The Vincentian pdf-06/07/2018

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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FRIDAY,

JULY 06, 2018

VOLUME 112, No.27

www.thevincentian.com

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‘Wildfire’ – Best Junior Section 2018 from Lynx Mas Band’s ‘Devastating Elements’.

Left: ‘Ichthyophobia – Fear of Fishes’ Ist runner-up Best Junior Section from Blondie Bird and Friends ‘Phobia’.

Right: ‘I am Soca – Bomani’ 2nd runner-up Best Junior Section from SVG Players International’s ‘Legends of Soca Monarch’.

Left: Junior King of Carnival 2018 – ‘Nyctophobia – Fear of Darkness’ from Blondie Bird and Friends ‘Phobia’.

Right: Junior Queen of Carnival 2018 – ‘Fire Empress- Colours Overloaded’ from SVG Players International’s ‘Legends of Scoa Monarch’.

2. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. 3.

News 3

ÂBlondieÊ takes another Junior Mas Band title BMC AGENCIES Magic 103.7 FM Blondie Bird and Friends are the Junior Mas Band champs for 2018.

Their production ‘Phobia’ ensured Bird and Friends a fifth straight Junior Band of the Year title.

“The feeling is nothing new,” Elroy Boyd, Band Leader, told THE VINCENTIAN. The Junior Mas competition was held Saturday 30th June at the Victoria Park with 12 Mas Bands competing.

Bird and Friends, to add to their Junior Band of the Year title, picked up the top spots in the ‘Individuals 5-9’ and 10-15 years categories.

In fact, the Band’s portrayals of ‘Astraphobia — Fear of Thunder and Lightning’ and ‘Icythyopia — Fear of Butterflies’, tied for the first positions in the 5-9 years category, and the portrayals ‘Pyrophobia — Fear of Fire’ and ‘Philaphobia — Fear of Love’ did likewise in the 10-15 category.

Blondie Bird and Friends returned to the top tier in both the Junior King and Queen

A section entitled ‘Rainbow Bay’ from ‘Exotic Beaches’ which placed fourth among the Junior Bands. competitions, having been relegated, so to speak, in 2017.

They captured the Junior King title with the portrayal ‘Nyctophobia — Fear of Darkness’, but their presentation ‘Philophobia — Fear of Love’ had to settle for second place behind SVG Players International’s ‘Fire Empress — Colours Overloaded’ in the Junior Queen of Carnival Competition.

The band relinquished its hold on the Best Junior Section when it placed second to an unlikely competitor, the Lynx Mas

Band. The section Wildfire’ from that Band’s ‘Devasting Elements’ took top honours in this category, and pushed Blondie Bird and Friend’s ‘Inhthyophobis — Fear of Fishes’ into second place.

They also had to settle for the second spot in the ‘Uptown Competition’, trailing SVG Players International’s ‘Legends of Soca Monarch’.

“Winning is motivation,” Boyd said, adding that there is not much money in Mas competitions compared to the other components of Carnival.

‘Rainbow Nation’ helped Nelson Bloc’s ‘A Journey through Africa’ place third in the Junior Band of the Year competition.

But it was not about the money, he continued.

It was pride, said Boyd, who has been involved in Mas for half a century.

And it is this long-time involvement in Mas that has made it possible to produce the types of ‘mas’ that he does.

“In terms of telling a story and building something, our band is

that kind of band,” Boyd said.

He credited his team and singled out individuals including Garth Niles and Ozzie Constance for special mention.

According to Boyd, his team has been together for some time now. “We stick together,” he said.

Rounding up the top

four Junior Mas Bands 2018 — second spot went to SVG Players Int’l with its presentation ‘Legends of Soca Monarch’; Digicel Nelson Bloc placed third with ‘A journey through Africa’, and Metrocint High Voltage Mas Production was fourth with their presentation ‘Exotic Beaches’. (DD)

‘Give the people something’ THE OFFICIAL JUDGING for the Band of the Year in this year’s Mardi Gras will be Victoria Park. This, after last year’s trial of having the competition judged in Little Tokyo, a decision based on the rapidly declining attendance at the Park.

But even with the return to the traditional venue, at least one mas man believes that people will not return to the venue, unless a decision is made to include a show, as was done in the past, before the Bands take to the stage.

Elroy Boyd, Band Leader of ‘Blondie Bird

and Friends’ was among those who called for the official Mardi Gras judging point to be returned to Victoria Park, but he feels that with admittance being free, there is not going to be a high turnout of people to Victoria Park.

According to Boyd, the inclusion of a package may just do the trick as far as encouraging people to make a return to the Park is concerned.

Boyd told THE VINCENTIAN in an interview, that the CDC could put together a show featuring the likes of the junior calypso champion.

“Let the Carnival

Queen walk across the stage for those who did not get to see before,” he said.

Boyd further suggested that Calypsonians who were not selected for the “Big Yard” (Calypso Monarch Finals), could be invited to perform.

“So, by the time the Mas Bands come in, the people are entertained. …

They want people to come, but people won’t come unless there is something going on,” Boyd said.

Activities for Mardi Gras this year is scheduled to begin at 10am and includes attractions for children.

(DD)

The stands at Victoria Park have been all but empty for some time now for the Mardi Gras parade.

Inset: Elroy ‘Blondie Bird’ Boyd, veteran mas man and mas band leader, suggests that an entertainment package should precede the parade of bands at Victoria Park for Mardi Gras.

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4. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Mentally ill sentenced, after seven years ...

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

and three months she had already spent on remand.

Justice Cottle handed down the penalty at the High Court Criminal

Assizes, following the prosecution’s acceptance of Garraway’s plea to the lesser charge.

The Judge pointed out that manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a benchmark of 15 years.

But he noted that Garraway pleaded guilty, and will benefit from a one third discount on her sentence, as laid out in

the sentencing guidelines of the Court of Appeal.

He added that, based on reports from the experts, Garraway has a documented history of mental illness which was not related to any narcotic substance.

In mitigation earlier, attorney Patina Knights who represented Garraway, told the Court that her client had struggled with her mental illness for five years before committing Susan Garraway spent the offence. She added the last seven years on that the incident remand. occurred on March 31,

2011, and her client has been in custody since.

Garraway was accused of causing her daughter’s death by slashing her throat sometime after 6pm. on the date in question.

Garraway’s matter was listed for trial for some years now, but was traversed on a number of occasions, as the Court awaited psychiatric reports on her.

Justice Cottle ordered that Garraway continue her treatment and supervision while in prison.

SUSAN GARRAWAY, a 45year-old mentally ill woman who was on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison since April 4, 2011 on a murder charge, in connection with the death of her 6-year-old daughter Zyia Garraway, was sentenced to nine years in prison on Wednesday, after pleading guilty to manslaughter, on the basis of diminished responsibility.

But the Fairbane Pasture woman will serve only one year and nine months behind bars for the offence, as Justice Brian Cottle took into account the seven years PASTOR Nigel Morgan, his wife Althia and Brian Cottle at the High Court, their 24-year-old daughter Crystal return Friday, June 29, but the matter to the High Court today (Friday) as they was adjourned to today, awaiting seek to have bail granted, following the documentation on the evidence filing of an appeal, May 3, against their from the trial. convictions and sentences for inflicting A written High Court order grievous bodily harm. dated June 29, 2018 and entered Crystal Morgan Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett, sitting July 3, stated, “The notes of Althia Morgan at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, April evidence from the Magistrate’s Pastor Nigel 30, this year, convicted and sentenced the Court are to be ready and served Morgan The Morgans, in Hopewell family to four years each for before 6 July 2018. their defence, accused inflicting grievous bodily harm on Caruth “If the notes of evidence are not ready Victory of being the aggressor, and claimed villager Cuthbert Victory. The convictions for the Court’s consideration on that date, stemmed from an incident at Hopewell, in the Magistrate or a representative ought to they acted in self- defence.

Crystal had told the Court, at the trial, which Victory was severely burnt with be present to explain why to this Court”. boiling water, April 9, 2016.

Bacchus-Baptiste is to provide the High that she poured the water on a backpack CAMPDEN PARK Victory had on him, after she saw her The Morgans, represented by Attorney Court with written submissions. resident Keithon James parents under attack.

Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, have appealed on Tammika Da Silva-McKenzie is was granted $30,000 bail the grounds that, “the verdict is unsafe and representing the Respondent. Evidence The incident had occurred close to the with one surety, when he cannot be supported by evidence, and the Morgans’ home, and Crystal said she was presented by the Prosecution, at the trial, appeared at the Serious making tea in the kitchen, at the time. She sentences are excessive”. showed that Pastor Morgan and his wife Offences Court Monday looked outside when she heard someone On June 21, Bacchus-Baptiste filed a held Victory by each hand while their on an attempted murder bail application for all three appellants. daughter Crystal poured the boiling water say, “Bring de ting, bring de oil”. charge.

The application was heard before Justice on him.

James is charged with the attempted murder of Kaymany Williams of the same community. He is accused of shooting RAUL BOYDE, an 18-year-old boy admitted that he does not have any Williams in the left side who pleaded guilty on Monday to ten good company.

ZARRI LAYNE, a witness in a wounding matter He was charged on several counts of of his stomach during an charges, in connection with the breakongoing at the High Court Criminal Assizes up to ins of a number of vehicles, June 1, theft and damage to property, in incident at Campden press time Wednesday, has been charged with July 1, as well as between March 24 connection with the rampage. Most of Park, June 13. making contradictory statements on oath. and 25, and between April 14 and 15, the persons who suffered losses or had Williams was The matter involved Murray’s Village resident has blamed iniquity for his action. their vehicles damaged at the hands of hospitalized, as a result Emron Jones who was charged with unlawfully But Senior Magistrate Rickie Boyde, had parked in various areas to of the incident, but was and maliciously wounding Enrico Jack of Burnett, sitting at the Kingstown attend Carnival shows at Victoria subsequently discharged.

Campden Park with intent, by shooting him in his Magistrate’s Court, sentenced the Rose Park or Arnos Vale.

James was not chest, March 11, 2013. place youth to nine months “People must be allowed to go to a required to plea when he In his evidence at the trial on Monday, July 2, imprisonment on each charge, to run show and come back and meet their faced Chief Magistrate Layne insisted that he did not see who shot Jack. consecutively. It means that Boyde belongings intact,” Burnett told the Rechanne Browne on This was at variance with his testimony at the would serve 90 months or seven and a youngster sternly.

Monday.

Preliminary Inquiry (PI) in which he stated that half years behind bars.

“I am happy that one person has Senior Prosecutor he saw the accused shoot Jack in his chest.

After Boyde admitted to the been taken out of circulation, and the Adolphus Delpleche did Appearing before Senior Magistrate Rickie charges, Burnett asked him why he only place I can send you is to Her not object to bail, but had embarked on this conduct, to Majesty’s Prison. The only thing I Burnett at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on asked for sufficiency in which the boy replied, “From day one, have to determine is how long,” the Wednesday, Layne pleaded guilty to the charge, surety, and suitable I believe people put me so.”

Magistrate contended. He then which was laid under Section 102 of the Criminal conditions. In addition to The Magistrate further asked, “Why adjourned the Court for a few minutes, Code, Chapter 171. He told the Court that he reporting conditions, they put you so, and didn’t put me so? and when it was resumed, Boyde was retracted from what he had said at the PI because James was ordered to Did you do anybody anything?” recalled to the stand. he feared for his life, but admitted that he did not surrender his travel “No,” Boyde answered, prompting “Your conduct embarked on for a tell this to the judge.

Burnett to further question why period of time, is because of your documents, and not to Speaking as a friend of the Court, Attorney anyone would just pick on Boyde to do worthless mind,” Burnett told him have any contact with Grant Connell said that while the transcript “was before handing down the consecutive the virtual complainant. him an act of iniquity. not before us”, usually in matters like that, an Boyde had told the Court earlier nine-month sentences on all ten A Preliminary Inquiry application to treat the witness hostile, is made. charges. Boyde was not represented by (PI) is slated for October that he was a former student of the Layne was granted $3,000 bail with one surety, Bethel High School, but dropped out in a lawyer.

10, 2018. and the matter was adjourned to July 16.

Form 2, because of bad company, and

Morgans looking for bail

Attempted murder accused granted bail

“Worthless mind, not obeah,” thief told

Witness retracts on statement

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 06 , 2018. 5.

Regional - Travel Focus

LIAT to get Grenada, St. Lucia subsidy AS RECENT AS WEDNESDAY 30th May, in Barbados, Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, while addressing a Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) 48th Annual meeting seminar on ‘Air transport Competitiveness and Connectivity’, told delegates that it was high time that the Antigua-based airline receive a subvention from the governments of the sub-regional Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Barbados.

“In essence, LIAT needs fresh cash,” PM Browne said then, adding, “We have to see subsidising as an investment, an investment in the region to ensure the integration process works.”

Whether or not PM Browne was the one to raise this issue at the June 18 and 19 meeting of OECS Heads of Government in St. Lucia, cannot be confirmed one way or the other.

But what can be confirmed is that following that meeting, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda was quoted as saying that the governments of Saint Lucia and Grenada have agreed to subsidise the operations of LIAT. The Antiguan Prime Minister’s comment was

LIAT, once more, enjoys the status of being designated the Official Airline of Vincy Mas 2018.

LIAT: The airline of Vincy Mas

LIAT, THE CARIBBEAN AIRLINE, is looking to match if not exceed the number of travellers it transited into St. Vincent and the Grenadines for Vincy Mas 2017.

Last year, according to reports, the airline brought over six thousand visitors to Vincy Mas. St. Kitts and Nevis’ For LIAT, this year is St. Lucia’s Prime Grenada’s Prime Prime Minister Dr. extra special since it Minister Allen Minister Keith Mitchell, marks the tenth year of only recently, had called Chastanet, in July 2016, Timothy Harris LIAT’s ‘direct’ sponsorship continues to keep his declared that not a on his fellow heads of of Vincy Mas. country out of the LIAT dollar from his country government to reduce LIAT is a platinum was going into the cash- loop of financiers. airline ticket taxes and Julie Reifer-Jones, CEO sponsor of the annual (Credit: zizonline) fees which are attached strapped regional of LIAT, is aiming to carnival in SVG, and has airline.

(Credit: to intra-regional air been declared the Official increase the number of Neither of the two antiguanewsroom) travel. (Credit: Regional Airline of the passengers LIAT moves leaders concerned was Stluciatimes.com) festival which runs from into SVG for Vincy Mas quoted as saying that he benefits of LIAT,” it June 29 to July 10, 2018.

2018. (Credit: quoted Browne as saying. has seen an improvement first reported by the The CEO of LIAT also stluciatimes.com) in this regard, but Browne “They have signalled Caribbean News Service said, “They have signalled noted that the that they are willing to (CNS), which, in its relationship between St. that they are willing to come onboard to provide report, observed that Vincent and the Grenadines and LIAT has always come onboard to provide some financial subsidy to Saint Lucia and Grenada been a unique one, and connecting persons to enjoy some financial subsidy to LIAT.” have been two of LIAT’s this festival was one of the ways LIAT reiterates its Grenada and St. Lucia, LIAT.” biggest critics. commitment to the destination.

