MADURO’S ELECTION IS IN GUYANA’S FAVOUR
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
PRIME MINISTER, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. has gone on record as saying that Nicolas Maduro’s victory in the July 28, 2024, presidential election in Venezuela, is in the best interest of Guyana, particularly Guyana’s burgeoning oil sector.
Dr. Gonsalves made the statement to the Georgetown-based Demerara Waves Online News last Saturday, September 14, while he was in Guyana to attend the ceremony marking the last rites for Sir Shirdath Ramphal, the longest serving Secretary-General of the Commonwealth who passed away on August 30, 2024.
The Vincentian Prime Minister told the News agency that with Venezuelans rejecting the right-wing
opposition, it was clearly a move that rebounded to the security of Guyana and its oil sector.
He pointed out that the right wing was always aggressive towards Guyana in pressing the claim for the Essequibo Region.
“The right wing historically in Venezuela has been always pushing against Guyana,” he said.
The Prime Minister went on further to say that the right wing had been taunting Mr. Maduro, telling Venezuelans that their President had to compromise with Guyana because they had friends in the Caribbean like the Vincentian leader.
“If you have a choice between Maduro and the right wing in
Venezuela, I advise you to choose Maduro. The right wing will seek to allow the Americans to take the oil in Venezuela, to set up to take over PDVSA (state oil company) and try to run Guyana’s oil industry from Caracas,” Demerara Waves reported Dr. Gonsalves as saying.
Not to be taken as having disregarded Venezuela’s claim to a portion of Guyana, he was also reported as asserting the position that he will never side with that country to take military action to seize Guyana’s Essequibo Region, adding,
“Anytime, if Venezuela attempts to do anything militarily, you’ll hear that I speak against it… Under anybody. No war. You have a problem, you talk about, you solve it.”
Readers will recall that it was Dr. Gonsalves who hosted President Irfaan Ali of Guyana and President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela and who, together with the influence of Brazil, brokered a deal that became known as the Argyle Declaration for Dialogue and Peace that outlined a series of non-aggressive measures that both countries would take towards solving the dispute over the Essequibo Region. Dr. Gonsalves took the opportunity to stress that St. Vincent and the Grenadines favoured a “peaceful resolution of any conflict” between Guyana and Venezuela.”
Continued on Page 3.
The leadership of the right wing in Venezuela who Dr. Gonsalves claims is more ‘hostile’to Guyana.
President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro is greeted by St. Vincent Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves at the Argyle International Airport. (Photo via NBC Radio St. Vincent and the Grenadines).
Khadeen Ellis to Host Miss SVG 2024
THE BEAUTY SHOWS COMMITTEEof the Carnival Development Corporation is thrilled to announce that the highly charismatic actress, host and social media sensation Khadeen Ellis, will host the La Vue Boutique Hotel Miss SVG 2024 pageant. She will be joined by Khalil Cato.
The much-anticipated event will be held on October 5, 2024 at the Victoria Park and will showcase the beauty, intelligence, and talent of six (6) contestants hailing from communities across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, as they vie for the prestigious title of Miss SVG 2024.
Khadeen Ellis who has Vincentian roots, is the
daughter of Morrison Joseph who hails from Richland Park. Known for her exceptional charisma, stage presence, female empowerment, and unmatched professionalism, she brings a wealth of experience in hosting high-profile events internationally. She is married to American actor Devale Ellis who plays Zac Taylor in the Tyler Perry hit series “Sistas” and “Zatima”. Together, they host the webby awardwinning podcast “Dead Ass”. Ellis will be accompanied by her husband, and will arrive in SVG during the week of the pageant.
Ellis, who competed in
pageantry before and won the Miss America Pre-teen (New York), expressed enthusiasm about hosting the Miss SVG Pageant, and also working towards enhancing the visibility of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), in collaboration with the SVG Tourism Authority.
Chairperson of the Beauty Shows Committee, Aviar Charles said there is no doubt Khadeen will add value to this year’s pageant experience, creating an exceptional evening filled with elegance and national pride. Charles said this would not have been possible without the support of the SVG Tourism Authority. She
said SVG is perfectly poised to be at the pinnacle of success as it relates to consistently attracting influential visitors, thus cementing it as the ideal tourist destination.
The six (6) contestants in the pageant are Lisha Beache; Miss JCI St. Vincent, Athalia Gloster; Miss FLOW, Kewanna Hackshaw; Miss Lynch Caribbean Brokers, Felicia Hector; Miss Insta Cash, Alvina Pinder; Miss Grenadine House and Zada Stephens; Miss KCCU.
Actress, host and social media sensation
Tickets for the La Vue Boutique Hotel Miss
SVG 2024 Pageant, are now on sale starting at $70.00 whilst limited VIP tickets are also on sale at $200.00 at Coreas City Store, Entice Bar, Vee Jays Restaurant and Four Shells. The pageant which begins at 8:00pm will allow patrons to enjoy a red carpet
experience from 7:00pm. (Source: CDC)
SVG Beauty Shows Committee
Kingstown, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines M: (784) 492-3843
E: info@missvg.com W: www.misssvg.com
Khadeen Ellis.
V News 3
Shallow selected as NDP candidate
CRICKET ADMINISTRATOR
AND PRESIDENT of the Cricket West Indies
Dr. Kishore Shallow has been selected by the North Leeward Constituency Council of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), to be that party’s candidate in that constituency for general elections, constitutionally due no later than March 5, 2026.
His selection now awaits ratification by the party’s Central Committee executive to give it legitimacy in accordance with party’s constitution.
Once ratified, Dr. Shallow will officially replace Roland “Patel” Matthew as the NDP candidate in North Leeward. Matthews lost
Maduro’s election is in Guyana’s favour
Continued from Frontpage.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Venezuela has strengthened ties since the Gonsalves-led Unity Labour Party formed government in 2001, beginning during President Hugo Chavez’s tenure and continuing unabated under Nicola Maduro.
Venezuela has been a major benefactor in St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ programmes in health, its procurement of discretionarily priced oil for use in the generation of electricity and not least, direct input into the construction of the Argyle Airport, all of which have been channeled through the PetroCaribe arrangement and what is deemed the socialist-oriented Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America — People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP).
It follows, therefore, that this country’s Prime Minister was one of the earliest, among Caribbean Heads of Government, to offer congratulations to President Maduro on his recent victory.
And he defended his position saying, as per Demerara News, that “on the evidence before me” Venezuela’s July 28, 2024, elections were “fair and free” (and) was done based on the United States’ historical posture towards elections.
He seemed to have pounced on the heightened attention directed at him. “When you have a voice like mine and it sounds discordant to what imperialism wants, they drum up all their noises and roll all their propaganda arms to drown me out, well, drown out the truth,” he declared.
“America can’t teach me about elections and democracy. In my lifetime, I watched what has happened,” he added, referencing the USA role in toppling governments in Chile, Bolivia, Venezuela and Honduras in the 1970s and 2000s.
He reiterated, “I want peace between Venezuela and Guyana in the same way I want piece across the Taiwan Straits, same way I want peace in Ukraine.” (Source: Demerara Waves Online News)
to the Unity Labour Party’s Carlos James by one vote, in the November 5, 2020 general elections.
Following his selection on Tuesday at the NDP headquarters, Kingstown, Shallow said that he was truly delighted to be part of the Dr. Friday-led NDP team and his unwavering dedication to uplifting the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines resonates deeply with my own.
“I look forward to bringing the representation that the people of North Leeward badly need. Our country is at a critical juncture— it’s about the future we owe to our children, our families, and our communities, and we need a change of government to put us on that new and better path. Together, we can get it done,” Shallow declared.
President of the NDP Dr. Godwin Friday in welcoming Dr. Shallow’s selection said inter alia, “Kishore is a young man with a track record of leadership and overall excellence. We are happy that he has joined our team to represent North Leeward. His selection is a reflection of
the NDP’s ongoing ability to attract quality candidates who are ready to deliver the change our country desperately needs.”
Dr. Kishore Shallow, 40, is a native of Coulls Hill, North Leeward. He is a graduate of Walden University in Minnesota with a Doctorate in Business Administration specializing in Financial Management, having attained a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Wales, Cardiff, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Business Computing from the University of Sunderland.
He is currently into the final year of a twotenure as President of
Cricket West Indies (CWI), the first Vincentian to hold that high-profiled position. Previously, he held positions of Vice President of CWI from 2019; President of Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control, and President of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association.
Dr. Shallow, who became a National Sporting Ambassador in 2019, is the third ‘new’ candidate to be named recently by the NDP, the others being Conroy Huggins for the Central Leeward Constituency and Andrew John for the South Windward Constituency. (KH)
Dr. Kishore Shallow – at ease with and ready for the ask ahead.
St. Lucians denied bail on cocaine charge
THREE ST. LUCIANSfacing cocaine trafficking and conspiracy charges were remanded on Wednesday, pending a bail application from their lawyer Ronald Marks.
Ezra Henry, a 49-yearold self-employed of Castries, Tolton John, a 32-year-old fisherman of Castries, and Moses Barbour, a 50-year-old steel bender/carpenter of Vieux Fort, have been charged jointly with possession of 22,243 grams (22 kilos) of
cocaine for drug trafficking, possession with intent to supply and conspiracy to traffic the drug.
The men were reportedly nabbed at Hamilton, Bequia on September 16.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges when they appeared before Senior Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offenses Court on Wednesday.
Prosecutor Renrick Cato objected to bail for
all three defendants, stating that they were non-nationals. He stressed the close proximity of St. Lucia to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the possibility of the men absconding if granted bail. He asked the Court to remand them for one month during which time the prosecution will seek to have the drug tested before going to trial.
But Marks told the Court Barbour is a Vincentian by descent, as
his father hails from Barrouallie a Central Leeward town on mainland St. Vincent.
And while he acknowledged that the others are St. Lucians,
Flow’s manager fined for traffic violations
Country Manager, Wayne Hull was fined a total of $500 on Wednesday after pleading guilty to two traffic offenses, stemming from an incident at Arnos Vale this year which resulted in traffic Wardner, Tracy Browne sustaining a broken right leg.
Hull was fined $300 for driving motor vehicle T1492 without due care and attention and $200 for failing to keep that vehicle on the left side of the road while turning right onto another road.
Senior Magistrate Colin John ordered that Hull pay the fines forthwith or go to prison for three months. He paid the fines.
The facts showed that around 7:30 p.m. on April 7, 2024, Hull was driving that vehicle in front of the Joshua Centre at the decommissioned E.T. Joshua Airport before making a right turn to proceed onto the tarmac where a Unity Labour Party (ULP) rally was being held. He failed to keep to the left side of the road and struck the traffic Wardner who was regulating traffic on the right side. She fell to the ground and had to be taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where she was examined, and it was revealed that she sustained a broken right leg for which she had to undergo medical treatment.
The police processed the scene of the incident,
Trial date set in gun, ammo case
AN OCTOBER 21, 2024 trial date has been set for two men who appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, Friday, September 13, on firearm and ammunition charges.
The date was set when the defendants, Dante John, a 20-year-old labourer, and Deo Johnson, a 30-year-old labourer, both of Redemption Sharpes, appeared at the Serious Offenses Court on Monday.
The men are charged jointly with possession of a .25 pistol and six rounds of ammunition, without license.
