THE VINCENTIAN PDF -27-09-24

MINIVANS COLLISION BEING INVESTIGATED

IT IS NOT USUAL to hear the police say that they have launched an investigation into a traffic collision/vehicular accident. Usually, it is expected that police will confirm that they will launch an investigation into a traffic collision/accident when there is at least one fatality.

In this situation, the police confirmed on the morning of Wednesday 25th September, 2024, not long after the

collision had taken place on the Leeward Highway along the section stretching from the temporary Lewis Punnett Home to the Jaycees Building

Continued on Page 3.

STUDENT FALLS FROM MOVING VAN:

POLICE TAKES ACTION

(Editor’s Note: The following is a News Release, dated September 26 from the Royal St. Vincent and

Force. The release is carried verbatim.) See Page 3.

The minivan that sustained the most damage in the collision.

The other two minivans that were involved in the collision remained some distance away from where the other one rested.

Republic Bank hosts street party

enjoyed an afternoon filled with activities, music, and opportunities to meet some of their favorite CPL cricket players.

THE STREETS OF RODNEY

BAY, St. Lucia, were transformed into a hub of excitement on Friday, September 13, 2024, as Republic Bank hosted its much-anticipated RBL CPL Street Party. From 3 PM to 6 PM, cricket fans and families

Roland Riley, Republic Bank’s Marketing Specialist (Ag.) explained the purpose of the event, “This activation is all about bringing awareness to all that we have been doing through the CPL program, in particular the Five For Fun, which is a training camp program for kids. Some of the kids were able to come out today and we are glad to see that generally this activation is ready to bring CPL, and the

Saint Lucia Kings’ Johnson Charles and Ackeem Auguste interacting with the crowd.

players to the community.”

The star-studded event saw the presence of Saint Lucia Kings cricket icons Johnson Charles, Ackeem Auguste, and Khary Pierre, who spent the afternoon mingling with fans, and signing autographs.

Commenting on the initiative, Auguste commented, “It’s a wonderful initiative by Republic Bank. We feel really loved and appreciated. It’s nice to see the young children coming out to support us.”

Charles, also pleased with the event added, “It feels good because most times people do not get to meet us. They only see us on the field, and it is a great opportunity to come

out and mingle with the people, the children, the adults, with everybody… to get close.”

In addition to the cricket stars, the event hosted the Republic Bank Five for Fun 2024 Champions from the Rivere Doree Anglican Combined School. These young champions were celebrated for their outstanding achievements, adding to the spirit of the

event as the future of Caribbean cricket continues to shine bright.

As the 2024 Republic Bank CPL season continues to thrill fans across the Caribbean, this Republic Bank Street Party was a testament to the league’s commitment to bringing fans closer to the game and celebrating the joy of cricket, the Bank said in a press release. (Source: RBL)

Saint Lucia Kings’ Khary Pierre (left back), Johnson Charles (2nd from right back) and Ackeem Auguste (right back) with the 2024 Republic Bank Five For Fun Champions from The Riviere Doree Anglican Combined School.

Right:

V News 3

CED/CDB launch Marketing Project

THE CENTRE FOR ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT INC. (CED) is pleased to announce the commencement of its Digital and Social Media Marketing Project.

The three-month project is funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), through the Caribbean Technical Consultancy Services (CTCS) Network. The overall goal of the project is to improve the operational capacity and resilience of beneficiary Micro, Small and

Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Project has two main components, the first of which will be the delivery of a threeday virtual workshop on Digital and Social Media Marketing from 15th to 17th October. The workshop is designed to cater for twenty (20) MSME owners, and will cover topics such as Client Needs: Digital and Social Media Advertisement; Content Creation and Marketing;

Understanding Digital Media and Best Practices; and ECommerce (Website Design/Redesign and EPayments). Registration for this programme is now open. Applicants will be screened and the most suitable to participate in the workshop will be selected.

The second component will be a follow-on one-on-one technical assistance to ten (10) MSMEs to develop digital and social media marketing plans

Minivans collision being investigated

Continued from Frontpage.

that they had launched an investigation into the collision involving three minivans, with one being extensively damaged.

There were obvious varying accounts of what transpired but it was certain that several passengers incurred injuries, with an early unconfirmed report saying that one of the drivers might have been the only serious casualty.

This has since appeared to have been corrected to read that it was a police officer who had sustained serious injuries and was listed as being in “critical condition” warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH).

And while there were no fatalities, several passengers were treated at the MCMH for various degrees of non-life threatening injuries. The majority were treated and immediately discharged but there were some who had been referred for further tests and examination.

A police source told THE VINCENTIAN that the minivans involved in the collision all plied the Vermont to Kingstown route.

It didn’t take long to invoke widespread

reaction to the accident, with at least two male owners/drivers of vehicle to lament that the frequency of vehicular accidents and this one involving minivans, will redound in higher insurance premiums for all vehicle owners.

Another person commented about the age of minivan drivers and their passengers, disclosing that he had recently engaged such a duo who didn’t appear to be a day over 18 years old.

“We have to do something about the young men who are allowed to drive these minivans and the conductors who seem to have influence over the drivers,” the person suggested.

tailored to their respective business operations by December. They will be assessed and selected based on specific project criteria after participating in the workshop.

The project ends 31 December, 2024.

MSMEs are being encouraged to apply for this programme through CED’s FaceBook, Instagram or LinkedIn pages or at: https://bit.ly/3ZEH1Rc.

In its 2020-2024 Strategic Plan, the CDB has prioritized

the expansion of its portfolio for MSME development, recognizing its contribution to building economic resilience and diversification. Against this background, and in response to requests from MSMEs for technical assistance to address some of the ongoing challenges impacting their operations, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, CDB, through the CTCS Network, hosted a regional Train-the Trainer Workshop on “Digital and Social Media Marketing for MSMEs” which was targeted at business development officers and business development specialists from participating CDB Borrowing Member Countries. (Source: CED)

Student falls from moving van: Police takes action

Continued from Frontpage.

THE ROYAL ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES POLICE FORCE (RSVGPF) has swiftly responded to an incident captured in a video circulating on social media, where a student fell from a moving minivan along the Fern-Side public road, in the vicinity of the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown.

The incident, which has raised significant public concern, reportedly occurred on September 12, 2024, as the door of the vehicle remained open while in motion.

Upon investigation, the RSVGPF laid several charges against the individuals involved. Jerden Jacobs, a resident of

Green Hill and the driver of the minivan, was charged with multiple traffic violations, all in breach of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Regulations, Chapter 483 of the Revised Edition of the Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 2009.

His charges include: driving without a licensed conductor on board; driving in a manner dangerous to the public; permitting a conductor to ride elsewhere other than inside the vehicle; playing a musical instrument in a public place without written permission.

Joelando Browne, the conductor of the vehicle, also a resident of Green Hill, was similarly charged with offences

under the same regulations, including: acting as a conductor without the proper permit; riding the vehicle in an unsafe manner, outside of the designated area.

Following the laying of charges, the Commissioner of Police, serving as the Licensing Authority in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and vested with the authority to suspend licenses, exercised this power and suspended the driver’s license of Jerden Jacobs with immediate effect, in accordance with Section 48 (1) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Regulations, Chapter 483 of the Revised Edition of the Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 2009.

The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is fully committed to ensuring that our roads remain safe for all users. Incidents of reckless or negligent behavior will not be tolerated.

This incident serves as a stern reminder of the dangers posed by non-compliance with road safety regulations, especially where the safety of children and passengers is concerned. We would like to assure the public that the RSVGPF will continue to take decisive and uncompromising action against anyone who flagrantly disregards the laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The safety of our citizens is paramount, and we are resolute in enforcing the law to its fullest extent.

The RSVGPF encourages all road users to strictly comply with the traffic laws to prevent incidents of this nature and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all members of the public. We also urge the public to report any traffic violations or suspicious activity they may observe. By working together, we can promote a safer and more orderly nation.

The minivan that sustained the most damage was thrown over a drain and onto the perimeter fence of the Jaycees compound.

Temperature raises tempers in Court

by HAYDN HUGGINS

PEOPLEattending Tuesday’s arraignment at High Court I were greeted with a physically uncomfortable courtroom, due to the excessive heat occasioned by the absence of a functioning air-condition unit (AC) and/or electric fans.

Even before the presiding judge, Justice Rickie Burnett, entered the courtroom, jurors were seen vigorously fanning themselves.

Grant Connell took it upon himself to lead the lamentation about the sweltering conditions that people had to endure in High Court 1, in particular.

Taking note of the situation, Justice Burnett told the jurors, “I am very much aware that it is hot. I don’t intend to keep you long”.

Jurors are not required to stay in court for arraignments, as that procedure is usually done in their absence.

After the jurors left, the court proceeded with the arraignment, and though attorney Duane Daniel had already commented briefly on the heat, it was only after several persons were arraigned that the usually outspoken attorney Grant Connell was the first lawyer there to speak out with vigour.

‘Everyone is sweating’

Connell, who was standing to deal with the issue of continuation of bail for one of his clients, told the Court that it was unacceptable to continue under those conditions.

“Everybody is sweating. All the practitioners at the Bar are sweating. None of the air conditions are working”, he declared in a loud and clearly upset manner.

Connell pointed out that Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Karim Nelson, who was not at the Bar table, had to take remove his jacket because of the heat.

Nelson was, at the time, standing in the gallery just behind the rail that separates the gallery from

the Bar table.

Connell disobeys judge

Kay Bacchus-Baptist addressed the heat and the moulds as debilitating conditions in Court room.

Justice Burnett told Connell to continue on the legal issue that he was dealing with but the lawyer continued to speak out on the courtroom conditions, saying that he was speaking for everybody, including the judge who did not even have a fan where he was sitting.

Shirlan Zita Barnwell was of the view that the court would have been relocated, albeit temporarily, by this time.

The lawyer said he did not know whether the president of the local Bar Association, Shirlan Zita Barnwell, or the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Sejilla McDowall, agreed with him, but stressed that he was dealing with a serious problem that affected everybody.

Connell said he recently had to walk out of the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court because of similar conditions, but, at least, that Court had a fan.

Proceedings transferred

Attorney Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, a former president of the local Bar, rose in support of her colleagues, and lamented, “Sweat is pouring from my face. You (Judge) do not even have a fan up there. I don’t even think we should start a trial under these conditions”. She also highlighted the situation regarding the moulds in the courtroom which she said was unhealthy.

But Justice Burnett assured that Court proceedings will continue at Court 2 from the following day, until High Court I is available for sittings.

Burnett listened to the comments made by the defense lawyers and asked if anyone else wanted to comment on the court conditions.

The president of the Bar said she thought that by this time, the High Court would have already been moved to the NCB building on Bedford Street where

Murder accused discharged

AZARI MC INTOSH,a young man from Calliaqua who was charged with the murder of his elder brother, Zackry Mc Intosh, was discharged at the Preliminary Inquiry (P.I) on Tuesday after their sister, Azaria Mc Intosh, who was the prosecution’s main witness, refused to continue her testimony against the accused.

