilitate the villagers having potable water in their homes and schools.

In times of crisis or uncertainty, hope is a precious gift that bridge the chasm between fear and courage. Rotary brings hope to those who may feel hopeless, abandoned and/or neglected. In a world that is often overshadowed by pessimism, doubt, and despair, members of the Rotary Family (Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact) live and advocate the inherent goodness of humanity, sharing hope and inspiring others to appreciate that we have a sacred duty to uplift and inspire others to keep hope alive despite the varied challenges encountered. Rotary shares hope.

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

No confidence in Saboto and SVG

‘Graveyards are full of indispensable men.’  Former French president Charles de Gaulle

‘It is the privilege of the gods to want nothing and of godlike men to want little.’ Greek philosopher Diogenes.

PM GONSALVES’S recent comments about his role betrays a monumental lack of confidence in Saboto and Camillo. Since 2013, both men have been touted as potential successors to the veteran, ageing leader of the Unity Labour Party. More than a decade and three election cycles later, apart from the opportunistic misuse of our youth and the empty rhetoric about change, the vainglorious Gonsalves seems intent and content to die in office.

Although the comments may seem dismaying, they are not surprising coming from a man who claimed in 2000 that he only wanted two terms in office but is now brazenly vying for a sixth.

To mark his 23 consecutive years as ruler of SVG, Gonsalves said he told party leaders and supporters that the 2000 general elections would have been the last with him as head of the ULP ticket.

‘But I’m a party man, and the party leadership insisted I go again. That I’m healthy, they see my work ethic, my hours, that I’m still doing the work and long hours, and they see my work on a daily basis. I think the people see it, too…So, I’m going to be contesting. This is going to be the last occasion that I’ll be leading the ticket,’ the prime minister said. Nonsense! PM Gonsalves made a similar declaration before the 2015 declaration.

Of course, some in the party leadership would want him to run again. They have grown accustomed to sucking on the honeycomb of power. But you proclaim to be the leader with the vision. To keep running yourself and the country into the ground under the pretence that you love the people and the people love you demonstrates neither foresight nor insight. Such pompous remarks are indicative of a man lacking moral courage. You cannot love the country and deliberately choke off the leadership promise of Saboto and Camillo. You have a responsibility to let them emerge, fail or succeed while offering their best.

To add insult to injury, Gonsalves, who turns 78 in August, told his party celebratory rally on March 7, ‘They say that Ralph is old. I’m the oldest man in Parliament. But I, the man with the youngest head… because God make me a rebel.’

What a slap in the face of Saboto and Camillo, Carlos and Keisal, Luke and Curtis and those on Gonsalves’ youth advisory board. Gonsalves’ revelation that he possesses the youngest head in parliament is a damning commentary on the state of the country. In those few words, Gonsalves described the cadre of aids around him as lazy, inept, and

unworthy of leadership. He said he was the only rebel. He is the one thinking outside the box. He alone has the new ideas. He alone questioned things. He alone had a brain in his head, to study and write. Yes, he said we, but he talked only of himself writing 12 books in a decade.

As if that was not enough, he invoked God’s name. He disclosed that God made him a rebel with ideas, so he had to continue as leader of the party and, presumably, the country. You ever hear more mess!

The troubling reality is that the young people on stage jumped and pranced as Gonsalves span such a discouraging tale. It’s all about me, only me and no one else but me.

That mambo jumbo is intended to cover up a deep-seated state of discontent in the ULP and the country. Many in the party and country have slowly come to realise that Gonsalves is primarily concerned with elevating and preserving his family and close friends. In times past, when Gonsalves spoke of the project, many automatically national before the project. Most have lived to see what Gonsalves meant. The project is all about him and less about the nation.

Gonsalves stage-managed his son Camillo’s political rise. On his return to SVG, Camillo, a man of much credit and merit, was guaranteed one position after the other: senior crown counsel, ambassador to the United Nations, Foreign minister, and finance minister. Significantly, Clayton Burgin was edged out of the safe East St George seat, and Camillo, with no organic connection to the constituency, was encamped there. He won handsomely in 2015 but stumbled badly in the 2020 elections.

But citizens have grown tired of the Gonsalves. Dissent is evident even within the party. Gonsalves arrived at the last party convention to chants of Caesar! Caesar! They wanted a new leader but indicated a distaste for a Gonsalves dynasty. The clear preference was for Agriculture Minister Saboto Caesar. But Gonsalves would have none of it. It was then that he decided he would die in office rather than pass the leadership to anyone but his son.

These facts explain the real reason behind Gonsalves’s decision to lead, even though his continued leadership of the party and country is a drag on both’s forward movement. Someone needs to convince him to demit office and allow the next generation of leaders to rise and shine.

Eulogy for the late Mr. Westmore Hazell delivered on 8th April, 2024, at the Kingstown Methodist Church

by MR. ARTIS DAVIS

DEARfriends and family, this morning, I honour the wishes of Mrs. Nelcia RobinsonHazell, who requested that I prepare and read the eulogy at the funeral service of her dearly departed husband, Mr. Westmore Hazell.

As we gather today to bid farewell to Mr. Westmore Hazell, we reflect on a life lived with dedication, integrity and service to both his community and his family.

Today, we mourn the passing of a beloved husband, father, colleague and friend.

In Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, we are reminded that “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven, a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted.” Today we acknowledged that Mr. Hazell’s time on this earth has come to an end, but we also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind.

Mr. Westmore Hazell was the son of Edward and Adella Hazell of Richland Park, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and he is the brother of Edward Hazell Jr. and Louisa Hazell. After his early schooling he journeyed into the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force. He was enlisted on 27th February, 1961, following which he underwent six (6) months training at the Regional Police Training Centre in Barbados alongside thirty (30) other Vincentian recruits. His continuing education was within the police force. His commitment to service was evident very early and he was promoted to the rank of Corporal in the early seventies (1970s).

Throughout his career, he served diligently at various police districts and departments including Calliaqua, Georgetown, Colonarie, Barrouallie, Union Island and the Criminal Investigations Department where he truly shone, earning a reputation as a skilled investigator and a meticulous policeman.

His former colleagues remembered him not only as a competent professional but also as a compassionate leader. Mr. Hazell was a mentor to many, guiding them with wisdom and leading by example. His dedication to duty and his unwavering commitment to justice inspired all who had the privilege of working alongside him, including myself.

