THE VINCENTIAN- 01-02-19 Edition

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FRIDAY,

FEBRUARY 01, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.05

by DAYLE DA SILVA SMALLER THAN LAST YEAR’S NUMBER, but nevertheless, government anticipates that it will record another surplus this year.

Minister of Finance, Camillo Gonsalves, on Tuesday presented the 2019 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure which amounted to EC$1,067,343,283, a 7.4 percent increase over last year’s figure of EC$993,535,449.

But even with increased expenditure in some categories, Gonsalves told members of Parliament

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that this year’s budget realizes a modest surplus of EC$1,158,485, with current revenue estimated to be 5.6 percent, or $34.9 million more than the 2018 figure.

This increase he attributes to an expected improved performance as a result of a

pick-up in real economic activity in 2019 and administrative improvements.

Improved tax collection expected The Recurrent

EC$1.50

Expenditure, inclusive of amortization and sinking fund contributions, amounts to EC$844,763,703 which was 8.7 percent higher than last year’s figure, and was made up of Current Expenditure - $655.4 million, amortization $137.4 million and sinking fund $51.9 million, Gonsalves said, adding that Capital Expenditure is EC$222,579,580.

Continued on Page 3.

The protest line comprised teachers, civil servants, opposition NDP members and members of the public.

Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance, delivering the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for 2019.

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY on the picket line was concerned, but shortly after THE MORNING SESSION 3:00pm last Tuesday, the proceeded in slow fashion, as numbers increased in the far as the number of persons area in front of the Central

Market, opposite the House of Assembly, in capital city Kingstown.

Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Bus Management/ Monitoring Project signed

ONCE IMPLEMENTED, the Intelligent Bus Management and Monitoring System Project will allow users of omni-buses to track the vehicle’s location and time of arrival, and ensure an increased sense of personal safety.

The project, which is being implemented with the cooperation of the Government and People of Taiwan, was formally agreed to during a signing ceremony last Friday at Cabinet Room, that involved H.E Calvin Ho, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Minister of Finance, Information and Technology, etc., Camillo Gonsalves.

As explained, the project has two components: the first giving the travelling public access to the whereabouts of omni-buses; the other - the Intelligent Video Surveillance System - involves the installation of over 200 Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Cameras in locations throughout the mainland.

The latter component, which will be monitored from one central location in Kingstown, is intended to provide a safe environment for commuters, and the measure is also in support of the ongoing effort to fight crime.

Anticipated time for the setting up of the new system is three years, the Ambassador said.

Right: Sealed with a handshake. Minister of Finance, Information Technology Camillo Gonsalves (left) and Taiwan’s Ambassador to SVG H. E. Calvin Ho signed the agreement for the Bus Management and Monitoring System Project.

And according to him, the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is a very important agenda item in the bi-lateral relations between both countries.

H.E Ho explained that it was not too long ago that he and the government signed the agreement for the delivery of an Electronic Documentations Records Management Service (EDRMS).

This and the ‘Bus Management and Monitoring Project were expected to improve the way things were done, by making the bus system more efficient, H.E. Ho said.

would provide critical information regarding most travelled routes, times, etc., as well as provide an extra eye out for the public along strategic areas.

Monitoring System

With respect to the Monitoring System, Gonsalves said that the CCTV cameras will be placed along designated smart bus stops, so that people can wait for a bus and feel safe at those locations.

It is anticipated that the The Bus Management System first set of cameras will be installed in the Kingstown Through the use of a area by the second half of the transmitter, which will be year. Others will be placed placed in omni-buses, along the Leeward and passengers will be able to Windward routes. track the next available omniThe locations were bus through the use of GPS determined by personnel from technology. the Royal St Vincent and the It is expected that WiFi will Grenadines Police Force and be made available at bus the Ministry of Transport and stops, so that passengers will Works. be able to access the Part of the arrangement information without having to will be the training of locals to utilize personal data on their operate and maintain the smart devices. system.

According to Minister According to H.E. Ho, some Gonsalves, it was expected 300 hours of training will be that all of this would lead to made available to those who an improved transportation will be directly involved with sector, since the data collected the day to day running of the

system.

Background to the Project Meanwhile, Minister Gonsalves explained that as the EDRMS project began winding down, he was approached by the Ambassador to discuss the next ICT related project, and it was felt that there ought to be a project to benefit not just the public sector workers, but the public at large.

“We also thought it would be good to leverage their (Taiwanese) experience in something that the people can see and touch,” he said.

The IT and Finance Minister further explained that he thought that IT ought

to be applied to deal with some of the challenges the government currently faced.. “and one is the chaotic transportation system and the issue of extending the scope of police surveillance, and the Ambassador was ingenious in finding a programme to help address both of those areas of concern.”

Gonsalves said that he and others were invited to Taiwan for a first hand look at that country’s public transportation system, and while he admitted that there were multitudes of differences between both countries, it was felt that the technology used there can also be applied here.

Total cost of the project is set at US$2.4 million. ( DD)

Bus System facility not mandatory THERE WILL BE NO MANDATORY imposition of the Intelligent Bus Management system on independent omni-bus operators.

Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance, Information/Technology, etc., made the comment at the signing ceremony last Friday that gave a kick start to the implementation of the Intelligent Bus Management and Monitoring System project in this country.

Minister Gonsalves noted, however, that the idea will be to sensitize all omni-bus operators/owners over time and engage them in dialogue, towards

having them sign on to the system.

It was explained at last week’s signing ceremony, that the Intelligent Bus Management and Monitoring System Project will involve the use of a transmitter which will be placed on the vehicle, and will allow commuters to utilize GPS technology to determine the whereabouts of an omni-bus.

But while independent omni-buses were exempt, not so for school buses donated to this country by Taiwan in August 2017.

Those school buses will be outfitted with these transmitters along with

While privately owned omni-buses are exempt from becoming part of the Intelligent Bus Management System, these Taiwan-donated school buses will not enjoy that privilege. those omni-buses that are privately owned, and have a contractual arrangement with the government to transport students.

All other private omni-buses do not have to comply, however, Gonsalves did say that there was already a handful of omni-bus operators that

had expressed their willingness to participate.

In addition to tracking the whereabouts of an omni-bus, commuters are being extended a greater sense of safety with the deployment of closed circuit cameras at designated bus stops. ( DD)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2019. 3.

News 3 Protest in Kingstown

Rastafarians, including ‘Earthquake’ (right) came out to highlight their cause and to show solidarity with the protesting workers.

Continued from Front Page.

That time marked the commencement time for the delivery of the Revenue and Expenditure for 2019, by the Minister of Finance.

The protestors, primarily teachers and civil servants, had come to highlight specific complaints, while others had come out in solidarity with their cause.

Barricades placed on either side of the road outside the House of Assembly ensured order.

Members of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Union of Teachers, clad in their trade mark red jerseys, were joined by members of the Public Service Union.

Those two Unions, along with the Police Welfare Association, have been at loggerheads with the ruling regime over a series of issues.

A meeting involving the Prime Minister and other government officials and representatives of the three public servants organisations, never materialised; representatives from those bodies refused to hand over their cell phones to the security officers at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The meeting, however, preceded with other worker representatives who agreed to a 1% salary increase, retroactive to July 2018.

The Teachers Union and the Public Service Union have

dismissed the increase as “insulting”, and their placards showed their disgust.

The protesting teachers and civil servants, by this time joined by members of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), sang choruses of gospel numbers, and danced around the open area behind the cordon.

NDP parliamentarians also showed solidarity with those on the picket line. Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Friday filtered through the gathering.

Central Kingstown St. Clair Leacock ensured his presence was felt, and so too did his Kingstown colleagues Arnhim Eustace (East Kingstown) and Daniel Cummings (West Kingstown).

Roland Matthews, the North Leeward parliamentarian accompanied

by Southern Grenadines’ Terrance Ollivierre, joined the protesters, and South Leeward’s Nigel Stephenson interacted with members on the picket line.

There was also a Rastafarian presence to the protest. The Rastfarians, who mounted their own picket line, displayed a number of placards and in particular, a large banner emblazoned with the words, ‘legalise it’, in clear reference to marijuana.

‘Earthquake’, one member of the Rastafarian group, had

another concern.

His focus was on getting the government to pay wages on a fortnightly basis.

He complained that as a vendor, his business has not been profitable because circulation of money was slow.

One of the ‘injustices’ public servants say A pamphlet distributed at the they have had to endure. picket compared the increases of workers at the Unions.

The pamphlet also alluded $1,000 and $1,500 levels in to an agreement allowing contrast to others who they contend receive annual salary teachers to contest general elections. and allowance of $70,000.

All in all, traffic flowed in It lamented the “fren fren” normal fashion, pedestrians basis on which promotion were unencumbered, and a obtains in the Public Service, heightened security presence and echoed agreement with maintained close scrutiny. the stance taken by the

There was a visible presence of a large number of high ranking police officers on duty during the protest.

Billion-dollar Budget to be presented tax revenue was expected to grow by 6.8 percent, to be driven by increases of The Minister of 12.5 and 9.3 percent on Finance further stated international trade and that the 2019 Budget is goods and services financed by Current respectively.

Revenue of “Taxes on income and EC$656,590,775 and profits grow to EC$158.6 Capital Receipts million, and is the third amounting to largest source of EC$410,743,508. revenue,” he added.

Main revenue agencies On the side of the and revenue from tax Current Estimates, sources are expected to exclusive of amortization contribute EC$568.4 and sinking fund million, with revenue contributions, this from non-tax amounted to contributing EC$88.2 EC$655,441,290 and million, Gonsalves said.

Current Revenue Gonsalves said that EC$656,590,775.

Continued from Front Page.

Improving public service quality The Minister of Finance said that the government was continuing in its quest to lift the level of public service delivered, through improving the quality and quantity of the human resources that it employs.

“In this regard, a number of new positions have been created…,” Gonsalves told the Parliament.

Provisions have been

made in the 2019 Budget for the creation of some additional posts.

There will be an increase in the number of police recruits, ten new officers in the fire department, and eight new posts in the Coast Guard; additional positions in the area of aviation services; an additional 78 posts within the health sector; seven posts created within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs including provisions for the setting up of an embassy in Taiwan, and enhanced capacity of the

United Nations Mission in New York, to advance this country’s bid for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council.

The overall sum budgeted for wages and salaries amounted to EC$306.5 million: salaries - $259.4 million; allowances - $24.5 million, and wages $22.6 million.

When compared to the corresponding figures for 2018, Gonsalves said that this year’s wages and salaries bill, inclusive of the 1 percent retroactive increase

along with the 1.5 percent for 2019, was 11 percent higher.

Pension payments amount to EC$72.7 million, comprising $60.2 million in pensions and $12.5 million in NIS contributions.

The Minister again spoke of government’s concern as it related to the fast-growing pension bill, repeating that pension reform was needed.

The Budget presentation and debate on the Appropriation Bill will commence on Monday.

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4. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Man shot in Ottley Hall

AN OTTLEY HALL man is warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital after being shot.

Reports are that 20-year-old Jamal Straugh, a Guyanese national who has been residing in St. Vincent for some time now, was shot about his body on Tuesday sometime after 7 pm.

According to one resident of Ottley Hall, “I was watching news when I heard 5 shots,” said the villager who requested not to be named for fear of reprisal.

And another resident who lives

close to where the shooting took place, said Straugh was in someone’s yard “picking up WiFi” when he was shot.

The area where he was shot is not lit, the resident said.

Residents of Ottley Hall appealed on Wednesday for blood for Straugh who, they said, had lost one of his kidneys due to the shooting.

THE VINCENTIAN could not confirm whether Straugh did lose a kidney, but the appeal for blood was a legitimate one.

The young man’s shooting follows that of an unnamed male resident of Ottley Hall who police said was shot in his left arm around Jamal Straugh 3:30 a.m on was reportedly January 20, in shot last Ottley Hall.

Tuesday night.

Police are investigating both shootings. (KH)

Accused blames love for his action BRONSON DE FREITAS told the Court on Monday that he had hopes that a broken intimate relationship between himself and Vicky Frank could be mended, so he went to her home January 22 with the intention of speaking to her.

However, things did not work out for the 39year-old labourer. He instead ended up at the Serious Offences Court facing a criminal charge.

The Kingstown Park man pleaded guilty to entering Frank’s home at

McKie’s Hill with intent to annoy. He told the Court, “The reason why I went to her home is because I love her and I miss her, and I was hoping that things would mend back.”

Responding to questions from Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, De Freitas said the relationship lasted about four years, but produced no children.

“I don’t think you made it clear how much you love her in those four years,” the Magistrate told him.

“She wasn’t too appreciative of you coming around,” Browne said, adding, “You could have written something.”

Browne told De Freitas that the offence carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison, but she did not believe that the complainant would want to see him in jail.

Frank was not present when summoned.

De Freitas was bonded for three months in the sum of $600, with an alternative of three months in prison.

Traffic cops overworked?

POLICE OFFICERS at the Traffic Department may be overworked.

Speaking on the police ‘On The Beat’ programme on NBC radio Monday night, Corporal Wendell Corridon listed the significant spike in motor vehicles, and the lack of manpower to adequately handle the situation, as major contributing factors to the increase in motor vehicle accidents here.

Corridon outlined that at the end of 2017, there were 26,465 registered

vehicles here while there were 30,526 at the end of 2018, representing an increase of over 4,000.

But according to Corridon, there is inadequate staff to deal with this, and the road network remains the same.

Interestingly, there are only 34 persons on staff at the Traffic Department, THE VINCENTIAN was reliably informed, and there are less persons on duty when staffers are on vacation.

Corridon is also aware

that there are younger and more inexperienced drivers on the road, as well as some level of recklessness, and inconsiderate driving.

According to the Corporal, traffic cops work tirelessly, sometimes way into the morning to ensure that the roads are safe.

