THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 04-10-24

SHOOTING DEATHS ROCK PETIT BORDEL

by KENVILLE HORNE

of Petit Bordel on mainland St. Vincent.

For many residents in the community, a shooting death in the village is something they had never experienced in their lifetime.

Between Friday 27th September and the wee hours of Sunday 29th September, two men were brutally gunned down in the North Leeward fishing community.

Homicide One

TWO HOMICIDES,less than 24 hours apart, sent shockwaves across the Northwestern community

The first homicide was that of Stanron ‘Standpipe’ Stapleton, 29, of Rose Hall. Stapleton was gunned down in Petit Bordel on Friday 27th, about 10:42 pm. Reports are that he was hanging in the vicinity of a bath in the community when he was approached by an unknown assailant who opened fire. Stapleton fled to a nearby building where he was apparently

cornered by the gunman and shot multiple times.

Continued on Page 3.

Elijah

was said to have been a tradesman though a police report listed him as a labourer.

Nolwyn ‘Nolly B’ Bennett seen here leaving the Serious Offenses Court on Wednesday.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

SPECIALISED UNITS of the Royal SVG Police Force were kept busy over the period Friday 27th — Sunday 29th September.

Continued on Page 3.

Right:

Crease

Stanron ‘Standpipe’ Stapleton was reportedly shot by a single gunman.

Othnell ‘Curtel’ Lavia was attacked by three gunmen and shot multiple times.

LIAT 2020 begins service to SVG

ALL THINGSbeing equal, the inaugural flight of LIAT 2020 was expected to touch down at the Argyle International Airport at around 4:30pm today, October 04, 2024.

The last time an aircraft carrying the LIAT name arrived at and departed the

AIA was on January 22, 2024, when an aircraft of the now defunct LIAT (1974) Ltd. was making its final round before the company officially ceased all operations on January 24, 2024.

The aircraft that was expected to arrive at AIA today was one in a fleet belonging to a new company, LIAT 2020, a joint venture

between the government of Antigua and Barbuda with 30% and a Nigerian Airline Air Peace with 70% ownership.

An ERJ 145 – one of the aircraft in the current seven aircraft LIAT 2020 fleet. A 128-seater jet aircraft is expected to be added.

In welcoming the new air service, Annette Mark - Chief Executive Officer of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA)- said: “We are thrilled to welcome LIAT 2020 to St. Vincent and the

Annette Mark –CEO/SVGTA, sees the LIAT 2020 service as providing more direct access to other Caribbean ‘islands’.

Grenadines. This new service will not only strengthen our tourism industry by providing more direct access to our islands, but it also reinforces our commitment to making SVG a premier destination in the Caribbean. We look forward to welcoming travelers who will now find it even easier to explore everything our islands have to offer.”

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Carlos James, noted: “The commencement of LIAT 2020’s flights to St. Vincent and the Grenadines marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to boost regional tourism and connectivity. ….We are proud to welcome LIAT 2020, and this new service is a testament to our ongoing commitment to making SVG an accessible and

thriving destination for all.”

Chief Executive Officer at LIAT 2020, Hafsah Abdulsalam, commented inter alia: St. Vincent stands as a pivotal destination in our network, and we are thrilled to deepen our roots here by introducing more flight options to invigorate passenger and cargo movement across the Caribbean. We are excited to offer travellers a customercentric travel experience that reflects the spirit of our Islands and the promise of a connected future.”

Headquartered in Antigua, LIAT 2020 has confirmed a schedule that includes service to Barbados, Grenada, Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, looks to LIAT 2020 to boost regional tourism and connectivity.

V News 3

Shooting deaths rock Petit Bordel

Continued from Frontpage.

Residents in the community said that Stapleton was recently questioned by the police concerning some items that went missing in the community.

“Before he get kill, ‘Standpipe’ was questioned by the police about certain things he was accused of and he said that he is not taking blame for anyone. I believe he called someone he use to lime with name and they were upset. I believe that might have caused his death,” said a man who claimed to be a friend of Stapleton, a sentiment shared by many residents.

“‘Standpipe’ and them was accused of taking some men’s crops (ganja) and I believe whoever kill him knows about that,” said another male resident.

Homicide Two

Still trying to come to grips with Stapleton’s

shooting death, an occurrence which many in Petit Bordel said was “foreign” to the community, residents were put into further shock when they learned that Othnell ‘Curtel’ Lavia, 37, a farmer of Petit Bordel, was brutally gunned down sometime around 2:00am on Sunday 29th September, while in the company of his girlfriend Josette ‘Gwen’ John. According to John,

they were hanging just below La Casa Grocery and Bar. She observed two men coming from below a house across from where they were standing, and a third man could be seen coming from out of an alley way.

When the men reached into the open street they began firing bullets. Lavia and John ran in different directions. Lavia was shot but was able to run.

The gunmen, though, caught up with him and shot him to death, John related.

His body was discovered near to a ‘shortcut’ that leads to a small house a not far from where he was first attacked.

The incident took place during an event at La Casa Bar. The sound of the gunshots forced patrons to run for cover, causing some mayhem.

Many of the residents who spoke to THE VINCENTIAN newspaper on Sunday, said they were convinced that Lavia’s death was in retaliation for the death of Stapleton.

One male resident described it this way: “I think the gunmen believe that Curtel (Lavia) kill ‘Standpipe’ but I don’t believe so. They say he (Lavia) was at home sleeping, plus, why would he kill ‘Standpipe’ and then come around to go lime, knowing something could happen to him? It na make

sense. Now I hear they bring town man come mash up Peto. The police and them lapse too because after ‘Standpipe’ death, them shoulda be doing regular patrol in the areas.”

John and Lavia’s mother, Denese Lavia, told this reporter that Lavia was at home when Stapleton was killed.

“He was sleeping, and I

had to wake him up,” said John.

Lavia was the father of 6 children and was looking forward to celebrate his birthday on Independence Day.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the homicides which were counted as numbers 31 and 32 for the year.

Stabbing death in Calliaqua

Over the short period they were called out to the scene of three homicides. Two were committed in Petit Bordel — Friday 27th and Saturday 28th September.

The third homicide occurred in Calliaqua on Sunday night, September 29.

The report was that Elijah Crease, 34, of Prospect/Calliaqua, died at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he was taken after being stabbed.

The police confirmed in a media release on Monday that a suspect had been taken into custody and was “assisting the police with their investigation.”

A source told THE VINCENTIAN that the deceased and the perpetrator were involved in an argument which developed into a physical confrontation.

The men were separated but, according to the source, the perpetrator, who had left the scene, returned with a knife and stabbed the deceased in his chest.

Crease’s death brought the homicide count for the year to 33.

One man charged

Following their initial investigations, police arrested and charged former NICE Radio personality Nolwyn ‘Nolly B’ Bennett of Calliaqua with murdering Crease.

He appeared at the Serious Offenses Court on Wednesday for an arraignment.

Bennett, who was represented by attorney Grant Connell, was not required to plead when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offenses Court on Wednesday. The matter was adjourned to November 5.

Corporal Henry Hoyte, attached to the Calliaqua Police Station, is leading the investigations.

Crease’s death followed on the heels of two homicides in Petit Bordel on the weekend.

Continued from Frontpage.

The area of the ‘shortcut” (right) where Othnell Lavia was found dead. The ‘open area’ where Stanron ‘Standpipe’ Stapleton was shot.

‘Prosecution Service delaying justice’

Defense lawyer Grant Connell wasted no time in requesting a Paper Committal in a former radio personality’s murder case.

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

DEFENSElawyer

Grant Connell has accused the National Prosecution Service of causing significant delays in the justice system in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Connell leveled the accusation while representing murder accused Nolwyn ‘Nolly B’ Bennett during his arraignment at the Serious Offenses Court on Wednesday.

Connell may have created history, being the first lawyer to ask for an immediate Paper Committal in a murder case.

He said he was making the request because of the nature and circumstances of the case.

But Prosecutor Renrick Cato, seemingly surprised by the “unorthodox” request, told the Court that this could not be done since the file was incomplete.

Connell said that the police had questioned his client, in the electronic interview, about the death of a man, but at the time of the interview, the cause of death was still unknown since

the autopsy was not yet done. He stressed that the autopsy was done after the electronic interview. He also mentioned that his client had made a report to the police against the deceased, but it was never addressed.

“We are ready for Paper Committal which can be heard within a month”, Connell said.

File may not be ready

The lawyer pointed out that when an accused is charged with murder, and a request is made for Paper Committal, the deposition can be prepared and brought before a Judge and Jury quickly. He said that the staff’s experience behind the doors at the Serious Offenses Court can prepare the deposition in days, which was proven already.

“I am submitting that we (the defense) are ready for Paper Committal which could be heard within a month”, the lawyer contended.

But Prosecutor Cato said that he could not assure that the file would be ready within the next month, but what he can say is that the investigator could do his best to ensure that the file is ready, but if it is not ready by that time, he would have to ask for an adjournment. But the Prosecutor made it clear that he was not against Paper Committal.

PI outdated

Connell expressed the view that

GECCU robbery case adjourned

SIX PERSONScharged with a robbery at the South Rivers branch of the Government Employees Cooperative Credit Union (GECCU) July 16, 2024, will have to wait a while longer to have their Preliminary Inquiry (P.I) heard.

When the matter was called at the Serious Offenses Court on Monday, Prosecutor Renrick Cato told the Court that the case file was not ready.

Preliminary Inquiry (P.I) is outdated, and though it can act as a strainer the same issues that exist at a P.I will be ventilated and extinguished in the High Court at the trial. He said the P.I allow the Prosecution to delay even more.

The lawyer said that once somebody is charged, the Prosecution has to ensure that the matter is heard within a reasonable time.

He pointed out that when a murder accused is arraigned at the lower Court, the Prosecution appears to just pick a number from a hat when it comes to them saying how many witnesses they have as if they are playing lotto with the Justice System.

“The Prosecution (Service) is causing significant delays in the Justice System in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I put the delays squarely at their feet”, Connell lamented.

“You have brought this man here, he now has to go to jail until you are ready with the file”, he added, referring to Bennett.

Review bail for murder

Connell said that maybe it is time that the issue of bail be reviewed when someone is charged with murder, and while he acknowledged that the possibility for bail exists after nine months, he thinks it should be offered like in any other case, especially how the Prosecution bring charges of murder. He noted that when some of

Prosecutor Renrick Cato could not guarantee that the Paper Committal could proceed given that the file was still incomplete.

these cases reach the High Court and begin to crumble, the reality sets in, and they are reduced to manslaughter and sometimes the entire case falls.

After listening to both sides, Senior Magistrate Colin John adjourned the matter to November 5 for an update.

But Connell maintained that once the papers are put together and disclosure is made, there is no reason why that date cannot be given for Paper Committal.

But the Prosecutor hinted that if the Prosecution fails to disclose before November 5, the defense would say that they breached the order of the Court. He noted that’s why the guidelines give up to nine months.

Retired Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche, during a conversation with THE VINCENTIAN, had always maintained that Paper Committals are the way to go since they save judicial time.

A Paper Committal Procedure can take less than an hour while a Preliminary Inquiry may last for weeks or even months.

Battery thief caught on camera

GOOD SURVEILLANCE,

GECCU South Rivers Branch, the target of a robbery in July 2024, was officially opened on May 7th, 2017.

aided by footage from Security Cameras at various locations in Kingstown, resulted in Richland Park resident Kevin Maloney being arrested and charged with stealing from the Company with which he worked.

operations of all the Massy branches, received a phone call from the night security, inquiring about the two truck batteries which were discovered missing.

As a result, Senior Magistrate Colin John adjourned the matter to October 22.

Attorney Grant Connell who represented four of the accused, did not object to the adjournment. THE VINCENTIAN was not sure if others were represented as there were no other lawyers at the Bar table at the time.

Those charge in connection with the incident include: Erasto DaSilva, a 26-year-old labourer of Canouan; Esroy ‘Pirate’ Jeffers, 28, of Buccament; Lemar ‘Chak’ Isaacs, a 22-year-old of McKie’s Hill; Sharome Dopwell, 21 of Paul’s Avenue; Enrique John, 27, of Layou; and lone female Rakiesha ‘Bim Bim’ Joseph, 24, of Layou.

The five males and one female are accused of: robbing Charissa Pitt, the administrative clerk at the GECCU South Rivers branch, of a purse with

her personal items valued at EC$250; the attempted murder of Police Constable Joron Samuel by shooting him; possession of a firearm to aid in the commission of an offense, to wit, robbery; possession of a 9mm pistol without license; possession of eight rounds of ammunition without license; and damaging two metal and glass doors valued at EC$2,800, one deadbolt lock valued at EC$270 and one skylight valued at EC$300, the property of GECCU.