On the 31st December, 1987 he retired from the Police Force, having attained the rank of Inspector and embarked on a new chapter of his life, migrating to the United States of America.

There, he continued his career in security, working at the Long Island College Hospital until his retirement as a supervisor.

Though miles away from his homeland, his heart remained tethered to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Upon his return to St. Vincent in 2007, Mr. Hazell found love and companionship with Nelcia Robinson whom he married. A union of togetherness he enjoyed until his passing.

Despite the joys of his later years, there remained a mystery surrounding his departure from St. Vincent post retirement - a decision he referred to as self-imposed exile. While the reasons may remain known only to him, his commitment to his principles and his desire for a new beginning were evident to all.

‘Pepe’ as he was affectionately known, touched the lives of many with his warmth, kindness and unwavering commitment to service. Beyond his professional accomplishments he was instrumental in establishing a credit union at Long Island College Hospital, demonstrating his commitment to empowering others and fostering a sense of community.

If ‘Pepe’ were able to comment on his passing today, we can imagine him saying with confidence: “To the living I am gone, To the sorrowing I will never return, But to the happy, I am at peace, And to the faithful, I have never left.” These words reflect his deep faith and his belief in the eternal nature of love and connection ‘Pepe’ leaves behind a legacy of love, not only through his own actions but also through the talents and accomplishments of his children. They are a credit to their families and to the vocations they have chosen, embodying the values of integrity, hard work and compassion instilled in them by their father.

As we bid farewell to ‘Pepe’ let us take comfort in the knowledge that he lives on in the hearts of those who loved him. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will continue to inspire and guide us in the days to come. As the saying goes, “They are not dead who live in the hearts of those they love”.

Rest in peace dear ‘Pepe’. Your memory will forever be cherished and your legacy will endure through the lives you touched and the love you shared.

On behalf of the family of the late Mr. Westmore Hazell, we thank all for their sympathies as we say farewell to the departed soul.

May his soul rest in eternal peace!

Westmore Hazell

‘Chromatic Kingdom’ for NY Mas

IT MAY BEa bit early, but Mas Productions Unlimited is not wasting any time, as the Brooklyn, New York-based band last Saturday previewed, to wide acclaim, its production for the West Indian American Day Carnival 2024 in early September.

The perennial, Vincentianowned, mas band previewed “Chromatic Kingdom” to highly-appreciative patrons at 1407 Flatbush Ave., near Farragut Road, in Brooklyn during its Tea Social 2024.

“It’s a play on colors,” Band

leader and designer Wesley Millington told THE VINCENTIAN afterwards.

“We’re using glow colors. They blended in such a way that one can see the relationship among the colors, but there’s a difference among the combinations in the costumes.”

He disclosed that Mas Productions Unlimited usually uses its Tea Social to preview its yearly production, stating that the band does not have a band launching per se.

“It was well received,” Millington said. “Everybody was happy with everything that was presented.

“The kids on Saturday seem to like the costumes,” he added. “We got a favorable response from supporters.”

Millington said Mas Productions Unlimited, as in recent years, will only compete in the Junior Carnival, in four sections, with about 60 masqueraders.

The Tea Social also featured a fashion show, “The98Collection”, designed and presented by Vincentian Rachel Brown.

Additionally, two members

of the Brooklyn-based, lone Vincentian Calypso Tent in North American, Dynamites Calypso Tent, Jose Juan and Persona, entertained patrons. Jose Juan offered “Vincy Mas” and “Until Ah Wet”, a finalist in Ragga Soca 2023 and semifinal in the Calypso Competition 2023 in Vincy Mas.

Persona rendered “Shiver”, “We Turning Up” and “Sarah”. Mas Productions Unlimited was formed in 1992, with its first production the following year.

Last year, the band presented “Fusion” for Labor Day, “based on the blending and use of colors to create costumes,” Millington said.

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

Children display the costumes from the 2024 production ‘Chromatic Kingdom’.

Calypsonian Jose Juan sings “Until Ah Wet”.

Models from “The98Collection”, designed and presented by Vincentian Rachel Brown.

LIAT 2020 start-up delayed: Landing gear faulty

LIAT (1974) Ltd. took possession of its first ATR aircraft on June 13, 2013. These are the aircraft that will comprise the initial fleet of LIAT 2020.

LAST WEEK’S MEDIA REPORTSon the test flights conducted by aircraft of LIAT 2020 did not say whether the tests had measured up to the standards/requirements of the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA), the body with responsibility for issuing an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOP).

The AOP approves an airline for flying and conducting scheduled flights.

Over the weekend, however, it was confirmed that during the test flights conducted last week, LIAT 2020 encountered issues with its landing gear.

Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, who is spearheading LIAT 2020, made the confirmation, and went on to say that the government has since acquired the necessary equipment.

He told the media: “Last weekend, they did some test flights, and I am told that the plane had to change the landing gear and the engine, I believe one part of it came in this week, and another part it is supposed to come in on Tuesday. So, from next week, they will continue those test flights and as ECCAA review those various manuals, we’re hoping they can expedite them, and they can complete them within the

next couple of weeks.”

In addition to the aircraft that are being tested, the Antigua and Barbuda government has placed USD$12.1 million in an escrow account to buy two additional planes from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) that repossessed the aircraft when LIAT (1974) Ltd. defaulted on a loan the bank had disbursed, for purchase of ATR Aircraft.

In relation to this (purchase) PM Browne acknowledged that the other two aircraft the government seeks to purchase from the Caribbean Development Bank will also require extensive repairs before being deemed airworthy.

“The two of them are not quite airworthy, and they have to be refurbished, and they need new landing gear and other aspects,” he added and indicated that US$10 million will be spent to do so.

The Antigua and Barbuda government has mapped out a plan to replace the defunct LIAT (1974) Ltd and become a major player in ensuring regional connectivity.

The indications from Prime Minister Gaston Browne are that there is no stopping his government from pursuing the establishment of LIAT 2020 as a viable regional airline.

The new airline is a partnership between the government and Nigerian airline Air Peace, which owns 70 percent of shares in the new entity. Air Peace has promised to provide at least three planes in the initial phase, with plans to open an air route to Nigeria.

There are indications that some of those aircraft have already been branded with LIAT 2020 insignia.

(Source: ANU Media, CMC)

Guyana-Venezuela dispute: UN Security Council urges restraint

issued by the Guyana government, the members of the Security Council expressed their concern about the possible escalation of tensions between Venezuela and Guyana.

