THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 06-11-20

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER

06, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.45

Rains, wind galore Page 2

www.thevincentian.com

Only minor incidents Page 5

Diamond track opens Page 6

EC$1.50

Man-AboutTown Page 9

Ganja licenses Page 18

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has bragging rights twice times over- five party and five personal victories.

Below: The ULP victory celebration may have been less in-yourface than in previous years.

Story on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Rains, winds galore!

Landslides, blockages and more Right: CWSA linesmen effecting repairs to a damaged pipeline that serves the Montreal water supply system. (Photo Source: CWSA Facebook Page)

Landslide in New Grounds, South Central Windward. (Photo Credit: BRAGSA) UP TO SUNDAY 1ST NOVEMBER, St. Vincent and the Grenadines remained under a flash-flood warning that had been in effect since last week.

Meteorological officials had warned about thunderstorms and poor visibility, and winds up to 70km/h, as likely to be experienced through to Sunday.

Last Thursday, the country began

This VINLEC lineman braved the threatening weather and fallen tree to effect repairs to an affected power line. (Photo Source: VINLEC Facebook Page)

throughout the day (Oct. 30),” VINLEC appealed to persons not to touch downed power lines, broken meters, broken poles, etc.

CWSA meanwhile, reported extensive damage to its operations reporting blockages and damage to ten of it eleven supply systems.

The Water Company reported that heavy river flows, landslides, mudflows and fallen trees as causing severe blockages in its systems.

CWSA warned early of disruptions in the water supply as its men undertook repair work much of it deep into the interior where, for example, the Montreal system is located, and urged consumers to employ the usual storage of water measures, in the event that the disruptions have to be effected from time to time before normal service resumes.

experiencing heavy rains and gusty winds caused, according to Meteorological officials, by a Tropical Wave and an Upper Level Trough.

The rains and winds continued unabated well into the weekend wreaking havoc and leaving in their path, state wide landslides, fallen trees, road blockages, damage to bridges, electricity and water outages, and damage to house roofs, both Right: A number of NEMO and BRAGSA reported. house roofs were Early reports spoke of landslides in damaged across the east Diamonds Village, the South Central coast and interior of Windward area, and blocked roads and mainland St. Vincent. fallen trees in Chapman’s, Calder (Photo Source: NEMO and New Prospect.

Facebook Page) And NEMO reported that several house roofs were damaged from strong winds in Hadleys Village, New Grounds, Aldelphi, New Prospect/Simon, Peruvian Vale, Cedars and Spring-Biabou.

VINLEC linesmen braved the threatening weather, all day Friday and Saturday, to restore electricity to a number of communities across mainland St. Vincent.

The electricity company had reported downed lines and poles, leaning poles, damaged meters and meter structures, which had affected electricity supply to a number of areas across mainland. Areas affected included as far north as Fancy and Georgetown, interior communities like Marrraiqua, Kingstown communities like Edinboro, Queen’s Drive and Redemption Sharpes, and Queensbury on the Leeward side.

And even as it assured that its teams were conducting “a comprehensive assessment of the Fallen tree blocks road in Union Vale, system and will do restoration work Bequia. (Photo Credit: BRAGSA)

Damage to bridge in Richmond, North Leeward, resulted in the bridge being closed to vehicular traffic.

(Photo Credit: BRAGSA)

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lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020. 3.

News 3

ULP: 5 ÂINNAÊ ROW!!!

opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) succumbed to its fifth consecutive defeat.

Preliminary results of the count for the November 5, 2020 general elections, showed that of the 15 constituencies/seats at stake, the ULP had won 9, increasing its tally from 8, and the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) 6, a decrease of 1 over the 2015 general election.

Interestingly, as it had done in so many elections in the past, the North Leeward constituency played a pivotal role in the division of seats, it Orando Brewster put his being the one seat gained by critics and ‘well-wishers’ to bed with a resounding victory the ULP over its 2015 tally.

In that race, the incumbent in Central Leeward.

Roland Matthews of the NDP lost to the ULP’s Carlos James by a mere 7 votes - 2280 to 2287. In 2015, James lost to Matthews by 12 votes.

There was all indication, albeit unofficial, that the NDP will call for a recount in this constituency.

under to incumbent Camillo Gonsalves (2845 votes) of the ULP in East St. George; Dr. Mineva Glasgow ((2452 votes) of the ULP who lost to incumbent Nigel Stephenson (2957 votes) of the NDP in South Leeward; Dominic Sutherland (1964 votes) of the ULP who went under to NDP’s incumbent St. Clair Leacock (2643 votes) in Central Kingstown; NDP’s Israel Bruce (2100) who lost to ULP’s incumbent Saboto Caesar (2339) in South Central Windward; Carlos Williams (458 votes) who lost to Dr. Friday; and Shevern John (2556 votes) of the NDP who lost to ULP’s Montgomery Daniel.

The other constituencies were all retained by incumbents: NDP’s Daniel Cummings (2488 votes) over ULP’s Deborah Charles (1780) in West Kingstown; St. Clair Princ2441 votes) over Bernard Wyllie (2988 votes) of the NDP in Marriaqua; ULP’s Frederick Stephenson (2138 votes) over NDP’s Noel Dickson (1921) in South Windward.

ULP’s 32,353 of the 62,251 votes counted.

The votes counted represented a 63.4% voter turnout of the 98,119 people registered to vote. of 1998.

Whatever, the figure for 2020 marked a significant decrease in the turnout of 73.4% in 2015, when 65,684 people of a registration of 89,527 turned out to vote.

Readers will recall that it was on the basis of having got the popular vote that the ULP mounted a challenge against the NDP, who was, in Fitzgerald Bramble- the only new accordance with the NDP parliamentarian. first-past-the-poll VINCENTIAN was aware, system, the winner in the neither Dr. Gonsalves nor Dr. general elections Friday made any official Interestingly none of the public statement immediately victorious NDP candidates polled a lesser number of votes following the results.

Suffice it to say, Dr. that they did in 2015. And the More history-makers losing NDP candidates in 2020 Gonsalves posted on his Facebook page the following all showed increases in their Also carving out a place for day, Friday: ‘I am humbled respective constituencies. themselves in the political beyond words. Thank you for Only Brewster in Central annals of the region were four Movement in votes cast your faith and confidence.”

Leeward showed any marked candidates, who each recorded THE VINCENTIAN increase of votes in a a fifth consecutive victory: Dr. As far as the popular vote constituency won by the ULP, congratulates the Unity Ralph Gonsalves (2853 votes) was concerned, the NDP, for Labour Party and its leader registering 2700 to Sir Louis in the North Central the first time in six elections, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves on their Straker’s 2497 in 2015. was able to lead in this regard, Windward constituency, phenomenal achievements of As far as THE Curtis King put an even becoming in the process the garnering 32,847 votes to the five election victories in a row. firmer ULP hold on West first Prime Minister in the St. George.

Caribbean to accomplish this feat; Dr. Godwin Friday (2123 ST. VINCENT AND THE votes), Leader of the NDP and GRENADINES wrote itself into MP for the Northern the annals of the political Grenadines; Terrence history of the Caribbean, when Ollivierre (1153 votes), NDP its people returned the MP for the Southern incumbent Unity Labour Party Grenadines; Montgomery (ULP) to office for an unprecedented fifth consecutive Daniel (2625 votes), ULP MP in North Windward.

Sunday (Nov. 01) LAST WEEK’S time.

Of the 11 candidates who NEWSPAPER at the And in a spontaneous burst decommissioned coverage, including of celebration ULP supporters were contesting for the first time, 3 won their races: E.T. Joshua this publication, of latched on to the chant ‘It’s Fitzgerald Bramble (2547 Airport, the leaked Opposition celebration time. It is five in votes), who replaced former data was arrived Parliamentarian dey tail,” NDP leader Arhnim Eustace Daniel Cummings’ at improperly; that In the process, the main (winner in 1998, 2001, 2005, the report was still leak of data from an 2010, 2015) in East incomplete and incomplete Poverty Kingstown, dispensed with Assessment Report, even when it was ULP’s Luke Browne, who had has been met with an complete, it would lost to Eustace in 2010 and come under review almost venomous 2015; Curtis King (2606 votes) rebuttal from Prime before being made Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves used the occasion of a ULP Youth Rally to rebut the who retained the West St. public.

Minister Dr. Ralph George seat for the ULP over Gonsalves.

He made special information that was aired in public as per the 2018 Poverty Assessment Report. another first-timer Kay reference and In presenting ‘his Bacchus-Baptiste (2249 votes) findings’, Cummings refuted increase, among these were accorded places of the NDP; and Orando had made it clear that vehemently the in a secondary school. being: that the Brewster (2700 votes) of the poverty figure as the information he In short, the Prime number of houses had ULP, who replaced Sir Louis purported by had at hand was Minister rubbished all increased from 30,000 Straker, and retained the Cummings, i.e. that it ‘leaked’ and that he those who had latched to 43,000; the number Central Leeward constituency was referencing an had had moved from on to Cummings’ of homes with water over Benjamin Exeter (2197 ‘incomplete document’. 30.2% to 36.1%. disclosure, and who votes) of the NDP. He also referred to and electricity mains On the eve of the were trying to had increased; poor The other debutants were: general election of a number of variables advance it as though relief recipients had Chieftain Burke (886 votes) which he said would Nov.05, Gonsalves to discredit the ULP’s increased; and all who lost to Dr. Gonsalves; told a Gospel Concert contradict the Carlos James now enters extended term in students graduating Laverne Gibson-Velox (2659 hosted by his Unity ‘conclusion’ that the parliament as a bona fide from primary school office. votes) of the NDP who went poverty level had Labour Party last representative.

PM rebuts leaked Poverty Report

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4. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Woman breaks quarantine to do banking Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS JAVORNE MATTHEWS, a 44-year-old woman who entered a commercial bank in Kingstown shortly after breaking a COVID-19 related quarantine, was fined $1,000 at the Kingstown Magistrate Court on Tuesday.

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett ordered that Matthews pay the fine by December 15, or serve one month in prison.

Matthews was charged with contravening an order by Medical Officer of Health Dr. Roger Duncan, requiring her to quarantine herself.

The charge was laid under Section 27, Subsection Y Chapter 300 of the Public Health Act. Matthews, a resident of Spring, Biabou, had initially pleaded not guilty, but changed her plea to guilty on returning to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

In presenting the facts, prosecutor Curlene Samuel told the Court that on October 10, Matthews, a national of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, returned to her homeland from Miami on an American Airline flight.

In keeping with the protocols put in place for the COVID-19 pandemic, she was required to quarantine herself for 14 days, five at an approved facility and the remaining nine at home.

Matthews quarantined at an approved facility for the five days, and on the day that was complete, instead of going home to complete the quarantine, she went to the St. Vincent Cooperative Bank to effect a transaction.

During the process, her ATM card

Farmer charged for wounding POLICE have arrested and charged Larry Abbott, a 38-year-old farmer of Green Hill with the offence of wounding.

According to investigations, the accused allegedly wounded a 32-yearold farmer, also of Green Hill, by shooting him in his neck with a fish gun.

The incident occurred about 10:30pm on October 30, 2020.

The Accused appeared before the Serious Offences Court to answer to the charge and pleaded not guilty. He was remanded into custody.

The matter was adjourned to Wednesday, November 4th, 2020 for bail review.

deliberately flirt with the laws, but that she did not understand the procedure.

“She completed the first five days. She was seeking stuck in the machine and in reporting some monetary assistance, because she the problem to a customer service has a child,” Fife explained, noting representative, revealed that she was further that her client was a lawsupposed to be in quarantine. abiding citizen, up to that point, and The customer service representative she was not infected by the then told her that she was not coronavirus. supposed to be there, but Matthews But Dr. Duncan, who was at hand proceeded to join the line at the bank to assist the Court, said he personally and completed her transaction. spoke to the defendant.

The police was informed and Before the penalty was handed Matthews was arrested and down, Prosecutor Samuel told the subsequently charged. The bank had Court that based on information to be closed temporarily to allow for received, Matthews was scheduled to sanitization. be here until November 9, but she was Matthews lawyer- Michelle Fife told planning to leave the country this the Court that her client did not weekend, to which the police was

alerted.

Further checks by the prosecution on Tuesday, revealed that Matthews had a flight booked for Saturday, but that was cancelled recently.

But the defendant told the Court, “I was supposed to leave last Saturday, and I called and my flight was rescheduled, so I don’t know who is calling from the airport giving such false news.”

Matthews said she was not currently working, and would need some time to pay the $1,000 fine.

“St. Vincent is still her home,” the Magistrate underscored, before ordering the woman to pay the fine by December 15.

A person could be fined up to $2,000 for each day they break the quarantine or confined for six months.

“Not me”, Magistrate declares SENIOR Magistrate Rickie Burnett has issued a reminder that the laws are made by Parliament.

Burnett’s reminder came before imposing a fine of $6,000 on Jamal Martin, a 29-year-old sailor who refused to quarantine himself, for the required 14-day period, after returning to his homeland on August 29.

“Parliament make the laws, not me,” Burnett told Martin, who had told the Court that he would not be able to pay a fine until January.

The Fairbairn Pasture man was charged with contravening an order by Medical Officer of Health Dr. Roger Duncan, requiring him to quarantine himself. He was required to do so at an approved facility for five days, and the remaining nine days at home.

But Martin never went into an approved quarantine facility, though he gave the Health Authorities the assurance that he would.

Martin was charged under Section 27, Subsections Y, Chapter 300 of the

Public Health Act. He had initially pleaded not guilty, but changed his plea to guilty on returning to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. He was unrepresented.

Martin had contravened the Public Health order from August 29 to September 11.

Burnett stressed the seriousness of the offences and told Martin that he could imposed a financial penalty on him, amounting to $28,000, and he would have to pay that forthwith, and the defendant could still be sent to prison.

A person could be fined up to $2,000 each day he breaks quarantine, or confined for six months.

“COVID-19 is relatively new to all of us, and there is a reason why certain things are put in place,” he told Martin.

Prosecutor Curlene Samuel told the Court, “Your Honour, I understand that he is here now and his monies are limited, but we have to set an

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett is sending a clear message to all those who break the COVID-19 related quarantine. example.”

Burnett indicated that he was contemplating fining Martin $6,000, as a message must be sent, but he allowed him until April 30 to pay the fine, with an alternative of four months in prison.