As a result, Prosecutor Renrick Cato told the Serious Offense Court that the prosecution would not be offering any further evidence in the matter, resulting in Senior Magistrate Colin John discharging the accused.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, Prosecutor Cato confirmed that the boy’s sister was the prosecution’s key witness, and without her evidence the prosecution had no case.

He retraced the developments in the

court noting that the girl had started her evidence, but the prosecution was having difficulty questioning her. She, according to Cato, was avoiding certain questions, answering only those she wanted to, until she finally admitted that she did not want to continue with her testimony.

The matter, however, could be brought back as Preliminary Inquiries cannot be dismissed since they are not trials.

The charge against Azari reportedly stemmed from an incident at Calliaqua in which he allegedly inflicted injuries on his elder brother.

An autopsy showed that Zackry died as a result of blunt trauma to the abdomen.

Azari was 21 at the time of the incident while Zackry was 31.

Attorney Grant Connell represented the accused at the P.I.

it is expected to be temporarily relocated, pending the completion of the building for the Halls of Justice facility at Murray’s Road, where all the Courts are expected to be housed.

Barnwell, however, said that she had gone across to the NCB building, and noticed that there was a lot more work to be done there.

Justice Burnett assured those gathered that work on the NCB building continues unabated.

Bar chief provides free legal assistance

PRESIDENT of the local Bar Association Shirlan Barnwell provided free legal advice to unrepresented accused persons at the High Court arraignment on Tuesday.

At the start of the proceedings, Justice Rickie Burnett said he had engaged Barnwell to provide assistance to accused persons at the arraignment who were unrepresented.

There is no Legal Aid System in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but in cases of murder, which are tried at the High Court, the accused who cannot afford a lawyer are provided with one, assigned by and paid for by the state.

There is also a new measure in place for a lawyer to be appointed to cross-examine the virtual complainants in sexual offense cases in which the accused is unrepresented. This is mainly to prevent the accused from crossexamining the complainant.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN yesterday (Thursday), Barnwell said Justice Burnett’s approach was an excellent one because what she did was to get all the persons who were unrepresented, she took them into a room and explained the arraignment process to them.

Barnwell said that the Eastern Caribbean Bar Association has set up a committee, representative of all the jurisdictions of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, to look at how a model for the Legal Aid System can be created for member states.

But she said that the local Bar Association has a team of lawyers who do pro bono work in which they provide free legal advice.

Asked whether she would continue to provide free legal advice during the Criminal Assizes if called upon, she said, “I am always called upon”.

The iconic Court House has become a furnace, if what the lawyers say is correct.

Azari Mc Intosh

Ten-yearold dies: No foul play

A POLICE REPORT made available earlier this week, said that investigations have found no evidence of foul play in the death of a ten-year-old female student of C. W. Prescod Primary school.

The report stated that an autopsy for the 10-year-old from the community of Glen who died on 14 September, revealed that she died as a result of anoxia (lack of oxygen), due to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in both lungs.

“Police received a report that a family of four had been found in distress at their residence in Glen. Upon arrival, officers discovered four females, including the 10-year-old, inside the house. Three of them were breathing, while the 10-year-old appeared motionless. The District Medical Officer was summoned and later pronounced her (child) deceased at the scene,” the police report said, adding that the other occupants of the house were taken to hospital.

The ten-year-old who died in strange circumstances.

Notwithstanding the result of the autopsy, there has been no real indication, even after inquiries, as to whether the child had shown any signs of ARDS.

And the closest indication to a possible cause of the child dying from a “lack of oxygen”, was speculation by Education Minister Curtis King, who was quoted by a local Online News Service as saying a day after the discovery of the child, “They were saying that there was some gas leakage and it might be poisoning. I don’t know, so I couldn’t say whether it was murder or not. What I do know is that the young lady died under tragic circumstances.”

ARDS as per the website of the renowned Mayo Clinic, USA, “Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

(ARDS) occurs when lung swelling causes fluid to build up in the tiny elastic air sacs in the lungs. These air sacs, called alveoli, have a protective membrane, but lung swelling damages that membrane. The fluid leaking into the air sacs keeps the lungs from filling with enough air. This means less oxygen reaches the bloodstream, so the body’s organs don’t get the oxygen they need to work properly.

“ARDS usually occurs in people who are already critically ill or have major injuries. People usually are severely short of breath – the main symptom of ARDS – within a few hours to a few days after the injury or infection that caused ARDS.”

The RDVGPF is encouraging anyone with helpful information to come forward. (KH)

Grammar school celebrates 116 years

Part of the student population today – a far cry from what it would have been 116 years ago.

The St. Vincent Grammar School celebrated 116 years of service to young men in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with a church service at the Kingstown Methodist Church and a march through capital Kingstown, Monday 23rd September, 2024.

In a feature address at the Church Service, Pastor Michael Sayers, a 1992 graduate of the School, appealed to the student population of 633 strong to, “Be the best for God. Ensure that you know what it is all about.”

He encouraged the young men to “train yourself to be the best at every task God wants you to do,” and warned them about trying “to fit in.”

There was no room for complacency, the Pastor advised and reminded the students that their “best days are ahead.”

He strongly suggested that they “stand firm and make your mark,” and cautioned that “the mark must not be on their desks.”

Sayers, with a physique not unlike that of a heavyweight boxer, spoke of his experiment with alcohol, trying to be “part of the crowd.”

He confessed that he had to do something that was right for him, nor for the crowd.

There will be battles each one will face in life,” Sayers pointed out. “Choose wisely. Choose

Standing firm behind a banner/motto that has inspired hundreds over the last 116 years.

Today’s students – proud to don the traditional blazers just as their counterparts of long ago.

the things that are right,” he recommended, adding, “Spend time getting to know the Creator. Don’t let anyone tell you can’t do it.”

He left the following for the student to ponder, “Remember who you are. Never lose sight of your relationship with the Lord.”

Maintaining the legacy

Principal Colin Sam expressed confidence that

the school’s legacy will prevail, and called for all concerned to ensure that the school’s symbol of excellence is maintained. He beckoned the students to “Rise to the occasion.”

Former Head Master, current Education Minister Curtis King, . while satisfied with the school’s achievements. reminded the current cohort of students not to take for granted the privilege of learning in an

environment like the Grammar School, but to always be mindful of the many who had to overcome obstacles to gain an education.

The students, accompanied by units of the Police Band and the St. Vincent and the

Grenadines Cadets, paraded through the streets of the city in a display of celebration, and proud to carry the torch of an institution built on the motto ‘Per Aspera ad Astra,’ i.e. ‘Through rough ways to the stars.’ (WKA)

Pastor Michael Dayers sought to evoke a spiritual awareness that would serve to guide the students.

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

A new political culture: Power-Sharing

IF A CERTAIN PERSON should read this, he would brand the writer an idealist –one who speaks to a world that is removed from the real world. The writer could well counter with the aside that mankind’s most impacting, compelling, structure-changing accomplishments, have been the results of dreams –thinking outside the box, of working to create an ideal world, an Egalitarian Society.

The subject of this column zeroes in on creating a new/different political culture — one that is characterized by a real sense of inclusivity and participation; one that is committed to forging shared governance.

We cannot claim to have had any history that speaks to a political culture of inclusivity and real participation.

That being the case, there is no need for any comprehensive analysis of past efforts at power sharing, the result of attitudes of inclusivity and participation.

The reality is that every Vincentian across the socio-political spectrum would want to live in peace and harmony — void of any deliberately cultivated means to divide.

The closest we have come to considering anything akin to powersharing, of a system that encourages inclusivity, and participation is our attempt to adopt a new constitution. But even that effort preferred a politics of confrontation — what others would prefer to call adversarial politics, that in the long run could well morph into a system of party paramountcy.

One is wont to say that even a system of party politics allows room for collaboration, for coalition, even for full mergers, the latter as per the SVLP and the MNU that gave way to the ULP, which has done its best to sell itself as a United Front on behalf of the national good.

Those options for political collaboration, etc. must not be confused as true examples of power sharing or of real inclusivity. They are accommodations that purport to advance the national good, but which are likely to be conducted as governance based on the alignment with a particular party’s agenda/manifestos.

What have you done for me lately?

Accepting any such action is akin to aborting one’s right to demand programmes that serve the common good and not those of a single political entity.

The question is, are we desirous of going down the road of idealism, of engaging in a discussion about genuine power-sharing and even constitutional reform, which would result in a new culture formed on an acceptance of a united front for national governance?

If we are true to ourselves, we would admit that our political culture continues to leave a bitter imprint on the national consciousness. At its very core, it has polarised the society along political lines and encouraged an economic landscape of haves and havenots.

Notwithstanding the misgivings of our political culture, we must not stop searching for, working towards levels of inclusivity and genuine participatory governance. In so doing we must be ever mindful that an important ingredient of any effort to engage in discussions about shared governance is the element of trust.

Further, for any conversation on the question of shared governance to be successful, that dialogue must be founded on shared principles and a willingness to co-operate, admittedly an element that is sadly lacking in the demonstration of our democracy.

No less important is the way political parties jockey for the electorate’s vote. The electorate must not be made to feel that its vote can be bought — for the results of any election tarnished by vote-buying could never be considered ‘ideal’.

And yes, the road towards a new political culture that will inform a spirit of national governance based on inclusivity and real participation may not be as ‘idealistic’ as it might sound. When we moved to effect constitutional reform it was a good opportunity to set the structures in place to encourage a re-shaping of our political culture. We bit off more than we could digest in our previous move to enact constitutional reform.

Maybe a more sober approach to this essential adjustment could be considered. This should work for both idealist and realist.

TODAY,I want to address the young adults in the workplace and those responsible for managing, supervising, and mentoring them. When left to our vices, we can become our worst enemy.

“What have you done for me lately?” This could be the question many in management positions ask their employees, as can be heard in a statement from the former Representative of Central Leeward. I am unsure what motivated his statement, but his comments were generally unacceptable, and he did not provide any evidence to support his assertion. Maybe he just wanted to express frustration with the lack of enthusiasm with which some people approach their jobs. If that was the case, it was undoubtedly a poor way of motivating government employees. Strangely, that question “What have you done for me lately?” goes both ways and is never good. Without factual information, people tend to fill in the blanks by making up a story about what must be happening. You want to avoid that because the story that gets made up is hardly ever good.

I used to tell my employee, “The old saying that your work speaks for itself” was coined by someone who did not understand his job. You have to speak for the work. Because if you don’t, everyone will think it’s easy, and anyone could do it. This becomes even more important in our world today as we struggle to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Beryl. You cannot rely on the government or news reports to sell your accomplishments. Most of all, do not rely on random face-toface meetings to share what you’re doing. You have to be more strategic and systematic.

So, here’s a four-step process for doing that in a way that will be appreciated and will help you avoid the dreaded question, “What have you done for me lately?”

Keep it relevant: No one has time for irrelevant information or topics. Ensure that your work applies to the organization’s overall plan and goals. Keep your work relevant to your senior leaders by focusing on what it delivers for the organization; avoid sharing a long, granular list of

what you’re doing.