They were each granted $25,000 bail with one surety, but Isaacs was subsequently charged with murder, attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm, and with intent to commit the murder, used a firearm to aid in the commission of the offense.

All those charges stemmed from an incident at Murray’s village on June 16, 2024, during which Murray’s village resident, Zeno ‘Sarge’ Lee, 33 was shot and killed.

Appearing before Senior Magistrate Colin John at the Serious Offenses Court on Monday, Maloney pleaded guilty to stealing two 12-volt AC Delco batteries, valued at EC$975.50, belonging to Massy Stores, SVG Ltd., on September 15, 2024.

The facts showed that the company’s delivery and storage truck is usually secured in the parking lot of the Kingstown Branch of Massy stores, but due to damages caused by Hurricane Beryl, it was relocated to an area of the Massy building, opposite the NIS car park.

Around 4 p.m. on September 14, the truck was parked in that vicinity after doing all deliveries and around 8.09 a.m. on September 15, Lionel DaSilva who oversees the security

Around 8:30 a.m. on September 16, DaSilva went to work, checked the said truck, as well as the compound, and confirmed that the batteries were missing. He then checked the business CCTV footage which showed a man in dark-coloured clothing, appearing to be emptyhanded, later identified as Maloney, visiting the area around 4:04 a.m. on September 15.

A few minutes later, that person was seen with what appeared to be two batteries in his hands proceeding toward Sharp Street, Kingstown.

Given that the security service Paladin is located in the area, and given that it is outfitted with CCTV cameras, permission was granted to view whatever footage they might have.

The footage revealed the defendant walking up Sharp Street with what appeared to be the batteries in his hands. He turned on to Middle Street and headed in the

direction of Lewis’ Pharmacy. That area was also thoroughly canvassed and footage from police cameras in the area was reviewed. showing Maloney walking through Middle Street with the items and then placing them in the trunk of motor vehicle PK125. That vehicle was later identified as owned by Maloney.

Maloney was subsequently taken into custody. He was cautioned and interviewed in the presence of a Justice of Peace. He volunteered a written statement, admitting to the offense. A search warrant was executed at this home but nothing illegal was found. He later informed the police that he sold the batteries to one Rozronie McKie of Richland Park for $400. Investigations were carried out and the batteries were retrieved from McKie. Maloney was later charged. He was sentenced to three months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for six months. He was unrepresented.

Holness under pressure to resign

THE OPPOSITION

PEOPLE’S NATIONAL PARTY (PNP) is calling for Prime Minister Andrew Holness to step down immediately, following publication of the Integrity Commission’s report on its investigation into the income and assets declarations submitted by Holness for 2019-2022.

The Integrity Commission’s Director of Corruption Prosecutions, Keisha Prince-Kameka, has ruled out criminal charges against Prime Minister Andrew Holness for allegedly making false income declarations.

Below: Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness is caught in a tailspin with an imminent general election ahead of him.

However, the IC’s Director of Investigation Kevon Stephenson has referred certain concerns arising from the investigation to Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the Financial Investigations Division (FID) for further probe.

Opposition Leader Michael Golding says his party has no intention of easing up on its own probe into the Prime Minister’s financial dealings.

In a media release on last week Wednesday, the PNP pointed to the referrals for further investigation and said “the Prime Minister must act in the best interest of the nation and leave office to preserve the dignity of Jamaica’s democracy.”

“The Office of the Prime Minister must be a beacon of integrity, not a place to shield oneself from scrutiny. Mr Holness’s ongoing rearguard action to remain in power under a cloud of

suspicion is unacceptable. We call on him to do the right thing and step down immediately. His continued presence in office is a disservice to the Jamaican people and our democratic system,” the PNP stated.

The Opposition also suggested Holness had misled the country when he said he was not aware of anyone on the Government side of the parliament being investigated for illicit enrichment.

According to the Commission, in response to an earlier statement by Holness that he was unaware of any government parliamentarian being investigated by the Integrity Commission, the Commission said it had notified Holness in May 2023 about the investigation into his 2021 income and asset declaration.

The Opposition argues that there now exists a “crisis of confidence in the Prime Minister’s leadership.

“Jamaica now finds itself in an unprecedented situation where its head of government is embroiled in a prolonged and unresolved integrity investigation. The state apparatus is investigating its own Prime Minister.

“Despite his reassurances in Parliament, Mr. Holness is clearly distracted by the fight to clear his name. This battle, being waged from the highest office in the land, is undermining our democratic system and eroding public confidence in the government,” the PNP said. (Source: Jamaica Gleaner, Jamaica Observer, RJR)

Editor’s Note: St. Vincent and the Grenadines does not have Integrity Legislation that makes it mandatory that Parliamentarians declare their income and assets, and therefore no basis on which an investigation similar to the one referenced in the article, can be conducted.

Student Loan Programme troubled by delinquency

ONE OF THE CHALLENGESthat the Student Loan Programme continues to face was the issue of delinquency, and those who study at institutions outside the region and government employees are among the major contributors.

Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves shared the observation while speaking on radio on September 29.

According to Gonsalves, about one quarter of those who receive loans do not repay.

He acknowledged that although the number was higher in the past and that the number of delinquent payers was trending downwards, the number of delinquent payers was still unacceptably high.

And when people defaulted on their student loans, the government ends up having to pay the outstanding amounts owed to the National

Insurance Services (NIS), Gonsalves disclosed, adding that every student who does not repay their loan makes it more difficult for the programme to continue.

Minister Gonsalves also related that students who studied utilizing funds from this programme for studies in North America or the United Kingdom almost never repay their loans, and they are not easy to locate.

And in addressing the case of delinquency among government employers, he observed, “Students who go away usually employed by the state, take time from their government job to go away, get a loan and come back — they have also been historically poor payers,” Gonsalves said.

The time had now come, he said, for a rethinking of the manner in which the programme is operated.

Even as he highlighted the delinquency the Student Loan Programme faces, Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves also shared that around 75% of those who have received loans are repaying.

Towards this end he suggested that students seeking to pursue studies outside the Caribbean region may be less likely to receive a loan and for those within the government service, to add things to the loan agreement to allow the

government to access or garnish in some way if the individuals do not repay.

“So, we have to tighten those things, but still about 75 percent of the people are repaying faithfully,” he said.

Too much noise

ONE OF THIScountry’s hotels is among a group of entertainment spots that has had complaints lodged against them, for creating excessive noise.

While speaking on radio on September 25, Montgomery Daniel — Minister of Transport and Works said he had seen many letters of complaints sent to the Commissioner of Police from residents about the level of noise, especially at night spots where it went on into the early hours of the morning.

Formal complaints have been made about the loud music played by some entertainment spots here.

they are very tolerant to the extent that they do not mind the music up until around midnight or just after,” he said.

These letters, he disclosed, included letters from his own constituency of North Windward, and identified an entertainment spot located in Point…, “where you have music beginning at around 8:00 in the evening and go beyond the following morning,” Daniel said.

He outlined that the letters would have raised the issue of elderly persons, persons with physical challenges and medical conditions such as stoke, living in affected communities, and who were not able to take the levels of loud music for extended periods.

“I would have had discussions with a number of persons, and

“But beyond 1:00am, it is indeed a difficulty,” Daniel continued.

The Minister noted the existence of legislation to deal with the noise but suggested that the authorities needed to adopt a position to satisfy all those involved.

“The promoters, they want to ensure that they continue their business [and] there are ordinary businesspeople who also want to continue their weekend activities,” the Transport and Works Minister said.

He emphasized that whether or not the time limit authorised by the police is obeyed, it was time for serious discussions to take place to deal with the issue.

The authorities, he submitted, needed to explore solutions including charging extra fees for promoters or businesspeople wanting to have events that would go until the following morning.

Or perhaps the time had come for promoters and business operators to look into investing in more soundproof accommodations, he said. (Stories: DD)

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Director: Desiree Richards

Editor: Cyprian Neehall

Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129

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

Editorial

Who/What have we become?

THERE IS NO DOUBT that the rest of the world looks in on our multi-island state that purports to ‘punch above its weight class’ and ‘swim with the big fish’.

We are also to be enjoying an envied degree of respect from both traditional and new found friends who, in the final analysis, will judge us on how far we have come in building what our Prime Minister says is a new Caribbean Civilization which, at the bottom line entails how we treat our most unfortunate citizens — those we know to be living on the fringes of society, whose daily survival depends on the ‘charity’ of government.

Yes, we will be judged, in the court of man and before Jehovah, Allah, Brahma, whoever on how we respond to the needs of those less fortunate members of our society. Put another way, as a people governed by laws and an acceptance that we are all equal under a constitution and in the sight of a Supreme Being, we will be judged on the extent to which we govern so that all citizens can contribute to not only creating wealth for the nation, but equally on the extent to which they enjoy that wealth.

Our reality, according to a 2021 UNICEF report, “…in 2016, 30% of people in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines were living in poverty and 3% were indigent (indigence entails living in a level of poverty in which real hardship and deprivation are suffered and comforts of life are wholly lacking).”

But those macro socio-economic references are not what is going to influence how the world sees us. Rather, in the real world where ‘news travel at the speed of light’, it is the how we behave one to the other which will attract the attention of the rest of the world.

And yes we have to be concerned about our well-being, but we have to be equally mindful of what others may think of us based on the actions we take. Yes, the perceived equilibrium of an economy predicated on the ‘pull and push’ of a tourism industry, can easily be set into a tailspin if the people on whom we depend to make that tourism industry work, boycott our market because of some unsettling developments in our

Do cooperatives have a role in rural development

midst.

So, when in March 2023 an infant was thrown to her death allegedly by her grandmother, we have to stick a pin and ask: Is this who we are?

When in February 2024 a one-yearold infant’s throat was slashed and the poor soul was left to bleed out, we have to ask is this what or who we have become, heartless?

Additionally, when the lifeless, half-clad body of a young man, homeless from all reports, and known to ‘beg on the streets of capital Kingstown, was found on a beach not far from the busy centre of the capital, we have to stop and admit that we have reached a level of ‘inhumanity’ of which we can never be proud, and which we must endeavor to prevent becoming a representation of who we are.

This latest reality brings into focus the plight of homelessness and the number of persons, especially young men who ‘sleep on the streets of our capital, in groups that offer them a false sense a belonging, camaraderie and safety.

Yes, there are those cynics who will tell us that round the world millions of children are found homeless, sleeping in the streets, under bridges, or on deserted properties, so who are we to complain.

But that is the very core of the issue. We must complain now and hope that something will be done to address the deeper socio-economic conditions that give rise to this problem.

We must ask ourselves, as we seek to address the issue of homelessness, does spiraling inflation and an uncertain economy affect mostly the lives of low-income families, to the point that children are forced to leave their homes to find sustenance in a life of begging, stealing, even selling their bodies?

Could the story of this young man have anything to do with ‘selling his body’ or put another way, of him falling easy prey to adults or even to his peers, who feed their sexual preference by preying on the weakness of homeless young people?

Homelessness is a complex phenomenon, we’ll admit, but we have to begin somewhere to address the issue.

I HAVE BEEN AWAYfrom SVG’s “Cooperative Community” for some time. However, I will be bold and say the status of the rural Cooperative hasn’t changed much in the last forty years. It’s a shame because this is one grassroots organization that could lift us out of a cycle of poverty.

A cooperative is one of the most effective ways to build confidence among and in our people and, by extension, the nation. The movement in SVG has not lived up to its potential. Its achievements have been limited except for the Credit Unions. We have not found a way to transfer the success of the Cooperative Credit Union to the Rural Farming Cooperatives.

We have seen how the benefits of Cooperative impact other countries’ social and economic development. The success of Credit Unions should be enough to tell us that Cooperatives are a viable option. Simply put, cooperatives must be a part of developing the rural agricultural economy.

The most significant challenges facing our post-plantation agricultural community are equipment, seeds, fertilizer, and marketing. The government has not yet accepted that successful farming depends on us finding ways to irrigate the land. Over the last twenty years, we have sought and received millions of dollars in this area. Dare I say most of it was wasted? Okay, some of it was destroyed by a few storms/hurricanes. However, a familiar feeling expressed by those working in the field is that we accepted these grants because they were available, with little or no commitment to or comment on the programme, as some may conclude, when a wandering explorer of our backlands a few years ago found a stockpile of abandoned pipes and fittings left in a field to rot.

This revelation did not surprise me. Some time ago, I was having a casual conversation with someone from the Ministry of Agriculture; I concluded that the prevailing attitude among the employees was that irrigation was not a vital part of the development plan. In this employee’s words, “Why do we need irrigation when we get so much rain.” Well, how is that working for us these days? I noticed that many water storage tanks sent to us after the volcanic eruption are now designated for agricultural purposes (irrigation), but only if we harvest the “abundance” of rainfall.