St. Kitts and Nevis, especially through their CNS, however, did not Ricardo Adams, Chairman of the Carnival current leaders - Dr. Keith from all reports, is still not reveal any details of this Development Corporation (CDC), expressed excitement ready to contribute to Mitchell and Allen recent injection of cash in partnering with LIAT as the Official Regional LIAT. Chastanet respectively into the fledging regional Airline of Vincy Mas 2018.

The governments of airline, but said the move have been strong critics of “The CDC acknowledges and appreciates the Barbados, Antigua and

by St. Lucia and Grenada the operations of the commitment of LIAT over the past ten years in this Barbuda, St Vincent and airline, going as far as to was agreed to at the just tremendous partnership,” he said. the Grenadines and say that before their concluded OECS Mr Adams noted, “This collaboration has Dominica are LIAT’s main governments would even Authority meeting in undoubtedly resulted in Vincy Mas becoming ‘The (Main shareholders. think of investing in LIAT, Saint Lucia.

Hottest Carnival in the Caribbean’, attracting visitors Source: CNS) that it must first address “The whole idea is to from across the LIAT network and beyond.” spread the burden and the its inefficiencies.

LIAT, as the history will show, has been a partner of the annual carnival here since the change was made from a Pre-Lenten celebration to a June-July festival.

WHEN NEWLY ELECTED PRIME begins to diminish and airlines begin to exit Mottley, to point out It followed since up until MINISTER of Barbados Mia Mottley the market. That is something we certainly the dangers 2017 when the Argyle delivered her mini Budget on June 11, she don’t want to happen in this part of the associated with the International Airport was included as a revenue earning measure in world,” he said. increased fees and open, LIAT was the only her government’s Economic Recovery and Cerdá argued further that instead of charges. airline offering a scheduled Transformation Plan, a US$70 Airline increasing taxes ( a la Barbados), the region However, service into and out of St. Travel and Tourism Development fee for should address the range of issues limiting Minister of Tourism Vincent, and benefited in no trips to extra-regional destinations, and a the region’s competitiveness and growth, and International uncertain terms from that US$35 levy for travel within the Caribbean. including inadequate air connectivity, the Transport Kerrie monopoly, especially at These were expected to be enforced on trvel absence of a liberalized airspace, poor Symmonds gave no heightened periods of activity tickets purchased on and after October 1, customer service, and inefficient and aging indication that Peter Cerda, IATA’s like the June- July Vincy Mas. 2018. infrastructure.

Government was The airline became, in However, these measures have met with “We need competitive taxes, fees and willing to reconsider Regional Vice particular, a platinum sponsor President has the sternest of rebukes from the Qiebeccharges, efficient infrastructure, the tax, which the of the CARIVAL Show, headquartered International Air Transport harmonized consumer laws and efficient administration said issued a stern providing, among its major warning about the Association (IATA), the global trade regulations. Without the Government was meant to raise inputs into the festival, free, association that represents 290 carriers. support in these areas traffic growth will US$95 million to negative effects of full airline passage for Miss IATA’s Regional Vice President Peter be, to the best of our cases, flat or even fund the Barbados the proposed Carival contestants and their Cerdá in an initial written response to begin to decrease over the next couple of Tourism Marketing travel-related chaperones into and out of St. Prime Minister Mottley said, without water years, and those passengers will go to other Inc, the Barbados taxes/fees.

Vincent. in his mouth, “We do believe when you places around the world,” he warned.

Tourism Product It is also not the first time impose these fees they have a negative The Regional Vice President said, Authority, that LIAT has been designated effect. We have seen it in other parts of the though, that his body was looking forward regulation of tourism and civil aviation and world when these fee structures are put in to meeting with the Barbados Labour Party the country’s shareholder responsibilities to the Official Air Carrier of Vincy Mas. place and are high, first passenger travel administration of Prime Minister Mia LIAT.

IATA rejects Barbados’ new travel taxes

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6. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Carnival

ÂLil KrisÊ does the beaver trick IT HAS BECOME SOMETHING OF A ROUTINE as far as results of the Primary School category of the Junior Calypso Competition is concerned.

And that’s borne out by Kristian ‘Lil Kris’ Christopher.

The Layou Government School student romped to his fourth consecutive title, with a rendition of ‘Oh what a tangled web’, when the competition was held at Victoria Park, Tuesday 3rd July, 2018.

Using his experience and familiarity with the turf, ‘Lil Kris’ was not going to be upstaged, and he wasn’t.

Danique ‘Sweet Dazell’ Edwards from the Greiggs Government School placed second with her presentation ‘AIA is good’.

Third place went to the Stubbs Government School represented by Matthew John. His number also zoomed in on the recently opened airport project.

Completing the list of competitors were: Fidel Cyrus from Kingstown Anglican with ‘Way daddy dey?’; Tevanja ‘Lil Jay’ Joseph of the Sandy Bay Primary School whose number was ‘I cannot be you’; Aexio ‘Xio’ Edwards of the Gomea Methodist School with ‘Youths wake up’; Daniella Hinson representing the New Prospect Primary with a song entitled ‘In these times’; and Kailey ‘Singing Kiki’ Cyrus from the C.W. Prescod Primary doing ‘Discipline’.

Matthew John flew away with the third place.

Danique ‘Sweet Dazell’ Edwards, cut a petit figure on stage, but impressed to earn herself second place.

Kristian ‘Lil Kris’ Christopher sang his way inti the record books by claiming a fourth consecutive Primary Schools Calypso Monarch title.

‘Boney Man’ puts on flesh

M’riah ‘Young Saiah’ Robertson, with her second place, managed to separate the St. Martin’s Secondary contingent.

Left: Damian ‘Boney Man’ Noel moved one spot up from last year to take the Secondary schools’ Junior Monarch title.

DAMIAN ‘BONEY MAN’ NOEL is not yet full of muscle, but there sure has been some growth since he appeared in the Secondary Schools’ Calypso Monarch Competition last year, when he placed second.

This year, there was no stopping the St. Martin’s Secondary School (SMSS) student. His song, ‘Silence never’, was enough to keep the other seven contenders from uttering a word. Not that they did not try. But ‘Boney Man’ was intent on breaking new territory.

M’riah ‘Young Saiah’ Robertson may have entertained thoughts of accomplishing the double when she performed her number ‘Mini Van lover,’ in the calypso segment, and waited for her turn in the Junior Soca competition. She managed a ‘double of seconds’.

Third place went to another SMSS student - Christopher Bacchus. His song was: ‘Caribbean dream’.

Kristiana ‘Singing Kristie’ Christopher who hitherto was dominant in this category of competition, was not in the top bracket. The Thomas Saunders Secondary School student did the number ‘The changing face of Vincy Mas’, but failed to impress the judges.

The Sandy Bay Secondary maintained its presence in the art

Third place went to another SMSS student - Christopher Bacchus, who joined his school mate Boney Man, to bring added celebration to the St. Martin’s. form with two students: Delisha ‘Soca D’ Bracken who did ‘Who is Poli-Tricks’, and Dale Ann ‘Lady Dale’ Nero with her number ‘All rise’.

Chachani ‘Lady Chachani’ Morgan from Girls High School with ‘Conflict Resolution’ and Tyrique ‘D Fusion’ Thomas from St. Vincent Grammar School with ‘War,’ completed the list of finalists.

The band Vikinz provided musical accompaniment for the performers.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 06 , 2018. 7.

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8. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Editorial Carnival can be misleading AS WE WELCOME HOME our fellow nationals at this festive time of the year, we must at the same time not allow the bombardment of the niceties of the season to cloud their impressions of the ‘real thing’ here in SVG. If the truth be told, they will see for themselves the strides we have made with our physical infra-structure — police stations, schools, resource centres, the ‘modern’ prison at Belle Isle, the many private homes of exquisite designs, relatively ‘good’ main roads, a brand new diagnostic centre and of course, and the epitome of the Unity Labour Party’s platform, the Argyle International Airport.

Those and more visible achievements, we can’t take anywhere and we can’t remove from the annals of the ULP administration. In essence, they are meant to be the building blocks on which to found an egalitarian society — free of all social, cultural, economic and political uncertainties and more importantly, dichotomy.

But there is a ‘face’ to the reality of this country, that we must not let our fellow nationals lose sight of or simply ignore.

The first is that the carnival season is one of maybe two annual heightened periods of commercial activity (the other being Christmas), that give a false sense to the state of commerce and related economic activity here.

Our returning nationals must realise that they are perhaps the most significant contributors to this heightened activity, and these will be long gone when the increase of money in circulation dissipates and things return to normal.

Yes, carnival is important, given its impact on the economy, but it is, for all intents and purposes, a temporary reprieve to otherwise challenging economic times. It is not an end on to itself and because, unlike other countries which have moved to develop and maximise the economic potential of the industries that are inherent in the carnival culture, ours (carnival culture) has no impact, makes no real contribution for most of the year.

But we will indulge every year. We will indulge and become ‘masqueraders’ whose expressions and behaviour speak to intoxication, licentiousness, unbridled liberalism that, as the major characteristics of a carnival which we label our premier cultural festival — a festival that identifies us as a people of the world, only to have that world remind us that, like Confucius says, ‘Man who jump up and down, develop only foot and leg not brain’. If we are to make Confucius more relevant to what passes as cultural expression, it would translate: ‘Man and woman who whine and gyrate on each other, simulating, for all to see, gratuitous sexual acts, only learn how to increase population’.

And all of this is notwithstanding artistry, musicianship of the true carnival makers.

Yes, it is to that intoxication, licentiousness and unbridled liberalism to which our returning nationals and resdients flock like acolytes to a fattened, golden calf.

Amidst all the ‘fun’, our returning nationals must be made aware that this ‘new culture’, which they are wont to embrace, is not a culture on which they were bred and on which any sound future or identity for and of this land can be founded.

Sure, let off steam, but do not allow the expressions of that release of steam become the fabric that we will use to weave a new tapestry for Vincentians.

A FOOTNOTE Given much of what has passed as worthy of comprising the Calypso Monarch Finals for 2018, we are wont to repeat an extract from the Editorial Column of our issue of June 15, 2017: “Here’s a radical suggestion: It’s time for calypso to be judged by persons with musical backgrounds and members of the public with great love for and knowledge of calypso.

Judges should serve for one year .. no consecutive service - so that persons do not begin to believe they are the sole arbitrators...”

Adrian Saunders: The sky is the limit “WHEN THE CCJ FORMALLY OPENED to business in Trinidad and Tobago earlier this week, our own Adrian Saunders was a special adornment to that bench.

Saunders’ elevation to the highest tier of the regional judicial system has been nothing short of meteoric, especially during the latter years where his startling performances in the Local Appeal Court pointed the way to the very top.

What is very striking, is that everything about the upbringing of the young jurist seemed to conspire to ensure that he would become a man of balance, taking both sides of the question.

To begin with, his father Tommy was a primary school headmaster who, among other things, was a local preacher of the Methodist Church whose philosophy seemed simple enough, far removed from the High Church approach of the Roman Catholics with their Hail Mary’s and Latin litanies.

The mother of Adrian, was, on the other hand, a staunch devotee of the Roman Catholics into which Adrian was born.

In fact, Adrian and his wife became exemplars among the Catholic laity and were once chosen to represent the Church before the Holy See at the Vatican.

Another factor in Adrian’s childhood days which must have had its influence, is the fact that his father was inclined to support the PPP which had championed his cause in an administrative conflict with the Colony’s administrator, whereas Mrs. Saunders was numbered among the Women’s League of the St. Vincent Labour Party on whose ticket she unsuccessfully contested one Kingstown Town Board election in the mid-1950s.

Especially, these factors must not be underrated in the shaping of the young Saunders; his father and mother being adherents of warring political tribes, yet able to maintain harmony in a home in which the Roman Catholic tradition must have engaged in friendly battle with the Free Church of Methodism.

As a young man, I was drawn into the Saunders’ family orbit by a happy accident. My wife-to-be landed her first job of teaching at the Kingstown Methodist School where, for all practical purposes, she became virtual secretary to Headmaster Tommy Saunders, making rounds with him as pinion rider on motor-cycle P.320 as they carried the outreach programme of the traditional headmaster cum JP cum Local preacher!

The bond tightened when it was discovered that the secretary, so-called, celebrated her birthday on the 29th of December, the day of the anniversary of the marriage of the Saunders. So one thing was made of it as we enjoyed the annual little gettogether of the Saunders, which climaxed when Mr. Saunders agreed to toast the bride at my own wedding in 1961.

I have always felt that my first son, Adrian, was named after the young Saunders boy, although Dr. Adrian Fraser insists otherwise!

Meanwhile, Adrian Saunders had his own boon companions, mostly a “Montrose gang” with whom

he cultivated strong and lasting friendships. The Iton-twin (Wayne and Will), Mark Williams, Joel Providence, Monty Eustace, and Andrew Cummings, among others. Table tennis, in which Adrian claimed a superlative, forehand smash, was then the chief drawing card.

High-level debates were also a feature of these conclaves which accompanied the gang to Cave Hill in Barbados where they were joined by other folk, notably Kingsley Layne, Kay Bacchus and Parnel Campbell.

Naturally, the discussants touched on fundamental concepts, in the conducive atmosphere of the University, and it is here that Adrian began to evolve a socialist philosophy which visibly sharpened with the untimely death of his brother, Ronnie with whom he was very close. Dr Ronnie Saunders subscribed to a very radical philosophy- like a young Franz Fanon- and with his removal, it is theorized, his surviving brother of the blood and ideology felt a natural urge to carry on the pursuit.

When he did his practicals in Law at Hugh Wooding in Trinidad, he befriended Glenroy “Iswala” Browne and together they fell under the sway of a radical group led by Winston Suite and others. He adopted his African name of “Infomo”.

Back home in St. Vincent, Adrian became president of the NYC. He had earlier enlisted in a radical group known as Yulimo and led by Renwick “Kamara” Rose whose friendship Adrian particularly values to this day.

He was a founding member of the UPM. 1979 before it broke with its leader, Ralph Gonsalves who formed the breakaway MNU in 1982.

These were tumultuous times highlighted by the Grenada Revolution and the varying responses thereto. Yulimo was generally sympathetic, siding with the Coard faction to whom Iswala was closely drawn.

When the Grenada Revolution committed suicide and the heat subsided, Adrian Saunders took over leadership of Yulimo in a belated effort to save it, even personally running for a seat in the 1984 elections, unsuccessfully.

With that, Infomo virtually closed up political shop, and the new Adrian then emerged turning his focus on the law which he had been neglecting.