Deliverables mean more to senior executives than doable. You are losing the information war if you rely on a laundry list of achievements to impress your boss. Create a cadence: Create a communications cadence with your senior leader that sets you up to share your accomplishments. That starts with a simple, easy-tocommunicate plan: “This is what we’re going to do, by when and why it matters.”

Report the milestones: Your communications cadence sets you up to report your milestones regularly. The milestone messaging is essentially, “Remember that significant thing we said we would do? Well, we did it, and here’s the difference it’s making in delivering what we need to deliver.”

Keep refreshing your plan: Remember, the way you avoid being asked, “What have you done for me lately?” is to focus on and communicate the now and the next. That means you’ll want to spend regular time refreshing your game plan. You can do that by considering and asking questions about what will be relevant next, how you and your team can contribute, and the milestones you’ll need to hit to get to the deliverable.

If those four steps sound pretty simple, it’s because they are. Keeping your managers informed and feeling good about you and your work doesn’t have to be complicated. Just make sure that while you and your team are doing the job, you are taking time to be strategic and systematic about communicating the progress and impact of the work. With an election around the corner, you must be careful not to be seen as trying to interfere with the election process or the outcome. Just do your job and share the relevant information with those who need to know. Most of all, do not allow yourselves to be manipulated into thinking that anyone seeking elected office has your interest at heart.

Horatio.

GovÊt canÊt escape blame

LET ME SAYfrom the outset that it is the responsibility of us as citizens to do all we can to personally ensure our safety. I must also establish that those who are in charge, those whom we have elected to promote and safeguard our well-being, must understand that as a government it is their responsibility to protect the entire population and not just some. One would have to be inexplicably blind to the reality in which they live, to deny that there is a crime surge in this country… one that didn’t start yesterday, but one

that for some time now, has given us many indicators which, it seemed, those in authority failed to take note. And with the crime figures and the nature of crimes committed staring us straight in the face, are we to ask: Have our leaders been shunning their responsibility?

And by the way, as I write this, the number of homicides for the year to date is now 32. Add all the cases of violent crime (wounding, assault), robbery and theft (including praedial larceny), damage to property and to say we don’t have a crime

We want our money

I MUST THANKyou for your feature on Page 5 of last week’s issue of THE VINCENTIAN.

The piece zeroed in on British American Insurance Company (Baico) that company that took thousands of dollars from us, promised an attractive return on our investments, but gave nothing in return.

The piece was not only informing but it was incisive. It got to the core of how citizens in the OECS were treated like no-class citizens and taken to be made fools by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

I don’t care how much Prime Minister Manning promised to help us policy holders and

investors from the OECS. This could never take away from the fact that he bailed out Lawrence Duprey and came to the rescue of the Trinidad and Tobago investors, leaving those of us in the OECD to swim in deep waters.

I want the world to know, and to remind our Prime Minister, that there are a lot of us right here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines who are waiting on some kind of compensation if not a return of the full amount we invested. I don’t care where it comes from; it is our money, and we want it back.

I look forward to the second part of the feature as promised.

Conned by Baico

Don’t want a secular education

SOME PEOPLEare questioning my education, but I honestly don’t want any secular education to be proud of, because I will have to compromise with Satan.

Jesus was born without sin, and that was why he never had a secular education while he was on earth living among men. He was never taught by any man. Satan took Jesus to a high mountain and offered Jesus the kingdom of the world, but Jesus never compromised with Satan.

America is the father and mother of the world, and what I experienced throughout Donald Trump’s four years in office, he is truly a father of America. I am giving him credit for the vision he has for America. If he had been assassinated, America would have been captured by the devils. So, God saved his life to make America great again. In the future, Trump will understand all about his struggles. I observed that he is one of America’s greatest presidents.

Donald Trump will win the 2024 election. Too many evil things have been said about him that he doesn’t deserve. We all know Trump’s level of education, but he is for the people, and that side of him we cannot see.

That’s why I don’t care about a secular education to compromise with Satan and to be on his side.

problem is to deny that the sun rises in the east. We are failing in whatever effort we are making to combat crime. In that light we have to ask: Don’t we have a Ministry of National Security that is headed by our Prime Minister, and a Police Force in the hundreds, with improved working conditions, increased training, more qualified officers than ever before, not to mention better armed? What is it that we are

not doing?

One thing, we have done nothing at the real grassroot level to attend to the aspirations of hundreds of young people.

I will be the first to admit that there are many challenges in dealing with crime but let us admit that we have cowed in the face of those challenges and made the fight against crime seemingly overwhelming. And the government must be

reminded that it is the chief stakeholder in this fight, or the lack of a real fight.

Let us also remind the government that the buck ends with them. You who are tasked with ensuring our safety and protection must stop trying to create unfounded causes for the crime and get down to tackling the real structures that encourage crime. For that you are paid.

Thomas

A call to action for St. Vincent

WHAT I’M HEARINGis

far from reassuring. The news emerging from St. Vincent is as unsettling as a thunderstorm, and the outlook appears grim. According to a credible political commentator, the nation is facing dire financial straits– “broke like a thief” and desperately seeking a way to survive. Despite an impressive 2024 budget of $1.6 billion, the reality is stark. This seemingly substantial figure is overshadowed by an overwhelming debt that threatens to burden future generations. The commentator argues that St. Vincent is projecting an image of strength while remaining fundamentally emptyhanded, aspiring to stand shoulder to shoulder with global powers like Britain, America, and China, yet floundering in a state of disarray.

In essence, this socalled independent nation finds itself tethered to high-interest loans from international lenders– a precarious position for any state to navigate. The commentator highlights St. Vincent’s global fundraising efforts, spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, aimed at financing ambitious projects like seaports, airports, and hospitals. However, these initiatives come with a heavy price tag, placing the financial burden squarely on future generations.

A sense of urgency permeates the commentator’s words, especially regarding unaccounted expenditures in the 2024 budget. Concerns arise over millions allocated to infrastructure projects like the stadium at Arnos Vale and the athletic field at

Diamonds, while essential sectors such as agriculture remain neglected. He warns that the allure of shiny new buildings may lead to complacency, as creditors could easily place liens on these assets.

As I absorb this troubling information, I can’t help but ponder how St. Vincent plans to confront the colossal financial weight looming overhead. The stark reality is that economic

hardship often breeds desperation, potentially driving youth toward harmful behaviours.

Why does St. Vincent, the bold yet beleaguered beggar, continue to flaunt its brilliance while relying on foreign aid?

Why not cultivate innovative initiatives instead of resorting to constant appeals for loans? Why does it continue to sell itself short, treating its future like a commodity on Wall

Street?

Oh, St. Vincent, the land I cherish. I sincerely hope you find a way to reclaim your strength and chart a more sustainable path forward. It is time for a bold reimagining of your potential– one that prioritizes selfsufficiency and empowers the generations to come.

Carden A. Michael

The Africa-Brazil-Caribbean-Diaspora

At the Africa Center

ON MONDAY EVENING,September 23, 2024 I was at the Africa Center (TAC) in the Aliko Dangorte Hall in Harlem, New York, delivering the Keynote Lecture at the Official launch of the Global Africa Gateway led by the Africa Export-Import Bank (AfreximBank).

The TAC serves as a central hub for the exchange of ideas related to the African continent, deepening the world’s understanding of Africa, its Diaspora, and the role of people of African descent in the world. Its leadership team includes its Board’s Co-Chairs Chelsea Clinton (daughter of President Clinton) and Jendayi Frazer (former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and Distinguished Senior Professor at Carnegie Mellon University), Halima Dangote (Executive Director of the commercial operations of the Dangote Group, an African industrial conglomerate), Hadeel Ibrahim (a dedicated philanthropist and founding executive director of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation), and Chief Executive Officer, Uzodinma Iweala (Nigerian-American author and medical doctor).

Following my keynote Address, there was a high-level panel discussion on “Integrating Global Africa in a Polarizing World”. The panelists were Tidjane Thiam (Executive Chair of the Freedom Acquisition Group), Kanayo Awani (Executive Vice President, Afreximbank), and Dr. Uzodinma Iweala (CEO of the Africa Centre).

The programme for the evening also included splendid renditions by the singer Mystic Marley (Granddaughter of Bob Marley); a photographic exhibition; a celebration of African Fashion (from Ghana, Trinidad, Mozambique, Nigeria, and South Africa); and a Gastronomy Experience (with chefs from Mauritania, Senegal, Burundi, South Africa, Somalia/USA).

The evening’s Master of Ceremonies was the accomplished BBC anchor, Lisa Marie Misztak. In the audience were distinguished leaders from across the world of business, the arts and politics from Africa and the diaspora, including the Prime Ministers of the Bahamas, Grenada, Haiti, and the DirectorGeneral of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

AFREXIMBANK

The Afreximbank is a pan-African supranational, multilateral financial institution created in 1993 under the auspices of the African Development Bank. It is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. It is a source of financing to African and Caribbean governments and private businesses in support of African, Caribbean and Diaspora trade. Its current assets are in excess of US $30 billion, which are slated to double by 2030. Twelve of fourteen CARICOM member-states have signed on to participate in the Bank’s operations; SVG is one of these CARICOM countries. A Caribbean headquarters of the Bank was established in Barbados one year ago. The Bank is one of the central institutions through which a deeper integration between Africa, the Caribbean and the Diaspora is to be affected.

The ABCD Commission

In my speech, I addressed several inter-locking themes touching and concerning the integrating of “global Africa” in the world’s political economy, its historical and contemporary challenges and possibilities for Africa, the Caribbean and the wider Diaspora of the peoples and countries of African descent.

In the process, I elaborated on the necessity and desirability of creating a permanent Africa-Brazil-Caribbean-

(ABCD) Commission

Diaspora Commission to drive this integration in areas of transport (air and sea), trade, investment, migration, culture, sports, and a political nexus. I have been pushing this idea for some twenty years. We now seem to be getting there.

First, two or so years ago, at the African Union- CARICOM Summit leaders accepted the formation of an AU-CARICOM Joint Commission as a precursor to the establishment of the ABCD Commission. The contradictions and emerging opportunities, in the global political economy are accelerating the drive towards an ABCD Commission. Men and women made history but only to the extent that the circumstances of history permit them so to make.

The basic facts both pre-dispose and induce a joiner between Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and the rest of the Diaspora: Africa is a massive landmass with abundant natural resources and a population of 1.3 billion people; Brazil the largest country in South America with huge natural resources and a population of 210 million, one-half of whom are of African descent; the Caribbean consisting of the 14-member states of CARICOM, plus Cuba and the Dominican Republic, and all other countries washed by the Caribbean Sea with significant populations of African descent (Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, Guatemala) and the other areas of the African Diaspora (USA, Canada, other Latin American countries, Europe). Together Africans, persons of African descent, and allied persons in those countries total in excess of 2 billion or some one-quarter of the world’s population. We need the institutional arrangements to harness the potential inherent in all this, within our people’s interests.

Integration can be mechanistic or organic. It can be done in the way of machines, built and driven by external hands and minds. Or it can be organic in the sense that the strengths and weaknesses of the units become dissolved into the whole, so that the whole results in more than a summation of the individual parts; and this whole functions in the interests of all so as to ensure that there are the requisite compensatory mechanisms to avoid an unequal yoking of the less developed countries, regions and sectors. It is a complicated process, awash with contradictions, but it is a great cause with massive possibilities.