When they appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on
September 13, they pleaded not guilty to the charges. Johnson was remanded, while John was granted $10,000 bail with one surety on condition that he report to the Central Police Station every Tuesday and Thursday between 6 a.m and 5 p.m. He was also placed on a curfew between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. daily, and the matter was transferred to the Serious Offenses Court. However, on their appearance at the Serious Offenses Court on Monday, Prosecutor Renrick Cato did not object to bail for Johnson, and he was granted bail in the same sum.
and Hull was taken into custody and charged.
Hull was represented by attorney Daune Daniel who told the Court that while he was not trivializing or minimizing what happened, it was an accident. He noted that it happened at night, and there was a lot of activities on the road. He said the complainant herself said, in her witness statement that there were no lights in the area where Browne was standing and the Prosecution was right in saying that the officer in question had her back turned.
He noted that his client was 42, pleaded guilty, cooperated with the police, and is a Country Manager at a local telecommunication company. He added that Hull was the father of three, and asked the Court to consider the circumstance and factual matrix of the matter.
Dante John was granted bail with certain conditions affixed.
In relation to the curfew, the Prosecutor asked the Court to get from the defendants the names and addresses of the person/s with whom they live or stay.
Senior Magistrate Colin John granted his request, and the men were each granted $10,000 bail with one surety on the condition that they surrender their
Deo Johnson – was remanded to His Majesty’s Prison.
passports and I.D. card, and to be indoors between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily. They will report to the Central Police Station every Monday between 8am and 8pm.
The men were reportedly arrested when Narcotics Police Officers conducted a routine stop
Continued on Page 27.
but that in itself is not a ground for denying bail.
Marks, however, said that he would not make a bail application at this stage, as he would have to establish whether they had sufficient ties to this jurisdiction, adding that he would seek to have this done within the month, if the Prosecution s request is granted, before making a bail application.
After listening to both sides, the Senior Magistrate remanded the men and adjourned the matter to October 17.
Woman on cocaine charges switch lawyers
PATRICIA‘Patsy’ Soloman, a 53-year-old unemployedwoman of Frenches, who was represented by attorney Grant Connell when she appeared at Mesopotamia Magistrate’s Court, Friday, September 15 on cocaine charges, says she has a new lawyer. Soloman made the interesting revelation when she made an appearance at the Serious Offenses Court on Tuesday.
When Senior Magistrate Colin John asked the woman if she was represented by a lawyer, she replied in the affirmative, but added, “I am changing my lawyer to Ronald Marks. She, however, indicated that Marks told her that he would be a bit late for Court.
When the Magistrate asked if she maintained her not guilty plea, she said, “Yes”.
John then adjourned the matter to October 21.
When contacted on Wednesday, Connell told THE VINCENTIAN that he did the bail application for Soloman at the Mesopotamia Magistrate’s Court, but he was not further briefed.
Soloman has been charged with possession of 1,075 grams of cocaine for the purpose of drug trafficking, possession with intent to supply, and conspiracy to traffick the drug. She pleaded not guilty to the charges when she appeared before Magistrate Kaywana Jacobs at the Mesopotamia Magistrate’s Court on September 15, and was released on $20,000 bail with one surety, on condition that she surrender all travel documents and report to the Central Police Station every Monday and Thursday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Soloman was reportedly arrested and charged following a joint operation by the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) and Narcotics Unit at a residence in Frenches around 11 a.m. on September 11.
STORIES: HAYDN HUGGINS
FLOW’s
Accused cocaine dealers (L-R): Moses Barbour, Dolton John, and Ezra Henry.
Wayne Hull
Patricia ‘Patsy’ Soloman
THE BAICO DEBACLE: (Pt 1)
A Clear Case of Discrimination
The British American Insurance Company (BAICO) took in funds through fixed deposits, traditional insurance and pension products, and channeled these funds to overleveraged sister companies that lost value sharply, leading to the collapse of its parent company and its subsidiaries.
IT’S BEEN OVER A DECADE since the financial collapse in January 2002, of the CL Financial (CLF) Group— which included BA International Insurance Company Limited (BA)— that dealt largely in investments, pension funds, and insurance with customers in Trinidad and Tobago as well as in several Eastern Caribbean countries.
While CARICOM governments and the Caribbean Court of Justice (The Court) may not have understood the commercial principles of non-discrimination and equality of access and redress of business decisions taken on a
crossborder basis, and which affected businesses and consumers in more than one Caribbean Community and Common Market (CSME) Member Sate, they ought to now. There has been much legal training and learning, and our Justices are seasoned Commercial and International Legal Scholars and Practitioners, who know how to properly interpret a commercial instrument such as the single market-promulgating arrangements created under the 2001 Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (Treaty).
Deciding if equal access obtains
The landmark case of Ellis Richards vs. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, now awaiting a decision by the Caribbean Court of Justice, will have a decision so critical to the advancement of people’s economic life in CARICOM such that the Justices of The Court must feel the weight of
responsibility on them–as it is a decision that will determine whether CARICOM Member States participating in the CSME have equal access to the single market in terms of consumer redress; and even whether businesses have an equality of access to a level playing feel and fair business and Community regulatory environment. The case will decide whether longdiscriminated against policyholders of the Eastern Caribbean in particular, are entitled to the same or comparable financial compensation as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, who benefited from a government takeover and rescue of CLF Group of Companies, as designed by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, its Central Bank, and backed by legislative amendments.
(The collapse of British American Insurance in the Eastern Caribbean is said to resulted in losses of over EC$800 million (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) to businesses and individuals.)
In January 2009, The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, to forestall a greater systemic shock to its financial sector, instructed the Central Bank of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (Central Bank) to initiate takeover proceedings under its Central Bank Act s.44D and 44E. By that action, the government and the CLF Group reached an agreement via a Memorandum of Understanding dated 30 of January 2009, which resulted in mandates such that:
•There was a transfer of appropriate shareholdings in BA Trinidad to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (paragraph 14) and to list BA Trinidad on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange paragraph 15);
•CLF was to provide collateral which might include a secured charge on the assets of, inter alia, BA Trinidad, i.e. a company owned by BA International (paragraph 2);
CIB, CLICO and BA Trinidad (paragraph 1);
•There was a mandate for the sale and disposal, or collateralisation of shareholdings and assets owned by “other members of the CLF group of companies”. (paragraphs 6 and 11);]
The Caribbean Court of Justice will rule on a case brought by 2,000 policyholders across six countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), including St. Vincent and the Grenadines in relation to Trinidad and Tobago’s government handling of the 2009 collapse of CLICO.
It must not be forgotten that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago entered the fray to rescue CLF and necessarily BA International principally to protect its economy–an action which is entirely sensible on the part of any government, but which disadvantaged the smaller economies of several Eastern Caribbean countries– an action that is purely antithetical to a single market and economy that is supposed to be guarded and protected by a Treaty intended to ensure equality of treatment of businesses and consumers whenever business decisions which will have a cross-border effect are taken.
•There was to be a sale of substantially all of CLF’s available assets to cover the liabilities of
Those mandates, and others, have led to one group of policyholders (Trinidad and Tobago) being largely and favourably compensated over another (Eastern Caribbean) and has led to some businesses from among the affiliated CLF group of companies being largely rescued from financial ruin, while another has been completely bankrupted. (To be continued)
Seventy-two-year-old Dominican Rosette Fevrier, a seamstress, was attracted by the interest rates BAICO advertised and trusted them with her savings – retirement money. Still awaiting returns.
Edmund Browne, famer in Grenada, deposited $30,000 with BAICO and transferred $1,000 a month for 8 years ($96,000,00) to BAICO, reinvested the total sum in 2009, and received a mere $30,000.00 refund.
V
Training
Some of the participants in the training programme.
GECCU, CED combined resources
Maxine Johnney, GECCU’s Chief Executive Officer, said the training was extended beyond GECCU membership in response to requests.
TWO INSTITUTIONS- the General Employees Cooperative Credit Union (GECCU) and the Centre for Enterprise Development (CED) are combining their resources for the nation’s benefits.
Their collaboration is aimed at ensuring that business ventures by GECCU members have a long lasting and profitable impact.
That’s how Keisha Phillips, Officer in Charge of CED, put it as she addressed the opening ceremony of a Small Business Training Series, last Tuesday at the University of the West Indies Global Campus Lecture Hall.
Phillips is happy with the link up with GECCU.
CED is recognised as
the platform for business development here.
Phillips noted that getting money to start a business is perhaps the easiest part of setting up an operation. She was concerned however, with ensuring that the entrepreneur has the means to maintain the operation.
“Never tell yourself that you do not need any training,” Phillips pointed out.
“If you are not serious about business you shouldn’t be here,” she added, and urged the participants to take the training seriously.
Phillips considered this drive as setting a standard for the delivery of business ventures here.
The trainees will get exposure at GECCU Christmas Market and Phillips has committed CED to providing tips to business operations, opportunities for display of goods at exhibitions and other marketing platforms.
She regards the training for the potential entrepreneurs as a “strong message” by GECCU of their commitment to members’ development.
Forty-six persons have enlisted for the training, thirty being GECCU members.
Phillips shared the spotlight with GECCU’s
Keisha Phillips, Officer in Charge of CED, impressing the importance of training to the participants.
Chief Executive Officer Maxine Johnney, and President Michael Sayers.
Johnney underscored her institution’s desire “to ensure that you (participants) succeed,” and referenced GECCU’s financial support and provision of other tools as indicative of this.
She admitted that the training exercise was designed for GECCU members but was opened up in response to the interest shown by the public.
“GECCU believes in empowering the community,” Johnney indicated. She encouraged participants who are not members of GECCU to become members and took the opportunity to introduce the Christmas Market to the new entrepreneurs.
Sayers is proud of his institution’s “peoplecentric” approach and sees it as providing support for members in their drive for improvement.
GECCU operates under the theme: ‘Developing the local economy, one business at a time’. (WKA)
Views V
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Managing Director: Desiree Richards
Editor: Cyprian Neehall
Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129
Website: www.thevincentian.com
Email: thevincentianpublishing@gmail.com
Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Editorial
Democracy should never be compromised
WHY IS IT THAT WHEREVERa regime purports to be committed to the fostering of some non-traditional political system that will unearth a society with a different mindset and values, that there is a heightened military presence supporting the effort?
If the truth be told, all those remaining socialists and those who have re-thought their positions, would admit that to maintain any semblance of a “new, different, people-centred’ political system, a military force is necessary to maintain equilibrium.
The question of openness, freedom of thought, expression and association is often redefined to mean adherence to the state’s dictates, and anything to the contrary is dealt with in a high-handed manner that is legitimized by the way the state apparatus is structured and operated, not least being, in our case, the Westminster style of governance.
That is why, the majority of countries across the globe accept DEMOCRACY as the foundation for all modern societies.
On the other hand, authoritarianism, bolstered by a military or by a regime that misinterprets a majority vote in parliament as carte blanche to curb opposition, is the antithesis of democracy and the rule of the majority.
That is why, all freedom-loving people, all those who embrace the ideals of democracy and democratic forms of governance, must condemn such forms of government, i.e. authoritarianism, and/or demand that their leaders do so on their behalf.
No majority seated party in parliament, no such government so formed, must feel that their victory at the polls gives them the right and freedom to act or make pronouncements as they see fit but are not in keeping with the desires and positions of the people.