He was joined on the programme by Inspector Henry Providence, second in command of the Traffic Department, Constables 150 Brenslee Bobb, and 550 Esther McBarnette. (HH)

In objecting to bail, Con artist on multiple charges Senior Prosecutor CONVICTED fraudster Iso Lynch was denied bail when he returned to the Serious Offences Court this week on multiple charges of deception and falsely presenting himself as police officers, said to be fictitious, one such being Inspector Allen.

The offences were reportedly committed on different occasions between 2016 and 2019 and in various districts, during which he allegedly deceived several persons of thousands of dollars.

Three of the persons the 37-yearold Layou man is alleged to have defrauded are Winfield Cumberbatch of Biabou, Ebenezer Atwell of Mt. Bentick and Gary Young of Cane Garden.

Lynch, who was unrepresented, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Adolphus Delpleche told the Court that two bench warrants were issued for Lynch, and it was while he was on bail on the charges for which the bench warrants were issued, that he allegedly committed some of the offences for which he is now charged.

Delpleche stressed the nature of the offences, and that Lynch’s antecedents showed that he has a propensity for such crimes.

He expressed the view that if bail was granted, the likelihood of him committing further crimes was highly probable.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne upheld the Prosecutor’s objections and remanded the defendant.

The matters were adjourned to March 13. (HH)

According to the facts presented to the Court earlier, around 6 p.m. on the date in question, the 44-year-old woman was at home when she heard someone knocking on her front door. She made checks and saw De Freitas outside. She ordered him to leave her yard. He refused, and insisted that he wanted to talk to her. She then threatened to call the police, and he left. She reported the matter, and he was subsequently arrested and charged.

(HH)

Another woman on cocaine charges JUST OVER two weeks after 51-year-old Susan Jileina Debique-Mason appeared at the Serious Offences Court on cocaine charges, another woman was before the same Court on similar charges.

On Monday, Suranie Graham, 20-year-old business woman of Lowmans Windward, was taken before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne charged with possession of 1,024 grams of cocaine with intent to supply, possession for the purpose of drug trafficking, and importing the drug.

She pleaded not guilty and was granted $20,000 bail with one surety, on condition that she report to the Biabou Police Station, and surrender her travel documents. She was also put on a dusk to dawn curfew.

Stop notices will be placed at all ports of exit, and she is not to leave the state without the permission of the Serious Offences Court or a higher court. The matter was adjourned to March 15.

The other defendant, Mason, who is originally of Fitz Hughes but resides at Rose Hall, had appeared before the Chief Magistrate on January 14 charged with possession of 1,810 grams of cocaine with intent to supply, possession for the purpose of drugtrafficking, and attempting to export the drug.

Mason had also pleaded not guilty to her charges and was granted $20,000 bail with one surety, with reporting conditions, and ordered to surrender her travel documents.

Both arrests stemmed from police actions in Kingstown.

Graham was arrested last Saturday while Mason was apprehended January 11. (HH)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2019. 5.

Regional Focus

Venezuelan crisis ventilated at UN

hypothesise on what the US will do next.”

Division in the Security Council What has played out in Venezuela and the world’s media between supporters and opponents of the Maduro government, played out faceto-face in the chamber of the UN’s most powerful body, which has failed to take action on the Venezuelan crisis because of deep divisions, especially among the Security Council’s five veto-wielding permanent members.

The leaders of two of those council nations – France and Britain – joined Spain and Germany to turn up the pressure on Maduro, saying they would follow the US and President Nicolas Maduro remains steadfast in his position that he is the legitimate President others in recognising Guaido of Venezuela, while Juan Guaido, an unknown until recently, has declared himself President. unless Venezuela calls new (Photo Credit: Daily Times) presidential elections within eight days.

VENEZUELA CONTINUED TO fraudulent.

American country.

But the opposition to OCCUPY the attention of the But Russia’s UN Guaido was reflected in the international community as the USA, Russia spar over Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia initial procedural vote on week opened. said Venezuela didn’t threaten whether the 15-member Venezuela On Sunday, the ‘world’ international peace and Security Council should even woke up to an urging by the US Secretary of State Mike security, and accused discuss the crisis in United States to support Pompeo told the UN Security “extremist opponents” of Venezuela, which is not on its Venezuelan opposition leader Council at a meeting held last Maduro’s legitimate official agenda.

Juan Guaido.

Saturday and called by the government of choosing Meanwhile, Maduro In a quick response, Russia United States, that it was “maximum confrontation,” remains steadfast in his antiaccused the Trump beyond time to back the including the artificial USA rhetoric, saying late last administration of attempting Venezuelan people as they creation of a parallel week, “This is nothing more “to engineer a coup d’etat” tried to free themselves from government. than a coup d’etat, ordered, against the legitimately Maduro’s “illegitimate mafia He urged Pompeo to say promoted, financed and elected president — Nicola state”. Towards this end, he whether the US will use supported by the United Maduro. called for support for Juan military force.

States…. They intend to put The USA’s plea and Guaido, who had declared When asked for a response a puppet government in Russia’s response reflected the himself he country’s interim to the Russian Ambassador’s Venezuela, destroy the state world’s deep divisions over the president, arguing that remarks, Pompeo said, “I am and take colonial control of the crisis in the embattled Latin Maduro’s re-election was not going to speculate or country,” even as he repeated

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reiterated to the UN Security Council that Maduro’s re-election was fraudulent. (Photo Credit: Reuters)

Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the UN Security Venezuela didn’t threaten international peace and security. (Photo Credit: RTE) that he was still open to talks with the opposition.

And to demonstrate to the world that he had the backing of the military, and that Venezuela’s armed forces were ready to defend the country, President Maduro and his defence Minister watched a platoon of soldiers in an active military exercise and even joined them on a run. (Main Source: AP)

Support and dissent in Maduro’s camp IN RESPONSE TO SELFPROCLAIMED president of Venezuela Juan Guaido’s appeal to the Venezuela military to join the “struggle” to return the country to Democracy, Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, on January 24, reiterated the military’s loyalty to President Nicolas Maduro.

Appearing on television in the company of the heads of all the military’s departments, Lopez called Maduro the “legitimate president” and accused the opposition of waging a coup in collaboration

with the USA and other countries, who were already waging an economic war against Venezuela.

Meanwhile, in a video published last Saturday, a man identifying himself as Venezuela’s military attaché in Washington — one Col. Jose Luis Silva - said that he had broken with Nicolas Maduro, and that he “will report to an opposition leader trying to wrest control of the government.”

Silva called on other members of the military to join him in defecting from Maduro’s government, saying

Right: Venezuela’s military attaché in Washington Col. Jose Luis Silva said that he was the only diplomat in Washington he knew of who had taken a step away from President Maduro. (Photo Credit: VOA)

they “need to avoid attacking protesters whose only aim is to feed themselves.

“The armed forces have a fundamental role to play in the restoration of democracy,” Silva added in the video, which he said was shot at his office in the Venezuelan embassy in Washington, sitting in front of the nation’s red, blue and yellow flag.

There appears to be some uneasiness among military

personnel in Venezuela as reflected last week, when a small National Guard unit stole a stockpile of weapons in what is said to be an attempt to oust Maduro. The ‘uprising’ was quelled within hours and 25 guardsmen arrested.

(Sources: Reuters, USA News Time)

Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez delivers a television address in which he reiterates the military’s support for President Nicolas Maduro.

(Photo Credit: USA News Times) away from President Maduro. (Photo Credit: VOA)

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6. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

The Ottley Hall Marina and Shipyard was the subject of a Commission of Inquiry instigated by the ULP government in 2003.

New operators for Ottley Hall Shipyard GOVERNMENT IS CURRENTLY reviewing submissions made by several entities who have shown interest in taking over the operations at the Ottley Hall Marina and Shipyard.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said that, once this process was completed, the government will make its conclusions known.

He was responding to a question posed by Leader of the Opposition, Dr Godwin Friday in Parliament on Tuesday. Dr. Friday had asked the Prime Minister to comment on some issues affecting the facility, including the laying off of some workers recently, money earned from the facility and plans to repair.

Dr. Gonsalves said that Sea Fearers Shipyard Group Ltd had entered into a lease agreement with the government. They were expected to undertake: the scrapping of the 70 metre floating dock and replacing it with a 500 ton travel lift; the renovation and upkeep of all buildings; the renovation of the dry dock hall; declustering of the facility and purchase of tools and safety equipment required.

Repair work was expected to be conducted during the first year of operation, with the other work following on; however, Gonsalves said, adding that he had been advised that the company was behind in its contractual work.

He further noted that company owed the government some EC$205,600.

According to Gonsalves, government received EC$86,940 in 2016; nothing

in 2017, and EC$140,000 in 2018, from the operations of the Dockyard.

The situation as it related to the laying off of workers, was as a result of the gate to the dry dock being removed for some much needed refurbishing, resulting in the marina and shipyard being closed temporarily.

Business was expected to resume on February 15, 2019, and those sent home were expected to return to work, Gonsalves said.

When asked about the company’s profitability, the Prime Minister said that he was not aware what the present situation was, but that the problem with the company, as he was made to understand, was an insufficient capital injection into the operation. (DD)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01 , 2019. 7.

Law

NDP’s Benjamin Exeter (left) and Lauron Baptiste are said to be confident about victory in their election petition matters before the court.

NDP holding fast to Feb 11 date THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) is not deterred by the delay in the case of the two petitions that they have filed in the Court, challenging the 2015 election results in the Central Leeward and North Windward constituencies.

Justice Esco Henry, sitting in the High Court here, set aside February 11, 2019 as the trial date for the next hearing in the election petitions, but has since recused herself from the matter, after it surfaced that the Registrar Office here had set other matters for her attention on that date.

The Opposition Leader and NDP President Dr. Godwin Friday admitted that Justice Henry’s recusal from the case had created some concern as to the practicality of a replacement judge being ready for February 11 date.

He emphasized, however, that his side had had nothing to indicate that there is any reason to say that the matter would not be heard on that day, and they are holding fast to that date.

According to Leader of the Opposition Dr. Godwin Friday, while addressing a press conference last week Monday, “We have

always maintained that first and foremost we have an obligation that when things don’t look right in the election process, to use the law to seek redress. That is all essentially what we are doing,” Dr. Friday added, “What we have done over the course of the three years since this matter has worked its way through the court, is we have been pushing to have it heard as soon as possible.”

He also stressed that, “This is a matter that we have been committed to; it’s a matter of principle …. This is not a matter just about NDP,” and assured the public that “we are going to pursue it and yes, we are optimistic and confident about the matter ruling in the favour of the petitioners.”

The elections petitions were filed in the names

of NDP 2015 general elections candidates Benjamin Exeter and Lauron Baptiste — the former contesting the result in the Central Leeward seat and the latter in the North Windward seat.

The Respondents in the matters: the relevant Returning Officers, Presiding Officers, the Supervisor of Elections, Sir Louis Straker (ULP candidate in Central Leeward) and Montgomery Daniel (ULP candidate in North Windward).

The matter was first struck out by Justice Brian Cottle in the High Court. The opposition then went to the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal, where it was reinstated, with the instruction that it be heard expeditiously.

Since then, there has been a number of setbacks, most recently the decision by Justice Esco Henry to recuse herself from the matter.

(KH)

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8. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial The UN: Venezuela’s last hope?

PRIME MINISTER Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has articulated this country’s position on the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.

If we read him correctly, we stand, as a country, in support of President Nicolas Maduro and in condemnation of a perceived plot against the Bolivarian (Socialist) Revolution afoot in that country.

There are many here who would be at variance with this position.

And justifiably so.

But it is worth reminding ourselves that, notwithstanding the ongoing challenge in court to the legitimacy of the Unity Labour Party Government, this government arose out of the December 2015 general election, and was installed by the Governor General as per the constitution.

It follows that whosoever forms government, they are expected to speak and act on behalf of the entire country. In that sense, all the citizens own the government, not the winning party only.

It is assumed that when the Prime Minister articulates a position, he does so on the basis of a collective decision of the Cabinet, which is supposedly taken in the interest and on behalf of the entire nation. Not usually recognized, though, is that that decision also reflects the decision of the Party, more appropriately the Party Leadership.

As much as we might want to think otherwise, the leader of the party we voted into power becomes our chief spokesperson; we abdicate, so to speak, that right to that leader.

This is not to mean that a position articulated at any time must not be rebuked. That is the nature of our democracy.

What form that rebuke takes is critical; it could breed chaos.

But politics and ideology make for strange bed fellows, and we are wont to be taken up in the euphoria and simply sail along with the tide.

The crisis in Venezuela is of us but not because of us. But we have all right as a member of the OAS, of CARICOM, and a beneficiary of ALBA and PetroCaribe, to take a stand.

But we must be careful when we articulate our stand, that we do so void of anachronistic, Cold War references.

We must guard against alienating ourselves to the point that we find ourselves having to manoeuvre within the restricted boundaries of some ideologically

driven bloc.

President Trump is grossly out of his place and must be made to return to his kennel; but that does not mean that we must turn a blind eye to the worsening economic, social, political and human rights situation in Venezuela.

Given the fractious nature of regional and hemispheric groups on this issue, and even though this also plays out at the international level, the United Nations remains the best positioned body to bring some resolution to the upheaval in Venezuela.

The UN — with its pluralism - is best suited to intervene, with the view of averting any violence, with a clearly understood mandate to find a path towards transitioning to democracy.

So, we support CARICOM heads who last week reportedly made an effort to audience with the UN Secretary General, to suggest if not request his assistance in resolving the issue.

This is where we have to channel our energies since it gives clear purpose and would negate the hen-picking at the regional and local levels that separate us.

CARICOM may have failed itself on previous occasions by not taking truly unified positions on many issues.

Many countries around the world are weighing in on the Venezuela crisis with many of them expressing feelings of anguish.

The crisis, it appears, cannot be resolved by traditional dialogue involving neighbouring countries and ‘allies’.