He formed his law firm of Saunders and Huggins, and never looked backed since. His diligence, painstaking dedication to work, his lucidity in advocacy and, moreso his crisp and logical presentations, easily caught the eyes of the authorities starved of such succulent fare. Adrian was a breath of fresh air, and the legal gurus gasped sucking it all in.

In leaps and bounds, he moved swiftly from the local Bench, to the Appeal Court where he acted as Chief Justice, and onto the first CCJ which is challenged with an inauspicious start.

Adrian’s quick mind will be a boon to the CCJ, charting new vistas and exploring undiscovered lands. His landmark decisions such as that Continued on Page 14.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. 09.

News

Flow supports Police exhibition AS THE EXCITEMENT and festivity associated with Vincy Mas 2018 heightened, FLOW teamed up with The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) as the latter hosted its annual Crime Prevention Exhibition on Friday 29th June 2018.

An exercise intended to sensitize the public about personal safety and property protection, the exhibition was held outside of the Police Headquarters in capital city, Kingstown, and featured a suite of booths showcasing the work and functions of the various departments of the Police Force, as well as security tools and electronic systems offered by private sector entities here.

There was also a well patronized and professionally manned booth that addressed counterfeit currency notes.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Hesran Ballantyne said the exhibition “gives the force another opportunity to engage all Vincentians, not just carnival revelers, on proper safety and protection measures, in an effort to stay ahead of the criminals.”

Right: The Royal SVG Police Force 2018 Annual Crime Prevention Exhibition received full and visible support from telecommunications service provider Flow.

He also expressed gratitude to telecommunications company Flow for its assistance with the Exhibition over the last five years, and described Flow’s support as a demonstration of its recognition of what was happening in the country as far as crime was concerned, and its readiness to come on board with the efforts of the police, especially in the proactive measures taken to address crime.

This year’s exhibition was held under the theme “Be involved, stay informed, make a difference.

New Presiding Bishop for PAWI SVG REV. STEPHEN OLLIVIERRE, Pastor of Faith Temple, New Montrose, is the new District Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies (PAWI) SVG District. His appointment takes effect from September 1, 2018.

Rev. Ollivierre replaces Bishop Sonny Williams, who resigned the position after serving for 16 years, consequent upon his election as Rev Stephen General Bishop of the Ollivierre was the Denomination at its 37th Assistant Biennial Conference, held in Presiding Bishop Tobago from 28th May — 1st of the SVG June of this year.

District of PAWI The new Presiding Bishop for the past 14 has been in active pastoral years. ministry for approximately 30 years and has served as Assistant Presiding Bishop of the SVG District of PAWI for the past 14 years.

As a result of Rev. Ollivierre’s elevation, Rev. Elroy Martin has been appointed to serve as Assistant Presiding Bishop. The other members of the PAWI SVG District include: Rev. Keith Graham — Director of Missions; Rev. Carlton Edwards — Director of Church Ministries; Rev. Beverlie Haynes — Secretary; Sis. Vilma Ollivierre — Treasurer.

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10. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Vincies take top honours in NY Pageant

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com

US CORRESPONDENT VINCENTIAN KAIIA KRYSTA PHILLIPS won the Miss New York Continental Cultural Pageant two Saturdays ago,

at George Wingate High was first runner-up.

Phillips’ compatriot, School in Brooklyn.

Another Vincentian, Makeda Peters, Miss St. According to the Vincent & the Grenadines, Maya Grant, Miss pageant’s newly-appointed Vincentian-born director, Kaiia Krysta Phillips, Miss Greggs, SVG, Miss Adonna Lewis-Dudley, New York Continental Cultural Pageant 2018.

Phillips competed as Miss (Photo Credit: Miss New York Continental Greggs, SVG [St. Vincent Cultural Pageant) and the Grenadines].

Mesopotamia, SVG, was second runner-up.

Lewis-Dudley said Miss Belize, Reality Dopwell, won Miss Photogenic.

Brianna Maxwell represented Jamaica; Sha niah Forbes represented Kingston, Jamaica; and Jemela Wright represented Guyana, Lewis-Dudley said.

She said Miss St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Miss Guyana shared the “Miss Popularity contest bragging rights.”

The seven contestants were judged on swimsuit, talent and gown, and interview.

Lewis-Dudley told THE VINCENTIAN that her focus was to deliver a presentation “that was of the higher standard — that meant focusing more on production to ensure high quality and versatility to appeal to all in the audience.

“The performances were exorbitant, both for the entertainers and the contestants, and we made

extra efforts to portray the talented young people in the community,” she added.

Lewis-Dudley said the contestants opened the show with “an amazing dance tribute,” themed “It’s a Jungle out There.”

She said they were told to use their imagination and create costumes from what they already own “to signify jungle life.”

“This was to, indeed, bring out their creative nature, and they did not disappoint,” Lewis-Dudley said. “Thanks to Pageant coach, Sarita Acosta, former Miss Belize and Miss Universe finalist 1978/79, for coining this year’s theme.

Lewis-Dudley said that, based on the feedback, the pageant was “well received; considered one of our best.

“Thanks to everyone who supported,” she said.

“We could not do this without you, and look forward to your continued support.”

Paul’s Avenue native Yvonne Peters heads the pageant.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. 11.

Letters

Disdainful Digicel

A FEW WEEKS ago, via these pages, I aired my views and criticisms concerning the unwanted imposition of unsolicited text messages by Digicel upon their subscribers.

I did this with the (naive) thought that it may spur Digicel into some form of response to explain these invasions of privacy.

The silence from Digicel has been deafening.

I can only judge that this is due to the fact that Digicel view client’s complaints as paltry and hold their customers in contempt.

It may also be that the senior management responsible for such a reply hold their

position(s) in such high esteem that they are too arrogant to reply.

Lastly, when I try to text Digicel, giving written notice for my number to be deleted from the advertising database and not passed on to any other third party, my texts are blocked and returned as ‘unsendable’.

Why is it that Digicel can block incoming text messages to themselves, but when I ask for a similar facility, I am told it is unavailable?

A. W. Indupp

Community Award GHS CONGRATULATIONS to all of our graduates as the academic year comes to an end. One hundred and thirty-four Girls’ High School (GHS) sisters have graduated this year.

Please join me in congratulating, in particular, the fifteen recipients of the annual Cheryl King (CK) Community Award over the years. The Community Award recipients exemplify the principles of “selflessly

being positive, doing good and striving to make the world a better place by their actions.”

I salute them all and wish them continued success in the future.

Over the years, the recipients have been: 2004-Rachael Oliver 2005-Tamisha Browne 2006-Amber Glasgow 2007-Lizanna Pollard 2008-Jai-Len Williams 2009-Rose-Anne Richardson 2010-Lusha Lorraine 2011-River Providence.

2012-Breanna Antoine 2013-Nikelene McLean 2014-Kelsie Haynes 2015-Justine Farrel 2016-Shantel Williams 2017-Maya John 2018-Rhobyn Grant.

We love you all and are very proud of you.

All the best in the future as you strive to make our world a better place by your efforts in the community.

Thanks to the parents, teachers and community who support our young

people.

Community involvement matters. It is important.

Well-done.

Cheryl Phills King

The real ÂperformingÊ arts I WRITE THIS to bemoan the lack of interest in our progressive culture.

I recently attended The SVG Writers’ Association’s ‘Unapologetically Vincy’ show at the Peace Memorial Hall, and I was thoroughly entertained and enlightened by the moving poetry of Dr. Chester Toney, and other acts like those from Godfrey Dublin and Ole George, who was the highlight of the show in an interview where he spoke satirically of his attempted Guinness World Record feats funny and captivating.

This Show could have made a million dollars anywhere other than in SVG. Sad to say the turnout was small, but all who came obviously enjoyed it! I would have paid $500 for a ticket.

An aside: When are we getting that National Performing Arts Centre?

It was nice to see the African-braided girls in the Hair Show segment, noting that at this year’s Miss SVG Pageant, the absence of ethnic hairstyles was notable.

Godfrey Dublin brought a touching reminder of the late great Bob (Marley) and a sympathetic anthem to our women, with ‘No

Woman no Cry’. We need hope and the golden days alive. to hear stuff like that.

Glenroy ‘Sulle’ Caesar A patron of the arts said it all when he lauded the Association and president Dr. Chester Toney for contributing to the effort LAST WEEK Tuesday, to keep African-Garifuna hundreds of our nation’s youth graduated from culture alive, and noted that the European media the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community invasion could not College. I congratulate extinguish the natural the students who have indigenous spark that worked very hard to lives in our people. achieve this important His Resistant milestone in their young Heartbeat Drummers’ lives. This was truly a symphonic rhythm a la proud moment for the Africa, reminded of the students, teachers and old days (70s) with parents, and speaks to DRAGS (Dynamic Rhythm Arts Group) and the tremendous potential was another highlight for that we have in this me, making me ‘proud to country to achieve the Vincentian dream. be an African’.

As I reflect on the Where were our sograduation ceremony and called patrons and on our young people, I representatives of the arts and culture? Shows am mindful of the youth unemployment crisis like this should be that we face in our attended by representatives from the country. As a result of this, many of our young Ministry of Culture, at people may feel least. They are going to apprehensive about their be at every ‘boom boom’ prospects for the future.

Carnival show featuring the other culture that is Though the road ahead all about ‘Tek it Tek it’… may be a rough one, I ‘Here look the Eggplant’ want to assure them that and ‘Top Man’ (Isn’t that the New Democratic a sexual term for a type Party is focused on of pervert)? implementing policies Commendations to Dr. that will grow our Toney and the economy, reduce the tax Association for keeping burden, incentivize small

Missing an International day YOU KNOW. Mr. Editor, how we have World Food Day, International Women’s day, No Smoking Day and all those other days. Well, do you know that we also have the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking? That day is marked on June 26 every year since its inception in 1987.

Well, from all appearances, this one missed us.

In fact, Mr. Editor, we have been missing this day since its inception. For I cannot recall, though I stand to be corrected, this country ever marking the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. I could go a step further and speculate that we hardly ever, if we have at all, even mention the existence of the Day. My checks with UN documents tell me that the Day is usually used by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime as an opportunity “to highlight the dangers of drug use and their illegal trade, and provides educational material to teachers and public officials all over the world to help spread the message about the extreme cultural and economic harm the trade in drugs is still doing across the globe.”

I also have read the World Drug Report 2017 which states that “29.5 million people globally suffer from drug use disorders, including dependence”.

That Report makes it clear that “corruption, the illicit drug trade and poverty reinforce each other: The wealth and power of some drug trafficking organisations can exceed that of local governments, allowing them to buy protection from law enforcement agents, criminal justice institutions, politicians and the business sector. In doing so, they further reinforce corruption. The rule of law is both an immediate victim and, if it is already weak, an underlying factor that feeds this cycle.”

Is there something about this International Day that we prefer not to highlight, for fear that we might expose ourselves?

Patriot

Dr. Friday congratulates SVGCC graduates Leader of the Opposition business growth and youth entrepreneurship, New Democratic Party and revitalize the agriculture, fishing and tourism industries. Also, we will pave the way for greater opportunities for our youth through IT * How many of business development. those persons We know how important selected to be job creation is for our calypso judges ever youth; it is our top listen to calypsos priority. dating back to the Our focus is to ensure 1970s far less the that we create an 1960s? environment where the * How many youth of St. Vincent and borrowed melodies the Grenadines can did you hear at the thrive and live the 2018 calypso semiVincentian dream of finals? peace and prosperity. We * When will the are committed to eighteen (18) seater building a future for this minivans be licensed country, where our as fourteen (14) young people have seater? opportunities for a better * Is the government way of life. aware that Banks I encourage you, our here are refusing to new graduates, to share cash a cheque for a your ideas and partner person if that person with the New Democratic doesn’t have an Party in shaping and account at that reimagining development bank, and even if in this 21st century in that cheque is St. Vincent and the written on an Grenadines. account at that bank in question?

Dr. Godwin Friday

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12. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Good news, bright future

Introduction ON THE 28TH OF MARCH 2001, the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines elected this Unity Labour Party for the first time to govern the affairs of this blessed country. Since then, the people continuously re-elected the ULP and Comrade Ralph in 2005, 2010 and 2015.

This period, starting from 2001, to current day, was mired with numerous challenges such as increase in global terrorism that saw new stringent travel regulations implemented, and an economic crisis which affected us negatively by slowing down economic growth between 2009-2011. This economic crisis plunged many of our neighbouring islands into IMF structural adjustment programmes.

SVG also experienced the adverse effects of man-made climate change that saw SVG’s Gross Domestic Product slashed by 15 percent, in 2013 floods.

Despite these challenges, the ULP’s quest since 2001 in building a better and brighter future for all Vincentians, has been very successful, and continues to manifest itself in many ways, from the education revolution, to the completion of a modern state of the art international airport, the diversification in agriculture, new hotel development at Mt Wynne/Peters Hope, and the completion of a new state-of-the-art modern medical complex. These are just a few of the good news items which are essential in securing and building a brighter and better future for all.

down into the homes and uplift the standard of living for these persons.

We have had the leasing of various fishing centres such as that in Bequia and Owia. These centres have employed hundreds within the fishing industry, including those involved in the process of labeling, cleaning and packaging, and those who are directly engaged in fishing, selling their produce to fishing companies such as the Bequia Seafood Company.

With all these initiatives, we have further development in the tourism sector through the construction of hotels such as Black Sand, along with construction of a government-owned hotel.

This will see over EC$300 million dollars being invested in the Central Leeward, Mt. Wynne/Peters Hope area. The Opposition New Democratic Party criticised the government on this development that will see over 650 rooms built and thousands employed directly and indirectly, from chefs and cooks as well as jobs in the day-to-day management of these hotels, to farmers, taxi operators and craftsmen.