The Way Forward

The African Union-CARICOM Joint Commission must immediately set about devising an appropriate roadmap and work plan. Part of the trajectory in going forward is to get Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, all other countries washed by the Caribbean Sea, and the representatives of the African Diaspora in North America and Europe aboard. Essentially, this venture is to bring about the dream, the vision, of Marcus Mosiah Garvey and his Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) from the 1920s but at a much higher level in contemporary times.

While others sleep to dream; we must dream to change the world in our own interests, and for the better of humanity in peace, justice, sustainable development, prosperity and security.

The ABCD Commission can chart a better, alternative path. It is possible. The African Union, CARICOM, Afreximbank, the African Centre have important roles to play in our future.

Developing the Health Sector in SVG

AFTER 23 YEARS of the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) governance, our healthcare system still does not deliver care that people can trust. The primary role of a government is to protect its people, including their health and wellbeing. The ULP government has not delivered a healthcare system that protects our people.

Our current healthcare system makes it difficult for the elderly, the vulnerable and those living in the rural areas to access healthcare. And, the cost of private healthcare in our country is high. What little money most Vincentians have is being spent to buy food and to pay their bills during the cost-of-living crisis which they are experiencing and little is left to spend on healthcare.

Moreover, Vincentians have been complaining about the lack of basic medication at the clinics and hospitals, the mal-functioning and absence of critical equipment to perform important tests at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH). Because certain machines are not available at the MCMH, it means that patients have to seek medical attention overseas. This creates financial burden on the poor and working class to travel overseas. Persons have to be literally begging for financial assistance and to raise funds to seek further medical attention.

A healthy population is an essential prerequisite for the economic growth and stability of a nation. This is a statement of reality that has been tested and vindicated in every country and in every culture around the world. The constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO) enshrines the attainment of the highest standard of health is a fundamental human right. This right to health includes unfettered access to timely, acceptable, and affordable health care irrespective of age, gender, socio-economic status or personal or religious persuasion and political allegiance.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) will develop a healthcare system that delivers for everyone. While senior members of the ULP travel overseas to get their health treatments, most Vincentians continue to suffer at home. We want to deliver the best quality healthcare for the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Our economic growth plan will deliver the much-needed funds our healthcare system urgently needs which will end the ULP’s underfunding of healthcare. Although the ULP government has increased taxes over the years, it has not delivered better healthcare services. Instead, it has gotten worse and costing us more money. Despite the problems in the healthcare system, our dedicated doctors, nurses, and pharmacists have been delivering the best they can. They must be commended.

Delivering Quality Healthcare

The NDP will deliver the healthcare our people deserve. Ensuring they can access healthcare close to their homes, knowing that life-saving medication is stocked in our country, and are not forced to travel overseas for essential operations. We cannot risk our people’s health by letting the ULP continue to mismanage our healthcare system.

It is time to take control of our healthcare system from the ULP

and entrust it to the NDP, which has a credible plan to create a better future for our country — one where we can all feel sure that our families, friends, and loved ones will receive the best healthcare if they fall ill.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has fallen behind in providing mental health care to the vulnerable citizens. The ULP government has struggled to recruit a psychiatrist, which highlights the fundamental problems with the funding and management of our healthcare system. Therefore, leaving those in need of mental health care worse off. We will create a dedicated facility to support those with mental health issues. We aim to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and promote the use of mental health services.

A National Health Insurance Service will be introduced after discussions with the National Insurance Service (NIS) to provide coverage of basic health care for the insured and their dependents. The service will be similar to our NIS in that it will be mandatory. However, individuals may, if they so desire to secure additional coverage with private insurance to cover services not covered by the national system or to cover private treatment. This service will go a long way to ease the financial burden that most Vincentians are experiencing.

We will ensure that district health facilities; focus on preventive medicine with new support services for persons at risk in order to improve the quality of life of the population; provision will be made for the airlifting of emergency cases from the Grenadines and from remote locations on the mainland; ambulance services will be modernized and efficiently managed, with appropriate training of paramedics.

The NDP will also improve testing and diagnostic facilities; ensure that all hospitals and medical clinics are fully staffed, equipped and have basic medical supplies; improve the infectious disease unit by implementing strict protocols when handling outbreaks of infectious diseases; ensure that all staff members are properly trained and provided with adequate personal protection equipment as recommended by the World Health Organization; strengthen the environmental health and vector control unit.

Also, ensure that a doctor is on call 24 hours at each of the rural hospitals; ensure that the hospital has a medical specialist in critical areas; increase the opening hours of the pharmacy at the MCMH to serve outpatients and inpatients more effectively and improve the port health facilities to ensure that there is a quarantine area that is fully equipped, with personal protection equipment and trained health professionals at all ports of entry.

The NDP is committed to providing healthcare to Vincentians that they can trust. The ULP regime is incompetent and cannot manage the affairs of this country, more so the health sector. We have a plan to revive the economy of St Vincent and the Grenadines which will ultimately provide more funds to the health sector.

Views

V Sputnik: Stimulating Space Exploration

“If this capsule history of our progress teaches us anything, it is that man and his quest for knowledge and progress is determined and cannot be deterred. The exploration of space will go ahead, whether we join in it or not. And it is one of the great adventures of all time. And no nation which expects to be the leader of other nations can expect to stay behind in this race for space.” –John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) 35th President of the United States of America.

THE SUPERPOWERS OF THE WORLDhave always vied for supremacy in space. It was therefore not surprising that when the Soviet Union launched the series of Sputnik satellites in space in the 1950s it ignited the interest of American scientists and politicians to join the space foray.

On July 29, 1955, the United States of America (USA) had announced its intent to place satellites in space. However, the Soviet Union beat them to it and launched Sputnik 1 on October 4, 1957. A second satellite, Sputnik 2, was launched on November 3, 1957. It carried the first living creature into orbit; a dog called Laika. Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet astronaut, then made history when he became the first human to engage in space travel. His mission also involved being the first astronaut to orbit the earth. By the late 1950s the Soviet Union appeared to be dominating space exploration.

Records reveal that the Soviet Union’s successful launch of the Sputnik satellites intensified the space race between them and the USA. This pressured the United States government to establish the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on July 29, 1958. NASA was created to coordinate and expand the U.S. space efforts. It also had a significant positive influence on the USA’s education system. The federal government quickly released funds to strengthen the curriculum in areas such as science, mathematics, and engineering. The 1958 National Defence Education Act also reflected this new focus of the American government and its citizens.

The scientific prowess of the Soviet Union throughout the 1950s triggered curiosity and anxiety throughout and beyond the developed nations. It was therefore imperative that USA enact their plans to land a man on the moon.

President John F. Kennedy, while addressing a joint session of the American Congress on May 25, 1961, asserted that the United States of America “should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth.” This materialised when the American astronaut Neil Armstrong, in the spacecraft Apollo 11, landed on the moon on July 20, 1969. His famous pronouncement “That’s one small step for man. One giant leap for mankind” ignited interest in space exploration among the American population. Since then, these two space-competing nations have seen the benefit of cooperating in space rather than continuing the intense competition. They are actively involved in the administration and management of the International Space Station.

The Soviet’s launch of Sputnik demonstrated their capabilities in mathematics, science, engineering, and technology. It was considered a useful “wake-up call” to the politicians and

scientists in the USA thereby influencing their space policy and refocusing their attention to technological development. Thus, in addition to Sputnik being a significant turning point in history, it awakened the Space Race and reshaped the technological landscape of the 20th century. It went beyond highlighting the triumph of Soviet engineering, it awakened latent scientific and administrative talents in the USA and encouraged their brightest and best, supported by thousands of immigrant scientists, to reach to new heights in science and space exploration.

The foregoing example helps us to recognize that competition is not inherently bad. It often has value in motivating us to achieve goals that may otherwise not be attempted. This is as true for scientists who seek to explore the boundaries of space as it is for the athlete, student, business professional, strategist, and politician who is intent on accomplishing a great feat. However, there are times when strategic alliances and collaboration should be considered. Working together and supporting each other can often generate much better and longer lasting positive results. Many cultures socialise their children and young people to appreciate the benefits of cooperative efforts. Slogans such as, “No one of us is as good as all of us” hold true in the realm of academia and also in the business world. However, this should not lull participants into a realm of complacency. Every effort must be made to ensure that systems and structures are put in place to avoid exploitation. Individuals who engage in partnerships would be naïve to do otherwise.

Many institutions of higher learning have embarked on programmes aimed at providing business students with the tools necessary to compete in an ever increasing intensely competitive environment, while simultaneously providing valuable insight related to strategic alliances and partnerships. As confusing as it may sound, business students and business leaders can benefit from learning best practices in competing and also in collaboration. Mastering the competing-collaboration dicot can provide tremendous excitement and benefits in the pursuit of the adventures of life.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Professor Selwyn Ryan and Dr. Taimoon Stewart, co-authors of the publication, “Entrepreneurship in the Caribbean” highlight how the Syrians and Lebanese businesspersons in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and Jamaica competed for business on the streets of their respective capitals but jointly purchased products from Panama to benefit from economies of scale and reduced freight rates. They competed but also looked for opportunities to complement each other. These are useful life lessons. We can learn from the best practices of developed countries as well as those that are considered home-grown. This is not rocket science. We do not have to go to outer space to embrace such concepts and practices. Collaborative efforts exist in outer space … and on the shores of our Caribbean nations also.

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

Gonsalves must not be trusted with our future

EARLY IN THE ULP TENUREin power, a popular slogan was ‘Do it (Vote Comrade Ralph) for your children’s future.’ As Gonsalves’ power ‘grap’ pushes towards a quarter century, the words children, Gonsalves and future have a hollow ring. With the national debt galloping towards $3 billion and no clear visible signs of sustainable development on display, it is long past time that citizens take a long, hard look at what they have bought into. Buyers’ remorse is long past due.

There is increasing evidence that Gonsalves is more of a snake oil salesman than the economic guru he and his clansmen make him out to be. The national economic record is replete with evidence that our Prime Minister is recklessly extravagant with the people’s money.

His most recent outrage is his decision to give away $27 million to farmers and fisherfolk, supposedly to deal with losses caused by Hurricane Beryl. To put this in context, $27 million was the exact amount allocated in the 2024 budget for agriculture and fisheries.

This government had squandered nearly a billion dollars from the generous Petro Caribe oil agreement with Venezuela. With nothing to show for it. It will be remembered that when $6 million became due, Gonsalves, who had gone along with the punitive and illegal American sanctions against Venezuela, salted the money away at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank. Gonsalves could have easily asked President Maduro to send a plane for the money to help his long-suffering citizens. But No, he had other ideas. Rather than pay over the money to Venezuela, he borrowed it, sinking our country into more debt.

There is a pattern. Some years ago, the opposition disclosed that Gonsalves was not paying the National Insurance Service (NIS) money it withheld from civil servants’ salaries. He ‘solved’ this problem by borrowing money from the NIS to pay off the money he owed the NIS.