The action towards a resolution has to be representative of a wide and open participation that will include in its mandate, the task of restoring the legitimacy of the National Assembly as a first step towards democratizing the other state institutions and systems.

The UN has a responsibility to protect the citizens of its member countries. It should not have to resort to a measure that could well instigate all out violence; and Venezuela is a smoldering cinder ready to burst into a bonfire.

The UN has to take on an air of openness and rid itself of any semblance of control; no Trump, no Puttin make-up, as it seeks to initiate creative dialogue involving all parties in Venezuela.

The UN could well be this oilrich South American country’s last hope.

Time to end the Gonsalves Dynasty uncultured.

13. The violent excesses of some elements in the police force aided and abetted by Dr. Gonsalves.”

The fore-going demonstrates that the evil policy of the ULP had attracted attention by “VERY FEW PERSONS would disagree that at least a small coterie of Vincentians, until Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves has failed this now. country since taking office two years ago. It is So that from 2003 to the present, Ralph’s truly a frightening thought that a Prime regime went from bad to worse- (some say Minister with so much ability and promise wussera)- until it poises on the brink of has been rendered a failure after such a short collapse, which he and his wife describe as space of time. being on the cusp of economic take-off (of the I did not conduct any poll; however, I have Gonsalves family?). listened to enough people on the ground, to True, several ULP supporters have jumped know that the Comrade is becoming ship in different waves over time. Firstly, increasingly unpopular. The only people who from the 1980s, we no longer hear of think that Dr. Gonsalves is doing well are Dr. colleagues like Adrian Saunders, from the Gonsalves and a few of his loyal sycophants MNU days of candidates like Cyp Neehall, and acolytes. I can declare with some Nelcia Marshall and particularly Clive authority that the vast majority of Bishop, or later, of supporters such as Otto Vincentians would dearly like to see Dr. Sam, Matthew Thomas and Rolin Stapleton.

Gonsalves out of office. The reasons they give They have all fled the coop, with varying are numerous. Among them are:stories of deception, abuse and camouflaged 1. The failure of Dr. Gonsalves to make any corruption. significant positive impact on the state of One can understand the role of such economy; persons as Colin Williams DPP and the back2. The threat that Gonsalves poses to up team of Radio and Public Relations Elson democracy as evident in the fear by many to Crick, Burns Bonadie, Clem Ballah and Hans speak out and the gross disrespect and King. For whatever reason, they enjoy the contempt shown for the media; fun, games and goodies. Cecil Ryan is 3. The shabby treatment being meted out different; he sees himself- a little like Hans as to the youth as seen in Gonsalves’ despicable an intellectual giant second only to attitude, and conduct towards the National Gonsalves!

Youth Council; But this columnist finds it puzzling that 4. The lies, innuendoes and duplicitous men of the calibre of Renwick Rose, Blazer conduct that have so far characterized Dr Williams, and, especially, Jomo Thomas can Gonsalves’ tenure as Prime Minister; still be ULPites when the Party looks no way 5. The acts of corruption and political like the vehicle of truth and defender of the nepotism that Gonsalves has allowed among masses as promised so faithfully in 2000. persons close to the ULP; Paradoxically, this dismal period of our 6. The cynical manipulation of agencies history has a credit side to it: the general such as the Christian Council, the Labour public, the mass of the people have been given Movement and the press to the biddings of for the first time a lesson about public finance Dr. Gonsalves; and particularly the role of an Auditor 7. The dismal performance of most of the General as watch-dog used to preach up to Ministers of Government and the failure of two decades ago. The people will eventually Dr. Gonsalves to take decisive action; take the lead in solving their own problems.

8. Dr. Gonsalves’ baseless attacks on the Of course, if the court matter on election intellect, integrity and ingenuity of Mr. petition goes the NDP way, matters will be Arnhim Eustace with lies innuendoes and so considerably eased with new election laws called “official enquires”. and practices are remedied.

9. The constant abuse of the power of the Then the unenviable but exciting task of Prime Minister as evident in the tendency to re-building SVG will have begun. micro manage and to run roughshod over the I think that Candy Edwards was the penprofessionals and technocrats in the name of the brilliant Andrew Cummings who respective ministries; died less than two years ago.

10. Perpetrating the most widespread and The ULP had been in government for less deepest acts of political, social and economic than two years when we were told of the victimization ever witnessed anywhere in the impending disaster that now threatens to Western world; overtake us.

11. Engendering a climate of fear and If Candy was alive, probably he would have trepidation among Vincentians that is issued a final warning beseeching us to reminiscent of France under Robespierre in switch the competing team around, giving the late 18th century; NDP a chance to provide for us true freedom 12. Openly demonstrating contempt for and real development, beginning with the the reasoned opinions of ordinary people thus demonstration of the Teachers and the Public denigrating them as untutored and Service workers on Tuesday 29.

(Extracted from Candy Edwards Letter from the Ground May 17, 2003. Candy Edwards is an unknown, anonymous personage who sends weekly letters to Nice Radio for publication and popular discussion).

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2019. 9.

Letters

ULP power I WANT the Unity Labour Party to correct me if I wrong: Has the Unity Labour Party since it formed government, entered into any real salary agreement with the Unions that represent public officers? Is it a case where the Unity Labour Party government , since 2001, has legislated salary increases for public officers ?

I don’t know, so that’s why I am asking. But if the answer to the questions is YES, then the Unity Labour Party has failed the workers of this country. And to think that its leader was the biggest Marxist-Leninist, pro Workers voice in this country at one time.

Talk about POWER!!!! Power to destroy.

Tall Boy

USA offers no hope THE GOVERNMENTS of President Trump in the USA and President Bolsonaro in Brazil offer no hope to Venezuela, or for that matter, to the majority of people in Latin America. Both Trump and Bolsonaro are ultra-rightist and will make any excuse to oust a government they perceive to be leftist.

Whatever views people hold on Venezuela, there is no justification for backing

the US attempt at regime change through support for a selfproclaimed president — Juan Guaido. We must never forget the disasters that were left after the ‘liberation’ of Iraq and Libya.

The way forward for Venezuela is through dialogue as per the call from the Mexican and Bolivian presidents, and a call from President Maduro himself.

Wilson

Blinding lights HAS ANYONE else noticed the type of headlights that some vehicle owners are using? These could not be the headlights that the vehicles came with. They are blinding.

When I inquired from one of the culprits, he told me if he was to put it on ‘bright’, that would be something else. “Is

then you go get blind,” he said.

I may consider myself, at my age of 60, to be a senior citizen by those vehicle owners. If that is the case, could they not have a little more ‘sympathy’ on us senior drivers, and replace those spotlights that they carry as headlights?

And, Mr. Police Force — Traffic Department you could see if there are any regulations governing the light in a vehicle. If these ‘blinders’ are found to be illegal, charge the drivers if they fail to have them removed.

George – Senior Driver

Condemn all thatÊs bad MR. EDITOR, when I see and hear all the condemnation poured on Venezuela, I can’t help but think of so many other atrocities being committed in the world that we fail to even give a peep on.

I mean, take Israel for instance. The Zionist government there continues without shame to bomb and kill hundreds of Palestinians and impose blockades, especially in Gaza, but we don’t hear a word from the USA and their puppets in the OAS about that.

Then there is China.

When last, if ever, have we condemned the Chinese for the persecution of its Muslim people? Millions of Chinese Muslims have been forced into specially built ‘re-education’ camps, which are nothing else but prisons.

It is clear that the Chinese, with whom the NDP wants to establish diplomatic relations, are on an ethnic and religious cleansing spree; but we don’t say a word

about that.

And I can go on and on, Mr. Editor.

It’s just that when we pour shame on Venezuela, and there is definitely a crisis in that country from which we should not turn a blind eye, we must admit that there is evil and perhaps worse crisis that we have also to call shame on.

We cannot condemn one and not the other.

Smithie - Leeward

A prayer for guidance PLEASE permit space for a short National Prayer which I introduce with the following: Heavenly Father, we pray for our nation that is going to be forty years old this year. We thank you for the following leaders: the late George McIntosh, who struggled on behalf of the ‘converted’ religion in the 1930s and 40s; the late E.T. Joshua, who continued that struggle and became our first black government leader, i.e. Chief Minister; the late R.M. Cato, who took over leadership from Joshua and who took us into Statehood in 1969 and Independence in 1979.

Father, we have Sir James, Hon. M.P A. Eustace and then our current Prime Minister Hon Dr. R. Gonsalves. Sir James came into the political frontline in the 1972 elections, when he held one seat and there was a tie (6/6) between Joshua (PPP) and Cato (SVLP). He became Premier but by 1974 that political ship sank in the ocean, and Cato’s Labour Party took control of the new political boat.

Ten years later, Father, Sir James Mitchell moved into the political frontline again. For Fifteen years, between 1984-2001, Mitchell and his New Democratic Party (NDP) formed government, with the NDP even winning all the seats (15) in parliament in 1989.

Dr. Gonsalves would have been in the political race since 1984 when he headed the United People’s Movement into defeat, and his Movement for National Unity (MNU) into defeat in 1989.

After the 1989 election, the MNU and the Labour Party arrived at an understanding to contest the 1994 general election. They won 3 seats. By the 1998 elections, the Labour Party and the MNU had merged to form the Unity Labour Party, and won 7 seats.

Father, when in 2000 the NDP sought to bring a Bill to the House to increase parliamentarians’ pensions and gratuities, Dr. Gonsalves warned that if such a bill was brought before the House, he would close down the country. So said so done.

By this time, Hon A. Eustace had become Prime Minister when Sir James relinquished the post.

Then came the Grand Beach Accord: an election was held in 2001, and the ULP formed government with Gonsalves as Prime Minister.

Father, give us the wisdom, knowledge, insight and understanding to choose our next Prime Minister. We know our present P.M is about to go on retirement. Help us to elect a P.M. that will enable national unity as we seek your kingdom.

Amen.

Christian Democrat

‘Retired Vincy judge offers advice’ (First posted on THE VINCENTIAN website) Emille’s achievements are no surprise to me.

At school he had prankster tendencies but never lost sight of his goals. I am proud of my fellow “back row boy” in Smithy’s chemistry lab classes. To the youth I strongly urge you to leave no stone unturned in your quest for a better life and education.

Ewan Lewis

* Who are the public servants that the CTAWU and NWM represent, and did these public servants give their leaders the right to accept 1% salary increase? * Perhaps the CTAWU and the NWM could list for the public, the names of persons who sit on their executives, and say when they were elected? * Has anyone ever told the PM that when he goes on all those radio stations, he is going to get some hard questions and criticism, and that he should remember who he is and stop all this brawling with callers? * Are parliamentarians eligible for the 1% increase? If at all they are, do they deserve anything more?

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Statement by Gareth Bynoe, Minister Counsellor, Permanent Mission to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council meeting on Venezuela, January 26th 2019.

Mr. President, Excellencies, Distinguished Members of the Security Council.

AT THE OUTSET, permit me the opportunity to convey appreciation to Mrs. Rosemary Di Carlo, UnderSecretary General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, for the briefing on the situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been monitoring very closely the recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela at the bilateral and multilateral levels, and like many countries, we too are deeply concerned and apprehensive about the events unfolding in our neighbouring Caribbean country.

Let it be abundantly clear that St. Vincent and the Grenadines adheres to and upholds the fundamental principles of non-interference and non-intervention in the affairs of states; respect for sovereignty; adherence to the rule of law; and respect for human rights and democracy, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

Cognizant of the complexity of the long-standing political crisis in Venezuela, exacerbated by recent events, we stress the need for meaningful dialogue among all stakeholders in the country, to deescalate the contentious and conflictive situation.

Mr. President, we are undoubtedly living in an unpredictable era and must categorically reject all attempts to aggravate dangerous situations or engender change of democratically elected leaders through impositions, interventions and interferences that veer away from the basis of lasting peace and security.

In the history of Latin America and the Caribbean, the imposition of the “mighty” against the “meek” is far too well known. The history of Latin America and the Caribbean is indelibly scarred by military interventions and imposition of dictator governments. That egregious history, and the need to triumph over its lingering remnants, drives the countries in the hemisphere to be viscerally abhorrent to any semblance of its re-emergence. In our Caribbean subregion, we have witnessed the “urgent fury” of military intervention, and our consciousness remains aware of the uninvited and illegal interference in electioneering and electoral processes of the cold war proxy battles.

Let us not lose sight of the forest for the trees and be mindful that the region of Latin America and the Caribbean remains a “Zone of Peace” as proclaimed by Heads of State and Government of CELAC in 2014. Let Venezuela not relive the systematic act of terror and attempted coup d’état that created bloodshed in the streets of Caracas of April 11, 2002.

Mr. President, St. Vincent and the Grenadines laments the convocation of this meeting today, especially since it emerges against the backdrop of an

unambiguous irony. Constitutionally, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has a duly elected President in the person of H.E. Nicolas Maduro, who was officially inaugurated for a second term on January 10, 2019.

Regrettably, however, an unconscionable crusade against the legally and legitimately elected president, orchestrated from within the bowels of the Organization of American States (OAS) — the oldest hemispheric organization, aims to erect, unilaterally and extraterritorially, a parallel unelected presidential government and destabilize order and the rule of law in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Presently, the OAS has abdicated its role of arbiter, and, indeed any serious leadership responsibility in the hemisphere to diffuse the impasse in Venezuela, especially since its revisiting the deplorable history of being a conduit for imperialist aggression and hegemonic ambition in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Thankfully, many Member States within that Organization have not exhausted the option of dialogue, nor have they abandoned the bedrock principles of the OAS and UN Charters. Effectively, and more pointedly, Mexico and Uruguay have expressed their willingness to mediate the political crisis, whilst regional groupings such as the Caribbean Community and the European Union have offered their good offices to serve as honest brokers to facilitate dialogue among all parties and resolve the crisis. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines supports these responsible initiatives.