Additionally, this week, we have seen the opening of state-of-the-art Modern Medical Diagnostic Centre, staffed with 120 persons, who will combine with a Cuban delegation to offer a wide range of primary and secondary healthcare services including chemotherapy and kidney dialysis. This project was built at the The Good News cost of $42 million dollars, and was also opposed by the New Democratic It’s been two and a half years since Party. The NDP felt that the people in the last general election, where you rural areas, should not have such a the people gave this magnificent party facility because it is near the La a further mandate to govern. Since Soufriere volcano. What nonsense! then, we have seen the completion and operation of the Argyle Bright Future International Airport. Let’s not forget that the IMF stated in its 2017 There is a bright future ahead for Report after their consultations, that all Vincentians, once the ULP the SVG tourism sector will benefit administration remains in office. The from this marvellous project, due to foundation for this has been laid by increased connectivity. This was the work of the political leader of this evident from the 2018 tourism mass party, known as Prime Minister statistics, which showed that stayRalph. E. Gonsalves. Dr. Gonsalves over visitors increased by 7.3 percent has demonstrated great leadership between January and April this year skills that have allowed the country to compared to the same period in 2017. survive and propser, during one of the Furthermore, under the agriculture worst economic and financial crises. diversification program, we have seen Dr Gonsalves has around him a extensive development in cocoa and cadre of young leaders that is the coffee production alongside traditional envy of any political leader in the production in various root crops such Caribbean. The group of Camillo as dasheen and arrowroot. It must be Gonsalves, Luke Browne, Saboto stated, that in cocoa alone, we have Caesar, Carlos James and Kezron seen over 350 persons employed in the Walters, are all bright young cocoa industry, and that SVG is now Vincentians, with proven leadership exporting chocolate bars to the skills, and a passion for the European market. Some 75 thousand development of St. Vincent and the chocolate bars were sold in the first Grenadines. year, and estimates are that some 25 While “the Comrade” will provide tonnes of cocoa will be exported this the leadership and guidance, they will year. be in the forefront of the quest to Similarly, in coffee production, we building a modern post-colonial will be exporting 40 tonnes of coffee economy. This economy will be driven this year, and the Shenton Coffee

by Information Communication Company is looking to increase Technology, Agriculture and Tourism, exportation next year up to 120 which will create thousands of jobs, tonnes. through various projects which the Arrowroot farmers have benefited NDP has vehemently opposed. this year to the tune of EC $1.3 Only the ULP can secure a brighter million dollars in payment for their and better future for you and your crop. This was disbursed mainly in family, not the backward thinking and the North Windward area to two inept NDP. hundred hardworking arrowroot Have a fun-filled and peaceful farmers, and will no doubt trickle carnival!

Reform needed in the Health Sector THE LONG AWAITED Georgetown Modern Medical and Diagnostic Centre is officially open. It has taken the Unity Labour Party (ULP) regime a decade to be completed. The facility offers a wide range of services including dialysis.

Dialysis has been one of the services that Vincentians have been demanding from the government to provide.

However, the private sector must be commended for filling the void over the years. The New Democratic Party (NDP) welcomes the opening of the facility.

However, this new facility does not take away from the fact that the health sector of this country is in serious crisis and is in urgent need of reform.

We are all familiar with the untenable situation at health facilities, such as Sandy Bay, Owia, Greggs, Lowmans Windward, Calder and Sion Hill, and our premier secondary care institution, the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), which have been left to fall into disrepair, and starved of basic equipment and life-saving drugs and supplies. And falling standards and quality of care have resulted in a serious erosion of public confidence.

In the Ministry of Health, as in other areas of the ULP regime, meritocracy has been replaced by favouritism, and reward for performance supplanted by party loyalty. It has been a major trigger for the leadership crisis and falling standards that now characterize the public health system. Also, management systems have not been reorganized to respond to the demands of a modern health system.

So, the management of the MCMH remains stuck in the 20th century, while community health services are fragmented and, in some cases, now redundant.

Even though we have got a new facility, that does not mean the problems have been solved. The health sector must be transformed for the delivery of effective health care service. This requires a judicious blend of proactive policies, cutting edge management, rationalization of services, and fostering of a culture of accountability within the system.

Such transformation should be constructed on the following pillars that are mutually reinforcing: streamlining the organization and management, financing and ensuring universal access to health care.

Fundamentally, reforming the health sector requires modernization of the policy, regulatory and administrative framework. Such reform will not only serve to drive the system in constructive ways, but will also bring St. Vincent and the Grenadines in line with regional and international standards and best practices.

The NDP will do better The New Democratic Party (NDP) will take a three-pronged approach to remedy the situation. First, an effective management system will be implemented, with strict accountability from all staff at all facilities. Secondly, a national health insurance system will be established.

Thirdly, a new state of the art hospital, which will include dialysis services, will be built and operated in an appropriate part of the country, and district hospitals will be upgraded, to serve the needs of locals and visitors alike in the most efficient manner.

The management of health care nationwide will be administered by a state corporation with suitably qualified professional staff at the

Board and management levels. And the assistance of regional and international agencies will be sought to aid the implementation and allow for a phased changeover. Among the sub committees of the Board will be: finance, customer care, innovations and improvements, public relations and staffing.

The procurement and distribution of all medication and medical supplies shall be administered by the Corporation. There will be adequate defined mechanisms for public queries, complaints and feedback Links will be established to allow for regional institutions to offer tertiary health care to citizens in need. The conditions under which these services will be accessible, will be stated publicly, and there will be no discrimination in their application.

And partnerships with international health institutions and teaching institutions will be explored, and, where appropriate, will be developed.

Furthermore, a National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) will be introduced after discussions with the NIS, to provide coverage of basic health care for the insured and their dependants. The service will be similar to our National Insurance System in that it will be mandatory.

However individuals may, if they so desire, “top up” their coverage with private insurance to cover services not covered by the national system, or to cover private treatment. And private medical practitioners will be able to use the medical facilities in an open and transparent manner with appropriate safeguards.

However, it is obvious that the ULP regime does not have any intention to implement a National Health Insurance programme; based on the response that was given by the Minister of Finance, Camillo Gonsalves, to a question that was asked by the Hon. Arnhim Eustace in parliament recently. The Minister rejected the idea of a National Health Insurance Programme, and stated that he would support a regional health insurance plan instead. Such plan we will not see in the immediate future. So most Vincentians will continue to experience financial difficulties in accessing health care.

Moreover, strengthening community health systems is critical.

All of the major health problems currently confronting St. Vincent and the Grenadines may be prevented and controlled through a well-organized community health systems approach.

The features of this system will include a team approach among all health care workers operating at the community level that will involve joint planning, programming and monitoring and evaluation. This approach will build synergy, avoid duplication, and increase efficiency and effectiveness and engagement of community leaders and community groups as active partners rather than passive recipients in the quest for health.

The ULP has demonstrated that it is incompetent in managing the affairs of this country, and this is confirmed in the management of the health sector. The NDP has the competencies to effectively manage the affairs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The NDP will make St. Vincent and the Grenadines work for all Vincentians.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. 13.

Views

A sense of purpose

“You are here for a purpose. There is not a duplicate of you in the whole wide world; there never has been, there never will be. You were brought here now to fill a certain need. Take time to think that over.” - Louis Austin (1898-1971) – African American journalist, leader, and social activist.

He purchased the Carolina Times in 1927 and used it as an organ for African Americans in North Carolina to fight for freedom and equality.

WE PERIODICALLY ENCOUNTER individuals who appear to be going through life aimlessly – without a purpose. We may see this portrayed in students who seem to lack the desire to excel, floating gently along, hoping and wishing that life will be kind to them.

We may also observe the absence of a sense of purpose in employees who go to jobs that they dislike. Regrettably, we also see evidence of this within our homes as we observe individuals who see no good reason for being there and may even be anxious to rid themselves of that particular environment. In the case of the latter, it is possible that such individuals entertain thoughts of encouraging some family members (i.e. spouse, children, or parents) to remove themselves and, in some instances, they may even orchestrate to hasten their exit. However, there is reason to hope.

Regardless of the circumstances, it is possible to find or rekindle a sense of purpose. All is not lost.

Life’s conditions can often test us to the core. So much depends on how we view those situations. Even when things appear to be extremely difficult/challenging, we could sift through those events to find a reason to go on; a reason for hope; a sense of purpose. In every crisis, we can find opportunities among the dangers/trauma. This is as true for the student who fails an examination as it is for an adult who loses a job or is abandoned by a spouse. Yes, the initial trauma may seem to depress and paralyze us, but a refocusing may reveal that the situation demands that we conduct an inventory of our talents/skills to ascertain which new direction we ought to take. In the case of the job loss, it may mean that we have to settle for a significantly smaller income and/or take a longer time to regroup; but we so very often have the capacity, the ability, to regroup and regrow after life’s setbacks and disappointments.

It is so very important to periodically reflect on our sense of purpose. This is as true for individuals as it is for business enterprises, community groups, clubs, organisations, and so on. That sense of purpose is often reflected in vision and mission statements. These should not be perceived as cosmetic.

They have value. The vision statement helps the enterprise to design and reflect on the direction it wishes to take. The mission statement, on the other hand, plays a major role in assisting the management and employees to focus on who they are and what they do. In both instances, an effort is made to retain a sense of purpose. And that sense of purpose energises the individuals within the enterprise, to pursue their strategic and financial

objectives with passion. Having a sense of purpose can do that.

Super effective (doing the right things) and efficient (doing things right) individuals have often taken the time to reflect on and articulate their sense of purpose — who they are, why they exist, how they can better achieve their goals, and so on. The required introspection encourages a focus on their respective strengths and weaknesses. The intention is to determine how they can use their core competencies (strengths) to pursue opportunities. In addition, an objective examination of their weaknesses provides insights into what they may need to do to reduce the possibilities of mishaps and failures. It is therefore understandable that such individuals, if proactive, can engage in activities that encourage them to constantly improve individual and corporate performance.

We all need to develop (and regularly review) our sense of purpose. This is foundational for the teacher as it is for the police officer, politician, medical personnel, entrepreneur, business leader, and student. This is especially important as we seek to lead and encourage others to excel at all that is noble. The more power and influence these individuals have, the greater should be their portrayal of responsibility and the sense of purpose. America’s 41st President, George Bush, reminds us of this truth when he says, “Use power to help people. For we are given power not to advance our own purposes, nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power, and it is to serve people.” We all shape the lives of those around us, sometimes intentionally and at other times not even being aware that we are doing so. It is therefore logical to assume that our lives, and our sense of purpose, can influence others for good or for evil. May we ever endeavour to do the former.

It pays to have a personal mission statement that reminds us and others of our sense of purpose; to hold us accountable to self and to those around us. For example, my mission statement is, “To have my life contribute to others for good.” As imperfect as I am, these few words, portraying my sense of purpose, regularly guide the things I say, write, and do. The sense of purpose should become our moral, ethical, spiritual, and social barometer. It becomes a life compass that leads to noble dreams and ambitions, inspiring and encouraging such pursuits despite the obstacles and challenges that will arise. We are all here for a reason. We all have the capacity to add value to life and living. There is great value in having a sense of purpose.

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

Heat and fever everywhere ALL OF LAST WEEK and again this week, there was a special heat in the air. The place was hotter than ever. It was hot in the day, and sometimes it felt hotter at nights. One could be excused for concluding that there were now two suns.

Then again there could be further explanations. The increased heat may be because of the hype of carnival which gets into high gear this weekend.

After all, we dubbed our carnival the hottest in the region. Or perhaps the heat can be the result of the frenzied fevered pitch of World Cup Football, where some of the big name nations and players were sent packing earlier.

The proper conclusions is the cause or reasons for the heightened temperature are a combination of all of the above. On Tuesday, scientists announced that last week, Planet Earth recorded and experienced its hottest temperatures ever. Stop and think about that for a few seconds.

Since the turn of the century, 16 of the last 18 years were hotter than the year before. May 2018 was the hottest month ever recorded worldwide, and the last few days topped the temperature charts.

Scientists warned that while ‘no single record, in isolation, can be attributed to global warming, collectively these heat records are consistent with the kind of extremes we expect to see increase in a warming world.’

These various records add to a growing list of heat milestones set over the past 15 months that are part and parcel of a planet that is trending hotter as greenhouse gas concentrations increase because of human activity: • In April, Pakistan posted the hottest temperature ever observed on Earth during the month of 122.4 degrees (50.2 Celsius).

• Dallas had never hit 90 degrees in November before, but it did so three times in four days in 2017.

• In late October 2017, temperatures soared to 108 degrees in Southern California, the hottest weather on record so late in the season in the entire United States.

• On Sept. 1, 2017, San Francisco hit 106 degrees, smashing its all-time hottest temperature.

• In late July 2017, Shanghai registered its highest temperature in recorded history, 105.6 degrees (40.9 Celsius).

• In mid-July, Spain posted its highest temperature recorded when Cordoba Airport (in the south) hit 116.4 degrees (46.9 Celsius).

• In July 2017, Death Valley, Calif., endured the hottest month recorded on Earth.

• In late June 2017, Ahvaz, Iran, soared to 128.7 degrees Fahrenheit (53.7 Celsius) – that country’s all-time hottest temperature.

• In late May 2017, the western town of Turbat in Pakistan hit 128.3 degrees (53.5 Celsius), tying the alltime highest temperature in that country and the world-record temperature for May.

come alive as thousands of Vincentian youth, as well as their foreign based family members and friends anticipate the renewed rivalry between Fireman Hooper and Skinny Fabulous. Skinny won the Soca and Ragga Soca titles in 2016 and skipped last year. There is a friendlier edge to the rivalry between Fireman and Skinny this year than ever before. Previously, there was a sharp edge between their fan bases that was frightening. With the frenzied atmosphere at Soca monarch, anything could jump off. But to their credit, both artistes have made a conscious effort to tamp that down, literally drinking out of the ‘same cup,’ making joint appearances on radio and at shows.

More power to them.

Then on Sunday night, Abijah, Cleo, Ebony, Hero, Icome, Sulle, Scakes, Shaunelle, Sheena, Tajoe, Zangie with Skarpyan as reserve will give true calypso lovers a real treat. Each will perform two songs, one of which most of us have not heard, so we cannot predict who will win. There are 4 former monarchs in the finals, but one cannot be certain which one among the 11 finalists will deliver two ‘for king calypsos.’

And we aren’t finished yet. Last night there was the sweet ring of pan and the panorama 2018 champion is already known, but there king and Queen, Prince and Princess of the mas band, Monday jump up and the colour and splendour of carnival Tuesday to come.

The heat wave is still on. Today the quarter final round of matches in Fifa World Cup kicks off. In the history of the World Cup, only six countries have won: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay from the Americas, and Germany, Italy, Spain from Europe. Argentina, Germany, Italy and Spain took early exits. Household names such as Messi and Ronaldo were given early tickets home.

So the battle for football glory is now a contest between Brazil and Uruguay representing South America, while Belgium, Croatia, England, France, Sweden and Russia represent Europe.

Some said Africa has no representation, but every team remaining in the competition except for Croatia and Russia have a complement of African players whose blood and determination fuel them forward.

Mexicans had two occasions to trance in fevered excitement this past week. They made the round of 16, but had to face the mighty Brazilians who comfortably dispatched them 2 nil. The people of Mexico were denied on the field of play, but not in politics. On July 1, they got the president they wanted in Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Twice before in 2006 and 2012, he and the people of Mexico were cheated out of a victory. This time, the Mexican people spoke so emphatically that they could not be robbed. He won While we want to keep you on guard, with 53 percent of the votes cast. His we will hate to spoil the fun connected closest rival did not get half that to Vincy Carnival and FIFA World Cup amount.

