THE VINCENTIAN PDF-16-08-24

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Gonsalves: Shallow in the mix

Minister and Leader of the ULP Dr. Ralph Gonsalves will not be excited about some of the results of a recent poll.

Vincy filmmaker cops Cuban Award

by Gloriah

Akley Olton, talented Vincentian filmmaker, continues to bring recognition to himself and his native land.

His latest accolade came as his film, ‘Madulu, The Seaman’, was adjudged the best short feature (documentary) at the 18th Edition of the Festival Internacional de Cine de Gibara in Cuba, from August 6 — 10, 2024.

‘Madulu, The Seaman’. a powerful portrayal of the resilient whaling traditions of Barrouallie, offers a nostalgic peek into the lives of the Barrouallie community as it unravels their unswerving spirit in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Olton uses techniques of compelling storytelling and spectacular visuals to unravel his story of the rich cultural heritage of the community.

‘Madulu, The Seaman’ has also received other critical acclaim, having been selected for screening at international film festivals in Indonesia, French Guiana, and the United Kingdom. This global recognition highlights the film’s universal appeal

and its ability to inspire and engage audiences worldwide.

Olton is an alumnus of Cuba’s prestigious International School of Film and Television. Speaking of his recent award, he told THE VINCENTIAN: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award. It is a testament to the power of film to tell stories that resonate with people from all walks of life.”

His expressions of gratitude are aplenty for the support of his community, the Ministry of Tourism, Youth, Sports, and Culture, and the entire ‘Madulu, The Seaman’ team.

“Madulu, The Seaman” was produced by Island Rebel Media, with cinematography by Laura Sanz, and was also a participant in the IF/Then Shorts x Hulu 2021 short documentary laboratory. It was directed by Olton himself.

The film’s international success highlights the importance of preserving and sharing the unique stories of small communities, ensuring their voices are heard worldwide.

Olton’s success serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers in the Caribbean, proving that, ‘with talent, determination, and a compelling story, it is possible to achieve international recognition’.

Art Workshops to focus on La Soufriere

LA SOUFRIERE, our famous, beautiful volcano, commonly referred to as “Soufre” has given us untold fresh organic nutrients, which has nourished and sustained our nation abundantly. The volcano has played a tremendous role in making our islands lush, beautiful, and bountiful.

When you think about it, having a live volcano in your backyard is rare! Not many countries have an active volcano.

We know erupting volcanoes have a great emotional impact! It is felt by all.

Creatives in our midst pay attention and respond with great passion and vigour. They feel and

respond to the energy of the volcano. Their responses should be captured, savoured and shared with the community.

To this end Youlou Arts Foundation has joined forces with Vincy Writers to do just that.

The two organizations are collaborating to promote a series of workshops on the volcano with funding from the Commonwealth Foundation, to encourage the public: to express their feelings about the positive impact of the volcano; to liberate the creative spirit, gather inspiration, and promote discussions on our beloved volcano, La Soufriere.

The end result will be a festival focused on celebrating the

volcano with writings and visual art slated for April of 2025.

Workshops will be held at the Youlou Art Centre, Indian Bay. They are free and open to the public for adults eighteen years and over. The first workshop will start on Saturday, August 17 from 2 - 4 pm.

Each workshop will have a facilitator to guide the discussions and activities. Light refreshments will be served.

Confirmation of participation can be made by calling (457-4493 or 497-7811 (WhatsApp) or emailing the Youlou Art Centre at (youlouartcentre@gmail.com).

(Submitted by YAF)

Akley Olton is an independent filmmaker with a particular passion for his country’s deep cultural heritage.

V News 3

2024 NTRC Summer Programme closes

THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD ROEL DIAMONDsaid that he hoped for a Vincentian economy led by the technology sector.

And based on the basic knowledge that he garnered at the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission’s (NTRC) 2024 MyApp Summer programme in coding and robotics, he is now ready to lead the country into a competitive technological era.

Diamond was the Valedictorian following the first of two IT workshops being put on by the NTRC. He

shared that, through the use of the micro-bit, they learned to code using various parts of the ‘toolbox’ including logic, input and various other functions.

“We also built robots and programmed these robots to accomplish various tasks,” he said.

And that was the NTRC’s objective behind organising the event.

“… most of them (participants) came without any previous knowledge of coding,” Cyron Cyrus, instructor of the MyApp Summer Programme said, “now they are leaving with a wealth of basic

knowledge that are used to make complex applications in today’s world.”

Twenty students representing various schools attended the workshop which got underway on July 22 and ended on August 9.

Friday preferred alternative to Gonsalves: Shallow in the mix

Continued from front page.

IN A QUESTION WITHrespect to who was the preferred alternative to Dr. Ralph Gonsalves as Prime Minister, the survey results indicated that leader of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), Dr. Godwin Friday, was the preferred choice, with support from 21% of those surveyed.

Interestingly, Dr. Kishore Shallow, a name which most Vincentians would not have associated with national politics far less being a national leader, even though he enjoys both a national and regional profile as the President of Cricket West Indies Inc., was thrown into the mix and the results showed that he was the second preferred alternative, having garnered the vote of 19% of those canvassed.

Dr. Shallow has been the subject of interest, i.e. talk, as a political candidate but he himself has never confirmed this ambition.

Others considered in this category and who followed Drs. Friday and Shallow in the poll, were Unity Labour Party (ULP) Ministers of Government Camillo Gonsalves, son of Dr. Gonsalves, and Saboto Caeasr.

Gonsalves polled a mere 9.3% support to Caesar’s 17%, sending a strong message to the ULP.

The two have been purported to be duo from among whom a successor to Dr. Gonsalves is expected to come. Gonsalves has seemingly enjoyed support from the hierarchy and Caesar from among the rank and file.

On the question of who was best positioned as an opposition leader to defeat Prime Minister Dr. Gonslaves, (Prime Minister since 2001), the survey indicated that Dr. Friday with 26.4% stood out as the most likely, with Dr. Shallow, an unknown quantity for all intents and purpose, polling 18.7% of the 1,123 respondents.

And as far as the performance of the incumbent ULP was concerned, only 20% of those surveyed thought they were doing a “good job”, while 28.4 graded them as doing a “fair job.”

Dr. Gonsalves, though, would have much on which to ponder since the poll results showed that 40% of those polled did not approve of his performance, with 35.2 approving.

Dr. Friday, for his part, attracted a 32% approval of his performance

as Leader of the Opposition, with 13.8% expressing a view that another person could do better. he would take this with caution since 24.8% of who responded said they were not certain of his performance, opening the door for a possible vote against he and his party.

Looking ahead to the next general elections, constitutionally due by February 2026, 57% said they will vote in the next elections, with a significant 20% saying they will not. Some 22.9% said they had not settled on whether or not they will vote.

Some 33.7% of the responders felt that the ULP would win, with 30.1% giving the nod to the NDP.

The ULP has won the last five general elections (2001, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. During that time the leadership of the ULP has remained unchanged, with Dr. Ralph Gonsalves at the helm of party and government.

The NDP has had one leadership change during that time with Dr. Godwin Friday replacing Arnhim Eustace in 2016. (BN)

Originally scheduled to be held on Canouan, the venue was changed to the St. Vincent Grammar School, as a consequence of the damage sustained following the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

Patricia John, Communications and Marketing Manager at the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (BOSVG) and one of the sponsors, lauded the NTRC for going ahead and staging the event, despite the devastation which affected those living on Canouan.

Alejandro Tesorero, Marketing Executive for Digicel — another of the list of sponsors which included FLOW, VINLEC, St. Vincent Port Authority and Massy Stores Ltd., identified that, “The skills that these young minds would have acquired during this programme— coding, app development, problem solving — these are all not just technical skills, they are life skills. They are tools that will enable them to shape the future of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Trini Chen, Deputy Councillor at the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) another sponsor, said that the staff at the Embassy and by extension her government admired the vision of the NTRC for organising the MyApp Summer Programme. She said that it has been a policy of her government to put emphasis on education, and more specifically, persons being trained in IT related fields.

On parting ways with the participants Executive Director of the NTRC, Apollo Knights offered the following advice: “Companies that were sustainable and successful usually offered good products and services…. But to be successful, persons needed two things — knowledge and wisdom.”

Valedictorian Roel Diamond spoke of a future where SVG would be a world leader in the development of technology.

Participants in the 2024 NTRC MyApp Summer Programme pose with Apollo Knights, Executive Director NTRC (extreme left) and Rgea Lewis, Consumer and Public Relations Manager NTRC (extreme right).

P.I ongoing into woman’s strangulation

by HAYDN HUGGINS

A MURDERPreliminary Inquiry (P.I) is ongoing into the death of Arnos Vale resident Zarrel Veronica ‘Keisha’ Small, 43 years old.

Rion Cole has been charged with a murder that has been described as bone-chilling.

A police report stated that around 6 a.m. on August 25, 2022, police had received information about a female body discovered at the tarmac of the decommissioned E.T. Joshua airport, Arnos Vale.

The officers visited the scene and met the woman lying on her back, in an area where containers and trailers were stored, with what appeared to be a piece of PVC pipe inserted into her vagina.

Paul’s Avenue resident Rion ‘Pit Bull’ Cole has been charged with the murder of the 43-year-old woman between August 24 and 25, 2022. She is said to have been living at Pole Yard, Arnos Vale at the time of her death.

An autopsy showed she died of asphyxia, due to manual strangulation.

Several witnesses have already testified for the Prosecution at the P.I which is expected to continue at the Serious Offenses Court on Tuesday.

POLICE ROUND-UP

Trio charged with assault

On August 8, 2024, police arrested and jointly charged Alex Lewis, a 32-year-old Electrician, Naomi Commissiong, a 26-yearold sales clerk, and Bridget Commissiong, a 49-year-old teacher all of Layou, with the offence of assault.

The investigation revealed that the accused persons allegedly assaulted, a 24year-old Domestic of Layou, by beating her about her body with their hands and sticks causing actual bodily harm.

The offence was committed in Layou on May 25, 2022. The Trio is expected to appear before the Kingstown Magistrate Court to answer the charge.

Man charged with damage to property and theft

On August 12, 2024, police arrested and charged Ronell Mathurin, a 38-year-old resident of Arnos Vale/Kingstown, was arrested and charged on August 12, 2024, with the offences of damage to property and theft.

The investigation revealed that the accused, allegedly without lawful excuse, damaged the left rear window of motor vehicle PZ-589, valued at $1,089.00ECC. The vehicle is the property of a 60-year-old Businessman of Arnos Vale, and the accused allegedly smashed the window with an unknown object.

Additionally, Mathurin was charged with stealing one black Pioneer deck valued at $600.00ECC, the property of a 50-year-old self-employed resident of Green Hill.

The offences were committed on July 30, 2024 and August 4, 2024 respectively, in Middle Street, Kingstown.

Mathurin appeared before the Serious Offence Court on August 13, 2024 and pleaded not guilty to the offences committed. He was granted bail in the sum of $1,500.00ECC, with one surety.

The matter was adjourned and transferred to the Kingstown Magistrate Court on September 9, 2024.