Mr. President, unequivocally, Venezuela is not a threat nor represents a danger to international peace and security, albeit the Government is subjected to a systematic campaign of aggression.

Undeniably, the country is confronted by a plethora of complex challenges which must be frontally tackled by democratic means and within the confines of the supreme law of the land — the Constitution.

As always, St. Vincent and the Grenadines stands ready to constructively assist our beloved brothers and sisters in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and bring about a rapprochement between the contending forces. We must not foreclose on dialogue as it is essential in multilateral diplomacy. History teaches us that the rejection of dialogue is often the precursor to unilateralism and war, an option that we cannot countenance in our Zone of Peace.

Let us be guided by the central tenets of this Organization and its Charter. I thank you.

The ULP must stop the victimization (Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s Press statement) IN A RECENT judgment, Justice Esco Henry ruled in favour of the Public Service Union (PSU) in its case against the Public Service Commission (PSC).

You may have had an opportunity to read the judgment, and certainly would have heard public comments about it. There is no way of sugar coating it (and I know some in the ULP have tried), but this is a bombshell of a judgment!

The PSU complained on behalf of its members (seven of whom gave evidence in the case) that the PSC failed to comply with regulations governing promotions in the Public Service. The relevant Regulations are Regulations: 15, 18, 19, 20 and 27.

The PSC countered that it complied with the regulations in doing its job.

In a scathing judgment which criticised the Chairman and PSC, Justice Henry ruled that the PSC had failed to comply with the regulations governing promotions. The Court found that the specific officers who testified in the case, were wronged by the PSC in promotions process and were entitled to redress. It also recognized the damaging effects of the PSC’s bad practices will have on the government if they are not corrected urgently.

So, if seniority lists were not kept, annual assessment of officers were not done, posts were not advertised, how were appointments and promotions being made? How can we say there is no ‘frien frien’ business, when there is no record to show on what basis promotions were made? How can we say people were not victimized or passed over for reasons that had nothing to do with their performance?

We cannot! Where is the transparency that this ULP government is so loudly and persistently trumpeting? There is clearly none.

It is good that this case was brought to Court, because if anyone had spoken about these practices by the PSC anecdotally or even from personal experience, there would have been much hand-wringing by the Prime Minister and all sorts of denials. There would have been assertion of the government’s adherence to the principle of good governance, and much talk about how transparent the government was in appointments and promotion in the service. But now it is all out there for the world to see. The emperor has no clothes!

I salute the courage of the officers who gave evidence in the case. I have heard that efforts were made to get people from across the Service to testify so that the judgment could cover, not just the areas where the seven who testified worked, but the whole service. But people were afraid to testify because that would have exposed them to possible retribution and punishment in their jobs.

We must change that culture of fear in the public service so that people can voice their opinions and stand up for their rights. When they function properly, the whole government benefits and by extension the entire country benefits.

Statement on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

As the socio-economic and political situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela becomes increasingly precarious, our concern for the safety, security and general well-being of the people of that regional sister country occupies our greatest consideration at this critical time. We urge the protagonists in the country, in particular, as well as all external parties, to be guided by that primordial humanitarian principle.

The citizens of that country, like all other people, deserve to live in peace and security, in their own homeland, in order to build a healthy, prosperous and felicitous existence, utilizing their human and natural resources, for the benefit of all.

We in the New Democratic Party (NDP), the oldest active political party in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), in accordance with our constitution, have actively worked to forge lasting relations with the governments and people of Latin America, even before the attainment of political independence in 1979.

Indeed, we have moved in the footsteps of our forebears, who, since the mid-19th century, have traversed the region and beyond in search of opportunities for economic advancement. In government we have consolidated and extended interstate relations, firmly based on mutual respect and non-interference in domestic affairs. At the sub-regional, regional, hemispheric and wider international levels, through our membership in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, CARICOM, the Association of Caribbean States, the Organization of American States and the United Nations, our party is a consistent voice for our guiding principles of respect for, and promotion of, human rights, and selfdetermination of peoples through representative democracy.

Our party, in parliamentary opposition since 2001, is fully aware of the less salubrious manifestations and frustrations of democracy through abuse of government power over the people. Even now, some three years after the last general election in SVG, in December 2015, the people are awaiting the decision of the courts of law in relation to petitions filed in a situation where the government holds a narrow one (1) seat majority for a second consecutive election. It is a clear case of justice delayed being justice denied.

The security of states is best served through principled multi-lateral cooperation among themselves, regardless of size, individual wealth, or strength. For small and microstates like SVG, it is the only option.

Fully cognizant of the challenges, stresses and strains to which even the most established democracies are subject; we reiterate our unwavering commitment to the solidarity we share with other countries of the region with the people of the Bolivarian republic.

We recall, with deep appreciation, the long-standing bi- lateral co-operation and mutual assistance between our countries, and pray for a resolution of the current crisis, in the best interests of the Venezuelan people.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2019. 11.

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Target fixation

“Successful people maintain a positive focus in life no matter what is going on around them. They stay focused on their past successes rather than their past failures, and on the next action steps they need to take to get them closer to the fulfillment of their goals rather than all the other distractions that life presents to them.” - Jack Canfield (Born 1944) - American author, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and corporate trainer. He is the coauthor of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. More than 250 titles and 500 million copies have been published in over 40 languages.

SEARCHING THE INTERNET for a quotation to introduce this week’s essay was most educational and energizing. It was truly amazing how many successful individuals have commented on the need to stay focused in pursuit of noble dreams. The commentators included athletes, academics, scientists, musicians, journalists, politicians, teachers, business executives, and a host of others. Each quotation was loaded with wisdom and, in their own very special and compelling way, invited this writer to contemplate whether this week’s essay should be the beginning of a sequel. Be that as it may, we commence the journey along a thought road that is focused on keeping our eyes on the target. It is so very important to avoid being distracted or discouraged by the detours that so often seem to invite us to abandon our noble dreams and/or to allow the necessary passion to fizzle away and die. We must, and we will, retain a focus on the target. We will embrace and encourage target fixation.

Several years ago, there was a programme on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in which a race car driver was being interviewed in relation to his successes. The interviewer had commented that this particular driver had maintained an excellent track record in relation to avoiding crashes on the race track. In response to the reporter’s prompting for this specific aspect of his success, the driver noted that a significant contribution to such accomplishments would have to do with the driver’s focus. He continued by explaining that the driver must discipline himself to keep his eyes on the road and not allow his gaze to wander in the direction of the crowd, barricades, or fences along the road.

In other words, the fixation must be on the path selected. He noted that to do otherwise (i.e. allowing his gaze to stray from the road) can easily result in the distracted driver heading in the direction of his stare … and eventually crashing. In other words, we are to retain the focus on the path selected. That is where our gaze should be fixed.

The illustration provided in the previous paragraph could be considered a very useful life example.

We (you and I) need to engage in exercises of target fixation. There is wisdom in retaining a focus on the vision that we have created and, regardless of the emergent circumstances, develop the discipline to keep at it. Detractors may appear and nay-sayers may become numerous and quite vocal. However, with determination and gusto, we can accomplish these outstanding feats.

We are a county of traitors This is as true for the student as it is for the athlete. It is equally true for those who are faced with multiple financial and/or relationship challenges. Target fixation is a significant tool in our success tool box.

Sometimes life’s challenges may invite us to engage in and retain selfdoubt. This may be especially so when we allow negative individuals to poison our thoughts. So much depends on who we allow to influence our judgements. Some radio talk show hosts can invite the innocent and unsuspecting to cultivate selfdefeating and negative thoughts. The “whispering friend” may be dreamstealers in disguise. We have to develop a spirit of discernment so that we can “pick sense from nonsense” as the old people will say. Phillip Sweet says it so well when he reminds us to, “Stay true to yourself, yet always be open to learn. Work hard, and never give up on your dreams, even when nobody else believes they can come true but you. These are not clichés but real tools you need no matter what you do in life to stay focused on your path.”

The preceding paragraph is not intended to make us conclude that the paths that we have chosen will always be right, and that we should never entertain the guidance that others may provide. This is certainly not what is being advocated here. The wisdom of others, especially the elderly and experienced among us, must be sought and analysed. We are reminded that so very often, we are unable to see the trees when we are in the forest, and may very well need the objective reviews and guidance of others who can share their helicopter vision with us. They may observe situations that we are unaware of, and can therefore provide useful cautionary advice. However, we would be naïve and foolish to assume that they are always right. That being said, we must engage in objective analysis of the varying views as we continue life’s journey. Additionally, even as we retain our fixation on the desirable target, we must understand that a periodic detour may be necessary. We may have to adjust our sails, depending on the direction and intensity of the wind. However, we retain and reinforce our determination to head in the direction of our noble ambitions.

Christopher Michael Gronkowski, a former American football fullback who played in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts, encourages us when he says, “You have to stay focused and be mentally tough. That’s what I’ve really learned: every day is a grind, and you have to go hard.” We were designed to be winners. That sperm from our father that united with our mother’s ovum (egg) was a winner against great odds. We started out winning. We will continue to do so as we embrace and perfect target fixation.

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

OUR COUNTRY IS A COUNTRY of traitors.

Statements like ‘Vincy to the bone,’ ‘Beloved SVG’ and ‘Country before self’ reflect empty glib talk with no real meaning. We are a country of traitors and treacherously so. We are traitors to our family, friends, neighbours. We are traitors to ourselves. We betray our consciences every day.

Last Tuesday, while parliament met to discuss the 2019 Estimates of $1.067 billion, our Court of Appeal delivered one of the most stinging rebukes to our country’s executive branch. This case had to do with an appeal from a decision rendered by Justice Cottle.

Three teachers, who contested the elections on the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) ticket in 2010, were refused readmission into the service after they failed to win their seats. The teachers, Daniel, Johnson and Thomas were also refused benefits such as pensions and gratuity.

Two things flowed from the critically important decision, the more important of which was that our courts, as is so often alleged by opposition parliamentarians and supporters, are not in PM Gonsalves’ pocket. The other was that government has some serious thinking to do regarding its dealings with the citizenry generally, but more so its perceived enemies. Good governance principles, ever crucial to a democracy, demand a pause.

No one, except those blinded by hyper partisanship, can deny that, as in the case with Otto Sam, the government intended to ‘economically assassinate’ Daniel, Thomas and Johnson. The decision reflected a callous disregard for the lives and welfare of fellow citizens. These were long standing teachers who among them chalked up 101 years as teachers.

To promise then renege on the Collective Bargaining Agreement manifested a callous disregard for the lives and livelihood of fellow citizens.

Anyone schooled in the law ought to have recognized, from the very first paragraph, that this case was going to go badly for the government. Justice Benjamin, writing for the court, opened his judgment thus: ‘It is unremarkable for the citizen to invoke the Constitution as a means of redress in respect of action by the State where it is alleged that rights guaranteed thereunder are being contravened or are threatened with contravention. This case presents the rather remarkable scenario in which the State engages the Constitution to avoid the provisions of article 16 of a collective agreement it entered into with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Union of Teachers (the “Union”), on the ground that that article is ultra vires the Constitution.’

It was all downhill after the initial salvo. But this column is not intended as an elaborate outline of the Court’s decision. This column is about us and our betrayal of core principles, betrayal of loved ones and colleagues if and when it fits our political narrative. We pause here only to say that while the Court refrained from reinstating the teachers, on the ground that the judiciary does not want to usurp the role of the executive, it ordered the government to pay pension and gratuity as cost in the matter below and in the appeal. You can be sure Daniel, Johnson and Thomas are having their best sleep since they lost their bids to become elected parliamentarians.

Our position has been unwaveringly consistent from the beginning. Eight years ago, on a picket organized by the

People’s Movement for Change, we said: ‘Our focus today is to speak to the fact that the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the teachers and the government was legal and valid. It was legitimate and the government should honour that agreement.’

But what has been the position of others? Those supporting the government said that the agreement was invalid because it violated the constitution. They said the idea to allow teachers to contest elections was not real, meaningful or intended for implementation because it was purely aspirational. Conveniently forgotten was the oft touted notion that the clause demonstrated the forward looking, peopled centred policy of the ULP. The teachers, Daniel, Johnson and Thomas, were criticized for throwing cold water on the vaunted Education Revolution. Worse, because of that cardinal sin, they were not readmitted into the system. They lost their jobs, pensions and benefits. Party supporters cheered on such views. Some compounded the vindictiveness and spite by gleefully declaring ‘good fo dem.’ Fortunately, we have a judiciary that is true to the fundamental principles of due process of the law and fairness.

Since this decision, government supporters have maintained a shellshocked silence. But they are not to be outdone. While generally elated about the decision, opposition supporters refuse to drop the mantra that the court is in Gonsalves’ pocket. They claim that Gonsalves gives one sometimes. They say to argue about objectivity and independence of the court is to succumb to the trick argument that the 2015 elections were free and fair, because the government narrowly won 8 seats to 7. Many in the opposition do not subscribe to the view ‘you win some, you lose some.’ Once the decision goes against it, the court is corrupt.

And so the story goes. We suspend our common sense. We refuse to engage our good sense. We abandon, betray and sacrifice our conscience on the altar of political expediency. Our work colleague fails yet again to get a promotion, but we find ways to explain away why he is not favoured. Our neighbour’s son does not get into the school his grades qualify him for, but that’s okay because my daughter is right where I wanted her.

Some of us afford the good life because of our profession and job, therefore those who live in poverty and cannot find work need to get off their lazy asses. We all profess to be saints, when in our hearts and minds we know we are devils, devils, devils.

In traitorous times like these, the New Testament Scripture verse John 4:20 rings true. ‘If any one says, I love God, and hates his brother (sister), he is a liar: for he that loves not his brother (sister) whom he sees, how can he love God whom he cannot see’.