THE UNITED NATIONS

SECURITY COUNCIL has expressed “concern about the possible escalation of tensions” between Guyana and Venezuela as the two countries continue to claim ownership of the Essequibo region.

According to a statement

“They urged the parties to exercise maximum restraint, reminding them of their obligations to comply with the Order of Provisional Measures issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 1 December 2023.”

The statement said that the Security Council also underlined the importance of maintaining regional peace and security and ensuring that the Latin America and Caribbean region remains a Zone of Peace.

“In this regard, it commended regional efforts which resulted in the conclusion of the Declaration of Peace and Dialogue of Argyle of 14 December 2023 in which Guyana and Venezuela, inter alia, agreed that any controversy between the two states will be resolved in accordance with international law, including the Geneva Agreement of 1966.”

The statement said that the Security Council also “urged the parties to resolve their differences through peaceful means and to uphold their obligations under international law and the United Nations Charter. They also stressed the importance of regional actors playing a facilitating role in easing the tensions.

The UN Security Council met in private last Tuesday to discuss the recent developments regarding the territorial dispute at the

request of Guyana’s President, President Irfaan Ali in an April 5 letter he had submitted to the Council.

In the letter requesting the meeting, Ali cited the “Organic Law for the Defence of Guayana Esequiba”, which President Nicolas Maduro signed on April 3.

Ali warned that this action “cements Venezuela’s intent to annex more than twothirds of Guyana’s sovereign territory and make it part of Venezuela”.

President Nicolas Maduro said the law was in keeping with a national referendum that authorised his government to move to recover the Essequibo Region.

But Maduro described the law as the implementation of the results of the December 3, 2023 referendum, adding that the law “establishes the creation of state number 24,

the state of Guayana Esequiba within the political and territorial organization of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela”. (Source: LOOP News)

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali requested the Security Council meeting to discuss Venezuela’s latest move to annex the Essequibo Region.

Haiti: Ruling Council set up, but⁄

“Will it have the capacity to silence the guns of the armed men?” asked Robert Fatton, a Haitian-born political scientist at the University of Virginia. “How can it be installed safely, and how can it start governing in an environment of widespread insecurity?”

Some Haitians have questioned the council’s constitutional legitimacy, and protesters tried to prevent the official announcement from being printed on Thursday at the offices of Le Moniteur, the official state bulletin.

The task of the TRC

A DECREE IN HAITI’S OFFICIAL GAZETTE “LE MONITEUR” announced last week Friday, April 12, that a Transitional Ruling Council (TRC) was finalized, to try to bring political stability to a country wracked by escalating gang violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

As it stands, however, the TRC must first be sworn in at the National Palace in downtown Port-au-Prince, the capital, which is controlled by a coalition of armed gangs since it launched an offensive in late February, destroying police stations and government offices, looting banks and hospitals and killing and kidnapping hundreds of people.

Because of this, the selection of the TRC members was delayed after several names were withdrawn out of safety fears or because ethical issues had become a concern.

Council named

Notwithstanding the uneasiness and uncertainty in Haiti, the TRC was composed of seven voting members and two non-voting observers and named the persons so selected.

All of this comes amidst one gang leader, Jimmy ‘Barbeque’ Chérizier, threatening to attack anyone who signed on to the new government, describing the transition as an illegitimate concoction of Haiti’s corrupt political system.

“Cut off their heads and burn down their houses,” he told his gang members, using what some Haitian say is a 19th-century war cry for Haitian independence.

While the installation of the council is widely considered to be a positive step, many challenges remain, experts say.

The TRC, hashed out in Jamaica last month by CARICOM, along with the United States, France and Canada after it became clear that acting Prime Minister Mr. Ariel Henry would no longer be able to govern Haiti, is tasked with restoring law and order.

This includes appointing an acting prime minister to head a new government that will pave the way for election of a new president.

Haiti has not held elections since 2016 and has been without a president since Jovenel Moise was assassinated in 2021.

Close to collapse

The United Nations’ human rights office reported this month that more than 1,500 people had been killed in Haiti so far this year, the result of what it described as a “cataclysmic situation” in the country.

“Entire families, including children, were executed while others were burned alive,” said Philippe Branchat, Acting UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti in a statement last week Thursday.

Corruption, impunity and poor governance, together with increasing levels of gang violence, have brought the Caribbean

nation’s state institutions “close to collapse,” the agency said.

Local humanitarian agencies have also reported a shortage of food and fuel after the capital’s main port was shut down.

The World Food Program said that Haiti was suffering its worst levels of food insecurity on record after

gangs took over farmlands and blocked the roads in and out of the capital, extorting buses and trucks delivering goods.

“We can only hope the transition council is ready to deliver,” said Reginald Delva, a Haitian security consultant and former Haitian government minister. “The population can no longer wait.” (Reuters, NY Times)

A Council tasked with filling a leadership vacuum in Haiti and restoring a semblance of order was formally established Friday in the Caribbean nation, which has been rocked by an explosion of gang violence. (Photo source: Al Jazeera)

Burned out vehicles on the streets of Port-au-Prince. (Credit: Evelio Contreras/CNN)

People take cover from gunfire near the National Palace, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (File: Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters)

The Police in Haiti have been fighting what some say is a losing battle. (CMC file photo)

Haiti has come to a standstill. Streets are strewed with debris.

(Source: Al Jazeera)

ULP billboards burnt again

NOT FOR the first time, election-related billboards erected by the Unity Labour Party (ULP) have been defaced, burned to be exact.

The billboards in question have stood in position before and after the general elections of November 05, 2020, in an open plot of land near to the Stoplight Restaurant and Bar, at the entrance to Frenches.

Leader of the ULP Dr. Ralph Gonsalves addressed the issue when speaking on the WE.FM radio programme Issue at Hand last Sunday.

First to begin with, Dr. Gonsalves addressed those who have been calling for the removal of the billboards on the grounds that it is illegal to have them standing after the general elections.

The billboards were erected before the November 05, 2020 general election and have remained in that position since. They are strategically placed at the entrance to capital Kingstown, and as Dr. Gonsalves stated categorically, “they are not on public property but on private property.”

He also stated that there is no law that disallows the erection of billboards after elections. He did, however, qualify the rules governing election

Billboards have become a popular form of advertisement/promotion among both government picture and the commercial sector.

billboard saying that it is the responsibility of those who erect the billboard to ensure they are covered on Election Day, if the billboard is erected near a polling station.