Instead of going to the approved facility, Martin went to his mother’s home, and lied to her.

His mother became suspicious and informed the authorities, (police) and he was subsequently arrested.

Within recent weeks, a number of persons have been brought to Court and fined for violating the quarantine protocols.

Cop lauded at murder PI A POLICE OFFICER who testified at a murder Preliminary Inquiry (PI) at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, was highly commended by Chief Magistrate Rechanne Chief Magistrate Browne and Rechanne Browne Senior Prosecutor was moved to Adolphus commend Police Delpleche.

Officer Larro Constable Adams for his Larro Adams, 34, elocution when he who boasts a gave testimony service record of before her. eight years, and

who had assisted with the investigation, was testifying in the matter in which James Fancois of Petit Bordel was charged with the murder of Edward Lavia, also of Petit Bordel.

After he had completed his testimony, the Senior Prosecutor told the Court that it was the first time he had heard a police officer giving evidence, and saying the accused was cautioned in reference to the electronic interview.

The electronic interview caution was enacted here about seven years ago, and explains the guidelines of the electronic interview.

Delpleche said Adams did extremely well, as he (Delpleche) had never heard any other police officer telling this to the Court before.

The Chief Magistrate endorsed the prosecutor’s observation and also commended Adams for his command of the English Language, especially the manner in which he constructed his sentences.

The PI concluded on Monday with Francois being committed to stand trial in the High Court, for murder.

Lavia died after being stabbed in the left side of the neck following an incident at Petit Bordel on February 28, 2020.

Several witnesses mounted the stand for the Prosecution, including a number of police officers, among them being the Investigator - Corporal Justin Cupid, and Crime Scene Investigator - Constable Roland Dascent.

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lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020. 5.

Elections

North Leeward Stephenson staves off Glasgow on a knife-edge

BARRING developments at the recount, Carlos James is set to be the parliamentary representative for the North Leeward constituency.

James picked up 2,887 votes Roland Matthews (left) and Carlos compared to James 2,280 by the New Democratic Party’s Roland Matthews.

There is a history of knife-edge results in North Leeward. Samuel Slater secured victory by four vot6es running for the People’s Political Party in the August 22, 1966 general elections. That was against the St. Vincent Labour Party’s James Ferdinand.

Alphonso Dennie beat John Thompson by 72 votes in the 1972 general elections which ended in a six-six tie on mainland St. Vincent.

Matthews entered the fray in 2001 and lost to Gerald Thompson who beat him again in 2005.

Matthews turned the tables on Thompson in 2010 and retained his hold against newcomer James in 2015 by 12 votes.

NIGEL STEPHENSON, known affectionately as ‘Nature’, held off a challenge by the Unity Labour Party’s Dr. Mineva Glasgow, and retained the South Leeward constituency for the New Democratic Party, by increasing his margin of victory.

Stephenson gathered 2,957 votes to Glasgow’s 2452.

Glasgow, a former Deputy Director of the National Insurance Service, was promoted as the person to unset Stephenson but he held firm as he had done in 2010 against David Browne and Jomo Thomas in 2015.

Dr. Mineva Glasgow (right) and Nigel Stephenson

Brewster wins Central Leeward THE CENTRAL LEEWARD constituency retained its position as a bastion of the Unity Labour Party support, when Orando Brewster romped to victory with 2,700 votes ahead of the New Democratic Party’s Benjamin Exeter’s 2,197. Brewster, a doctor by profession, came under scrutiny from the moment he was nominated.

Central Leeward itself was as bone of contention following the results of the December 9, general election of 2015. On that occasion, Sir Louis Straker, a former

Deputy political leader of the Unity Labour Party, won the seat by 313 votes having totalled 2,497 to Exeter’s 2,184.

When THE VINCENTIAN caught up with Exeter outside the Barrouallie Government School election day, he remarked, “So far so good,” as he made his way around the constituency.

He declared that it was “too early to call,” at that time. Exeter cast his vote at 7: 45 am in his home town of Layou.

Brewster is one of three new ULP Veteran Returning Officer James Wilson said those eligible to vote turned out early as pictured at the polling station at the Lowmans Anglican School.

Kingstown, St. George: Only minor incidents

THE CONDUCT of most voters on Election Day throughout the three Kingstown and the two St. George constituencies was, in the main, orderly and peaceful.

Returning Officer for West Kingstown, James ‘Jimmy Wilson’ told THE VINCENTIAN that for the most part things went along smoothly.

He noted, “People turned out heavily in the morning to vote early.”

For the most part, he added, “things went by quietly,’ though, he admitted that while there were no major incidents, there was a minor incident at the Faith Temple Church polling station at New Montrose.

Wilson said that based on the information he received, there was a large number of voters at the polling station one point, and it were “overruling a junior police officer that was stationed there.”

He said he gave instructions to the police to deal with the matter and soon it was brought under control.

There was at least one incident at a polling station in Redemption Sharpes after a young man who showed up to vote, failed to properly identify himself.

People who were already in line got wind of this situation, and demanded that the young man not be allowed to vote.

“I never see his face in Central Kingstown,” shouted a person in the

line.

The young man was, however, allowed to vote but on exiting the polling station, he was confronted by an angry group of voters.

The man identified himself and was able to explain to the group that he was a first time voter in Central Kingstown; that he was now living in Kingstown Park and had transferred to that constituency.

East Kingstown witnessed one incident that attracted attention. The incident involved a confrontation between polling agents for NDP’s Fitz Bramble and ULP’s candidate for East Kingstown Luke Browne, when a young man was accused of being an illegal voter from South Rivers, brought into vote for the ULP. As had happened in Central Kingstown, the young man turned out to be a first time voter and after intervention by a senior police officer, he was allowed to vote and all ended well.

A number of polling agents representing both parties in West St. George and East St. George, told THEVINCENTIAN that there were no incidents that they knew or heard about.

There seem to be a consensus among people doing business in capital Kingstown on Election Day that “things were going smoothly,” as one man put it. (KH)

Benjamin Exeter (left) and Orando Brewster persons in the Dr. Gonsalves-led new administration.

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6. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Youth

Tablet distribution commences

Avadil Jack (left) of the Division of Teacher Education receives her tablet from Education Minister St. Clair Prince.

GOVERNMENT BEGAN TO ROLL OUT its anticipated ‘one tablet each per student and teacher programme’ last week Thursday, October 29,

when Minister of Education St. Clair Prince handed over the first two tablets to students of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community

College (SVGCC), at the College’s Villa Campus.

The recipients were Nyla Samuel of the Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies and Avadil Jack of the Division of Teacher Education.

The distribution continued that Thursday at the SVGCC Villa Campus after the formalities, and on Friday 30th November at the Division of Technical and Vocational Education and the School of Nursing.

Monday saw the wrapping up of distribution at the SVGCC and distribution at the Sandy Bay Secondary School.

Tuesday was the Georgetown Secondary School’s turn, as well as that of the Troumaca

explained that the aim of the tablet distribution was to bridge the gap between those Nyla Samuel (left) of the Division Bridging the gap students who of Arts, Sciences and General have access to Studies accepts her tablet from According to Minister technology Education Minister St. Clair Prince, 2,257 tablets will versus those Prince. be distributed to all who do not. branches of the SVGCC, Some 14,000 every student and of which 1,206 have been units arrived here last teacher. allocated to SVGCC Villa Wednesday, October He urged the Campus.

28th, to complement students to use the Finance Minister 3,000 which were already tablets as tools for their Camillo Gonsalves, who in country. education, to respect the was present at the According to Minister devices, and taxpayers’ ceremonial handing over Gonsalves, Grade 6 money. at the SVGCC, described students, secondary The tablet distribution the tablet distribution as school student and programme is said to cost a wonderful day in the teachers will receive “just over $12 million history of education in tablets as well. The Eastern Caribbean,” St. Vincent and the intention, he said, is to according to Minister Grenadines, and distribute a tablet to Prince. (Source: API) Ontario and Petit Bordel schools.

It is expected that distribution will continue after the break for the general elections.

Diamond Track/Football Field opened that capacity increase to 5,000.

A warm-up track is also expected to be constructed in the second phase.

Last Wednesday’s opening ceremony also heard addresses from Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves, MP for South Windward Frederick Stephenson, and Minister Athletes put of Sport Cecil Mc Kie. the track to a Dyke Cato, national test. cricketer, former teacher and currently a Sport Officer who has responsibility for overview of the project, used the occasion of his address to call for a Sports Ambassadorship for Woodrow ‘Killy’ Williams.

Williams, a retired Sports Officer, continues to serve with distinction as This race involving (from left) Prime a track and field technical consultant Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Ministers Cecil Mc Kie and Frederick at home and abroad, and more Stephenson, seen at the starting line, recently availed his technical expertise especially in the laying of the never got going. synthetic track at the Diamond facility.

THE DIAMOND ATHLETICS Track A sum of EC$6 million was given as and Football Facility will be officially the expenditure on the facility to date. named in honour of the late Sir Vincent Beache — former Minister of Other facilities for Diamond Government in the administrations of the St. Vincent Labour Party and its Last Wednesday opening of the successor the Unity Labour Party.

Diamond Athletics Track and Football Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Facility was but one of the projects Gonsalves made the disclosure during included in a Government-hosted an address at the opening and trial Diamond projects showcase, at the run of the Facility last Wednesday, Diamond Industrial Estate, November 4, 2020. He alluded to an Among the other projects unveiling ceremony to come, to make highlighted were the construction of the designation/naming official. the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, a Community Centre, bridges and a The Facility, located in Diamond some eight miles north east of capital Maritime Training Institute which city Kingstown, features, in the main, will include courses in Firefighting techniques. a 400m synthetic track and a Invest SVG is expected to play a regulation size football field. pivotal role in the unfolding of the It currently provides for 1,800 spectators but extended work will see development plan for Diamond. (WKA)

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lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020. 7.

Region

Congratulations to the ULP and Dr. Ralph Gonsalves Commission of the OECS The Commission of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) extends to Dr. the Hon. Ralph E. Gonsalves and the Unity Labour Party warmest congratulations on this historic election victory.

The election of the Gonsalves administration by the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to an unprecedented fifth term is a clear indication of the people’s confidence in the strategic vision and the programmatic record of their Government.

The Commission also records its deep respect for the civility and integrity of the electoral process and the conduct of all political forces in this democratic undertaking. We extend commensurate congratulations to the National Democratic Party for its re-election to the Parliament of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Commission commits to working closely with the Government and new Parliament of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in addressing the immense challenges that confront us in the immediate future and will dedicate its most strenuous efforts to the deepening of our regional integration ambitions.

God bless the people and nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

President N. Maduro

St Lucia Labour Party

THE PRESIDENT of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro Moros, on behalf of the Venezuelan People and Government, congratulates the brotherly people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for the successful electoral day held on November 5th, 2020, in which Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves was reelected.

Venezuela applauds the historic and unprecedented fifth victory of the Unity Labour Party, with His Excellency Ralph Gonsalves as its leader, as well as the civic and democratic attitude of the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines during the elections, even in the midst of the complex context generated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is no doubt that under the lucid leadership of comrade Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves, Saint Vincent and

ON BEHALF of the Saint Lucia Labour Party and the people of Saint Lucia, I wish to congratulate my comrade and the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, on the resounding victory at Phillip Pierre the polls yesterday.

Saint Lucia Labour Party and Unity Labour Party of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have a long-standing relationship, one that is built on people-centred leadership and a commitment to serving in the best interest of our respective countries.

Therefore, I am not surprised that Comrade Gonsalves and his party were able to secure a historic fifth term in office.

I wish you the best as you continue to put the people of SVG first!

the Grenadines, a central member of CARICOM and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America, ALBAPresident TCP, will continue Nicolas to play a Maduro fundamental role in the process of integration and shared development of the Caribbean region.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterates its firm support with the sisterly Caribbean nation, with the conviction that friendship and bilateral cooperation ties will continue to be strengthened, to contribute to the postpandemic socioeconomic recovery and to promote the principles of sovereignty, solidarity and independence.

Caracas, November 6th, 2020

Phillip Pierre Political Leader -St. Lucia Labour Party

Communique (in brief) – CARICOM Heads 41st Regular Meeting The Forty-First Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held virtually on 29 October 2020. The Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, chaired the proceedings.

Dr. Ralph He and SecretaryGonsalves, General of the addressing the Community, 41st Regular Ambassador Irwin Meeting of LaRocque, made brief CARICOM opening remarks.

Heads which All Full and was held Associate Members, virtually. except for Belize, were represented by their Heads of State/Heads of Government.

debt into long-term low interest instruments.

Joint tourism policy for CARICOM HoG welcomed a proposal by the Government of Saint Lucia for the preparation of a Joint Tourism Policy.

They agreed to a Working Group to formulate the policy and report to the Conference by December 31, 2020.

HoG also agreed that a Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee (PMSC) on Tourism be established to provide political oversight for the preparation of the Joint Tourism Policy and other related issues. PMSC will comprise Bahamas (Chair) Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Jamaica and Saint Lucia.

Blacklisting HoG condemned the continued blacklisting by the European Union of Members of the Community through unilaterally and arbitrarily determined Covid-19 and its impact on the region standards, and in the absence of any Heads of Government (HoG) meaningful prior consultation with the advocated continued vigilance and affected Members. adherence to the regional public health Heads of Government stated that this approach being led by the Caribbean disproportionate treatment of CARICOM Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

States is a breach of the rights of HoG welcomed the COVAX Facility as CARICOM citizens, and called upon the an initiative to secure access to safe and European Council and European effective COVID-19 vaccines.

Commission to desist from this egregious They also welcomed the fact that six practice.

CARICOM Member States have been identified for Advance Market CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) Commitment — a financing instrument to HoG agreed to designate the support the procurement of vaccines for CARICOM Private Sector Organisation low and middle-income economies.

(CPSO) as an Associate Institution of the HoG mandated CARPHA and the Community, and agreed a Memorandum Chief Medical Officers of Member States of Understanding with CPSO Inc. for to meet to refine the common technical cooperation towards the further standards for the CARICOM Travel implementation of the CARICOM Single Bubble and the entry of external Market and Economy (CSME). arrivals, and report to the Secretariat within 48 hours.