Two charged with theft

On August 8, 2024, police arrested and jointly charged Jace Baptiste, a 20-year-old resident and Yannick Matthias, a 20-yearold Labourer both of Chilli Village with the offence of theft.

According to the report, the accused allegedly stole eight (8) twenty pounds empty Rubis Gas Cylinders -value $800.00 ECC - the property of a 33-year-old selfemployed resident of Chilli Village.

The offence was committed in Chilli Village, Georgetown on August 3,2024. Both defendants appeared before the Colonaire Magistrate Court on Thursday August 8,2024. Jace pleaded guilty to the offence and Mathias pleaded not guilty. They were both remanded in custody and the matter was adjourned to August 15, 2024.

Life-size photos for the dead

ARECENTreport in the Jamaica Star (newspaper), began with: “Persons passing the Annotto Bay Cemetery in St. Mary may be fooled into thinking that the several personshaped figures in the graveyard are ghosts.”

But for those who actually fell for the ghost story, Errol Green, Director of Exodus Funeral Services which operates in the parish, said that the presence of the life-size images of the deceased in cemeteries represents a new trend in the undertaking business.

Green takes credit for ushering in the trend.

“The life-size photograph, it came in right at the time of the

corona (COVID-19) when the pandemic started and the body was being prevented from going inside the church,” Green said.

The COVID restrictions on funerals and burials created “an emptiness in the church” as the remains were not allowed inside,” he added.

Green levelled that in the circumstances of the family having nothing to hold on to, “… it kinda make the grieving process a little bit painful for the family, so that is how I invented the life-size photograph to replace the casket itself.”

The undertaker said that the photos can take

any form, and often incorporate a memorable character trait of the deceased.

“We have some that we put in a chair to sit down on – so they’ll be a chair setting - and we have some that are beside cars. If the guy used to ride bike, we can photoshop him and put him on a bike to sit down, so when you step into the church it looks like he’s sitting on a bike inside the church,” Green said.

And as for what family members are likely to do with the photographs, Green related that some family members opt to keep the photograph, and they will reuse it at events such as

memorials and parties. Others, he said, take it to cemetery and place it on top of the grave.

“Everybody wants that kind of service because everyone wants to celebrate their loved ones in that very special way, so right across Jamaica it is now,” Green said.

One person who has followed the trend is Megil Young. He told the Jamaica Observer that he got the cut-out for the mother of his children who died two

months ago.

On visits to the cemetery with his children, he said they are able to still see their mother, even though she passed, giving them some level of comfort.

“It’s just to know that a-she this; we can see her picture and remember her same way. Is my baby mother. From me see it, me a guh feel a way to know say your loved one deh here suh, but at least we can still see her face,” said Young.

“Some of the times I come here, sit down, and just look at my baby mother and talk to her and say, ‘Boy, me sad seh you gone,’ but when me see her picture it feels like a she me really a talk to,” he added.

A quick check with contacts in other islands indicated that the ‘trend’ has not got to their islands, yet. We know for a fact that it has not surfaced here. (Sources: Jamaica Star, Jamaica Observer)

One of the many life-size photos in the Annotto Bay Cemetery, Jamaica. (Source: Jamaica Observer)

Funeral service agent (right) standing with a life-size photo of a recently deceased man. (Source: Jamaica Observer)

Managing Director: Desiree Richards

Editor: Cyprian Neehall

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

Website: www.thevincentian.com

Email: thevincentianpublishing@gmail.com

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

Editorial

We owe it to Shafiqua….

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME Vincentians were as united as they were around the success of one of their own – Shafiqua Maloney? For that matter, when was the last time Vincentians were so undeniably united around anything?

A cursory effort to solicit an answer to the question resulted in a unanimous response: Independence — October 27, 1979.

Now, the truth about the significance of the response is that an entire generation of Vincentians — post-1979 - would not have experienced the ‘unity’, or is it euphoria of the occasion of Independence.

Not even Shafiqua would have been dreamt of, at the time in 1979 when we rallied behind the lowering of one flag and the raising of another — our own, albeit one that has since been buried in our history.

And yes, if we search carefully we might well unearth events, individual achievements by renowned Vincentians which have bought us a sense of joy and accomplishment as a nation. In this regard, we must guard against misrepresenting the unity occasioned by Shafiqua’s achievement.

Some might want to go out on a limb and equate our being elected to the UN Security Council with the occasion of the achievement of Shafiqua. That UN elevation, as much as it was a sense of coming to the fore as a nation, would have to be assessed as a political ‘milestone’ but sadly, one with a partisan feel to it.

Not since the night/day of October 27, 1979 has there been an occasion of oneness, of ‘Vincentianness’, of feeling like a people finding themselves among the mighty nations of the world, like the one occasioned by a young, 25-year-old female from a rural community we call Richland Park.

Try as much as you would want to say otherwise, the Shafiqua moment/occasion is different… resoundingly different. It is the one truly global event that we share with the world. It is a real moment in time, and while we would have wished her even greater success, we embrace what she achieved and are wont to share it with the world. For it speaks, not only about sport, not only about the sporting prowess that lays latently among our youth, but moreso, it speaks to our identity.

Why do we care so much?

And when we recall her journey, we will reflect on how much more we could have done — how we could have avoided the rush and embarrassment of a ‘last minute response’, which some of us conveniently forget as we reach to embrace her and her moment.

And what is the least we now owe Shafiqua for having brought us together like never before?

We must work steadfastly, without prejudice, to ensure her track record translates into meaningful changes (direct and indirect support) for other track and field athletes, other sportsmen and sportswomen, and even artists, cultural artistes, innovators, etc., all oozing with talent and ambition, quietly searching for that break that will present them to the world, (and) set them on a pathway to greatness that will redound in recognition for their country.

And we owe it to Shafiqua to admit that we have a lot more to do, not least being to convince more people to come on board to support our youth.

We owe it to her to set aside our petty prejudices, our petty political differences, to sidestep those vultures who sit waiting for the opportunity to use an occasion of this magnitude to advance their personal often narrow agendas.

Shafiqua’s success tells us that there could well be many more dreamers among us… those who dream about achieving greatness. Not to support this ambition is to deny ourselves an opportunity for growth.

We must understand that these dreamers are unlikely to conform; they will question even those around them; they will not pander to those in authority; they will not kneel and beg for this will break their spirit, their determination.

People like Shafiqua do not conform without disturbing the status quo.

So, we will promise Shafiqua: that we will guarantee a leadership that will energise the new sense of success that she has breathed into our young people; that we will work to ensure that we embrace new ideas; that we will encourage critical thought that will inspire fundamental changes with long term goals in mind.

WHY WE, SVG, care so much about elections in the US is beyond me. Having lived in the USA for decades, I suppose I should also care somewhat, but I don’t.

I became a citizen as soon as possible and participated in the election process immediately. I guess I followed the basic view of the American principle of “no taxation without representation”. When planning to be away, I even arranged to vote by mail. Yes, that’s a thing in the USA. I was never under any illusion that the two major parties in the US had anything to offer people like me (Black and Immigrant). I registered as a Democrat; after all, I am a child of the eighties, and no one coming of age in SVG during that time could ever register as a Republican. How can we forget Ronald Regan and the damage he did to our region?

I, however, never thought I could trust the Democrats to truly represent me or the working class and the poor people of this nation. In short, I saw most of my vote as the lesser of two evils. The hypocrisy and double standard left me thirsty for a third alternative. Unfortunately, no one ever emerged as a viable option. For example, while most of my Caribbean and African American friends went wild over the election of President Obama, and yes, I did vote for him, I did not expect any significant changes to the legislative agenda. My greatest fear living in the Southwest was that he would do nothing to help the millions living in the shadows. He spent all of his first two years in office fighting for a healthcare bill that, in the end, did very little for the majority of the people who needed it most because he decided to drop the mandatory requirement. So, once again, the people who needed it the most could not afford it.

The only clear-cut issue on which the two parties differ is the “Right to Life or the Right to Choose”. The Republicans say they are for the Right to Life of every unborn baby. Who could be against something as basic as that? We’ll leave it up to the Republicans. They are trying to get elected now, so they are making subtle changes to that clearly stated position. Today, to get my vote, they would have me believe that they are ok with some abortions except for “Late-term abortion”. Yes, you guessed it, no one is willing to say what that means. The best way to

summarize the issue is that the platform was designed to appease everyone and confuse the issue as best they can.

The Democrats’ position on this issue is just as clear but equally nuanced. They support a woman’s Right to choose. At no time will they ever tell you at what point an unborn fetus is a baby and should be given the Right to Life. While both parties haggle over the Right to Life or to choose, no one speaks the people’s language. The fact of the matter is that most people are somewhere in the middle of both parties on this issue. I do not think that anyone thinks that abortion should be used as a birth control mechanism, nor should a woman’s pregnancy conceived through rape, incest, or other unfortunate circumstances not be given the Right to choose especially when the woman’s life is in danger.

On the issue of fiscal responsibility and taxation, they are basically on the same page. They are both willing to shift the tax burden around in the middle class to continue to support the upper one percent. Both parties will spend more on the military to support selected sectors of the economy. They will not take a meaningful stand on climate change that will reduce the emissions output. America will continue to be the world’s leading oil producer and polluter for the foreseeable future.

As much as I would like to see Vice President Harris elected, I would not expect any difference in any of the policies that are important to me, like:

* living up to their commitments to funding the climate change initiative;

* stopping the unconditional support of Israel and hold them accountable for the creation of a Palestine state and withdrawal from the West Bank;

* ending the inflationary spiral caused by tariffs on Chinese imports;

* granting amnesty to current residents living in the USA for more than a year.

* Protecting workers’ right to unionize.

* Introducing meaningful gun control.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Crime in our midst

HONESTVincentians will admit that there over the recent past there has been a noticeable rise in crimes across the country –murder, robbery, theft, wounding. Crime has become commonplace in our society and it is (or should be) a cause for serious concerns.

Against this reality, our Police Force recently boasted of a drop in crime. This might be so but this is not something about which any rightthinking person should boast. One crime… one murder… is one too many. And once citizens in a country begin to feel uncomfortable, unsafe,

as articulated by “Retiree” in a recent letter to the Editor of this publication, we cannot allow statistics to lead us into believing that all is safe. How can we ever feel safe when already for the year, Aug.10, 2024, there are 29 homicides. In addition to the Police and their reference to statistics, our government has, not in as many words, made it known that they are not comfortable with the level of crime and violence in the society.

The government has moved to level blame on

and rationalize the causes of violent crime, but it has not shown that it is working assiduously to address the situation. No amount of legislation that will increase penalties for different categories of offences, like possession of illegal firearms, will make any serious difference. There is no singular remedy that can comprehensively and successfully address this problem. We have to have a multi-faceted approach, and the government must swallow its pride and invite all concerned

parties, including the Opposition, to a table where measure/strategies for dealing with the situation can be designed and an implementation plan agreed.

The quantity of firearms present in our society is frightening to say the least. This is an indication that the gun could easily become, if it has not already, the easy and first way of settling disagreements.