With tongue in cheek, the ULP leader affirmed that there was no evidence to suggest that the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) had anything to do with the defacing of the billboards.

And he questioned rhetorically, whether any member of the ULP would burn their own billboard.

“Nobody who supports the ULP will burn their own billboards,” he declared.

And while he was adamant that nobody in or who supports the ULP will burn their own billboards, he shared with tongue in cheek

that “there is no evidence that anyone connected with the New Democratic Party burned the billboards. You can’t say that they hired somebody to do it or that anybody supporting them did it on their own accord or with the approval of the New Democratic Party………. I’m not saying that anybody who is supporting the NDP did the burning, but I’m stating what we can reasonably present as facts and evidence.”

Disclosing that the burning took place in the early morning after the ULP celebration rally last Sunday, Dr. Gonsalves said this might well be a coincidence but “reasonable people can draw their own conclusions.”

The two billboards at the entrance of capital Kingstown that were defaced (burnt) sometime during the early morning hours of Monday 15th April, 2024.

Corporal Punishment in Our Society

By LUKE BROWNE lukebrowne@yahoo.com

I WAS INVOLVEDin a recent WhatsApp Group Chat discussion on corporal punishment and it motivated me to write an article on this subject. I know that this is a matter of divided public opinion. However, I think that we can all find useful guidance from the views expressed by renowned Clinical Psychologist Jordan Peterson in his bestselling book 12 Rules for Life.

Professor Peterson said that punishment is a tool for maintaining discipline and enforcing rules in homes, schools, organisations and communities. In a home, there may be a rule against bullying or torturing other children and that children should pay attention when spoken to

by adults. If these rules are broken, then the administration of an appropriate punishment may become necessary.

Importantly, the punishment must be administered by a responsible adult, calibrated to the temperament of the child and the danger involved and be based on the application of the minimum necessary force.

The range of applicable punishment might be from a glare, to a verbal command, to a flick on the fingers, to time out (which has been described as extremely effective), to physical restraint and to licks or other measures.

Incidentally, Professor Peterson indicated that “hitting” is a very

Continued on Page 20.

Below: UNICEF and Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), has developed a draft national action plan targeted at ending all forms of corporal punishment in schools.

Corporal Punishment in Our Society

Continued from Page 19.

unsophisticated word that is often used to describe an entire range of disciplinary actions that may be performed by effective parents. He drove home this point by saying that if “hitting” accurately described the entire range of physical force, then “there would be no difference between rain droplets and atom bombs.”

The logic of using the minimum necessary force is supported by English Common Law which allows us to defend our rights but only in a reasonable manner as reflected in the following scenario presented in the 12 Rules of Life — “Someone breaks into your house. You have a loaded pistol. You have a right to defend yourself, but it’s better to do it in stages. What if it’s a drunk and confused neighbour? ‘Shoot em!’’ you think. But it’s not that simple. So, you say, instead, ‘Stop! I have a gun.’’ If that produces neither explanation nor retreat, you might consider a warning shot. Then, if the perpetrator still advances, you might take aim at his leg.”

In relation to punishment, context and magnitude matter.

If we see a 2-year-old child hitting his or her baby sibling in the head with a wooden block, what should we do about it? Can’t a stare, verbal reprimand, a flick on the fingers or some other appropriate response be effective in saving younger children from future torture or bullying? Isn’t this prize worth the pain?

I know that some people think that hitting children simply teaches them how to hit. However, do you really believe that flicking the 2-year-old on the fingers in the scenario above just after he or she had hit his or her baby sibling with the block would make that 2-year-old conclude that he or she should hit the baby more using the flick on the fingers as an example? or would the 2-year-old become at least somewhat less willing to smack the baby again in the future?

In relation to the suggestion that there is no excuse for any degree of physical punishment because it can be considered to be violence, Professor Peterson made the profound point that time out and deprivation of liberty cause pain in a manner similar to physical trauma as a matter of neurobiological fact. Moreover, he said that the very act of saying “no” to a child who wants to have too much cake or ice-cream is the same as physical punishment. Do we therefore allow our children to eat as much cake and ice-cream as they want without regard to the health implications? Can’t we even talk to our children? Should we exist in a state of paralysis with respect to discipline? As a society, should we have no recourse to imprisonment as punishment for offences such as theft and assault despite the widespread consensus that the behaviours associated with them are wrong and should give rise to sanctions? I invite you to reflect on these questions. How should the school system deal with a child that stabs another child with a pencil? This has happened several times in real life.

Nonetheless, I would like to emphasise that punishment should be administered by a responsible adult (such as a parent or headteacher), be calibrated to the temperament of the child and the danger involved and be based on the application of the minimum necessary force. If a glare or word of caution is sufficient, then there is no need for stronger forms of punishment. Additionally, the punishment that should be administered to Child A for a particular offence may be different from the punishment that should be administered to Child B for the same offence. We should always keep in mind that nature and society will likely punish in a draconian manner any errors of childhood behaviour that remain uncorrected. If we don’t train our children, they might grow up and suffer harsher punishments or penalties from society in their late youth or early adulthood and this may take the form of premature death or imprisonment.

I believe that these views can help inform your position on corporal punishment.

My wife tried to poison me

Dear George,

MYWIFE tried to poison me. I had been forewarned by a mutual friend about her plan to poison my food, i.e. lunch.

Aware of this, I kept refusing to eat whatever she prepared for me. That infuriated her and one day she demanded I eat the lunch she had prepared. I agreed to eat it only if we fed each other. She refused saying she was not hungry. I put the food in the fridge; she never touched it.

I confronted her about putting poison in the food and she denied it. I challenged her to eat it and she refused.

George, I can no longer trust my wife and it makes no sense staying in this marriage. Furthermore, I know she’s seeing a married guy and that’s why she wants me out of the way. She wants to be with him.

I cannot believe my wife has such a criminal mind. Right now I fear for my life and I want out.

Lucky

Dear Lucky,

It is a terrible thing when the trust in a marriage is broken. There are cases, however, where it is possible to rebuild it but it has to take genuine effort from both parties.

Towards this end, your wife needs to reassure you that she wants to remain married to you and admit that she has done you a deep wrong.