Belize-Guatemala Relations HoG noted that the undertaking by Caribbean economic recovery and both countries and the Organisation of transformation American States (OAS) to engage in the HoG agreed to the concept of a design and development of a mechanism Caribbean Economic Recovery and of co-operation for the Sarstoon River is Transformation (CERT) Plan devised by still outstanding, and called on both a regional team of experts, led by Prime countries and the OAS to reinvigorate Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley. their efforts to this end.

HoG called for a new Special Drawing HoG re-emphasised their steadfast Rights (SDR) allocation by the support for the sovereignty, territorial International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) as integrity and security of Belize. well as the refinancing of COVID-related Guyana-Venezuela Border Controversy

HoG reiterated their full support for the judicial process that is intended to bring a peaceful and definitive end to the long-standing controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, and further reiterated their firm and unswerving support for the maintenance and

preservation of the sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Guyana.

Next Meeting The Government of Trinidad and Tobago will host the 32nd Intersessional Meeting of the Conference, to be held on 23-24 February 2021.

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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

We will demand accountability IT CERTAINLY HAS BEEN A BUSY YEAR for voters in the Caribbean.

So far for the year, six Caribbean countries (Dominican Republic, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago) have gone to the polls in general elections, with Belize slated to be a seventh come November 11.

Among the six who have crossed the line so far, it’s been ‘evenstevens’: changes of governing parties in the Dominican Republic, Guyana and Surinam, with incumbent victories in St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and as for Belize, one thing is certain; regardless of who wins there will be a new prime minister since the incumbent, Dean Barrow, is not leading his party to the polls.

In the case of this country, the election results mark an unprecedented fifth consecutive term for the Unity Labour Party, on each occasion led by Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. Whether or not Dr. Gonsalves serves the full five years or part thereof as Prime Minister, is not important to this discourse.

This Column takes this opportunity, even as it congratulates the ULP and Dr. Gonslaves on their record-breaking feats, to call their attention, albeit not for the first time but especially in its fifth term, to the issue of accountability.

Much was made, especially during its fourth term, of the ULP’s lack of accountability of matters of national importance.

It is not that the ULP does not understand (acceptance is another thing) that accountability is one of the cornerstones of good governance. Rather, the issue is that the people have failed to elect and ensure the establishment of an accountable government.

The power of the people to hold political leaders and governments to account is fundamental to representative/participatory democracy.

If we are to speak of growing our democracy, of coming of age, this responsibility of holding our politicians and government accountability must be moved off the page and into action.

That is what an incumbent ULP must brace itself for - an insurgence in legitimate demands for accountability.

It would do the country well, therefore, that in addition to what Integrity Legislation might provide, that those in government accept as a habit the provision of unfettered and unbridled information on matters of state. Herein lies the matter of the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act. People will not continue to accept the wishy washy excuse, the ‘academic’ justification that accountability is affected by ‘constraints on government’ that impose sanctions on what should or should not be made public.

In the event that we have not made our purview clear, by government we mean the executive arm, to include the chief executive/head of government/prime minister, the cabinet/ministers and top civil servants.

And yes, we understand that among ‘government’s interest’ is the desire to stay in power, and to feel free as possible to achieve that aim by trying to evade being held accountable.

Sadly, the need for oversight powers to safeguard the right of our citizenry to be accounted to, is stymied by the weaknesses of our first-past-the-post system of elections and our unicameral parliament which amount to a parliamentary dictatorship that often breeds abuse of power.

We would want to believe, therefore, that this term of government will be coloured by the voice and actions of a watch party of citizens drawn from all persuasions of life, to watch over the working of a government, regardless of its longevity, notwithstanding the need to give some added elbow room to correct previous shortcomings of governance, if we are to be respected as citizens, tax payers and voters.

The election track or the slippery slope to hell (First published in THE VINCENTIAN Friday 18th December, 2015) LAST WEEK, I had forecast the Election result on Wednesday, actual Election Day itself, as my host generally required my submission not later than 6 pm, before the posting of any result at all.

My result varied from the most likely of 10 to 5 favouring the N.D.P, to 12 to 3 for the same party of “change”. Actually, in terms of the allocation of seats, there was no change at all in the first official account.

It was 8:7 in favour of the governing U.L.P which the N.D.P hopes soon to reverse in a re-election in Central Leeward, which may be ordered by the court facing a challenge by the N.D.P. Even so, the Government has claimed 4 in a row. The PM prides himself on a similar victory, 4 successive Prime Ministerships. But most people seem to forget that he started his political career by failing to win a seat three in a row, 1979, 1984 and 1989.

He first won in 1994 when his MNU had merged with Labour Party. Vincent Beache generously allowed Ralph to keep running North Central Windward where he had never beaten him, and laid claim to South Windward for the next three elections.

Apart from surrendering to Ralph his strongholds of Georgetown proper and especially South Rivers, Beache actually gave Ralph advanced notice that he was quitting the leadership of the newly founded U.L.P which permitted Ralph to make mincemeat of his competitors — Boyea, Stalky and Straker. Small wonder that Beache has been grossly overcompensated over his little acts of worship.

This does not lessen the magnitude of Ralph’s accomplishment, only explains the mechanics.

In this numbers game, one should not take his eyes off Arnhim who worked his way through the Public Service to become a Permanent Secretary at 26, followed by a stint as chief controller of all projects at the Caribbean Development Bank. On entering politics he has faced the polls 5 times in East Kingstown and never lost a personal election, including the presidency of his party. Come to think of it, of all our heads of government, everyone, except Eustace, have at one time or another tasted personal defeat at the constituency level: George McIntosh, Ebenezer Joshua, Milton Cato, James “Son” Mitchell and Ralph Gonsalves on three occasions!!

It bemuses me to hear from the chattering classes how Arnhim is not a people’s man; one who endangers his party by his lacklustre leadership and worse, and cannot explain his commendable support by the same people, and love and admiration of the Dream Team that he created!

Arnhim’s drawing card are his humility, honesty, sincerity and simplicity.

In this election, the U.L.P dared to mention their commitment to our womenfolk, all because, unlike N.D.P, they had a single woman as candidate.

Successors to Labour should be ashamed of their record in this area. The women’s league of the Labour Party had staged a demonstration against the then Chief Minister’s wife, Ivy Inez Joshua, against whom they said the nastiest things imaginable. Mrs Joshua had won the North Windward seat in six elections in a row, but that did not seem to matter.

In N.D.P early years, two women M.Ps from the Southern Grenadines were impressive. And Yvonne Francis Gibson had been twice Minister of Education, who was relieved of her instruments of the office of J.P, along with Patrice Reddock, Isolyn Phillips and other worthy women, courtesy U.L.P vicious streak against women.

Vynnette Frederick, called a “Tom-Boy” by the U.L.P, was literally hounded out of the political arena.

We go light on allegations of massive fraud associated with the last elections.

The Prime Minister has never recanted on the advice he tendered in 2001 of voting in weak constituencies part of the excess not needed in strong constituencies.

But the open bribery, a kind of lumber, galvanize and cement and raw cash, was troubling to the soul. Trucks lined up daily at the P.W.D stretching for half a mile, reminiscent of the good old days of trucking of bananas, which industry was killed by the U.L.P, this time purporting to distribute building materials for victims of recent floods. It was a massive deception.

In a sense, it was surprising that all the “mouth”, U.L.P could only claim an 8:7 victory for the second successive time, victory that may be reversed in about three months.

As a Christian nation, we now settle down for the Christmas season. Bright and early in the New Year, we shall seek the legal reversal of those results.

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Out goes No, no, Mr. Boucher the ULP

WOW! WHEN IN 2001 I thought life could not get any worse, and therefore I decided to vote for a change which meant ULP, boy was I wrong. Boy was I wrong. It has gotten worse and it will continue as long as Ralph Gonsalves and his ‘merry men’ continue to dictate what is best for this country.

In his most recent term of office, Gonsalves has been his usual combative self but he has, especially during this campaign, resorted to rile attacks on his opponents and seems to be deliberately set on a path to provoke them into saying or doing something so they could hang themselves. In short, he and his party use personal attacks so they don’t actually address the other side’s facts. They use emotion as a weapon, creating fear among weak minded supporters; and emotion is an extremely effective weapon.

However, not this time; it will be an embarrassment to them.

Thank God, Dr. Friday, who clearly has a moral compass about him, and the NDP, have stood firm; they have not swayed from their agenda.

That is why, when this paper and others hit the street, they will be reporting that like 2001, 2020 was all about getting rid of those who had grown comfortable in government and felt, led by Gonsalves, that this country belonged only to them.

Yes, the ULP should have been able to win the election based on their record. But I dare say that in the last five years or so in particular, they have treated the people like dirt. People have just not felt like this country was theirs.

Going nowhere

MR. EDITOR, I couldn’t believe what I was reading, i.e. that the Public Service Union president called upon the members of the Union to support the NDP. Mind you, I know that if we really examine the books, this government has not been kind to the public sector workers including the civil servants and the teachers. So I could understand how this plus the ULP’s refusal to meet with the Union would lead the president to say what he said.

However, it is not something I would want to support. I know that workers in various unions have supported

out and say who they are supporting. But that is in countries where they have a different attitude to politics and who you support.

I believe that a man must be guided by his conscience when it comes to deciding who he should vote for. No organization, unless he belongs to a political party, should try to influence his vote. No trade union, no church, no friendly society, no youth group should think they have any hold over their members’ votes.

I don’t think this is going to do Mr. Boucher any good in the long run, Charles, Edinboro regardless of which party wins the election.

Things for you to do, Dr. Gonsalves DR. GONSALVES, when you get back into government, I want you to do a few things for me, please.

1. Please put a ban on importing all these used cars. Every month the

Together for the road ahead LAST WEEKEND, I listened to two songs by Shemekia Copeland: “Give God the Blues” and “Uncivil War”.

While these songs were obviously written for the current USA environment, I could not help but reflect on the current situation in my homeland. As you read this letter to the editor, our country is bleeding, “Blue, Yellow and Green”, as we try to recover from another brutal election centered on emotional and public ridicule of a few good men.

A saving thought might be that our brain is most open to change during times of great stress. Now is the time for all of us to lead with the values and ideals some of us felt just over forty-one years ago when we stood in Victoria Park and witnessed the lowering of the Union Jack for the last time.

This is an opportunity to stretch our brains and

one party or the other, but I can’t recall a boldfaced call like this one in my lifetime. I might be wrong.

Back when Joshua had his Union, we would expect that he would tell his membership to support him in politics; that was just how it was back in the colonial times. But even though we know that certain union leaders might have supported one party over the other, very few if any of them ever came out in public and called on the members to support a party. If they tried to influence their members, they did so very quietly.

I know that in bigger countries, unions come

Car Boat dropping a whole set of vehicles here, but we have no new roads to put them. They will be driving on top of one another if we don’t control the numbers on the road.

2. To see what this overload of vehicles means, take a drive in an ordinary vehicle on mornings coming in from country and Leeward, then take the same drive when vehicles going home after work. Find out how long it takes a family to get to Diamond after work on any week

our hearts and leave the become. animosity behind, because “nobody wins an Horatio uncivil war”.

Now is the time to pick up the phone and call our neighbours and friends and offer a * How come the soca man from gesture of peace; to lay Grenada say he going to sue the ULP down our “swords” and when Julian said earlier this year that they reconnect because we had arrived at some understanding? Who need each other. We are playing tricks? in this together, folks, and the road ahead is * If they have Chinese waiting to cash in on long and difficult. We the CBI programme if the NDP win, who have a lot of work to do waiting to cash in when the ULP win? and no time to spare.

Our country is getting * Did the police start an investigation into the older and we need a death of Lamont ‘Whiter’ Dickson who died in tune-up. Some rules and a car crash in Arnos Vale on 15th August, regulations need 2020? School children are saying that if the reviewing; we all need to police ain’t started an investigation they recommit to nation should start one soon, since things about that building; we all have an accident smelling fishy opportunity to step up . and do our part to ensure * Did the opposition walk out of a meeting of SVG thrives as a nation the National Monitoring and Consultative of one people. mechanism (NMCM) after a two-hour wait for The election is over. an Elections Officer who was to bring a ballot Congratulations to the box to the meeting? winners. Now let’s honor our nation and commit to * If we should organize a prize for the best a way forward, one that Virtual Political Meeting for 2020? Who would make our going to judge? forefathers and mothers proud of what we have

day.

3. Disguise yourself and check out the public service workers during working hours. You will see for yourself.

4. And keep your disguise and check out the Accident and Emergency Unit at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital to get some attention. See how long you will have to ‘sit down and wait’.

5. Please, too, try and get the police officers, especially some of those female police wardens, to be more polite when they have to deal with the public. People react to police according to how the police approach them.

6. And while you are at it, check out to see if it has any law which allows vehicles carrying G licence plates, to stop

and/or park anywhere, anytime of the day.

7. Check to see how many farmers who get duty free vehicles buy vehicles that they can use on their lands. I see some fancy vehicles with F plates, I don’t know if you see them too. So, take some time and check.

8. Just like how you could find out who funding the NDP, find out how many police officers own mini buses, and maybe this will tell you why donkey say the ‘traffic court air so level’.

Thanks you Prime Minister again for taking time out to look into these things for me. You can’t have certain things and people making your new government look bad.

Voting for the ULP

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NDP will get SVG working again fourteen (14) projects directly related to the Citizenship by Investment programme. The tourism sector has The CBI programme benefited tremendously, with a significant increase in hotel rooms. In ECONOMIC citizenship is offered when fact, there have been more than ten an individual completes the legal (10) hotel projects in Grenada as a process to acquire citizenship in a result of the citizen by investment second country, on account of the individual’s financial investment into that programme. St Lucia, Antigua and Dominica are all benefitting country’s economy. We see the programme as an instant game changer tremendously from the programme.

The benefits of the programme to for the people of St. Vincent and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be Grenadines. incredible. We will see an increase in The following Caribbean countries foreign direct investment; an increase have implemented the Citizenship by in government’s revenue; a reduction Investment programme: Antigua and of the tax burden on Vincentians; Barbuda, Grenada, St. Kitts and increase in economic growth and Nevis, Dominica and St. development and the creation of jobs Lucia. Antigua and Barbuda for Vincentians.