That our ULP government has taken a principled stance as it relates to the question of democracy in its fullest form and human rights, is up for debate some would say.
What we must guard against is allowing cases where democracy is subverted and/or selectively applied to justify authoritarian forms of governance. Cases where a
Participation Trophy Syndrome
government feels justified in doing what it pleases because it won an election.
For sure, each country is free to come up with its own governance set of rules, but any departure from a principle and genuine practice of ‘one man, one vote’ in free and fair elections, and on the basis of political pluralism, is fraught with dangers of one kind or another.
In other words, no society can be free when the will of the people is violated or imposed upon, purportedly under the guise of ‘benevolent dictatorship’ or to repay some more developed ally for some favour.
We must ask ourselves how much of the system we accept as our system of governance, how much is the system in countries whom we call allies, is truly one of representative democracy, based on free, fair and certified elections.
It was Guyana’s President - Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, in his address to the 46th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, who advanced a view that democracy in many countries is highly politicized thereby retarding its true effectiveness.
President Ali said, “Democracy is that engine that drives development; the shield that protects human dignity, and the framework that enables society to thrive. When democracy flourishes, so, too, does economic development. When the rights of people are upheld, when their voices are heard, and when representatives act in their best interests, nations are empowered to reach their full potential.”
In some societies, unfortunately, elections are a mere formality with predictable results. In some cases, opposition parties are either banned, or their leaders jailed or exiled. This is not what we would want for ourselves and should not want and support for others.
True enough, there is no perfect democracy, especially in politically and ethnically diverse societies. Be that as it may, there is no substitute for democratic values, based on full respect for the will of the people in free, fair and transparent elections. The people is sovereign, and it is their democratic will that must at all times be the basis of governance.
THERE’S SOMETHING CALLED participation trophy syndrome, a controversial topic that refers to giving out participation awards, recognizing that someone participated in an event, regardless of their placement. Some say participation trophies can boost selfesteem and inclusivity, but others argue they can have negative consequences. This phenomenon isn’t limited to children’s soccer fields but can occur in the workplace and, by extension, in our country.
People who might have barely participated in the effort to build our nation through the electoral process often get credit or blame they don’t deserve. We must develop ways to accurately measure their level of participation. My dad always said to me, “Give Jack his jacket.” The practice of giving everyone participatory trophies is the antithesis of meritocracy.
The consequences of a participation trophy syndrome in this context may include a sense of entitlement, unrealistic expectations for promotion, or other recognition in the absence of accountability. As we head towards another election, I am afraid the ultimate performance evaluation for those who want to be reelected to parliament would now be centered on a new set of ambitious policies and proposals.
Evaluating those already in office should be easy, but please don’t be deceived; they will do everything to try and make you forget their past performance. Performance evaluation should be easy, but everything that looks easy is not always so. Maybe this is why a former elected Representative is now on record saying that some government employees are not doing their jobs. I find such proclamations disrespectful to me and all those in the civil service trying to do their jobs in less-than-optimal circumstances.
Unfortunately, because of our Westminster style of government, evaluating the opposition members may seem even more difficult, but it is not. They owe us an explanation for every Bill they supported and opposed in the last five years. We should expect an explanation and an alternative approach for those they opposed.
It is not too difficult to see why elected officials are always reluctant to tell us what they will do for fear of being held accountable. This is why members of parliament vote for Bills and then become their most prominent
critics, especially those in opposition. Some of them try to disguise their criticisms as holding the “powerful” accountable. Two recent examples are the opposition support for the “Modern Port” and Public Order Act, Chapter 396–the possession of intoxicating liquor in an open container or the consumption of liquor in a funeral procession. I suppose, coming off the experience of the airport, they did not want to cough on record as being opposed to the “modern port” project, a project that was needed by their affirmative vote in parliament. Yet, they spend an incredible amount of time criticizing the project. Worse than voting for a project and then criticizing it is allowing a bill to pass into law by abstaining from the vote and being its greatest critic outside of parliament. To me, your abstention indicates that you do not care enough one way or the other to vote on a position. As a wise older man once told me, an abstention vote is a vote in favor of the majority decision.
At this point, I want to congratulate Representative Bramble for his bold stand on voting “No” on the recent Bill of drinking or possessing alcohol at funerals. I am not just saying this because he supported my previously stated position. When this idea was introduced, I felt we had laws on the books to handle this issue. But I suppose as we get closer to the election, we will see many more of these Bills that will not mean much to most of us but satisfy the participatory goals of those in office.
By the way, has anyone done the economic impact analysis of the recently enacted holiday? Why is such an analysis not a common practice whenever we propose new legislation? Consider how interesting the conversation would have been if it had an economic impact discussion in conjunction with the social value of the Spiritual Baptist Day. I find the day chosen to celebrate Spiritual Baptist Day, May 21, a fascinating choice. Now, my friends, in the absence of any self-performance evaluation by our elected representatives, I will develop a list of questions to ask anyone at your door asking for your vote in the next election. Stay tuned.
Horatio.
Implications for SVG Time to name another hero
THE RECENTallegations linking St. Vincent and the Grenadines to transnational fraud and potential money laundering activities, particularly with respect to the purchase of the Venezuelan President’s plane, should be a cause for serious concern among the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These allegations suggest that our nation may be acting as an enabler or coconspirator in this scandal, i.e. with our nation being positioned as an accessory before the fact. If these claims are substantiated, the consequences could be dire for our country’s reputation, economy, and international standing.
The recent actions by the United States, where they imposed sanctions on private individuals in Guyana for similar crimes, demonstrate that no one is immune from repercussions. However, it is important to note that while individuals can be held accountable, the potential for a state to be implicated in such matters is far more alarming. Should St. Vincent and the Grenadines be found complicit in these activities, it would likely result in severe consequences for our banking sector and put significant constraints on international business relations. Global sanctions, particularly those from the United States and other influential countries, could cripple our financial institutions and hinder foreign investment, plunging our economy into turmoil.
The Prime Minister’s dismissal and reckless comments regarding sanctions, both from the United Nations and individual states, are deeply troubling. Instead of addressing the issue with the gravity it deserves, he has chosen to make statements that undermine the severity of the situation. This behaviour is unbecoming of a leader, especially when the very integrity of our nation is at stake. Such disregard for accountability and transparency fuels suspicion and weakens public trust.
The question abounds: Are they pointing towards high state officials in this matter? If the allegation intensifies, so too should calls for the Prime Minister’s resignation! In the interest of the country and to preserve what little remains of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ international reputation, the Prime Minister must step down immediately. Only by doing so can a thorough, unbiased investigation be conducted by the appropriate regional and international bodies.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines must not become a haven for illicit activities. The people of our nation deserve leadership that is transparent, accountable, and focused on safeguarding our country’s future, rather than one embroiled in scandal and reckless behaviour. The time for action is now, and it starts with the Prime Minister taking responsibility and allowing an impartial investigation to take place.
After all, he previously stated that he is responsible for every square inch of this country.
A concerned citizen
ANOTHERanniversary of our independence is fast approaching. There are others who will analyse for us how much and what progress we have made since that night on October 27, 1979, and I was there, when we raised our flag. And let me remind you, that its is not the same flag we have today. But that is another story… some will like the breadfruit leaf while others will like the three jewels.
What I want to throw into the mix at this point, is that as we approach another anniversary of independence, we have
not heard anything about the naming of another National Hero.
This government had promised that by now, 2024, 23 years after they came to power, that we would have at least one more national hero.
I am aware that when the talk of another hero to join Paramount Chief Chatoyer first came up, there were just two nominees — George McIntosh and Ebenezer Joshua. That number was increased by the ULP to include Milton Cato and then they were pressured into adding Dr. J.P. Eustace.
It appears to me that
because there was strong opposition to Milton Cato, a choice of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves who has gone out of his way, crossed every river and climbed every mountain to support his nominee, he, Gonsalves, has decided to stall the process.
I am certain that if you put it to a vote the people will vote for McIntosh and Joshua, so what is Gonsalves and his Labour Party waiting on?
There might be no time to install a new hero before Independence but al
least the Prime Minister, instead of giving away this Cultural and that Sports ambassador title, he can at least say that his government will advance McIntosh or Joshua, or both, for national hero.
That’s my take.
Charles
The absence of good music
MUSICand its varied genres have played a crucial role in shaping culture and personal experiences across eras. Genres like reggae, blues, calypso, and soul each brought their own unique rhythms and messages, often reflecting the struggles, joys, and dreams of their times. The complexity and beauty of these genres often stemmed from rich musical arrangements and deep emotional connections. It’s understandable to feel nostalgic for a time when music seemed to have a more profound impact or when it felt more integral to our lives.
I remember the days when we eagerly anticipated the uplifting vibrations of Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, and Jimmy Cliff – artistes whose profound messages resonated deeply with
Ah lov ÂMerica
IDOH CARE wha anybady else tink. Me, I love ‘Merica — the great ole US of A.
Tell me, way else in de worl yo go fine ah man who runnin for president ha ah whole set ah convictions? De man should be in jail. Bu dis is ‘Merica, the land of de free. Way else a man who was yo leader could come on TV an say peoplo eatin uddr peoplo pets, like dog and cats? An de man air blinkin wen he say so.
Only in ‘Merica . If was here de man house done geh stone long time.
Way else in de worl yo could talk all you want ‘bout a candidate — like how he losing it… how he losin he memory an nobody sue-ing yo? Like ‘Merica air ha no bady name Sue.. Way else in de worl yo could fune a man who could lie like bole bole face jus so like Trump?
Jus tinking
those seeking both substance and solace. Their music, rich in social commentary, drew crowds to stadiums and concert halls, feeding the soul with meaningful insights. Music was more than mere entertainment; it was a source of consciousness and enlightenment. Music serves as a powerful educational tool, informing and inspiring those who have lost hope, lifting them to new heights and breaking boundaries. As one musician wisely noted, “Music is therapy.” It provides relief from stress and anxiety. It pains me to see how some politicians exploit controversial artistes to promote degenerate music that misguides the youth and leads the next generation astray.
Today, genres like gospel, calypso, reggae, funk, disco, rock ‘n’ roll, blues, and soul seem overshadowed by chaotic, mind-numbing music. It’s no wonder that the current generation often displays erratic behavior. When I need solace, I turn to my musical archive and revisit the classics. I listen to the masters of soca like Ras Shorty-I and enjoy the vibrant tunes of Black Stalin, The Mighty Sparrow, Arrow, and Merchant. Their revolutionary spirit
reminds us to resist oppression and corruption, both locally and globally.
Eddie Grant brought joy to the 70s and 80s with his unique blend of calypso, funk, and soulful rhythms, establishing himself as one of the greatest musicians to emerge from this region.
Our own Becket, Soso, and Scorcher have left an indelible mark as some of the finest Caribbean artistes. Music, as an education, should inspire, inform, and elevate. If it fails to meet these expectations, I have little interest in it.
Carden A. Michael
Democracy and communism
I DO FEELthrilled and delighted when I teach from the bible about the good news and the bad news.
On the very first Sunday of creation, God created democracy and freedom of speech. On the first Saturday of creation when God went to rest on the 7th day, the serpent deceived Eve and communism existed.