Unless we come to know and be true to ourselves, we will continue on a slippery slope to hell.

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

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Open Letter to Chairman of LIAT Board Dear Sir/ Madam, Re: Disclosure of LIAT Annual Financial Statements 2008 to 2018

WARRANT OFFICER Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader of SVG Green Party, is making a very strong call on the Chairman of LIAT to disclose LIAT’s Annual Financial Statements for 2008 to 2018, to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Please, can you make these Annual Financial Statements available to the SVG public for inspection in public places, such as the in the library or Commerce and Intellectual Property Office / Companies House.

The ULP regime has put millions of SVG taxpayers’ money into LIAT, but the SVG people are given no indication of how efficiently SVG taxpayers’ money is being spent. SVG is not the private estate of the ULP regime and SVG taxpayers have a right to know how and where taxpayers’ money is being spent.

Millions of SVG taxpayers’ money have been repeatedly pumped into LIAT, and the cost to SVG taxpayers’ of LIAT’s continual failure to operate as a going concern, is particularly high. It is, therefore, crucial that LIAT show the highest standards of

Statements, could offer valuable advice and new alternatives that can stimulate LIAT to be a going concern.

More importantly, as we live in a new governance, accountability, to LIAT is money not going into SVG age of accountability and transparency and financial schools and infrastructure. transparency, LIAT should disclose its management, and do this by making Millions of SVG taxpayers’ money its Annual Financial Statements have been wasted on LIAT, and we see Annual Financial Statements to SVG taxpayers as a good corporate citizen. available to the SVG public for no real improvement.

The Leader of SVG Green Party inspection and scrutiny.

There are concerns too about Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc Too often, LIAT is falling short of excessive directors and senior (Hons), MSc, MBA, who is a graduate these standards. The disclosure of management salaries, even though LIAT’s Annual Financial Statements they are clearly incompetent, as LIAT in Accounting and Finance and Economics from Oxford Brookes to the SVG public for scrutiny, would is always being bailed out financially University, England, requests, on be a welcome step forward in and not operating as a going concern. behalf of the people of SVG, that LIAT improving LIAT’s transparency and LIAT is not providing the basic level discloses its Annual Financial accountability. of accountability that SVG taxpayers Statements for 2008 to 2018 to the If SVG taxpayers are to be given a are entitled to. It is unacceptable that people of SVG, and make them proper chance to hold LIAT to account, LIAT should fail persistently, yet still available for inspection and scrutiny in it is vital they have timely access to be able to receive and spend SVG public places in SVG. transparent and detailed information public money. SVG taxpayers have a regarding LIAT’s Annual Financial right to transparency and to see how Yours faithfully, Statements. LIAT must be judged their money is being spent by LIAT. Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc against the standards expected of LIAT should meet this most basic (hons), MSc, MBA. other institutions funded by SVG obligation.

CC: His Excellency the Governor taxpayers’ money, and indeed, should Chucking SVG taxpayers’ money General of SVG in fact be jointly audited by the SVG into the ‘black hole’ that is LIAT, is Cabinet Secretary SVG Director of Audit, as it is public not good value for money, and is shortPrime Minister of Antigua money. sighted, unacceptable and immoral.

Prime Minister of Barbados Taxpayers are intelligent people A new, proactive strategy is needed Prime Minister of Dominica and, given the opportunity to have an to safeguard SVG taxpayers’ money Prime Minister of Grenada insight into LIAT’s Annual Financial given to LIAT. The cost of LIAT’s constant failure to be a going concern, is hugely damaging for the people and economy of SVG. SVG taxpayers’ money going

Colonization and Yah’s (God’s) plan for building his Kingdom

PETER AND CLEOPHAS walked steadily on their way to the village of Emmaus, a relatively short distance from Jerusalem. As they walked, they talked about what had recently transpired, regarding the death of Yahusha, the Messiah.

They were so taken up in their own discourse, that they did not even notice the man that was walking along with them, far less recognize who he was, as they strolled along.

“What are you guys talking about that have you looking so morose?” he inquired of them.

Cleophas looked at him and asked with a frown, “Are you a stranger to Jerusalem, so that you don’t know what transpired here recently?”

“What things”? the stranger asked, looking from one to the other.

They both responded, concerning Yahusha of Nazareth, he was a Prophet, mighty both in word and in deed, before Yahuah (God) and the people.

“The Chief Priests, and our rulers, delivered him to the Romans, to be condemned to death, and so they crucified him. We had hoped fervently that he would’ve been the one to redeem Israel from the clutches of Rome(Acts 1:6).

“Some of the women of our Community, astonished us by saying that when they visited his Sepulchre in the early morn, that the stone had been rolled away, and his body was gone. Also, they said that they saw (Malaks) Angels, who informed them that he (Yahusha) was alive.

“Some others from our Community also went to confirm this amazing news, and found it to be quite true. “ The stranger looked intently at them and said, “You foolish men, and

so slow to understand all that the Prophets have spoken.

“Do you not know that Mashiak (Christ) had to suffer all these things, before he entered into his glory?”

Then beginning at Moshe (Moses), and all the other Prophets, he made clear to them from the Scriptures, everything concerning Himself (Heb 10:7).

As they drew near to Emmaus, the stranger continued to walk on, but they held him back saying, “Why don’t you stay with us, it’s almost evening now.”

So, he consented, and abode with them.

And as they sat and had supper, the stranger took the bread in his hands, blessed it, broke it, and handed it to them.

“Hey..,” they stared in astonishment at the familiar routine, “Is this …?”

Suddenly they knew who He was, and He immediately disappeared out of their sight.

Wow!! They looked at each other.

“Did you feel the passion inside as He expounded the Scriptures to us?”

Hastily they returned to Jerusalem, and found the other eleven disciples gathered together with some other folks.

They immediately launched excitedly into the details of what had transpired. And as they told the story while the others gawked with opened mouth, Yahusha(Jesus) Himself materialized in their midst.

“Peace be unto you,” He said quietly. (… to be continued.)

Negus

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01 , 2019. 13.

News

CAL falls short: SVG has to pay THE GUARANTEE revenue was met by 14 of the 49 round trips made by Caribbean Airlines (CAL) in its first year of operations at the Argyle International Airport, resulting in the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority (SVGTA) having to pay the airline US$1,059,724.

This was revealed by Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture Cecil McKie to the House of Assembly last Tuesday, in response to a question posed by the Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Godwin Friday.

Dr Friday wanted to know about the financial arrangements between this country and the airlines, and the extent to which they (airlines) are subsidized by the government.

McKie revealed that revenue generated from the flights operated by CAL amounted to US$2,858,766; however, the revenue guarantee was US$3,918,49, hence the payment of US1,058,724 to the airline, which is

guaranteed revenue of US$110,380 for a return flight between JFK, New York and AIA, SVG. The SVGTA and CAL have a three-year contractual agreement which spans the period March 2018 to March 2021.

With regard to American Airlines, the tourism minister said that it was too soon to make a determination, as there were not any flight data submissions made by the airline which he said was done on a quarterly basis.

However, he confirmed that the SVGTA and AA entered into a contractual agreement for the period 2018 to 2020 from between Miami International Airport and AIA. The first three flights were made in December 2018, bringing in 375 passengers and carrying out 365.

A letter of credit in the amount US$1 million was established and the revenue guarantee of US$33,672 for each oneway flight was agreed.

Sunwing charters did

16 return flights between January and December 2018 bringing in 1,898 passengers with 2,324 departing.

Air Canada, according to McKie, was the only airline where the flights operated realized 91 percent capacity, therefore satisfying the revenue guarantee threshold for the airline.

“As a result of these favourable responses from these flights, SVG did not incur any cost associated with the airline,” McKie explained.

SVG did, however, provide a revenue guarantee in the amount of CDN1,593,723 for those flights during the winter season.

The airline added an additional flight on Thursdays in October 2017 and another on Sundays, the latter only for the period December 2018 to April 2019.

The country has no contractual agreement with Air Canada whose flights now operate independently, McKie said. (DD)

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14. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Traffic Dept to remain proactive

POSTING YOUR FAVOURITE omni-bus driving recklessly on social media could land the owner/operator in hot water with the law.

This as the Traffic Department (TD) of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) continue to be on the lookout for those road users bent on endangering the lives of other road users.

Inspector Henry Providence of the TD told THE VINCENTIAN that there was an incident where someone posted on social media two omnibuses driving recklessly in one of the out districts.

Once identified, the drivers and buses were brought into the Police Headquarters in Kingstown.

Both drivers had their licence suspended by the Commissioner of Police, who has the authority to do so outside of the court, and they were charged and made to appear in court.

“Once any report of recklessness comes, we will take action. Even if it is on social media, once we identify any of these culprits, we will take action,” Insp Providence asserted.

Continuing stepped-up action

He assured that the department was continuing with its proactive approach in the new year.

“We are trying to continue to be proactive and not sitting waiting for things to happen. We are aware of what is taking place on our roads,” Insp. Providence said.

According to the Inspector, by the end of December 2018, the TD had issued 6,700 tickets to road users, with the majority being issued to omni-bus operators for offences including disobeying road signs, stopping in nondesignated stop areas, and playing loud music.

But even as he disclosed the number of tickets issued, he noted that the number was cause for concern.

“It means that people are not adhering to the traffic regulations,” he stressed.

And while speaking on the issue of reckless driving, Inspector Providence also noted that there was an increase in the number of reported traffic accidents during 2018.

In 2018, there were 990 reported accidents across St Vincent and

Inspector Henry Providence of the Traffic Department has given the assurance that Traffic Officers will continue to be vigilant in 2019.

Left: The number of vehicular accidents reported in 2018 showed an increase over 2017.

the Grenadines, compared to 967 recorded in 2017.

He attributed this increase to the number of registered vehicles on the road, and the fact that more and more youngsters, ages 17 and 18, were being issued driver’s licences, which meant that more inexperienced drivers were now using the roads.

In discussing the number of vehicles on the road, Insp Providence told THE VINCENTIAN that based on data available at the end of

Traffic to give rural areas attention challenges and an increase in vehicular accidents, statistics THE POLICE TRAFFIC generally show that the Department DEPARTMENT intends to up its has been performing well, and he game in 2019. considers 2018 to be another Inspector Henry Providence, second successful year. The Department had in command of the Department, told also lauded 2017 as a success year.

THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, that Five road fatalities were recorded while there would be an increase in in 2018, and five in 2017, compared to patrols generally the police intend to seven in 2016 and 15 in 2015. partner with the outstations, so as to He noted that the officers work step up its operations in the rural tirelessly, sometimes way into the areas. This is expected to be done morning. quarterly.

Providence thanked the public for The Department also intends to their support and cooperation over intensify their educational drive this the years, and looks forward to this year. This will include visiting schools being continued and increased in to educate the youngsters on road 2019 and beyond. safety techniques. Additionally, He urged motorists and information will be relayed through a pedestrians to exercise greater recently established Facebook page. caution and be more considerate to Providence said that despite the one another while using the roads.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Below: Omni-buses (mini-buses) with their reinforced audio system have been guilty of playing music at exceedingly high levels.

Providence said that a recent ‘stop and check’ operation was successful, with 50 tickets being issued for Loud music offences, including In relation to the driving clamp down on the without a playing of loud music in licence and/or both private and public insurance, (omni-buses) vehicles, Insp Providence said that and loud music. persons are being He said ticketed daily for the that this offence.

He admitted, however, practice will continue that, while they are throughout successful in finding the year, and offenders within the he called on Kingstown district, it members of the public to individuals fail to oblige was proving difficult to the request for the do so in the rural areas. continue to report volume of the audio Some individuals will persons who break the system in a public law on the road, and play the music at an especially in cases where service vehicle be turned acceptable level within down. (DD) the confines of Kingstown, but then turn it up once reaching distances from the capital, the Inspector explained.

He called on the officers in the outstations to come on board and to ensure that drivers comply with the law, even as his department conduct patrols to some of these outdistrict areas.

And while on the issue of patrols and random The number of registered vehicles in SVG has passed the checks, Insp 30,000 mark. (SVG Photo) 2017, there were 26,495 registered vehicles in the country.

By the same time in 2018, that number had increased to 30,523.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01 , 2019. 15.

News

Support for Venezuela declared beginning of democracy in that country.

Vincentian Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves got things going with a clear and unambiguous reiteration of his government’s support for the Venezuela government and President Maduro.

To give that support, Dr. Gonsalves said, was “in accordance with the highest traditions.”

With a less than veiled reference to President Donald Trump and the USA’s role in instigating a coup in Venezuela, the Vincentian Prime Minister warned of a “lot of bloodshed” if armed camps are allowed to be set up in Venezuela.

He admitted that the situation in there is challenging, but held fast to the position that “we are interested in peace.”

He alluded to his efforts at setting out dialogue and of Head of the Venezuela discussion with Mission to St. Vincent and Colombia’s Foreign the Grenadines Frnacisco Minister, even Perez Santana expressed without consent from thanks for the expressions of the Venezuelan support. government.

THE EMBASSY of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Murray’s Road, Kingstown, was, last week Wednesday, the venue for an outpouring of support for the Nicola Maduro led administration.

The occasion was billed as an activity in solidarity with the government and people of Venezuela, to mark the 61st anniversary of the overthrow of the Marcus Perez Jimenez dictatorship and the

The Prime Minister’s declaration was witnessed by Speaker of the House of Assembly Jomo Thomas and the Prime Minister’s cabinet colleagues: Camillo Gonsalves, Frederick Stephenson, St. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves making Clair Prince and clear this country government’s steadfast Julian Francis. support for the President Nicola Mudaro-led Thomas joined in administration in Venezuela. the expressions of support for Vilma Reyes Venezuela by first Valdespino offered dismissing claims Cuba’s Resident Ambassador to St. her country’s that the Vincent and the Grenadines H.E. support of the Venezuelan Vilma Reyes Valdespino, reminded of Venezuelan government is the right of a sovereign nation to government, illegitimate as define its own destiny. saying, in relation articulated by to the external outside forces.