We have to act now to curb this or else we’ll end up in anarchy.

Thomas

Europeans painted Jesus as a white man

IT WAS QUITEa revelation to hear the Russian political leader, Vladimir Putin, say that the Europeans painted Jesus (whose name is Yeshua) as a white man and therefore, Africans are worshipping a white god. Ask yourself: Would His mother and father have escaped to Egypt if He were European?

The Europeans also changed the philosophy of Yeshua from one that encouraged a collective and service leadership, to a one-man dictatorship, in the name of a pope. That caused a breakaway by England who established the Anglican Church.

However, the Afrocentric, Garifuna mix, emerged in SVG in the 1800s, (after slavery was abolished on paper) and continued with the

philosophical mission of Yeshua. They asked the British to leave their land so that they would own and control their destiny. The British instead went to India and deceived some Indians… told them that they would take them to a country where they would own their own farmlands and homes.

But even before the arrival of the Indians, the British military supported the police in restricting the Garifuna revolutionaries to Chapel Hill, Bonhomme, Stubbs, and Victoria Village. The Indians were placed from Calder Gap to Crick Corner and in Richland Park.

In the Stubbs area, the true teaching of Yeshua, the Messiah, was activated and they started to baptize in the river between Victoria

PEOPLE ARE ASKING:

* How well is the distribution of assistance under the Zero Hunger Fund programme working? Is there a problem with funds?

* What has happened to the community steelbands? Long ago, there used to be a steelband in almost all the major communities in SVG, ask Francis ‘Pess’ Llewellyn.

* Do we have some specialized service here for persons suffering from Graves’ Disease? How come that Jamaican dancehall artiste- Vybz Kartel, said that he is considering SVG as a place to get treatment for his Graves’ Disease?

* Was that Junior Panorama really a fitting way to mark World Pan Day? Maybe next year we can go back to having a Pan Jamboree featuring all the ‘big’ bands?

* Where are we depositing all the old galvanize that is collected in Union Island after the destruction in that island caused by Hurricane Beryl?

* Are the residents of Mayreau, whose houses suffered severe damage and even total destruction by Hurricane Beryl, being ignored by the people responsible for the national restoration/rebuilding effort?

* Did solar lamps donated specifically for the people of Mayreau, get to the rightful recipients?

called Jordan.

This Afrocentric political/religious expression became a threat to the white, established churchesAnglican and Roman Catholic - who were not following the principle of water baptism — and out of it came the Wilderness Believers and Converted, as they were called. They were outlawed by the British government under the October 1st, 1912, Shakerism Prohibition Ordinance. This year marks 112 years since this Afrocentric political/religious movement was outlawed in SVG. Some of the members migrated to Trinidad where they met with different African spiritualities.

But they too, were rounded up in Trinidad and outlawed under a similar Shakerism Prohibition Ordinance with a name change to Shoutism, hence the 1917 Shouterism Prohibition Ordinance in Trinidad and Tobago. By March 1951, the Shouterism Prohibition Ordinance was repealed and they registered in Trinidad and Tobago as the Spiritual Baptist.

The Shakerism Prohibition Ordinance enforced in SVG was repealed in 1965 after a motion by E.T. Joshua, then Chief Minister. The police could make no more arrests. But even before that, the Shakers registered in SVG as the Christian Pilgrim Faith in May 1951. This Faith is still practicing the Afrocentric teaching of their Afrocentric founder and leader, Yeshua.

Empathy is the word

HURRICANE BERYLinflicted much damage to our country, especially in the Union Island, Canouan and Mayreau.

Many residents from these islands are still reeling from the effects of the destruction caused by Beryl. In addition, Union island and Mayreau (subject to correction) are still without electricity. On top of that, telephone and internet services are still an issue for people on those islands. And to make it arose, I understand that they now have to put up with an infestation of mosquitoes.

As I understand it, it will be a long time before these communities return to normal life.

That is why we, as a nation, have to show empathy for those affected. We have to understand their plight and feelings. We have to put our feet in their shoes, so to speak. We have to rise up as a people and unite for a common cause, forgetting about personal, political and religious differences.

Remember, united we stand, divided w fall.

No human name should be changed without personal permission. His mother and father never called him Jesus for the English language didn’t exist then. Putin is right; they also changed his teaching. My people, we have to stop and think and rethink about those who say they bring the truth.

Christian Democrat

Cheryl, USA

God rules all things

LET ME GIVEyou some tips about God and satan, and how they both operate. Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy. In contrast, ‘God so loved the world that He sent his only begotten son, Jesus, to die on the cross that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life’. (John 3:16)

Let me continue a little bit with what the Bible has to say. The love of money is the root of all evil. Now, don’t get me wrong; it never says that having plenty money is the root of all evil. What it means, is that money becomes evil, when it is not used to show love to others. This verse will give you the answer: ‘A good name is to be chosen, rather than great riches that is loving the Saviour rather than silver and gold’. (Proverbs 22:1)

Now, God rules democracy and satan rules communism. Communist leaders are like this: they don’t want any opposition to be standing in their way; they will try to get rid of you, and others who are standing in their way.

But you’ll have spiritual weapons like Moses’ rod, Sampson’s donkey jaw bone, and David’s slingshot and a stone.

So you understand why God is more powerful than satan?

Alistair ‘Live up’ Simon

Village and Bonhomme, which they

School re-opening beckons amidst challenges after Beryl

The issue

HURRICANEBeryl which struck SVG on July 1, 2024, devastated the Southern Grenadines and severely damaged parts of Bequia, Young Island, and St. Vincent. Among the buildings severely damaged or destroyed were primary and secondary schools and the SVG Community College — 28 in all.

Additionally, and especially, in Union Island hardly any house was spared the wrath of Hurricane Beryl, and modern requisites like electricity and telecommunications facilities were ravaged, to be rebuilt from scratch.

Further, across St. Vincent and the Grenadines today there are 20 schools which are currently housing 559 shelterees, 160 of whom are from Union Island; almost all of the others are from St. Vincent. These shelterees have to be accommodated elsewhere and the repair of the schools effected before they can be reopened for students.

The scheduled opening day for the next school term is September 2, 2024. It is unlikely that many schools will be ready on that day.

Destroyed or severely damaged schools

The destroyed or severely damaged schools are:

(1) Mary Hutchinson Primary School on Union Island: This was completely destroyed; it is being rebuilt but will not be ready for a few more months. It has a population of around 90 students.

(2) Stephanie Browne Primary School on Union Island: this was severely damaged; its repair may be completed by September 9, 2024. It houses some 150 students.

(3) Union Island Secondary School: This was severely damaged. Its repair is being done and is likely to be ready for September 2, 2024. Its enrollment for the new term is 212 students.

(4) Bishops College Kingstown: This was severely damaged. The contractor is at work on it but it is unlikely to be ready before mid-September 2024.

(5) Calder Primary School: This was severely damaged. It is being repaired. Cross our fingers, it may be ready for September 2, 2024.

(6) Canouan Primary School: Parts of the school (mainly the roof) severely damaged. It is being worked on. It is likely to be ready for the scheduled start of the school term but there are shelterees in it and neither alternative accommodation nor the houses of the shelterees may be available on time for the premises to be vacated.

(7) Canouan Secondary School: The same situation as the Canouan Primary School.

(8) Mayreau Primary School: Two small structures on the school compound have to be rebuilt and the school itself to be repaired. A contractor has commenced work on this project. However, the large family in the school has to be accommodated elsewhere; a contractor has been engaged to rebuild the home of that family. The requisites here suggest a late re-opening of this school.

(9) Paget Farm Primary School (Bequia): This school was destroyed. Several local contractors are at work building a temporary school. It may meet the September 2nd reopening but it is touch-and-go in that regard.

(10) Lower Bay Primary School (Bequia): This school was damaged. It has small numbers, under 50 students. It is being repaired. It should be ready

for scheduled reopening.

(11) St. Joseph’s Convent Mesopotamia: Major repairs required. Work in progress.

(12) Emmanuel High School (Mespo): Major repairs. Work in progress.

(13) Adelphi Secondary School: Major repairs. Work in progress.

(14) St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown: Major repairs. Work in progress.

(15) Campden Park Technical Institute: Severely damaged. Repairs on stream.

Twenty schools with 559 shelterees

The twenty schools housing 559 shelterees, including 160 from Union Island, and their status are as follows:

(1) Langley Park Government School: 14 shelterees; minor repairs to be effected.

(2) Georgetown Secondary School: 18 shelterees; minor repairs to be done.

(3) Park Hill Government School: 6 shelterees; minor repairs to be effected.

(4) Diamond Government School: 8 shelteeres; minor repairs to be done.

(5) Argyle Government School: 23 shelterees; minor repairs to be done.

(6) Brighton Methodist School: 23 shelterees; major repairs to be done.

(7) Fair Hall Primary School 33 shelterees; minor repairs required.

(8) Calliaqua Anglican School: 30 shelterees; minor repairs to be done.

(9) Belmont Government School: 14 shelterees; significant repairs to be done, including parts of the roof and the ceiling

(10) Sion Hill Government School: 15 shelterees. Minor repairs required.

(11) Kingstown Government School (Stoney Ground):77 shelterees. Significant repairs, especially due to wear and tear of the use as a shelter with large numbers of persons.

(12) J.P. Eustace Memorial (Edinboro): 79 shleterees. Same situation as Kingstown Government School

(13) Lowmans Leeward Anglican Primary: 31 shelterees. Minor repairs needed

(14) Bethel High School (Campden Park):9 shelterees. Minor repairs required.

(15) Buccament Bay Secondary School:23 shelterees. Minor repairs plus wear and tear to be addressed.

(16) Petit Bordel Secondary School: 13 shelterees. Minor repairs to be done.

(17) Troumaca Secondary School: 8 shelterees. Minor repairs needed.

(18) Bequia Anglican School: 52 shelterees. Minor repairs and excessive wear and tear to be addressed.

(19) Canouan Government School: 50 shelterees. Major repairs nearing completion.

(20) Mayreau Government School: One large family is sheltering. Substantial work to be done on the two small buildings in the compound. [This was addressed earlier].

The minor repairs are expected to take two weeks in each case. The major repairs at Brighton and Belmont will take longer. Those with excessive wear and tear will consume time to be repaired in addition to the pre-existing requisite of minor repairs.

A huge challenge here is to find alternative accommodation for the shelterees.

Continued on Page 23.

Time to ease cost of living crisis

THEUnity Labour Party (ULP) government has failed to implement measures to ease the crippling cost of living crisis that most Vincentians are experiencing.

As the cost-of-living increases, our standard of living falls. Life has become more difficult for families, many of whom are now forgoing essentials and cutting back in every way they can. It is a sad reality that those who have the least are hardest hit. Spending on necessities takes up the larger portion of their income. There is also the added burden on parents, as they struggle to purchase school supplies for their children to return to school, for the new academic year 2024-2025.

The government has a duty to do everything it can to cushion the blows of rising costs on households, and to protect our communities. Further delay in implementing ‘relief’ measures will only cause more pain and suffering for Vincentians.