Football. SVG is brimming with Revel in the heat of carnival and excitement and fun as carnival season world cup football, but spare a thought gets into high gear. There are parties for what we are doing to planet earth. everywhere. Pan, mas and sweet calypso and Soca music to satisfy every Send comments, criticisms & fan. suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com Tomorrow night, Victoria Park will

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14. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

‘Penny Bread’ - the leading product in SVG

A BUSINESSMAN in the constituency of North Central Windward says poverty, destitution and hunger are so deep and widespread in SVG, that ‘penny bread’ is the leading product. He said that building a bakery with a high emphasis on making and selling penny bread can be a good investment.

The businessman further stated that the SVG economy is in the worst condition in living memory, with most of the agricultural land left to grass. In his opinion, the poor circulation of money is a major factor why the SVG economy is stagnant and non-productive.

Most Vincentians strongly believe that the popularity and high volume of penny bread sales show that under the ULP regime, the indigenous poor population is getting poorer and poorer by the day. The majority of people in the poor sector are likely to have their piped water and mains electricity cut off quite frequently. The downside of this living environment is that it can have a negative impact on the education of children of poor families.

Many persons have also complained to the Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, that under the ULP regime, they cannot make ends meet… cannot look after their family. The ‘penny bread’ has become their means of survival.

Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA strongly contends

that gross incompetence by the ULP regime is the core problem in SVG, stoking deep and widespread poverty, destitution and hunger in SVG. As long as the ULP regime remains in power in SVG, poverty, destitution and hunger will always be major factors that will impede the quality of life for the indigenous population in our country.

SVG has been a catastrophe under the ULP regime. The highly incompetent ULP regime spent a big heap of money on road improvement from North Windward to East St George, but the big heap of money should have been invested in a ‘Cash Cow’ to create a sustainable return, and the road from North Windward to East St George improved incrementally from revenue gained from the ‘Cash Cow’.

During the United States Great Depression, ‘Penny Restaurants’ fed the unemployed and the poor - every item cost a penny. Breadlines, where hundreds of poor people waited for hours, were an all-too-common sight during the Depression. SVG is in the midst of its own ‘Great Depression’.

People all over the country say that the ULP regime simply does not have the ability to create sustainable economic development in SVG. SVG is turning into Haiti — poverty and destitution everywhere. The legacy of the highly incompetent ULP regime leadership is that they have created a ‘penny bread’ society, riddled with

Adrian Saunders: The sky is the limit Continued from Page 8. touching on the death penalty comes perilously close to establishing the “Judge-made laws” of the Americans. But it points the direction a new jurisprudence of the Caribbean must take if it is to crack this hidebound existence, a legacy

of colonialism.

In his “Yulimo days”, I criticized Saunders for sitting on the wall with his “on the one hand this…on the other hand that”. Such a process of reasoning does not, as I thought, stymie action.

Actually, it is the hallmark of a fine judicial turn of mind that takes

into account all sides of the question. We are about to benefit much from this quality, now distilled by practice and the wisdom of age.

Adrian has followed faithfully and diligently in the footsteps of Sir Dennis Byron whom he succeeded as President of the CCJ.

poverty and unemployment.

A very good example of sustainable economic development in developing countries is Singapore. Singapore’s model of free, high-quality education from pre-school to university, has turned Singapore into one of the richest countries in the world, with a strong needed there. economy, high wages and very low unemployment. ‘Penny bread’ is not SVG Green Party

earthly constraints, and in returning to the higher spiritual world from which humans fell.

They believed that Jesus only appeared to be human but was not.

Carnival 2018 From His Lordship The Rt. Rev. C. Leopold Friday, Bishop of the Windward Islands WHEN I SEE the artistry, creativity, splendor, originality and ingenuity displayed by our Mas men and women through the several costumes which they make and are paraded by masqueraders, I am reminded that we are a part of God’s creation, made in the image of God. This means that we are free to make choices; to love, to create, and to reason, and to live in harmony with creation, each other and with God. There are many players and pans in a steel band, yet when they play, there is harmony. Many pans, many players, but one musical rendition.

The sweet sound of steel along with the rhythm section make you want to move your feet, to dance and sway to the melodious sound which emanates from the steel band. This reminds me of who we are as a people, and that the steel pan is our creation, founded in Trinidad and Tobago. There is a strong message that comes from the steel pan, and it is just as the many players and many pans playing in harmony produce such melodious and soul touching music, we as a people, with all our differences, must seek to live together in harmony for the betterment of our nation.

Some think it’s all bad Due to the fact that carnival historically has been associated with what is referred to as the ‘last of the flesh’, when it was celebrated in the period leading up to Ash-Wednesday, the pre-Lenten period. There are those who consider it to be intrinsically bad or that which promotes vulgarity, loose, disorderly and immoral behavior and drunkenness. This is so because they have the view that matter, that which is physical including the flesh is bad.

This is a heresy which the early church had to dispel, dismiss, reject and repudiate. So, you’ll find such teachings which said that Jesus was not human, or was not really human, and that he was not the Son of God or that He was not divine.

One of these teachings is Manichaeism, this heresy introduced in the third century AD by a Persian named Mani or Manes (c. 215-275 AD) who denied the Trinity and the divinity of Christ. It professed that there were two ultimate sources of creation: the one good and the other evil. God is the creator of all that is good, and Satan is the creator of all that is evil. The Manichaeists believed that man’s spirit is from God, but his body is from the devil.

Another is Gnosticism; they believed that physical matter and the world were inherently evil, the creation of an inferior god. For the Gnostics, the goal of humanity was in escaping from the physical body and

Making choices – correcting the wrong Through the doctrine of the Incarnation, and based on the Gospel according to John 1:14 and the lived experience of the Apostles, Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was both Human and Divine. Consequently, matter, the physical, the flesh are not bad in themselves. The point is this: We were all created in the image and likeness of God, which means that we are free to make choices; to create, to love, to reason and to live in harmony with God and the rest of creation.

The truth is we have misused our freedom, and from time to time continue to do so and make wrong choices. This is where sin, evil and immorality come in. When we make wrong choices. We can make wrong choices in church, school, playing field, workplace, or at carnival. Our aim, therefore, is to encourage each other to make right choices wherever we may be. The last of the flesh does not promote bad behavior. What it does is say to people, ‘satisfy the needs of the flesh in preparation for the fast which is ahead’. So, have a good meal, enjoy yourself, for the fast is coming. In the Old and New Testaments, we are informed of several festivals and festivities where they ate, drank and enjoyed themselves. In some instances, this went on for days. What is important is that we make right choices when we celebrate.

Over the years, some wrong choices have been made, and they need to be addressed: the lyrics in some calypso and soca songs (degrading to women and some openly suggestive and vulgar); the attire and behavior of some masqueraders (the promotion of less is best - of nakedness); the name given to some shows e.g. ‘Dirty Sexy Soca’; the overconsumption of alcohol and aerated beverages and sodas.

I implore the Ministry of Culture, the Carnival Development Corporation, the Calypsonians Association, the Steel Pan Movement and the Mas Bands Association and all who participate in Carnival directly or indirectly, to promote that which is healthy and clean and beneficial for the social, cultural, ethical, economic, political and wholesome development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and St. Lucia.

Let us seek to promote that which is good in our premier festival. May we never seek to throw away the baby with the bath water. Remember always in whatever you do, you are a child of God. May God bless you all, and may a spirit of right judgment and calm prevail.

With every good wish God’s blessings.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. 15.

Carnival

First timer wins Junior Soca crown

Teshika ‘Short T’ Andrews, Junior Soca Monarch 2018, put down a performance that had many patrons doubting that this was her first ever appearance on a stage.

by KENVILLE HORNE

A 13-YEAR-OLD Form 2 student and first-time competitor of the Bishop’s College Kingstown (BCK) is the 2018 Junior Soca Monarch of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Teshika ‘Short T’ Andrews, hailing from Redemption Sharpes, literally cut a distance between herself and the other contenders for the crown, with a sterling rendition and performance of a song fittingly entitled ‘Cut dem off’, when the competition was held on Tuesday 3rd July, at Victoria Park.

For a first-time competitor, in fact, according to reliable sources, for a first-time performer on any stage anywhere in SVG, ‘Short T’ showed no sign of nervousness as she rallied the audience to “put dem rags up and cut them off.”

To supporting chants of “BCK, BCK... ”, and an audience Kevisha ‘Princess Levy’ singing along with her, even Richardson, third place, had a before she finished her spirited performance. performance, it was established that she was a crowd favourite. the top three positions. like crying.

In the process, the debutant The diminutive ‘Princess Despite being dispensed with defending monarch Levy’ showed confidence a first timer, M’riah ‘Young Saiah’ Robertson of and energy, and with a M’riah ‘Young Saiah’ Robertson, she said she was West St. George Secondary School into full complement of defending Monarch, slipped one confident of second position, with her song ‘This is supporters on stage, she place down. winning the Vincy Mas’. She did not disappoint, showed that she can crown. “I her performance was filled with punch above her weight. worked real hard,” she confessed. energy and purpose, and she may have Following her crowning, ‘Short T’ The teenager credited her father, felt she had done enough to retain the expressed her feelings on winning the Gareth Andrews, for helping her write top position. crown to THE VINCENTIAN. “I feel her song.

Kevisha ‘Princess Levy’ Richardson real good, I feel real nice to bring home “I just love singing from since I was of the Biabou Methodist School with the crown to Bishop’s College,” she small.

I asked my dad if I could try her number ‘Carnival time’ rounded off managed to say, adding that she felt just once,” revealed the new Junior Soca Monarch, who assured that she

Patrons to the Junior Soca Monarch Competition are never ‘too young to soca.’

intends to carry on singing and to retain her title.

The other competitors were: Tyrell Rodriguez with ‘Vincy Love to Party’ and Danique Edwards with ‘Sugar in the Soca’, both representing the Greiggs Government School; Rashide Rocque and Tyrique Thomas both from the St. Vincent Grammar School doing ‘School Soca Vybe’ and ‘Good Life’ respectively; and Delisha ‘Soca D’ Brackin from the Sandy Bay Secondary doing ‘School Vex.’ ‘Soca D’ might have felt hard done not to have placed in the top three.

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16. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

ECGC continues Scholarship Awards FOR THE LAST THREE DECADES or so, East Caribbean Group of Companies (EGCG) has awarded full scholarships and book allowances to the children of staff members who were successful in the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment -CPEA. The latest exercise in this regard took place on June 29 at the ECGC Training Room, when Jayden Blugh-Holder, Alden Curtis Jacobs Jr and Galanie Black became the recipients of two full scholarships and a book allowance respectively.

The full scholarship awardees will receive EC $1,200.00 per year for five years of secondary school and an additional $1500.00 for two years of college education. The book allowance awardee collects EC $600 and will be entitled to an additional EC $750 for college education.

A former student of the Brighton Methodist School and son of Mr. Lorne Holder, a Sales

and Promotion employee of East Caribbean Bottlers Inc. (ECBI), Jayden will attend the St. Vincent Grammar School.

He will be joined by Alden, a New Grounds Primary School graduate and son of Mr. Alden Curtis Jacobs Snr who is employed in the Marketing/Shipping Department of ECGC, East Caribbean Group of Companies (EGCG).

Galanie Black, the daughter of Ms. Lanel Black, employed at ECGC in the Quality Assurance department, will attend the Girls’ High School. She was a student of the St. Mary’s R.C. School.

Mrs. Phyllis James, Human Resource Manager, who chaired the presentation ceremony, explained the facets of the scholarships awarded and congratulated the recipients and their parents.

Remarks were given

by Rasheed Huggins, a former full scholarship

Right: Left to Right: Front Row– Mrs. Phyllis James – HR Manager ECGC, Alden Curtis Jacobs Jr, Galanie Black, Jayden Blugh-Holder, Lorne Holder. Back Row – Mr. Alden Curtis Jacobs, Ms. Lanel Black, Mrs. Yokanne Blugh-Holder, Mrs. Rachel Haslam – Marketing Manager ECGC.

holder in 2011 and son of ECGC employee Ms. Bethina Huggins. He encouraged each student to continue the good work for the rest of their educational journey.

Each of the recipients thanked huis/her parents for their support and ECGC for awarding the scholarships.

Mrs. Yokanne BlughHolder spoke on behalf of the parents, and encouraged them to continue supporting their children, and congratulated each student on doing THE ST VINCENT AND excellently for CPEA. THE GRENADINES Human Rights Association, as part of its ongoing thrust to address Human Rights issues nationally and across the Eastern Caribbean, is teaming up with the World Coalition for Life, Greater Caribbean for Life and the European Union to develop and implement a project punned “building a platform for action: strengthening the antideath penalty movement

SVGHRA in ‘Anti -Death Penalty’ project in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean”.

The Project’s goal is to create a platform for Death Penalty Reform in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, with specific objectives to educate and inform opinion leaders and the general public over a three year period, about the death penalty as a human rights issue, as well as to build a strong civil society movement that will advocate for its abolition.

The project was rolled out in Barbados during last weekend, with strategic representatives from each of the member states involved. SVG Human Rights is informing that Civil Society Organisations wishing to be involved in the process are asked to contact its office at svghumanrights @gmail.com or call 784456-2656 for further information reference application.

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18. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

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20. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

V “Never give up ArchibaldÊs faith on life,” Eustace confirmed

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. 21.

Education

Stories by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

DEANNA ARCHIBALD’S PHILOSOPHY is that “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.”

Her belief was manifested when she received the Award for Excellence - Division of Technical and Vocational

Education(DTVE), at last Tuesday’s graduation of the SVG Community College, held at Victoria Park.

A Sales and Marketing student in the Business Studies module, she was, in addition, one of seventeen students who copped Programme awards.

From the interior section of Vermont, Archibald has maintained a high performance throughout her education to date.

She enlisted at the Division in 2016 in her quest to complete her ambitions of becoming a Marketing Manager.

Deanne Archibald – tops in DTVE.

Porter carrying on TWO YEARS AGO, he was the Most Outstanding Science student when the St. Vincent Grammar School held its Graduation.

Last Tuesday, Gerard Porter received the Award

Gerard Porter – top performer in the DASGS.

of Excellence for the Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies (DASGS) of the SVG Community College.

Porter, from the West St. George district of Belair, has been a high flyer from his primary education at the Kingstown Preparatory School. He is a member of

the New Testament Church of God. Porter is not confined to scientific matters, and found time to start the Debating Society at the Community College.

He was one of close to 800 students who received certificates at last Tuesday’s ceremony.

Cashing in on creativity THERE WAS A QUANTITATIVE decrease in participation in the 2018 National Science and Technology Fair, but there was no want of innovation and enthusiasm.

Some 419 persons took part in the 2018 exercise with 284 projects, compared to 516 persons the year before when 345 projects were on show.

And when the Prize-Giving and Awards Ceremony was held last Friday, June 29, at the Peace Memorial Hall, Mustique Primary, St. Mary’s Roman Catholic, and Sugar Mill Academy were judged the overall winners in the Primary School’s Category, which attracted participation from twenty schools.