1972. forces bearing down on the He reflected on the The Speaker pointed to country, “… the right of a situation in Guyana in Venezuela being dragged sovereign nation to define 1953 when Cheddi Jagan down a similar route to its own destiny is at stake was elected but was the Speaker of the House what obtained in Chile. as a result of an subject of external Jomo Thomas Thomas praised former international plot pressure because of his Venezuelan leader Hugo orchestrated from the compared what people-centred orientation. Chavez and Cuba’s Fidel North American empire.” currently hangs over Thomas also referred to Castro for their role in The VenezuelanVenezuela as akin to Guatemala in 1953 and completion of the Argyle Vincentian Friendship earlier destabilising the Dominican Republic in International Airport, and Association (VENVIFA) efforts in the region.

1955 when the duly pointed to this country’s also expressed its elected governments in adherence to the solidarity with the Venezuela, through its those countries faced principles of international government and people of Head of Mission Francisco hostility from US law as the platform for its Venezuela.

Perez Santana, expressed quarters; and the solidarity with Venezuela.

The Embassy of the gratitude for the overthrow of President Cuba’s Ambassador Bolivarian Republic of expressions of solidarity.

Salvador Allende in Chile

‘Government insults unions,’ says NDP THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED salary increase of 1% offered to public servants has been described as an insult to the unions by the Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) .

“This purported imposition by the government of a so called salary increase is an affront to the union and the bargaining process,” said Leader of the Opposition Godwin Friday during a press conference at the New Democratic Party Headquarters at Richmond Hill last week Monday.

Friday said the NDP supports the union in its call for a return to the bargaining process and generally in their efforts to represent their members. “The government should respect the bargaining process and engage in good faith negotiations with them,” said the NDP leader.

According to Friday, the last negotiated salary increase for teachers took place in 1999 under the NDP government, and that all salary increases under the ULP government have been legislated.

“In other words, the government says to workers and their representatives that they know best what is good for the workers and have the power to enforce it. So instead of coming to the table in a spirit of mutual respect and negotiating an acceptable outcome, the ULP government used its power in every

The executive of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union met, on Thursday 17th January, with Leader of the Opposition Godwin Friday and members of his New Democratic Party. instance to impose an outcome,” charged Friday.

He said that it is a shame that the government that calls itself a labour government and brags about its labour friendliness, would intentionally obstruct and disregard the collective bargaining process, and that despite the union calling for negotiations on all matters, including salaries, the government has refused to come to the bargaining table.

“Instead, the unions were invited to meet the Prime Minister and other members of government to be informed

Thursday 24th January 2019 was the turn of the Executive of the Public Service Union to meet with the New Democratic Party (NDP).

about what the government had decided to offer them in the upcoming budget.

And what is that offer? A mere 1% for the second half of 2018, 1.5 for 2019 and 2% for 2020.

The meeting between at least two Unions members and the Prime Minister and his cabinet, never took place as the union members refused to leave their phone outside the meeting room as demanded by the Prime Minister. Friday said that the Prime Minister made such a demand because he lacks trust.

According to Friday, the Teachers’ Union and the Public Service Union met with the NDP, and the first thing he said to them was all phones are welcome. “I wouldn’t contemplate inviting persons to meet with me and then insult them in that manner to say that I can’t trust them, because that essentially is what it comes down to, and the Prime Minister has a problem with trust. Remember he said he didn’t trust Arhnim Eustace, he doesn’t trust me, can’t share information with me; now obviously he doesn’t trust the leaders of the union,” Friday declared. (KH)

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16. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

A Vincentian offers a guide

David Joyette has penned his first book (manual) which keeps within his sphere of expertise and experience.

‘HOW TO DEVELOP a Winning Self-image - A Psychology of Personal Growth and Development’ is the title of a debut manual authored by

Vincentian David Joyette.

It is a manual that offers advice “on reprogramming inner attitudes … about succeeding in life.”

Dr. Joyette is today resident in Canada and is described as ‘a respected Human-ResourcesManagement trainer, facilitator, and coach’.

The lineage notes to his book speak of him as having “a scholarly background in in the physical sciences, behavioural psychology, and business,” with more than twenty years teaching under his belt.

He is ‘the Founder and Director of Quality Business Solutions?a company that assists individuals, as well as small and medium-size businesses, in achieving their desired success’.

‘How to Develop a Winning Self-image…’, first published in June 2018, is advanced as “A lean but surprisingly

comprehensive guide that skillfully tells readers how to analyze and take control of their self-images.” Kirkus Reviews It is by normal standard a ‘lean book’, comprised of some 186 pages. But it packs a powerful punch which its cover notes said it does with “beautifully expressed inspirations and insights into visualization and its constructive impact on change.

This book will teach you how to take responsibility for your own emotions, confront your fears and weakness, and make meaningful and positive.”

“The essence of this inspirational book’s teachings–presented in clear, highly kinetic prose–is that such expertise is often a selffulfilling prophecy, the product of letting all of life’s negative stimuli pile up and harden into a crust of self-defeat. The author’s advice examines many personal improvement

topics, always distinguishing between inner and outer enhancements– and emphasizing that the former is more important. changes to your subconscious mind.” Kirkus Reviews.

“Joyette wants his readers to ask themselves some disarmingly simple questions: What ‘How to Develop a Winning Selfexplanations do you have for the way your image - A Psychology of Personal life currently is, and if Growth and Development’. it isn’t to your liking, winning self-image, this why is that? What are the publication by David Joyette is factors that have gone into a good a place as any to begin. making your life and personality the way they are? It may cause the reader to The central contention of these bare himself/’herself, but his plan is all about a cleansing, pages is that most of the an unbosoming that leads to answers to such questions lie an acceptance of self. inside individuals.” Kirkus The Book is available on Reviews Amazon and Friesenpress For those who want to be among other online sources. challenged into ‘developing a

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01 , 2019. 17.

News

SVGSÊs library gets Flow input THE ST. VINCENT GRAMMAR SCHOOL Library is set to undergo extensive rehabilitation, and telecommunication service provider Flow has already demonstrated its readiness to assist.

Last week, the telecommunications corporation made a donation of some $6,600 to the undertaking.

Speaking at the handover, Flow’s Country Manager Wayne Hull said that updating of the school library “is a project in which the company readily decided to play an integral role.”

He recognized that making the library more relevant and conducive “is paramount to the school’s success.”

Speaking at the handing over, Alfred John, Principal of the SVGS, expressed gratitude on behalf of the school.

John noted that the library has been in a “dilapidated condition” and out dated for quite some time. So much so, he added, students have not been able to utilize the library for their maximum benefit.

In highlighting the timeliness of the donation, the principal outlined that the rehabilitation will commence with the provision of furniture for the library and a more efficient air condition unit.

The Principal said that the library rehabilitation is an ongoing project. In addition to improving the physical conditions, there was need to update the range of literature on offer and to provide up to date technology, including

a computer which the library does not currently have in its inventory.

SVGS Head of English, Caron Bucchan, emphasized the importance of acquiring updated materials and a computer for the library. She stated that the main aim was to get books for the students to use during their stint at the all-boys institution. She noted that the boys were struggling with reading, and gave the assurance that the funds will be put to good use. Presentation party, including Flow’s Country Manager Wayne Hull (3rd from left) and SVGS Principal Alfred John Flow has been sponsors of the Lions Club (3rd from right) at the handing over of Flow’s donation.

South Public Speaking Competition for over 20 years. This year’s winner is Laron Jones of the St. Vincent Grammar school.

The St. Vincent Grammar School has provided the winner of the last two winners of the Lions Club South Flow Public Speaking Competition.

18. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01 , 2019. 19.

News

ECGC doubles support for PRISPAF East Caribbean Bottlers Inc (ECBI), a subsidiary company of the East Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC), has committed $15,000 to the Primary Schools Performing Arts Festival (PRISPAF), doubling their usual sponsorship in the process.

The sponsorship carries the ECBI Ju-C brand.

The PRISPAF preliminary round of the Festival will run from February 5 to March 6, and culminate on March 19 and 20 at the Methodist Church Hall.

Last year, 55 primary schools participated, three more than in 2017, and the joint organisers — the Ministries of Culture and Education are hopeful of an increase in participation this year.

Coordinator of PRISPA Martin Quashie,

speaking at a press conference at the National Library conference room on Friday, said that one of his main objectives is to expand the programme.

He called on the principals and teachers of the primary schools to get on board, since the Festival offers the students an opportunity to develop and harness their talents, and that no one, including the schools, should prevent them from doing so.

The first PRISPA took place in 2006. ECBI came on board with their sponsorship three years ago and, according to the organisers, this has made a major difference.

Marketing Manager at ECGC Rachel Haslam said that ECGC is excited about PRISPA which represents the company’s most rewarding sponsorship

currently.

“It’s for this reason why this year, we have doubled our value of commitment to the Festival,” said Haslam.

She said it gives the ECGC team a chill to travel to the primary schools and interact with the performers.

“Children and Ju-c go hand in hand,” declared Haslam as she promised exciting giveaways for the children as part of the sponsorship.

Dexter Bacchus of the Ministry of Education said that it is events like PRISPA which will ensure the growth and development and sustenance of the performing art of SVG. He expressed thanks to ‘Ju-C’ and urged continued support for the Festival.

Cultural Officer Anthony Theobalds said that the performers will benefit by learning to

express a certain amount of self-discipline, expansion in the range of skill sets, learn about cooperation from participating in groups.

“We want to encourage and ask for the support so that the children be allowed to share their talent,” pleaded Theobalds.

(L-R): Rachel Haslam, Marketing Manager at ECGC, seals her company’s sponsorship with a handshake with Martin Quashie, Coordinator of PRISPAF.

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20. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Tired of all the disrespect Dear George, I AM THE WIFE of a very popular and influential individual, and I’m feeling very abandoned and disrespected by my husband. He thinks he has the right to sleep and flirt with girls young enough to be his daughter. Whenever I talk to him about his behaviour, he would hit me repeatedly. His friends think he is a gentleman, but he is a beast at home.

He does not sleep with me; he says I’m too old. I feel hopeless, abused, embarrassed and useless.

George, I am tired of all of it, and I’m going to end it once and for all.

Maybe after I’m gone, he

will be exposed for who and what he is. He has refused for us to go for counselling, saying he knows exactly what the counsellor is going to say. I’m so very tired of it all.

counselled on how best to handle your particular situation. I advise that you get help immediately. Call the Marion House for starters.

In the meantime, Lost hope remind yourself that you do have value, and that Dear Lost hope, you can climb your way out of this quagmire.

Thank you for You do deserve better, sharing. I can and better will come, but understand why you you have to believe and would feel the way you be around to cash in. do. It is not fun when the person you trusted to Your counsellor will be there for you and love guide you through this dark moment. Please you, does the very keep me posted on your opposite.

His refusal to get help progress. does not mean you must George not go. You need to be

A six for a nine? all but raped me when I refused to have sex. I MY GIRLFRIEND gave never saw it then, but I do now. It had to be she birth to a baby boy who wanted to give me a 6 for did not look anything a 9. Now, this child like me. The older he resembles the guy whom grows, it is becoming she denied having an more obvious. I remember before she got affair with.

I have withdrawn my pregnant she begged me support for the child to stop using condoms, using the excuse that she until I have proof that he does or does not belong is allergic to the to me. Is this not within material. my right?

There was this urgency for us to have unprotected sex, and she No fool.

Dear George,

Dear No fool You should not withdraw your support from this child. Legally, the child is considered to be yours until you can prove otherwise. It is in your interest to have a paternity test done as soon as possible. I will advise you, however, to do what is in the best interest of the child.

George

Sexually starved understanding why it is happening, is to talk MY HUSBAND suddenly about it. Living in silence will not solve decided to sexually anything. starve me for no Let him know you are apparent reason. He was not like that before, not satisfied with what is and his actions have me going on and you need for it to end. Suggest to worried. No matter what I do, I cannot excite him that you both see him. It is now quite a while since we have been intimate. In fact, we now sleep in separate rooms — not what I want, but it is like that.

I do not want to think he is having an affair, but what else am I supposed to think?

Dear George,

Worried Dear Worried, There could be one of any number of reasons for your husband’s attitude and behaviour.

The first step to resolving this or

someone to assist you in getting to the core of the matter. You may be surprised to see how beneficial honest and open conversation can be.

George

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Try to concentrate on research and acquiring information that will be of value in your chosen field. You may be frazzled this week. Sudden trips may take you by surprise; try to include your mate, mixing business with pleasure.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Travel will lead you in new directions. Go after your goals and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. You could be misinterpreted if you’re not careful. Curb the impulse to make lavish purchases and maybe spend some time with good friends.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Your ability to take hold of a situation will surely bring you popularity and leadership. You should put a little extra effort in at work. Advancement can be yours if you are assertive in your approach.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) You can ask for favors and get sound advice from close friends or relatives.

Sudden romantic connections may be short lived. Take care when dealing with older relatives. You have to feel free to come and go as you please to achieve happiness.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) You can get ahead if you are willing to take a partner. Get rich quick schemes will not be successful. Your ideas can be put into action. You may want to make changes that will not be to their liking.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) Be careful when dealing with loved ones.

You will find that unfinished projects at home will be most satisfying. Don’t make accusations unless you are completely sure that you are correct.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) You may want to tell someone how you really feel. Take a short business trip if possible. Get involved in physical activities that will stimulate you. Tie up your personal papers or push to have legal settlements completed.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Don’t bother retaliating, just walk away.

You can make new friends who could turn into intimate connections if you join clubs or take creative courses.