The truth is, while our government has failed to respond to the coat-ofliving crisis, across the OECS and the wider Caribbean, governments have implemented measures to ease the burden of their citizens.

We, the NDP, have a plan to immediately help to ease the effects of rising cost of living and ensure that we protect families. We urge the following:

* Reduce VAT from 16% to 13% and ensure that the savings are passed on to ordinary consumers. This will help everyone across the board. Increase the number of zero-rated VAT items. This will reduce grocery bills for everyone.

* Immediately repeal the last Customs Service Charge increase to reduce import costs;

* Increase support for lower income families by expanding existing support programmes and ensuring that the support is distributed based on need and not by political favour;

* Provide import duty concessions for the transportation industry, which is to say minivans, buses, and taxis;

* End the unlimited increase in the VINLEC bill by putting a cap on the fuel surcharge and improving efficiency.

These measures are practical and realistic and can deliver benefit to everyone immediately.

Current situation

Coupled with the cost-of-living crisis is the sad state of the country’s economy. St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ economy has been struggling since COVID-19 and the eruption of La Soufrière. This year, it has been worsened by hurricane Beryl. Vincentians are in the most vulnerable state they have seen in recent times.

Furthermore, unemployment is a major problem in the country. Twenty percent of the workforce is unemployed across our country and most of the people with jobs do not receive wages that can adequately support them and their families. Despite this, there has been no plan outlined by the government to provide long-term jobs and increase wages that will support the long-term recovery of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, especially following hurricane Beryl.

We have seen where the government has begun the process of assisting with short-term jobs to aid in the cleaning up of our country following hurricane Beryl, but we are

yet to see plans for the long-term development of our country to tackle the ongoing jobs crisis we face in the country.

In addition, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is plagued with serious poverty. Research has shown that poverty is linked with conditions such as: homelessness, inadequate nutrition, food insecurity, inadequate childcare, lack of access to proper health care, unsafe neighbourhoods, and under-resourced schools. Undoubtedly, those conditions can be identified in this country and are severely affecting most Vincentians.

In 2018, a Poverty Assessment Survey was conducted. Six years later, the government has not released the Poverty Assessment Report. However, the findings of the report were made public. It painted a damning picture of poverty in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The report concluded that poverty in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is worse than when the ULP gained power in 2001. It stated that poverty in St. Vincent and the Grenadines had moved from 30.2% of the population in 2008 to 36.1 % in 2018. And the indigence level had moved from 2.9% to 11.3% in the country of 110,000 people. The government denied knowledge of the report and said the poverty study was incomplete.

Sociologists have also shown that there is a correlation between unemployment, poverty and crime. And crime is on the increase. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has two record-breaking years of homicides. In 2022, forty-two (42) homicides were recorded and in 2023, there were fiftyfive (55) homicides. So far for the year, twenty-nine (29) homicides have been recorded. What is even more disturbing, is the recent revelation by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Trevor Bailey, that gangs are operating in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The way forward

The NDP will build a country of opportunity and hope. A key pillar of hope is knowing that your country will offer you opportunities to grow and develop. Delivering jobs and increasing wages will be one of our highest priorities. To achieve this, we will establish the National Jobs and Skills Agency… an agency that will act as a one stop shop for businesses seeking to expand or hire more people. We will:

* Construct a Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Centre of Excellence, to give and expand technical training to ensure that young people have the skills needed to be employed;

* Establish the Jobs Creation Package that includes a series of tax cuts and measures for job creators and businesses to allow them to create additional jobs.

The Jobs Creation Package will also include a tax support scheme for any business that hires 5 new and additional people within a year. It will give back a portion of tax to those businesses that do so.

The NDP is committed to create opportunities for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

A burdened conscience

“A BURDENED conscience is a heavy weight to carry.” — Dennis Michael Fisher (born November 7, 1944) is a senior United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeal for the Third Circuit.

WE COMMENDthose individuals and organisations that have embarked on programmes aimed at identifying and supporting those persons who are challenged with various life situations that have a negative impact on their mental and emotional well-being. Some of the challenges emerge from outside the individual’s sphere of influence while others are internally generated (i.e., as in the inability or unwillingness to forgive others or self for a variety of infractions). The resulting guilt can generate a sense of wrong-doing. Such situations can, and do, create a burdened conscience.

A burdened conscience can be described as a deep emotional and psychological experience. In some instances, it may contribute to the individual being laden down with feelings of guilt, regret, or moral conflict. Emotional and behavioural consequences may become evident depending on the type, intensity, and duration of the struggle. This may be especially so if the individual is unwilling or unable to ventilate; to share their challenges or problems with someone.

Researchers in the field of psychology concur that “a burdened conscience emerges from a disconnect between one’s actions and personal ethical standards”. This statement helps us to better understand and appreciate why someone who is socialized to adhere to high personal ethical standards may seem to be so easily traumatized when their thoughts, words, or actions deviate from such social moorings. Conversely, it also helps us to better appreciate why individuals who were socialized in a manner where ethical standards were considered insignificant or irrelevant, may gravitate to unethical or immoral behaviours and not seem to be bothered at all about such infractions. We are not all socialized with the same levels of sensitivity of conscience.

The foregoing helps us to better comprehend why it is imperative that our homes, schools, and workplaces establish systems, structure, and standards that make it quite clear in relation to acceptable attitudes and behaviours. Leaders and managers have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure that such standards must be maintained, and perpetrators reprimanded.

An individual with a burdened conscience may experience depression, persistent anxiety, or a sense of worthlessness. While we have a tremendous responsibility and privilege to guide and correct those in our care, it is important that when criticism/correction is necessary we criticize the action (or lack of action) and, as best we can, avoid criticizing the individual. Individuals who are constantly ridiculed are likely to develop poor self-esteem. This can have a negative impact on their ability to function effectively in daily life. The resulting emotional turmoil can become so caustic that it affects productivity,

imagination, and relationships. Under normal conditions the burdened conscience may lead individuals to seek redemption or atonement. It is natural to seek a release from the discomfort of guilt and/or shame that is so often associated with a burdened conscience. The quest for unburdening conscience is often not as difficult as it may initially appear. Sometimes all it takes is a commitment to seek forgiveness from those who may have been wronged or, in the case where the guilt is generated from personal infractions and errors of judgement, learning to forgive self; understanding and appreciating that we will periodically make mistakes and must be prepared to forgive self even as we commit to rectify the defects noted. Such an approach will facilitate the unburdening of conscience and enable the resumption of inner peace.

Individuals experiencing a burdened conscience can be encouraged by biblical examples in the Old and the New Testaments. The bible is replete with examples of individuals who were burdened down with guilt and shame and needed a reprieve. For example, in the eleventh and twelfth chapters of 2 Samuel we read of King David’s affair with Bathsheba and the arranged murder of her husband, Uriah. Psalm 51 also describes David’s burdened conscience that was evident and how he earnestly sought God’s forgiveness, expressing his deep remorse and repentance for his sin.

After betraying Jesus Christ for thirty pieces of silver, Judas experienced intense remorse (Matthew 27:3-5). His burdened conscience propelled him to subsequently commit suicide. Peter also experienced intense sorrow after he had denied Jesus Christ three times. His denial and his subsequent realization of his betrayal caused him great anguish. He afterward repented (Matthew 26:6975). He went on to be a great evangelist and miracle worker for God.

The preceding examples remind us of the futility of delving into self-pity and self-destruction when burdened with conscience (as was the case with Judas) and the wisdom of seeking forgiveness and allowing the remorse to generate and sustain a renewed commitment to a greater good (as was the case with David and Peter).

We are reminded that while a burdened conscience is a significant emotional and psychological state characterized by guilt, shame, regret, remorse, and moral conflict, a burdened conscience does not have to become chronic. It is possible to obtain relief from the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual burdens that often accompany such a disturbing situation. Having obtained the release from a burdened conscience it is possible to achieve inner peace and ethical integrity. Life’s value and purpose can be rekindled and enhanced in pursuit of creating a better life for self and others having shredded the burdened conscience.

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

Crime and other things national

TREVOR‘Buju’ Bailey’s admission last Monday on the Voices radio programme that gangs operate in SVG is a welcomed disclosure, if we are to come to terms with reality and find solutions to this profoundly depressing and escalating homicide problem. Bailey, a police veteran of over three decades and currently tasked with fighting crime by the police high command, ought to know what he is speaking about.

Just last month, top cop Enville Williams refused to directly link the killings in SVG to organised crime. Previously, PM Gonsalves, who doubles as Minister of National Security, spoke about ‘associational groups.’ Clearly, the security establishment has been in a comatose denial regarding the crime situation. Since 2011, almost 500 persons have died, mainly through gun violence. We broke the national record in the last two years with an official death count of 44 in 2023 and 55 last year.

At last count, at least 30 homicides are recorded. We are well on our way to another record for murder and mayhem in 2024. Every adult citizen of our country would readily admit that there are criminal gangs. In fact, at the law courts, police and prosecutors routinely inform the court that an accused person is suspected of belonging to a gang.

In arriving at his conclusion, Bailey was detailed and enlightening. He said, ‘When I look at how some of them operate, you’re seeing structure. There’s a command structure. There are duties that are assigned to persons… the activities of the gangs are not done haphazardly. We see them engage in robberies. We know that they engage in offences of murder. We know that they engage in narcotics. They have colour codes.’

Buju Bailey’s update aligns the police position with that of the general population, and we hope he does not get into ‘trouble’ because of his honest disclosure. On Wednesday, during the OMG segment of Boom FM, Shevrel Mc Millan, the Prime Minister’s media assistant, charged that Bailey may have either misspoken or spoken out of turn. As we have seen with hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, crime fighting, education, health, and relief assistance, PM Gonsalves is the minister of everything. It may be that Bailey ought to have allowed the PM to make the grand announcement or sought approval before making it.

After all, this government has the unique distinction of being tough on crime and the causes of crime with tangible results.

Bailey’s admission raises the question: If the police high command knows so much about these criminal gangs, why are they not infiltrating, arresting, charging, and convicting more of their members? Are some of these elements offered official protection? Have the gangs infiltrated the police and are tipped off about police activities? Are police equipped with the necessary crimefighting tools to make a serious dent in criminal activity?

Another point to ponder is this: Considering that there are just over 100 persons incarcerated for homicides, there is a real prospect that SVG has multiple serial killers.

This is the logical conclusion, bearing in mind that about 500 persons have been killed in the last decade alone. The authorities may have hoped that these criminal elements may shoot and kill off each other. However, many criminologists have argued that such is a hopeless strategy. They point to the high levels of hopelessness and helplessness driven by chronic employment and dislocation in many communities as fertile poles from which new criminal recruits are drawn.

Buju Bailey’s belated but welcomed admission may be a clear sign that the security establishment has ‘turned the corner’ on crime fighting.