Citizenship by Funds from the programme will be Investment Program (CBI) was used: to build solid and sustainable launched in 2012; Dominica started infrastructure to last for a long time; their programme in develop climate resilient projects; 1993; Grenada commenced theirs in enhance the quality of sporting 2013; St. Lucia in 2015; and St Kitts and Nevis CBI Program was launched facilities; promote and improve the tourism sector; sustain and improve in 1984. agriculture and the fisheries sectors; The CBI has been contributing support youth entrepreneurship; substantially to the economy of St. create the Constituency Development Kitts and Nevis. This is significant Fund and fund projects in energy, and has a positive impact on the infrastructure and housing. economy and citizens of that country.

We continue to express our St. Kitts has reduced its debt to GDP commitment to implementing the CBI ratio to 60 % in 2018 from a high of 78% in 2014, and the government has Programme which will bring economic growth and development to St. Vincent been able to pay its public sector workers double salary for the month of and the Grenadines, and create thousands of jobs for Vincentians.

December for the past three years, a sign of a booming economy.

Job creation Grenada too is benefitting immensely from the CBI programme.

After nineteen (19) long years of the The island boasts of attracting ULP, unemployment has increased investors of outstanding calibre and from 20% to 26% (even before COVID). great wealth. For instance, in 2017, Dr. Friday and the NDP will attract the Grenadian government cited

(Pt. 2)

new investment to stimulate construction, marine, agriculture, and manufacturing jobs here at home. We will create jobs by reducing the costs, fees and bureaucratic delays for businesses. They can expand faster, and hire more.

We will use finance from our new Development Bank to help businesses start, or expand here in St.Vincent and the Grenadines. We will invest in new equipment, financing, lands and reforms for our farmers and fisher folk. We will assist our young people into work by expanding and increasing the YES programme and deliver a national skills training programme.

We want our young people to earn and learn to create jobs for all who want to work.

reduce unemployment.

2. We will create opportunities so our young people can succeed here, build a home and raise a family.

3. We will immediately reduce VAT from 16 percent to 13 percent and remove it entirely from essential foods and medicines, and review import duties and procedures.

4. We have a funded plan to build a new National Hospital and fix local clinics across the country to improve health care.

5. We have a plan to make it easier to do business in SVG and to support local businesses so they can grow and hire local people.

6. We have a plan to transform our infrastructure with new roads, ports, and manufacturing facilities. This will Giving our youth a brighter future unlock our economy and create new jobs.

We will ensure our young people 7. We will fund technical skills and have the opportunities to succeed in education in local areas, reinvigorate St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and boost the YES program and without having to leave our shores. reduce interest on student loans by Our most valuable resource is our half, down to 4.5 percent. people and we need them to prosper as 8. We will back our fisher folk with a country. While all of our plans have new equipment and boats; and farmers been formulated with this view, we with access to land, credit and have four key initiatives to help our markets to revive these crucial sectors. people thrive: 9. We have a plan to develop our * Reinvigorate the YES Program to tourism sector, making SVG a leading train young persons with job-ready destination in the Caribbean while skills in the private sector; backing establishments, in addition to * Reduce the student loan interest international hotels. rate to 4.5 percent; 10. We will bring in new * Ensure that young people are investments to fund our plans for jobs earning or learning; and growth. * Deliver new technical and skills The Unity Labour Party has failed training courses. the people of St. Vincent and the Ten reasons to vote for the NDP Grenadines. Dr. Friday and the NDP 1. We have a long-term plan to will get St. Vincent and the create new, sustainable jobs and Grenadines working again.

Support Taiwan’s inclusion in the postCOVID-19 global public health network Dr. Chen Shih-chung, Minister of Health and Welfare Republic of China (Taiwan) SINCE THE COVID-19 pandemic began, there have more than 40 million cases and more than one million deaths around the world. The virus has had an enormous impact on global politics, employment, economics, trade and financial systems, and significantly impacted the global efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Thanks to the united efforts of its entire people, Taiwan has responded to the threats posed by this pandemic through four principles: prudent action, rapid response, advance deployment, and openness and transparency. Adopting such strategies as the operation of specialized command systems, the implementation of meticulous border control measures, the production and distribution of adequate supplies of medical resources, the employment of home quarantine and isolation measures and related care services, the application of IT systems, the publishing of transparent and open information, and the execution of precise screening and

testing, we have been fortunate enough to contain the virus. As of October 7, Taiwan had had just 523 confirmed cases and seven deaths; meanwhile, life and work have continued much as normal for the majority of people.

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has reminded the world that infectious diseases know no borders and do not discriminate along political, ethnic, religious, or cultural lines. Nations should work together to address the threat of emerging diseases. For this reason, once Taiwan had stabilized its containment of the virus and ensured that people had sufficient access to medical resources, we began to share our experience and exchange information on containing COVID-19 with global public health professionals and scholars through COVID-19related forums, APEC’s High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy, the Global Cooperation Training Framework, and other virtual bilateral meetings. As of June 2020, Taiwan had held nearly 80 online conferences, sharing the Taiwan Model with experts from governments, hospitals, universities, and think tanks in 32 countries.

Taiwan’s donations of medical

equipment and antipandemic supplies to countries in need also continue. By June, we had donated 51 million surgical masks, 1.16 million N95 masks, 600,000 isolation gowns, and 35,000 forehead thermometers to more than 80 countries.

To ensure access to vaccines, Taiwan has joined the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access Facility (COVAX) co-led by GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance; the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations; and the World Health Organization. And our government is actively assisting domestic manufacturers in hopes of accelerating the development and production of successful vaccines, bringing them to market as quickly as possible and putting an end to this pandemic.

To prepare for a possible next wave of the pandemic as well as the approaching flu season, Taiwan is maintaining its strategies of encouraging citizens to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, and strengthening border quarantine measures, community-based prevention, and medical preparedness.

Furthermore, we are actively collaborating with domestic and international partners to obtain

vaccines and develop optimal treatments and accurate diagnostic tools, jointly safeguarding Dr. Chen Shihglobal public chung, Minister of health security. Health and Welfare, The COVID- Republic of China 19 pandemic (Taiwan). has proven that Taiwan is an integral part of the global public health network and that Taiwan Model can help other countries combat the pandemic. To recover better, WHO needs Taiwan. We urge WHO and related parties to acknowledge Taiwan’s longstanding contributions to global public health, disease prevention, and the human right to health, and to firmly support Taiwan’s inclusion in WHO. Taiwan’s comprehensive participation in WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities would allow us to work with the rest of the world in realizing the fundamental human right to health as stipulated in the WHO Constitution and the vision of leaving no one behind enshrined in the UN SDGs. (Source: Embassy of Taiwan, Kingstown)

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Lessons from America

A new revolution

“If you ever get a chance to hang out with Mack, you will soon learn that he’s hoping for a new revolution, one of love and kindness - a revolution that revolves around Jesus and what he did for us all and what he continues to do in anyone who had a hunger for reconciliation and a place to call home. This is not a revolution that will overthrow anything, or if it does, it will do so in ways we could never contrive in advance. Instead it will be the quiet daily powers of dying and serving and loving and laughter, of simple tenderness and unseen kindness, because if anything matters, then everything matters.”

William P. Young (The Shack – p. 253) READERS OF WILLIAM P. YOUNG’S 2007 New York Times #1 bestselling novel, The Shack (ISBN 978-0-9647292-4-7), will readily recognize the above quotation. It was extracted from the After Words of his thought-provoking and most inspiration novel (see also http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYv jRiun3MA&NR=1). A dear family friend had presented a copy of the book as a gift to my wife. I observed how willingly her eyes scanned the pages as she read from cover to cover in a relatively short time. On completing the reading exercise she “gently suggested” that it may be a good book for me to read.

Well, readers (male and female) will understand (but not excuse) men folk like me who would prefer not to be nudged into reading anything. I humbly and ashamedly admit that I never got around to reading it until I was assisting in packing away some of her books that had been cluttering up the bedroom.

The book again caught my eyes and aroused my curiosity. Why was my wife so fascinated by its content? Why did she want me to read it? And so, my inquisitiveness got the better of my stubborn pride and I delved in … I will never be the same again!

The recording artist, Wynonna Judd, in commenting after reading The Shack said, “I received a copy of THE SHACK during a very difficult transition in my life. The story has blown the doors wide open to my soul and during this time I’ve asked many questions. It reminds me that though I ask, ‘Why?’ I know who is still in control.” The Shack vividly describes a situation in which Missy, Mackenzie Allen Philips’s youngest daughter, is abducted during a family holiday in a vacation park in North America.

There is evidence that she has been brutally murdered by a serial killer who temporality held her captive in a shack in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later, even as the parents and siblings still grapple with Missy’s disappearance, Mack receives a typewritten note inviting him to return to the shack for a weekend.

He embraces some life-changing experiences even as he seeks closure to this traumatic part of his life. I end my comments related to this literary piece here having whet your appetite to get your hands on a copy of the book. You will not regret the efforts that you may exert in doing so.

The American Revolution (17651783), not to be confused with the American Civil War (1861-1865), was fought between the American Patriots and the British Crown as the former sought to gain independence for their

thirteen colonies. The American colonists had grown tired and angry of the taxes that the British Parliament sought to extract from them. They were tired of the oppression and rallied their forces to be rid of the shackles of colonialism.

The French Revolution (1789-1799) is often considered to have been the culmination of a series of events in France that resulted in many of its citizens demanding a change in their general living conditions. As the rich and powerful depleted the royal coffers, the poor citizens struggled to avoid starvation after two decades of poor harvests, cattle diseases, and drought. The revolution seemed inevitable as the elite imposed heavier taxes on the burgeoning poor social and economic conditions of the disenfranchised. The poor residents seemed to have no other choice than to demolish and redesign their country’s social, economic, and political landscape. They dismantled the France’s centuries-old feudal system and monarchy. King Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette had their heads severed by the guillotine as a disgruntled people sought to curb the extravagant spending of the monarchy and their aristocratic friends while the poor peasants starved.

The American Revolution and the French Revolution stand out as critical 18th century conditions that beckoned radical changes in the respective countries. Today, many around the world are beckoning for a new revolution. Not a revolution that summons the overthrow of colonial masters or those in authority but the kind of revolution that was referred to in the quotation that was used to introduce this essay; a new revolution where those in transient authority will not see themselves as all powerful; a new revolution where kindness, gentleness, truthfulness, honesty, integrity, and respect for others will germinate and flourish.

This is the new revolution that we need to influence the fertile minds of this generation. This is the new revolution that we need to create and sustain a Caribbean civilization that will be a legacy to children yet unborn. We need a new revolution that will revolve around love and kindness and reconciliation; not divisiveness and division. We need a new revolution where there is true freedom of speech and freedom to speak. We need a new revolution that acknowledges Jesus Christ as supreme leader so that the thoughts we entertain, our words, and our actions are always seasoned with decency and respect. This is the new revolution that will truly matter in the end — bridging the differences and building people for the good; nurturing the best that is in each of us and paving the way for a better today and tomorrow in a place that we will be proud to call home. What a legacy we will leave to the next generation! What a long-lasting revolution!

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

‘Our choice is between Donald Trump, a neo-fascist catastrophe, and Joe Biden, a neo-liberal disaster.’ Dr Cornel West.

AMERICA’S DEMOCRACY is unravelling before our very eyes. Before the elections, Trump told his well-armed neo-fascist supporters to ‘stand down and stand by.’

He openly race-baited his opponents and called black and brown people nasty names, hitherto unheard in national presidential discourse.

His opponents, the democratic establishment, led by Barrack Obama, Bill and Hilary Clinton, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, the congressional Black and Hispanic caucuses as well as the liberal media, refused to take Trump seriously in 2016, and failed to offer any real alternative policy or programmes to Trump’s anti-worker policies and racism.

They preferred to portray Trump as a clown who narrowly and skillfully ‘sneaked’ to victory in 2016 and reasoned this could never happen again.

As Trump’s administration mishandled the coronavirus pandemic, which up to election day had claimed more than 230,000 American lives, they salivated at the prospect of a ‘Democratic Tsunami’ in which Biden will moonwalk into the White House, and a shellacking of the Republicans in congressional races for the House and the Senate.

How quickly they forgot that Donald Trump won every white demographic in 2016: rich and poor, educated and uneducated, rural and urban, young and old, men and women. His base remained unshakably solid.

In contrast, rather than take the policy battle to Trump and the Republicans to stake out real differences between the parties, the Democrats wasted 3 years investigating an elusive bogeyman: Russian interference in the 2016 elections and the virtual impossible attempt at removing Trump from the executive office through impeachment.

All the while the Republican band played on. The economy recovered, the stock market soared and unemployment, albeit with low paying, unsecured jobs, took a dive. Trump in 4 years named over 200 judges to lifetime positions in the federal judiciary. To understand the transformation, President Obama appointed fewer judges in his 8 years.

He appointed pro-industry officials to crucial federal agencies such as labour and the environment that will do untold harm to the country’s well-being. With the replacement of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg by Amy Coney Barrett, he has consolidated a 6-member conservative wing on the US Supreme Court that will influence law and justice for at least the next generation.

Clearly, the Democratic establishment has thrown in its lot with the money class and couldn’t care less about the poor and working people of America. It assaulted and lampooned progressive ideas which called for a living wage of at least $15 per hour and a Green New Deal that was intended to move the country and the world away from fossil fuel and towards a more friendly environment, especially in light of the dangers of global warming and climate change.

In addition, the democratic establishment sabotage of Bernie Sanders’ candidacy for the second election cycle turned off many young voters who related to Sanders’ call for universal health care, free tuition for college student, forgiveness on student loans, cut in the military budget and a tax on the wealthy in light of the

growing wealth inequality envelopes America.

The Republicans have made into a fine art the corruption of the democratic process, particularly the gerrymandering of congressional districts to continue their dominance as well as the intimidation and suppression of black and brown voters.

These suppression practices are most pronounced in key states like Florida, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Georgia, Ohio and Michigan. It is beyond comprehension that the Democrats never seriously pushed back against these anti-democratic practices.

It is that failure of the Democratic establishment that has America in the sad and frightening situation it finds itself. We are witnessing in plain view the intellectual death of the liberal class. Biden may yet pull off a narrow victory, but his neoliberal policies will not bring employment, social, economic or health relief to the suffering majority.