This is what the serpent said to Eve: “For God doth know in the day you eat the apple, then your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil”. This portrays a picture of a communist leader.
In some communist countries, if you are standing in the way of the leaders, they either kill you or put you in jail to get rid of you. Nelson Mandela suffered that fate. The apartheid government wanted to get rid of Mandela and they put him in prison for 27 years. When he came out of prison, he became the President of South Africa.
I will try my best to stop communist practices in our country because I love to go God’s way not Satan’s way. The opposition leader in Venezuela went into hiding to protect his life, because Satan comes to kill, steal and destroy. I will live up to what the Bible teaches.
May God bless St. Vincent and the Grenadines to be great under the care of the Lord.
‘Live Up’ Simon
The ULP: The Party of Housing in SVG
(Exerpt)
The Issue
OVER THE PAST 23 YEARS, the ULP government has built, and overseen the building of, far more houses than all the other governments put together since universal adult suffrage in 1951. It is a fact, too, that the NDP government (July 1984 – March 2001) has built not one single low-income house for anyone from among the poor and the working people. It is also a fact that every government in SVG other than the NDP government built housing estates for the poor and the working people. Even the colonial government of 1951 to 1957 built more houses for he poor and the working people than the NDP government. The Ebenezer Joshua government of 1957 to 1967 built housing estates for the poor and the working people; and so did Milton Cato’s Labour Party governments (1967 to 1972; and 1974 to 1984). But never the NDP government.
It has never been the policy of the NDP to build houses. Its policy has been to leave this matter exclusively to the private sector. It even turned the Housing and Land Development Corporation (HLDC) into a collector of old debts from the Milton Cato years. The star in house-building in SVG has been the ULP government under Comrade Ralph. Its many-sided housing policies have lifted the housing stock from 28,000 households in 2001 to 48,000 households in 2023. Further, the size and quality of houses have advanced massively. The ULP sees access to affordable housing as a human right. Even post-Beryl, the NDP cannot bring itself to embrace this concept; it is more interested in rebuilding Terrance Ollivierre’s house in Union Island, than the houses of poor people.
Housing estates built under the ULP
The housing settlements built by, and under, the ULP include those at Sandy Bay, Orange Hill (two locations), Langley Park, Caratal, Byera, Colonarie, Three Rivers/Villa Point, Sans Souci, Diamond, Green Hill, Ottley Hall, Clare Valley, Vermont, Retreat, Peter’s Hope, Rose Hall, Cumberland, and Petit Bordel.
Further, the ULP government has distributed and/or provided titles to individuals, in respect of governmentowned land, in excess of 5,000 building lots. On these lots these individuals have built their houses often with government assistance through building materials and infrastructure development.
Additionally, there have been hundreds of houses built by the ULP government under the Lives-to-Live Programme for the elderly poor and persons with disabilities. Moreover, the ULP government has built several hundreds of modern bathrooms and toilets for the poor and the working people all over SVG.
It is instructive, too, that the ULP government has delivered electricity, pipe-borne water, and weekly garbage
collection/disposal facilities to all these thousands-upon-thousands of homes.
Hundred percent mortgages
In October 2001, the ULP introduced at the state-owned National Commercial Bank (later that Bank of SVG — BOSVG), nodownpayment, 100 percent financed mortgages for public servants (civil servants, teachers, doctors, nurses, police officers). Through this mechanism young public servants have been able to build houses without the 20 percent downpayment, hitherto demanded. Foolishly, the NDP opposed this policy; they wrongly predicted that it would burst the bank and bankrupt the government. This predicted doomsday never happened. Indeed, the no-downpayment mortgages have been the bread-andbutter of the NCB/BOSVG. Further, other commercial banks have had to adopt a similar policy so as not to lose mortgage business; so, too, the credit unions.
Across SVG, the thousands of beautiful homes bult by public servants are the result of this visionary policy of the ULP government. The evidence of all this is observable from Kingstown to Fancy in the north east and from Kingstown to Richmond in the northwest, and in the Grenadines.
Turning dead property into live property
In 2004, the ULP government piloted the Possessory Titles Bill into statute law; the Act commenced on November 1, 2005. This law turned dead property into live property by ensuring an unassailable land title, by 12-year adverse possession, issued by the High Court through a creative legal procedure. Hundreds-uponhundreds of such titles have been issued by the High Court for land for which no proper title was possible to be obtained. Even persons in the NDP leadership who opposed this law have benefitted from it.
On such titled lands hundreds of houses have been built, oft-times with mortgages through the banks and credit unions.
Distribution of housing materials
The ULP government from 2001 up to today has put in place a massive programme of distribution of building materials for houses, for the poor and the working people. Annually, hundreds of deserving persons benefit from this programme for which some $5 million is usually set aside for this component alone.
Oft-times, too, depending on the extent of the repairs required to persons’ houses, the Ministry of Housing provides some of the labour cost.
People are suffering- Rebuild their homes
(Excerpts of President of the NDP, Dr. Godwin Friday’s presentation at a public meeting in Central Kingstown)
“YOU HAVE HEARDsome of my colleagues speak about the situation with Hurricane Beryl. This is a crisis that the entire nation felt. Even though some parts of the country were hit much harder certainly in the Grenadines.
But the government has been dragging its feet in getting people back in their homes. Nobody is getting the assistance to rebuild their homes, to rebuild their businesses, from all the money that we have voted in the parliament, 136 million dollars, and from all the money that they got from elsewhere. Most of the work in helping people in getting back in their homes has been done by private entities, individuals and NGOs who have helped people. Why is it that the government can’t put the money back into people’s hand so that they can fix their own homes?
I said it at the time when we had the volcanic eruption and when we had the crisis with COVID-19, that the government has to put the money where the pain is. The people whose homes have been destroyed are suffering and they have not put the money in the people’s hands so that they can rebuild.
I want to call on the government here tonight, to stop dragging its feet, people are suffering. Get the people of Union Island back into their homes so that they can go back to school in Union Island. This stupidness of having some of the children going to school in Arnos Vale and some going to school in Union Island is creating more confusion and disruption for the people who have already been through hell, so get the money into the people’s hands! Give them the materials that they need to fix their homes. You don’t have to get them a contractor. They can find their own contractor to fix their own house. Let them get back into their homes so they can get back into their community, so that the school can reopen and function again.
There is absolutely no reason why that cannot be done. It has been two and a half months now and still they have not fixed anybody’s home. What is the reason for that? Some say it is spite. But I think it is incompetence, it is negligence and it’s just simply they don’t give a damn because they are not the ones who are putting up with it.
I know the hardship that the people have to put up with. When you go into their homes and it rains, they have to be sweeping the water out. The precious stuff that they have saved all their lives is always in danger. ‘Come on man’, we can do better than that and we must get it done.
This government has proven itself to be incompetent. My colleagues have mentioned their corruption. The fact that they have failed to deliver for the people. They liked to brag about twenty-three years in office. But, what do you have to show for it? I say give me ten years and I will
accomplish more than what they have done.”
North Leeward Selects Dr. Shallow
We are excited to announce that Dr. Kishore Shallow has been selected by the North Leeward Constituency Council to represent the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the upcoming general elections. Dr. Shallow’s deep roots in the community and his proven leadership in organizations at the regional level makes him the ideal candidate to bring proper representation to North Leeward.
Dr. Godwin Friday, President of the NDP said, “Kishore is a young man with a track record of leadership and overall excellence. We are happy that he has joined our team to represent North Leeward. His selection is a reflection of the NDP’s ongoing ability to attract quality candidates who are ready to deliver the change our country desperately needs. I now look forward to the ratification process by the party’s Central Committee, for the candidates for North Leeward and Central Leeward, which will be done very soon.”
In expressing his enthusiasm about joining the NDP and for the opportunity to serve his community, Dr. Shallow said, “I am truly delighted to be part of the Dr. Fridayled NDP team, his unwavering dedication to uplifting the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines resonates deeply with my own. I look forward to bringing the representation that the people of North Leeward badly need. Our country is at a critical juncture— it’s about the future we owe to our children, our families, and our communities, and we need a change of government to put us on that new and better path. Together, we can get it done.”
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Etson Williams and Mr. Ronald Seaton, who both offered themselves to be the candidate. Their commitment and contributions are deeply appreciated by our team and we are grateful for their dedication to the future of North Leeward.
Former North Leeward candidate and Member of Parliament Roland “Patel” Matthews also voiced his full support for Dr. Shallow: “Kishore is the right man to carry the mantle forward in North Leeward. He has my full support and confidence. His vision and passion for the community will drive the kind of representation our people need, and I look forward to working with him to win the election.”
We believe Dr. Shallow’s selection advances the NDP’s mission to provide effective leadership and governance for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The NDP is building a winning team and there is room for all as we move forward to make our country better.
Delayed gratification
“The ability to discipline yourself to delay gratification in the short in order to enjoy greater rewards in the long term is the indispensable prerequisite for success” – Brian Tracy (born 1944), the CanadianAmerican motivational speaker and author.
DELAYED GRATIFICATIONis defined as the ability to resist the temptation of an immediate reward in favour of a more substantial future benefit. Individuals who develop the ability to withstand temptations to yield to the lure to “obtain the here and now” are better poised for success in their careers as well as in their personal lives. Understanding and practicing delayed gratification helps in the formation of strong characters and can significantly impact various facets of life, including general health, personal well-being, financial stability, academic attainment, and professional achievement.
Many homes and business places appear to be challenged by individuals who seek and demand immediate gratification; they demand what they want and they desire the item or service immediately. Some may describe the present generation as “the now generation”; citizens who do not want to wait. While we admire individuals who are proactive and action-oriented this must be balanced with developing the discipline that comes from the realization that there are aspects of life that require engaging in delayed gratification. For example, the student whose peers appear to exert pressure to go partying when they are required to be studying must develop the resolve to say no even though the invitation to party may seem alluring. The accomplished author M. Scott Peck (1936-2005) says it well when he advocates that, “Delaying gratification is a process of scheduling the pain and pleasure of life in such a way as to enhance the pleasure by meeting and experiencing the pain first and getting it over with. It is the only decent way to live.”
Delayed gratification is considered foundational to personal development and long-term success. It revolves around developing the ability to resist the temptation to yield to what appears to be an immediate reward in favour of future benefits and/or a greater reward. It involves doing an assessment of what the individual considers to be more valuable when comparing the immediate with future benefits. A classic biblical example is that of Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac and Rebecca, and the bowl of soup (Genesis 25:29-34). In that example, Esau, who had inherited the birth right from his father, was hungry after returning home from a hunting expedition. He was so famished that he offered to forego his inheritance if Jacob would give him a bowl of soup. He contemplated that assuaging his hunger (his immediate gratification) was more important than the delayed gratification he would have gained from his inheritance. We may quickly conclude that Esau was foolish to have done so. However, there are many modern-day examples of individuals who make equally foolish decisions. For example, an adolescent may unwisely sacrifice his/her purity for sexual gratification and subsequently regret that moment of passion for decades. Such escapades can have life-changing consequences for the innocent and unsuspecting who may not have contemplated the possibility of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, getting pregnant, inappropriate public disclosure of the incident, and so
on. There is wisdom in resisting the temptation of an immediate gratification in favour of a more substantial, future benefit. Understanding and practicing the power and discipline of delayed gratification can significantly impact various aspect of life, including financial stability, academic achievement, personal well-being, and professional accomplishment.