The polling has begun

The most significant reading from a recent poll is the ratings of opposition hopeful Kishore Shallow. That Shallow, president of Cricket West Indies, has poled so well even without declaring an intention to get into national politics is significant for a number of reasons. For one thing, it shows what new, fresh and credentialed faces can do to a team. Shallow, at 19 percent, polls almost as well as party leader Friday, with a 21 percent likelihood of outperforming PM Gonsalves. This pole should lend urgency to the NDP’s effort to find new candidates for the West St George, East St George, Marriaqua, Central Leeward, and Southern Grenadines constituencies.

A proper reading of the polled numbers fuels the need for change among opposition ranks if the party intends to offer a serious challenge. About 18 months before the next elections, the ULP numbers are better than they may appear. Twenty-three percent of the respondents gave the party a poor rating, while 26 gave it more than a 2 out of 5 ratings. These ratings come as the party prepares to vie for a sixth consecutive term in office. However, twenty percent of those polled rate the party’s governance as good, and 28 percent said it is doing a fair job.

From Gonsalves’ standpoint, the biggest disappointment is his son, Camillo Gonsalves’, dismal polling numbers. Camillo polled just nine percent as a possible replacement for PM Gonsalves. Saboto Caesar, seen as a significant obstacle to Camillo’s emergence, scored twice as well, with 17 percent.

An even more worrying disclosure for PM Gonsalves and ULP is that only 35 percent of those polled approved of his performance, while 40 percent disapproved.

With the multiplicity of problems in SVG, including employment and underemployment, poverty, crime, a dismal road network, and official corruption, we are in for an interesting period ahead.

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

Actions speak louder than words**

RECENTLY, I came across a Facebook post by Miss Margaret London, who was incensed by a photograph showing Camillo Gonsalves embracing Terrance Ollivierre, Parliamentary Representative for the Southern Grenadines.

This picture was taken after Hurricane Beryl had devastated Union Island, ruthlessly destroying walls, trees, and animals. Margaret argued that Terrance should have shrugged off Camillo’s hands. Amid the verbal brawls and rowdy behaviour displayed by the men/women in parliament, she failed to see that these seemingly hostile figures actually share a strong camaraderie once the parliamentary theatrics are over.

This photograph is undeniable evidence of the affection our politicians hold for each other, despite the fierce debates we witness. The supposed enmity among these politicians is merely a facade. In truth, they have sworn to protect each other, come what may. The performances in parliament are mere acts of showmanship by St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ noble yet despicable elites. If they could deceive the Almighty, they would.

The Black Elite

The black elite and their bourgeoisie friends have strangled the black businesses/enterprises in our country. Just look at the faces in most stores in Kingstown–they are not black. The evidence is clear as daylight. If our founding fathers could see the regression of their descendants, they would be ashamed. The only real power lies in economic power, regardless of race. It takes money to make the world turn, to build a robust infrastructure, and to create top-notch hospitals for the ailing masses. The black elite of this country

does not love their people; their objective is to keep them thinking like beggars, slaves, and peasants. If they cared, they would introduce the masses to the philosophies of Booker T. Washington and Marcus Garvey, promoting principles of entrepreneurship.

The ‘Ragamuffin’ Leader

This leader adopts the persona of a ‘ragamuffin’ (down to earth character), speaking the language of the streets. However, he merely plays games with the masses. A shrewd and subtle man, he uses the vernacular of the grassroots to his advantage, i.e. to advance his political ambitions. He is a master of Political Science, with an inflated ego, who has studied the life and works of Walter Rodney, who connected with the ghettos of Jamaica in the 1960s as a lecturer at the University of the West Indies. It is likely he has also studied St. Vincent’s most sincere politician, E. T. Joshua. Despite his Marxist rhetoric, he is one of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ wealthiest, capable of affording the best that money can buy. He is a political guru who does not tolerate constructive criticism.

The same Rodney, whom so many black progressives and our current leader of St. Vincent and the Grenadines fervently praise, once said in his book ‘Groundings with My Brothers’, that when black people went to England, they did not go to seize control of British real estate, cinemas, or commerce, as the Europeans, Syrians, and Chinese have done in Jamaica. All they sought was work and shelter.

The grassroots leaders turned bourgeois, regardless of whether they wear red or yellow, are still one family.

Carden A. Michael

Junior Community Pan title Starlift takes

STARLIFT STEEL ORCHESTRA, based in Old Montrose, Central Kingstown, is one of this country’s oldest such institutions and its senior component has the most panorama titles here, dating from their birth in 1967.

More recently, the Orchestra’s Junior component has been establishing itself along similar lines, and last Sunday, August 11, World Pan Day, at Victoria park, the Junior Starlift Steel Orchestra took the Community Bands title, to make it two in a row.

They played a Winston Soso classic ‘Ah feel to party’ arranged by Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts. With 48 players, captained by Rochard Ambris, and pans tuned by Mario Joseph, Starlift left nothing to chance. Their rendition had the audience swaying to the injection Hero unfurled.

Starlift appeared in second position, following

Elite Steel Orchestra who started the Community Bands segment of the evening’s programme. Symphonix completed the race of three.

Symphonix Steel

Orchestra placed second with Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus’ ‘Teaser’ arranged by Jomoro Francis. Their 32

players showed that they were up to the task, and their energetic performance could only have been denied by the eventual winner.

Elite Steel Orchestra endorsed another Becket production:

‘They dancing.’ Their arranger Keslon ‘Taffa’ Wilson shows that his band is no pushover. He is experienced in the pan arena. Elite’s 20 players captained by Kimmya Alexis, used a range of coordinated inserts to fine-tune the production.

Starlift Steel Orchestra – another victory in the Junior Community Bands Panorama.

Symphonix Steel Orchestra took second place.

Elite Steel Orchestra appeared first but landed in third place.

V Blondie Bird reigns supreme

HAVING ALREADY BAGGED THE 2024 ‘Band of the Year’ title, Blondie Bird and Friends picked up where they left off to claim the King and Queen of the Band titles, as well as the Individual of the Year title at the Victoria Park on August 11.

‘Yaa Asantewaa’ - Queen of the Ashanti’ portrayed by Semone Richardson came in first in the Queen of the Bands.

SVG Players International with its presentation ‘A look inside the New York Aquarium’ portrayed by Celina Clouden placed second and Verlene Ralph and the Professionals’ ‘Bling with the Riches of the Earth’ portrayed by Ateika Lockhart placed third.

In the King of the Band competition, Blondie Bird’s ‘African Arts and Craft’ portrayed by Jelani Niles was first.

Lynx Mas Band’s ‘Jewel of the Seas - Docked at the SVG Cruise Ship Berth’ portrayed by Atiron Lockhart was second and there was a tie for third place between Nelson Bloc — ‘The Merry Maker of a Mad Symphony’ portrayed by Chewalee Johnson and SVG Players ‘Dragon Dancer — Celebrating Chinese New Year — Year of the Dragon’ portrayed by Kelvin Billinghurst.

Continue on page 13

King of

Queen of the bands – Blondie Bird’s ‘Yaa Asantewaa’ - Queen of the Ashanti’ portrayed by Semone Richardson

King of the BandD - Blondie Bird’s ‘African Arts and Craft’ portrayed by Jelani Niles.

Runner-up

the bands - Lynx Mas Band’s ‘Jewel of the SeasDocked at the SVG Cruise Ship Berth’ portrayed by Atiron Lockhart

Niles elated with King and Queen win

“It was excitement on the night … (but) it was a difficult task.”

THAT WAS HOW GARTH NILES, PRINCIPALmember of the Blondie Bird and Friends Mas Ban’s management and operating teams, summarized the feeling on his band’s victories last Sunday night, August 11.

Blondie Bird and Friends copped the King and Queen of the Bands and Individual of the Year titles, and not for the first time.

The band achieved the trifecta in the 2024 competitions stage last Sunday, having been postponed July 6th and July 8 respectively, because of disruption occasioned by the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

Niles said the team had to spend an extra month in the Mas tent getting things organized, “but the hard work paid off.”

Having won the 2024 Queen of the Band competition, Blondie Bird now boasts nine Queen of the Band titles — all portrayed by Semone Richardson.

The Mas Band now counts twelve King of the Bands titles, shared in the main by Niles himself, Ricardo Adams and now his son - Jelani Niles.

“When you get to the Park, our main competition is from Oxley ‘D Giddy’ Lockhart,” Niles admitted.

According to the now veteran mas man, he and a few of the other Mas Tent members were ‘groomed’ by Lockhart.

“So, we look up to those guys and respect those guys as elders in the business. They taught us, and to get to compete against them and defeat them gives you a great, great feeling,” Niles confessed. But it was no easy feat and spending that extra month in the tent was frustrating as it was expensive, he recalled.

“Because you end up spending extra money… when you are in a Carnival Mas tent, it comes like

Blondie Bird reigns supreme

Runner-up Queen of the Bands - SVG Players International’s ‘A look inside the New York Aquarium’ portrayed by Celina Clouden

BIRD AND COMPANY WAS AT it again in the ‘Individual of the Year’ competition taking the top position with ‘Yaa Asantwaa — Queen of the Ashanti’. Nelson Bloc was second with the ‘Merry Maker of a Mad Symphony’ and third place was Lynx Mas Band with ‘Jewel of the Seas — Docked at the SVG Cruise Ship Berth’.

The other Mas Bands that competed in the Queen of the Band competition were: Xtreme Fanatics — ‘Brunch and Soca — Citrus’; Beautex International — ‘Goddess of Beauty’; My Imagination Mas Band — ‘She’s Royal’; Nelson Bloc — ‘The Ruby Jubilee’; Melbourne Artisans — ‘The Recycler — Tribute to Dwight Hillocks’; and Lynx Mas Band — ‘All Aboard with Caribbean Cruise Line — Celebrating New Year’s on the Empress of the Seas’.

In the King of the Band category, the other competing bands included Verlene Ralph and the Professionals — ‘Sapphire Royal’; Xtreme Fanatics — ‘Dream there was no Carnival’; Beautex International — ‘Celebration of Life’; and Melbourne Artisans — ‘Triumph of a Climate Master’. (DD)

your home… everything has to be done there… you have to cook and utilize water and electricity. So that’s an extra cost, especially having to spend an extra month in the tent because of Beryl,” Niles explained.

He credited his team for their hard work, saying that the Queen of the Band costume was designed by himself and built by Osborne Browne, and the King was designed and built by Osborne Browne and the Blondie Bird team.

Garth Niles, a Blondie Bird and Friends leading member from the inception, is obviously pleased with the band’s eight Top mas Band title and two more King and Queen titles.

Semonne Richardson, with nine Queen of the Bands titles to her name, is this country’s ‘winningest’ Queen of the Bands contestant.

V BishopÊs returns to the top

BISHOP’S COLLEGE KINGSTOWNSteel Orchestra, once a staple contender and winner of the Panorama competitions here, is returning gradually to the fore. The School used the last two years to nurture a return to competition. This year they turned up and ran away with victory in the Schools Category of the 2024 Junior Panorama.

They beat five contenders with a rendition of Cyril ‘Scorcher’ Thomas’ ‘Party Fever’, arranged by their mentor Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts, whose efforts in the pan circle has not gone unnoticed.

Bishops used 25 players, under the captaincy of Alexis Liverpool, and played pans tuned by Mario Joseph.