With no ranking being attached to the competition, each school received a $1500.00 cheque along with trophies and gift vouchers for their success.

The Girls’ High School, St. Martin’s Secondary and St. Vincent Grammar School were the standouts among the thirteen participating secondary schools.

Like the primary schools, each of the three acclaimed secondary schools received $1500,00 cheque, trophy and gift vouchers.

The Vinsave Child Development Centre, with its focus on Early Childhood Education, was rewarded with $1000 for its project entitled: ‘Stimulating activities in The St. Mary’s R.C young scientists with Child Development their teacher Mr. Theodore Centres; Enhancing the Trimmingham. development of fine and gross motor skills’. machine for Elderly and Wheelchair Brodlon Daniel was adjudged bound’. He received $1000, a trophy Most Outstanding in the Open/Postand a $50.00 gift voucher.

Secondary category with a creation Mustique Government’s Akili ‘Smart cane’. He picked up $1,000.

Williams with ‘SVG By-Pass Road’, Vernal Young with a venture took the Explanatory Model dubbed ‘CNC Pen Plotter’ collected category, and St. Mary’s Roman a similar amount also in this Catholic’s Kaylen Browne copped section. the Food Science category with Paul Jocelyn, a teacher at the ‘Dehydrating herbs and spices’.

Kingstown Preparatory School, The Lowmans Leeward Anglican might well be encouraged to School, represented by Malik elaborate on his ‘Refreshing exercise Joseph, Clintia Charles, and Raffiel Cordice, presented a project called ‘Solar Oven,’ to take the Physics and Engineering category.

Pareez Cudjoe, Zerreka McKree and Camella Harry from Lower Bay Incorporated took the ‘Go Creative’ aspect with their project ‘Reusing Old Motherboard to make a note pad’.

Tamara Job Sprott, Communications Officer at the St. Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC), in registering that her company understands the importance of science, re-committed VINLEC support for the 2019 Fair.

This year’s Fair began on January 29 and ran until February 2, under the theme ‘Go creative, Go Science’.

The St. Martin’s Secondary School was again a top performer.

IF YOU ARE A YOUNG PERSON and you feel that nothing is going for you, get in contact with Troy Eustace. He will point out some sources from which you can draw lessons.

Eustace gave the Valedictory address at last Tuesday’s Graduation exercise of the Community College, which he described as an honour.

His presentation left the listeners astounded.

His was a simple and Troy Eustace – tops in oft echoed theme. But the DTE. there was a sincerity and sense of surrealism attached to Eustace’s.

He confessed to facing depression when his bid to become a medical doctor failed, but spoke to how he did not allow the feelings to get him down. He dug deep and tried something different.

Two years after enrolling at the Division of Teacher Education (DTE), he emerged as the Award of Excellence winner.

The young male population in St. Vincent has been subject to ridicule and derision for the lack of ambition. Eustace, a resident of Glen, could well have added to the statistics of delinquents. But he adopted a different approach, and he stands as an example of someone grounded in the right principles of life.

“Never feel that as if the rest of the world is against you,” Eustace outlined. His view is that there is “always someone willing to listen, to help you and point you in the right direction.”

Eustace is anticipating great things from those who graduated. That includes hearing of their success at university, their ground breaking ideas, and contributions to philosophy and governance universally.

Caring is Thompson’s passion JOEL THOMPSON is from the farming community of Lowmans Windward. His father Wilford, in particular, has been a source of inspiration. He impressed upon his children the importance of high standards, and insisted that 75 percent was the minimum.

Joel received the Divisional Award for Excellence from the Division of Nursing Education when the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College held its ninth amalgamated graduation ceremony.

Thompson was commended for the way he helped other students with their class work. He explained that such measures reinforced what he was taught.

“Acting selflessly in helping others will help you as a student,” Thompson outlined.

He acknowledged the need to work hard, a trait that he attributes to his farmer’s orientation.

A former worker at the

Joel Thompson – top performer in the DNE. National FairTrade Organisation, Thompson is hoping to be an Oncology Nurse. That will entail his finding a job and getting the experience so as to fulfil his ambition.

A former Lowman’s Windward Anglican School, St. Vincent Grammar School student, it has not been all work for him. He has interests in football and rugby, and was, in fact a member of the National Rugby squad while attending the Grammar School.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. 23.

News

Grenadines water catchments to get attention

THE CENTRAL WATER and Sewerage Authority (CWSA) has taken over the management of the water catchments in the Grenadines.

Historically, the water catchments in the Grenadines were controlled and managed by the Revenue Officers in the Southern Grenadines, and the Clerk of the District

House in Bequia.

Having assumed this responsibility, the CWSA will now see to the restoration of the catchments and, according to the Prime Minister, work in this regard is expected to begin soon.

Word on this development came in parliament last week Thuirsday, when the

Animals have found their way into the catchment in Mayreau through openings in the perimeter fence.

Prime Minister responsed to a question, posed in the name of Terrence Ollivierre, MP for the Southern Grenadines, about the state of the water catchments at Happy Hill in Canouan, Donaldson in Union Island and the one in Mayreau.

The question was prefaced with reference to damage to the perimeter fences, animals roaming the facility, and the likelihood of contamination, as highlighted in the May 25, 2018 edition of THE VINCENTIAN newspaper, where the residents in Mayreau expressed some concern that the main water supply may be contaminated with animal faeces and urine.

According to Dr. Gonsalves, a thorough examination of all the catchments on Mayreau and Union Island was recently conducted by BRAGSA, and it was determined that some restoration work was required to the fencing in

Mayreau, and that the catchment at Donaldson, Union Island needed some repairs.

With the exception of one water catchment that the present administration built in Canouan, Gonsalves said that the others were very old.

“Estimates for the work on water catchments at Mayreau and Union Island have been submitted to the CWSA, and work is scheduled to begin very soon,” the Prime Minister said.

He explained that the galvanized pipes and wires used in the initial fencing was not able to cope with the sea blast and that alternative material, such as PVC and plastic-coated wire, were going to be used on the new fencing.

In relation to Canouan, Gonsalves said that discussions have started about constructing a water catchment there similar to the upgraded facility at Clifton, Union Island, which cost some EC$1.456 million. (DD)

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (left) in conversation with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza (centre) and Raúl Licausi, Venezuela’s Vice Minister for the Caribbean area.

‘Strong Solidarity with Venezuela’ Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves met with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, and expressed his solidarity with the Bolivarian Republic in this “challenging period.”

“Just had a long conversation with the distinguished foreign minister of Venezuela,” Gonsalves said on Wednesday. “We covered a lot of bilateral and multilateral relations.

“As always Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is in strong solidarity with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, its people, its government, and we are in a challenging period globally, and in the hemisphere, we have to think strategically, we have to keep in solidarity with one another, to work out our problems.”

Arreaza has been traveling through the Caribbean this week, seeking to strengthen ties of friendship and cooperation. After Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, he will meet with Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, then Prime Minister Allen Chastanet of Saint Lucia.

24. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. 25.

People

Pianist Sean Sutherland to give a recital here At 8 pm on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at Peace Memorial Hall, Vincentians will be treated to a recital of classical piano music.

Sean Sutherland, a Vincentian pianist based in Canada, will present a programme called ‘InFusion’, in which he will feature music of Chopin.

The concert here is one of six concerts — the others being in Cayman Islands, Barbados, Montreal, Texas - which Sean is using as a “warm up” of sorts, for his participation in the 4th Edition of the Chopin Amateur Competition in Warsaw, Poland, scheduled for 16-21 September, 2018.

This event occurs every three years and features “amateur” pianists from around the world. This year, Sean will be among the 40

pianists invited to Poland to compete. While the word “amateur” is a misnomer in that it gives the impression of substandard playing, it is simply a term used to describe pianists who do not make their primary source of living through playing music.

However, these individuals are usually highly accomplished professionals who share a passion for classical piano music and who still practise seriously and perform occasionally.

This is not Sean’s first time entering such international competitions. In June 2016, Sean entered the Van Cliburn Amateur Piano Competition and made it to the semi-finals (top 12) from among 62 pianists invited to compete in Fort Worth, Texas. The

following year, Sean was a finalist at the Boston Amateur Piano Competition.

While the Van Cliburn is considered the most prestigious piano competition in the world, the Chopin (Warsaw) is a close second, and so Sean has been taking his preparation for this competition quite seriously.

The competition has three rounds in which participants are required to prepare 20 minutes’, 20 minutes’, and 25 minutes’ worth of music for the first, second and third rounds, respectively.

Chopin is one of the most beloved of classical piano composers, and Poland, his homeland, honors his legacy by requiring that participants play Chopin’s Polish dance repertoire in each round;

however, beyond that, participants have free rein with their selections to complete the rounds.

Sean has crafted ‘InFusion’ around the music he will present in the competition.

The programme will include as pillars Chopin’s 28 Preludes, Ballade no. 4, and Scherzo no 3, and a set of variations by Paderewski, another Polish composer whose work is required in the first round.

Also, Vincentian vocalist Pennola Ross will perform with Sean as a guest artiste and will present several popular pieces to further “infuse” the program. Violinist Samuel Toka will entertain patrons as they arrive and during intermission.

Not only will ‘InFusion’ be a musical treat, but the Girl

Sean Sutherland, will use a concert here in preparation for his participation in the Chopin Amateur Competition in Warsaw, Poland.

Guides will also supply refreshments and snacks, in an effort to raise funds for members to attend this year’s Jamboree in Malta.

Tickets for the evening’s proceedings are available at Lady J in Kingstown.

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26. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

The Resistance HeartBeat Drummers performing at a Medical Marijuana lecture held on Wednesday 20th June, at the Methodist Church Hall.

HeartBeat Drummers celebrate 8 years The Resistance HeartBeat Drummers, which describes itself as a ‘cultural and educational organization’ based in Kingstown Park, St. Vincent, celebrated its 8th Anniversary on June 3, 2018.

Driven by its motto, ‘Uplifting our Nation with a Culture Vitalization’, the group’s primary objective is ‘to revive our Cultural Art forms, that is, the African and Garifuna music and dance’.

This objective is pursued through an approach dubbed ‘Edutainment’- a delivery of education/awareness messages through entertainment, e.g. songs, poems, dances to the accompaniment of the drums.

‘Edutainment’ sessions have been held across a number of communities

and in schools.

According to a release from the Group, it has been able to reintroduce the Moonlight Drum Circle in many communities. This activity is held on full moon nights, and drummers are invited to perform together at a particular venue/community, with the intention of promoting the drum culture and unity among drummers. Issues like crime, violence and climate change have been highlighted during the Drum Circle.

As part of its commitment to country and community the Resistance HeartBeat Drummers has adopted the Spa at Belair. Each October, around the time of the anniversary of the country’s Independence, the Group sees to the

cleaning and painting of the Spa compound.

All of the referenced activities come alongside the group’s promotion of healthy lifestyles and an income-generating project that offers packaged local herbs and teas for sale.

To mark its 8th Anniversary, the group’s membership — a core of the ten male and one female drummers — was involved in a social activity, community work and held its general meeting.

A four-member Executive elected to administer the affairs of the Group include: Victor ‘Mwata’ Byron Leader; David ‘Ras Dewat’ Culzac’ Treasurer; Lydia Cambridge - Secretary; , Glenroy ‘Sulle’ Caesar Musical Director.

Diagnostic Centre opens From Backpage.

during a discussion between Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves and “It represents a massive leap former Cuban President, Fidel Castro. forward for our country’s health and Cuban engineers are credited with development,” Browne said, adding the design of the building, and that they were now in a position to supervision of the construction, and save and improve lives, especially as it Taiwan gave further assistance by gave new hope for those suffering from equipping the medical facility. kidney disease,” Browne said.

H.E Velma Reyes Valdesino, Cuban The average cost of dialysis here, Ambassador, said that the opening of according to the health Minister, the facility fulfills the dream of ranged between EC$30,000 to $72,000 providing a state of the art health per year. facility in St Vincent.

Between 2015 and 2016, 53 persons Twenty-three specialists from Cuba died as a result of kidney failure, will work along with locals in the Browne continued. initial stages of the health facility’s The project was conceptualized operations.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. 27.

Sports Feature

Football Executive standing firm ANY FORCE or forces intending to topple the current executive of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF), has /have been forewarned that they will be resisted by a united front.

This was expressed by Acting President of the SVGFF- Marvin Fraser, at a press conference last Wednesday at the SVGFF’s Conference Room.

The press conference was called to update the media on developments within the executive, following the handing down of a two-year ban on President of the SVGFF- Venold Coombs by the Adjudicator Chamber of the Independent Ethics Committee of FIFA. Coombs’ ban prevents him from being involved in any football related activities (administrative, sports or any other) at the national and international levels.

Additionally, he was fined US$40,000.

According to FIFA.com, “The adjudicatory chamber found Coombs guilty of having violated articles 21 which deals with Bribery and Corruption, 19 - Conflicts of interest and 15 (Loyalty) of the FIFA Code of Ethics”.

The ban took effect on Tuesday, July 3, 2018.

Fraser, who has held the position of Second Vice President of the SVGFF since September 2011, said that at an emergency meeting of the executive on Tuesday night, it was “unanimously” decided that he would be installed as “Acting President.”

The Acting President noted that although Otashie Spring was the next in line, as he is the First VicePresident, it was felt that he Fraser was the more experienced.

And as far as the tenure of the executive is concerned, Fraser explained, “Based on our mandate from the election period, the executive is to go on until December, 2019, when the elections AGM is called.”

A guarded Fraser posited that there would be persons ready to pounce on the SVGFF’s operations in this time of being hurt occasioned by Coombs’ ban.

However, Fraser cautioned that although the executive may appear to be a “wounded animal” and some may see it as opportune “to bite, to eat and to chew and get in, I want you to know that this executive stands emphatically together.

“We stand together and will fight any such battles together… We (current members of the executive) have not done anything to incite wrath, collateral damage based on what has transpired,” Fraser advanced.

Background to ban

SVGFF personnel at last Wednesday’s press conference: (Back from left) Idris Baptiste (partly hidden), Dwight Baptiste (partly hidden), Yosiah Dasent; (Front from left): Devron Poyer, Otashie Spring, Marvin Fraser, Wayde Jackson, Dwight Roberts, Othnell Douglas.

According to last Tuesday’s release explaining the reasons for Coombs’ ban, “The investigation into Coombs was opened on June 9, 2016 and focused on the resale of tickets for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. The investigatory chamber analysed allegations that Coombs had sold tickets purchased by the SVGFF and by him personally, in his capacity as a FIFA standing committee member, for a profiteering mark-up”.

Fraser stated accusations against Coombs were for matters when most of the Executive were not yet elected.

Fraser, who was part of the Executive then, revealed that it was a decision taken to sell the World Cup tickets that were allocated to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

According for Fraser, “The issue came about because the Executive allowed that situation to be dealt with by the President (Venold Coombs) and by the General Secretary (Trevor Huggins) at the time.