Anyway, let’s get back to the role of the Cooperative movement in developing the agricultural community.

Cooperatives

could be a valuable tool to teach farming and an alternative path to economic success. We must get away from this “go it alone” attitude. Imagine if our children could grow up in an environment where their parents are active, successful, Cooperative members, and the guiding principles of cooperatives were a way of life. Remember the Cooperative movement’s noble ideals: self-help, selfresponsibility, democracy, solidarity, equality, and equity. Today, the farmers face several issues on their road to marginal success as their attempts to form Cooperatives. Over the years, many rural cooperatives have been under-capitalized. As a result, they cannot hire qualified managers and technical personnel. Thus, routine accounting, purchasing, and marketing are left to unqualified persons. The lack of professional help ensures that the majority of our Cooperatives fail. The expectation that we must find at least twenty persons with no history of working together to come together and form a successful cooperative is not only unreasonable but impossible.

Our government has funded a cooperative division for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately, this division has always taken the position of a regulatory agency. i.e. an enforcer of the rules and guidelines while offering periodic training around those regulations. At some point, I hope the Cooperatives Division will look at its mission and revise it to provide the management assistance needed in the rural Cooperative. Alternatively, it should add a division to provide an expanded technical support mission. I hope the Cooperative Division will hire a team of trained Accountants, General Managers, and Marketing Specialists to assist the farmers. How about an agricultural extension officer assigned to the cooperative division and someone to help with the idea of postproduction processing of raw materials? I know this may require some changes to the law. So, what’s so tricky about that? As we have seen lately, the government can pass any necessary law when it’s politically convenient. Where there is a will, there is a way; maybe this is a law everyone can support.

Horatio.

Communism vs. Capitalism: A Balanced Perspective

THIS PIECEserves as a response to Simon Live Up’s article on capitalism and communism, which I found to be one-sided and lacking depth. It painted communist leaders as demons while depicting capitalist figures as saints, a narrative that oversimplifies a complex issue.

Let’s explore the nuances of communism versus capitalism. First, I want to clarify that I am neither a defender of capitalism nor communism; rather, I advocate for truth, justice, and equality. Both systems have their strengths and

weaknesses, and historically, neither has operated ethically.

Politicians, regardless of their ideological leanings, often exhibit dictatorial tendencies and have been responsible for violence and oppression. Those who resist their mandates frequently face severe consequences.

In our polarized society, the cycle of replacing one tyrant with another reflects a profound disillusionment with political leadership. People often oscillate between extreme ideologies, driven by frustration with

entrenched systems that promise much, yet deliver little.

Malcolm X aptly stated that American democracy is a hypocrisy. For centuries, capitalist leaders in the United States perpetrated violence against Native Americans and exploited African slaves. They have destabilized nations like Haiti and Jamaica and have engaged in military interventions in Iraq and Libya, driven by interests in resources rather than genuine democratic ideals.

Nelson Mandela, celebrated today, was once labeled a

communist for his fight against apartheid, as were many civil rights leaders in the U.S. who sought basic rights within a flawed system. The U.S. often fails to uphold the democratic values it espouses, evident in the struggles of the civil rights movement. Figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X faced persecution for demanding justice and equality, leading many to seek refuge abroad. The systemic oppression faced by marginalized groups–particularly Black women who were

subjected to sterilization and dehumanization–highlights the disconnect between proclaimed ideals and reality. The brutality of statesanctioned violence against citizens asserting their rights continues to be a stark contradiction to the rhetoric of democracy.

Throughout the mid20th century, many fled from violent oppression, including from the Klu Klux Klan, seeking safety from both government and societal violence. The persistent issues of police violence against Black communities in the U.S.

Supporting the police Winds of change

AS THE NEXTgeneral election in our country draws near, I sense that a wind of change is beginning to blow among the people.

There is a growing confidence and maturity among the Opposition, especially its Leader, that didn’t seem to have been around in previous years. While this could be the result of the fact that there are many issues (not least being the cost of living) on which the government might be faulted, the attraction of new candidates, the likes of Dr. Shallow, and the return of female candidates like Shevern John and Laverne Gibson-Velox have set the Opposition up for a better showing.

From where I stand, it is clear that the ULP under Dr. Ralph Gonsalves’ leadership has failed to account for the country’s finances properly, and has taken us into a loan situation that will strangle us for generations to come.

The question is: Are we prepared to put up with this again?

The wind of change is upon us.

Thomas

IAM MOVEDto come down on the side of our police officers and to appeal to my fellow citizens to allow the police to do their work and to help them when you can.

The truth is, Mr. Editor, that I have got fed up of hearing people coming down on the police for this and that. Many people complain about them not being able to solve crimes committed here. But you never hear about how much we are protecting the criminals.

I am saying that there

are many people here who know a lot about what is happening but do not share that information with the police. From what I understand, the police depend on the information they gather from the scene of a crime, the information witnesses to that crime might give and information other people might have.

When we don’t come forward with the information that can help the police, as far as I am concerned, you are as guilty as the

On the brink of World War 3

WE HAD World War 1 from 1914 to 1918. There was a recess until 1939 when World War 2 started and ended in 1945. That same year the United Nations was established to avert a third World War.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines recently sat on the UN Security Council).

From 1945 to now we had many nonconventional wars. Where are we today: Russia at war with Ukraine, Isarel waging war against Hamas, with capitalism and communism blasting up threatening to escalate in flames with their weapon of mass destruction… nuclear weapons.

Could you imagine a third World War? Would anyone survive on earth?

Perilous times are here. Venezuela and Guyana could have sparked it, but St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister also realized that he would have ended. He brought the International and hemispheric organisations and heads of government to the Argyle International Airport (AIA) conference room to diffuse a possible war in our region. Another thing, our foreign policy around Taiwan makes it such that if we enter into World War 3, SVG may have to fight on the capitalist and the communist side at the same time. Taiwan is supported by Americanled capitalism and our leadership is procommunist. Working out

this spiritual mathematic it seems like Taiwan will be numbered out from us.

We pray that we don’t reach that level of military aggression globally.

Prime Minister Gonsalves said that he is the World Boss. He should be able to tell us what is the cause of wars and how we can bring about World Peace. Someone said that hate (the spirit of Cain) is the major cause of wars. If we find hate in the mind of PM Gonsalves it will be difficult for him to bring about peace and unity. However, that’s the duty of the World Boss. Then, if in his own house (parliament) he is creating war, he is misidentifying himself. The world is crying for a world leader.

We have the best take for Dr. Gonsalves. Make an about turn like Saul to Paul, forget about those churches who are like entertainment centres and who are trying to scare you from not going to hell to want you to go to heaven. The Baptist can’t save you, neither Gonsalves. Only the Kingdom of Heaven can save you. The failing governments trying to make important changes in your life, but will face consuming fire….. Hebrews 12:29.

We will discuss the letter that was sent to Putin and engage the world leaders in World Peace discussions. We can save the world if we follow the black savior that Putin revealed to the world.

Christian Democrats

remain a tragic testament to ongoing racial injustice. The cries for justice resonate loudly, reminding us that without justice, there can be no peace.

In conclusion, both capitalism and communism have been wielded as tools of oppression as well as vehicles for potential progress. Acknowledging their flaws allows for a more honest discourse about the structures that govern our societies and the need for a more equitable future.

criminals. And I want to say to the parents of young men who are involved in crime, to stop supporting their children. It will come back to haunt you.

Thank you, Mr. Editor for allowing me this small space in your newspaper. I know I will get real licks from many people for what I have to say, but they must tell me if what I said is the truth.

By the way, for those of you who always pointing your fingers at the police, you ever wonder why you could sleep peacefully at night? James

PEOPLE ARE ASKING:

* When are we going to get an account of how the hurricane relief money was spent do far?

* Have those responsible, moved to deal with flooding in the area outside the Male Medical Ward, the Operating Theatre and ICU Unit at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital?

* Is there a prominent political figure who is associated with the purchase of two blocks of apartments in Diego Martin, Trinidad?

* Does the significant reduction in learner drivers being tutored on the road correlate with the number of persons acquiring driver’s licences?

* Will somebody come clean and tell us who is responsible for paying the Royal SVG Police Force for services rendered during the hosting of ICC World Cup matches?

Carden A. Michael

SVG and the quest to reform the UN Security Council

THE UNSC

THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL (UNSC) is one of the six major organs of the United Nations (UN). It is charged, among other things, with the responsibility to ensure international peace and security. In pursuance of this core responsibility, the UNSC may establish peace-keeping operations, authorise military action, and enact international sanctions.

Established in 1945, the UNSC has a current membership of five permanent members, “the P5” (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, and the USA), and ten non-permanent members elected by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to represent geographic areas globally, for two-year stints. In 2021-2021, St. Vincent and the Grenadines served as one of the two non-permanent members representing the Latin American and Caribbean region, but elected by the whole of UNGA.

Each of “the P5” members of the UNSC has a veto power; this means that any of “the P5” members, in exercise of this veto, can block any decision of the UNSC. This is an awesome power of “the P5” – the victors of the World War II gave themselves this power. None of the defeated nation of the Axis powers (Germany, Japan, Italy) was accorded “P5” status; so, too, no country from Africa, most of whch in 1945 were colonies of European powers; so, too, India, was a colony; and the large South American nation, Brazil, received no consideration in this regard.

At its founding in 1945, the UN had 51 member-states; today is has 193. The world is vastly different today than in 1945. Thus, the clarion call, globally, by the overwhelming majority of the memberstates of the UN for meaningful reform of the UN, especially the UNSC, though there are multiple reform proposals from various states. St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the last 20 years has been at the forefront in setting forth its views on the reform of the UNSC. Among the 39 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at the UN, SVG has taken the lead on this subject. It has been a founder-member of “the L 69 Group” at the UN since 2007; and since 2016, it has been the Chair of “L 69”.

WHAT IS “L 69”?

The “L 69 Group” is a group of developing countries from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Currently, the group has 32 member-countries and is a major bloc united in a common cause of achieving lasting and comprehensive reform of the UNSC.

The “L 69 Group” derives its name from the draft document, “L 69”, that the Group tabled in 2007-2008, which led to the start-up of the Intergovernmental Negotiation (IGN) process to reform the UNSC. The Group had tabled in 20072008, a draft resolution on the “Question of Equitable Representation on an Increase in Membership of the Security Council and Related Matters”. One of the drafters of this resolution was SVG’s then Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the UN, Camillo Gonsalves, now Minister of Finance. Camillo was very active in “L 69”; his successor, Inga Rhonda King, has continued this activism. She has been the Chair of “the L 69” since 2016.

The Secretariat for the “L 69” is the Mission of India at the UN with which SVG works closely on “L 69” and other matters. The Group meets monthly. Among the members of “L 69” are significant nations from Africa (Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Rwanda); from Asia (India, Mongolia, Bhutan, Papua New Guinea); from South America (Brazil, Nicaragua, and Venezuela); from the Pacific (Fiji and Palau); from the

Caribbean (SVG, St. Kitts-Nevis, St, Lucia, Bahamas, Jamaica).

Throughout the UN system, SVG is well-known for its championship of reform of the UNSC and for a permanent seat for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), in rotation, by region. In fact, Camillo was the proponent of this in the original proposals of “L 69”. It has since become a talisman proposal of SIDS; it was recently endorsed by the USA, among others. The CARICOM Caucus at the UN, following upon the guidance of CARICOM Heads of Government, has adopted “the L 69” position on the UNSC reform. We are engaged upon the search for an acceptable, effective compromise on the overall reform outcomes.

RALPH AT “L 69”

On Thursday September 26, 2024, on the margins of the UNGA High-Level Week, the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, chaired the Annual “L 69” Ministerial Meeting, which was co-hosted by the distinguished External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar. The “C10 Group” – the Committee of Ten Foreign Ministers of the African Union on the Reform of the UNSC – were invited to attend the “L 69” by SVG; “the C10” Chair, the West African nation of Sierra Leone attended. So, too, did the African “L 69” members of Nigeria and South Africa.

In his opening remarks at “the L69” meeting, Comrade Ralph stated, among other things:

“The global challenges that we face today – existing and rapidly emerging –as well as others not yet imaginable, demand a Security Council that is inclusive, effective, efficient, accountable, representative, and responsive to the needs of the geographically diverse group of the member-states that make up the membership of the UN General Assembly. There is no debate around the fact that the current structure of the Security Council, with its outdated composition and limited representation, falls short of these demands.

“Your presence here today is indicative of your own commitment to exploring paths to making tangible progress going into the next session of the Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council Reform.