Economic inequality is at an all-time high. The richest 100 Americans earn more money than the bottom 50 percent of the nation’s citizens. The Democrats have failed miserably to offer a narrative, programmes and policies that clearly and definitively separate themselves from the Republicans. With all the bad news surrounding the health crisis in America, the Republicans seem poised to maintain control of the senate and to reduce the Democratic majority of the house.

The sad state of affair in American politics begs this question: what evidence could we possibly point to that proves that its Republicans and not the Democrats who inspire the worse in people? Would it not be true to conclude that the Democrats and Republicans are two separate wings of the rich man’s party?

There is something else at play in politics in the US and may have some relevance for elections her in SVG as well. It appears that people are no longer voting on policy and programmes and the objective conditions in the country, but rather elections are akin to participation in a polarized team sport with individuals making ultimate life and death decisions, based on tribal affinities rather than personal, community and national interest.

Make no mistake! Trump and the Republicans constitute a grave danger to the world. Trump has shown that he is prepared to blame anyone or anything other than himself or his Republican administration for many local and international problems. He pulled off the Paris Climate Accords thus completely disregarding the existential threat posed by global warming, scapegoated and withdrew funding and membership from the World Health Organization and blamed it for the Covid-19 pandemic, and picked a fight with China, the economic giant and rival. Worse for developing countries, as witnessed in Iran, Cuba, Venezuela and Palestine, he is prepared to commit economic aggression and strangulation even at the risk of condemning entire populations to mass hunger and deprivation.

Dr Cornel West describes our dilemma well. We are forced to settle for a neo-liberal disaster rather than endure another 4 years of Trump, the neo-fascist catastrophe. If Trump prevails the world mash-up.

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

V

12. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Farmers, farmers I hope you voted

The writer posits that this country ‘lost the opportunity to earn hundreds of millions of dollars’ from not revitalizing the banana Industry.

IF FARMERS voted in yesterday’s election we should soon be seeing changes for the better in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, for the farmers’ vote should have been on the basis of a comprehensive examination of the performances of the ULP led by Dr. Gonsalves, who were in charge of the affairs of state for almost twenty years.

When they came into office in 2001 it was on the promise that they were going to revitalize the Banana Industry, and aggressively repair the feeder roads and provide the

appropriate systems to facilitate the farmers.

Nothing was done!

The result has been that we lost the opportunity to earn hundreds of millions of dollars. It is dishonesty on the part of those who put the blame on the loss of the preferential treatment we enjoyed on the UK market. St. Lucia, who had participated with us under WINBAN - the Windward Islands Banana Association - are still shipping bananas to the U.K as is Jamaica, who recently invested $300 million in their industry.

The Taiwanese our long-standing friends were actively engaged in assisting St. Lucia in their banana industry and a few years ago it seemed evident from their pronouncements through their distinguished representatives, that they were disposed to assisting us with the revitalizing of our banana industry.

It is well known that they were producing planting material at their station at Orange Hill.

But the administrators seemed content with their being able to get from the Taiwanese almost every ‘Monday morning’ bits and pieces of financing for the shallow economic schemes. We have clearly not utilized the capacity of Taiwan to foster the meaningful far-reaching development of our people.

I, myself, am of the view, that the Taiwanese officials could have been more assertive in the influencing towards the socio-economic developments of the wider community, those venture s in which their input was vital. But for some time now the

unfortunate perception has been that once they are benefitting from our potential in the Atlantic and our vocal support in the UN, “Things are good”.

Some other subjects which should have engaged the examination of Vincentians are: the cross country road; the seeming neglect of the architecture of Kingstown; the cultivation of grass in the drains; the seeming indifference of the Public Health Department.

Farmers, I hope that you made it to the polls!

LeRoy Providence

Message on the occasion of the 41st Anniversary of Independence From: Committee for the development violence against of Women (CDW) women, to confront the very real IN 1997, the 18th year of our problem, instead Independence, the CARICOM Heads of ignoring it, or of Government formally adopted a blaming the description of the ‘Ideal Caribbean victim”.

Person’ as someone who, among other I would add things: is imbued with a respect for that that the human life since it is the foundation “Perpetrator is also Nelcia Robinson on which all the other desired values damaged, and rest; demonstrates multiple literacies, several steps further away from the independent and critical thinking; “Ideal Vincentian Man or Woman?” questions the beliefs and practices of However, it appears that many past and present and brings this to Women’s Movements and other Nonbear on the innovative application of Governmental Organisations have science and technology and to problem abdicated their responsibility to solving; demonstrates a positive work educate and motivate communities ethic; and to hold governments accountable Twenty-three years after this for the promises made, and legislation remarkable visionary pronouncement, proclaimed. as a member of CARICOM, have we Our Independence was won through nurtured and honed the Ideal the bold and sacrificial efforts of many Vincentian person? Or have we honed men and women, ranging from the an increasingly violent society?

Indigenous Paramount Chief Joseph To arrive at this “ideal” state, he Chatoyer, who died in his fight against /she must demonstrate these qualities. colonial domination, to the little So it is with the 12 critical areas of known voices of early pioneer women concern in the Beijing Platform for such as Elma Francois, Bertha Mutt Action for the Advancement of and her fourteen companions, who Women. They are all interconnected endured prison sentences because they and must be addressed if we are to fought for change in the conditions arrive at the Ideal Vincentian Woman, affecting ordinary working people. where the Ideal Vincentian Man Today our task is easily less costly. understands that the strength of a In this our 41st year of woman is no threat to him. With this Independence, I join with the nation in understanding, domestic violence will our quest for Nationhood, not only in lose its prevalence. years but in the quality of our citizens.

Over the forty-one years of its There is a certain complacency and Independence, St. Vincent and the indolence — an Absence of Rage at the Grenadines has approved several conditions that remain unacceptable measures, including a ground in our Nation. Let the fire rage and breaking Act in 2015 to address burn within us to galvanize us Domestic Violence. Champions and towards meaningful change, and the Pillars have emerged from the Justice emergence of the ideal Vincentian and Parliamentary systems to move Person — the essence of Nationhood. the Law from Paper to Let our actions echo Bertha Mutt, and implementation on the ground. High Elma Francois who famously said, “I Court Judge Kathy Ann Latchoo called know that my speeches create a fire in for a “no holds barred fight against the minds of the people so as to abuse of women”. She hoped that change conditions which now exist”. “schools, churches, NGO’s, youth clubs, associations and other groups Nelcia Robinson, Coordinator/CDW get involved in the fight against

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020. 13.

PRELIM MINARY MINAR Y ELEC ELECT TION RESU ULT LTS

POLLING ST TAT TION A B B1 C D D1 D2 E E1 F F1 G G1 H I

LOCA ATION T

A-Z A-K L-Z A-Z A-C D-L M-Z A-J K-Z A-J K-Z A-J K-Z A-Z A-Z

FANCY OWIA OWIA SANDY BAY SANDY BAY SANDY BAY SANDY BAY OVERLAND OVERLAND LANGLEY PA ARK LANGLEY PA ARK MT BENTINCK MT BENTINCK DICKSON MT BENTINCK To ota otal:

NO. OF REG. VOTERS

NO. OF VOTES CAST

ULP MONTGOMER RY Y DANIEL

NDP SHEVERN JOHN

REJECTS

439 419 569 532 458 386 458 517 296 479 522 389 345 559 509

346 353 490 423 371 313 363 315 240 357 386 282 243 364 355

125 118 128 300 253 229 202 161 106 180 208 158 127 134 196

220 235 362 122 115 83 158 154 133 172 177 124 115 229 157

1 0 0 1 3 1 3 0 1 5 1 0 1 1 2

6,877

5,201

2,625

2,556

20

NO. OF VOTES CAST

ULP RALPH GONSAL LVES V

Montgomery Daniel

Shevern John

NORTH CENTRAL WINDW WARD A CONS CONSTITUENCY POLLING ST TATION T

LOCA AT TION

A-Z A-Z A-Z A-J K-Z A-F G-M N-Z A-D E-L M-Z A-I J-Z A-Z A-Z

A B C D D1 E E1 E2 F F1 F2 G G1 H I

GEORGETOWN GEORGETOWN GEORGETOWN CHESTER COTTAGE CHESTER COTTAGE BYERA BYERA BYERA SOUTH RIVERS SOUTH RIVERS SOUTH RIVERS PARK A HILL PA ARK HILL PA ARK HILL COLONARIE

NO. OF REG. VOTERS 486 342 370 412 420 342 315 389 452 407 383 302 291 497 272

To ota otal:

5,680

NDP SVGGP CHIEFT TAIN A KADMIEL NEPTUNE MC FEE

REJECTS

304 201 235 277 299 230 270 198 298 286 257 202 193 331 190

127 131 152 193 203 176 177 126 272 260 243 178 172 288 155

173 68 82 81 95 52 90 71 25 25 13 23 20 35 33

3 0 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

1 2 1 3 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 8 2

3,771

2,853

886

10

22

PRIME MINISTER Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves

Chieftain Neptune

Kadmiel Mc Fee

SOUTH CENTRAL WINDW WA ARD CONSTITUENCY CONS POLLING ST TATION T A A1 B B1 C D D1 E E1 F F1 G G1 H H1 H2

LOCA ATION T

A-J K-Z A-J K-Z A-Z A-J K-Z A-J K-Z A-J K-Z A-I J-Z A-G H-M N-Z

MT GRENAN MT GRENAN DIAMONDS DIAMONDS NEW GROUNDS NEW GROUNDS NEW GROUNDS HIGHER LOWMANS HIGHER LOWMANS NORTH UNION NORTH UNION LOWMANS WINDWARD A LOWMANS WINDWARD A GREGGS GREGGS GREGGS To otal otal:

ULP SABOTO CAESAR

NDP ISRAEL BRUCE

NO. OF REG. VOTERS

NO. OF VOTES CAST

400 294 463 414 534 406 368 457 387 404 362 244 288 463 479 382

283 218 332 299 347 263 261 315 253 303 237 172 190 350 354 277

166 163 286 241 210 150 136 161 116 142 116 78 77 135 71 91

116 53 44 57 137 112 125 154 137 160 120 93 112 214 281 185

1 2 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 2 1

6,345

4,454

2,339

2,100

15

REJECTS

Saboto Caesar

Israel Bruce

14. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN Continued on Page a 15.

15

SOUTH WINDW WINDWARD WARD A CONSTITUENCY

A-J K-Z A-I J-Z A-Z A-J K-Z A-I J-Z A-J K-Z A-Z A-I J-Z A-I J-Z

A A1 B B1 C D D1 E E1 F F1 G H H1 I I1

NO. OF NO. OF REG. VOTES VOTERS CAST

LOCA ATION T

POLLING ST TAT TION

BRIDGETOWN BRIDGETOWN BIABOU BIABOU SIMON A PERUVIAN VALE A PERUVIAN VALE CALDER CALDER CALDER CALDER UPPER STUBBS CARAP PA AN CARAP PA AN STUBBS STUBBS

389 225 470 571 380 355 247 451 494 389 434 582 217 367 499 598 To otal:

ULP FREDERICK STEPHENSON

NDP NOEL DICKSON

135 84 203 233 113 160 100 125 130 128 147 119 60 94 131 176

111 72 80 86 132 56 38 135 148 116 128 265 87 121 176 170

0 0 0 1 3 1 6 2 1 1 3 0 1 2 4 3

2,138

1,921

28

ULP ST CLAIR PRINCE

NDP BERNARD WYLLIE

246 156 283 320 248 217 144 262 279 245 278 384 148 217 311 349

6,685

4,087

REJECTS

Frederick Stephenson

Noel Dickson

MARRIAQUA A C CONSTITUENCY

A-I J-Z A-J K-Z A-K L-Z A-J K-Z A-Z A-J K-Z A-J K-Z A-Z A-J K-Z

A A1 B B1 C C1 D D1 E F F1 G G1 H I I1

NO. OF NO. OF REG. VOTES VOTERS CAST

LOCA ATION T

POLLING ST TAT TION

MARRIAQUA MARRIAQUA RICHLAND PA ARK RICHLAND PA ARK RICHLAND PA ARK RICHLAND PA ARK RICHLAND PA ARK ARK RICHLAND PA FREE LAND CANE END CANE END CARRIERE CARRIERE EVESHAM EVESHAM EVESHAM Total: o

REJECTS

379 494 429 408 559 585 305 264 570 428 364 412 450 489 384 278

251 331 303 252 363 378 185 172 390 300 237 279 323 331 268 188

128 218 172 155 166 209 97 100 219 186 117 115 161 185 124 89

122 112 130 96 196 168 87 71 169 110 119 163 160 144 143 98

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 4 1 1 2 2 1 1

6,798

4,551

2,441

2,088

22

St. Clair Prince

Bernard Wy yllie

EAST ST T. GEOR GEORGE CONSTITUENCY POLLING ST TAT TION A-L M-Z A-K L-Z A-D E-M N-Z A-J K-Z A-Z A-G H-O P-Z A-J K-Z A-F G-M N-Z A-Z

A A1 B B1 C C1 C2 D D1 E F F1 F2 G G1 H H1 H2 I

NO. OF REG. VOTERS

LOCA ATION T ENHAMS ENHAMS BELMONT BELMONT BRIGHTON BRIGHTON BRIGHTON THO MILL RAT RAT THO MILL CALLIAQUA GLEN GLEN GLEN VILLA VILLA FA AIR AIRHALL FAIRHALL A AIR AIRHALL FA AIR DIAMOND To otal:

590 582 514 496 447 526 488 486 473 403 393 402 400 382 308 474 447 459 366 8,636

NO. OF VOTES CAST 360 387 323 328 284 330 288 300 287 270 271 294 285 229 203 310 283 308 235 5,575

ULP CAMILLO GONSAL LVES V 180 202 169 174 173 174 136 179 161 118 143 164 154 103 92 138 130 145 110 2,845

NDP LA AVERNE VE V GIBSONVELOX 174 180 151 150 103 150 150 120 125 151 124 128 127 123 109 168 150 157 119 2,659

SVGGP IV VAN A O’NEAL 1 2 1 3 2 4 1 0 1 1 3 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 1 25

REJECTS 5 3 2 1 6 2 1 1 0 0 1 2 4 3 0 3 1 6 5 46

Camillo Gonsalves

Laverne Gibson-V Velox e

Ivan O’Neal

WEST ST T. GEOR GEORGE CONSTITUENCY

A B B1 C C1 D D1 D2 E E1 E2 F G G1 H H1 H2 I

NO. OF REG. VOTERS

LOCA ATION T

POLLING ST TAT TION A-Z A-J K-Z A-J K-Z A-C D-K L-Z A-E F-L M-Z A-Z A-J K-Z A-F G-M N-Z A-Z

BELMONT DAUPHINE DAUPHINE DAUPHINE DAUPHINE BELAIR BELAIR BELAIR ARNOSS VA ALE ARNOSS VA ALE ALE ARNOSS VA DORSETSHIRE HILL FOUNT TA AIN FOUNT TA AIN ALE ARNOSS VA ARNOSS VA ALE ALE ARNOSS VA VILLA To otal otal:

NO. OF VOTES CAST

ULP CURTIS KING

NDP KAY A BACCHUSBAPTISTE

REJECTS

504 500 305 419 298 403 471 543 438 447 472 526 412 340 483 411 379 208

330 350 211 272 189 276 301 314 271 275 299 363 268 234 300 272 220 134

198 122 101 176 109 146 146 161 163 139 154 215 160 136 155 143 108 74

128 227 109 96 79 130 154 151 108 134 143 147 107 98 142 127 110 59

4 1 1 0 1 0 1 2 0 2 2 1 1 0 3 2 2 1

7,559

4,879

2,606

2,249

24

Curtis King

Kay Bacchus-Baptiste

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020. 15.