In 2022, Gonsalves borrowed $10 million and boasted that he gave it away. The 2024 budget allocated $15 million to prepare SVG for the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup. Before a single ball was bowled, Mikey Findlay told the nation that preparatory cost had ballooned to $50 million. Determined to have the last word in everything, Gonsalves contracted Mikey with the unverified claim that the actual cost was $38 million and might be a little more. We learned that it is the government’s responsibility, not the ICC’s, to pay the security cost for police protection during the games.

What kind of economic wizard budgets for $15 million and ends up with a cost overrun of 300 percent?

This quackery, in which the final cost is two to three times the projected cost, is also seen in rehabilitating the iconic Girls High School, Boys Grammar School, Thomas Saunders High School, and building a new Sandy Bay Secondary Government School.

And this is not all. Does anyone remember the 2010 ‘master stroke’ when we sold the National Commercial Bank in a fire sale after borrowing, capitalising it with a $100 million loan from the Caribean Development Bank and repurchased it in 2017 for $32.3 million? A few months ago, there was another ‘master stroke’, only this time

executed with less fanfare. However, the long-term effect would be much more devastating since it places a bigger hook in the nation’s gill. We speak of the financing for the new hospital. For years, there was the idle boast that the World Bank agreed to fund the construction. Recently, Gonsalves announced that a US125 million loan for the hospital construction was now with Taiwan and no longer with the World Bank. This loan amount is US$27 million more than estimated. On August 9, 2020, Finance Minister Camille Gonsalves, in disclosing the World Bank Loan, said the Acute Referal Hospital would cost US$98 million.

The official excuse for switching from the World Bank to Taiwan is that construction would have been delayed for another year because of World Bank conditions. Another year!? We were promised a new hospital more than a decade ago. Another year would not radically change the health conditions.

Keen observers know that Taiwan has few or no conditionalities on its loans except loyalty to Taipei. More importantly, Gonsalves wanted the money to spend freely and extravagantly as we enter the home stretch to the next elections.

These policies are particularly ruinous to our nation, as spendthrift Gonsalves saves not even a cent for rainy days. As we have seen repeatedly, it had to borrow the money when the government had to put up matching funds, in this case, $3 million, to secure the Taiwan loan. The national coffers are bare. Yet in 2023, we found upwards of $500,000 to hold a fete to mark CariCom Day. Compounding our problem is the government’s stiff-necked resistance to accountability and transparency.

Meanwhile, the Colonarie government school in Gonsalves’ constituency has to send children home when it rains, and there are not enough chairs and benches. Other schools face similar challenges. Public stations and other public institutions and facilities are in a state of chronic disrepair. Disease-causing mold and falling ceilings have taken over the main courthouse and the electronic interview room at the Central Police station in Kingstown. And in the stifling heat we have been experiencing of late, there are no functioning air conditioners at the Calliaqua, Bequia, Barrouallie, Kingstown, Layou and Georgetown courts.

What do we have to show for Gonsalves’ lack of financial prudence? A few brick-and-mortar monuments, a burgeoning national debt, a 40 percent poverty and unemployment rate, skyrocketing cost of living, a road network in disrepair, spiralling crime and violence and unprecedented levels of hopelessness and helplessness.

As the young people say, ‘We nah dey good.’ For their sake and generations yet unborn, we owe it to ourselves to ensure an end is brought to this national tragedy. Gonsalves must go. Send

Union Island local animal govÊt

by ANTHONY G. STEWART, PhD

KINDLY NOTEthat consequent upon the eviction of the security officers from the Mary Hutchinson Primary School, and the dismantling of that school to make way for a concrete structure to the dismay of our colleagues, the woodlice, it has become necessary to move the seat of the local government to the lower floor of the Ashton clinic.  Our workers there would only be available at night. This is because the honorable Minister of Agriculture and Prime Minister have engaged all the workers during the day to provide manure for the whole island. The Prime Minister himself makes numerous day trips and personally delivers to each farmer cakes of manure and liquid urea. With such an abundant supply the replanting of the island would be given a tail start. Those who need extra manure can collect from the headquarters. We have decreed that no replanting is to be done without the erection of proper fences, preferably chain-link. This is because we, the animals, run things and have

been doing so for 5 terms in a row and do not intend to allow any human to run things. We will overrule any ordinance, principle and law to do so.

Remembering the good old days when Bats (Winston Baptiste) ran Grammar School; we are pleased to have two Bats in the Ministry of Education, one senior and the other junior. The Junior has already made his presence felt in secondary school. His main concern is to eat a food as the size of his stomach indicates. He apparently does nothing about the increased ungraded CSEC scores except to harass CXC every year when the results are given.

Students receive no grade for a particular subject because either the School Based Assessment was poorly done or not done at all. We are supposed to equip our students with certain skills that we assess at the school and classroom levels. When our work is not done, we place the students at a grave disadvantage. Lodging the same complaints like a recurring decimal with CXC every year shows that we are not taking the responsibility to do our work.

Momentarily, the Minister of transport, the Sheep has bleated out, “Now that all the usable chairs and desks have been thrown away what are the students in Union Island going to sit on?” Even if new furniture is provided, the destructive habits of the students must be curbed. Replacing aluminum louvers with glass at Union Island Secondary may not have been a wise choice knowing the destructive behavior of the students. Placing the two PE teachers in St. Vincent, closing the Home Economic and Woodwork Centers, decommissioning the Hard Court, having the Swimming Coach distributing food have all left our young people to smoke, drink and finger their gadgets as a means of recreation and sport. It appears that no lesson was learned by placing

the Water Truck in the hands of an inexperienced driver. Everyone knows that Mr. Egbert Adams is the most responsible and capable driver in whose hands to place the Union Island school bus.

The other Official Bat in the Ministry of Education does not have a good leg to stand on, 1st, 2nd or 3rd because he supplies the SBA teachers from the tertiary institutions. Since the teachers among all stakeholders in education, have the greatest influence on student performance, they must account for getting the students to do the SBAs. Firing the most experienced teachers because of the vaccine mandate was a grave mistake and the SBA problem would not be resolved until these experts resume duty with full compensation.

CXC already reported that our students cannot add, subtract, divide and multiply. This is reflected in the poor Math scores every year. As bad as that reads (We heard through the potato vine that only the senior Bat reads. Ministers, police, nurses, teachers, civil servants and many others depend on DEMSAY), what is even worse is that the junior official reports that nothing is being done about it. Although they are all aware of our CXC performance none from the STABLE of ministers is willing to take any action to improve the situation. They are listed here so that you can make your own enquiry:

* Cow- Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture

* Senior Bat - Senior Education Minister

* Junior Bat - Junior Minister of Education

* Pig - Minister of Health

* Goat - National Security

* SheepCommunication and Works

* Donkey - Foreign Affairs

* SnakeMobilization

* Mosquito - Tourism

* Honeybee - Finance

* STABLE- not Cabinet Secretary, Land Turtle.

THE BAICO DEBACLE – PT 2

V Salt in the wounds of the Eastern Caribbean

Lawrence Duprey, who died in August 2024, was the former Executive Chairman of CL Financial (CLF), the parent company of BAICO, which attracted over 25,000 people to invest billions and when CLF collapsed, left many of those investors the poorer for what they had entrusted to companies like BAICO.

THE DISCRIMINATION THAT SET TRINIDAD AND TOBAGOapart and “above’ the Eastern Caribbean citizens who had invested their hard-earned savings and pension was being made even more pronounced and unfair since the majority of the

consumers and businesses that are nationals of Trinidad and Tobago were largely bestowed favourable and large remuneration and rescue from financial ruin, versus the consumers and business who are nationals of the Easter Caribbean bloc were not. Some consumers are afforded redress, others, comparably situated, are not. If only one out of thousands of Eastern Caribbean policyholder was not compensated while thousands of citizens of Trinidad and Tobago were, it would still be an egregious case of discrimination. In this case, we are talking about thousands of Eastern Caribbean policyholders left uncompensated and destitute–a tremendous dent to the economies of the small island Member States. The factual elements of discrimination are made plain.

Trinidad and Tobago takes control

Additionally, later in February 2009, the Central Bank solidified the full-scale control and ownership plan with the publication of a regulatory notice wellknown to the legal and business community in CARICOM. The CCJ can hardly find that The Government of Trinidad and Tobago or its Central Bank (a) had no hand in the discrimination and (b) did not use the assets of the entire BA International group of companies to compensate its citizens and reimburse itself at a later stage.

In that regard, the CCJ has had a front row seat to evidence that has long been known throughout the legal and business community for nearly a decade. Indeed, everyone in the Caribbean legal Community, as far as Belize and all the way up to the Bahamas, had full sight of the Central Bank rescue plan. According to a regulatory notice published in February 2009, by virtue of the authority given to it under s.44D and 44E of the Central Bank Act , Chap 79:02, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago would “assume control of and carry on the affairs of BA …and take over all the property and undertakings of that institution, without limitation,….including properties, contracts,

shares and securities….” and further, that the Central Bank would “acquire or sell or otherwise deal with the property, assets…” and “restructure the business…”

So, the evidence is clear that they used the entirety of BA and its affiliated companies’ assets in accordance with decisions sanctioned by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Any collateralisation or commercial use or just the mere ownership and control of the assets that could have given the merest of compensation to the policyholders of the Eastern Caribbean clearly benefited and contributed to the enrichment of the Trinidadian business, its consumers– and by reimbursement–- to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago too.

Over to the CCJ

There can be no doubt that the facts of the case establish a clear case of commercial discrimination, where Eastern Caribbean businesses and Eastern Caribbean customers may be treated as less than entitled to the fair treatment meted out to the customers of Trinidad and Tobago. Indeed, if we are to engage in a hierarchical single market where an oil-rich Trinidad and Tobago or Guyana can exert its influence and flout the commercial nondiscrimination and equality principle that is a bedrock of commercial and trade treaties and which runs throughout the Single Market and Economy Treaty, how are smaller Member States, businesses originating in those smaller Member States, and their consumers expected to participate in contributing to the growth of businesses in the Single Market? Clownishly too, imagine our CARICOM citizens having better consumer redress from the United States, China, Amazon, or Temu than they do in

Evan John of Grenada agreed to invest his savings in the BAICO Investment Scheme convinced that the 8% interest would mean an even better ‘pension’ for him. He lost everything.

Sylvanus Francis spoke of his mother investing both her savings and that of her niece in the BSAICO scheme only to have the investment come to naught. She made Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, her nephew, promise to “do everything to get back her niece’s money”, Francis said.

the CSME! Any decision by the CCJ that fails to recognise the obligation of a Member State to operate fairly and nondiscriminatorily in commercial cross-border dealings with businesses and consumers originating from other CSME Member State countries would be catastrophic not just to policyholders who have been left destitute but

also to the families of those policyholders who committed suicide. What a Single Market indeed, if we cannot hold firm to the principle of equal redress of any small island citizen in the context of commercial dealings too! The CCJ will have nullified the Myrie decision to rule in favour of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Dame Susan Dougan awarded Honorary Doctorate

education.

THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES, across its five campuses – Mona (Jamaica), St. Augustine (Trinidad and Tobago), Cave Hill (Barbados), Five Islands (Antigua) and its Global Campuswill confer honorary doctorates on 13 persons across the region, during its 2024 graduation ceremonies between October 12 and November 9.

Among those 13 luminaries is St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Governor General - Dame Susan Dougan, who will receive a Doctorate of Laws (LLD) for her public service and work in

About Dame Susan Dougan

The following includes some information gleaned from the Government’s website (gov.vc).

Dame Susan Dougan née Ryan is the first female Governor General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. She officially assumed the position — Head of State — on August 1, 2019.

The first of three children, Dame Susan was born on 3rd March 1955, at Colonarie, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, to Walden and Dorothy Ryan.

Dame Susan holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of London and a Master of Arts (Ed.), in Curriculum and Evaluation, from the University of Southampton, United Kingdom.

She is often described as a career educator and public servant who rose through the ranks of the public service.

Dame Susan started as a nongraduate teacher at the Saint Vincent Girl’s High School and rose through the ranks of the teaching service to become Headmistress of the said school. In a thirty-year tenure in the public service, she became this country’s Chief Education Officer, Cabinet Secretary and then Governor General.

Her contribution also extended internationally when she served as Focal Point for the Organization of American States, and Focal Point for the Commonwealth of Learning, along with the responsibility of Chief Shelter Manager in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Dame Susan was awarded an OBE in the 2010 New Year Honours.

She was also awarded a Special Commemorative Stamp, issued for the Centennial Celebrations of the Girls’ High School, in 2011.

Dame Susan is an Anglican and is married to Hugh Dougan. She is the mother of three children- Kurt, Brent and Kimberley.

Amidst attending to her official duties as Head of State, Dame Susan has found the time to channel philanthropic work through the Dame Susan Dougan Foundation, which endeavours “to support young girls who have faced challenges in the traditional education system, by either reintegrating them into formal schooling or providing them with valuable skills to contribute meaningfully to their economy.”

Other Honorees

Dame Susan Dougan’s Honorary doctorate will be conferred officially in the name of The UWI Cave Hill Campus, which will similarly recognize: Sir Trevor Hassell (Barbados) for his contribution to Medicine — Doctor of Science (DSc); The Most Honourable Elton Deighton Elombe Mottley (Barbados) for his contribution to the development of

Culture and the Arts — Doctor of Letters (DLitt); and Mr. Ralph Taylor (Barbados) for his work in the Tourism sector — Doctor of Laws (LLD).

The St. Augustine Campus will confer honorary degrees on Dr. Maniram Ragbir (Trinidad and Tobago/Britain) for his work as a Plastic/ Reconstructive Surgeon — Doctor of Science (DSc); Dr Patricia Rodney (Guyana) for her work as a Medical Practitioner and Human Rights Defender — Doctor of Science (DSc).

The Mona Campus will recognize Mr. Donald Anderson, CD (Jamaica) for his work as an Entrepreneur/Market Researcher/Sport Administrator — Doctor of Laws (LLD); Mr. Monte Blake (Jamaica) for his pioneering work in music — Doctor of Letters (DLitt); Mr. Courtney Campbell (Jamaica) for his work as an Entrepreneur/Philanthropist — Doctor of Laws (LLD); Dr. Conrad Douglas, CD (Jamaica) for his contribution to the development of the Bauxite Industry — Doctor of Laws (LLD). Antigua’s Five Islands Campus will confer honorary doctorates on Sir Curtly Elconn Lynwall Ambrose (Antigua and Barbuda) for contributions to Cricket — Doctor of Laws (LLD); and His Excellency Ambassador Dr. W. Aubrey Webson (Antigua and Barbuda and visually impaired) for his work in Human Rights Advocacy — Doctor of Laws (LLD).

The Global Campus will recognise Mr. Kirani James of Grenada for excellence in Athletics — Doctor of Laws (LLD).

Dame Susan Dougan joins the following Vincentian who have received Honrary Doctorates from The UWI in recent times: In 2020Franklyn Mc Intosh, a Doctor of Letters (DLitt) degree from The UWI Open Campus for his work as a musician, composer and arranger; 2020 - Professor Edgar Julian Duncan, a Doctor of Science (DSc) from the St. Augustine Campus for contributions to Caribbean Science and Agriculture; 2022 Alston “Becket” Cyrus Honorary Doctor of Letters from the Five Island Campus for his work as a Soca Artiste/Composer.

THE Management and Staff of the VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd., extend heartiest congratulations to Dame Susan on the receipt of a most deserving award. You are a true inspiration.

Dame Susan Dougan GCMG OBE will soon add LLD(Hon) to her credentials. (Photo source: www.gov.vc)

Right: Governor General Dame Susan Dougan was in the field getting a firsthand impression of the operations of shelters for persons displaced by the eruption of the volcano- La Soufrière. (Source: API SVG)

H.E. Dame Susan Dougan, Governor General, accepts donation to the Dame Susan Dougan Foundation from Taiwan’s Ambassador to SVG H.E. Fiona Huei-Chun Fan. (Source: Embassy of Taiwan)

Governor General Dame Susan Dougan accepts a donation from the First Lady of India, for the Governor General’s Charitable Trust, during a visit to the Kingstown School for Children with Special Needs.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Postal Corporation (SVGPOST) has been serving as an agent for MoneyGram since 2008. Their services were affected.

MoneyGram service resumes

ON WEDNESDAY, at least two local agents of MoneyGram, an America-headquartered international money transfer service, had confirmed that their MoneyGram money transfer service had resumed and was available at all their outlets across the state.

This confirmation came from the SVG Postal Corporation and Going Places Travel via direct contact with THE VINCENTIAN.

The other major local MoneyGram agent, Massy Stores, indicated at about 2:15 on Wednesday, that its service had not yet been restored.

Notwithstanding Massy’s situation, the confirmation by the two agents was welcomed news for hundreds of customers who were thrown into an uncertain situation when MoneyGram, on Friday of last week, confirmed that it was experiencing a network outage in its system, leaving customers here and in the wider Caribbean frustrated and without access to essential money transfer services.

On the heels of the outage, MoneyGram issued a release stating: “MoneyGram is experiencing a network outage that is affecting connectivity to a number of our systems. We are working hard to better understand the nature and breadth of the problem. We understand the significance and urgency of this situation for our customers.”

By Saturday 21st September, all major MoneyGram agents here, including Going Places Travel Service, Massey Stores and the SVG Postal Corporation, had announced that the money transfer service was not available at any of their outlets. At that time, none of the agents could give any indication as to when the service might return.

On the said Saturday, MoneyGram International posted an apology which read in part, “MoneyGram is experiencing a network outage impacting connectivity to a number of our systems. We are working diligently to better understand the nature and scope of the issue. We recognize the importance and urgency of this matter to our customers.”

Massy Stores, up to Wednesday afternoon, had not had their MoneyGram transfer service restored.

But even as it acknowledged the inconvenience caused to its customers across the globe, the Company stopped short of giving a specific timeline for when the system will be back online.

This offered no calm to the growing frustration among users, many of whom were anxiously waiting for funds to be sent or received.

Local agents, urged customers to monitor theirs and MoneyGram’s official social media channels for any updates, and encouraged customers to consider using alternative money transfer services like Western Union.

People here seem to have taken that advise and as of Friday, the Western Union outlets here were overwhelmed with traffic, with at least two outlets in Kingstown having to limit the numbers of persons transacting business in their outlets at any one time.

What seemed to have irked customers even more is when they discovered that MoneyGram had earlier owned up to a cybersecurity issue affecting certain of its systems. The company is said to have launched an investigation and taken protective measures, including proactively taking some systems offline, which impacted network connectivity.

It appeared as if the cybersecurity issue was a lot more compelling than MoneyGram might have been able to predict, resulting in the outage to its global system. (Source: DATACONOMY)

Questioning my marriage

Dear George,

TWO WEEKSinto married life and I am beginning to think I made a huge mistake.

First to begin, when I became aware of the things that she was dealing with from her past made, I suggested we have pre-marital counselling. She refused, insisting she could handle it.

I am now discovering she cannot. Here are some examples: she is at war with her mother and siblings; she told me she was fired from her last job because of spite and jealousy but I found out it was because she stole from the company; the man she was living with for two years in Barbados was not her Uncle but her lover. and this was while we were dating.

The list goes on and on. Would it be wrong for me to just pack up and leave? This is too much now.

Regretting

Dear Regretting,

It is always wise to get pre-marital counselling. In your case, with all the red flags you were seeing you should not have proceeded without seeing a marriage counsellor.

You should make the suggestion (pre-marital counselling) again. There may exist a possibility of working things through. Of course both of you must be equally willing to avail yourselves of the counselling.

I’m suggesting strongly that you take this first step before making any rash decisions.

George

Not being satisfied

Dear George,

I AM NOT satisfied with the sex in my marriage. My husband cannot satisfy me.

Before we got married, he was all talk about how much sexual experiences he had, only for me to find out it was just that, pure talk. No matter how much I complain, he puts the blame on me. Now, we sleep in separate beds. I detest him touching me in any way.

Wallowing in poverty

Dear George,

THINGS ARE HARDwith me here in Vincy. My girlfriend and I are both wallowing in poverty. My aunt has offered to send for me in Tortola so I can at least make a start to a new life. The problem is that my girlfriend is opposing the whole thing. She does not want me to go anywhere for fear I would find someone else.

She is threatening to leave me if I go to Tortola she is going to leave me. I really love my girlfriend but I also really want a better life for myself. Please advise me as quickly as possible.

Heavy thoughts

Dear Heavy thoughts,

While I understand the fear your girlfriend has, I think she is being selfish. The love that she professes for you should allow her to want the best for you. You have assessed your financial situation. Follow your heart on this one. If your girlfriend wants to leave because you are making a decision in your best interest and ultimately the interest of the relationship, then let her go.

George

I can see the love that existed once between us fading steadily. This part (sex) of our relationship is important to me and if it’s not fixed, I don’t know how we are going to move forward.

Displeased

Dear Displeased,

Sex is indeed an integral part of marriage.

Having said that, yours is an issue that can be fixed once your husband is prepared to listen to your concerns and put aside his selfishness.

It would be a good thing to get a third party involved to facilitate a conversation between you two. Find a marriage counsel who will allow for both of you to get your concerns across.