“On the heels of ‘The Summit of the Future’ and the adoption by the UNGA of ‘The Pact for the Future’, where Leaders committed to Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow, there is a strengthened momentum around the need for safeguarding an effective Security Council that can discharge its mandate in a manner that can tackle the global challenges.”

It was the first time that the African Union’s “C 10” met formally with “the L 69” Group. The African Union’s confidence in SVG and its leadership was well-articulated at the meeting. It was recalled, among other things, that the A3 Plus One (Africa’s three non-permanent members of the UNSC plus SVG formed a formidable bloc when SVG was on the UNSC for the years 2020-2021; this currently exists on the UNSC with Guyana as “the Plus One”.

Our Prime Minister invited the views of “C 10” and the members of “L 69” on how the language enshrined in “The Pact for the Future” can guide and create momentum for discussions in the IGN’s next session. He also asked the meeting to consider how “the L 69” and “the C10” Continued on Page 20.

ULP continues to allow crime to escalate

THE UNITY LABOUR PARTY (ULP) government is struggling to effectively address the crime situation in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Homicide and violence are becoming a fact of life for too many people. The ULP has not kept its promise to be tough on crime and the causes of crime. The grim reality on the ground is that most Vincentians are concerned about their safety. They no longer feel safe walking on the street going about their normal lives.

Over the weekend, we have had three (3) reported homicides. Othnell Lavia and Stanran Stapleton were shot and killed in Petit Bordel while Elijah Crease was stabbed to death in Calliaqua. And on Monday 30th September 2024, the body of 13-yearold, Matthew Da Souza, was found at Sion Hill Bay.

St Vincent and the Grenadines has seen record levels of homicides over the past two years. In 2023, fifty-five homicides were recorded surpassing the previous record set the year before.

Shadow Minister for National Security, Major St Clair Leacock, said, “This government is failing in its most important duty, to keep our people safe. Over the weekend, we have seen further homicides and violence on the street. The ULP doesn’t seem to care about this, and hope that the problem goes away. They are taking our people for granted. They talk about improvements but it’s clear it’s all empty talk from an empty government.”

We call again on the Minister of National Security, Ralph Gonsalves, to step down. He either doesn’t have the energy or interest to deal with this crisis or he simply doesn’t care.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence and sexual offences against women and girls are a plague in our country. One case is one too many; the current widespread nature of the problem is a national disgrace. It must be addressed urgently and seriously. These types of offences require sensitivity and specialized training to investigate and prosecute effectively. A Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Unit in the Police service staffed with specially trained officers and counsellors is required for success in combatting such crimes. Also, wherever possible prosecution must be pursued, even when the victims do not wish to proceed.

Praedial Larceny

Praedial Larceny is an area that requires special attention. Agriculture is critical to our economy. But the stealing of farmers’ crops and animals is out of control and is destroying agriculture and farmers’ livelihoods. There can be no tolerance for such crimes for though they don’t make headlines, they hurt farmers badly and do terrible damage to our economy. Combating praedial larceny requires more than just rural constables; it requires a comprehensive approach that involves tracking agricultural commodities and punishing offenders who are detected, including those who aid and abet thieves by buying the goods from them at cut rate prices. The upholder as well as the thief must be held accountable! And we must be serious about that.

The NDP has a plan to address the crime situation in the country. We will:

* Establish a national forensics lab

* Improve training for police

* Collaborate with international criminal enforcement agencies

* Introduce community policing

* Strengthen the police service and justice system and rebuild trust in them

* Equip the police service with modern tools and procedures to defeat criminals

* Protect women and girls from sexual violence and domestic abuse with dedicated services

* Establish a separate fire service

* Have streamlined procedures and specialised units to respond to tourism-related crimes, especially yacht break-ins, and praedial larceny.

We will promote rehabilitation of offenders. Fighting crime is not only about punishing offenders; it must also involve rehabilitation. Offenders should be provided with programs that would help to keep them from reoffending and becoming a perpetual menace to society. In this regard, we should establish a Young Persons Rehabilitation Centre for non-violent young offenders. This will prevent many young offenders from becoming hardened criminals lost to a life of crime. The NDP committed to working with all stakeholders to combat crime in St Vincent and the Grenadines,

Street Children

The death of 13year-old, Matthew Da Souza, has sparked widespread discussion about the problem of ‘Street Children’ in Kingstown. Matthew’s body was discovered at Sion Hill Bay on Monday 30th September 2024. It was reported that Matthew was often seen in Kingstown and was considered a ‘Street Child’.

The ULP government has failed the children who live on the streets of Kingstown. Did the ‘Education Revolution’ take into consideration those children? In 2008, the ULP government recognized the problem of children who lived on the streets of Kingstown and conducted a study to find out the reasons why the children were on the streets. The main finding was, all of the children who lived on the streets came from poverty-ridden families whose parents cannot afford to educate them. The report also identified the villages from which the children came. Having that critical information, what did the government do to assist the children and parents? What did the government do to prevent the situation from getting worse? It would appear that no programs or policies to assist the children and parents were put in place to stem the flow of children on the streets of Kingstown.

The main problem identified why children lived on the streets was poverty. And, there has been an upsurge in poverty since this government took power, from 2008 to 2018 poverty has increased. The government has not published the report of the Poverty Assessment Survey which was conducted in 2018. A leaked copy of the report which was obtained by the NDP revealed that poverty moved from 30.2% in 2008 to 36.1% in 2018. And, indigence from 2.9% to 11.3% of the population for the same period. The government needs to implement programs to effectively deal with children living on the streets and address the burning issue of poverty in the country.

Fortitude: Fixity of Purpose

“Fortitude. ... It means fixity of purpose. It means endurance. It means having the strength to live with what constrains you.” - Dame Hilary Mantel (1952-2022) British writer.

THE OLYMPIC GAMES, and especially the Special Olympics, often provide priceless life lessons about endurance, resilience, and fixity of purpose. Some athletes engage in gruelling training programmes that span many years. They bring their bodies and their minds under rigid control in an effort to perform at their very best. Some, encouraged by coaches, family members, friends, and other well-wishers, make tremendous financial and social sacrifices with a determination that defies human comprehension. Most will not stand on the platform to hear their national anthems bellowed as thousands of onlookers marvel as records are broken, but all appear to be champions in their own right having defied great odds to be able to compete.

Life will always present a variety of challenges. Some may emerge in a very personal sense as through accidents and/or diseases; some may be transient while others are chronic. Others may be triggered from outside the body as is the case when relationships falter and fail. Some may emerge through financial distress caused by unemployment, under-employment, or bad debt. How ever they appear, and as traumatic as they may seem, it is useful to develop the resolve to be overcomers. With a fortified resolve and fixity of purpose it is possible to look beyond the disappointments and detours to view better days ahead. Many who advocate faith in God can testify of the truism of such a focus, looking beyond self to a greater power.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the noun fortitude as “strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage”. It is often described as the emotional or mental strength to undergo hardship with courage and resilience. Unlike mere physical stamina or temporary valour, fortitude involves deep, persistent resolve to face and overcome challenges with determination. It goes beyond merely weathering the storms of life to include doing so with grace and determination; looking beyond the temporary struggle and appreciating that even in crisis situations there are opportunities for growth; even the most disappointing situations should encourage a focus on being better rather than being bitter.

Fortitude is ignited by several virtues. Resilience, courage, and perseverance are foremost in the list of essential qualities. Resilience is the capacity to recover and regroup quickly from life’s varied and often complicate hardships with rekindled resolve. Courage is the commitment to confront pain, difficulties, and fear with unyielding determination. Perseverance is that commitment to pursue a particular goal regardless of the difficulties, distractions, detours, and delays encountered. Mastering these qualities become foundational to dispelling the desire to give up and give in when faced with life’s varied trials. They help to dispel the fear of failure and the desire to cower and cringe when confronted with challenges and/or crisis situations.

Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, “Long Walk to Freedom”, first published in 1994, provides numerous examples of the value of fortitude. His 27-year imprisonment and the resulting

physical, mental, and emotional torture for his resolve to oppose South Africa’s apartheid system is testament to the power of fortitude. His 630-page publication profiles his early life, coming of age, and the testing duration of his sojourn in the South African prison system. Despite his unfair treatment, his values remained entrenched. This democratically elected first black President of South Africa, along with Bishop Desmond Tutu, ushered in a period of national reconciliation stunning people all around the world that no effort was made to punish those who had exacted such inhumane and cruel treatment to him and other innocent citizens during the apartheid reign of terror and discrimination. His fortitude, fixity of purpose, led South Africa through their period of enlightenment and continues to encourage and inspire many whose lives are challenged by severe adversity.

Malala Yousafzai (born 1997) also stands as an ambassador for fortitude and an icon for gender equity. She survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012 as she sought to champion girls’ education in Pakistan. She was not daunted by the close encounter with death as she advocated gender equity in education. Her activism in this field resulted in her receiving the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2014 when a mere 17-year-old. Her fortitude has not diminished. She continues to speak out for education rights.

Stephen Hawking (1942-2018), the English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a motor neuron disease, in 1963, when a mere 21-year-old. His prognosis was not encouraging. As ALS progresses, the degeneration of motor neurons in the brain interferes with messages to muscles in the body. It was anticipated that he may only survive for a few years thereafter. However, this brilliant scientist defied expectations and survived for 55 years with the incurable disease and, during that time, made ground-breaking contributions to theoretical physics. Millions continue to be inspired by the fortitude demonstrated by his work and his life. He is recorded as saying, “Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder at what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.”

These three examples remind us that fortitude manifests in everyday situations: from overcoming personal tragedies to the pursuit of long-term goals and ambitions regardless of the challenges and obstacles. Inner strength and resilience are required to persist through painful treatments and uncertain futures. We commend those among us whose resolve confirm that it is possible to maintain hope and find meaning and purpose even amidst life’s varied challenges and adversities. We are encouraged by their fortitude and fixity of purpose.

Cuba, Friendship and Kamara Rose

CUBAN SOLIDARITY is vitally essential to SVG, and Cuban Friendship and assistance are critically important to many countries worldwide. It is often said that the World calls, and Cuba answers. Last Friday, at the Cuban embassy, SVG/Cuba Friendship Society members gathered to meet and greet Tamara Armenteros Alcee, an official from the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP).

Ms Alcee conveyed solidarity, love, friendship, and determination. She told the story of Cuban sacrifice in the face of illegal American sanctions and embargo. She thanked the Vincentian people and government for their crucial solidarity and support. She vowed that the Cuban government and people will always extend a hand of friendship and assistance to those in need.

Ms Alcee also brought a special gift for Kamara Rose, the legendary revolutionary thinker, writer, and leader who did so much to foster greater friendship and understanding of the Cuban revolution. She delivered a medal of friendship from Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canal.

On July 26, 1976, Renwick Rose, Caspar London, and a group of Vincentian patriots formed the Friendship Society in Kingstown. Apart from friendship, the society promoted cooperation between the peoples of the two countries. It was instrumental in facilitating people-topeople exchanges and paving the way for the first Vincentian students to receive free tertiary training in Cuba, beginning in 1980. Many speakers hailed Rose’s modesty, discipline, commitment and self-sacrifice at the ceremony. One speaker, in tribute declared him the best prime minister SVG never had.

In accepting the Cuban award, Kamara Rose called on those gathering to redouble their efforts to ensure that Cuba is removed from the ridiculous American list of countries engaged in state-sponsored terrorism. More pointedly, Rose called for friends of Cuba to write their own stories about the struggle to bring an end to the American embargo against Cuba.

He reminded the audience that on October 6, 1976, a few months after the Friendship Society’s formation, Cubana Airlines 455, en route from Guyana to Cuba, was blown out of the sky Minutes after it left Barbados by agents of the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). All 73 persons on board were killed.

The criminals were never punished. They went on to live lives of comfort in Miami, Florida. American government officials and Cuban counterrevolutionaries celebrated them. Rose noted that the despicable event was the Caribbean people’s baptism to terrorism. He further said that the terrorists then are the major terrorists of today: the American and Israeli governments. We only have to look back at the last year and the engagement and connivance of these governments in the ethnic cleansing and genocide committed against the people in West Asia, particularly Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Iran.

Among the benefits derived from SVG’s relations with Cuba is that almost 400 Vincentian professionals received scholarships and free education in Cuba. Cuban assistance in university education across the Caribbean and the world runs in the

tens of thousands. This solidarity is genuinely phenomenal. No other country in human history has such a record as chalked up by little socialist Cuba.

Lest we forget, Cuban assisted SVG in designing the Argyle International Airport, Georgetown Medical Complex, and Vision Now program, among other projects. This assistance began as early as 1979 when a vessel filled with humanitarian aid pulled into Kingstown following the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano.