EAST KINGSTOWN CONSTITUENCY POLLING ST TATION T

ULP LUKE BROWNE

NO. OF NO. OF REG. VOTES VOTERS CAST

LOCA AT TION

A-Z A-Z A-Z A-Z A-I J-Z A-Z A-I J-Z A-K L-Z A-Z A-Z A-J K-Z A-J K-Z

A B C D E E1 F G G1 H H1 I J K K1 L L1

Co ontinued on Pa age 16.

16

GRANBY ST RICHMOND HILL RICHMOND HILL ROCKIES ROCKIES ROCKIES MURRAY VILLAGE SION HILL SION HILL ROSEAU ROSEAU SION HILL RICHMOND HILL CANE GARDEN CANE GARDEN ARNOS OS VALE A ARNOS OS VALE A To otal:

156 470 218 399 360 367 365 496 418 503 492 492 440 536 437 491 531

108 333 150 274 247 247 264 351 269 354 369 340 298 326 262 323 362

7,171

4,877

NDP FITZGERALD BRAMBLE

REJECTS

63 187 64 130 114 112 127 201 137 142 126 148 149 172 126 147 161

45 146 86 143 131 135 133 147 131 211 243 189 148 152 135 176 196

0 0 0 1 2 0 4 3 1 1 0 3 1 2 1 0 5 24

2,306

2,547

24

Fitzgerald Bramble

Luke Browne

CENTRAL KINGSTOWN CONSTITUENCY POLLING ST TATION T A-C D-I J-L M-R S-Z A-F G-N O-Z A-J K-Z A-Z A-J K-Z A-Z A-Z A-Z A-Z A-J K-Z

A A1 A2 A3 A4 B B1 B2 C C1 D E E1 F G H I J J1

ULP NDP NO. OF NO. OF DOMINIC ST T .

CLAIR CL REG. VOTES VOTERS CAST SUTHERLAND LEACOCK

LOCA ATION T

REDEMPTION SHARPES REDEMPTION SHARPES REDEMPTION SHARPES REDEMPTION SHARPES REDEMPTION SHARPES GREEN HILL GREEN HILL GREEN HILL LEVEL GARDENS LEVEL GARDENS KINGSTOWN PARK A LO ODG VILLAGE ODGE LO ODG VILLAGE ODGE KINGSTOWN KINGSTOWN PAULSS AV VENUE PAUL OVER LARGO HEIGHT LARGO HEIGHT Total: otal o

507 498 420 518 429 502 536 474 262 284 270 410 327 53 49 382 451 531 406

333 333 262 315 273 322 352 314 155 161 175 245 207 33 34 229 283 332 269

7,309

4,627

REJECTS

142 127 121 96 89 140 160 157 76 76 76 98 87 9 18 114 116 142 120

191 206 138 218 183 180 191 156 79 84 96 146 120 24 16 113 166 188 148

0 0 3 1 1 2 1 1 0 1 3 1 0 0 0 2 1 2 1

1,964

2,643

20

St. Clair Leacock

Dominic Sutherland

WEST KINGSTOWN CONSTITUENCY POLLING ST TATION T A-Z A-Z A-Z A-J K-Z A-J K-Z A-I J-Z A-J K-Z A-C D-J K-R S-Z A-C D-H I-P Q-Z

A B C D D1 E E1 F F1 G G1 H H1 H2 H3 I I1 I2 I3

NO. OF NO. OF REG. VOTES VOTERS CAST

LOCA ATION T

KINGSTOWN ROSE PLACE STONEY GROUNDS STONEY GROUNDS STONEY GROUNDS NEW MONTROSE NEW MONTROSE NEW MONTROSE NEW MONTROSE LOWMANS HILL LOWMANS HILL LOWMANS HILL LOWMANS HILL LOWMANS HILL LOWMANS HILL EDINBORO EDINBORO EDINBORO EDINBORO To otal:

ULP DEBORAH CHARLES

NDP DANIEL CUMMINGS

REJECTS

63 380 104 331 252 343 310 349 487 470 413 355 442 487 392 351 417 475 419

41 242 71 220 168 205 180 218 280 301 255 223 284 315 267 212 246 307 254

14 92 32 98 88 75 73 100 116 138 112 112 129 130 99 80 92 104 96

26 148 39 121 79 128 107 118 160 163 141 111 155 183 167 131 152 202 157

1 2 0 1 1 2 0 0 4 0 2 0 0 2 1 1 2 1 1

6,840

4,289

1,780

2,488

21

Daniel Cummings

Deborah Charles

SOUTH LEEW WA ARD CONSTITUENCY POLLING ST TATION T A A1 B B1 C D D1 E E1 F F1 F2 G G1 H H1 H2 H3

NO. OF REG. VOTERS

LOCA ATION T

A-I J-Z A-J K-Z A-Z A-J K-Z A-J K-Z A-G H-O P-Z A-H I-Z A-D E-K L-Q R-Z

RILLAN HILL RILLAN HILL DUBOIS DUBOIS VERMONT RETREA REA AT RETREA REA AT CLARE VALLE A Y CLARE VALLE A Y QUESTELLES QUESTELLES QUESTELLES CHAUNCEY CHAUNCEY CAMPDEN MPDEN PARK A CAMPDEN MPDEN PARK A CAMPDEN MPDEN PARK A CAMPDEN MPDEN PARK A

NO. OF VOTES CAST

ULP INDEPENDENT REJECTS NDP MINEV VA OSORDO NIGEL GLASGOW STEPHENSON BENNETT

437 458 445 510 497 344 322 523 557 523 437 510 372 369 474 384 479 500

288 311 276 331 315 233 229 372 400 349 286 328 253 246 324 231 338 342

157 177 145 175 176 132 149 182 204 158 115 128 157 101 76 67 74 79

8,141

5,452

2,452

125 130 124 148 134 101 80 189 195 189 169 200 94 145 247 164 262 261

5 4 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0

1 0 6 7 4 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 2

16

27

Nigel Stephenson

Mineva Glasgow

Osordo Bennett

To otal:

2,957

16. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

CENTRAL LEEW WARD A CONSTITUENCY

A-G H-Z A-G H-Z A-Z A-G H-Z A-J K-Z A-J K-Z A-Z A-Z A-I J-Z

A A1 B B1 C D D1 E E1 F F1 G H I I1

NO. OF REG. VOTERS

LOCA ATION T

POLLING ST TATION T

ULP ORANDO BREWSTER

NDP BANJAMIN EXETER

REJECTS

555 486 332 284 432 421 495 535 555 293 383 433 550 509 482

404 338 245 217 305 319 368 402 396 224 296 328 367 372 343

220 177 117 113 155 192 204 224 249 126 169 168 206 203 177

183 160 128 103 148 124 164 178 144 97 126 160 151 167 164

1 1 0 1 2 3 0 0 3 1 1 0 10 2 2

6,745

4,924

2,700

2,197

27

BARROUALLIE BARROUALLIE BARROUALLIE BARROUALLIE BARROUALLIE BARROUALLIE BARROUALLIE LAYOU LAYOU LAYOU LAYOU LAYOU BUCCAMENT BAY KEAR RTONS KEAR RTONS To otal:

NO. OF VOTES CAST

Orando Brewster

Benjamin Exeter

NORTH LEEW WA ARD CONSTITUENCY POLLING ST TATION T A-Z A-J K-Z A-Z A-J K- Z A-J K-Z A-Z A-Z A-R S-Z A-Z A-I J-Z

A B B1 C D D1 E E1 F G H H1 I J J1

NO. OF REG. VOTERS

LOCA ATION T

GOLDEN GROVE FITZ HUGHES FITZ HUGHES CHA AT TEAUBELAIR CHA AT TEAUBELAIR CHA AT TEAUBELAIR PETIT BORDEL PETIT BORDEL ROSE BANK TROUMACA ROSE HALL ROSE HALL COULLS HILL SPRING VILLAGE SPRING VILLAGE To otal:

NO. OF VOTES CAST

326 456 446 410 353 281 407 421 560 500 441 349 306 424 502

258 338 322 298 238 208 321 324 436 348 309 264 229 324 363

6,182

4,580

ULP CARLOS JAMES 90 124 111 166 90 111 116 90 289 238 213 186 140 181 142

NDP ROLAND MA ATTHEWS T

REJECTS

168 214 210 131 146 97 204 231 146 108 96 78 89 141 221

0 0 1 1 2 0 1 3 1 2 0 0 0 2 0

2,280

13

NDP LORAINE FRIDA AY

REJECTS

73 80 47 24 40 59 47 39 35 14

289 238 273 215 176 285 235 188 172 52

1 2 2 1 3 4 2 1 1 1

458

2,123

18

2,287

Carlos James

Roland Matthews

NORTHERN GRENADINES CONSTITUENCY POLLING ST TAT TION

A-Z A-Z A-Z A-L M-Z A-I J-Z A-J K-Z A-Z

A B C D D1 E E1 F F1 G

NO. OF REG. VOTERS

LOCA ATION T

PORT ELIZABETH PORT ELIZABETH HAMIL ILLTON BELMONT BELMONT LA POMPE PAGET T FARM A PAGET T FARM A PAGET T FARM A MUSTIQUE

632 571 515 396 404 498 431 318 317 122

NO. OF VOTES CAST 363 320 322 240 219 348 284 228 208 67

ULP CARLOS WILLIAMS

Lorraine Friday

Carlos Williams

Total: ot l

4,204

2,599

SOUTHERN GRENADINES CONSTITUENCY POLLING ST TATION T A A1 B C C1 D D1

NO. OF REG. VOTERS

LOCA ATION T

A-J K-Z A-Z A-J K-Z A-J K-Z

CANOUAN CANOUAN MA AYREA Y U UNION ISLAND UNION ISLAND UNION ISLAND UNION ISLAND

437 391 223 500 438 500 468 Total: o

CONSTITUENCY REGISTERED VOTERS NORTH WINDWAARD 6877 NORTH CENTRAL WINDWARD AR A 5680 SOUTH CENTRAL WINDWAARD 6345 SOUTH WINDWAARD 6668 MARRIAQUA 6798 EAST ST GEORGE 8636 WEST ST GEORGE 7559 EAST KINGSTOWN 7171 CENTRAL KINGSTOWN 7309 WEST KINGSTOWN 6840 SOUTH LEEWARD 8141 CENTRAL LEEWAARD 6745 NORTH LEEWARD 6182 NORTHERN GRENADINES 4204 SOUTHERN GRENADINES 2957 TOTA AL 98112

VOTES CAST 5201 3771 4454 4087 4551 5575 4879 4877 4627 4289 5452 4924 4580 2599 1729 65595

2,957

VOTES ACCEPTED 5181 3749 4439 4059 4529 5529 4855 4853 4607 4268 5425 4897 4567 2581 1712 65251

NO. OF VOTES CAST

ULP EDWIN SNAGG

NDP TERRANCE OLLIVIERRE

REJECTS

261 244 158 289 251 271 255

53 52 40 149 140 65 60

204 189 118 136 109 203 194

4 3 0 4 2 3 1

1,729

559

1,153

17

VOTES REJECTED 20 22 15 28 22 46 24 24 20 21 27 27 13 18 17 344

ULP 2625 2853 2339 2138 2441 2845 2606 2306 1964 1780 2452 2700 2287 458 559 32353

NDP 2556 886 2100 1921 2088 2659 2249 2547 2643 2488 2957 2197 2280 2123 1153 32847

GP 0 10 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35

Terrance e Ollivierre Ollivierr

Edwin Snagg

IND 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 16

SEA ATS ULP: 9 NDP:6 SVGGP: 0 INDEPP.:. 0

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020. 17.

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18. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Industry

Alexa De Riggs of 32 Islands Inc. receives licence from Dr. Jerrol Thompson of the MCA.

32 Islands Inc. enters Medicinal Cannabis market LAST WEEK THURSDAY, October 29, was as rainy as you would get it at that time of the year, but that did not deter several persons from huddling under a tent, at Richmond, North Leeward, to participate in or witness the handing over of Medicinal Marijuana licences by the Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA).

The event saw licences handed out to a number of traditional farmers from the North Leeward district and one registered entity, 32 Islands Inc., a one-yearold locally owned and operated company with Alexa and Michael De Riggs (daughter and father) as principal Directors.

Representing her father at the handing over ceremony, Alexa expressed genuine appreciation and excitement upon receiving the licence and noted that besides cannabis, ginger, turmeric and fruit trees will be planted on the 4 acres owned by 32 Islands Inc. Speaking about 32 Islands Inc., Alexa said: “So why the name 32 Islands Inc.? As a family run business, we wanted our company and brand to acknowledge our

Not only were licences distributed but farmers also got (marijuana) seedlings.

Vincentian roots and the diversity of the islands that make up SVG. We want to pay homage to the environment, the sun, volcanic earth and other elements that not only make our islands unique, but will also make our product unique. Not many people can say that they grow medical cannabis in a piece of paradise like this, surrounded by a river, lush greenery, a waterfall, beach and at the foot of a volcano.”