There is hope for your marriage but both of you must be prepared to make it work.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)

You can learn from those who have had similar experiences. You will have a problem holding on to your cash this week. You may find it difficult to communicate with someone at work. Stress may cause minor health ailments.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)

You can make money through your own creative efforts. Think twice before you volunteer information. Use discretion, especially if involved with someone from work. You will find that money could slip through your fingers.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

Don't give your heart too readily. Sudden changes in your financial situation are likely. You will be emotional about your personal life. You should be on the road.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

Try not to discuss important matters with colleagues. Resistance leading to conflict will only make it twice as hard to turn the situation around. Empty promises are evident; therefore, get it in writing, to be safe. Don't let opposition from those envious of your talents daunt your progress.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

You should consider submitting some of your written work for publication. You should be raising your self-esteem and confidence in order to promote your work. You may want to talk to your boss about your future goals. Your ability to visualize will help you convince others of the possibilities.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

Unstable relationships are likely. Don't be too eager to dismiss someone who works under you. You're intuitive this week; however, this attribute could get you in trouble if you tactlessly say what you think. Your need to be in a leadership position will help you surpass any rivals you might encounter.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

You need an outlet that will not only stimulate you but also challenge your intelligence as well. Be fair, not colorful. Your honesty will not only win you points but also respect. If they're too demanding, reconsider this union.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

You will meet exciting new people through interest groups or functions that you attend with your children. Now is the time for completing hobbies that you've been working on for a long time. Your lack of attention may have been a factor. Stick to your own projects and by the end of the day you'll shine.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

Your ability to add a sophisticated touch will help you capture the look you're after. Be creative in your pursuits. Your magnetic, outgoing personality will capture hearts. Overstatement will be your downfall.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

Make sure that you have all the pertinent facts before taking action. Secret affairs can only lead to devastating circumstances. They didn't fully under stand what was expected. Your ability to ferret out secret information will lead you to an inside scoop on an amazing financial deal.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19)

You can gain approval, get kudos, and ask for help if you put a little heart into your speech or request. You can get a lot done if you get your hands on the right equipment. Be sure to cover all the necessary groundwork before signing binding contracts. Read some books on self awareness.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

Your intuition will be right on. Follow your feelings in matters pertaining to financial investments. Avoid any gossip and be careful that you aren't misinterpreted. Get back down to earth and to basics. You will have to make changes in order to eliminate the tension.

ACROSS

1.Where Berlin is (abbr.)

4. Installed tile 8. “Silkwood” actress

12. Consumed food

13. Rights group (abbr.)

14. Rent

15. Treasure 16. Hardens

17. __-mutton (hyph.)

18. Taverns’ stock

20. Conjunction, informally

22. Monk

24. Sneaks a peek

27. “Am not”, slangily

28. Tavern 29. Class 31. __ player (VCR’s successor)

32. Hag

34. Sister

35. Visualize

36. Author Deighton

37. In-box item

38. Orchard growths

40. Jumped

41. Humorous Costello

42. Swallow 43. “Star Wars” knight

46. Bounciness

48. “__ Love You” (2 wds.)

51. Constituent part

52. Accurate 53. Used a match 54. “Singing Cowboy” Autry

55. Houston and Elliott 56. Pulver’s rank (abbr.)

DOWN

1.Vaudevillian’s joke 2. Summer, in Paris 3. Leftover part 4. Type of beer 5. Crack pilots 6. In need of chicken soup

7. Broom’s partner

8. Actress Sevigny

9. Make tracks

10. Measure of work

11. Music’s __ Speedwagon 19. Nero’s language (abbr.) 21. Now’s partner 22. Passing fashions 23. Bolt 25. Treat from Hawaii 26. Slouch 28. __ Ami 30. Wood feature 32. Egyptian queen, informally

33. End products

37. Baseball’s Ott

39. Upper Class

40. Melodic instruments

42. Sulky

43. Earthenware vessel 44. WSW’s opp. 45. Confused noise

47. A Gershwin 49. Misdeed 50. “__ not fair!”

Road Racing Season gets going

TEAM ATHLETICS SVG held its 2024 Round D Town Road Relay, last Sunday, September 22, through the streets of capital, Kingstown, to mark the opening of this year’s road racing season.

The event was run in three categories, Primary, Secondary and Open.

Fitz Hughes Government Team One won the female segment of the Primary Schools’ category in 35:28.92, ahead of the Chateaubelair Methodist Team One, and Fitz Hughes Government Team Two.

In the Primary Male category, Chateaubelair Methodist Team One crossed the line first in a time of 28:43.12. Second was Troumaca Government and third was Touroma Government.

The Girls’ High School took the female category of the secondary schools in 43:54.80. The Barrouallie Secondary was second and the Georgetown Secondary, Team One, third.

Georgetown Secondary Team One took the males, leaving Barrouallie Secondary to end second best and the St. Vincent Grammar School Team One, third. Georgetown’s winning time was 31:03.66.

In the Open Female category, IT DAT Academy, with Olympian Shafiqua Maloney in the team, trumped in 36:35.78, ahead of High

Performance in second and X-Ceed Sports Club third.

And, in a time of 30:49.21, the XCel Track Club Team One copped the Open Male, leaving Mustangs and Chatoyer, to finish second and third, respectively.

The top three places in each segment received cash awards.

Of the fifty-seven teams registered, fifty-three completed the race.

Sunday’s Road Relay saw each of the four legs, beginning and ending directly in front of the BOSVG Building, formerly FCIB.

The primary schools, from the start

point, ran to the old Ju-C Building, took a right turn at the corner of KFC. They then followed the Bay Street route, turning at the Old Kingstown Anglican School on Higginson Street, and used the Back Street route to the start point.

The secondary schools and Open, from the start, ran to Sharpe Street on to Bay Street, turning at Linley Street and back to the start point, via Back Street.

Prefacing the Relay was a host of fun activities with the aim of bringing

Male Netballers head for CAC Games

THE NATIONAL MALE NETBALL TEAM, affectionately referred to as Vincy Warriors, has qualified for a place in the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games to be held in Santo Domingo in 2026. They did so on merit,

having finished 3rd in the Americas Male Netball Championships, which was held in St. Kitts and Nevis from September 12 to 18. SVG finished with five wins and two losses registering 10 points in the process. The two

losses were to eventual winners Jamaica (75—28) and to second placed Trinidad and Tobago (5537).

Macneil Duncan, captain of the team, said the team went into the competition with two main objectives, i.e. to

awareness to the effects of NonCommunicable Diseases.

Following last Sunday’s successful Round D Town Road Relay, the Log Enterprises Supreme Bleach 10K Series, will take place October 6, October 20 and November 17.

win the championship title and to qualify for the CAC Games.

He acknowledged having qualified for the CAC Games but lamented dropping one place in the overall points standing.

“There were some things we could have worked on that I think would have made a

difference,” Duncan admitted adding, “We now have to go back to the drawing board and ensure that we work with our coach and implement what we need to do for 2026 at the CAC Games.”

Duncan, though, was pleased that the team held its own and came away with awards for the Most Accurate Shooter —

Doran Layne, and the Best Defense Player — Akiel Bute. He expressed thanks to the SVG Netball Association, coaches and management team for the support in preparation for and participation in the Championship. I.B.A. ALLEN

The National Male Netball contingent that represented SVG at the recent Americas Male Netball Championship.

X- Cel Track Club Team One – winners of the Open male category, being presented with their cheque.

Right: Girls’ High SchoolSecondary Schools’ Female winners. IT DAT – Winner of the Open Female category.

Macneil Duncan, captain of the National Male Netball team, said the team accomplished one of its objectives.

Doran Layne – Most Accurate Shooter of the Championship.

Akiel Bute was adjudged the Championship’s Best Defender.

Vincy Heat banking on home support

EXCITEMENT is building as St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ showpiece ground, the Arnos Vale Playing Field, will host the entire October window of Group A, in League B of the Concacaf Nations League.

October 10 and 13, 2024 each has double headers, featuring the four teams in the group - El Salvador, Bonaire, Montserrat and host St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Bonaire and Montserrat will face off at 3 p.m on both days, with St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Vincy Heat and El Salvador scheduled to meet from 8 p.m.

This will be the first time that Football matches will be played under the recently installed

lights at the Arnos Vale venue.

And, with the host country sitting second behind El Salvador after both have played two matches, home support will be critical for the Vincentian outfit.

In support of this view, Peter Edward, Acting General Secretary of the SVGFF, said, “I expect to see the whole of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex…I think the capacity is 11 000, and our goal is to have no less than 9000”.

Head Coach of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines team.- Ezra Hendrickson, echoed the view that the crowd support is going to be critical.

In an appeal to the Vincentian public he said, “With your support ours will be a successful team…If we win this next game against El Salvador, we become leaders in the group… That’s what it is all about … Our goal is to get to League A and the quickest way to get to League A is to win your group”.

Village Ballers: Stubbs Football Champion

VILLAGE BALLERS, comprised primarily of players from the Stubbs community, inflicted a 5-1 drubbing on defending champions Experience in last Sunday’s finals of the Stubbs Football Tournament, to be crowned new champions of Stubbs football.

In front of a large, partisan crowd, Experience One struck first blood when Giovanni Joseph converted in the 12th minute.

But from there on it was all Village Ballers. They equalized through an 18th minute goal by Yazeem Dascent and in the second half, came out even more determined and dominated with four more goals though Trezine Da Souza’s hat trick in the 68th, 80th, and 85th minute, and a Zidane Sam conversion in the 60th minute.

Among those singled out for

Going into next month’s matches, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on the back of a 1-1 tie with Bonaire and a 2-0 win over Montserrat, lies unbeaten on 4 points.

However, the Vincentians trail El Salvador on 6 points, gathered from a 4-1 win over Montserrat and a 2-1 defeat of Bonaire.

The team that wins each of the groups in Leagues B and C, is promoted to the A and B respectively, in the next Nations League edition.

Ballers are the new

Experience, defending champion, had to settle for second place.

recognition were Trezine Da Souza who was named best forward and MVP of the Competition, and Giovanni Joseph who was the tournament’s leading scorer with 12 conversions.

The Most Discipline Team was Dandada Young Legend.

I.B.A. ALLEN

NLS T20 to bowl off next month

THE North Leeward Super League T20 is slated to bowl off on October 19 at the Cumberland Playing Field.

And the draft that will see the teams being finalized is scheduled for this Saturday, Sept. 28, at the National Sports Council’s conference room. The draft is expected to include players from outside of SVG.

It is the first time a tournament of this magnitude

will be held in a rural area of mainland St. Vincent and Elron Lewis, President of the North Leeward Sports and Cultural Organisation (NLSCO), organisers of the League, said, “This tournament, the North Leeward Super League T20, we want it to be more entertaining as we will be using the franchise format. (But) The underlying objective is all about development, cricket development, as we would have noticed that we are losing the cricketers in

North Leeward. We are hoping that this tournament can bring back some interest in cricket especially for the youth, including females.”

The League will have both a male and female category, and each team will have two franchise players.

There will be two teams in the female category: Northern Girls with franchise players Shannel McKie and Japhina Joseph, and Southern Girls with Shenecia Daniel and Nyasha Williams as their franchise players.

The male category will comprise the following teams and franchise players: Spring Village Ajuba - Michael Joseph and Keswick Williams; Coulls Hill Rangers - Dillon Douglas and Javid Wilson; Rose Hall Future LegendsBenniton Stapleton and Rickford Walker; Peto StarsShamon Hooper and Kirtney Franklyn; Troumaca Starlight - Desron Maloney and Tilron Harry; Fitz Hughes Summerset - Jaheil Walters and Augustus Cato.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Ezra Hendrickson –Head Coach

Peter Edward – General Secretary (Ag)/SVGFF

Village

champions of Stubbs football.