Self-control, patience, and persistence are foundational to delayed gratification. The ability to control impulses and “kneejerk reactions” should be encouraged and developed at an early age. In the 1960s, psychologist Dr. Walter Mischel (19302018), the Austrian-born American psychologist, showed how this could relatively easily be achieved with his marshmallow tests. He did so by offering children the option of receiving a single marshmallow in the immediate or opting to have two marshmallows later. His longitudinal studies showed that those who opted for the delayed gratification subsequently exhibited better academic and health outcomes. Such an experiment highlighted the significant positive benefits of impulse control and its influence on future success. In addition, it showed how delayed gratification enhances discipline, resilience, and persistence.
The foregoing has implications for those engaged in academic pursuits. Students who commit to study diligently instead of gravitating to immediate pleasures such as socializing, playing video games, or watching television, are more likely to enhance their academic prowess. The intrinsic rewards from having good grades and obtaining academic recognition are considered far more valuable than the fleeting joys that may emerge from the immediate leisure. These, in turn, may influence obtaining academic scholarships and/or enhanced career opportunities. Dr. John Demartini provides a useful reminder when he advocates that, “Great geniuses are willing to pay the price. They’re willing to make sacrifices for their dreams. Instead of partying with their friends, they spend hours practicing, studying, and preparing. They give up pleasure and entertainment and face their fears and doubts. They do whatever it takes. There’s nothing wrong with that, because pain and pleasure always come together as a pair.”
Similarly, the benefits of mastering the discipline of delayed gratification can be readily observed in relation to wealth creation and financial security. We note that several credit unions and school administrators encourage students to be thrifty and to participate in programmes aimed at encouraging saving and investing money as opposed to impulsive spending. Many former students can testify in relation to how such early training in managing their finances encouraged the accumulation of substantial savings and financial independence. Such preparations for life and living position our young citizens to secure and maintain financial stability with the resulting stress reduction and improvement in the quality of life.
Developing the discipline of delayed gratification empowers individuals to prioritize long-term goals over short term pleasures. In addition, it nurtures a mindset that is focused on sustained success.
Kishore Shallow takes Political Guard
In a move destined to shake up the political landscape, Kishore Shallow, the president of Cricket West Indies, has thrown his lot behind the New Democratic Party and announced his intention to contest the North Leeward constituency. Shallow’s alignment with the opposition has created a buzz of excitement in NDP circles and beyond and dread and foreboding for Gonsalves and his clansmen.
Shallow’s decision has imbued renewed confidence in the majority of Vincentians, who have soured on the governing Unity Labour Party and are intent on breaking Gonsalves’ disastrously suffocating spell on our nation. To be sure, Shallow’s candidacy does not guarantee an NDP victory at the next election, but his decision, much like Conroy Huggins, who opted to contest the Central Leeward constituency, signals a decrease of the fear factor in the country and a willingness among young professionals to get in the political fray in an attempt to arrest the malaise and hopeless stagnation confronting the nation.
Further proof of this trend is reflected in the decision of Kashaka Cupid, a senior accountant employed with the Income Tax department, publicly announcing his desire to represent the West St George constituency for the NDP. Louise Mitchell, a scion of James Mitchell, is also being goaded to jump into the political fray. Only die-hard ULP supporters believe that the party continues to wear an armour of invincibility.
Any keen observer knows that politics is akin to dating. The winner of the political prize is the one who is most attractive, exudes confidence, is articulate, possesses a common touch, is sincere, and is able to win empathy, sympathy and support, and sizable election war chest Shallow possesses all of these traits and more. He is young, educated and experienced with a track record of success locally, regionally and internationally. As we saw in the recent poll, Shallow’s popularity among citizens was sizzling. He had already eclipsed Camillo and was within striking distance of Saboto, Dr Friday, his party leader, and PM Gonsalves.
When Vybz Kartel visited our shores, many persons allied to the governing party were prepared to disregard his gangster association and accusation and proclaimed him a big deal. Well, Shallow entry into local politics is a bigger deal and should have a greater impact on the country’s political alignment.
During the Cricket World Cup, Gonsalves and his supporters were effusive in their praise for Shallow and his efforts to secure the games and his defence of the government’s extravagant spending. Now and for the immediate future, they would be compelled to be careful and cautious in how they respond to his political emergence.
SVG has a mountain of problems: A poverty and unemployment rate that accounts for 4 out of every 10 Vincentians, growing drug addiction especially among the youth, official corruption, a stifling governing elite that sits on the country like a heavy load, unprecedented crime and violence, a stagnated economy, lack of
political hygiene, disorder in all levels of government particularly the police and civil service, lack of accountability, good governance best practices and a narrowing of the democratic space. All of these combined result in hills and valleys of hopelessness and helplessness.
These are the issues a new administration will have to tackle. These issues explain why an opposition party preparing to govern must recruit, retain, and train a cadre of professionals who are willing and able to stand up and talk up to the leader with confidence and without fear.
There are no major political differences between the parties. Both have a slavish allegiance to powerful western governments and the dominant institutions like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Both pursue economic policies that create and exacerbate structural problems, retard real growth and true development. Gonsalves possesses a greater rhetorical flourish, but the last two-plus decades have shown that talk doesn’t solve people’s problems. The only real and noticeable growth is in the stomach and waistline of Gonsalves and his governing elite.
There is no doubt that the Opposition NDP will more follow American dictates on foreign policy issues. However, charity begins at home, Vincentians need to find ways to tackle all of the problems identified above. One of the biggest stumbling blocks is the continued dominance of Gonsalves of Vincentian politics. Before you start telling me that NDP ain’t this and NDP ain’t that, answer this question: For all that the ULP is, why are there so many pressing problems facing Vincentians.
A younger set of leaders may, by sheer dint of experience, learn that a truly non-aligned policy where the interest of our country becomes paramount is the best posture to adopt in this rapidly changing world. With the Western economic dominance rapidly fading and the emergence of the BRICS nations, especially India, China and Russia leading the charge for a multipolar world, the hope is that the next generation of leaders will find their way.
The foregoing does not represent mindless enthusiasm about Kishore’s potential and the opposition forces allied with Dr. Friday’s NDP. It is simply a call for citizens to break sharply from the past and find a new and better way for our people.
Never again must be our watchword. We must follow the wise lead set by our St Lucian cousins who demand accountability from the political parties. When they fail, we must kick them out. St Vincent and the Grenadines requires that level of maturity. It is the only way to get politicians to take our vote seriously. Kishore’s entry into politics helps us along this path. Send comments,
Olympics 2024
AT THE OLYMPICS2024, there were surprises, shocks, complaints, controversy, and disappointments. These were all expected but this did not stop those who realised that the competitors were from their countries, from raising their expectations. Congratulations to all the competitors, organizations, sponsors, and camera crews for raising such awareness among spectators worldwide. Let’s hope they also inspire new competitors. Olympics 2024 is over. Some have shared their thoughts and opinions, but not everyone agreed with them. Commentators tried to get the attention of their readers/listeners/viewers. Only time will tell if their points were taken.
The female athlete
Looking at the Olympics on TV, I recognized the majority of female athletes as “good looking”. Is there anyone who feels they were not? Are those female athletes who feel they are not “good looking” not encouraged to participate in sports?
I believe Caribbean female athletes should place emphasis on throw (field) events, including the hammer throw. In this country there are many beautiful, young, tall, muscular and powerful females like those who participated in the throw events at the Paris Olympics. Our coaches need to find those with potential and encourage them, even to find them
employment which would allow them time off to train. We can get those medals; we just have to believe in ourselves and practice properly.
A regimen of drills and exercises will produce beautiful, healthy female athletes with proper physiques. They can go on to become wealthy. So, don’t give up sports; the opportunity can help lift many out of poverty.
The student athlete
Sports is a subject in schools, colleges and universities. Many athletes progress through these institutions to become champions. They strive toward higher education while accepting that progress in athletics is a development process that begins at the primary school level. And at the higher level, it demands that you understand what is required at the different stages of development.
The student athlete learns and understands from watching and even participating in the Olympics (2024), that the competitors did not develop, excel, and perform on their own. It took a great amount of training and guidance from the coaches and financial support. All competitors go through the
stages to be qualified. During this process, it takes concentration, confidence, skills and commitment on the part of the athlete, so that coaches can identify what is needed to get the athlete to the final stage.
Support for sports persons
Moreover, athletes, all sports persons for that matter, need the support of their
respective sports bodies. This is not merely financial support which is essential so as to afford proper training (facilities and coaches), but also moral support. There is nothing wrong if Sports Bodies invite experts to talk to the athletes from time to time.
Sports administrators must not use the athletes/sports persons for their selfish benefits. They owe it to the athletes for it is the athlete who makes it appear that the administrators are doing the right thing.
Sport is not seasonal; sports
and preparation for those sports happen all year round. And even if there are no competitions, preparation should be ongoing all year round. Young people, for that matter all sports persons, need to be encouraged to accept this attitude.
Parents, guardians, uncles and aunties, family members and business people must make it their business to support sports. When the government sees this, it will have no argument against doing what is expected. Only then will see the results we want to see.
Rollit Walrond
Melany del Pilar Matheus, Cuban discus thrower.
Yemisi Ogunleye, German shot putter.
‘Bagga’ fishermen capture two orcas: Attracts mixed feeling
WHEN IN 2017, THOMSON CRUISEs, owners of the cruise ship TUI Discovery (now Marella Discovery) cancelled all its whale and dolphin watch bookings with local tour operator Fantasea Tours, after 40 of its cruisers on such a tour witnessed Vincentian fishermen kill two orcas, the ULP government promised to table a Bill outlawing the killing of the mammals.
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said then, “What will happen is that
legislation will be brought to stop that killing. It will be made an offence in the same way we have done with turtles.”
A ban on killing of turtles, harvesting of their eggs, disturbing their nests became effective here on January, 2017. Today, the reality is that there is no such legislation as it relates to orcas, aka ‘killer whales’, and fishermen in the western coastal town of Barrouallie, as recent as last Sunday, September 15, captured and slaughtered two orcas.
This recent action fits in with the traditional hunting of pilot whales, commonly referred to as ‘black fish’, by the fishermen of Barrouallie. The consumption of the ‘black fish’ meat is a tradition of Vincentians to the point that nationals living in the diaspora often request that their visiting relatives or friends travel with a portion of the meat for them.
After the 2017 debacle, Prime Minister Gonsalves condemned the killing and tried his best to rationalize it, saying then “the person or persons who were involved in killing the two ‘killer whales’, the orcas, … is a very hard working fisherman.
“But what he did was plain wrong. …”
Whale and dolphin watch tours are now staple offerings to both overnight and cruise ship visitors to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Caribbean as a whole.
population.
And he reminded the population and fishermen in particular, that there was an international ban since 2015 on the killing of bottlenose dolphins, and orcas since 2015, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines was a signatory to the ban.
There is, however, no teeth that would allow for enforcement of the tenets of that ban, in the absence of appropriate, related local legislation.
As for last Sunday’s catch, there was no comment from the Prime Minister nor any agent of his government, but there was mixed reaction among the
It is anticipated, however, that Sunday’s killing of the orcas will heighten discussion about whaling in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to include whalers on Bequia who are allowed by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) a quota of four whales (Humpback) per year, under the IWC’s Aboriginal Subsistence catch limits currently in effect.