In a prepared speech read in his absence, Mike De Riggs expressed his gratitude to the government for granting the licence, and thanked his Chief Operations Officer and farm manager- Norville

Abraham for preparing the ground work for the establishment of the farm.

Following the presentation of the licences, there was a symbolic planting of some cannabis plants.

Also speaking at the ceremony were: Junior ‘Spirit’ Cottle, Head of the Cannabis Revival Committee (CRC); Dr. Jerrol Thompson and Dr. Jean-Saville Cummings — Chief Executive Officer and Biotechnologist respectively of the MCA; Norville Abraham and Donald De Riggs- Chief Operations Officer and Director respectively of 32 Islands Inc. Submitted by: Donald De Riggs

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020. 19.

News

47 Police Officers promoted

to the post, effective November 3, 2020.

The veteran police officer — with 28 years of service to his credit — was substantially a Superintendent of Police before his recent Hesron Ballantyne is confirmation in the post well known as a Police of Assistant Detective here.

Commissioner.

Also enjoying FORTY-SEVEN (47) Police promotion effective as of Officers have been promoted to various ranks that date is Hesron Ballantyne who attains within the local the rank of constabulary, including Superintendent of Police, the post of Assistant having been an Assistant Commissioner of Police.

Superintendent of Police Mr. Leonard Fergus, for some time. He was a who has been Assistant former Head of the of Commissioner (ACP) Criminal Investigation Acting since January 2020, has been appointed Department (CID).

Inspectors of Police Elgin Richards and Mr. Hawkins Nanton have been promoted to Assistant Superintendents of Police. Readers will recall Insp. Richards as a Court Prosecutor and Nanton as having served as Head of the Police Public Relations and Complaints Department.

Those already ranked as Inspectors of Police are now joined by male Station Sergeants Parnel Browne, Vaughn Miller, Dwight Rogers and Mr. Angus Morris.

Male Sergeants Olson Rodney, Stephen Charles, Maxian

Businesses get COVIDrelated assistance A NUMBER of businesses, businessrelated agencies and non-government organisations here have received ‘care packages’ to help in their ongoing adherence to COVID-19 protocols.

The packages, provided by PanAmerican Life Insurance Company through local representative Metro Life, a sister company of Metrocint General Insurance Co. Ltd., included hand sanitizers, face masks and gloves, and were handed over as a joint Andre Boyde of Metro Life (left), hands effort with the Rotary Club of St. over package to a representative of Vincent, in a brief ceremony held at Finishing and Furnishing. the grenadines House, on Thursday 29th October, 2020. delighted they were “to help Andre Boyde, Agency businesses as they transition.”

Administrator/Unit Manager of Metro He alluded to an intention to assist Life, in making the presentations, up to 150 businesses, especially those expressed his company’s pleasure in small businesses which were severely being able to assist, saying how affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

Some of businesses/agencies benefitting from the donation were: Arabesque Inc., Stewart Engineering Ltd, Diamond Supermarket, Finishing and Furnishing, All Saints University, Invest SVG and Otley Hall Ship Yard.

(WKA) All Saints University’s rep Kelvin Malcom (right) accepts package from Andre Boyde.

Richardson, Julian Cain and Dwayne Mckenzie have been promoted to Station Sergeants.

In addition to the above, other approved promotions effective as of November 3, 2020 are: 9 0fficers to the rank of Sergeant; 5 to Acting

Sergeants; 9 to Corporals of Police; and 12 to acting Corporals. (Source: RSVGPF) Leonard Fergus is now a full Assistant Commissioner of Police having acted in the position.

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20. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Love her.. forget her nudging Dear George, I WROTE TO you sometime back concerning the man I was about to marry. You advised me to move on from him, based on what I went through with him.

The issue I’m having now is my sister is not talking to me since I broke up with him. She is insisting that I go back to him, and I think I know why. He was always buying her expensive gifts and showering her with money. My going back with him would mean more for her.

I value our relationship and do not like how we are now. There is, however, a speck of doubt in me that I could be losing out on a man who has the means to provide for me. I’m confused.

Dear Second guessing,

Second guessing.

George

You made the right decision to move on, and you should not let your sister’s greed get in the way of your future happiness. Why would you want to go back to a man who told you in no uncertain terms that you will not amount to do anything without him, and one who beats you every other day, all because of his insecurities?

Leave your sister to figure out her own path and get on with your life.

She will come to her senses sometime and give you a much needed apology.

Continue to love her but respectfully ignore her nudging.

A tempting offer Dear George, A VERY powerful married woman is propositioning me to be her “sex slave”, and offering lots of money.

I am a young man, 22 years old, and the woman is well into her 40s. She wants me to be at her service whenever she calls, since her husband doesn’t bother with her, and is willing to pay me one thousand dollars every week until she gets fed up of me.

Another thing, this woman wants me to have unprotected sex with her.

George, this is a lot of

money and I need it, especially now my girlfriend is 7 weeks pregnant. My girlfriend and I have been through a lot and she has chosen to stick it out with me.

All I want for her is the best. Could this financial opportunity be a blessing in disguise, especially how both my girlfriend and I are unemployed?

Wondering buck Dear Wondering buck, What response do you think you will get from your girlfriend after telling her a married woman is willing to pay

you to have unprotected sex with her, whenever she wants?

And I need not remind you of the health risk that goes with having unprotected sex.

You have a baby on the way and someone who loves you for you and not what you have.

The money may be tempting, but you may live to regret the package that comes along it.

Politely ask this woman to go work on her marriage and leave you to be the good father and partner I have a feeling you will be.

George

No explanation needed Dear George,

Dear Jen.X,

MY GIRLFRIENDS are on my case for dating a man they claim is way below my level.

I am a university graduate, and this guy dropped out of school in 4th form. I know his story and he is extremely intelligent and caring. He did not complete school because of his domestic situation. However, he wants to go back to school; he wants to become a computer programmer.

He has refused all offers I’ve made to help him financially. That alone made me realize he is not a free loader, as my friends would say.

I’m convinced I have found the man of my dreams, but how do I convince my friends of this?

You do not owe your friends an explanation for your choice in men.

You are the one who is intimately involved with this man and you obviously trust your instincts.

It would be nice if you can convince your guy that by accepting your financial help, it does not make him less of a man.

Jen.X

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Don’t let yourself get rundown. You will find yourself tied to the phone.

You will be a bit of a spendthrift this week. Property investments, insurance, taxes, or inheritance should bring you financial gains.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Take care of yourself or you can expect to suffer from minor illness.

Don’t take your frustrations out on loved ones. Take care of any dealings with government agencies.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You need an outlet that will help take your mind off any troubles at work.

Don’t let your personal dilemmas interfere with your goals. Your generous nature could be taken advantage of.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Be sure to take time for old friends or relatives you don’t get to see that often. Don’t be alarmed. Your charm will attract someone special. You will not be able to contain your emotions this week.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Losses are likely if you get involved with uncertain individuals. This may not be your day if you are overly melodramatic and unnerving everyone around you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Sign up for seminars that will expand your business awareness. You are best to sit back and think it through, rather than add to the ranting and raving.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Too much work and no play will not only result in fatigue and frustration but also loneliness, too. Moneymaking opportunities will surface. You need a change and you need to earn more cash.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You will have a problem sorting out your true feelings when it comes to your relationship. You need to challenge yourself. You can get phenomenal returns if you present your ideas to those who can back your interests.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You will accomplish the most in the work environment this week. Love can be yours if you get out and about. Talk to others about your plans.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You may have personal problems, but professional duties might be pressing.

Plan a trip to the country or take a drive to the beach. You can help a close friend find solutions to personal problems.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) They will jump at the chance to do something without you if it sounds like more fun. Your lover will be extremely sensitive and now will not be a good time to make changes that they won’t like.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) fight but if you’re persistent with your affections their anger should dissipate.

Don’t be afraid to talk to close friends or relatives about pressing personal problems.

ACROSS 1. Mix 5. Slight depression 8. “M*A*S*H” star 12. Oz-visiting dog 13. Perfect serve 14. Dire fate 15. Saudi citizen 16. Brazilian metropolis, briefly 17. Sand hill 18. Harden 19. Ooze 20. Temptation site 21. Anger 23. Coast on snow 25. Soiled spot 27. __ Aviv, Mediterranean port 28. Baby bear 31. Vocalist Ronstadt 32. Barack or Michelle 34. Positive reply 35. Chasing game 38. Colorful flower 39. Presidential denial 40. Devour 41. Tennis pro Arthur 44. Science rooms 46. “That’s it!”

49. Tusked pig 50. Actress MacGraw 51. Control knob 52. Shade-providing trees 53. __ Lancelot 54. Single condo 55. Fail to win 56. Media mogul Turner 57. Norwegian city

DOWN 1. Daddy deer 2. Ripped (open) 3. Milan residents 4. Thieve 5. Take a risk 6. Least warm 7. Humans 8. Calculated sums 9. Uproarious 10. Over 11. Prayer closer 19. Congressional body 22. Get free (of) 24. Weds secretly 25. Devious 26. Even score

28. Boat pilots 29. Sports judge 30. Harbor inlet 33. Big serpent 36. Finally: 2 wds 37. Hockey defender 39. Bible excerpt

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020. 21.

41. Genesis brother 42. Unaccompanied flight 43. Deli meats 45. Nest dweller 47. Summon (a cab) 48. Singing voice 51. Talented pair

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22. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Regional

Cash-strapped LIAT mounts a ceremonial flight

LIAT, which ceased its scheduled passenger service in March this year, returned to the skies with a ceremonial flight between Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica, on Sunday 1st November, 20920.

Carrying the flight number LIAT 401, the

flight departed Antigua at 4 p.m. and arrived at Douglas Charles Airport at 4:45 p.m. The return flight, LIAT 402, departed Dominica at 5 p.m. and arrived at V. C. Bird International Airport at 5:45 p.m.

News reports from

Antigua said that LIAT, or what is left of it, will operate a limited schedule of flights when it launches its commercial schedule later in November.

There were no indications last week as far as what routes the

new schedule will service, though one Antigua newspaper reported that this was expected to be announced during this week.

As far as adjusting to the demands of the prevailing COVOD-19 pandemic, several new procedures are set for implementation, to ensure the safety of passengers as well as reduce the risk of transmission of COVID. These procedures are said to include the mandatory wearing of masks at check-in and onboard, enhancement in its cleaning and sanitization protocols and new boarding procedures.

The LIAT aircraft, seen here at the V.C. Bird International Airport, hours before it made the ceremonial return flight between Antigua and Dominica. (Photo Credit: LIAT Facebook page)

under administration, and is being restructured to improve its viability and the sustainability, following a decision by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to reorganize the airline.

And the administrator, Cleveland Seaforth, earlier this week, did hide the fact the airline will continue to face difficulty returning to the skies because it has a serious cash flow problem.

No cash The cash flow situation is one, Seaforth said, Notwithstanding the which has resulted in the optimism surrounding a carrier’s current staff return to some level of a complement not being scheduled passenger service, LIAT is currently paid for several months.

Seaforth advanced the view that the future of the carrier depends on the entity with whom the government of Antigua and Barbuda can partner.

He hinted that the Antigua and Barbuda government is prepared to enter into a partnership as a minority party and allow the prospective investor to manage the airline.

LIAT, at its optimum level of operations before its cessation of service, is said to have served 21 destinations across the Caribbean with an average of 112 daily flights. (Source: ANR, CNN)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020. 23.

Williams ecstatic over appointment “I AM HONOURED to have been appointed a Sports Ambassador for my country, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Such was the overarching sentiment expressed by Keswick Wiliams, Vincentian and West Indies cricketer - fast bowler — when THE VINCENTIAN spoke with him during his current tour with the West Indies T20 cricket team in New Zealand.

“It’s a great feeling to be appointed as Ambassador of this beautiful and blessed country. It just shows what dedication and hard work can do for an individual who decides to never give up, even when the easiest choice is to do so,” Williams added.

And as for what his appointment means for others, the Spring Village native who has also Keswick Williams hopes his ambassadorial appointment will be an inspiration to young cricketers in particular.

participated in several T20 franchises across the globe, posited, “I think it will do a lot for young cricketers in St Vincent, but one must know that it’s not an easy road and it will never be.”

Williams is hopeful that the appointment will motivate the young cricketers to be focused on how important it is to keep at what they are doing, and to keep believing in their abilities and never lose hope.

And in a philosophical tone, he concluded: “If success was easy then everyone would have got it.

As a good friend once told me, ‘Each of us must confront our own fears, must come face to face with them. How we handle our fears will determine where we go with the rest of our lives, to experience adventure or to be limited by the fear of it. In this case don’t be afraid to fail because failure is one step to success.’”

Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN

VPL second edition bowls off THE 2ND EDITION of the Vincy Premier League (VPL) bowls off this Saturday, and Orlanzo Jackson, head coach of defending champions Salt Pond Breakers, is confident his team will retain the champion’s title.

Despite losing some players from his champion team, Jackson said, “I am very happy and confident with the team we have this year. I know as the champion team, all the other teams will be looking to knock us off our game early.

With the experience of our captain Sunil Ambris, senior players

Vincy in Canada’s female cricket team

such as Delorn Johnson and our overseas player Ryan John, we are very confident about regaining the VPL championship title.”

While the recent inclement weather interfered with the team’s practise sessions, Jackson is not put off and Orlanzo Jackson, coach of assured that his the Salt Pond Breakers. team is ready and rearing to go.

Rangers, Dark View All the teams in the Explorers, La Soufriere VPL are named after historic and tourist sites Hikers, Fort Charlotte Strikers and Salt Pond in St Vincent and the Breakers.

Grenadines. They are Tomorrow’s fixtures Grenadines Divers, will see Grenadines Botanical Garden Divers take on Botanical

CHAUNTELL MARTIN, a Vincentian who is a member of the Canada’s National Female Cricket team, hopes that her cricket pursuits will allow her to play as often as possible and to travel the world.

Born and raised in St Vincent and the Grenadines, the 24-yearold Martin isn’t at all sure as to when exactly it was that she first became interested in cricket. She knows, though, that it Chauntell Martin, a Vincy was at a very young age, making her name on the and thinks it might have Canadian cricket been when she was landscape. between ages of 5-7, when she got involved in junior admittedly Canada’s cricket activities in SVG. fastest female bowler.