“Other Executive members knew that World Cup tickets were being sold, but we did not get involved in how much they would have been sold for… who would sell them... how many tickets the President would get as a

Committee Member .. . We did not get into that issue”, declared Fraser, who deals with SVGFF’s Finance.

Fraser underlined that the penal decisions taken by FIFA’s Ethics Committee against Coombs, were for his involvement in the sale of tickets which he Coombs was allocated in his position as FIFA Standing Committee Member.

Coombs was expected to have his own Press Conference yesterday (Thursday) at the Computec Conference Room.

Venold Coombs will serve a two-year ban.

28. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

presented to the students during a ceremony held at the SVG Port Authority’s conference room on Wednesday July 04, 2018, where the children along with their parents were in attendance.

CEO of SVG Port Authority, Mr. Bishen John (r), with Scholarship Recipient – Mr. Deshawn Horne.

Chief Executive Officer, Administrative Personnel Officer, Scholarship Recipients and their Parents.

CEO of SVG Port Authority, Mr. Bishen CEO of SVG Port Authority, Mr. John (r), with Scholarship Recipient – Bishen John (r), with Scholarship Recipient – Mr. Wasim Nelson (Jr).

Mr. Damani Bennett

The SVG Port Authority continues to fulfil its corporate mandate through the annual distribution/disbursement of the Clarence Keizer Education Award.

The award program was started in 1995 and sees the awarding of full scholarship to children of the Port’s employees who are successful in Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA). The scholarship provides

support for a seven (7) year period from secondary through to tertiary level.

This year’s scholarship recipients are as follows: • • •

Deshawn Horne Damani Bennett Wasim Nelson (Jr)

Bursaries were also awarded to an additional four (4) children who were also successful in the CPEA. The awards were

In presenting the awards to the children, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bishen John commended the students on their successes and encouraged them to continue to strive for excellence.

He further pledged the SVG Port Authority’s continued support which he stated will not be limited to their academics, but is extended to their holistic well being of both the employees and their families. The scholar recipients and their parents also expressed gratitude for the scholarships and the opportunities afforded them by the Port Authority.

35(66 5(/($6( 30$& VW $*0 +RVWHG LQ 6W\OH ZLWK &RQIHUHQFH E\ 8QLYHUVLW\ 3DUWQHU LQ -DPDLFD The 21st Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Port Management Association of Caribbean (PMAC) was hosted over three (3) days between June 27 to June 29 at the Jewel Resort and Spa in St. Ann by the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU).

Each year, the event is held in a different country; was held in Grand Cayman last year and will be held in United States of America next year. This staging was the biggest yet and was the first time being held in Jamaica and hosted in partnership with a university.

This year showcased an impressive cadre of presenters, government representatives and sponsors. Presenters included representatives from all over the region such as Project Coordinator from the Organization of American States, (OAS, the Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP), Mona Swoboda, who led discussions on the regional CIP Disaster Management and Emergency Response initiative and Dr. Grantley Stephenson, Chief Executive Officer of Kingston Wharves Limited (Platinum Sponsor) who presented on the diversification of ports and logistics. Of note too was Will Lusk, Programme Manager, from O.C.E.A.N.S. LLC, (Silver Sponsor) who was joined by Max J. Bobys, Vice President of HudsonCyber to speak on maritime transportation and cybersecurity.

The conference also featured a wide cross section of persons, resulting in a range of topics being discussed, which included the following: “Smart port, supply chain visibility, ports Connectivity/platform” by Gordon Foote, Business Development Executive, IBM “Digital innovation in the port sector: Barriers and Facilitators” by Erica Simmons, Executive Director, Centre for Digital Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing, CDIAM. “Port Productivity Platform - Enabling connectivity, efficiency, and information sharing” by Nishant Pillai, VP Sales Americas, 1-Stop Connections Pty Limited.

“Building cost-effective in-house port asset inspection and inventory tracking capacity using unmanned aerial vehicle technology”

by Danker Kolijn, Coastal Engineer, CBCL Engineering Limited It is felt by the organizers that the event truly promoted partnership, teamwork across borders, strength through adversities (brought about by the turbulent 2017 hurricane season) and the PMAC overall mission, which is to foster operational and financial efficiency, and to enhance the level of service to the mutual benefit of Caribbean ports and

their stakeholders, through the sharing of experience, training, information and ideas.

The activities included an opening ceremony featuring Keynote Speaker, Minister of Education Youth and Information, Senator Hon. Ruel Reid, the Launch of CMU’s Academic Journal, a special cultural ‘all white’ event dubbed ‘Jamaica Night’ as well as technical sessions and tours at the CMU and Awards Dinner.

Highlights of the closing night where the award for the CMU PMAC Award for Human Capacity Development which was won by the Port of Antigua and the Nova Cup which is awarded annually to the Port with the most improved performance, was won by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority for 2017.

The SVG Port Authority was represented by Mr. Clayton Burgin - Chairman; Mr. Bishen John - Chief Executive Officer and President of PMAC and Mr. Walwyn Nichols, Operations Officer and Treasurer of PMAC.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. 29.

News

Mother-inlaw trouble

Dear George, NOBODY told me that when I married an only son, my mother-in-law would become such a problem.

Since the day after the wedding, this woman has been a thorn in my flesh. She is in my house almost daily, passing orders to my husband that contradict my wishes and disrupting the marriage.

She tells him in front of me that anytime he needs his clothes washed and anytime he feels hungry, he should just call her. I told her flat out that she is not supposed to be saying things like that, and her response was that nobody is going to starve her only boy child.

My husband says nothing to contradict her.

To be truthful, I am regretting getting into this mess. I feel like sending him back to meet his dear mother.

Disappointed and mad Dear Disappointed and mad, Your husband has to be the one to pull his mother aside and remind her that he is a big boy now, and that you, not she, are responsible for your care. He has to take a stand and set the boundaries for the relationship as it pertains to his mother. You should be left alone to be the wife and primary care giver to him.

Try not to get into direct confrontation with your mother-in-law. Instead, concentrate on getting the message to your husband that he needs to cut that navel cord. Then you’ll be given a fair chance to build the kind of marriage you want.

George

Wish her well and move on lo and behold, they hit it off, and now they are sleeping together.

I HAVE BEEN making I finally got her to moves at this guy for some take me to meet this time, and just when it “gorgeous man”, and the looked as though I was shock I got was too much making progress, things for me. There she was went up in smoke.

A good friend came to with the same man I had my eyes on but never me for advice about the told him. man she was after. She Now my friend has asked me if she should him, and I am wondering approach him directly or whether to fight for him, wait to see if he was picking up her clues that at the expense of our friendship, or just walk she likes him. I advised her to go to him directly away. I do not want to hurt her feelings, but I and tell him how she want this man. feels about him. She followed my advice, and

Dear George,

Desperate Dear Desperate This is a case where you should have followed your own advice and told the guy you had feelings for him, and that you wanted a serious relationship with him.

Your friend has done nothing wrong. She did

exactly as you advised, and has had the desired result.

Be a good friend and wish her well. It could very well be that the right man for you is just around the corner.

Things do happen for a reason, and your ideal package may be yet to come.

George

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) You may find that someone you live with may be irritable; you're best to leave them alone.

Emotionally, things may not run so smoothly.

Call siblings or old friends to catch up on recent news. Romantic encounters will devel‐ op through group activity.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Put your energy into self‐improvement pro‐ grams that promise to make you into a better you. You may want to have a heart‐to‐heart talk with a close and trusted friend.

Emotional upset may prevail on the domestic scene if you have neglected your duties or your mate.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) Money can be made if you use your ingenu‐ ity. Sudden changes of heart may cause dis‐ ruptions in your domestic scene. You can make headway if you share your intentions with someone you care about. Someone left a real mess for you to sift through.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) Physical work or exercise should be part of your schedule. You will have the stamina and the know how to raise your earning power.

You have bent over backward trying to help them and now it's time to let them stand on their own two feet. Stay mellow.

Leisure

overly opinionated, or arguments will ensue.

Stomach problems could prevail if you haven't been watching your diet.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) A passionate party for two might be just the remedy. You can get ahead if you present your ideas to superiors. Take time to deal with the concerns of children. You can gain approval, get kudos, and ask for help if you put a little heart into your speech or request.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Romance may be likely if you travel. It will do you some good. Uncertainties are still prevail‐ ing. You are best to work behind the scenes on projects that require detail or precision.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) You could lose a good friend because of it. Be prepared for an active but rewarding day. You will be able to get your own way if you use your intellectual charm and know how. Group endeavors will provide you with entertain‐ ment.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) You are best to get out of the house this week. Don't hesitate to go ahead with any plans for entertainment. Try to visit a country that excites you. Secret affairs may be tempt‐ ing, but keep in mind that they will damage your reputation if you decide to indulge.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Sign up for courses that will help you under‐ stand yourself better. Try to iron out any fric‐ tion over money with your mate or conflicts could prevail. Driving too fast or double park‐ ing will result in difficulties with officials. Go with the flow and don't let the unsettled atmosphere get on your nerves.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) You may be angry if someone tries to take credit for something you did. You can learn a great deal if you listen to those who are older or more experienced. Business and emotional partnerships will run smoothly. You'll commu‐ nicate easily and develop new friendships.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) You should get into programs that will enhance your appearance and help you to be the best that you can. Your mate will be pushing you to do things that you really don't want to do. Be considerate and avoid being

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Travel will be on your mind; however, be care‐ ful and proceed with caution as minor acci‐ dents will cause delays. You need to get involved in groups that offer physical activities.

Opportunities to get ahead are evident. Try to take care of the needs of those you love.

ACROSS 4. Meadow 8. Pertaining to rabbis 11. Garment of ancient Rome 13. Very skilled person 14. Father of John the Baptist 15. Roofling item 17. Mouthpiece of a bridle 18. Writer of lyric poetry 21. Statute 22. Monkeys 24. 1 27. Tibetan oxen 29. Born 31. Male sheep 33. New Zealand parrot 36. Acquire through merit 36. A person that uses 38. Feebleness 40. Mexican money 42. Goad 43. Obstacle 45. Windbag 49. Loud noise 50. Gone by 51. Capital of Hawaii 52. Greek goddess of the earth DOWN 1. Speaker 2. Colonial marine hydrozoan 3. Videlicet 4. Lawful 5. Authentic 6. Damp 7. Bass singer 9. Sour

10. Arrest 11. Vestige 12. Breach 16. Catch sight of 20. Furniture wood 21. Besides 23. Skagen 25. Possessive pronoun 26. Urn 28. Beehive 29. Not 30. Abstract being 31. Monetary unit of Indonesia 32. Untidy condition 34. Canton in N Switzerland

35. Finishes 37. Musical composition 39. Hawaiian acacia 41. Travel on water

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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30. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

44. Oxlike African antelope 46. Bleat of a sheep 47. Period of human life 48. Tibetan gazelle

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. 31.

SVG fifth in C’bean Basketball ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES beat Grenada last Saturday night at the Anthony Nesty Sporthal in Suriname, to place fifth in the Men’s FIBA AmeriCup Caribbean Basketball Pre-Qualifier Championships.

St Vincent and the Grenadines led in all quarters 20-8, 38-27, 58- 43, and finally their 82-68 triumph.

Forward Chrisford Telesford had 24 points and 13 rebounds for the victors.

It was sweet revenge for the Vincentians who were beaten 86-91 by the Grenadians in overtime in the preliminary round, after the score was tied at 74 at the end of regulation time.

Telesford was again the standout Vincentian player with 22 points and 13 rebounds.

The Vincentians were also taken into overtime by Guyana and Suriname in the preliminary phase.

St Vincent and the Grenadines had opened up an eight point lead over Guyana in their opening salvo, ahead and 46-38 at the half.

But Guyana clawed back to draw level at 81-81 at the regulation time buzzer.

Separation could not be found at the first period of overtime as the two were locked at 96 apiece.

Finally, Guyana eeked out a two point win, triumphing 104-102.

Sean Baptiste had 26 points to be St

SVG Basketball squad: (From left kneeling) Opong Bramble, Nicholas Lewis, Dareo Glasgow, Sean Baptiste, Reinaldo Millington and Chrisford Telesford. (Standing from left) Sabrina Mitchell, Justin Scott (Coach), John Gardiner, Alexis Foyle, Phillip Lawrence, Akeem Smart, Damion Ottley, Kirsten Lampkin and Wayne Williams.

Left: Chrisford Telesford, ball in hand, on the go against Suriname.

Vincent and the Grenadines’ lead scorer, while Telesford pulled down 15 rebounds.

Another thriller against Suriname ended with the same result, as the Vincentians could not pull it off when it mattered most.

Suriname sped out to a 21-18 lead, but SVG turned the tables to be ahead 37-33 at the half way mark and 59-56 at the end of the third quarter.

It was 77-77 at the end of regulation time, as SVG failed to hold the

ascendancy.

Suriname, showing more grit, took the contest 88-86, in overtime.

Telesford scored 29 points and registered 10 rebounds, in another loss.

Proving to be SVG’s fulcrum, Telesford had 19 points, to lead his team to an 80-61 victory over St Lucia.

St Vincent and the Grenadines thus finished the preliminary with a 1:3 win /loss ratio.

It meant that St Vincent and the Grenadines had to play for the best of the consolations.

A 76-62 win over Bermuda for St Vincent and the Grenadines and a corresponding triumph by Grenada

against Montserrat, set up Saturday’s fifth and sixth place rematch of the two.

St Vincent and the Grenadines, with victories over Bermuda and Grenada to add to their 1:3 win/loss ratio, ended the championships with three wins and the same number of defeats.

Guyana beat Antigua and Barbuda 83-70 in the final, to be crowned champions, while Barbados had an 81-75 win over Suriname to clinch the third place.

Montserrat outmuscled Bermuda 5747 to finish seventh.

Vincentian- Chrisford Telesford was the championships’ leading scorer with 126 points.

SVG dethroned as U19 WICBC Champs

Simeon Gerson of St. Lucia took the most wickets, 17, in the Tournament.

Teddy Bishop of Grenada scored the most runs 272 and was the Tournament’s MVP.

ST. LUCIA CAME FROM BEHIND, so to speak, to share the 2018 WICBC WINLOT Under 19 Tournament title with Grenada, when they beat St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) in the final round of matches.

The Tournament concluded last Sunday in Grenada.

St Lucia went into its final match against defending champions SVG on 6 points, having lost on

first innings in their two previous matches, and hoping for an outright victory. This they earned when they beat SVG by seven wickets.

The defending champions, on the other hand, were looking for a win or at least first

innings points to avoid finishing at the bottom of the table.

This was not to be as they got off to the worst possible start, crumbling for 63 runs in their first innings. Left arm spinner Simeon Gerson bagged 7 for 33 and was just too much for the Vincies. St. Lucia replied with 149 from 41 overs, Mateo Boulogne 35 and fast bowling allrounder Rayon William claiming 4 for 33.