This quota is seldom realized with figures showing that the average has been two whales a year, with many years in the recent past when there has been no catch.
Whaling in Bequia has a tradition that began in 1875.
Fishermen secure one of the orcas, last Sunday, in preparation for butchering.
THE CARNIVAL DEVELOPMENT
CDC fulfills prize commitment: Wood calls it a day
CORPORATION (CDC) will get its second Chief Executive Officer as the current holder of that office, Ashford Wood, is set to vacate the office.
The announcement came last Wednesday evening at the CDC Prize-Giving ceremony staged at Victoria Park.
CDC’s Chairman Ricardo Adams praised Wood for his contribution to the cultural landscape, adding, “something is in the pipeline” as far as Wood is concerned.
Murray Bullock, Chairman of the National Lotteries Authority, described Wood as “not the retiring type,” and referenced Wood’s role in the fields
of education, sports and community development.
Carnival is Mas, Calypso, and Pan
Vincentian Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who addressed the ceremony, pointed to the CDC as being a reflection of the components: Mas Bands, Calypsonians, and Steel Bands.
For Gonsalves, CDC is not an agency over and above the stakeholders. He urged the Youlou Pan Movement, Carnival Mas Bands Association
and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Calypsonians Association to live up to their task of fulfilling the role of meeting their members’ needs and encouraged them to put structures in place and be organized in a democratic manner.
He challenged them, asking, “When did you abandon your responsibility for being part of the CDC?
“CDC cannot make decisions which the components oppose…. You are integral. You are part of it,” the Prime Minister asserted.
“Let us change this us against them,” Gonsalves suggested
He reflected on the laws which led to the creation of the CDC, saying, “It is a good law,” but, “it needs to be tweaked.”
“If that is required, let us go to the Parliament,” the Prime Minister suggested.
More encompassing, the PM called for a review of the festival, a symposium aimed at improving, refreshing the product and its delivery.
The CDC did not escape the Prime Minister’s gaze.
He questioned the opening of a Bar by the
Ashford Wood will retire as CEO of the CDC.
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves suggested that a symposium be held to examine the Carnival product and its delivery.
CDC. “If anybody had asked me, I would have interrogated it,” Gonsalves declared. He proffered that small things can create wrong impressions and suggested that the components ought to have been factored into that venture.
Home for Mas bands
Minister of Culture
Carlos James expressed the hope that money will be set aside in the next budget to “start the process”, of finding a home in a suitable location’ for the Mas Bands.
The Prime Minister honed in on the need to “price it, design it, decide how we (are) sourcing that money.” He wants to start immediately, even though it will not be finished for the 2025 festival.
The issue of a Home for Mas Bands has been in the air for the past 20 years at least.
A series of steel frames for structures were erected at Arnos Vale before the 2005 general elections. That project has been suspended.
Winners gets rewards
Top performers at this year’s Vincy Mas were rewarded.
Recipients included the Best Rural Carnival taken by Windward
Carnival Committee, and Most Improved Rural Carnival captured by the North Leeward Committee.
Rewards included those for Junior and Senior Mas, Calypso and Pan in all categories.
Big winners included Delroy ‘Fireman Hooper, who took the Soca monarch, Hance JohnRagga Soca, and Raeon ‘Madzart’ PrimusCalypso.
Hennessy Starlift Steel Orchestra took the Senior Panorama title, followed by Sion Hill Steel Orchestra, and Symphonix Steel Orchestra.
Twelve Mas Bands took part in the festivity with Blondie Bird and Friends taking the Band of the Year and King and Queen of the bands titles.
J’ouvert Fanatics continued to rule the stage of the Traditional J’Ouvert component of Vincymas. {WKJ)
Semone Richardson collected her 9th Queen of the Band’s Champion’s trophy.
Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts collected yet another panorama winner’s trophy for Hennessy Starlift Steel Orchestra.
Jelani Niles collected his King of the Bands trophy, giving Blondie Bird and Friends their 12th such title.
Raeon ‘MADZART’ Primus took home his Calypso Monarch trophy to add to those he previously won in the Soca, Ragga Soca and Road March competitions.
New Testament Church robbed
IT MAY HAVEbeen the last thing the leadership and congregation of the Lowmans Leeward New Testament Church of God would have thought could have happened, but now they have to deal with the reality that anything is possible.
The Church membership is trying to
The New Testament Church of God – the latest Lowmans Leeward target for thieves.
come to grips with the fact that their church, their sacred ground was desecrated, i.e. broken into and robbed.
The incident is said to have occurred in the wee hours of Friday 13.
Reports are that thieves entered the building through a side door and made off with a number of flat screen televisions and laptops.
When THE VINCENTIAN visited the scene on Saturday, two men were doing repair work and reinforcement to the doors.
Lloyd Thomas, one of the men working on the building, said that the thief or thieves tampered with a large door at the side of the church by removing the strip,
making it easy for them to open it.
He confirmed the removal of televisions sets and laptops.
“They also ramshackle the church office as if they were looking for money,” said Thomas.
Residents in the community said they were stunned that anyone would want to rob a church. “The Church na’ keep no money and only ‘blights’ ah rob church,” one man commented.
“It have things of value in the church, that’s all they want,” said another person.
THE VINCENTIAN was informed that a number of houses, businesses and vehicles in Lowmans Leeward and Campden Park have
been the targets of break-ins, with one convenience store owner declaring that more needs to be done to combat this issue.
“What I am hearing is that the thieves are renting vehicles to transport stolen items. So, I have to wonder if the rental owners are aware of what their vehicles are being used for or are they being deceived,” said a businessman.
“The police are being paid to do a job, why are we dealing with this so often. Last year around this time they break my place and up to now no one na get arrested. The thieves and them break people vehicle too, so police need to do more patrol,” he added. (KH)
Another gun, ammo matter
DESPITE the recent significant increases in the penalties for firearm or ammunition possession, persons continue to appear before the Court on an almost daily basis on such charges.
As recent as yesterday (Thursday) a North Union man, Michael Jackson, was granted $20,000 bail with one surety when he appeared at the Serious Offences Court yesterday (Thursday) on firearm and ammunition charges.
He has been charged with
possession of a Glock 19 — 9 mm pistol and 13 rounds of 9 mm ammunition without licenses.
Jackson pleaded not guilty to the charges when he stood before Senior Magistrate Colin John, was granted bail with reporting conditions, and the matter was adjourned.
The offense was reportedly committed at Lowmans Windward on September 18, 2024.
Attorney Grant Connell appeared on Jackson’s behalf. (HH)
Encouraging my neighbour
Dear George,
MY NEIGHBOURhas shown interest in me. He is the sweetest man I have ever met and attends to anything I put to him. The truth is, he is married.
One day I called him to fix my bed. When he was done, I asked him if it was strong enough and he said it was strong enough to manage 10 women my size.
I challenged him to test it with both of us and from that day it was constant ‘testing’ involving two of us. And because I know (his wife is always putting him down (he has told me so), I have encouraged him to be at my house where he can find peace. Am I wrong for encouraging him? Trying to help
Dear Trying to help,
I am not convinced your reason for harbouring this man is to allow him to find peaceful moments in his life.
If he has issues with his wife, you should, instead, encourage him to try to sort them out. This would help him to make a decision to either stay in the relationship and make it work or move on.
Having him at your house for obvious selfish reasons is not helping his situation and you need to put an immediate stop to that.
Be a good neighbour and encourage him to work things out with his wife.
George
Call her out!!!
Dear George,
THIS LADYfriend has made it a practice to ask me for money and I can count the times on one hand I have said no to her.
She recently won a tidy sum of money. I found this out from one of her relatives.
She went on a trip and when she got back home I asked her how was her trip. She said how it was terrible, she
ran low on funds and had to borrow from this one and that one. George, you know that this woman had the guts to ask me to help her to repay the people from whom she had borrowed money.
Should I tell her I know of the money she won? I even have a picture to prove it.
Still in disbelief
Dear Still in disbelief,
Some people are just takers. This friend of yours is one who sees you only as a cash cow. Let her know you are aware of her winnings (show her the picture if need be), and make it known that friends do not deceive one another.
After telling her this, she may well decide to clean up her act or avoid you all together. Either way, it will be all good for you.
George
I caught him!!!!!
Dear George,
MY BOYFRIENDand I have been planning our wedding for December.
I recently came upon a text from a person who was asking him how many bridesmaids and ushers he thought would be enough for the wedding.
I became confused. This could not be for us since we decided we were only going to have a maid of honour and a best man. I asked him about the text. He responded by saying it was a girl who was helping him to plan our wedding, and she forgot we were not having bridesmaids, etc.
I had him call the girl and put her on speaker. It turned she never knew he had another woman to whom he was planning to get married
in December. In fact, it came out that he was actually planning on marrying this other woman in the same December month. After all of that, he is now trying to make me believe he was only fooling the other woman. Could he be telling the truth? Is he trying to come clean? What do you think?
Angry and have questions
Dear Angry and have questions,
What makes you think
this man is trying to come clean? Coming clean carries more weight when it is done before you get caught. You caught him hands down and you should be eternally thankful you did so now rather than later.
No upright man would go about deliberately trying to play with a woman’s emotions by making a false promise about marriage. Now is a good time to brush up on your kicking skills and kick him out of your life.
George
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)
Entertainment could be pleasing if it is of an energetic nature. You will be able to enlist the help of colleagues who believe in your ideas. Purchases will be well worth it and they will last a long time. Escapist tendencies may lead to overindulgence.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)
Money can be made if your are willing to take a chance. You can expect opposition at work. Don't let your competition be privy to information that could be in criminating. Try not to allow your partner to lead you astray or upset your routine. You may find that romance will unfold through business connections.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21)
You are best not to nag or criticize. You have more than enough on your plate already. Someone you live with may feel totally neglected. Help an older member with a problem that faces them.
CANCER (June 22-July 22)
In harmonious situations at home may be extremely upsetting for you this week. Reevaluate your situation. You need to concentrate on the areas where you can make a difference. You can make money if you pursue your own business.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22)
You need to get out and challenge yourself. Changes in your home may be alarming at first. The advice you get this week may be based on false information. You will find travel and lectures most stimulating.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)
Someone you least expect could be trying to make you look bad. You may be in an extremely passionate mood this week. Unpleasant situations concerning family members will be unnerving. You can pick up additional responsibility that will lead to higher wages and a better position.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)
You will have original ideas for ways to make extra money. Sports, physical fitness programs, exercise in general will make you feel better and show some pretty quick results. Relationships will be erratic this week. You will find that you are able to clear up a number of small but important details.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)
Watch your tendency to live for the day and to spend too much on entertainment and children; it could set you back. Travel will be favorable and bring you the greatest rewards. This will not be the time to give too much to your children. Your ability to deal with others will help you in getting the support you need.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)
The distance may make you both appreciate each other more. Your temper may get the better of you if a colleague has tried to ruin your reputation. You will be able to work with fine detail this week. You will be relentless when it comes to getting yourself back into shape.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)
Outdoor sports events should entice you. You can make profitable investments if you purchase an art object for your home. Don't go out of your way, and don't let these unexpected guests cost you money. It might be time for you to take a quantum leap from one career to another.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)
Extravagance and overindulgence are not a cure if you're feeling sorry for yourself. Be discreet and don't reveal any personal information. You will have no trouble getting things to fall into place. If you're already in a relationship, use this added energy passionately.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)
ACROSS
1.Talented 5. “Mayday!” 8. Boat bosses (abbr.)