Martin’s started her As referenced earlier, Canadian cricket career as Martin hopes that by the a member of the Kaisoca time she takes leave as an Ladies Women’s Cricket Club. She now plays for the active player, she would have travelled the world Superstars Women’s and would have been a Cricket Club in the source of motivation for Scarborough Cricket other female cricketers.

League.

In the meantime, she is Her outstanding league spreading the sport among performances resulted in persons who are physically her selection first to the Ontario Provincial Team in and mentally incapacitated. She has 2018.

Thereafter, selected as a already begun working with professional and other right-hand batter and organizations to right-arm medium fast understand how to bowler, she made her accommodate players and Canadian T20 debut against the United States, others with disabilities.

Martin has also founded at Lauderhill in 2019.

Female Cricketers of To date, she has three T20’s for Canada under her Canada, an organization belt but is yet to show her with a mission to provide prowess as a fast bowler at needed support for this country’s women’s the international level, cricketers. even though she is

Salt Pond Breakers inaugural champions of the VPL.

Garden Rangers in the first game from 11:30am, followed by defending champion Salt Pond

Breakers coming up Field. against Dark View The competition runs Explorers from 1:30pm,at from November 7th to the Arnos Vale Playing the 22nd.

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24. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Football Clubs receive licences A TOTAL of 30 clubs who met the criteria for obtaining a club licence, received their certificates when the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) held

number of clubs who participated in the 2019/20 SEASON, received the balance on their club assistance allocations.

This, Carl Dickson, President of the SVGFF described as in keeping with the mandate of the Federation.

He, however, admitted that “there is still work to be done.”

As far as some of what has been done so far to improve the institutional and organizational capacity of the SVGFF, Dickson Alfred Grant, coach of Park Side Rollers, referenced: some receives balance of payment cheque from review on the President Dickson.

its handing over ceremony, at the Methodist Church on Monday.

Devron Poyer, General Secretary of the SVGFF, explained that the licences covered the

Timora Peters (left) accepts the Club Licence from President Dickson, on behalf of Awesome FC.

2020/21 period.

The 30 who qualified represent a decrease from 36 clubs who participated in the 2019/20 season.

Also on Monday last, a

operation system, including enacting the contents of an Accounting Policy and Procedures Manual, which received commendation from CONCACAF; addressing the shortfalls, existing skills set and general operation of the Secretariat; identifying local Human Resource agencies/consultants to recommend strategies, policies, and training as it relates to staff deployment, capacity and general disposition.

As for the latter, Dickson highlighted the need to improve customer service at the Federation’s Secretariat, emphasing, ‘We are a service-based organization and we

Carl Dickson, President of the SVGFF, updating Clubs about what has been done to improve the operations of the Federation. must resemble such when we deliver.”

I.B.A.ALLEN

Village Ballers takes SE Football title with $2,000 and a trophy for taking the title; Sion Hill got $1,200 for finishing second.

Defending champions Volcanoes finished third.

Knock out champion was Calli Ballers.

Individual awards read as follows: Best Defender - Jamal Yorke of Sion Hill; Best Midfielder Desbone Lavia of Topsiders; Top Goal Scored (5) - Daniel Patrick of RSVG Police; Best Goal Keeper Anthony Hazel of Village Ballers; Best ForwardRondell Thomas of Village Ballers; Most Promising Youth Player - Reon Glenford Ashton receives trophy Bradshaw of Calli Ballers; Best on behalf of Knock Out Attacking Team - RSVG Police; champions Calli Ballers.

Best Defensive Team - Sion Hill.; Most Disciplined Team - Village VILLAGE BALLERS copped the Ballers.

Championship title in this year’s Yoland London, President of South East NLA/Sagicor Football the South East Development Inc., League. organisers of the League, in They did so when they defeated remarks to close the League, said Sion Hill on penalty kicks in the they especially pleased that they finals played last Sunday amidst completed the tournament within rain and strong winds, at the the window occasioned by the Stubbs playing field.

COVID-19 protocols.

The champions, hailing from The Tournament featured 12 Victoria Village in Stubbs, used teams and London announced, their home support to help power “We had no serious injury and them to a 4-1 victory on penalty that’s something really kicks, after the teams were locked commendable.” on 1-all after regulation time.

She congratulated the winning Rafique Deplesche scored for teams and extended thanks to the Village Ballers while Akinee officials, teams and “especially” Roberts netted for Sion Hill. the spectators.

MVP of the finals was Randal Thomas of Village Ballers.

I.B.A.ALLEN Village Ballers walked away

Village Ballers of Victoria Village – 2020 Champions of the South East NLA/Sagicor Football League.

Toni Stores Combined eying Firms double TONI STORES COMBINED will feature in the two finals of the Firms/ Under-19 Division of the 2020 Carib Beer Breakaway Masters Invitational Football Tournament, being played at the Grammar School Playing Field.

They will be seeking their first piece of silverware for this season on Saturday, when they meet System Three in the Toni Stores Combined – looking to take the Firms League Knock Out Final. title once again.

Then on Saturdau Meanwhile, Police edged out Je Belle in 14th November, Toni Stores Combined, Wednesday’s other semi-finals, the reigning champions, will meet 2016 compliments a Ronaldo Franklyn strike. winners RSVG Police, in the final of the Preceding Saturday’s Knock Out Final, League competition. will be semi-finals in the Under-16 and In getting to the League Final, the Female Divisions. defending champions saw off Coreas System Three will play Adare in the Distribution 2-0 in Tuesday’s semi-finals.

Under-16s and System Three females take Desborn Lavia and an own goal conceded on their Camdonia-Chelsea counterparts.

by Coreas Distribution assured Toni Stores another crack at the title.

V A tribute to Pele at 80!

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020. 25.

Sports

by PATRICK HORNE

IT AMAZES me that some refer to Pele as “one of the greatest footballers” ever.

Pele is not one of the greatest footballers - he is the Greatest Footballer to play the game.

No one has matched his achievements, which came during an unimaginable career that spanned two decades from the 1950s through the ‘70s. During this time, he dominated football, scoring a record 1281 goals in 1363 games, including a record 77 strikes in 92 appearances for Brazil.

Pele’s 643 goals for Santos FC, the only club he played for, is unsurpassed for a player at a club. The great Brazilian turned 80, Friday 23rd October, 2020.

Dubbed the “King of Football”, he was born, Edson Arantes do Nascimento in Tres Coracoes, in Minas Gerais, Brazil, on October 23, 1940.

Pele’s accomplishments dwarf allcomers and require an entire book to tell his story, but here is a glance at a fraction of his achievements: Sweden, 1958, Pele became the youngest player to appear and score in a World Cup tournament, against Wales; he was the youngest to score in a World Cup final in that tournament, aged 17, against Sweden; Pele is the only player to win three FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970); and his memorable goal in the 1958 tournament in Sweden, when the

17-year-old chipped the ball over a defender’s head, spun off the defender and struck a volley shot (before the ball could hit the ground), is still unmatched in World Cup play. Pele scored six goals in four matches in that ’58 World Cup. At the 1970 World Cup final in Mexico, Pele led his country to a then unprecedented third world title to allow Brazil to keep the Jules Rimet Trophy as the first team to win the World Cup a third time. His 1970 national team is still considered the best ever World Cup squad, and for good reason: Brazil won all its qualifying games and all games in the World Cup tournament. A measure of its greatness is mirrored in the fact that Brazil’s 19 goals scored in the World Cup tournament in Mexico in 1970 were scored by seven players. All told, in 12 games, including the qualifiers, the 23 goals were scored by nine players.

Awarded Brazil’s Gold Medal, Pele was also voted the Footballer of the Century in 1999 by the IFFHS (International Federation of Football History and Statistics) and named Athlete of the Century by Britain’s Reuters News Agency. Other awards included the Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire and the BBC’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

After a career that spanned two

The all-conquering 1970 Brazilian World Cup winners included Pele (stooping 2nd from right). centuries, the Great Pele was named the Athlete of the (20th) Century by

No foreign athletes yet for the 10K AS OF PRESS DAY Wednesday, no non-Vincentian athlete had registered for the North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) Chatoyer Endurance 10K, to be run off here on Sunday 29th November.

However, organiser of the event — Team Athletics SVG — is hopeful that this would change, even as they understand that this would be influenced by factors occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and the attendant health protocols.

Last year’s race saw participation from athletes from Kenya and Grenada.

And in previous years, the event has attracted athletes from Jamaica, Guyana, St Lucia, Linda Mc Dowall Dominica, Martinique, will be looking to Trinidad and Tobago and make it five Cuba. straight in the The race, dubbed ‘The Female Division.

World’s Most Challenging 10K’, will take place on the western coast of the mainland, beginning at Gordon Yard, passing through Spring Village, Cumberland, Coulls’ Hill, Troumaca, Rose Bank and Petit Bordel, and finishing at the Sharpes Playing Field in Chateaubelair.

Defending Male champion - Alex Akesa

In last year’s edition, Vincentain- Linda Mc Dowall trumped the female category for the fourth consecutive time.

Keyan- Alex Akesa took the Male Division and, in the process, prevented Vincentian- Junior Ashton from matching Mc Dowall’s feat of four successive wins.

The 2020 Endurance 10K will be contested in three categories: International, Under-20 and Open.

the National Olympic Committee.

Nick-named “The Black Pearl” for his valued stature in the game and universal popularity, Pele became soccer’s worldwide ambassador. His visit with Santos FC to Lagos, Nigeria in 1967, stopped a civil war in that African nation: enemies laid down their weapons and stopped the killings to watch “The Black Pearl” in action.

Pele is the first player to be declared a country’s national treasure and could not be sold or contracted to clubs outside Brazil.

Happy Birthday, O Rei Pele!

26. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2020. 27.

Classifieds

HENRY BUSHAY ADAMS Sunday, 1st November, 2020 Paradise Seventh-day Adventist Church Vermont, St. Vincent & the Grenadines Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service 2:00 p.m.

RETA CARMINA STAPLETON Sunday, 1st November, 2020 Mt Zion Spiritual Baptist Church Rose Hall Viewing: 12:00 noon Service 1:00 p.m.

Interment: Rose Hall Cemetery

CORNELIUS SAMUEL ADAMS aka Carnie Sunday, 1st November, 2020 Ebenezer Seventh Day Adventist Church, Belle Vue Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Park Hill Cemetery ELLIOTT FITZGERALD STRAKER

CANDICE SHEDOLY VIRGIN CALLISTE Sunday, 1st November, 2020 Christian Church of the Nazarene Upper Cane Hall Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service 3:00 p.m.

NOREEN ADELTA HOYTE Saturday, 31st October, 2020 World wide Mission Church Spring Village Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Spring Village

OTTLEY CARLOS OLLIVIERRE Saturday, 31st October, 2020 Paget Farm Community Centre, Bequia Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, 1st November, 2020 S.D.A. Church Paget Farm Bequia Viewing: 12:00 noon Service 1:00 p.m.

AI REAL ESTATE Fairbain Pasture 5,280 sq. ft. @$11.00 p.s.f.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER

06, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.45

NO RESULT IN U.S ELECTION: TRUMP SUES AS OF 4:30 P.M, Thursday 4th November, 2020, Americans, and the rest of the world, were still awaiting completion of vote counting in USA presidential election.

Notwithstanding that the outcome still hung in the balance, each candidate — the incumbent Republican Donald Trump and Democrat challenger Joe Biden — was confident of victory in the US presidential election,.

Vote counting was still going on in crucial battleground states that will decide the election.

Projected wins in the states of Michigan and Wisconsin have inched Biden closer to victory.

The outcome, though, depends on the four key battleground states of Georgia, Nevada, Pennsylvania and

North Carolina. Trump was ahead only in North Carolina after Biden took a lead in Pennsylvania as well, after Georgia.

However, as Biden gained ground, the Trump campaign has turned to the courts, filing lawsuits and demanding a recount in Wisconsin, in one instance.

Trump also said he was prepared to take the election to the Supreme Court. The Democrats are preparing for a ‘long haul’ once the court battles begin.

Independent news sources, accused Trump of attempting to sow doubt about the validity of ballots counted after election day and cast by mail.

Counting ballots after election day is a legal, normal practice in a number of states.

Trump supporters targeted counting stations on which to vent their feelings.

(Photo Source: Dhaka Tribune)

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Up to Friday, the count in the 2020 USA presidential election, could not separate the two candidates – Donald Trump (left) and Joe Biden (right) with any surety. (Photo Source: NBC News) He has made unfounded assertions of victory and allegations of voter fraud, accusing Democrats of trying to “steal” the election.

Previous to these assertions, on Wednesday morning, Trump claimed he had won the election despite many uncounted votes remaining. The speech brought strong criticism from both Democrats and Republicans.

Biden, on the other hand, stopped short of declaring victory, but said he was confident he was on course to beat his Republican rival.

What determines the winner In the USA, the victor in a presidential election is not determined by the popular vote. That determination rests with Electoral College. Each state is accorded a certain number of Electoral College Votes, which in total number 538, and a candidate winning in a particular state earns all the Electoral Colleague votes accorded to it, roughly in proportion to its population.

To become president of the USA, a candidate must get a minimum of 270 Electoral College votes. As of 4:30pm, Friday 6th November, Biden had 264

Electoral College votes to Trump’s 214.

If Trump is to turn the table on Biden, he must win in Wisconsin (10 votes), Georgia (16 votes), North Carolina (15), Pennsylvania (20) and either Arizona (11 votes) or Nevada (6 votes).

The protracted count has attracted differing responses. Hundreds of protesters waving American flags and signs that read, “Count every vote, every vote counts,” demonstrated peacefully up to Friday.

On the other hand, reports said that Trump’s supporters converged on votecounting centres in places like Detroit and Phoenix, Arizona shouting: “Stop the steal! Stop the count!”

What has been a bitter election race was dominated by the coronavirus pandemic, which hit a new record high of 103,000 daily cases in the US on Wednesday, according to the Covid Tracking Project.

But the economy, which has been badly affected by the pandemic, was the most important single issue to voters, exit poll data indicated.

As of Friday, three since voting day in the USA, America was no closer to officially declaring who would be its next president. (Sources: Varied USA media and BBC)

Biden supports came out in even greater numbers to support the counting process. (Photo Source: Global News)

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