Seeing a marriage therapist can assist both of you in being open and honest. Based on her reaction to that then you would know if going to the next step of counseling is necessary. At the end of all of this you still have to trust your instincts.

George

Cheating husband

Dear George,

I HAVE BEENmarried to this no good man for 5 years and I have always suspected him of cheating with this woman, name withheld, but I admit I have never caught him in the act.

Of course, he categorically denied ever cheating on me.

One day on my way from work, this woman walked up to me and slapped me, telling me I must not call her name. What she told me otherwise I cannot mention here.

Imagine my husband

went and complained on me to his side! Now, George, can you give me one good reason why I should not walk out of this marriage?

Hurt

Dear Hurt,

I would not encourage you to walk away from your marriage without first making a genuine attempt to fix what is out of place. And even as you reflect on how well you knew your husband before marrying him and when did you discover

his no good ways, you should make an attempt to see a marriage counsellor.

Should your husband refuse to go with you and should he refuse to clean up his act and remove all suspicions about him not being faithful, then you will be better positioned to make a decision on the future of your relationship.

By the way, you can certainly file charges against this other woman for physically assaulting you.

George

Repulsive body odour

Dear George,

MY WIFEhas a very disturbing body odour and I am afraid to talk to her about it. She thinks that the reason why I don’t want to make love to her is because I’m probably seeing someone else, but the truth is, it’s because I cannot stand her body odour.

I do not want to embarrass her by saying something. What’s the next best thing to do to fix this?

Bad situation

Dear Bad situation, You should not be

fearful nor embarrassed to talk to your wife about her offensive body odour. This is your wife we’re talking about and not a first time date. Sit with her and tell her about it. Do so in a manner that denotes care and appreciation,

not condemnation. It’s better for her to know the real reason for you not wanting to be in bed with her than for her to be harbouring negative thoughts about you stepping out on her.

George

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)

Secret affairs will eventually backfire on you. You will meet new romantic partners through the company you keep. Selfimprovement projects will payoff in more ways than one. Don’t count on getting any help from those you live with.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)

Sudden changes regarding your domestic scene are probable. Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur. Only bite off what you can chew. A need to express yourself may come out in creative ways.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

Your intellectual charm will win hearts and bring opportunities that you least expect. Catch up on your reading and correspondence. Trips should be your choice. Make plans to meet again in the near future.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

You will have to control the way you feel. Don’t be angry, but be on your guard. Try to do things with children that will enable you to bond closer to them. Spend some quality time with your lover.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

It might be best not to spend your money on luxuries this week. Set the ball in motion and be relentless until you complete the project. You will find that money could slip through your fingers. Do not let them blow situations out of proportion.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

Some situations may be blown out of proportion. Calm down and take a step back. Keep your feet on the ground, if you can. Don’t overlook that fact that someone you care about may be hiding something.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

Plan a nice evening for two. This may not

be the day to get involved in risky joint financial ventures. Be careful when dealing with female members of your family. Opportunities for romance will develop through activities with large groups.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

Travel should be on your mind. Problems with in-laws may cause friction in your personal relationship. You can take advantage of opportunities if you are quick to make a move. Moneymaking opportunities will surface.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

Family members may feel anxious if you make promises you don’t deliver. You will make new friends through physical activities. You can expect changes at your work place. Someone you live with may feel totally neglected.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

You will be confused about the intentions of someone you work with. Be diplomatic and honest, and that person will only be made to look bad. Don’t bother trying to make someone you live with see your point of view. Don’t depend on coworkers to help; they may only hold you back.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)

You can enjoy entertainment if you join in and follow the crowd for a change. Enlist coworkers in order to get the job done on time. You can make changes to your living quarters, but not everyone will be pleased with your efforts. Focus your efforts on your work.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

Don’t let someone try to bully you into doing things their way. Property purchases should be on your mind. You could come into extra cash. Help if you can, but more than likely it will be sufficient just to listen.

Maloney breaks SamuelsÊ 1500m record

A TRACK RECORDthat stood since 1994 in the annals of track and field in St. Vincent and the

Grenadines has eventually been erased.

Once thought by many to be unassailable, the

local 1500m record for females, set by ace middle distance runner Bigna Samuel, was

removed from the record books by the latest local female track sensationShafiqua Maloney. Making her senior debut in the women’s 1500m at the Tom Jones Memorial Invitational, in Gainesville, Florida, last Saturday, April 13, 2024, Maloney stopped the clock at 4:15.30, to eclipse Samuel’s record of 4:20.78.

Samuel had established the record on April 17, 1994 at the Mt. SAC Relays, held in Walnut, Florida.

This is the second national record that Maloney has broken in the space of a week. She set a new mark for the 600m on Saturday 6th April, at the Miramar Invitational held at the Ansin Sports Complex, Florida. The 25-year-old

Needed: Mental coaches in sports

SOCIAL WORKERKEVAN GLASGOW,is advocating for mental coaches to be assigned or attached to sporting organisations here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Glasgow expressed the view while making a presentation as one the facilitators at the first in a series of Safeguarding

Workshops hosted by the Safeguarding Committee of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee, last Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Olympic House, Villa Point.

Glasgow highlighted that more emphasis is placed on the physical preparation and enhancement of the athletes.

“We tend to focus a lot on the physical activities of sports, but the sport cannot really be the sport unless that internal aspect of a person is realised, their emotions, that desire to respect their colleagues and others involved, abide by the rules and laws of the sport, are often downplayed or given little attention”, Glasgow claimed.

As a result, the clutter that fill the heads of

sportsmen and women, invariably, affect their performance, Glasgow asserted.

“They all have baggage, things that they are working through to minimize the impact whatever issues they have on the outcome and performance, so we want that safe environment where people feel safe and comfortable and can give of their best”, Glasgow charged.

Glasgow believes that incidences of flaring up by sports people during competition can be lessened if trained personnel work along with coaches and other team management, to deal with matters of the “mind”.

“It is important to have a professional onboard … someone that is independent who can deal with personal issues

that people bring to the respective sporting disciplines… They have to be able to deal with how they behave in losses, and equally how they respond to triumphs”, the Social Worker advised.

Apart from Glasgow, who delved into the Psychological Effects of abuse on athletes’ performance, Garet Dopwell of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force addressed the matter of Human Trafficking in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Camille Mc Intosh, another Social Worker, gave an overview on Child Abuse cases in the country.

Following the workshops and consultations, a national policy on Safeguarding will be the end product of the exercises.