Residential moves are evident. Your health may suffer if you don’t control your present situation.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Don’t be too shy to promote your own interests. You will have to be sure not to burn the candle at both ends. Don’t let coworkers get wind of your ideas or they might try to take credit for your hard work.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Don’t involve yourself in the emotional problems of those you work with.

Someone you work with may be trying to make you look bad. Things have been moving so quickly that you need to do something physical to release your tension.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Be cautious when dealing with foreigners. Be careful how you handle friends and relatives, they may take things the wrong way. Focus on your own domestic problems.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Take time to listen to children and help them with projects that seem impossible to them. Be sure to take time for old friends or relatives you don’t get to see that often.

ACROSS 1. Wood‐cutting tools 5. Towel holder 9. Understand (puns) 12. Milky stone 13. Canyon effect 14. Pretty Gabor 15. Sitcom pioneer Arnaz 16. Come close to 17. Sharp pinch 18. Driving peg 20. Fights back 22. Polish city 25. “Merry” month 26. Victorious exclamation 27. Furniture hauler 29. British noble 33. Thieve 34. Secretly marry 37. Pigeon call 38. Tinted 40. Small speck 41. Curtain‐hanging bar 42. Mischievous youth 45. Devious plan 47. Recreation vehicle 50. All – marbles 51. Possess obligations 52. Faction 54. Grows weaker 58. “_ me know!”

59. Dueling memento 60. Business transaction 61. Pack mammal 62. Cravings 63. Remain DOWN 1. Turf clump 2. Monkey cousin

3. Had being 4. Narrow incisions 5. Fresh start 6. Combat pilot 7. Enchant 8. Contentious Asian Peninsula 9. Heredity unit 10. Horribly wicked 11. Faucets 19. Icicle site 21. Parting utterance 22. Thesaurus entry 23. Shout at sea 24. Choir garment 28. Head gesture 30. Land measure 31. Hotel division

32. Mining source 35. Wall decora‐ tions 36. Carve in acid 39. Brief swim 43. Chaotic 44. Cost 46. Follows (advice)

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2019. 21.

47. Soda option 48. Overwhelms 49. Flushing team 53. Journalist Rather 55. Casino wager 56. Meadow bleat 57. Foxy

V Poor Union leadership 22. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

I WAS FLABBERGASTED by news of the behaviour of the leaders of 2 Unions (the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union and the Public Service Union, and the Police Welfare Association, when they were asked to leave their cell phones at the security check-point before entering the Office of the Prime Minister. The Union representatives had gone

to that office for a meeting to discuss possible salary increases for their membership and matters related to the Budget.

They were simply being asked to comply with standard procedure, in place for obvious reasons.

The issue is even more alive, given the fact that in the recent past, a violation of this requirement took place, whereby someone was able to sneak a phone

into Cabinet Room and smuggle to the outside world a recording from a private meeting.

The restriction on phones was not established by the Prime Minister himself. It is a part of the long established protocol of the office. A student can’t take a cell phone into an examination room. You can’t carry phones into the US Embassy in

Barbados, and you just can’t take electronic communication devices into the PM’s office! We are not running a Mauby Shop. There are security and sensitivity considerations. If I wanted to see Donald Trump, I might even have to leave myself outside.

I can’t imagine why a group of people would want to be remembered

for holding on to their phones at the expense of the fundamental interests of their membership. They sacrificed an opportunity to address weighty matters at the highest levels, on the altar of vanity and an overdrawn sense of personal importance. The militant founding fathers and mothers of Trade Unionism in this country must be quite dismayed.

What we have today is a bunch of jokers who will go down in infamy.

We know from the build up to the proposed meeting that these particular Unions/Association were spoiling for a fight.

Interestingly, their disruptive cause or purposes would have been better served if they had actually entered the talks, and then abandoned them midcourse claiming a breakdown over a substantive matter — that would have been more palatable to the public than recourse to juvenile antics. We are left to believe that they were afraid to face the music. It wasn’t even a case of grandstanding. It was just pettiness in the extreme.

Instead of doing

serious work geared at securing favourable outcomes, the poor excuses for Union leaders preferred to go instead to a particular establishment at the Cruise Ship Berth for a Friday Frolic with Friends. While they were out, the representatives of other Unions were busy working hard and striking deals for salary increases applicable to the second half of 2018 (retroactively), 2019 and 2020. Congrats to them.

It is my view that the absentee leaders showed poor judgement, weakness, recklessness and irresponsibility with their course of conduct.

The offending actors should be censured. They are not fit to be charged with the conduct of serious affairs, and I believe that they should be recalled. I am speaking as a member of the Teachers Union. I have no problem at all with my leaders following protocols, fighting dutifully on my behalf and bringing home the bacon. The current crop of infantile leaders needs to grow up or get out. In that case, they could keep their phones all they want.

Frank Wiseman

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2019. 23.

Biggest U-13 Football

Competition kicks off THE ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Football Federation (SVGFF) will host, from tomorrow at the Victoria Park, its biggest Under-13 Football Competition to date.

Twenty- five teams, drawn from clubs contesting the National Club Championships, have registered to participate.

The competing teams, which are being uniformed by the SVGFF, are stashed into four zones.

Zone A comprises Brownstown, DESCO, Owia United, Pride & Joy, Sparta and SV United.

Zone B features Awesome, Glenside Ball Blazers, Richmond Hill, Sion Hill, System 3, and Toni Stores Jugglers.

Zone C includes Avenues United, Camdonia- Chelsea, Largo Height, Sharpes, RSVG Police and Volcanoes.

Zone: D & R Strikers, Je Belle, Layou, North Leeward Predators, Parkside Rollers, QCESCO Titans and Hillview, make up Zone D. Third Vice- President of the SVGFF and head of the Tournament’s Committee- Wayde Jackson explained that

the competition would be decentralized, with matches shifting venues on both the Leeward and Windward sides of the mainland, following tomorrow’s opening.

The two top teams from each of the zones will advance to the quarter- finals, Jackson said.

According to Jackson, the Under-13 Competition, which is open to males only, is geared towards better preparing the next National Under-15 Team.

Jackson said following the competition, a squad of players will be

Some of these players will be on show for SV United and Owia United in the SVGFF’s Under-13 Competition.

Head of the SVGFF Tournament’s Committee – Wayde Jackson. selected to go into training towards selection to a better prepared Under 15 National Team.

“In order for us to build an Elite Programme, we need at least another two years to be ready for a CONCACAF Under-15 Tournament, because we are thinking that the next time we take a team to such tournament, it must be a well prepared team,” Jackson outlined.

Jackson noted, however, that the current Under-14 Team, which won the Caribbean Football Union Challenge Shield last year in St Kitts, would form the core of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Under-15 unit, to the 2019 CONCACAF Championships in Bradenton, Florida, USA.

Zefal Bailey betters Time Trial clocking ZEFAL BAILEY shaved ten seconds off his previous clocking for the Time Trial, when the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union held its first event for 2019, last Sunday morning.

Staged from Arnos Vale to Belvedere, a distance of 4 miles, Bailey’s time was 10 minutes 18.89 seconds, bettering his 10 minutes 28.08 seconds recorded in 2018.

Finishing second was former St Vincent and the Grenadines number one cyclist Albert Quammie, whose Zefal Bailey closes in on time was 11 minutes the finish line at Belvedere 37.91 seconds. last Sunday morning, in Quammie was ahead of Dylano the SVG Time Trial.

Wilson, whose timing was 11 minutes 56.59 seconds.

Sherwin James was fourth in 12 minutes 37.72 seconds, and Venezuelan Carlos Rebes, debutant in SVG’s competitive cycling, followed in a time of 12 minutes 46. 36 seconds.

Stephen Ferdinand and Michael Hazell were the other two competitors, in Sunday’s race.

This Sunday afternoon, cyclists will be involved in a 65-mile event from Kingstown to Georgetown Carlos Rebes made with loops at Diamond, before finishing at the Sion his debut on Vincentian soil.

Hill Intersection.

Football’s Technical Director upbeat about 2019 KEITH OLLIVIERRE, Technical Director of the SVG Football Federation (SVGFF), believes 2019 will be a productive year for football in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

This, as the SVGFF continues to implement its developmental programmes.

“Last year wasn’t a bad year for football in SVG; moreso it was a good year for female football. Going into 2019, we have seen that in order to improve on the field, we have to go down the road of coaching education where we looking to upgrade and uplift our coaches,” Ollivierre elaborated.

Ollivierre also stressed

that “We have to also look at the technical setup for the all-national teams, a process we have begun with the realignment and reassignment of coaches at the senior level.”

In addition, the Technical Director said that the process in train is also geared to working towards setting up an elite, a component, in which the best Under 20, 15 and 13 players will train together, compete against each other so as to make the selection to national teams easier.

As it related to coaching education, Ollivierre is working towards having more

coaches qualified.

“The intention is to get at least four more of our coaches up to the CONCACAF D licence status. We already have three coaches at the CONCACAF C licence status,” he projected.

We are also going to continue to improve on our schools programmes as well as the section of our female football in the secondary schools in the form of a mini festival”.

As it relates to continued youth development, Ollivierre believes the SVGFF needs to target the clubs since it is at this level from which national players come.

By targeting the clubs, Ollivierre sees this as a

means of improving the youth players from 4 — 17 years old.

The grassroot programme is set to continue in schools as well as in communities, Ollivierre assured.

Through this progamme, schools and communities, in addition to receiving technical guidance, will also receive equipment.

And Ollivierre was pleased to report that the Technical Department, which he heads, has been strengthened, with the appointment of Teon Gordon, who will be responsible for the schools and grassroot programme; and Andrew Bramble, who will assist

with Futsal and the coaching education aspect.

Further to developments relating to the Technical Committee, the Directior disclosed that that Committee will eventually include a youth officer, a female football development officer, a scout, a representative of the Tournaments Committee.

He also indicated that Anton Corneal, a renowned Trinidadian Football Technical Director and Coach, will be here for 2- 3 months as a ‘technical mentor’.

“So we are basically going to improve on what we started in 2018 and

Keith Ollivierre, Technical Director of SVGFF, looks to 2019 with optimism. make sure football is the winner in the end,” Ollivierre concluded.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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24. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Team Athletics holds Throws Classic TEAM ATHLETICS SVG continued their search for the top field athletes for CARIFTA, when they held their first National Throws Classic last week at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex.

Athletes were involved in Shot Putt, Discuss and Javelin throws, and Chester Morgan, Technical Director of Team Athletics SVG, said he was pleased with the turnout and the talent on show.

“Today is one of the largest turnouts since I am in the athletics set up, and I am pleased. More heart-warming is the large number of females in the under 15, 17 and Under 20,” Morgan told THE VINCENTIAN. Morgan was particularly pleased with the turnout of schools.

“Team Athletics gave implements to a number of schools and it was pleasing to

see the number of schools taking part- Thomas Saunders, West St George, Georgetown, Central Leeward to mention a few. What was also encouraging was the quality of throws from the athletes,” Morgan added.

He was excited by what he described as “the talent among the Under 15 and 17 females,” something he said augured well for the future.

The Technical Director also took time to reiterate a position that he has had for some time.

Given the absence of a synthetic track, and with the likelihood of getting one not on the agenda for the foreseeable future, Morgan believes that our athletic base should be founded on the field events.

That is why it is important, he said, to ensure that the schools are equipped and that

more persons are trained as coaches.

Looking ahead to the Inter Secondary Schools Championships, Morgan is anticipating a close competition. “I am looking to the field events being very competitive because previously there were only one set of schools who were dominating, but now we are beginning to see the medals being shared across the board, as more persons compete,” Morgan explained.

Team Athletics SVG is expected to stage one more throw classic leading up to trials for the CARIFTA Games, schedule for April, 2019.

I.B.A.ALLEN

More athletes from the schools are showing interest in field events.

The javelin throw is popular with the older ones.

BSS, SVGS win Cross Country titles THE BARROUALLIE Secondary School (BSS) and the St Vincent Grammar School (SVGS) took the Female and Male winners’ titles respectively when the Secondary Schools’ Cross Country Run took place

last Thursday, at the decommissioned ET Joshua Airport.

Barrouallie’s six athletes finished in the top eight places, taking the first.

It was Barrouallie’s Zita Vincent who was

first to cross the finish line in 19 minutes 28.45 seconds, and her colleagues followed in second , fourth, sixth, seventh and eighth positions.

The combined time registered by the BSS’s

Vincentian duo excel in Barbados Athletics Meet

HANDAL ROBAN and Nellie Ambriton of X- CEL Track Club represented St Vincent and the Grenadines well last Saturday, at the Joseph Payne Memorial Athletics Championships staged at the Barbados National Stadium.

Roban timed 1 minute 52.51 seconds in the Men’s Open 800m to take the gold medal.

This was Roban’s best time registered in the event, beating his gold medal run of 1 minute 56.83 seconds clocked at the Junior Carifta Games in the Bahamas last year.

Last Saturday’s time meant that Roban has met the 2019 Junior Carifta qualifying standard (1 minute 58.00 seconds) set by Team Athletics SVG, for the Under-20 Male 800M of the 2019 Junior Carifta Games to take place in the Cayman Islands in April, over the Easter weekend.

Roban also medalled in the Under20 400M. His 48.91 seconds, placed him third in the event, but it was sufficient to pip the Carifta standard, which has been set at 49 seconds.

Ambriton joined Roban on the podium, taking a bronze medal with a time of 52.75 seconds in the Male

athletes was 1 hour 20 minutes 58.38 seconds, and the six recorded the best average The winning male unit- the St Vincent Grammar School. (time), 20 minutes get into high gear next placing being Nellie 14.60 seconds.

Ambriton’s third. month with the Heats.