This victory could well be a signal of things to come and pan enthusiasts are already hoping for a return of the Girls ’High School, to match skills against an improving Bishop’s College Kingstown. Second place was taken by a former winner C.W. Prescod Primary School. Collette Myers arranged for a 30-strong outfit, led by Dominque Latchman. C. W. Prescod let off a lively rendition, blending runs and interpretations.

Third place went to South Rivers Methodist School Band. Their rendition was ‘Congratulations’ a song composed and sung by Winston Soso. That South Rivers made such an impact is perhaps due to the influence their arranger- veteran pannist/musician Ken Isles.

He molded the 25 players into a unit, and made an otherwise difficult, non-panorama type song child’s play.

A 15-member New Grounds Primary ensemble took the fourth spot with Kevin Lyttle’s ‘My love will never die’. Their arranger was Roland Webb, tuner Akeem Codougan, and captain Kyra Johnson. Bethel High School opened the show with Orande ‘Bomani Charles’ ‘Wet.’

They were propelled by their youthful arranger who seemed to have enjoyed his duties. He transferred his energy to the band.

The Sandy Bay Secondary School Band with a display of variations, did Delroy ‘Fireman Hooper’s ‘My Love for Soca, arranged by St. Clair ‘Mitch’ Lewis. (WKA)

Bishop’s College Kingstown returned to its winning ways after a hiatus and a nurturing run in the competition.

C. W. Prescod, is never far away from the top position. They copped the second place this year.

South Rivers Methodist, 3rd Place, did justice to a challenging song as their tune of choice.

Education

Police organisations hand out bursaries

A COMBINEDtotal of over 100 bursaries and scholarships was distributed compliments the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Polic Force (RSVGPF); the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ex-Police Association (SVGEPA); and the SVG Police Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. (SVGPCCU), on August 7.

The beneficiaries of the programme are those who were successful in the recent Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) examination.

The assistance covers all school fees, activity fees, computer lab fees and examination costs for secondary and post-secondary (Community College) years. It also includes EC$100 travelling allowance at the beginning of each term, and the purchase of all schoolbooks required throughout secondary school and continuing to the Community College. Each recipient also received a bible.

Kathleen Nanton—Davis, Vice President of the SVG Police Co-Operative Credit Union Ltd. said that the scholarships and bursaries offered by the organisation she represented was not the only community outreach that they were presently involved in, but it was important for them to be involved.

“It is something that we see is needed within our community,” Nanton—Davis said.

“And we are partnered with the police force who is a disciplinary organisation, and as such we are so grateful to join with them,” she added.

She encouraged the recipients to remain focused and to seek guidance as this was the beginning of a new journey.

Enville Williams — Commissioner of Police (Ag), said that the primary role of the police force was to ensure national security by preventing and detecting crime and for the preservation of peace and the protection of lives and property.

But it also had an equal responsibility to ensure that the youth of the nation are given the best opportunity they can attain.

“And one of the tangible ways in which the Police Force is seeking to execute this responsibility is by providing scholarships,” COP Williams said.

He told the ceremony that the police scholarship programme commenced in 1958 under then Police Chief, Colonel C Anderson.

The fund initially catered only to the children of police officers, but this was broadened to include “students who were not necessarily the children of police officers but who were/are in need of help,” the

Bursary/scholarship recipients and officials of the three police organisations involved in the assistance progamme.

Commissioner (Ag) said.

The recipients, according to Williams, were getting a full academic ride and it was their responsibility to make good use of the opportunity provided.

The Philbert Chambers Memorial Scholarship was awarded to 11-year-old Keandra Stay compliments the RSVGPF, and the SVGPCCU scholarships were awarded to Alexandria Samuel and Katalia Alexander. (DD)

No support from the fathers

Dear George,

THE OPENINGof school is fast approaching and I do not know how I am going to make it to send my three children to school.  Each of them has a different father and neither one gives any support, even if I beg them.

The reason they give for not supporting is that I am living with another man who has also refused to offer any support since, as he said, he is not the father any of the children.

I am not working but my boyfriend is and it hurts me that he has taken this hands off approach.

I am in a bind and need your advice.

Running out of Time.

Dear Running out of Time,

You should not have to be

negotiating or begging your children’s fathers for financial support. It is their legal obligation to do so and in the situation, you need to take the matter to the Family Court and let the court assist in enforcing that obligation.

As for the man you are presently seeing and living with, it is true he is under no legal obligation to support your children but he has a moral responsibility to do so, that is if he cares for you and wants the best for you.

I shudder to think that if he fathers a child with you, he could end up being as negligent as the other fathers. Something to think about.

Meanwhile you can make a request for assistance at the Social Welfare Department.

George

Will he hit me again?

Dear George,

I NEVER thought my boyfriend would lay a hand on me. He had said over and over that he would never strike a woman.

However, this one time he hit me for arguing with him over something about which I had corrected him. He apologized a thousand times and although he partially damaged my right eye, I believed.

It happened so that on another occasion he

raised his hand to hit me but did not. Should I be worrying about him hitting me again? A friend keeps telling me that he would but I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Hopeful

Dear Hopeful,

Hitting you was not an accident and you should not buy that explanation. Telling you he would never strike a woman was just words

as you have proven. Continuing with him will only cause you to be always wondering when he would strike again. You do not need that kind of tension in your current relationship and should think about what could possibly happen if you two went on to be married.

There should be zero tolerance for any kind of violence in a relationship. Get out before it is too late.

George

In bed with the cats

Dear George,

I RECENTLYjoined my girlfriend in New York. She had been there three years before I joined her. What I meet took me by surprise: She has 3 cats and 2 dogs in the house and insists that she has to sleep with the cats in our bed. I made it clear I was not sleeping in any bed with a cat much less 3 of them.

It has been two weeks I have not slept in the bed and yet she is not budging. She keeps on saying that those cats kept her company while she was living alone, and it is unfair to them to put them out of the bed. George, I feel like I’m living in a zoo and it’s driving me nuts. When I

met her she was never an animal lover but it’s since living in New York she picked it up.

I hope it does not come down to me giving her an ultimatum to choose between me and the cats.

Feeling Left Out

Dear Feeling Left Out,

Yes, during your absence your girlfriend

may have needed company. However, now that you are there she should know that you ought not to be competing with her pets for a spot in the bed. This is not a complicated matter to resolve at all. If it continues to be an issue, then I strongly suggest you find a new home.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20)

Gambling will be a waste of time and money. In-laws or older individuals may give you a bit of a hard time this week. Assist a relative or good friend by setting of a budget for them. Your high energy should be spent pleasing your mate.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21)

Loans will be attainable and legal matters easily taken care of. Don't be too pushy or demanding, or you may find yourself all alone. Help elders get their personal papers in order. Opportunities for travel and communication are evident.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

Your own small business on the side sounds pretty lucrative. You may have major blowups with someone you love if you don't back down. Draw up contracts regarding your personal situation. Reciprocate by offering helpful hints.

CANCER (June 22-July 22)

Don't let others bait you into arguments. Uncertainties about your home may cause tension. Responsibilities with respect to older relatives may be a burden. Stay away from social unpleasantness.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22)

Romance will be yours if you get out and do things in large groups. Trying to deal with your mate will be unproductive and possibly hurtful. Your communication skills will bring you popularity and increased self esteem. Underhandedness regarding legal matters or contracts must be counteracted.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23)

You need to interact with others if you want to expand your knowledge. Sports, physical fitness programs, exercise in general will make you feel better and show some pretty quick results. Peers may not be on your side. You must make them stand on their own two feet regardless of how much you want to make things better for them.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23)

You will enjoy interacting with those who come from different backgrounds. Be precise in your communications to avoid any misunderstandings and arguments. Take your time and try not to overload yourself. Be careful what you consume this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

You will easily blow situations out of proportion. Try to be as mellow as possible. You won't have to look for the action. You're ready to take action and take over.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21)

You may blow situations out of proportion when dealing with the one you love. Unfortunately, your personal life may suffer from a lack spare time. Moneymaking opportunities will surface. Your need to be in a leadership position will help you surpass any rivals you might encounter.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20)

Don't hesitate to present your unique ideas. You will feel so much better about yourself if you can control your addictions. Use your high energy and dynamic approach to win favors from superiors. A long discussion is in order if you wish to clear the air.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19)

Extravagance and overindulgence are not a cure if you're feeling sorry for yourself. Problems with in-laws or relatives may be more damaging than you realize. Opportunities for financial gains through investments and games of chance are likely. Uncertain changes regarding your personal life are evident.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20)

Secret enemies will be eager to spread rumors about you. Your suggestions for fund raising events will be well received. You should avoid getting involved in the personal problems of colleagues. Your lack of responsibility and attention has been a key issue in your relationship.

ACROSS

1.Curved passage 5. “__ in Rome…” 9. Rainy month (abbr.)

12. District in London 13. Coin of Italy 14. Actor Majors 15. Actor Malden 16. Issue from 17. Politician Landon 18. Looked happy 20. Tops of waves 22. “Auld Lang __” 23. __ education 24. California’s time (abbr.) 26. Like some white wines 28. Omelet items

32. Rental car company 34. “Cheers” barkeep 36. Guitar neck attachment

37. Knight fight 38. Jolt 40. Like crunchy carrots 41. Guess at a price (abbr.) 44. Melissa __ Hart 46. Increase 49. Church bigwigs 52. Singer Rawls 53. Is sick 55. Hydrox relative 56. Pennsylvania has three 57. Brisk pace 58. Existed 59. Visit a diner 60. Anxious 61. MacDonald’s partner DOWN 1.Makes a request 2. Gad about 3. Julie of “Afterglow” 4. Yuletide decoration 5. Garden workers 6. Bustle 7. Sevareid and Clapton 8. __ Dame de Paris 9. “Oh, dear!” 10. Throw rocks at 11. Umps’ counter-

parts 19. Break off 21. Company head (abbr.) 24. Bachelor 25. “Law & Order: __” 27. Bosox great’s nickname 29. Accumulated 30. Grade Point Average (abbr.) 31. Female pig 33. Seattle __ (racehorse) 35. Queen’s title 39. Gdansk’s

locale (abbr.) 42. Declare 43. “The __ Man” 45. Southwestern

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

brick

Joy 47. Gossip

columnist Barrett 48. Evict 50. Wind instrument 51. Name in TVs 54. Nautical diary

A call for Indoor Sports facility

Nelson Isley addressing the Opening Ceremony of the DNSS Programme.

INTERNATIONAL BASKETBALL FEDERATION(FIBA)

Instructor, Nelson Isley is calling on the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to move swiftly to realise a Multi-purpose Indoor Sports Facility for this country.

Isley, who is no stranger to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, made the appeal as he addressed the Opening Ceremony of the SVG Basketball Federation’s Development of a National Sporting System (DNSS) Programme, last Monday, August 12, 2024, at the New Montrose Hard Court.

lsley proffered: “I hope that in the near future there will be an effort made to try get an Indoor Facility or at least get a court that is covered … That will be my plea to the government …The government, please try and get these people an Indoor Facility; that is so

important in the world today… Without an Indoor Facility, you can’t really plan anything”.