Trezine Dasouza of Village Ballers - MVP of the tournament.

Giovanni Joseph of Experience scored the most goals.

Elron Lewis, President of the NLSCO and Coordinator of the League.

Sports V

Independence and sport

IT IS NOsurprise that St. Vincent and the Grenadines marks its Independence in October. In October 1935, riots erupted not only in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but throughout what was then the British Caribbean, marking a wave of conscious reawakening.

Here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, George McIntosh was arrested around that time following riots of October 21, and 22. This period of agitation marked a significant turning point in the development of the British colonies.

That was about 100 years after the Emancipation of slavery (1834) which, in fact, ensued for four more years of Apprenticeship.

The riots were attributed to increase in the cost of living with the folklore recording it as, among other things, an increase in the price of matches.

Emancipation might have removed the shackles from our feet. But the mental barriers were tightened with the screws of colonialism designed to brainwash the black population.

It happened that the October period of awakening lingered to 1969 when SVG was the last of the Windward Islands to gain Associated Statehood.

That was the era of decolonization. People were opening their eyes to freedom and dignity. It took us ten more years to attain Independence, a matter that some people treated as unnatural.

Our footballers set the trend when in October 1979, St. Vincent and the Grenadines shocked the world as a sporting entity.

Since then, Vincentian footballers, and indeed sporting personalities, are standing out as beacons. Our record in the sporting arena speaks for itself.

Vincentians are proving themselves capable of the greatest possible feats.

But in the mix, we throw up the disappointments, for we still have areas of adjustments to be made.

Whatever the reasons for the enigma, you can be sure that once St. Vincent and the Grenadines is in the ring, there is likely to be some degree of explosion. That is the nature of our environment.

An active Volcano is part of our landscape. We soldier on, forgetful of the burdens that weigh us down at times. Here is that abiding faith that directs us. The spirit of our forefathers provide us with that element of hope which enables us to overcome the next obstacle.

October 2024 marks 45 years of Independence, enough for us to reflect on the path through the wilderness. The mood of freedom which we cherish comes across in different shades. We have one thing in common, and as unique as we are there is the landscape that defines. It is no surprise that Shafiqua Maloney returned home just before the celebration. She shook up the world at the recent Olympics, emerging as the fastest woman in the Caribbean over the 800 metre distance.

That’s the kind of stuff this nation is capable of. Two Nation’s league matches form part of the Independence package, October 10 and 13. Those determine our future on the football stage.

A host of sporting events spill over into November, December is a time of splendor, signaling the dawning of a new ear. No matter the situation, we handle it as smooth as silk.

Solomon off to University

NATIONAL and Windward Islands fast-bowler Solomon Bascombe has set his sights on furthering his academic studies as well as developing his cricketing skills, as he moves to complete enrollment in Loughborough University, United Kingdom.

Solomon was first introduced to the university when in 2019 during a summer tour with the West Indies Under-15 cricket team, he stepped onto the Loughborough University campus to experience playing cricket in England for the first time.

Now, after recently graduating from the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, the talented fast bowler is set to return to England to attend the UK’s top-ranked university, to

pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport and Exercise Science.

Simultaneously, Solomon will benefit from Loughborough’s elite sporting facilities and resources, as he works toward his long-term ambition of becoming a professional first-class cricketer.

And when asked why he chose Loughborough University he responded, “During my visit to the UK in 2019, I played at Loughborough University and trained in the high-performance centre there. It was an amazing experience. Hence, when it came time to find a university, I dug further into Loughborough, and it was clear that the university was the perfect fit for me.”

Solomon, a member of the Victors Cricket Club, has

Grenadian tops Cycling Invitational

GRENADIAN- Karega Charles emerged top cyclist when the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union staged its Invitational event last Sunday, September 22, 2024.

Charles was the first to the finish line at Casson Hill, after he had completed the 66.6-mile event.

His winning time was 3:28:54.59, and he finished ahead of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ duo of Lucky Antrobus and Gabriel Doyle in that order. Antrobus timed

3:29:01.54 and Doyle 3:29:31.22. Both riders were sponsored by Premium Products.

Outside of the podium were Tessimy Viechey of Grenada, who docked fourth in 3:30:02.19, Vincentian Sherwin James next in 3:33:02.19, followed by St. LucianDenver Alphonse, 3:38::15.20.

The cyclists rode off from the decommissioned ET Joshua Airport Tarmac to Tourama, then to Mount Young and back to Tourama, doing so twice, before returning via the

Solomon Bascombe is off to the UK in pursuit of fulfilling his academic and cricketing ambitions.

represented SVG and the Windwards Islands at the senior level and the West Indies at the youth level.

THE VINCENTIAN wishes Solomon all the best in his academic and sporting pursuits.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Windward Highway to end at Casson Hill.

The Vincentian duo of Zefal Bailey and Rivas Young did not complete the course. Bailey encountered some mechanical issues, while Young rode about 18

miles before aborting the race. The Vincentian cyclists used last Sunday’s event to prep for the 2024 Caribbean Cycling Championships carded for Guyana in November.

SJCK receives Tennis equipment

ADONATIONof a quantity of Tennis equipment to the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown (SJCK), doubled with the luxury of an accomplished player already assigned to the institution, have paved the way for a Tennis programme to get started there.

The Grassroot Tennis Club (GTC), with an input of racquets from Dr. John ‘JB’ Frederick, made the donation recently, with the GTC founder - Grant Connell expressing delight in contributing to the spread of Tennis across the country.

the more rewarding”, Connell stated.

“We from the Grassroot Tennis Club are elated to make this donation and with input from ‘JB’, one who has used Tennis as a vehicle towards attaining a professional career in medicine, it makes this project at the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, even

In recognizing that the SJCK has most of the ingredients needed to serve off such a programme, he referenced, “They is a court on the compound, a vibrant Physical Education programme and a teacher, Mr. Agostini Soleyn, who comes from a Tennis background”.

Additionally, Connell underscored that as an all-female school, the SJCK programme will aid in upping the numbers in that gender, currently playing the sport Connell informed that the GTC will be looking to do similar programmes in other schools in the very near future.

Karega Charles reaching the finish line before Lucky Antrobus

The presentation party at the handover, included Grant Connell (left back row) and Dr. John ‘JB’ Frederick (centre).

Tourism looking up

From Backpage

Independence as occasions that come to mind.

In fact, Mark called for the SVGTA Marketing Officer to be appointed to the Board of the Carnival Development Corporation.

She highlighted her Authority’s readiness to collaborate with national players as part of the Tourism enhancement drive.

In this regard, there will be a ‘Sip into the Blue’ campaign in partnership with the St. Vincent Brewery, coordination with the Ministry of National Mobilization, and joint operation with the National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority designed at rebranding some of the nation’s sites.

Reference as also made to the Sandals Foundation Charity Run set for October 11 to 14, and which is expected to attract local participants well as from the UK.

The Charity Run will comprise a number of events - including a 15-mile run in Bequia, a run from Wallilabou Bay in Central Leeward, kayaking in Buccament Bay, Hike to La Soufrière - and is expected to raise $100,000 to be donated to the Paediatric Ward of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Minister James, in concluding the conference, emphasised Government’s thrust in Tourism saying, “We are dedicated to providing exceptional experiences that will encourage visitors to return and explore all that our beautiful islands have to offer.”

AI REAL ESTATE

TOURISM LOOKING UP

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

The 2024-2025 cruise season opens here on October 21, 2023 with a cruise call scheduled for Mayreau. Port Kingstown will welcome its first call on November 8. This is part of what Minister of Tourism Carlos James disclosed as a projected record year, 2024/25, for cruise ship calls, with 378 visits scheduled, compared to 326 in 2023/24 and 311 in 2022/23.

Annette Mark, CEO/SVGTA, spoke of her Authority’s intention to collaborate with ‘national players’ in pursuit of enhancing the tourism product SVG can offer.

Minister James was obviously elated to report on three years of consecutive growth in cruise ship calls to this country.

He did so while addressing a press conference hosted by the ST. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA) on Wednesday 25th September, to ‘celebrate’ the inaugural JetBlue flight to this country.

“The continued growth in cruise arrivals is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of everyone involved in our tourism sector,” said Minister James.

Services expanding

The Minister also took delight in announcing a 30% year-over-year (YOY) increase in stay over visitors/overnight arrivals to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, during the first six months of 2024.

He linked the rise in arrivals to increased air transport service to

TAIWAN FOUNDATION

THE EMBASSYof the Republic of China (Taiwan) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in collaboration with the Taiwan Tzu Chi Foundation provided two containers of relief supplies

the country, and projected further enhancement to connectivity to SVG with the arrival of four new airlines: LIAT 2020 commencing flight on October 4; JetBlue on October 9; Sunrise on October 28, and Winair on November 15.

“The introduction of these airlines is a game-changer, providing more options for travellers and further boosting our tourism sector,” Minister James noted.

James projected further growth in the industry bolstered by expanded air connectivity and an increase in hotel rooms.

SVGTA to collaborate

Annette Mark, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the SVGTA, joined James in support of the thrust to create a year round product. The atmosphere, diversity of culture, range of events the multi-island state provided, rendered it an all year destination, Mark posited, and cited Nine Mornings, Carnival

Minister of Tourism Carlos James was elated to report growth in the tourism sector and encouraging projections for the immediate future.

Continued on Page 27.

LIAT 2020 is scheduled to begin flights to and from AIA, thereby enhancing the inter-regional tourism potential.

DONATES

RELIEF SUPPLIES

(1,000 family packs of food items)) for distribution to people who were displaced and suffered losses because of Hurricane Beryl, which left a trail of destruction across mainland St. Vincent and moreso, the Southern Grenadines — Mayreau, Canouan and Union Island. Five volunteers of the Taiwan Tzu Chi Foundation St. Maarten Branch arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on September 4, 2024 and the next day, along with the Director of NEMO Michelle Forbes and her team, Embassy staff, technical mission

volunteers, journeyed to Union Island where they distributed 300 relief family packs.

Prime Minister Hon. Ralph Gonsalves during a visit to Union Island welcomed and to expressed thanks to Tzu Chi for embodying the spirit of compassion, and continuing to assist St. Vincent and the Grenadines in its reconstruction period, and recognized the quick assistance provided by the Taiwanese government immediately after the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

The Tzu Chi Foundation was established by Master Cheng Yen in Hualien in 1966. In the 1970s and 80s, Tzu Chi expanded its charitable efforts from Eastern Taiwan to the entire

island, establishing a free clinic in Hualien and officially opening Tzu Chi Hospital. Since its first international disaster relief effort for the Bangladesh floods in 1991, Tzu Chi has assisted 136 countries and regions (as of March 2024). The

Foundation’s philanthropic work is driven by the adage: “Like a seed that produces more seeds, compassionate actions inspire more love, leading to a more peaceful and harmonious society”.

(Source: Embassy of Taiwan)

H.E. Ambassador Fiona Huei-chun Fan (3rd from left) welcomed the five volunteers from the Tzu Chi Foundation.

Tzu Chi Foundation volunteers distributing family packs in Union Island.