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APRIL 01, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.14

www.thevincentian.com

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TWO ON THE RUN leaving the vault.

Nyron Morgan of New Prospect was subsequently discovered in a boat on the Layou beach, with what appeared to be bullet wounds about his upper body.

The boat was said to be about 200 yards from where the men were seen with the vault.

Morgan was transported to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Up to press time, he was warded at that institution and was assisting the police with their investigations.

The Commissioner said the vault was later identified as one missing Triples Supermarket in Layou from which a vault from ‘Triples’ was removed.

Supermarket at Layou following a burglary Inset: Commissioner of Police Michael Charles there. Its contents were had special commendation for the officer who intact, and nothing else took action against three suspects. was reported missing from the supermarket.

Sam, (see Police

by HAYDN HUGGINS following an incident at Wanted Notice on this Layou last Sunday, page) and the other UP TO PRESS TIME March 27, in which Wednesday, 54-year-old gunshots were fired, Deputy wanted person are said Godwin Sam of Sion Hill, after which one man was Prime Minsiter Sir Louis to be of interest to the police in connection with and another person were discovered with bullet Straker, spotted three the incident. still on the run. wounds. masked men carrying a The Criminal Sam, a labourer, is Commissioner of vault. The officer, Investigation wanted in connection Police Michael Charles according to Charles, with a series of told THE VINCENTIAN approached the men and Department (CID) is advising persons not to burglaries, and is on Wednesday, it was identified himself as a approach Sam if seen, as believed to be armed and reported, that around police officer. he is believed to be dangerous.

3:45 a.m. last Sunday, An incident followed armed and dangerous.

Police have been on the officer on duty at the in which gunshots were The lawmen are the hunt for the two, Layou residence of fired, and the men fled,

urging them to inform the police if Sam is spotted or if they know his whereabouts.

Persons could relay

the information without having to disclose their identity.

Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Digicel Kickstart clinic 2016 launched DIGICEL CONTINUES to expand its support of the region’s talented young athletes with the launch of its 2016 Kickstart grassroots football programme.

The launch, which took place at the Liberty Park in Kingston, Jamaica, will see coaches from top Barclays Premier League team, Manchester City FC (MCFC), hosting the Clinics and the Academy for the first time.

For the past eight years, the Kickstart programme has helped thousands of players across the Caribbean and Central America to benefit from world class training by coaches from top football organisations, and take their game to the next level The partnership with Manchester City FC, which sees coaches from the City Football Schools programme traveling to the region to deliver these intensive training courses as part of the Digicel Kickstart Clinics.

Digicel Jamaica Sponsorship and Development

Manager, Kamal Powell, who spoke at the launch, said; “We are excited to be partnering with Manchester City FC, one of the best clubs in the world, for the 2016 Digicel Kickstart Clinic programme. This has certainly raised the profile and impact of Kickstart, as we see our aspiring young athletes who take part in the programme

The 2016 Digicel Kickstart programme was launched in Jamaica which hosted the Clinic by coaches from Manchester City FC. become better players and better individuals.”

He urged the participants to, “Make the most of the opportunity, do your best, be proud of yourselves and what you will have accomplished by being a part of the programme, but most importantly, have fun.”

Alan Dixon, one of the visiting coaches, also spoke at the event on behalf of Manchester City FC, said; “We are delighted to be in Kingston for the launch of this year’s Kickstart Academy. We believe that this partnership between Digicel and Manchester City provides a great opportunity for young aspiring footballers to gain an insight into what it really feels like to train as a Manchester City player does.”

This year’s programme will be conducted in Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, El Salvador, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Suriname, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The best three participants from each session will go on to attend the Digicel Academy.

Digicel SVG Gospel Fest opens this weekend The 14th edition of Digicel SVG Gospel Fest will open this Sunday, April 3, at Victoria Park at 6:00 p.m.

The night’s programme, dubbed ‘Declaring SVG for Jesus’, will feature an evening of glorious praise and special prayers for the nation.

Scheduled to appear will be an array of talented, local gospel artistes including: Nigel Morgan, the festival song competition winner; Stacey Little, Chad Durrant, Azariah Gibson, Triumph Covenant Dancers, Eldon Morris, Tishorn Stacey Little, fresh off her Edwards and GTT Dancers.

The ministry of the word will recent debut recording, will be done by Rev. Adolph Davis be one of the of the Kingstown Methodist featured acts at Church.

Sunday’s Addresses will come from: opening of new Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs the Hon. Jimmy Prince; Gospel Fest 2016. chairman of the Gospel Fest committee Fidel Taylor; a representative of sponsor Digicel.

Minister of Culture Hon.Cecil McKie will officially declare the festival open.

Guest artistes for the show will be Evangelist Wendy Mitchell of the USA, Pastor Shirley Simpson of Canada, and Blessed Messenger of Trinidad.