The St Joseph’s The Finals take place The Bethel High Convent Kingstown School finished second, on 28th March at the (SJCK) was second, as Arnos Vale Playing Field. and the Petit Bordel their top four runners Secondary third in the finished ninth, tenth, Male category. eleventh and twelfth, Bethel High School’s with an average time of Tajere Thomas, in a time 22 minutes 10.81 of 24 minutes 15.23 seconds. seconds was the first to Troumaca Secondary cross the end line. completed the top three Nine schools contested places in the Female the Female Segment Division. which was a 4 km event, Meanwhile, the St and eleven schools the Vincent Grammar Male Division over a School’s aggregate time 6km of the course. was 1 hour 41 minutes Last Thursday’s Cross 37.93 seconds. Their average time per athlete Country Championships was a precursor to the was 25 minutes 24.49 Inter- Schools Athletics seconds, with their best Championships, which

Handal Roban (left), Nellie Ambriton.

Under-17 400M. Ambriton, 14, despite recording his personal best, will have to try again to make his country’s Junior Carifta qualifying standard for the event, that time being 49.96 seconds.

Rawlson Morgan, Head Coach of the X- Cel Track Club, accompanied Roban and Ambriton to the Joseph Memorial Athletics Championships.

Barrouallie Secondary School’s six athletes in last Thursday’s Cross Country Championships.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2019. 25.

Sports

Bugs and roaches FIRST THERE were innuendos of bug infestation at the hotel where the English stayed. News reports put a spin on that affair. It was even linked to the choices the English came up with and especially with the course of the match, reflections and reviews lengthy as to what might have transpired had Stuart Broad played.

Diversions from the real matter are strategies some employ to gain some advantage. The British have a subtle way of raging banter on the West Indies and, with the record up till that first test, West Indies were described as mediocre.

That is in the vein of typical British banter, reminiscent of the Tony Greigg and his ‘grovel’ which ignited the flame in the West Indies then. Geoff Boycott and Andrew Flintoff continued in that similarly disdainful outlook which the West Indies team management has cited as ‘borderline disrespect.’

Talk is cheap, and West Indians are only too aware of that. We have taken lots of “positives’ from situations where we had been roundly beaten, sometimes in two days. The lessons have piled up.

We have squandered situations or failed to capitalise of dominant positions.

That time in Kensington, West Indies strangled England to the very bone. Having carved out a total which appeared to have been inadequate, the home team accomplished one of those rare feats.

The English may have been occupied by the bugs previously, but there were other pests lurking. That time, it was in full glare of international viewers.

By the time the Kemar Roach phenomenon was over, England were 49 for 7. He accounted for Burns, Bairstow, Stokes, Ali and Butler.

Alzarri Joseph completed the rout with two wickets, with Gabriel taking one.

Captain Jason Holder began the rout with the first wicket, and the fourth. The 77 represented a complete debacle. The West Indians did not enforce the follow on, cognisant of the last day tendency of pitches favouring spin. And England included two spinners.

The West Indies second innings provided the usual drama, and at one stage, England may have crawled their way back when the home team dipped to 61 for 5.

Four wickets went down in the space of one run, and a healthy opening stand of 52 left the match open, for then it was the second day.

The West Indies recovered to end the day at 127 for 6, underlining a day in which 18 wickets fell.

What happened the following day was one which highlighted the extremities possible. After a harvest of 18 wickets, it was a drought the following day.

That put the West Indies in an impregnable position, and it would have been an escape of the greatest order for England.

That day was Holder’s ramping to his first double century 202. He shared an unbroken seventh wicket stand with Shane Dowrich who have started the recovery with Shimron Hetmyer with a 59 run fifth wicket partnership, was content to watch his skipper pound the attack into the dust.

That display was one which must have pleased the fans, for West Indies have been known for many a second innings failure.

Sceptics are still dismissing the result as a fluke and will not be impressed. The manner in which the team acquitted themselves in that game was admirable.

The hope is that the team continues to gel, for once the workload spreads, the burden will lighten.

It was proven in the second innings when with four seam bowlers maintaining pressure, Roston Chase turned out as the unlikely hero with a record haul of 8 for 60.

The second Test is into its second day in Antigua.

West Indies have to keep the momentum and show the same intensity.

Homer hits Women Super 40 century NATIONAL AND WINDWARD ISLANDS batter Kimone Homer hit her first century in the SVG Women Super 40 Cricket Competition when she recorded 111 for United Survivors in their weekend encounter against Jules Anthony Northern Girls.

In the match played at Buccament, United Survivors lost just 2 wickets as they rushed to 232 in 35 overs, thanks to Homer’s century and a knock of 85

by Samantha Lynch, and then dismissed a hapless Northern Girls for 61 in 15 overs. Alison Antoine took 3 for 14 and Ivy Browne picked up 6 for 35 for Attackers Girls.

Shama Wright 3 for 20 for United Survivors.

In another weekend match, Attackers Girls beat Radcliffe Girls by 96 runs at Arnos Vale 2. Attackers Girls batted first and made 238 for 3 off 35 overs. Sandar Samuel top scored with 59 and Nikisha Douglas 33 not out. Radcliffe Girls replied with 142 off 24.5 overs, having failed to negotiate Ivy Browne who claimed 6 of their wickets for 35 runs.

At Park Hill, J. G Tigress and Sons made light work of Super Strikers.

Super Strikers were skittled out for a mere 32 in 12.3 overs. Bowling for J G Tigress and Sons, Roshell John took 4 for no run, Aisha Williams 2 for 7 and Shanica Daniels 2 for 7. J G Tigress and Son Kimone in reply raced to 33 for Homer hit 111 for 1 in 5.4 overs United Survivors.

I.B.A.ALLEN

A weekend of draws THERE WERE DRAWS in the two matches played last weekend in the NLA Premier Division National Cricket Competition.

In the process, however, Police Two and Flow Radcliffe gained first innings points.

At Sion Hill, Flow Radcliffe took first innings points over Victors One. Flow Radcliffe made 193 in their first innings, Daron Greaves leading with 80 and Gidron Pope contributing 46.

Alston Bobb was again among the wickets, taking 4 for 54. Victors One replied with 121, Miles

Bascombe 27 and Atticus Brown 18. Othneil Lewis took 4 for 44 off 8.3 overs Flow Radcliffe, with a lead of 72, were dismissed for 104 in their second innings, Romano Pierre hit 29. Kimson Dalzell took 4 for 35 and Alston Bobb 3 for 20, to register a sevenwicket match haul to add to his previous nine and ten wicket hauls.

Set a target of 176 to win, Victors One reached 114 for 7

Alston Bobb, National and Windards allrounder, has had match hauls of 12 for 70, 9 for 10 and 7 for 74 in the three matches he has played to date. when play ended, Miles Bascombe 26, and Atticus Browne 19. Othneil Lewis took 2 for 48 and Tijorn Pope 2 for 23.

At Arnos Vale 1, Police 2 made 217.

Rockford Walker top scored with 96 and Salvan Browne made 33.

Jeremy Haywood took 5 for 25. Guardian General Saints in reply reached 188 for 8 when play ended. Sunil Ambris top scored with 77 and Jeremy Haywood made 36. Darius Martin took 4 for 33.

BrowneÊs century silences North Leeward A CENTURY by Shem Browne was the highlight of the Keegan’s Bequia XI comfortable 243-run victory over Julius Anthony Northern Stars, in last weekend round of matches in the NLA First Division National Cricket Competition. Shem Browne stroked 106 as Keegan’s Bequia X1 posted 300 for 7 off 35 overs. Other good scores came from Olanzo Billingy 76 and Razine Browne 58.

Julius Anthony Northern Stars in reply were bundled out for 57, with Dean Browne taking 3 for 9 and Meshack Williams 3 for 9, for Bequia.

At Stubbs, Combine Youths beat Radcliffe 2 by 8 wickets. Scores: Radcliffe 2 - 132 off 24 overs, Kalbert Springer 32 and Zevron Bobb 29, Marlon Farrell 3 for 19 and Nickie Antoine 2 for 35; Combine Youths 137 for 2, Javed Cordice 46 not out, Kevin Samuel 39, Irvin Warrican 2 for 11.

At Bucamment, Police 1 beat Victors Two by 41 runs. Police: 135 in

20 overs, Selrick Caine 57, Shemic Roberts 3 for 21 and Luck Wilson 3 for 27. Victors Two: 94 in 25.1 overs, Denis Byam 23, . Renford Jack took 2 for 20 and Winston Samuel 2 for 12.

At Park Hill, North Windward beat St. Vincent Shem Browne Distillers Glamorgan hit 106 for by 128 runs. North Keegan’s Windward: 286 off Bequia XI. 43 overs, . Denson Hoyte 64, Darrant Nero 63, Jerome Samuel 3 for 43 off 8 overs. St. Vincent Distillers Glamorgan: 158 off 34.5 overs, Alfred Mackenzie 38, Adolphus Campbell 28, Danwyne Baptiste 3 for 20 and Kirtney Pompy 2 for 48.

I.B.A.ALLEN

I.B.A.ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2019. 27.

Classifieds

JOMO DOUGLAS AUBREY GREGORY BELMAR Sunday, January 27, 2019 Paget Farm Community Centre Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service 2:00 p.m.

Paget Farm Cemetery

MALTINA SIMMONS Sunday ,27th January, 2019 S.D.A. Church Golden Grove Chateaubelair Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Fitz Hughes

Saturday, 26th January, 2019 Faith Deliverance Church, Redemption Sharpes Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

Interment : Kingstown Cemetery

SELWYN SAMUEL ERROL ALEXANDER Sunday, 27th January, 2019 Brighton Church of Christ Arrival of body: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

MR. RAYMOND RUDOLPH GITTENS Saturday, 26th January, 2019 Ebenezer Gospel Hall Belvedere Viewing 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 26th, 2019 Enhams Church of the Nazarene Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service 3:00 p.m.

Interment: Brighton Cemetery

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S A L E

FRIDAY,

FEBRUARY 01, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.05

www.thevincentian.com

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GOVERNMENT TAKES ANOTHER BLOW:

APPEAL COURT RULES AGAINST IT AN OLD ADAGE tells us that ‘when things go wrong, they will go wrong in threes,’ and the recent experience of government here, could well bear testimony to this.

Following on the heels of having to endure defeats against Otto Sam and the Public Service Union, the Unity Labour Party Government has been dealt another blow by the court.

According to sources in St. Kitts where the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal was sitting, disclosure was made last Tuesday, that the Appeal Court had ruled that the election leave provision of the Collective Bargaining Agreement that the Dr. Ralph Gonsalves led Unity Labour Party

(ULP) government agreed with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Unions in 2005, “is not unconstitutional.”

This was, according to at least one commentator here, “a slap for Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves,” who had gone on a crusade to sell the interpretation that the article in the agreement that promised reemployment of teachers who were unsuccessful as candidates in a general election, had breached the constitution of the land.

The Appeal Court Justices ruled otherwise, awarding victory to the SVG Teachers Union which had filed a

Fatal stabbing ONE MAN is in custody in connection with the stabbing death of 47year-old Ricky ‘Caveman’ Andrews, a resident of Arnos Vale.

The man, reportedly, succumbed to a single cutlass wound he received to the abdomen.

According to police, the incident occurred around 4:30pm Wednesday in Arnos Vale.

Information from the police indicate Andrews and the accused, also an Arnos Vale resident, were involved in an altercation.

They were said to have had an ongoing feud.

A video which surfaced on social media and which captured, albeit crudely, what transpired, appeared to show the two men in an embrace. A few seconds later, Andrews slumped to the ground, having been stabbed, and the accused is seen casually

X ‘X’ marks the spot in front of Options Supermarket, Arnos Vale, where Ricky Andrews lay dead. walking away, displaying in clear view the weapon used to commit the crime.

This is the second homicide for the year and the second in Arnos Vale.

Andrews’ death followed the shooting death of Osborne Rogers on January 10 in the Pole Yard, Arnos Vale. (DD)

Elvis Daniel contested the North Windward seat and lost to Montgomery Daniel.

Addison Thomas Kenroy Johnson contested the South contested the North Central Windward seat case on behalf of three central Windward seat and lost to Saboto teachers – Elvis Daniel, and lost to Dr. Ralph Caesar.

Kenroy Johnson and Gonsalves.

Addison ‘Bash’ Thomas. to have been The three had contested at a level of status at which they left, unsuccessfully the 2010 elections, on and to include all benefits that they an opposition New Democratic Party would have accrued prior to taking (NDP) ticket. leave.

It was the expectation of the Union The Appeal Court further ruled that and the teachers, that the three would the section of the relevant section of have been rehired, as per the the Collective Bargaining Agreement reinstatement clause of the Collective under scrutiny was “clear, Bargaining Agreement. unambiguous (and) devoid of That was not to be, and the Union qualification.” filed a claim in the local court where However, the Court stated clearly Justice Brian Cottle, even before that it had no authority to order the calling a hearing of the matter, ruled reinstatement of the teachers. That that the claimants’ case was was recognized as the responsibility of “hopeless”, and dismissed it forthwith. the Executive, i.e. Government.

Undaunted, the Union filed appeal, It did, however, remit the matter to and last Tuesday, the Eastern the High Court “for an assessment of Caribbean Court of Appeal handed damages by a single judge for breach down a ruling that clearly said that of the appellants’ property rights Justice Cottle had erred when he protected by Section 6 of the dismissed the case and deemed it Constitution.” “hopeless.”

The Appeal Justices also ruled that The Appeal Court advanced the “The Attorney General shall pay the ruling that the claimants had “a appellants prescribed costs of the legitimate expectation of success,” on appeal and in the court below to be the basis of the collective bargaining assessed by a judge if not agreed agreement in which government had within 21 days.” agreed to no-pay leave to teachers, Interestingly, Otto Sam, who won a who had been members of the Union wrongful dismissal claim against the for three years, so that they could same ULP government, was one of the contest elections and to reinstate them Techers Union’s signatories to the if they are unsuccessful.

2005 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The reinstatement, according to the He was then the Union’s General Collective Bargaining Agreement, was Secretary. (SR)

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

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