Continuing to extol the pluses of such a facility he said, “It can also be an economic investment … In most countries, you don’t only use the facility for Basketball …It can be used for religious events, concerts… It can be a revenue producer”.

Isley is the facilitator for the first phase of the DNSS during which he will conduct training for coaches, teachers, parents as well as experienced players and other interested persons.

Consisting of theoretical sessions and practical sessions, Phase One concludes August 16.

The DNSS then moves into Phase Two, August 19 to 24, with FIBA

Attendees at the first phase of the SVGBF.

certified referees Glenn Tuitt and Elka Jimenez, from the USA and the Dominican Republic, respectively.

Phase Two involves a referee and game official clinic for persons

interested in becoming game or table officials.

Phase Two will also feature a twoday 3 x 3 Festival, set for August 22 and 23.

Thirty teams in Youth Summer Cup

SVGNA searching for new talent

A TWO-WEEK SUMMER Camp organised by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association (SVGNA) plans to unearth a new generation of netballers.

Conducted at the Kingstown Netball Centre Mondays to Fridays, from August 5 to August 16, 2024, the camp has netted many new persons who were learning the sport.

Lead person of the camp, Dellarice Duncan, a former standout netballer at the national level and former President of the SVGNA, said, “I am happy for the opportunity; a fantastic turnout... We have had over forty plus children from various age groups.”

She noted that children younger than the stipulated age who showed up for the camp were accommodated.

Duncan explained that whilst the sport was introduced to the newcomers, those who had played the

sport and had some experience and knowledge of Netball, had their skills enhanced.

She offered some insight to the emphasis of the Camp, stating, “What we are doing is marrying the motor (skills), with the plyometrics (building strength). ... We have also had some ball handling skills”.

But the Camp was not all about Netball, as there were personal development sessions for the participants.

In lauding the undertaking of the SVGNA, Duncan shared, “We are looking for new talent and this is a great opportunity for the children to know the sport and love it... We want to get more people into Netball, male and female”.

Duncan is assisted by coaches Roseclaire Hall, Kemeisha Antoine, Mourissa Sandy, Kellisha Barbour and Hazel Ann Foster.

Fourteen teams are in the Under-13 Division; eight are in the Under-15 and eight in the Under-17.

Making up the Under-13s are System 3, Green Hill, Roxdale, Glenside, 1998 Hillside, Bequia and Owia, stashed in Zone A. In Zone B are Parkside, North Leeward Predators, Layou, Greiggs, Adare 360, United Strikers and Blossom Unlimited.

Zone A of the Under-15s comprises System 3, SV United, Sparta and Blossom, with North Leeward Predators, Green Hill, Sharpes and Adare 360 in Zone B.

Competition in the Under-17 age group sees Layou, North Leeward Predators, Camdonia Chelsea in Zone A; and Sparta, System Three, Greiggs and Blossom United in Zone B.

The Competition got going last Friday, August 9, at the Richmond Hill Playing Field.

Matches are also carded for the Sion Hill Playing Field, which will host matches in the Under-13 Division, with the Chili Playing Field, Sion Hill Playing Field, Golden Grove Playing Field, North Leeward, as well as the Keartons Playing Field, Barrouallie, and the Richmond Hill Playing Field, the venues for the Under-15 Division.

The Under-17 matches are slated for Barrouallie, Chili Playing Field, Sion Hill and Richmond Hill.

The Competition culminates Friday, August 23, with the staging of the three Finals at the Richmond Hill Playing Field.

The SVGFF Youth Summer Cup was introduced to replace the planned regional competition, the Hamilton Lashley Foundation Caribbean Charity Shield Tournament.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines was set to host that tournament, August 9 to 24, however, the passage of Hurricane Beryl on July 1, 2024, forced organisers to shelve that engagement, hence, replacing it with the SVGFF Youth Summer Cup.

THIRTY TEAMS ARE LISTEDin the 2024 St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Football Federation (SVGFF) Youth Summer Cup.

Bequia and System Three in battle last Friday in the U13 Division of the SVGFF Youth Summer Cup.

Dellarice Duncan (bespectacled) giving instructions to a group during the SVGNA Summer Camp.

Last ball win in Greiggs 10/10 final

COUNTRYMeet Town Out Ah Trouble

Family pulled off a last ball win last Sunday, August 11, to snatch the 2024 Caesar’s Real Estate/Hairoun Beer/Sea Operations Nar Fren Dem Greiggs 10/10 Softball Cricket Competition.

‘Snatch’ it was, as Out Ah Trouble needed two runs off the last ball. Deroy Strough responded by carting Denson Hoyte’s delivery into the road adjoining the Greiggs Central Playing Field, causing heart break for cofinalists- Owia Strikers.

It was drama from the first ball of the final, as Owia Strikers got off to a disastrous start, when Travis Cumberbatch bowled Kirton Lavia.

However, Denson Hoyte slammed 34 and Osnet Cato struck 18, to see Owia Strikers to 76 for 3 from their 10 overs. Travis Cumberbatch picked up two wickets for Out Ah Trouble.

In response, Out Ah Trouble reached 82 for 7, winning by three wickets.

Last ball hero, Strough, struck a

TEAMAthletics SVG has named three athletes who will represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the 2024 World

priceless 10 not out, to complement 15 each from Travis Cumberbatch and Davian Barnum.

The win for Out Ah Trouble meant that it was their third straight lien on the title, thus claiming another first place trophy and $1500, while Owia Strikers got a trophy and $1000.

Preceding the final, Fairbaine United and Bank of SVG All Starz met in the battle for the third place, with Fairbaine United getting the better of proceedings.

All Starz got to 78 for 9 from their 10 overs. Shamic Roberts stroked 43. Bowling for Fairbaine United, Kegan Cordice and Dwayne Williams, took five and two wickets, respectively.

In reply, Fairbaine United, amassed 82 for 3. Glendon James led with 40 and Dwayne Williams contributed 31. Awards

Travis Cumberbatch, for his 15 runs and two wickets, was adjudged Player of the Final.

Copping the Emerging Player Award was Kevorn Phillips of Nar

Three

for U20 World Championships

Athletics Under-20 Championships set for Lima, Peru, August 27 to 31.

The trio: Keo Davis, Devonric Mack and Tyhra Charles. Davis and Mack will compete in the Men”s 200m, with Charles listed in the Women’s 400m.

Another Vincentian athlete, AJ Delpesche had also qualified for the championships, however, his time was slower than Davis and Mack”s efforts.

Mack qualified at 21.23s, while Davis did so with a 20.87s clocking and Delpesche, at 21.32s.

The qualifying standard for the 200m was 21.35s.

Meanwhile, Charles in the 400m did a best of 54.34s with the entry standard being 55.40s.

Fren Dem, while Antonio Barker of Fairbaine United, took the Most Wickets, 11.

Glendon James of Fairbaine United was the Player of the Competition and the top run getter, as he tallied 313 runs and collected four wickets.

The teams will shift gear as the 20/20 format bowls off September 01.

It will be the first U20 World Chapionships for Davis and Charles, while Mack was present at the 2022 edition in Cali, Colombia.

IntÊl Tennis Tourney closes

THEA LATIK of the USA and Alex Huszar of Austria won the Under-18 Girls and Under-18 Boys Singles titles respectively, of the International 18years category of the NLA/SVGTA Chatoyer Tennis Tournament. The Championship came to an end over the weekend at the

National Tennis Centre, Villa. Latik, seeded #2, created something of an upset when she defeated #1 seed Iana Kravckenova of Russia, in the final. In fact, she came from 1 set down to romp home a convincing winner, 4-6, 6-1, 60. Huszar, seed unknown, had an easier passage to victory when he disposed of Pal Croisy of France 6-1, 6-4 in the finals.

In the Boys Doubles, Ron Roopesh of Great Britain and

Maximillian Lunde of Norway paired to defeat Oaul Croisy of France and Loic Morreau of Martinique, 6-2, 6-4, to take the Boys Doubles title.

Countries that took part in the tournament were Australia, Austria, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Great Britain, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Martinique, Norway, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, and Trinidad and Tobago.

I.B.A. ALLEN

The trio of athletes will be accompanied by Chester Morgan, Coach, and Delcia Stay Layne, Team Manager.

Out Ah Trouble Family.

Glendon James –the competition’s Top Player.

Last ball hero Deroz Strough.

Kevorn Phillips – emerging player awardee.

Keo Davis

Tyhra Charles

Devonric Mack

Thea Latik won the U18 Girl’s title.

Alex Huszar took the U18 boy’s title.

A taste of home

IF YOU TELL a youngster today, that you could have fed a team with five cents, it will come as a mystery given today’s inflationary trends. That’s what Raymond Bandi Payne recalls in a chat on the Brothers club.

Bandi is one of the nation’s icon figures. He journeyed to Shashamane, Ethiopia, around 1982. His sojourn there has not been a usual one. It carries a depth premonition.

He now carried the name Ras Hailu Tafere, and he is one of the ratafarian brethren who accepted Emperor Haile Selassie invitation to ‘return’ to Ethiopia, the beacon of those who had who battled to keep the continent free from foreign domination.

Hailu grew up in typical Vincentian fashion. He played sports at the Richmond Hill Playing Field, then known as the Grammar School Grounds, a breeding ground for youths in East Kingstown neighborhood.

Those days, it was the village raising the child. Youngsters were introduced to the hardest aspect of a sport by elders who looked after their interests.

Hailu pays tribute to persons like Samuel ‘Sparrow’ Duncan, Fred Trimmingham, Mike Findlay, Edmund ‘Manning’ Jackson, Albert ‘Ziggy’ Tannis, Sam Layne, ‘Boops’ Davis, Douglas ‘Poke up’ Haynes, Colville Browne.

There will be others: Augustus ‘Minna’ Williams, Garnet Niles Carl Glasgow and Douglas Cambridge,

Hailu recalled youngsters facing up to ‘Sparrow’ Duncan on the ‘Concrete Strip’, and those fellas spoiled no one. It was business as usual. You were exposed to the full extent without even a pair of mittens much less pads.

That’s how Vincentian cricketers honed their skills.

Hailu recalled deliveries he had: googly, leg break, ‘boobly’, ‘hopper’. Hailu studied his craft, reading books produced by pundits including the Australian Richie Benaud.

Listening to Hailu one could sense a maturity of youngsters at that time, and their dedication and application to their sport.

Hailu has entrenched himself in Ethiopian society, with his Banana Art Museum a symbol of religious fortitude.

Perhaps Hailu is one of the region’s visionary. His journey may not necessarily be smooth. There is conflict in any aspect of life. Battles for survival and dignity rage.

Ethiopia is at the centre of the religious conflict, for not everyone will accept the role that Ethiopia plays.

Attempts to thwart the authenticity of the Ethiopian heritage continue to top the agenda of some intent on disrupting the path to destiny.

People like Hailu carry the cross of dignity with pride. They soldier on manifesting faith as a fulfillment of time.