There was a second innings improvement by SVG, when they posted 185, thanks to 72 from Jaheil Walters.

Johannel Eugene 4 for 46 and Keygan Arnold 3 for 27 led St. Lucia’s bowling, and in pursuit of 101 for

Right: The SVG U19 team that went in search of a 4th consecutive title in the WIBC U19 Cricket Tournament but failed in the process.

victory, eased to their target for the loss of 3 wickets, Kimani Melius stroking 44 to add to his first innings of 24.

Meanwhile, in the other final round match, Grenada earned a hard fought first innings lead of 6 runs over Dominica.

St. Lucia’s outright victory against SVG, and Grenada’s first innings lead over Dominica meant that both victors finished on 18 points and therefore shared the 2018 title.

Dominica finished on 12 points and SVG 6.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Johnnel Eugene (left), Captain of St. Lucia, and Johann Jeremiah, Captain of Grenada, with champion trophy and a WINLOTT rep.

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32. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

All Vincentian OECS Squash team THE ORGANISATION OF EASTERN Caribbean States (OECS) team to the XXXVI Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Championships, set for Jamaica from July 8th to 14th, will be an all Vincentian make-up.

The team comprises five males and one female.

Jayden George and Jaydon Kai Bentick

Williams are the two entrants in the Boys Under-11, with Mikhail Quashie and Kai Bentick listed in the Boys Under-17 and Mikal Quashie in the Boys Under-19.

Nadira Morgan, the lone female player, competes in Girls Under- 13.

In their opening matches, George will battle for honours against Owen Rosera of Bermuda, while Williams has received a bye.

Meanwhile, Mikhail Quashie has been pitted versus Jamaica’s Kyle Haddad first round of the Boys Under17, but Bentick gets a bye.

Bentick, who was last year’s runner-up is seeded number two, behind Barbadian Khamal Cumberbatch, who won the title in 2017, when the championships were held in Guyana.

Mikal Quashie’s first round opponent is Nicholas Shaw of Trinidad and Tobago, as he goes for glory in the Boys Under-19.

Morgan has to overcome Rebakah Nichols of Barbados, when the Girls Under-13 gets going.

Making up the all Vincentian management team

From left: Janine Doyle, Mikal Quashie, Mikhail Quashie, Jayden George, Jaydon Williams, Nadira Morgan, Cindy Walcott. are Janine Doyle and Cindy Walcott, along with CoachJames Bentick.

The championships which take place at the Liquanea

Club in New Kingstown, also has a team component.

The Teams competition will follow the individual segment of the championships.

Three debutants in SVG U23 Netball Team THREE NEW FACES are in the St Vincent and the Grenadines Under-23 Netball team to the 28th edition of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Oganisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Championships, which take place at the Pam Tyson Netball Complex, in St Kitts, from July 7th to 12th.

The debutants are OSCO Ball Warriors’ Jonelle John, along with the multi- talented Aaliyah Anderson of the Barrouallie Secondary School and Azuba Delepsche.

John plays in the Wing Attack, Goal Attack and Goal Shooter positions; Anderson is listed to play in the Goal Defence and Wing

Defence, while Delpesche will lend support in Goal Keeper, Goal Defence and Wing Defence positions.

The trio join nine others who have had previous experience at the National Under-23 level.

Among the nine is Maranda Spencer, who opted out from last year’s championships, which were held in Grenada.

The others are Rosannia Stephens (Captain), Shanise Humphrey (Vice Captain), Nerissa Delpesche, JoMaria Quashie, Zanelle James, Keinesha Browne, Keneisha Francis and Kaywanna Charles.

The team has Godfrey Harry as its Coach and Natasha Sandy-

Stapleton, Manager. niel Cockburn travels as St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Umpire on the panel of match officials.

St Vincent and the Grenadines, boasting the most titles since the championships commenced in 1991, is seeking a 15th in the St Kitts outing.

Team Coach Godfrey Harry, while saying that he was not getting ahead of himself, acknowledged that having most of the players from last year’s

team, puts St Vincent and the Grenadines in a “good position.”

Grenada, winners of the last three previous titles, will not be contesting this year’s championships.

The last occasion that St Jonelle John Aaliyah Anderson Azuba Delepesche Vincent and the Grenadines was crowned were runners up to St Grenada in 2015, 2016 champions was in 2013.

Lucia in 2014 and had to and 2017.

But the Vincentians play second fiddle to

Two Vincies in Windwards U19 Team TWO VINCENTIANS have been selected in a 14-man Windward Islands Under 19 Cricket team, to participate in the CWI U19

tournament schedule for SVG in August.

The two are left hand batsman - Jaheil Walters and fast bowling allrounder Rayon Williams. Walters was fourth among the overall runscorers with a total of 166, his highest single innings being 72. Williams finished with the second most wickets, 16, in the tournament, one Rayon Williams Jaheil Walters behind left arm spinner Simeon Williams, Gerson of St Lucia.

Lincoln Durand, Daniel Dupiney, Grenada’s Johann and Tahj Tavanier (wicketJeremiah will captain keeper). the Windwards’ team.

The reserves are Jamie Buddy, He will have St. Lucia’s Tijourn Pope, O’Jay Mathews, Janelle Eugene as his Kegan Arnold. deputy. The rest of the The Windward Islands team squad reads: Jahseon will assemble in St Vincent on Alexander, Kimani July 23 for a one-week training Melius, Teddy Bishop, camp prior to the tournament, Micah Joseph, Jeron which commences on August 3.

Noel, Simeon Gerson, Shaemil Lewis, Rayon I.B.A.ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. 33.

Sports

Stories been told

BY SATURDAY, the list of contenders to the 2018 World Cup would have narrowed to four.

And by later in the week, two more would have been eliminated to take part in the third-place playoff.

Then the big two meet in Sunday’s final. At least you could mention Uruguay and France, and watch today’s clash followed by the Brazil/Belgium battle.

Tomorrow makes for an all-out European explosion which will at a glance confound geography students. For the Russia/Croatia rivalry will be played out on European terms.

The England/Sweden affair will be perhaps the most anticipated match in the tournament.

There is no time to dwell on memories, or ifs, buts, and maybes. When one goes like that, your imagination could stretch as long as elastic. In that fashion, it could easily become selective thoughts. For if wishes were horses, I might have been the best jockey.

There is a practical sense to everything, so I won’t overstay my time on any visit. That sense of magnetism overtakes the reader every time one delves into this segment. The expectation grows and the anticipation leads to many a disappointment. For there might have been a case of misreading the script.

It is amazing how the Football World Cup has captivated the world. Nearly everything else sporting wise, and others in most strategic spheres have settled in the backdrop of the competition. New stars, nations, customs, approaches and a champion will emerge.

Culture lovers have a field day. They can time their revelry to coincide with what versions of the game that most intrigue them. And given the extent of delayed or repeat broadcasting, there are opportunities to get a full view of the events as they unfolded.

For some, the sense of déjà vu is overwhelming, and even the highlights academic.

This country will be faced with its test of survival when the Nation Cup blasts off.

Distraction in football and indeed many aspects of life, are the order of the day. One hopes that the administration maintains a sober approach to the continued growth of the game.

The message should be driven home that humility is the highest point of any consideration.

There is no glory in riding a crest of arrogance. It is going to come crashing on the shore, and even if you end up in the sand, it could be devastating enough to cause damage. Or if things get bad, you could end up on the rocks that will be even more fatalistic.

But like the song says: Life goes, and every day a new baby’s born. Despite the fears about last days, those new born and those unborn will grow and engender the same fears and apprehensions that have crept up over time and generations. So don’t be too obsessed about those matters that you have no control over.

This is an era of cultural expression. The Caribbean has its sense of diversity. Many aspects will be condensed here over the next week. And so, as the stages are cleared, you can rest assured that the platform will be laid for the continuation.

For it is being written and will continue to unfold.

Cricket Academy begins second round PARENTS and guardians of the fifteen young cricketers who comprise the second batch of recruits of the Lennox John National Cricket Academy (LJNCA), have been challenged to be that critical support system in their children/wards’ cricket development and otherwise.

That challenge was thrown out by President of the St Vincent and the Parents, guardians and cricketers of the LJNCA paying rapt Grenadines Cricket attention to SVGCA Inc.’s President- Dr. Kishore Shallow.

Association- Dr Kishore Shallow, last Saturday and once you capitalize on this, mentorship to at the Conference Room of the you probably won’t ever require some of the National Sports Council, located an office job anymore…

I can brightest young at the Arnos Vale Playing Field. guarantee you that our Sunil cricket talent “I hold you responsible for the Ambris, our Kenroy Peters and all here, so as to lay direction or where these guys end these guys make a lot more a platform from up in the future …With proper money than those guys (who which the guidance from (you) the parents, I work) in offices.” national, subguarantee that these guys will Calling on the players to pay regional and Dr. Kishore reach very far …Your role is just attention to their academics as regional teams Shallow as important,” Shallow told the well, Shallow posited: “ No longer could be making his parents and guardians. can we say that we don’t have selected. presentation.

In that light, he called on Co-ordinator parents/guardians to get involved jobs …There is nobody in the academy right now, who twenty of the academy by attending the training years from now should be saying is Cleton Burnett. The coaches are sessions, and encouraged them to that there is no job in St Vincent Samantha Lynch, Alston Bobb, interface with the Academy’s (and the Grenadines)”.

Bertram Stapleton, along with the coaches so that they could be The first batch of recruits of the Territorial Development Officerupdated about their LJNCA entered in March 2017, Ian Allen. sons/daughters/wards’ progress. and completed their stint in The Lennox John National Turning to the young recruits, November.

Cricket Academy was named in Shallow said, “You have been The aim of the LJNCA is to honour of long —standing cricket given an opportunity at this point, provide proper coaching and administrator- Lennox John.

Cricket Academy Co-ordinator up beat CLETON BURNETT, Coordinator of the Lennox John National Cricket Academy (LJNCA), is confident that young persons can benefit from greatly their involvement in the programme offered by the Academy.

Speaking after the formal induction of the second year of recruits for the Academy’s programme last weekend at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, Burnett said that the LJNCA aims to provide participants with the tools necessary to inform their development.

“The Lennox John National Cricket Academy continues its work on developing young cricketers to fulfill their potential. Players will work on specific skills focusing on the technical, tactical, physical and mental aspects of the game,” Burnett explained.

Fifteen participants will comprise the second batch of recruits for the programme that will run for six months.

Burnett assured, “We have completed a first assessment of the recruits, which gives us an idea as to where the participants are at in regard to their skill.

This, we believe, will give us a platform to set specific training programmes to meet the needs of each player.”

The coordinator was happy to see the turnout of parents at the opening, and said their cooperation was very encouraging.

The players who are enrolled in the second year of the programme are: Davente Mc Dowel, Cody Grant, Joe Williams, Ayasa Stapleton, Alston Hooper, Luke Wilson, Solomon Bascombe, Kirtney Franklyn, Jahiel Cleton Burnett Walters, OJ Matthews, – Co-ordinator Kyle Bowen, Rashawn Lewis, Alison Antoine, of the Lennox Jephena Joseph and John National Jenille Glasgow.

Cricket Academy.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Second Year participants with the Academy’s technical personnel.

Billingy hits maiden century ORLANZO BILLINGY smashed a maiden century to help propel Port Elizabeth to an 87-run win over Friendship United, in the Bequia T20 Cricket Competition.

In the match played at the Clive Tannis Playing Field last weekend, Billingy stroked 100 (9 sixes and 7 fours) from 59 balls as Port Orlanzo Elizabeth posted 211 for 3 Billingy from their allotted 20 overs.

Ryan Richards lent valuable support with an unbeaten 32 and and Kenrick Cozier contributed 20.

Friendship United in reply were dismissed for 124 from 14 overs. Alick Pompey topscored with 48, and John Millers hit 33.

Kamali Williams took 4 for 14, Aaron Friday 3 for 31 and Rmoano Pierre 2 for 38.

I.B.A.ALLEN

34. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 06, 2018. 35.

Classifieds

ROSANNAH SAMUEL LAWRENCE DOUGLAS Monday, July 2, 2018 Viewing: 1:30 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses

INGRID MONIQUE GEORGE Saturday 30th June, 2018 Joyful Praise Church Richland Park Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Funeral Service New Testament Church Biabou Saturday 30th June, 2018.

Open Tributes: 1:30 - 2:00 p.m.

Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

WILHELMINA ADEROA FREDERICK of Buccament Village at The Pembroke Pentecostal Church on Sunday, July 1st , 2018 at 2:00 p.m.

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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DIAGNOSTIC CENTRE OPENS Story by DAYLE DA SILVA

THE MODERN MEDICAL and Diagnostic Centre at Georgetown was officially opened last Monday, July 2, and was expected to become operationalized on Tuesday.

The 44,000 square foot facility is being regarded as a breakthrough in the delivery of health care services in the country, providing a wide range of services never before included in the national health care service.

Among those services is a hemodialysis unit.

According to Dr Simone Keizer- Beache, the Accident and Emergency (A&E), laboratory, X-ray department and the pharmacy were expected to become operational by Tuesday, with the remaining services expected to follow shortly.

Other services include basic ultrasounds, family planning services and

pharmaceuticals.

The facility will also offer services related to physio-therapy, ophthalmology, gastrointestinal complaints, cancer therapy along with surgery procedures and endoscopies. The operating theatre, complemented by an Intensive Care Unit and Recovery Room, will be

able to handle emergency surgeries.

Keizer-Beache explained that patients requiring admission from the Georgetown district clinic or from the MMDC accident and emergency, will be admitted to the smart hospital, and if necessary will be transferred to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Patients requiring short-term observation after being seen by the A and E department, will be accommodated in a fourbed observation area.

Browne, Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment, though it took a while in coming, it will transform the delivery of health care in the country.

Continued on Page 26.

SOME ATTENTION PLEASE!!!

‘A leap forward’ Construction of the MMDC began in 2007 and cost EC$42 million.

According to Luke Hemodialysis (kidney) services will become more accessible, given the anticipated reduction in cost.

Some of the 23 Cuban Specialists who will work along with local staff.

The Modern Medical and Diagnostic Centre at Georgetown is expected to transform the delivery of health care in the country.

THE ROAD (pictured), or what remains of it, runs above the Bethel High School, Campden Park.

It is used regularly by vehicles and pedestrians.

Sometime ago, a tractor was employed to remove large stones next to the Bethel MultiPurpose Centre. The removal of stones led to a gradual ‘breaking away’ of the bank along the road in question. Little or no attention then, led to increased erosion, resulting in more than half of the roadway disappearing.

Interestingly, given that the road is the only access to a large number of residences and businesses, it continues to be used regularly, even in its current state.

As a resident of the area, I appeal to the relevant authorities to move quickly to repair the road before a disaster happens.

Road User

Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.