Maloney also had under her belt, the Under-20 women’s National 4 x 400m record, which she shares with Zita Vincent, Annecia Richards and Tamara Woodley. That record was established at the 2018 Carifta Games held in the Bahamas.

And during the 2024 Tyson Invitational in Arkansas, USA, Maloney achieved a new national record in the 800 metres when she clocked 1:58.69 and qualified for the Paris Olympics.

For readers who might not know and for those who might need a

reminder, Bigna Samuel was a middle distance runner who competed at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain and in three World Championship.

Additionally, she boasts nine medals at the OECS Championships, one gold medal at the CAC U20 Championships, and one bronze medal at the CACAC Championships.

She is the current national record holder for the 3000m, that time being 9:31.37 set on April 15, 1994, at the Mt. SAC Relays, Walnut, USA.

Keo, Tyhra off to University

THE ATHLETICS PROWESS of two Vincentian athletes- Keo Davis and Tyhra Charles, has attracted attention for the coaches at the Louisiana Tech in the University, USA.

As such, Davis and Charles have been awarded scholarships to attend that institution, beginning later this year, joining up with fellow VincentianUlanda Lewis, who also attends that institution.

Davis shot to national prominence in 2022, when he took bronze in the 100m and silver in the 200m at the Under-17 level of the Carifta Games held in Jamaica.

In addition, he is the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Male Under-20 record holder in the 200m that of 20.87s , a feat he achieved earlier this year at Team Athletics SVG Carifta trials.

Davis and Charles both reached finals at the 2024 Carifta Games, and the two ended just outside the medal count.

Davis was fourth in the 200m, similarly Charles was fourth in the 400m. Charles, who is attending school in St.Kitts, set her personal best in the event, a time of 54.34s.

The two are members of the IT- DAT Academy.

Kevan Glasgow

L-R: Tyhra Charles and Keo Davis.

Shafiqua Maloney (right) leads the pack in the 1500m at last Saturday’s Tom Jones Memorial Invitational, in Gainesville, Florida.

Blue Marlins wins five titles at RHAC

ST. VINCENTand the Grenadines’ Blue Marlins Swim Club claimed five age-group titles at the 2024 Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre Invitational Swim Meet, held from April 11 to 14, in St. Lucia. Raya Adams copped the Girls 6 and Under with 37 points. She captured 2 gold, 1 silver and two bronze.

Similarly, in that age group, Zane Dabriel, following the footsteps of

his elder brother Hazen, won the Boys 6 and Under, as he tallied 48 points, with 3 gold and three silver.

Hazen, not to be left out, claimed the Boys 1314 title with a whopping 88 points, having collected 9 gold and a silver, in dominating the age group.

Also, in the 13-14 age category, Tayeah St Hillaire completed the Blue Marlins’ sweep, as she trumped the Girls’ segment. Her 73 points came courtesy of 5 gold and 3 silver medals.

Grenada takes U19 cricket title

GRENADAare the new champions of the WINLOTT Inc.

Windwards U19 Super 50 cricket.

They earned that accolade by playing unbeaten in the recent Windwards U19 Super 50 Tournament, played in Dominica, and in the process displaced defending champions St. Lucia.

Grenada vs SVG

In the final round of matches, Grenada defeated St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) by 6 wickets at the Geneva Playing Field.

SVG won the toss and opted to bat first. With 50 overs at their disposal, they posted a paltry 91 all out in 28.1 overs: fast bowling allrounder Kirsten Murray returning the impeccable figures of 3 for 6.

Grenada, in top form, eased to victory in 12

overs, closing on 93 for 4. Divonie Joseph, 38 and Jerel Jeremiah, 29, were the top scorers for Grenada. The bowling efforts of St. Vincent bowling saw Kevin Joseph’s 2 wickets for 9 runs impressing in a losing cause.

St. Lucia vs Dominica

At the Benjamin’s Park, St. Lucia U19 defeated Dominica 132 runs.

St. Lucia won the toss, took first knock and piled up 240 all out in 48.3 overs. Theo Edward top scored with 81 and Lee John, 55. Earsinho Fontaine, 4 for 49, was Dominica’s leading wicket-taker.

Dominica then used up 35.4 overs to get to 108 all out, captain Jahson Vidal top scoring with 31 and Lee completing a good allround performance when he took 3 for 33.

St. Lucia finished second, Dominica third with St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the cellar position having come up winless.

At the ceremony awards for outstanding performances, the following were recognized: Theo Edward of St Luciamost runs (188); Lee John of St. Lucia - most wickets (14); Jawayne Adams of St. Vincent and the Grenadines — top wicket-keeper; Kirt Murray of Grenada — the MVP of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Jadon Hamilton secured the Male 11-12, as he gathered 88 points from nine gold and a silver.

The rest of the Blue Marlins making the St. Lucia sojourn were Saige Jobe (Girls 7-8), Skylar Byron and Zoe May (Girls 9-10), Saj Caesar (Boys 9-10), Belle Adams (Girls 11-12), and Frencille Davis( Boys 15 and Over).

Blue Marlins finished seventh overall with 509 points. Twenty-two clubs participated in the championships.

Windwards squad

As expected, a 14member squad was selected to represent the Windward Islands Cricket West Indies U19 competitions.

The squad includes one Vincentian: allrounder Kirtney Franklyn.

He joins: Stephan Pascal (captain), Theo Edward, Divonie Joseph, Earsinho Fontaine, Stephen Abraham, Tarrique Edward, Kirt Murray, Kirtsen Murray, Kervin Gassie, Jelani Joseph, and Rickell Sylvester.

Vincentians Kodi Grant, Watson Seaton and Devonte McDowall have been named as reserved.

Young sailors to compete in the U.S

THREE YOUNG sailors from St. Vincent and the Grenadines are preparing to represent their club, Vincy Sailing, and their country at the O’pen Skiff North American Championships in Augusta, Georgia, to be staged from April 19-21, 2024.

The three are: Kai MarksDasent (13), Lily Punnett (10), and Joshua Weinhardt (12).

The three young sailors have worked hard to cover their expenses, matching contributions from their families with funds raised with the support of friends and their local communities. Their commitment to the sport of sailing and their determination to excel otherwise have been evident as they have balanced their school responsibilities with training sessions, including additional preparation during the Easter school holidays.