Perhaps a union with Hailu might be the tonic to strengthen my soul along this passage of time.

Hopes are that it happens in the progress of time. That is worth anything the world can give.

Dominica: W’wards Super 50 Champion

ST. LUCIAhad their 2-year unbeaten streak ended by an extraordinary bowling performance by fast bowler Gilon Tyson, as Dominica emerged champion of the 2024 Windward Islands Super 50 tournament which

SVG’s Desron Maloney (vice-captain) scored 100 against Dominica.

Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of CWI Inc. challenged the region’s young cricketers to accept that they are as much responsible for their own development as others around them.

ended last weekend in St. Lucia.

Gilon Tyson –Dominica took most wickets and was the Player of the Tournament.

Tyson bagged a career best 7 for 35 to help set up Dominica’s win over host St. Lucia. Scores: Dominica 169 from 44 overs - T.

Theophile 28, S. Pascal 26, S. Descarte 2 for 32; St. Lucia 133 from 22 overs. K. Gastin and A. Auhuste 20, Tyson 7 for 35.

The third-place playoff between St. Vincent and the Grenadines ended in a no decision due to rain.

Scores: Grenada 226 from 36 overs — Ryan John (captain) 100, J. St Paul 34, J. Jermiah 30, Kurtney Franklyn (debutant) 4 for 21; St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) were 67 for 3 when play ended.

In fact, Dominica and St. Lucia

Ryan John – Grenada’s captainscored the most runs in the tournament.

ended on 8 points each but Domincia prevailed on a better Net Run Rate.

Dominica finished first followed by St. Lucia in second, St. Vincent and the Grenadines third and last year’s champion Grenada, fourth.

Three centuries were scored in the tournament: Ryan John, 100, for Grenada against SVG; Desron Maloney, 100, for VG against Dominica; and Jelarni Robinson, 103, for Dominica against Grenada.

John and Tyson were the top run scorer and wicket-taker in the tournament.

Dominica took

Islands Super 50 title on the basis of a better Net

Shallow challenges Under-19 cricketers

IF YOU THINKyou can succeed without sacrifice and hard work, you have been misled.

This was the underlying sentiment shared by Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Inc., in his feature address to the closing ceremony of the of the CWI Rising Stars Under19 Championship, at the Alexandrina Hotel in early August.

The Championship, played in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was originally a three-day format, was downed-sized to a two-day, and instead of beginning on July 2, the passage of Hurricane Beryl caused a postponement of the opening to July 11. The two-day championship was followed by the 50 Overs Championship and both championships were completed by July 31. Barbados emerged 2024 double champions of West indies Under-19 cricket.

Dr. Shallow, speaking directly to the representatives of the six regional teams,

speculated as to how many of the young men were thinking of becoming professional cricketers.

He cautioned, “... if you want to have a professional career, that future is clearly in no one hands but yours… . No one is going to give you anything easy, even though someone is going to reward you with some selection.”

Dr. Shallow warned further, “The point is that coaches, managers, Cricket West Indies or parents and guardians could inject all the resources behind you as player; if you do not accept that you want to be an international cricketer, and not to go on tours like this for a joy ride but to be excellent, for some of you with that attitude this probably is going to be your last tour.”

The CWI president referenced that this is a time of available resources — financial, technological — and he urged the young cricketers to “capitalize on these things.”

And in their desire to improve their game, he encouraged them to “look at other players and learn from them. Also, you have to read about cricket,” something he said was lacking among the players.

In the final analysis, Dr. Shallow told the youngsters that “…the ball is in your hand. It is about how much you want this and urge you to work hard because the onus is on you.”

Stories: I.B.A ALLEN

Windward

Run Rate.

School re-opening beckons amidst challenges after Beryl

From Page 8

There are some solutions being effected for alternative accommodation of the 559 persons in the schools shelters: (i) Repairing the Levels 1 and 2 damage (lower level damage) to the houses of shelterees by the Ministry of Housing. This is happening in numerous cases.

(ii) Seeking accommodation, at government’s expense, in guest houses, apartments, and private houses-for-rent. The shelterees are being asked to seek out houses-for-rent wherever they can. Some progress is being made in this regard but there is an insufficiency of available rooms, apartments, or houses for rent.

(iii) Consolidation of some shelterees in shelters which are not schools: Let us take the following three examples: (a) There are 27 shelterees in three facilities in Chateaubelair and Petit Bordel. They can be consolidated at the Richmond Vale Academy; (b) there are shelterees from the schools in Buccament and Campden Park who can be transferred to the Barrouallie Emergency Shelter; (c) the shelteres at the Lowmans Leeward Anglican School can be moved to the Questelles Learning Resource Centre and the Richmond Hill Community Centre. The big problem here is that the shelterees are strongly resisting any move, however, temporary from the occupied schools. Their reasons are varied.

(iv) Exit Packages: It may be possible in some cases to provide exit packages (money for their own house repairs, income support, and production support). This option poses certain operational challenges, especially the provision of money directly to the shelterees for repair of their houses. Special case of Union Island

The government has decided to provide the option to parents from Union Island of

having their children educated on Union Island or on St. Vincent temporarily. On St. Vincent a facility is being repurposed to this end; at the same time the government is repairing the secondary school and one primary school on Union Island as earlier detailed.

It appears from the preliminary data that most parents are opting to send their students to the facility on St. Vincent. There are some 450 primary and secondary students enrolled in the two primary, and the secondary school on Union Island.

The issues of accommodation for students, parents, and teachers on both Union Island and St. Vincent are critical. Please note that already there are some 2,000 Unionites on St. Vincent – 160 persons in shelters and over 600 families (about 1,800 persons) in private accommodation. The educational challenges raised by Beryl’s disaster are not easy to resolve, but we must do our very best for our students and their parents.

Meanwhile, BRAGSA is currently actively engaged with contractors carrying out repairs and reconstruction on the educational facilities (schools, technical institutes, community college) which are not being used as shelters. It is a massive and very high-cost exercise. Most of these will be ready for re-opening of the new school term on September 2, 2024.

Simultaneously, school furniture and equipment (computers, etc.) are being sourced. Nearly $4 million additionally is being allocated for this purpose beyond the numbers budgeted in the Estimates for 2024. Similarly, an additional $2.5 million is to be spent on school uniforms and supplies

through the Ministry of National Mobilisation for students from vulnerable families.

Currently, the Ministry of Housing has engaged contractors to effect repairs on over 600 Beryl affected houses (Levels 1 and 2 damage). Next week more contractors who become available are to be engaged for this purpose. The Housing and Land Development Corporation (HLDC) is tasked with the tackling of Levels 3 and 4 damage to houses throughout SVG. They will commence their actual work next week.

Building materials have been sent to Bequia, Union Island, Canouan, Mayreau, and storage depots across St. Vincent to assist with the housing repair and reconstruction programme. In excess of 4,000 houses from Beryl’s disaster and the outstanding remainder from the volcanic eruptions of 2021 are to be tackled. This is a massive undertaking that will take time and loads of money, all of which we do not as yet have; but we are searching with optimism for the money.

This housing issue is obviously tied to the reopening of school on time.

Summation

As always let us act in unity and solidarity with strong faith, refreshed hope, and amazing love. All hands-on deck, please!

AI REAL ESTATE

MAS BANDS LOOKING FOR OPERATING SPACE

BY DAYLE DA SILVA

PRESSUREis on the Carnival Development Corporation and the Government to assist local Mas Bands to find suitable locations from which they can operate.

Garth Niles, a principal in the management team of Blondie Bird and Friends Mas Band, made the latest appeal and said, the future for him and his team looked grim.

According to Niles, his Mas Band has been operating out of the former Ju-C building, Kingstown.

However, they were required to vacate by the end of August as the building is expected to be torn down, Niles told THE VINCENTIAN.

And if no home was found in time, the band

would more than likely, not be able to compete in the 2025 Band of the Year competition.

“To get a space big enough to produce a band of my calibre and size, we would have to rent somewhere that will cost EC$2,000 to $2,500,” he said.

“We cannot afford that,” Niles contended. And his Band was not the only one in this predicament.

For example, he cited that the building in Frenches currently being used by SVG Players International was expected to be demolished to make room for a new structure.

The building that houses Nelson Bloc Mas Tent was expected to be demolished on completion of the modern port, Niles disclosed.

The issue of ‘tent space’ for Mas bands has been an ongoing one dating back to the 1970s.

In 1990, an area in Walvaroo (Sion Hill) was identified and steel frames were erected for the construction of buildings to house Mas Bands.

That undertaking was deemed unsafe following a series of rock falls from a nearby decommissioned stone quarry.

In 2023, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said on radio that the Carnival Bands Inc. had reached out to him, and he had arranged for them to

The Ju-C building, one of the few appropriate spaces for mas band operations, will not be available from August 2024.

meet with Keith Francis, Chief Surveyor, to explore two proposed sites. Nothing further has been heard on this.

If the government did

not step in before February 2025, there would probably only be a few Mas Bands competing, Niles projected.

Garth Niles, a leading carnival mas person in SVG, has given an early warning about how the mas bands competition in 2025 could be adversely affected.

No SVG in LIAT 2020 schedule

LIAT 2020 has officially released its first flight schedule. This follows the airline’s inaugural flight from Antigua to St. Lucia, August 6. The schedule revealed that flights will only be available between Antigua, Barbados and St. Lucia.

LIAT 2020 also said that its website is still being developed, so bookings are only being accepted via telephone or email, reservations@flyliat20.com or 268-713-LIAT.

As LIAT 2020 takes off, the Caribbean watches with optimism, especially in those markets which have been excluded from the first flight schedule.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, for example, which was a primary shareholder in the defunct/bankrupt LIAT (1974) Ltd., was one of the first such markets to respond.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, speaking on radio

last Sunday, August 11, said he was “hopeful” that the new airline would eventually include this country in its flight schedule.

He indicated that he had extended a hand of welcome to the airline, and the country was ready to co-operate with and accommodate the airline.

Dr. Gonsalves rationalized the exclusion of markets like SVG as having to do with the limited number of aircraft currently available to the airline.

Prime

The LIAT 2020 aircraft on its inaugural landing in St. Lucia, which can be seen from the north coastal areas of mainland St. Vincent.

Minister Gaston Browne is on record as saying that his government, one of two major investors in the new airline, was in discussion about purchasing three aircraft presently under the jurisdiction of the Caribbean Development Bank.

Meanwhile, earlier this week, CEO Hafsaf Abdulsalam said LIAT 2020 will run the Antigua/Barbados/St. Lucia route for the next two weeks, with hopes to expand shortly, and will include flights to Grenada, Dominica, and St. Kitts & Nevis.

The return of this air link is seen as not just a business venture, but a vital component of regional integration and economic development, literally reiterating the articulations of the major shareholders in the lossmaking LIAT (1974) Ltd.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is holding out hope that LIAT 2020 will eventually include this country in its schedule.

And even as the region holds it breath with respect to the viability of LIAT 2020, LIAT (1974) Ltd. workers remain in limbo as far as their severance and other entitled payments are concerned, SVG being one such case.