12. Give the impression 13. Noah’s transport 14. Remedy 15. Yearly
17. Fellow who loved an Irish Rose
18. School group (abbr.) 19. Cadge, slangily
21. Eccentric 22. Reddishbrown shade
24. Burns with steam
27. Drop like a hot __
30. Animal adoption org.
31. Bound up 32. Where Noah alit
35. Intimidate
41. Honesty 42. Jacuzzi spot
45. Is ill
47. Victories
49. Ancient Peruvian
50. __ detector
51. Go by burro
52. Boxer Spinks
53. Harris and Flanders 54. “__ girl!” (2 wds.)
DOWN
1.Memo letters
2. Out of shape
3. Singer Horne
4. Australian bird
5. Hairdressers’ “offices”
6. Tough fabric
7. Airport employee
8. Uncoverer’s exclamation
9. Dapper
10. Motel employee
11. Christmas toy
__ Boothe Luce
Aquatic mammal
Retirement benefit agcy.
Lifesaving skill (abbr.)
Mexican resort town
Sleuth, for short
Keats work
Deed
Tortoise
Those you live with may be experiencing problems. Your attitude could be up and down like a yo-yo. Discuss your objectives with partners or peers. Loss or theft may occur if you are careless with your belongings. care” inits.
37. Strange 39. __ shot
16. Surrounded by 20. “Managed
Urban locales
Gruesome
Flunk
Short note
Dentist’s direction
Third-largest Hawaiian island
Advanced degrees (abbr.)
Modern diagnostic tool (abbr.)
Blue Marlins dominate Swim Championships
EIGHT AGE GROUP TITLES,two Sprint Challenge titles and the overall 2024 SVG Gallagher National Swimming Championships title, were among the Blue Marlins Swim Club takings, at the September 12 to 15 events at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre, Ratho Mill.
Having bossed the 8 and
Under to 11 to 12 age categories in both genders, Blue Marlins surrendered the other two age group titles to arch rivals, Black Sands Swim Squad.
In the 8 and Under, the winners were Saige Job (77 points) in the female. Zane Dabriel (84 points) took the male title.
Skylar Byron (108 points) claimed the Females 9-10 and Saj Caeser (104 points) the Male 9-10.
In the 1112 category, Skylar Byron (108 points) topped the females and Jadon Hamilton (98 points) did likewise among the males.
Tayeah St. Hillaire (96 points) topped the Female 13-14 and Hazen Dabriel (108 points), the male category.
Kennice Greene (100) and Matthew Ballah (88) were in winners’ row in the Female and Male 15 and over, respectively.
In the Sprint Challenges segment, it was the reverse as Black Sands won four and Blue Marlins, two.
Black Sands’ Ira Hadley won the Female 8 and Under, Kione De Shong the Male 9 to 12, Kennice Greene the Female 15 and over and Matthew Ballah the Male 15 and over.
Blue Marlins won the Male 8 and Under and Female 9 to
Road Racing Season opens
THIS SUNDAY,September 22, marks the start of Team Athletics 2024 Road Racing Season.
The season gets going with the Round D Town Road Relay which, with the involvement of Vincy Moves, will feature some fun events preceding the main event.
Among the (proposed) events are hopscotch, bean bag toss, morale, jump rope competition, Hula Hoop competition, egg and spoon races, and a bun-eating competition.
Also included are a 50m Walk Race for persons 70 years and over; a 50m Run for persons under the age of 10 and those 70 years and over; an 80m Run/Walk for persons 60 to 69 years old; 100m Run/Walk for the 50 to 59year—olds; a 100m grudge run targeting influencers; 4 x 50m relays for families, celebrities and special guests and a 4 x 50m invitational involving celebrities and influencers. All relay teams must have a female participant.
Secretary of Team Athletics SVGAlexandra Walrond disclosed that the fun events will commence at 1:30pm and are geared towards raising awareness about the impact of NonCommunicable Diseases.
“We are depending on the social media influencers, representative of ministries, fitness groups and sports enthusiasts to come and be part of the happening”, Walrond emphasized.
The main event, the Round D Town Road Relay involving Primary and Secondary schools and Clubs, gets going with the primary school athletes, who will contest a 1km, four leg relay around Kingstown.
They will start at the BOSVG on Halifax Street, head up to the old Ju-C Building, take a right turn towards Bay Street, then a right turn at the corner of KFC on to Bay Street, turning on to Higginson Street at the Old Anglican School, and use the Back
12, via Xid Toney and Belle Adams, respectively. For Greene and Ballah, apart from their double accolades, they set national records at the championships.
Greene did so in the 50 metre freestyle eclipsing previous marks set by Shne Joachim at both the 15 to 16 age group and national levels.
She also broke her own previous 50-meter Butterfly record in the age 15 to 16 age group and national levels.
Ballah broke his own
previous 50-meter Backstroke record in the boys age 15 to 16 group. When the points were tallied, it showed that Blue Marlins had compiled 1410 and Black Sands, 1128.
Sailfish of Grenada and a group of unattached swimmers provided added competition for the four-days championships.
The National Swimming Championships form the basis for selection to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines team to the 2024 OECS Championships, carded for the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre, November 8 to 10.
Street route to the start point.
The secondary school athletes and clubs will do 1.5km legs each.
They will also begin in front of the BOSVG building, up to Sharpe Street, on to Bay Street, turning at Linley Street and back to the start point, via Back Street.
And Team Athletics SVG promises
increased road racing activity for 2024.
The rekindling of the partnership between Log Enterprises and Team Athletics SVG will see the return of the Log Enterprises Supreme Bleach 10K Series, which includes: the AllWindward event — October 6; Sion Hill 10k — October 20; All Leeward 10k — November 17.
Scenes like this will be on the streets of capital, Kingstown this Sunday.
Kione De Shong
Ira Hadley
Blue Marlins champs, back from left: Tayeah St. Hillaire, Skylar Byron, Belle Adams, Jadon Hamilton, Hazen Dabriel. Front from left: Zane Dabriel, Xid Toney, Saj Caesar, Saige Job.
L-R: Matthew Ballah and Kennice Greene.
Loukhya heading for the top
Loukhya
LOUKHYA
PREMRAJ began her secondary school education this month, September 2024. She has been playing competitive table tennis for two years.
It is, therefore, something not short of a marvel that she has already captured various national age category titles (13 and 15 years), and in June this year took the Female Open title in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Table Tennis Association (SVGTA) Assessment Tournament. Her victory in the Assessment Tournament was outstanding as she disposed of national champion Shanecia Delpesche and former national champion Leah Cumberbatch, among other senior players.
Loukhya has been honing her skills as a member of the Romano Spencer Table Tennis Academy. THE VINCENTIAN caught up with Loukhya for a chat during a break in the Academy’s Summer Camp, held at the St. Vincent Grammar School from August 5 — 24.
In her own words, she admitted, “I have gotten better since I join the academy with improvement generally.”
The affable young lady recalled getting her first (tennis) racquet “when I was nine and since then I have won the Under 13 and Under 15 locally and also in Grenada in
the same age group.”
Her intention is to be able to compete successfully at the highest level of the sport.
“With my talent and lots of practice, determination and concentration, my aspiration is one day to play at the Olympics,” she said.
Romano Spencer, Loukhya’s coach, described her as “a hard worker with a lot of talent,” adding, “She is improving fast and with her mental discipline and focus she has come a long way. I think she will go far.”
He was quick to recognise the role her parents and her culture have played and continue to pay in her development.
He especially recognizes the role her parents play in helping her to balance her academics and her table tennis and expressed the view that this is an approach “we (i.e. parents) need to adopt.”
Spencer was not hesitant in saying, “I am looking for her to be a Caribbean champion…. in the near future. She is a name to look out for in the future and one who will set a good example for the young players in her age group.”
I.B.A. ALLEN
TT champ lands scholarship
THIS COUNTRY’SNational Female Table Tennis Champion, Shanecia Delplesche, has been granted a full one-year scholarship at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. She left for Trinidad and Tobago last Friday.
Shanecia will pursue a certificate programme in Sports Science, and will avail herself of a weekly high-performance training session, alongside some of the top Table Tennis players in Trinidad and Tobago.
She hails from the North Leeward community of Troumaca and is a graduate of the Troumaca Ontario Secondary School.
She is a member of the Troumaca-based Adams Table Tennis Club.
The young lady gained her scholarship after being spotted by the International Table Tennis Federation Course Conductor and Lecturer at the University, Aleen Edwards of Trinidad and Tobago, during a visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
She is the first Vincentian player to receive such a scholarship. (Source: SVGTTA)
CWI T20 Competition for 2025
ALL THINGSbeing equal, a regional T20 Competition will be introduced in 2025, to determine who will represent the region at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Word of this came from Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies Inc. (CWI), who said talks were already under way with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to stage the domestic competition next year.
Shallow explained that because the CPL was a franchise-based tournament, the winners of that competition could not represent the region but once a domestic T20 competition was held, the winner would most likely be selected to compete at the 2028 Olympics.
Shallow added, “We have been in discussion with CPL for them to fund a domestic T20 tournament starting next year. I think Miles Bascombe (CWI Director of Cricket) and his team have already scheduled a window for that next year in 2025. Once we are able to have that
Dr. Kishore Shallow President, Cricket West Indies (CWI) hinted that plans for the T20 Competition have already been advanced.
tournament, then we can use that to determine which team, or teams will participate in the Olympics on behalf of CWI,” Shallow added.
While the CWI T20 Competition will be modelled on the CPL, the difference is that the CWI Competition will involve territories unlike the CPL which is comprised of Franchises.
“To add cricket to the agenda in the next Olympics is certainly going to be something tremendous as we did in the Commonwealth Games a couple years ago, when we had one of our teams representing the females. We at the time chose our original women’s tournament and the winner at the time was Barbados so they represented the region,” Shallow said.
“We anticipate something similar will be done unless they tell us all the teams can come and participate, which would be ideal, but it is unlikely for that to happen,” he suggested.
I.B.A. ALLEN
Netball competition returns to Sion Hill
AFTERa break occasioned by the Covid epidemic, competitive netball returns to Sion Hill when the 2024 edition of the Vita Malt Sion Hill Netball Competition gets going this Sunday, September 22.
Thirteen teams, including teams from as far as Owia and Barrouallie, are expected to
compete across two divisions, with matches scheduled for the Sion Hill Hard Court. Ahead of Sunday’s opening, Sylvia Knights-Clarke, Chairperson of the Organising Committee, said, “We think this year will be really good as we look to focus
.
Shanecia Delpleche was a member of the Female Table Tennis Team that represented SVG at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Premraj, according to her coach, is one to watch in table tennis circles here and in the region.
Caribbean Premier League rounds up
THE Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final is set for Providence Guyana Sunday, October 6. As we write, the finalist are yet to be decided.
There will be an Eliminator, scheduled for October 1, and Qualifiers One and Two: October 2 and 4.