The O’pen Skiff North American Championships, will provide Kai, Lily, and Joshua with a platform to showcase their skills and compete against talented young sailors from North America, Europe and New Zealand.

It is an annual sailing competition that aims to promote the sport of sailing among youth and foster a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship among participants.

(Source: Vincy Sailing)

Hazen Dabriel –dominated the Boys 1314 category.

Tayeah St Hillaire won the Girls’ 13-14 age category.

Jadon Hamilton –copped the Male 11-12 title.

Grenada – new champions of Windwards U19 50-overs cricket.

Kirt Murray, GrenadaMVP of the Tournament.

Kirtney Franklyn - the lone Vincentian selected to the Windwards U19 squad.

Joshua Weinhardt, Kai Marks-Dasent and Lily Punnett at Coconut Grove, for a final training session before their departure for the U.S.

Final setting

FANSat the Arnos Vale Playing for the last of the Super Eights will see the potential winner of the ICC 2024 T/20 World Cup. That will determine the last semifinalist. Who the combatants are will be known in a matter of time.

Thursday, June 13 has been etched as a special one for cricket fans. That’s when Netherlands and Bangladesh meet. That will be a morning affair scheduled to begin at 10:30 By the way things are going, we have to keep our fingers crossed for more reasons than one.

Things may have finalized at the stadium, with everything in place, electronic scoreboard, lights, swimming pools and attractions.

The following day, South Africa looks to gain points to break the spell of incompletion for which have become stained. Their opponents will be Nepal. I have a feeling that emotions may be split among the fans.

South Africa will be the traditional home team, for Vincentians still cherish their African connection, and will see South Africa as the natural choice given the historical connections.

Vincentians like the underdog and might tend to rally behind Nepal.

The Caribbean and Nepal established contact with the West Indies A Team tour to Nepal. Lights will have been installed and tested in time for 7:30 start that evening.

The third Group match features Bangladesh and Nepal. By then, both teams would have assessed the conditions.

Two Super Eights games are scheduled for 8:30 Saturday, June 22 and Monday, June 24 both at 8:30 p.m. Those will blend in admirably with the festival spirit which will be building to a crescendo by then.

After the World Cup, Vincentians will resort to their customary diet of West Indies Youth Cricket. Vincentians will be rooting for the Windward even though just one figure they will be familiar with. He is Kurtney Franklyn, the fast bowler from the North Leeward district of Petit Bordel.

He performed here last year for the Windwards, and he will be keen to enhance his display knowing that a chance to break through the international level is within reach.

Franklyn is one of the nation’s most versatile sports personality.

He has been recognised in his community for his exploits. When he was announced in the nation’s Under 20 squad which took part in recent CONCACF qualifiers, it came as no surprise. And Franklyn acquitted himself adequately.

Kurtney is one of Jules Anthony’s products. He has been around the hard core sporting circles for as long as he was born. His closeness to the Petit Bordel Playing Field gives easy access to that facility, and having been hardened by the core of cricket and sporting enthusiasts in the community, it is no surprise that he is coming of age.

It was no uncommon for Kurtney to fill the gap on any team when the action picked up at the Petit Bordel Playing Field. Those deep end plunges have toughened Kurtney as a youngster.

The West Indies Cricket authorities may reap the reward of their persistency in using St. Vincent and the Grenadines as the platform of regional cricket.

Preparation for the Vincentian leg of the World Cup has a few more days after the official commencement of the tournament.

Transporting of vital supplies for Arnos Vale was disrupted owing to world tensions. The situation has been aggravated by activities in the Middle East, hence, and there is the potential of a worldwide upheaval before during or after the World Cup.

Regional Four-Day Round Up: Big scores...Big hauls

COMPETITIONin the 2024 Cricket West Indies Four-day Championship entered its 7th round earlier this week, on the back of round 6 that was filled with big scores and outstanding wicket hauls.

In the four matches played from April 10-13 last week, eight centuries were scored and six five-wicket hauls were recorded.

Leading the onslaught by the batsmen was Trinidad and Tobago’s (T&T) Amir Jangoo who blasted the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) bowlers at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground, to record 218 (15 fours and 10 sixes off 238 balls), his first century in first-class cricket.

He was joined in T&T’s run feast by Jason Mohammed - 157 off 228 balls including 22 fours: his 13th hundred in first-class cricket.

T&T ran away with victory. Scores: T&T 591 and 95/2 declared, CCC 238 and 325.

But more were yet to come. The game between the Barbados Pride and the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Queen’s Park Oval threw up four centuries.

For Barbados, Kraigg Brathwaite had a marathon 400-ball 189 including 17 fours; his opening partner Zachary McCaskie hit 12 fours and two sixes on the way to 101 off 148 balls; and all-rounder Roston Chase helped himself to an attacking 87-ball 127, including nine fours and seven sixes.

West Indies ODI team member Keacy Carty of the Leewards was the other century-maker with 127 off 233 balls including 12 fours.

Scores in the match which Barbados won by nine wickets: Leewards 288 and 311; Barbados 542/9 declared and 58/1.

Kemol Savory and Captain Tevin Imlach both brought up centuries to help the Guyana Harpy Eagles to a 212run win over the Jamaica Scorpions at Sabina Park.

Savory made a career best 155 off 309 balls including 16 fours and three sixes while Imlach made 101* off 169 balls including 11 fours and two sixes.

Score in the match: Jamacia 153 NS 206; Guyana 424 and 147/4 declared.

In the other match: Windard Hurricanes defeated the West Indies Academy (WIA) by 58 runs. Scores: Windwards 162 and 275; WIA 158 and 121.

As far as the bowling in the 6th round was concerned, Roston Chase scalped 7-67 in the second innings for the Pride against the Hurricanes.

Pacer Gilon Tyson grabbed 5-50 for the Windward Islands Hurricanes in the first innings against the West Indies Academy.

Veerasammy Permaul spun a web against the Scorpions on his way to 5-55 in the first innings.

Pacers’ Anderson Phillip and Amari Goodridge picked up 5-71 and 5-92 for the Red Force and the CCC, respectively, while Hurricanes’ Rakheem Cornwall took 5-132 against the Pride.

Windwards Volcanoes lead the point standing with 90 points going into round 7.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Squash a needs a new facility

THE INCREASE in the number of Junior Squash players, the loss of a private court and the uptick in the Masters players, are putting a strain on the demands for the National Squash Centre at Paul’s Avenue with only to courts available.