Dougie Slater, a former minister of health and one of the first students to study in Cuba, assured the Cuban Ambassador, Carlos Ernesto Rogriguez Etcheverry and Ms Elcee that Cuba can always count on the friendship and solidarity of the current administration. He warned those who criticised the Gonsalves government not to throw away the proverbial ‘baby with the bath water.’ Most honest observers have concluded that what used to be called the Vincentian project of development has now been whittled down to the preservation of Gonsalves and his clansmen. The waters have become muddy; vision lacks foresight and insight, and the road to betterment for the citizens is now jammed by selfishness, corruption and a leader who recklessly saddles our nation with debt, all the while celebrating that our debt with Taiwan is a hook in our national gill that he dares anyone to try to remove.

Dr Franklyn James, another Cuban graduate, made one of the most perceptive analyses and observations when speaking about the importance of solidarity. He reminded the gathering that Western, particularly American, regime change operations against Venezuela, Libya, and Iran must not be viewed in isolation. These aggressive acts by imperialism, he noted, are intended to ensure that revolutionary Cuba remains isolated and is ultimately strangled and defeated.

In light of this profoundly correct analysis, Vincentian progressives owe it to themselves and the nation to ask why imperialism has allowed the ‘progressive’ Gonsalves, who has won by the narrowest of margins since 2010, to survive and remain in power. Such courtesy was not accorded to democratically elected governments of Salvador Allende of Chile, Michael Manley of Jamaica, Bertrand Aristide of Haiti, Mohammed Morsi of Egypt, Manuel Zelaya of Honduras, Lula Da Silva of Brazil, Evo Morales of Bolivia, Hugo Chavez or Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela.

The demand is to let Cuba live. The blockage costs the country billions of dollars each year. This loss of revenue could greatly assist in the sister island’s national development. Any analysis based on gross national product will reveal that Cuba has contributed much more to our development than Taiwan since 1979.

As Fidel Castro said in another context, we must never harbour ingratitude.

Save our fishing industry

SOME FRIGHTENING information was published by the online service St. Vincent TIMES, on September 27, 2024. In the story, under the headline ‘SVG Gov’t could import fish as stocks dwindle: Minister’, the Minister of Agriculture/Fisheries was quoted as saying that he visited the fish market recently, and there were no fish vendors at some of the stalls. He cited the lack of fish as contributing to this situation.

“I visited the fish market a few days ago and of the approximately 15 stalls, there were several that did not have fish. And because of that, we have to work with several other governments to see how we can import some fish in the interim,” the Minster said.

He went on: “The increase in temperatures that we are facing is going to have an impact and is already having an impact on our catch, the national catch. I am also pleased that we managed to reach a consensus regarding the conch season,” stating among other things, “that this year we will not have a closed (conch) season as planned and that we will relook that proposal in

To what degree is the agreement with Rainforest affecting the availability of fish/marine stock on the local market?

2026.”

Something seems to have gone drastically wrong in just a few years.

A study tells it all

Whether it was two or three years ago, I read in the local press where a consulting agency was commissioned to do a study on the marine resources of SVG, with particular reference to the local conch (strombus gigas). The study found that our conch stock was in a healthy state, which could be maintained with the requisite sustainable methods of harvesting, which includes observing a closed season. This study was done less than five years ago. How then, in such a short space of time could our fishing stock be depleted? And why should we have a yearround open season for conch when our sea food quantities are dwindling or becoming less. Not having a closed season will be defeating the practice of ‘sustainable’ fishing and harvesting of our vital marine stocks. If we over fish, especially as it relates to conch and lobsters, it will break the life cycle of these marine species.

Studies done by former Fisheries Officer, the late Kerwin Morris and other regional maritime scientists discovered that the life cycle of conch and lobsters that we harvest in SVG, actually starts off the coast of Brazil with ocean currents bringing the juveniles, which feed on plankton, to our waters. As they mature and the ocean current takes them to our part of the world, they change their feeding habits and descend to the sea floor to begin another phase of their development. When they mature and release their eggs in our waters, the ocean currents take these hatchlings on a similar journey to repopulate the coastlines in Central America including Belize and

Honduras. The process repeats itself with the eggs from central America re-populating Brazil. So, if we break the cycle by overharvesting, which is what the all year open season will allow, in years to come there will be very few conch and lobsters in this part of the world. To ensure future stocks, we MUST as a matter of urgency, maintain an annual closed season for both conch and lobsters.

What does the future hold?

So where do we go from here? Is it that Rainforest is buying most of the fish and at a cheaper rate than what locals pay in the market? If this is the case, the government must revisit the arrangement with Rainforest and reduce the quotas they are allowed. Why should we be importing fish and must pay more for that commodity, while we are at the same time exporting fresh fish obtained locally at a cheaper price? Reliable information states that a supermarket chain here is already importing kingfish from Trinidad. Where are we really heading?

A local fish vendor explained to me that ‘Ballahoo’ cannot be harvested for the next two years as local fishers were harvesting too many of the young ones. Good move, but what about the report from the FAO that illegal and unreported fishing is done in our waters, mainly by China, Taiwan and Europe, to the tune of US$750m every year? Isn’t that the main reason for the short fall in landings of pelagic species like tuna, kingfish, sword fish and dolphin (mahi mahi) among other species?

What really needs restructuring is the postcolonial style government and socalled opposition!

Donald De Riggs

NSPD basking in breakthrough

employed, but not eight”, a beaming Ashers told the VINCENTIAN.

Ashers in no small way is thanking Minister of Housing, Informal Settlement, Youth and Sports- Dr Orando Brewster.

“I want to publicly thank Minister Brewster for his extra effort in ensuring the numbers are increased”, Ashers lauded.

Apart from the eight members being able to exhibit some level of independence, Ashers is thankful that some business places are embracing

persons who are disabled.

She admitted that in the main, whenever business entities were approached to consider employing members of the NSPD, the Society was always bombarded with the question, “What can they do?

“I am hopeful that this is a start of a new beginning for persons with disabilities; that they can be seen as just differently abled who can contribute in a meaningful way to the work force, whilst developing themselves personally”, Ashers projected.

The NSPD was established in June, 1987.

Small Grants for Agro processors

THE INDUSTRY UNITwithin the Ministry of Agriculture is pleased to announce a Small Business Grant Programme that will provide some financial assistance to businesses in the agro processing sector.

currently operating. The business must operate in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and have an annual turnover of no more than EC$50,000.

THE NATIONAL SOCIETY of Persons with DisAbilities (NSPD) is basking in delight, after eight of its members were enrolled in the Youth Empowerment (YES) Programme.

Those eight disabled persons can now look forward to being employed for the next twelve months.

Among the eight, four have been assigned to the NSPD’s office, two at the Kingstown School for Children with Special Needs, and the others at a Pre- School and a printing establishment.

President of the NSPD- Andrea Ashers, sees this as a landmark accomplishment for her organization.

“Over the years, we have been getting one or two, may be three the most of our members being

The Programme was specially developed by the Unit to help agro processors in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to improve their competitiveness.

Under this Small Grants Programme, the Industry Unit will award grants of up to $2,000 for product development, packaging and labeling, innovation and product testing.

Applicants for grants, including entrepreneurs and agro-processors, must have an existing business name under which they are

Applicants must be working along with or indicate commitment to working along with the Centre for Enterprise Development Inc. (CED) and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards, and must submit to verification and consultative visits by the SVG Bureau of Standards and the CED respectively.

The Program will also provide capacity building trainings to successful applicants, who must attend and successfully complete a basic business skills development training program

Applicants for small grants must be active agro processors.

with the CED. Application Forms are available at the Industry Unit, located on the second floor of the National Insurance Services building, Kingstown, or at the CED office on Grenville Street. Applications close on October 15th, 2024. (Source: MoA)

Some of the NSPD members who will join the YES Programme, along with Minister Dr. Orando Brewster (extreme left) and Andrea Ashers (seated).

The Layou Playing Field: ÂStroodyÊ HazelwoodÊs role

by CARLYLE DOUGLAS

The Layou Cultural and Sports Association (LSCA) has taken a first step in its quest to revamp and reinvigorate sporting activities in that Central Leeward Community.

This first step is the staging of a Football Competition involving eight teams, which

will compete for the William ‘Stroody’ Hazelwood trophy, in matches to be played at the Layou Playing Field.

The trophy in ‘Stroody’ honour was donated by Martin Woods.

According to Wade Jackson of the LDCA, “the decision to name the challenge trophy in Mr. Hazelwood’s honour was a

simple one,” as he was an integral building block in ensuring that the Layou Playing Field became a reality.

THE VINCENTIAN caught up with ‘Stroody’, now in his eighties and blind, to get to the bottom of how the land for the Playing Field was acquired and how it developed.

The first move

He recalled the involvement of then Area Representative Arthur T Woods and Labour Party Stalwart Sammy Ballantyne in following through on a request by the constituents, that a ‘new’ playing field be provided for the residents of Layou.

The old one, adjacent to the Primary School and bordering part of the seafront was no longer adequate, and Mr. Woods, following on the request of his constituents, opened negotiations in 1977 with the St. Hill family, for the purchase of land on the Ruthland Vale estate.

‘Stroody’ recalled when the announcement of the acquisition of the land was made by ‘Dingy’ Exeter, then the LSCA President, at a community gathering.

“The meeting mash up,” ’Stroody’ said with assertion.

The work begins

He described a frenzied scene when men and women alike, armed with cutlasses, axes and hoes made the initial move to clear the land, then occupied by coconut and lime trees.

The elderly man chuckled at the memory of that day before saying, “Man drink coconut water for days till dem belly war buss.”

Area Representative Woods secured the use of a bulldozer from the Public Works Department, to begin levelling work.

The bulldozer, operated by a man from Colonaire according to ‘Stroody’ , soon came upon huge boulders, proving initially to be a hindrance which caused expressions of disgust from some residents.

Some of the boulders were

removed just before the bulldozer was reassigned to work in Vermont, under instructions from then Minister of Works Arthur Williams and Area representative for South Leeward Grafton Isaacs, to which Woods reacted by bursting into tears and lamenting, “Every time I try do something, my people dem (Labour Party), fight me down,” ‘Stroody’ recalled.

One of the boulders lodged at the entrance to the Playing Field serves as a reminder of this incident.

Planting grass on the “new surface” was another community effort. Men and women sourced and dug up grass patches from wherever, and “using a hand cart,” carried them to the field for transplanting.

A frightening incident

‘Stroody’ was appointed groundsman of the Field with a promised salary of FOURTEEN DOLLAR ($14.00) per month.

“Mr. Douglas (this writer), I never collected FOURTEEN CENTS,” ‘Stroody’ said with no animosity in his tone of voice, like a true patriot.

Part of his duties was to water the grass which he did in the early days by using a bucket. A sprinkler system, sourcing water from a nearby river, was later installed.

During the course of ongoing work on the field, Mr. Abbott, Overseer of the St. Hill family’s estate, in the company of “two white men,” approached ‘Stroody’ and informed him that “the property was not paid for.”

This was, to say the least, disconcerting.

This could not be happening… not after all the work, was a thought that crossed his mind.

The St. Hill family, proceeded to take measurements of the area, demarcating areas to sell as residential lots, ‘Stroody’ recalled.

Swift action by then Area Representative Herbert ‘Herbie’ Young and Prime Minister Sir James Mitchell saved the Playing field, a note on which ‘Stroody’ ended his recollection, not before he flashed a smile of pure satisfaction.

The name William ‘Stroody’ Hazelwood is now etched in the history of the Layou Playing Field.

Perhaps the Field would one day be named in his honour or in that of another stalwart Layou native.

William ‘Stroody’ Hazelwood at home holding the trophy named in his honour.

The Layou Playing Field which for many years was under the watchful care of William ‘Stroody’ Hazelwood.

William ‘Stroody’ Hazelwood, in the company of Area Rep. Dr. Orando Brewster, seen here in 2022 cutting the ribbon to officially declare open the new pavilion at the Layou Playing Field.

William Hazelwood credits Herbert Young, former Central Leeward Area Representative, in taking the lead to prevent the people of Layou “losing their playing field”.

Allied Health Care Services accredited

by GLORIAH...

ALLIED HEALTH CARE SERVICES LTD. (AHCSL), an institution with a mission “To provide quality health care services and education to Vincentians, contributing to the growth and improvement of the healthcare sector”, was established in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in October 2016.

According to Founder and Chief Executive, Ms. Cheri Sergeant, “Since its founding, the company has steadily

expanded its services and reach, now offering both health care services and educational programmes.”

The services component, described as “Home Care Services”, offers professional home care services to individuals in need of personalized care.