Yesterday, Thursday October 19, Trinbago Knight Riders took on Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. Today Friday 20, Guyana Amazon Warriors and St. Kitts/Nevis Patriots face each other.
Another week of action up to Sunday September 29 lays the platform for the elevation of the potential finalists.
There have been questions about the CPL. Some persons are of the view that the tournament, private enterprise venture, is not exposing enough young Caribbean players.
Perhaps the owners of the franchises are keen on attracting a level of marketing that appeals to a wider following.
Notwithstanding, many players have arisen as result of their exposure on this circuit.
Back to the actual play. It seems difficult for the St. Kitts/Nevis outfit to make it to the playoff. Antigua and Barbuda Falcons find themselves in a similar dilemma.
That leaves the race between the other four each of whom has done enough to bid for a spot in the final.
St. Lucia Kings would be team to which I naturally gravitate. After all I am regionalist and regard St. Lucia Kings as an extension to the Vincentian heritage.
My heart is with the Barbados Royals because of two players. As a Vincentian, I support Obed McCoy, wherever he goes. He is our national pride. He has proven his worth time and again.
My other favorite is Rakeem ‘Jimbo’ Cornwall. Last year he blasted a century - an innings of class which the region does not see on a regular basis. Despite all the efforts to mock Jimbo, he proves his worth time and time again.
This year, Jimbo proves his all-round quality. And no one can keep Cornwall out of the spotlight. He secured the Man of the Match award against patriots last Tuesday having broken the Patriots’ batting with a return of 5 for 16 from four overs.
He had Andre Fletcher stumped of his first delivery and was on a hat trick following Mikyle Louis’ first ball duck. He got rid of Wanandu Hasaranga, Odean Smith, and Vincentian Rayan John.
Cornwall, who normally opens, was not called upon to bat. His team knocked off the total for the loss of one wicket.
Cornwall has been the subject of some ridicule by some who believe that the size of persons automatically merits some level/form of scorn. I will not subscribe to any form of discrimination. I prefer to judge one on the basis of their performance. Jimbo has proven that he has what it to win matches.
If selectors do not want to pick him, there is nothing I can do.
Fitz Hughes retains title
FITZ HUGHES FC are repeat champions of North Leeward football.
They claimed their second title in as many years in the Hairoun Beer North Leeward Inter-Village Football League when, last Saturday, September 14, 2024 at the Golden Grove Playing Field, they defeated Keartons FC 5-3 on penalty kicks after the teams were locked in a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation and stoppage time.
Fitz Hughes FC, the home team, opened the scoring with a Gideon Richards strike in the 23rd minutes. Keartons FC equalized through Kamal Griffith in the 66th minute.
The home team made the most of enthusiastic home support to ease to their 5-2 victory in the penalty shootout.
Saturday also witnessed the finals of the Under15 Division in which Fitz Hughes crushed Spring Village 5-0.
A presentation ceremony followed Saturday’s matches during which the following awards were handed out: Most Goals/MVP of the TournamentGideon Richards of Fitz Hughes with 15 goals; Best Midfielder - Emroy Glastor of Keartons FC; Best Defender - Kevin Small of Fitz Hughes FC; Best Goal Keeper - John Williams of Old Boys; Most Promising Player - Tyrica Small of Fitz Hughes.
Fitz Hughes FC took home the champion’s trophy and $2000, while Keartons FC walked away with the second place trophy and $1200.
The ceremony heard addresses from Minister of Sports Dr. Orando Brewster, Minister of Tourism and Culture and MP for the North Leeward
constituency
Carlos James, and representative of North Leeward Sports and Cultural Organisation (NLSCO), organisers of the League.
Dwight Roberts, Football Coordinator for the Competition, congratulated the winning team, as well as the other teams that participated, and expressed his satisfaction with the manner in which the tournament was executed.
President of NLSCO, Elron Lewis, joined in congratulating the finalists, while singling out Fitz Hughes for retaining the championship. Lewis also thanked the sponsors, St. Vincent Brewery Limited and the SVG Football Federation
“The tournament was well run and there wasn’t a lot of issues. So I must commend the referees, because without them the tournament won’t be possible,” said the NLSCO President. (KH)
Firms Invitational Football concludes
A 2-0 WIN OVER AIA, the 2022 champions, gave KFC Strikers their first lien on the Firms Division of the Breakaway Masters Invitational Football Competition, as the 2024 edition ended last Saturday, September 14 at the Richmond Hill Playing Field.
The newly minted champions collected the $1500 cash prize, the winner’s trophy and medals. AIA pocketed $1000, a trophy and medals, with third RSVG Police, gaining $500, a trophy and medals.
Also decided last Saturday was the Under-19 Division, won by System Three, who beat Je Belle 3-2 on penalties, after a 00 draw in regulation time.
System Three earned $1000, trophy and medals; Je Belle- $700, a trophy and medals and third place Roxdale - $300, a trophy and medals.
Before Saturday’s
Netball competition returns to Sion Hill
From Page 25
on the youth… giving them an opportunity to develop their skills and enjoy the sport they love. We have a total of five teams from Mala Village taking part in the tournament which gives testimony of our focus and the direction we are heading.”
Knights-Clarke also confirmed, “We will be working to raise our cash prizes for the tournament. …. We will look to give the first division winner $1,800.00 and division two winner $800.00.”
conclusion by November.
Looking at netball overall Clarke said, “I don’t think netball really is going down the right road this time, no fault of the main governing body that runs netball in the country. It is mainly that some teams and players lack the sponsorship.”
Teams from Sion Hill copped Divisional titles (One and Two) and a Knockout title in the 2024 National Netball Championships.
The Competition is slated for
I.B.A. ALLEN
grand finale, System Three had also pouched the Female title ahead of Je Belle, while United Force copped the Under -17, trailing United Force, were Je Belle and Volcanoes in that order.
The Females and Under-17 top places gained trophies and medals.
The individual awards in the respective categories were:Best Goal keepers: Firms Division - Amal Francis of AIA; U19 - System Three’s Jahfari Samuel; U17 — Isaiah Barker of United Force; Female DivisionRhea Thompson of System Three. Best Defenders: Firms Division - Leon Harry of Fisherfolks; U19 - System Three’s Pharon Durham; U17 - Malachi Mc Master of Volcanoes, Female Division - Altica Benn of System Three.
Best Midfielder: Firma Division — KFC Strikes’ Tevin Davis; U19 — Je Belle’ Dimitri Thomas; U17 — System Three’s Rasheek Knights; Femal2 Division - Raedawn Nanton of System Three.
Most Goals/Best Striker: Firms Division — Japhet Antoine of KFC Strikers (11 goals); U19 - Kareem Davis of System Three (6 goals); U17 - Omarion Little of United Force (5 goals); Female DivisionMeiya Wilson of System Three (3 goals).
Player of the Tournament: Firms Division - Japhet Antoine of KFC Strikers; U19 - Suedish Soonder of Roxdale; U17 - Ajani Mason of United Force; Female Division - Meiya Wilson of Systm Three.
The 2024 edition kicked off June 8.
Sylvia KnightsClarke, Chairperson of the Sion Hill Netball Organising Committee.
Fitz Hughes FC – Champions.
Trial date set in gun, ammo case
From Page 4.
and search of a vehicle at Akers around 9:50 p.m. on September 11, 2024. Reports are that there were three men in the vehicle, but one of them fled as the officers approached, leaving Johnson and John in the vehicle. A .25 pistol with six rounds of ammunition was discovered, along with EC$3,190.00 in cash, as well as two sheep and two goats. The cash and animals were seized, and the money was handed over to the Financial
Intelligence Unit (FIU) for further investigations. THE VINCENTIAN understands that John and Johnson were subsequently charged under the Agricultural, Produce and Livestock
(Prevention of Theft) Act, in connection with the sheep and goats.
Police reports are that, at the time of arrest, none of the defendants possessed a certificate of receipt. (HH)
AI REAL ESTATE
ÂSANGAÊ GUNNED DOWN
byKENVILLE HORNE
JAWANZA ‘SANGA’ FRASER, AKA PREZI,was gunned down in his home community of Paul’s Avenue sometime around 1:50 p,m on Friday 13th September, 2024.
According to a police report, Fraser, 45 years old, was sitting on a stool in front of a shop in Paul’s Avenue, when an assailant wearing a wig of braided ‘hair and a cap, approached him, pulled a gun from a hand bag he a carrying, shot Fraser multiple times about his body, and fled the scene.
A source told THE VINCENTIAN that the lone gunman entered the area via the Gaymes Bookstore end of the street but fled the scene in the opposite direction.
Fraser was rushed to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead by 2:25 p.m the same day.
His death came just one year after his brother. Lamont ‘Dutchie’ Hector was gunned down along with four other men in Kingstown.
The Paul’s Avenue resident’s death also came a few weeks after he had embarked on a charitable cause, giving away over 400 bags to less fortunate children.
A target
It was common knowledge that Fraser was the target of gunmen on a number of occasions.
On October 15, 2017, Fraser was shot six times by masked gunmen from inside a vehicle while he was standing outside Avenues Sports Bar in Paul’s Avenue.
In 2022, Christmas Eve, again in Paul’s Avenue, he was hit in his chest when gunmen alighted a white Nissan Tiida and opened fire on him. Fraser said after that incident that he had noted their entrance and took evasive action.
On July 19, 2024, the anniversary of the shooting death of his brother, two masked gunmen opened fire on a gathering of residents and friends who had gathered for a celebration of sorts in the street outside the Avenue Sports Bar. Six people sustained gunshot injuries. Residents in the community
Jawanza ‘Sanga’ Fraser is pictured in what is said to be the last photo of him taken before his death.
speculated that the intended target was Fraser.
The circumstances leading up to Fraser’s death or the reason as to why he was targeted on multiple occasions remain unclear.
However, there are allegations that Fraser was the leader of a reputed gang in Kingstown that was responsible for a string of homicides.
He was arrested and charged in relation to a number of homicides but was never convicted. One such case involved Fraser and five (5) other men, who were arrested and charged with the murder of Atiba “ Crimo” Waldron in August, 2008, at Petrol Station in Pembroke.
Mixed feelings
Given his profile, there was much comment after Fraser’s death.
One well-known Kingstown resident, named withheld on request, said, “He was probably the most feared person that walked the streets of Kingstown. Even some prisoners at Belle Isle (Correctional Facility) bin rejoicing when he get killed.”
The man added, “There is an ongoing gang war between communities in Kingstown and on the outskirts of the capital. I hope that the youths can move away from this life of crime and the killing stop.”
Before moving on, the man questioned why Fraser was never convicted for a crime and also how a gunman on foot could come into Paul’s Avenue and shoot him with “all his boys around.”
On a different take, Fraser was the father of three children. To his friends and family he was simply an friendly person — a businessman and farmer - who liked to make people happy.
“He had his ways and people said a lot of things
about him, but ‘Sanga’; was a friendly person and always throwing jokes. He was like an uncle to the kids in the community,” said a Paul’s Avenue resident who didn’t want to be identify.
Police in St Vincent and the Grenadines have released CCTV footage of a man who is suspected to be involved in Fraser’s death.
Investigations into this the 32nd homicide for the year continue.
CCTV Footage showing the alleged assailant fleeing the scene of the shooting.
Forensic officers at the spot where Fraser’s body after he was shot.