Moreover, this inadequacy puts St Vincent and the Grenadines at a disadvantage, relative to the country’s ability to host regional Squash championships.

As a consequence, the association is looking at the construction of a new facility altogether.

President of the SVG Squash Association- Amber Glasgow, in addressing the predicament said, “We find ourselves in a situation where we have been reduced to only two squash courts…This deficiency not only hampers the training and development of our talented athletes but also poses significant challenges when it comes to hosting tournaments”.

She noted that the inadequacies were exposed when St. Vincent and the Grenadines hosted the 2023 Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Championships, and had to incur additional cost for transportation.

Glasgow is appealing to the powers that be, to have a deep look at the national contribution of the sport over the years.

“St. Vincent and the Grenadines cannot afford to fall behind in the realm of Squash, because among us we have Jayden George, who is poised for his fourth consecutive Caribbean title in June of this year, but we must acknowledge that our lack of adequate facilities inhibits the realization of our athletes’ full potential and jeopardizes our competitive standing on the regional and international stage”, Glasgow reasoned.

The late Dr. Cecil Cyrus has been credited for introducing Squash to St. Vincent and the

Grenadines back in 1966.

After operating from courts erected at his home at New Montrose and a facility at Belvedere, he spearheaded the construction of what became known as the Cecil Cyrus Squash Complex, which was complete in 1984 with three courts.

The Paul’s Avenue located complex has been since renamed the National Squash Centre, but now has two courts.

The facility is shared with the headquarters of the National Lotteries Authority.

Amber Glasgow, President of the SVG Squash Association is making a case for a new Squash facility.

Amir Jangoo hit a patient 218 for Trinidad.

Rostan Chase had a match haul of 10 for 114 and scored 127 in a Barbados win.

Keacy Carty crafted 127 for Leeward in a losing cause.

Dr. Gonsalves will lead ULP in next general elections

From Backpage

Kingstown Port; getting the tunnel through Cane Garden Point that would alleviate the bottle neck in traffic between Arnos Vale and Kingstown; and building cultural hubs.

Dr. Gonsalves admitted that there are some projects that can “go on without me” but “I suspect that I’d be needed for a few of the like, big projects.”

And one of those “big projects’ he mentioned, would not be related to the work of government but to his party, to which he is committed to “… prepare the party for new leadership.”

In this regard, he pointed to the party as having “a lot of good young people,” and advanced the names of Agriculture Minister, Saboto Caesar; Finance Minister, Camillo Gonsalves; Tourism Minister, Carlos James; National Mobilisation, Minister Orando Brewster; and Foreign Affairs Minister, Keisal Peters.

And in reflecting briefly on his tenure he said he didn’t want to sound religious “but

when I look back, I find that many tests have been put in my path… .”

He expressed confidence that he had met those tests which are ongoing but which, at the end of the day, bring him closer to the people.

That confidence, he holds out as he looks to the next general elections.

“I’m confident that the people will return us to government by the end of next year because they have seen the progress,” of the last 23 years of a ULP government. (SR)

DR. GONSALVES WILL LEAD ULP IN NEXT GENERAL ELECTIONS

DR. RALPH GONSALVES, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Political Leader of the Unity Labour Party and Parliamentary Representative for the North Central Windward might have said that the 2020 general elections would have been the last with him as head of the ULP ticket, but that is no longer on the cards.

Speaking on We FM last Sunday, Dr. Gonsalves confirmed that he will lead the ULP in the next general

elections, constitutionally due by February/March 2026.

Toward this end he said, “I’m going to be contesting, definitely. This is going to be the last occasion that I’ll be leading the ticket…. .”

And he is looking forward to continuing to serve post 2025/26. He declared, on Radio, “.. I give the assurance that once I can continue to do the job, within the period 2025 to 2030 I will do the job,” adding that his

capacity for work has not diminished and neither has his commitment to serve the people.

And as for his commitment to his party, he said, “I’m a party man and the party leadership insisted that I go again…… they see my work ethic, my hours... I think the people see it, too.”

He alluded to a number of projects still to be undertaken which the party would want him to oversee. These include but are not restricted to:

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves at a ULP celebratory rally held on Sunday 14th April, 2024.

continuing to enhance the education revolution; building a first class health care system with the Acute Referral Hospital; initiating work towards creating a new city at Arnos Vale; transforming the facility at the old

Continued on Page 27.

CRICKET CONFERENCE FOR T&T

THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago will host a Regional Conference on West Indies Cricket.

Scheduled for 25-26 April 2024, the event will take place at the Hyatt Regency in Trinidad and Tobago

The conference will be chaired by Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago- Dr. Keith Rowley, in his capacity

Themed “Reinvigorating West Indies Cricket — A Symposium for Strategic Collaboration and Innovation,” the conference aims to foster a collaborative environment to secure the commitment of CARICOM Governments, Cricket West Indies (CWI) and territorial boards to strategically advance the sport in all its formats: Tests, One Day Internationals and T20s.

as Chairman of the CARICOM Prime Ministerial SubCommittee on Cricket. This intervention stems from the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, where it was agreed that Trinidad and Tobago would host the event, which will explore the business trajectory of the sport, and emphasise collaborative efforts toward

cricket development and promotion.

The Conference will include all relevant agencies, organisations, cricketing legends, former and current players, clubs, coaches and administrators.

Key topics to be discussed during the two-day conference include the: Strategic Direction of West Indies Cricket; Development of Cricket; Finance and Commercial Considerations; Fan Engagement; Cricket and Tourism.

Previous reviews of WI Cricket

This is not the first time West Indies cricket is coming under microscopic examination by high-powered parties.

In 2007, the then West Indies Cricket Board, which was formally rebranded Cricket West indies Inc. in May 2017, set up a Committee on Governance of West Indies Cricket, to examine the structures of cricket in the region,

This Conference would hopefully define a path towards returning West indies cricket to world championship status.

The Committee was chaired by former Jamaica Prime Minister PJ Patterson and included Ian McDonald and Sir Alister McIntyre. The final report was presented in October 2007.

In 2015, a CARICOM Cricket Review Panel was commissioned. It comprised five CARICOM citizens appointed by the Dr. Keith Mitchell-headed Prime Ministerial Committee on the Governance of West Indies Cricket.

The main mandate of the Panel was to review and report on the administrative and governance structure of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

The final report of the Review Panel was submitted to CARICOM in October 2015.