The education component offers Diplomas in: Phlebotomy Skills, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Emergency Medical Responder, Advanced

Home Health Aide, and Pharmacy Assistant Technician.

In response to the needs of busy adults, AHCSL has moved to offering its courses online, catering to date to students in Grenada, St. Lucia, Antigua, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

It followed that AHCSL, in order to ensure that it provided students with a marketable certificate, needed to seek reputable accreditation. According

to the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), “The primary goal of the accreditation is to ensure that the healthcare organisations not only perform evidence-based practices but also give importance to access, affordability, efficiency, quality, and effectiveness of healthcare.”

In 2019, accreditation was initially achieved when AHCSL received International Accreditation from EduQual, a regulated UK awarding body, approved by SQA-Accreditation, which is a globally recognized national qualifications regulator in the UK.

Accreditation within the host country St. Vincent and the Grenadines was received, when in July 2024, Allied Health Care Services Ltd. completed the local registration process with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Accreditation Board (SVGNAB), marking another significant milestone in its growth.

Chief Executive Ms.

Cheri Seargeant showed leadership insight when she noted that, “...achieving local accreditation has been a long-sought goal. While the registration process was lengthy and demanding, it was essential for providing formal recognition and for validating the quality of our programmes.”

Allied Health Care Services Ltd. continues to play a crucial role in enhancing healthcare services and education in St. Vincent and across the region. It is the intention of the organisation to be a leading player in the provision of health care services and education here and in the region.

AG+HCSL online programmes are guided by experienced professionals.

The UWI Global Campus SVG Site gets new Head

DR. RESA NOEL-MCBARNETT is the new Head of the University of the West Indies (The UWI) Global Campus St. Vincent and the Grenadines Site. Her appointment, which took effect from October 01, 2024, was confirmed in a media release, dated September 30, 2024, from the University’s Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

The following is taken from that release:

“A national of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Noel-McBarnett has had a distinguished career in the public sector. Prior to her appointment as Head of The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus St. Vincent and the Grenadines Site, she was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, a position she held for almost four years. She also served as the Director of Training in the Service Commissions Department and before that, as an Education Officer in the Ministry of Education. Dr. Noel-

McBarnett also worked at the Bishop’s College Kingstown School first as a Graduate Teacher, then later as Head of the Language Department, and subsequently as Deputy Principal. Her scholarly achievements are complemented by several prestigious scholarship awards. A past student of the St. Vincent Girls’ High School and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC), she was awarded The Sir Arthur Lewis Award to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Literatures in English (Special) at The UWI Cave Hill Campus. After some time, she obtained a Commonwealth Shared Cambridge Scholarship to pursue a Master of Philosophy degree in Education at The University of Cambridge. Later, she was granted a New Zealand Commonwealth Scholarship to complete a Doctor of Philosophy in Education at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. Dedicated to developing her pedagogical skills, she completed an in-service Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme from The UWI Cave Hill Campus, which was delivered at the time by the SVGCC.

Over the years, she has shown a commitment to service, always putting people first. Dr. Noel-McBarnett understands that education is not merely an avenue for personal advancement but a powerful tool for empowering communities and driving regional advancement. Pro ViceChancellor & Principal, Dr. Francis O. Severin is delighted by this appointment: “My reading of Dr. McBarnett’s national accomplishments and generally her background in various spheres, totally assures me that she joins us at the opportune time. The Global Campus Site in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is poised to become perhaps our foremost Site, and in light of my expectations of Dr. McBarnett, will become a positive exemplar in the Global Campus ‘UWIverse’.” He added, “We look forward to the boon that will certainly result from the Campus’ collaboration with our fundamental shareholder, the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College; and other stakeholders in the private sector in this progressive and

advancing nation-state. It is a promising and encouraging future.” Dr. Noel-McBarnett succeeds Deborah Dalrymple who retired from active service to the University, on January 31, 2023, after serving the institution for over eleven years. Mrs. Camille Lakhram assumed responsibility for the Site as Officer-inCharge as of February 1st, 2023.

Ms. Cheri SeargeantChief Executive, is committed to making AHCSL a leading provider of healthcare services and education in the region.

Dr. Resa Noel-McBarnett, Head, The UWI Global Campus, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Allied Health Care Services is now fully accredited and has extended its reach into other OECD countries.

Girlfriend escapes death

OTHNELL ‘CURTEL’ LAVIA was gunned down in Petit Bordel around 2am on Sunday 29, September, as he stood in the company of his girlfriend, Jozette ‘Gwen’ John.

John, in recounting her experience, confirmed that she was in the company of her boyfriend when she saw three masked gunmen approaching them.

When the men got in the open road, John said they opened fired and she and her boyfriend ran in different directions; she ran in the direction of La Casa Grocery and Bar where a group of people were liming, while her boyfriend headed for a shortcut in the opposite

direction.

“Curtel run through dey now because he know he would a get a chance to get way, but I believe there was another gunman waiting for him. Because where Curtel run he would have got away since the whole place is dark. So somebody had to be there waiting on Curtel,” said the grieving girlfriend.

Right: Denese Lavia (left) and Josette ‘Gwen’ John, Othnell Lavia’s mother and girlfriend respectively.

told THE VINCENTIAN, “Curtel and the boy (Stanron Stapleton) na have nothing. Dey bin down a road and drink rum the same evening.”

home to house his growing family,” John said.

Following Lavia’s death, there was speculation that his death might have been in retaliation for Stanron ‘Standpipe’ Stapletons’s death; he was shot in Petit Bordel around 7pm on Friday 27th September.

John was emphatic in dispelling this “gossip.” She

Speaking about her relationship with Lavia, John admitted that they had their differences but she loved him and will miss him. The couple produced three children, ages 3, 6 and 9, while Lavia had father three children from a previous relationship. She shared that their “greatest desire” was to own a decent house because they shared a small structure in the same yard with his mother. “He wanted ah bigga

A Mother in grief

Meanwhile, Denese Lavia, mother of the deceased and four others, said that he was one of her best sons. She noted that he grew up with both parents and attended the Chateaubelair Government School. His father passed away in 2020 and ’Curtel’ took on a father’s role. She described him as a “kicksy” person, one joked with anybody, and admitted

that “we had we ups and downs’ but that never separated them. They enjoyed watching television together, the mother said, and when he felt sick, he would always seek her out and even “lay down in me bedroom with his sickness.”

Even with what she said was a broken heart, Lavia said that she does not expect to get justice for her son’s death. “Me nar look for justice because I wouldn’t get justice. I don’t want no justice for me child, I will do my part,” declared the grieving mother. (KH)

There is never a holiday at Port Houston, Texas, but there was one on the first day of the strike and thereafter. (Source: BBC)

US ports strike: Hardship looms

TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOCKWORKERS have gone on strike indefinitely at ports across much of the US, threatening significant trade and economic disruption ahead of the presidential election (Nov. 05) and the busy holiday shopping season.

In the first such shutdown in 50 years, members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) walked out on Tuesday at 14 major ports along the east and gulf coasts, halting container traffic from Maine to Texas.

The two sides are fighting over a six-year master contract that covers about 25,000 port workers employed in container and roll-on/rolloff operations, according to the US Maritime Alliance, known as USMX, which represents shipping firms, port associations and marine terminal operators.

On Monday, USMX said it had increased its offer, which would raise wages by almost 50%, triple employers’ contributions to pension plans and strengthen health care options, and has accused the union of refusing to bargain.

Union boss Harold Daggett has called for

significant pay increases for his members, while voicing concerns about threats from automation.

Under the previous contract, starting wages ranged from $20 to $39 per hour, depending on a worker’s experience.

Workers also receive other benefits, such as bonuses connected to container trade.

As of stands, timesensitive food items are likely to be among the goods first impacted.

The ports involved handle about 14% of agricultural exports shipped by sea and more than half of imports, including a significant share of trade in bananas and chocolate, according to the Farm Bureau.

If the strike lasts long, there will be more than likely price rises and some shortages in goods.

“I don’t think we will see immediate, significant economic impacts...but over the course of weeks, if the strike lasts that long, we can begin to see prices rise and for there to be some shortages in goods,” said Seth Harris, a professor at Northeastern University and a former White House adviser on labour issues.

More than a third of

exports and imports could be affected by the strike, hitting US economic growth to the tune of at least $4.5bn each week of the strike, according to Grace Zemmer, an associate US economist at Oxford Economics, though others have estimated the economic hit could be higher.

She said more than 100,000 people could find themselves temporarily out of work as the impact of the stoppage spreads.

US presidents can intervene in labour disputes that threaten national security or safety by imposing an 80day cooling-off period, forcing workers back on the job while negotiations continue.

However, President Joe Biden use has said he is not planning to act, unlike In 2002, Republican President George W Bush who intervened in 2002 to open ports after 11 days of a strike action by dockworkers on the west coast, who are represented by a different union.

The US Chamber of Commerce business group has called on President Biden to take action. (Source: BBC)

SVG and the quest to reform the UN Security Council

Continued from Pg 10.

can work together as bridge-builders in the IGN, so that we can narrow gaps and explore avenues to bring us closer to achieving the widest possible acceptance on the major issues of UNSC Reform.

SOME REFORM ISSUES ON UNSC

Among the reform issues are the following: Permanent membership on UNSC for Africa: One or two members, plus existing or more non-permanent members? A permanent seat for India? A permanent seat for Brazil or for Latin America and the Caribbean? A permanent seat, in rotation by region, for SIDS? An enlargement of the number of non-permanent membership for particular regions, given land area and population? What about Germany and Japan? Should the veto be retained and, if so, should it be exercised by all permanent members (existing and additional)? How large is to be UNSC and what should be members for permanent and non-permanent membership?

These are some of the queries to be resolved in the reform process of the UNSC. It is a complicated matter. Recently, the government of the USA emphasised its support for meaningful reform of the UNSC and advanced some proposals that it was prepared to

support. We are yet to hear the response of Russia and China which have been lukewarm to the reform process, especially the latter. The USA has adopted some elements of “the L 69” stance.

We are at perhaps the most promising moment for UNSC reform since the dawn of the 21st century. Things are changing favourably, but we are not quite yet there. SVG has been steadfast, patient, and calm in its leadership on this issue for SIDS and our partners in Africa, India, Brazil, and elsewhere. It has truly been painstaking work. But it is a great cause for humanity. And SVG is much admired for its endeavours in this and other regards in the multilateral system.

SUMMATION

SVG will seek to broaden the membership of “L 69”. In any event, it has to be engaged in bridge-building to find a common ground. Our work reaffirms again that even though we are small in size, the quality of our representations counts. All SIDS, especially in the Caribbean, ought to be proud of the quality work of SVG in the multilateral system.

The Press Statement issued at the end of the recent “L 69” Ministerial meeting ought to be read by all concerned.

First time cheater

Dear George,

THIS IS MYSTORY: I slept with a good friend of my husband in our matrimonial home, and now I am pregnant most likely for him. This was the first time I cheated.

My husband became extremely upset and refused to forgive me. I reminded him he made a vow “for better or worse” but he does not want to hear any of that. I don’t know he refused to forgive me seeing it was my first time doing this.

He went to a lawyer to get divorce papers drafted.

Is there anything I can say to get him to change his mind? I really do love him.

Need my Husband Back

Dear Need my Husband Back,

You cannot downplay what was done by saying it was “one simple mistake”.

Your husband obviously feels disrespected to say the least. Maybe with time he might soften his position a bit and settle for a less drastic action, but as it stands now it seems as though there is not much you can do but to just wait things out.

You may also want to get some legal advice and some counselling for what it’s worth.

George

No money no love

Dear George,

I HAVEbeen working in Barbados. I messaged

my girlfriend to inform her that I lost my job but she never answered, and when I tried to call her the calls never went through.

HIV looms large

Dear George,

HIV/AIDS is more rampant in SVG than people think and I got a close-up view of that.

My boyfriend cheated on me with his boss’ wife and she ended giving him AIDS. I knew I was safe because I am 8 months pregnant and my boyfriend does not believe in having sex with a pregnant woman. But, I still took a test to make sure.

He came home one day and told me how the boss’ wife was sleeping with all the men at work but excluded himself of course. That was before he found out about her HIV status. He even pointed out that a few of the wives of his coworkers are also involved in extra marital affairs. George, when I did the math it was scary. These are all people in good professions in this country. Professions to which children aspire. I’m encouraging all those who are sexually active to go and get tested. My boyfriend has learned a hard lesson. I have encouraged his to tell his ‘friends’ to get tested. Of course he is no longer my boyfriend.

Lucky escape

Dear Lucky escape,

You have been saved by your pregnancy. Although there is nothing wrong with having sex with someone who is pregnant, your boyfriend did you a huge favour.

Getting tested is always the right way to go and I do hope your ex-boyfriend will encourage those he knows to be sexually involved with his boss’ wife, to also get tested.

The mathematical equation becomes frightening and is even more of a concern for a small country like SVG, when you consider that each of these sexual partners have partners who have partners.

George

It has been five weeks now and I haven’t heard from her. I wanted to tell her a good friend hooked me up with another job that turned out better than the one I lost.

Still feeling committed to her, I made my way home to look for her. Before I could say anything, she said she would not be taking care of any broke%** man and how she had moved on. I just left.

Apparently a mutual friend made her wise about my new job and she has been calling and messaging me ever since, apologizing and asking forgiveness.

Do you think I should answer? I want so badly to rub it in but in fact, I’m not sure what I should do.

Ready to Roll Forward

Dear Ready to Roll Forward,

You may not agree but the evidence is showing that your girlfriend is a gold digger. It is clear she only has need of you when you are loaded and will not support you when you’re down.

Now that you know who and what she is, you need to move on with your life. You can forgive her yes, but that does not mean you have to remain with her.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)

Look out for those wanting to push you into a disagreement. Don't be too quick to judge those you live with. Recognition can be yours if you present your ideas and stand behind your beliefs. Get back to basics and reevaluate what is important in life.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)

Uncertainties regarding your love life will surface if you have neglected your mate. You can get ahead if you are willing to take a partner. Don't bother retaliating, just walk away. Travel opportunities look positive, but be cautious while driving.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

Look closely at motives and honesty in your personal encounters. Take care of your own responsibilities before you help others. You can purchase items that will enhance your appearance. Don't make large purchases unless you have discussed your choices with your mate.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

Children may be on your mind. Take the whole family and make it an enjoyable outing. Partnerships will be favorable and contracts can be signed. Have a heart-to-heart talk with family and find out what the problems are.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

Avoid too much discourse with colleagues this week. Be cautious not to get involved in office chatter that will cause problems for others. You need to concentrate on your business ventures more than on your relationship this week. Don't ignore any emotional issues that could be causing problems.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

Do not expect others to do your work. Travel if it's needed to start the ball rolling. This is not the best day to visit relatives who get on your nerves. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunities that exist.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

You may need help with your financial situation. You will not be pleased with family members who try to put demands on you when you just don't have the time. Jealous attitudes may lead you astray. Overindulgence could lead to problems with digestion.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

Opportunities to pamper yourself may unfold. Don't be too quick to respond to a plea for help. Your high energy will enable you to take the role of leader in group functions. You have been going through a period of change that has caused problems for you with your loved ones.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

Assist a relative or good friend by setting of a budget for them. It's time to let loose. You may have difficulties with foreigners. You will attract potential lovers, but be sure that they're unattached.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

Not everything you hear will be legitimate. Children could cost you more than you can afford. Someone important may be watching you from afar. Be quiet about your intentions or ideas that might bring added cash.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)

You can make profitable investments if you purchase an art object for your home. Travel will promote new romantic en counters. Don't let your friends talk you into taking time off. You'd be wise to control your spending so your debts don't get out of hand.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

Do not let them blow situations out of proportion. Your lack of attention may have been a factor. Visitors are likely to drop by and chances are, they may even stay a little longer than you want them to. Your partner may not understand your mood swings but if you are willing to communicate, a lot of grief can be avoided.

ACROSS

1.Load a suitcase

5. Air-rifle ammo 8. Witch 11. Authentic

12. Not Dems. or Inds. 14. Like a Bohemian 16. Monogram part (abbr.)

17. Actor Ziering 18. Before (prefix) 20. Memorizes 22. Doc or Sneezy

24. “Live and __ live”

25. Studies

26. Hairspray type

30. Parisian pal

31. Not Dem. or Rep.

32. Gorilla, e.g.

33. Rotterdam’s country

36. Whips up a batch of cookies

38. Height (abbr.)

39. Figured (out)

40. “Crocodile __” 43. “__ to Pieces” (2 wds.)

44. Actress Balin 45. Study frantically

47. Interlocking toy block

51. Edge

52. Facet

53. Explorer Ericson

54. Paris summer 55. Welby and Kildare (abbr.)

56. Lingerie brand

DOWN

1.School org. 2. Timetable abbr.

3. “__ it out!”

4. Touch-tone phone part

5. Short 6. Actor Gazzara

7. Upset a liquid

8. Bald man’s lack

9. Comic King

10. Clear liquors

13. Ranch animal

19. Amtrak and Conrail (abbr.)

21. From __ Z

(2 wds.)

22. Car dealer’s model

23. Howl

25. Cheerleader’s shout

26. As well

27. Personal welfare

28. Page for viewpoints (hyph.)

29. “__ Miserables”

31. Interval

34. Lass’s friend

35. Baldwin et al.

36. Peat marsh

God known for male beauty

March of __

Critical

Army division

__-brand

Sum up 48. “Electric” swimmer

Band’s job

Three __ kind (2 wds.)

SVG Netball ÂJewelsÊ reign supreme

Ballantyne Trophy, named in honour of this country’s most outstanding national, regional and international Netball Administrator.

The Vincy Jewels played unbeaten throughout the Championship, winning all seven of their matches, including defeating Grenada in Sunday’s final match of the 2024 version 59 — 50 at the 4th ECCB netball championship at the Beausejour Indoor Facility in St. Lucia.

The local girls led all four quarters 12 — 11, 27 — 24, 43 — 38, and 59 — 50.

(ECCB), and was held over the period September 21-30, in collaboration with The Caribbean Netball

Association and the St. Lucia Netball Association.

The 4th edition involved teams from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and host Saint Lucia, with the Cayman Islands joining the series as a guest team.

When it was all over, Vincy Jewels was the best shooting team with 88.8 % overall and Goal Shoot Maryann

Frederick was the Most Accurate Shooter with 373 goals and a shooting percentage of 92.8 %.

Kristiana Christopher, who also plays in the wing attack position, was adjudged Vincy Jewels Most Valuable Player.

Pompey,

Captain, was obviously elated with her team’s recapturing of the Championship title, a title she noted, “we lost last year by one point….. It is really exciting for us to retain the championship title and take it home.”

She spared a thought for Grenada saying, “Tough luck, you guys were a very good team but we were the better team.”

I.B.A. ALLEN

Maloney in CANOC Awards

VINCY JEWELS,the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Senior Netball team, on Sunday handed Grenada, the defending champions of the ECCB International Netball Series, their second and most significant loss of the 2024 Championship, and in so doing were crowned Champions of Netball in the OECS.

It meant that the Vincy Jewels had regained the Gloria

For the Vincy Jewels, Goal Shooter Maryann Frederick, playing through lower back pain, scored 54 of 60 attempts made, while goal-attack Kristiana Christopher netted 5 from 7 attempts.

Grenada’s Carlene Alexander scored 36 from 39 attempts made, and Celina Brown scored 14 from 22.

This was the 4th Edition of the Series sponsored by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank

of the Year category of the inaugural CANOC Sports Awards, a ceremony which will be held on October 19, 2024, in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Maloney, 25, became the first Vincentian to reach the final of an Olympic Games event, doing so at the 2024 Paris Olympics, France, last July/ August.

She placed fourth in the 800m final, with a 1:57.66 clocking, on August 5, achieving the best placing of an English-Speaking Caribbean female, in the history of the Olympics.

Before that though, Maloney on Friday, August 2, stopped the clock in the 800m heats at 1:58.69 and on August 4, in the semi-finals, timed 1:57.59, reestablishing the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ all-time record, that she had previously owned.

Among other nominations alongside Maloney are St. Lucia’s Julien Alfred, who made history as Saint Lucia’s first Olympic gold medalist in the 100m and silver in the 200m; Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, Dominican Republic’s Marileidy

Paulino, as well as Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts.

Julien Alfred has also been nominated for the Caribbean Breakthrough Award.

In the Male Sports Personality of the Year category, Jamaican discus thrower Roje Stona, who claimed Olympic gold in Paris, will compete for the Award alongside British Virgin Islands’ 400m hurdler; Kyron McMaster, Grenada’s decathlon bronze medallist Lindon Victor and Cuban wrestling Mijain Lopez Nunez; Trinidad and Tobago’s 400m specialist Jereem Richards; and Puerto Rican wrestler Sebastian Rivera.

The CANOC Sports Awards will also recognise the best male and female teams from across the region.

Among the nominees are the Dominican Republic Volleyball Team, the Barbados Triathlon Team, and the Curaçao Baseball Team.

Other categories of adjudication and reward are the Caribbean Sports Media Award, and the Caribbean Distinguished Service Award.

Shania

Vincy Jewels

Shaffiqua Maloney is among a star-studded list of nominees for the CANOC Female Sports Personality Award.

Vincy Jewels – Queens of OECS Netball.

Maryann Frederick – was the Championship’s Most Accurate Shooter.

Right: Christian Christopher was the MVP for the Vincy Jewels.

Shania Pompey, victorious captain of the Vincy Jewels.

N. L’ward T20 Super League Lunched

ALL IS SETfor the October 19 opening of the North Leeward Sports and Cultural Organization’s (NLSCO) 2024 North Leeward Super League (NSL) T20, at the Cumberland Playing Field.

This after the composition of the competing teams was decided at a draft held on Saturday 28th September, at the National Sports Council Conference Room, Arnos Vale. The occasion also marked the official launch of the league.

The League will feature six male teams (Ajuba Spring Village, Coull’s Hill Rangers, Rose Hall Future Legends, Troumaca Starlight, Peto Stars, Fitz Hughes Summerset) and two female teams (Northern Girls and Southern Girls).

Players on show will include national players, Windwards Volcanoes Franchise players and players from the wider Caribbean.

It follows, therefore, that the League has attracted the full support of the SVG Cricket Association (SVGCA).

Speaking at Saturday’s launch, Kashaka Cupid, First Vice President of the SVGCA said, “We are pleased to be associated with this League. ….. we hope it will enhance the level of competition. Further, we anticipate that it will fill the void created by the absence of the Vincy Premier League this year.”

And Bria King, a representative of VINLEC, a long-standing sponsor of cricket and other sporting activities in the North Leeward area, was on hand last Saturday to commit that company’s support. King, in mentioning VINLEC’s longstanding relationship with sports in North Leeward, referenced this as her company’s recognition of “the value that sports bring to individuals and communities,” and committed, “we are thrilled to

continue our investment so that we can support athletes, and help organizers make tournaments like this one possible.”

Parliamentary Representative for North Leeward Carlos James recalled these tournaments started with players solely from the area, now, he said, “We

are attracting quality cricketers and that in itself shows the level of professionalizing that is going into the tournament.”

He expressed the hope that the 2024 League would reignite the staging of the North Leeward Under-15 League.

Mustique, Browne make positive start

The 2024 Edition of the SVG Masters T20 Competition opened last weekend with top performances coming from Mustique Company Masters (MCM), who had back to back wins, and Salvan Browne who scored the season’s first century.

MCM’s first victory came against Strokes Masters at Sion Hill. They posted 186 for 5 off 20 overs, Drumo Toney top scoring with 52, to which Stokes Masters replied with 73 all out in 17.4 overs, Winston Granderson 2 for 10, Roy Baptiste 2 for 11, to hand MCM victory by 113 runs.

The second victory for MCM came at the expense of North Leeward Masters, by 9 runs, in a match reduced

to 10 overs because of rain. Scores: MCM Masters 87 for 3 off 10 overs, Toney 28 not out; North Leeward 78 for 4 off 10 overs, William Edwards 29.

At Buccament, North Leeward Masters defeated Sion Hill Masters by 5 wickets. Scores: Sion Hill Masters 71 all out off 13.1 overs, Arrington Burgin 30, Reginald Jeffrey 4 for 11; North Leeward 75 for 5 off 9.4 overs, William Edwards 27.

At Stubbs, Cato Heavy Equipment Premium Products Glamorgan Masters beat Park Hill Masters by 7 wickets. Scores: Park Hill 128 for 3 off 20 overs, Shacky James 58, McNeil Morgan 3 for 22, Gershum Dick 3 for 25; Glamorgan Masters 129 for 3 off,

Morgan 67 not out.

At Sion Hill, RSVG Police Masters defeated Hope Pastures Masters (HPM) by 4 wickets. Scores: HPM 156 for 5 off 20 overs, Rohan Ash 72, Parnel Browne 2 for 21; Police Masters 157 for 6 off 18 overs, Salvan Browne 100 not out, Rohan Ash 2 for 26.

At Stubbs, North East Masters (NEM) defeated GECCU Stanley Browne’s Masters by 22 runs. Scores: NEM 163 for 9 off 20 overs, Renrick Williams 47, Vibert Sampson 40, Rickey Thomas 4 for 52; Browne’s Masters 141 all out off 20 overs. Kissinger McLean 76. Renrick Williams 3 for 41.

Wilson spins his way to England

LUKE WILSON, a former national and Windward Islands youth cricketer, is set to open a new chapter in his life’s journey when he begins his pursuit of studies at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU), High Wycombe, England. Wilson, an off spinner who represented the Victors Cricket Club in local competitions, the Windward Islands at the

Under 15, 17, and 19 levels, and Dark View Explorers and Salt Pond Breakers in the Vincy Premier League (VPL), said he was looking forward to the challenge.

“Well, I am always looking forward to new opportunities, this one is no different. I am very optimistic not only about attending university and furthering my education, but also about doing it in a country that allows me to simultaneously better my cricketing ability, a sport I have loved since I was 5 or 6.”

He added, “I will attend Buckinghamshire New University where I will be pursuing a BSc degree in Aviation Management with Pilot Studies. It’s a 3-4-year course depending on the route. Along with cricket, aviation has long been a field in which I’ve had a deep interest.”

Wilson, like his cricketing colleague Solomon Bascombe, was a national scholarship winner in 2023.

Stories: I.B.A. ALLEN

Coaches, captains and cricket officials at last Saturday’s draft and launch.

Salvan Browne opened the season with an even 100 for RSVG Police Master.

Luke Wilson has a clear pathway along which he will pursue his ambitions.

Sports V

Getting the points

IF THERE is an example of a team making sure they are up with the points on the Test table, it is India. They proved in a match scheduled over five days, their instinct on adjustment.

The scores are Bangladesh: 233 and 146. India, 285 for 9 and 98 for 3. There was loss in time. At the close of day one, Bangladesh were 167 for 3. The second and third days were washed out. At the end of the fourth day, Bangladesh were 26 for 2.

The collapse set up the victory charge of 95. India hunted down like Israeli commandoes taking out Palestinians.

They changed into T/20 mode, as they did throughout their turn at the crease. Their 285 for 9 came in 34.4 overs. They used half of that number to overhaul the target.

That is a display that will perhaps woo spectators to test arenas. The approach shows that things can be accomplished, once you are committed.

West Indies Cricket can adopt the Indian approach. We might not have the money, but we can use the concept and have things in place.

By the time the Caribbean Premier League is over, attention shifts to ensuing tours involving England and Bangladesh. Some people raise concerns about the time of the outage in Guyana with the balance and nuances of the issues on the field and outside the border.

Vincentians await the second uproar at the Arnos vale Ground.

Repairs to the facility in the wake of Hurricane Beryl come as maintenance. Following some electrifying, and natural aura that the arena presents, sporting fans will get to savour the surroundings in a different perspective. This time is the SVG Football Federation extravaganza.

October 10, and 13, fans have four matches with the home team against El Salvador twice, preceded by Montserrat and Bonaire clashes.

The euphoria following the display by our Netballers adds prides to the nation. This peaks in and around the October period and generates enough stamina to run the whole year.

The calendar dovetails into event for the rest of the year. The performance of the Indian team in the Test match highlights a distance the West Indies have to make up to reach the fringes of competitive cricket.

The holding of the Master T/20 Tournament signal a semblance of cricket. Other activities are slated. It is helpful to enlist Vincentians to Cricket Academy exposure, to ensure that the standard stays up with requirement in the broader circles.

And with St. Vincent and the Grenadines possessed with the logistics of spearheading a genuine arrangement, manifestation of those dreams ought to be fulfilled in the shortest possible period.

If we have them, we have to use them. There are the naturally endowed gifts: hills, valleys, beaches, mountains, ranges and trees. Knitted with the birds, fishes, butterflies and bees, tinged by ridges, rocks and trees, washed by the waters of the Atlantic and Caribbean Seas.

That’s reason to enjoy the West Indies.

Morgan lends expertise to the Bahamas

VINCENTIANPhysical Education Teacher and Track and Field Coach - Chester Morgan has been invited to lend his expertise to coordinate a Kids Athletics Programme in the Bahamas.

This after he conducted a three-day Train the Trainers Workshop in Grand Bahamas, from September 29 to October 1, 2024.

Morgan said that twenty-seven Physical Education teachers participated in the Workshop.

“After completing the three days of training, the participants will have six weeks to execute the programme that I created, between October 14 and November 23, 2024”, Morgan detailed, adding that he will monitor and report on the period of execution.

The programme has been endorsed by the

Bahamian Ministry of Education and has indicated that it will have the programme implemented in all 32 public and 20 private primary schools.

Towards this end, Morgan said the Ministry of Education has mandated that all Physical Education teachers will attend a workshop in zones, on October 24.

Morgan revealed that the project is financed by Olympic Solidarity accessed by the Bahamas Athletics Association.

No local support

Although delighted that he has been able to share his knowledge with the wide Caribbean region, Morgan bemoaned the fact that he courted policymakers here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines with the intention of having a similar programme implemented. His effort proved futile.

Participants pose with their certificates, with Workshop officials.

Greiggs champs NEFL title

A ZIDANE SAM’Sgoal was enough to hand Greiggs the Champion’s title of the 2024 North East Football League’s Village Competition last Sunday, September 29, at the Chili Playing Field.

Sam’s goal, in the process, dethroned Spring Village who had a chance to equalize late in Sunday’s final, but Iruel Matthias saw his penalty snuffed by the much sought-after Greiggs’ goalkeeper - Anthony Hazell.

The two heroes of the final were later rewarded. Sam claimed the Best Striker award and Hazell, the Player of the

Top Striker and Goal scorer in the final and the League’s top striker - Zidane Sam (right) accepts his award from NEFL President - Keron Arthur.

Final.

Spring Village ruled among the individual awards, as Jermaine Jarvis was adjudged the Best Goal Keeper; Iruel Matthias — Best Defender, and Desroy Adams- Best Manager.

Other awardees were Terris Joseph of third place team Overland, the Best Midfielder, with Byrea scalping the Most Disciplined Team accolade.

Youth Sailors Triumph

THE

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES SAILING ASSOCIATION (SVGSA) hosted an exhilarating racing event last week Friday, September 27, involving young Vincentian sailors and a squad of professional yacht skippers from Tradewinds Yacht Charters in the ILCA 6 class.

Tradewinds Yacht Charters, known for their all-inclusive luxury catamaran charters, recently relocated their base of operations to Blue Lagoon Marina following the passage of Hurricane Beryl, which impacted their previous base in the Grenadines.

The competition, in which the young

It was, from all reports, a day of exciting racing as Vincentian Youth sailors matched their skills against professional yacht skippers. (Photo: SVGSA)

“The authorities in the Bahamas are serious about sports and development, unlike those here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines”, Morgan concluded.

Morgan is a master trainer in Kids Athletics and St. Vincent and the Grenadines is regarded as a pioneer in that World Athletics undertaking.

The three top teams - Greiggs, Spring Village, and Overland, were awarded trophies and cash prizes.

Vincentian sailors triumphed over their more elderly opponents, was described as a thrilling encounter that highlighted the skills of the island’s young sailors.

Sabrina MarksDasent, SVGSA Performance Manager, expressed her delight, saying, “It was a wonderful experience for our youth racing squad to compete against professional yacht skippers. It not only tested their skills but also introduced them to

the broader opportunities of pursuing a career in sailing.”

Johan Nel, Base Manager at Tradewinds, reflected on the day’s competition: “Our crew had a fantastic time.

While they started a bit rusty, they managed to deliver some competitive performances.

Tradewinds is a socially conscious organization, and we value the chance to build relationships with these young sailors. We hope to show them more about the charter

industry and the career paths available, but we also look forward to reclaiming victory in the next challenge.”

In a statement following the event, the SVGSA stated, “The event was a resounding success. It brought together youth sailors and experienced professionals in a fun and competitive atmosphere, fostering both camaraderie and career inspiration within the sailing community.”

(Source: SVGSA)

Man found dead at Gibson Corner Lowmans LÊward vendor found dead

From Backpage.

His body was discovered in a pool of blood, with what appeared to be chopped wounds about his body and a visible indentation in his face.

A large stone was found near to where the lifeless body lay and the speculation among those Mahoe residents who first arrived on the scene, was that the stone could have been used to smash Holder’s head.

One female onlooker gave her ‘theory’, saying, “Two sink dey in his head and like when they done kill him, they drop the block in his head.”

Holder was described by the majority of people who converged on the scene as a good man, who picked fresh fruits for sale in Kingstown. He had become known for coining the sale pitch, “Fresh Pick”.

Holder was last seen in his community on Wednesday night.

From Backpage.

The dead man was discovered hours after an attempted robbery at Peruvian Vale. According to reports, the robbery was allegedly foiled after a former police discharged his firearm at three masked bandits.

Xavier ‘Baryo’ Browne’s death is listed as the 34th homicide do

far for 2024. St. Vincent and the Grenadines recorded a record 55 homicides in 2023.

AI REAL ESTATE

MAN FOUND DEAD AT GIBSON CORNER

by KENVILLE HORNE

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINEShas found itself in a spate of homicides between Friday 27th September to Thursday 3rd October, 2024.

The count up to yesterday was six including, two in Petit Bordel and one each in Calliaqua, Sion Hill, Gibson Corner and Lowmans Leeward.

As for the one in Gibson Corner, a man was discovered dead on the concrete roof of building that is used as a ‘tourist lookout’.

Police are looking into a possible link between the death of Xavier Browne, aka ‘Baryo’ of Chateaubeliar, the person whose body was found at Gibson Corner Wednesday morning, and an attempted armed robbery in Peruvian Vale on Tuesday night.

The deceased was discovered sometime after 6am on Wednesday 2nd, October. He was sporting a cornrow hairstyle, and clad in a black long-sleeve sweater, a grey long pants

and had a red bandana tied around his neck and a red hat hanging loosely around his neck. He was barefooted. Detectives at the crime scene could be seen removing his items from his pants pockets. The lawmen also took photos, most of which focused on the victim’s back.

A police source told THE VINCENTIAN that Browne was discovered with froth coming from his mouth. He also had an injury to the back of his head that appeared to be a gunshot wound. Investigators are of the opinion that he might have been killed elsewhere and his boy dumped at Gibson Corner.

A police report on the incident said that preliminary investigations indicated that the deceased sustained a single gunshot wound to the back, with no other visible injuries. A postmortem examination was expected to determine the exact cause of death.

Continued on Page 27

13-YEAR-OLD FOUND DEAD ON BEACH: ONE ARRESTED

THE COUNTRYwas shocked into a sense of disbelief, following the news that the body of a 13-year-old boy, Matthew Da Souza of Fair Hall, was discovered at Sion Hill Bay.

The police report confirmed the discovery as having been made on Monday 30th September.

That report also indicated that Da Souza’s body, when discovered, was naked from the waist down and that it showed signs of injuries.

A post-mortem

examination conducted on October 2, 2024, revealed that Da Souza’s cause of death was drowning, due to or as a consequence of blunt trauma to the head, the Police reported. His death, albeit unconfirmed, is being considered as the 35th homicide victim for the year.

Da Souza was known to be part of a group of young people who begged on a daily basis on the streets of Kingstown, and he was said to have taken to sleeping on the streets of the capital.

He was, according to one person who spoke with THE VINCENTIAN, seen often in the vicinity of the BOSVG, had a ready smile but avoided answering when asked why he was on the street.

The police said on Thursday that one person was assisting them with their inquiries. As the investigation is ongoing, the police said further

Zavier ‘Baryo’ Browne was found dead with one identifiable gunshot wound to his back.

details will be provided when necessary and appropriate.

The VINCENTIAN understands that the person who was assisting the police has since been charged with Da Souza’s murder, and was to be taken to the Family Court on Thursday, for arraignment.

LOWMANS LÊWARD VENDOR FOUND DEAD

THOSE WHOthought this country could not deal with another homicide for the week, might just have wasted a thought.

For on Thursday 3rd October, around 12 noon, almost to the day the country counted its 35th homicide, Devon ‘Lime’ Holder was discovered dead outside his home in Top Mahoe, Lowmans Leeward.

The Lowmans Leeward native was a well-known fruit vendor who plied his trade under E. D. Layne’s gallery in Kingstown.

Continued on Page 27.

Matthew Da Souza was known to have taken to the streets of Kingstown.

Devon ‘Lima’ Holder would be missed by those who knew him as a fresh fruit vendor in Kingstown.

The body of Xavier Browne is prepared for removal from the scene under the supervision of Asst. Commissioner/Crime Fighting Trevor ‘Buju’ Bailey (left back).