Digicel SVG Gospel Fest is a month-long festival of zonal and national gospel showcases across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with performances in music, song, dance and drama that culminate with the National Gospel Showcase on May 1st at the Victoria Park.

The 2016 Festival is being held under the theme: “Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord”.

V News 3 Senior Counsel condemns EustaceÊs behaviour

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016. 3.

Anthony Astaphan, S.C., and a member of the legal team representing the Electoral Office in the matter of Election petition, has chastised NDP leader and leader of the Oppostion Arnhim Eustace for creating mayhem.

SENIOR COUNSEL Anthony Astaphan has condemned the content of a televised and radio presentation made last week Tuesday, by the Leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace.

Astaphan, during a telephone interview on Tuesday morning on the ‘Morning Scoop’ radio programme on ‘Star Radio’, described the presentation made by Eustace as “dishonest and disgraceful.”

Astaphan argued that, “Mr Eustace has waited until the judge has resumed his judgment on the question on the security provided by his candidates. We have been

waiting for the judgment for over seven days; if he (Eustace) had any genuine concern about any matter of these, [he] had ample opportunity to do so before the case was filed, which he never did.”

Eustace, by way of the televised and radio presentation referenced, had stated that the New Democratic Party (NDP) knew without a doubt that something went wrong during the December 9 General Elections, and that he came to “arm” the people with the information.

He went on to state that

evidence had come to hand indicating that the ballots were not printed properly, making them defective by design.

Eustace further stated that in at least two of the polling stations in Central Leeward, a total of 321 ballots ought not to have been counted, because the presiding officers had failed to stamp or initial those ballot papers.

The Leader of the Opposition made reference to the counteraction to strike out the petitions filed in December 2015. put forward, as filed by the legal team representing the Electoral Department, a

Government Department.

But according to Astaphan, it may be that Eustace was advised by his legal team that there may be a chance that the judge may rule that the petitions be thrown out.

“And if in fact the judge rules (thus), that is the end of the petitions. So what Mr Eustace is now doing, at the eleventh hour, is to create mayhem and put manure to the fuel in order to create the impression that the ULP (Unity Labour Party) stole the election from them,” Astaphan said.

According to the Senior Counsel, what Eustace was not saying was that whether or not there was a similar issue in the other constituencies, including in East Kingstown where he (Eustace won).

And if it is that Eustace is saying that the ballot papers were badly printed, then, in Astaphan’s view, he and the other members ought to then take the moral obligation to resign,

Ben takes on Bing. OMG!!!

DWIGHT ‘BING’ JOSEPH, co-host of the morning OMG Programme on BOOM 106.9 FM, may just have found himself at the ‘wrong’ end of a libel suit.

Reports are that lawyer Israel Bruce, acting on behalf of Ben Exeter, New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for Central Leeward in the Decemebr 9, 2015 general election, has written to Joseph, demanding an apology and compensation to the tune of EC$250,000, for statements he, Joseph, is alleged to have made during the February 1, 2016 airing of the OMG programme.

The statements are said to have been made in relation to Exeter’s arrest on Tuesday 29th December, 2015, the day the new (10th) Parliament was sworn in.

Reports are that in a letter dated March 29, 2016, and addressed to Joseph, Bruce said, inter alia, that his client “was deeply hurt by the downright false information” to wit: “What I have since learned is that Ben Exeter had 50 rounds of ammunition on him’, which the lawyer claimed Joseph uttered on air.

Bruce’s letter demands from Joseph an

Arnhim Eustace had raised the issue of improperly printed ballot papers with apparent reference to the Central Leeward constituency. “and to step aside and put the moral football in the hands of the prime minister.

“You cannot cherry pick two seats where you lost by a significant margin, complain that it affected the whole election, and at the same time try to prejudice the minds of the people against the judge by giving the impression that the judge will make a ruling to give an objection to an injustice, that is unfair behaviour by the leader of the opposition,” Astaphan added.

Lastly, Astaphan scolded the local Bar Association for not coming out. (See Page 28) He said that he was informed that individuals on a certain radio station were maligning Justice Brian Cottle, and no one had spoken out against the behaviour.

The Bar Association ought to object to such a behaviour, Astaphan said, and defended Cottle in saying that he had done nothing wrong. (DDD)

One shot, two on the run Continued from Frontpage.

Dwight ‘Bing Joseph has attracted the ire of the NDP’s Ben Exeter.

Ben Exeter may be out to teach ‘Bing’ Joseph a lesson.

apology to be made in 14 days.

Efforts to contact the days of the date of the parties involved proved letter, and the payment of the sum referred in 21 futile up to press time.

Commissioner Charles said that with the exception of this incident, the Easter season was relatively calm. He commended all the officers who were on duty over the period, for a job well done, singling out the officer who was on duty at the residence of the Deputy Prime Minister for special mention.

He also recognized those who were on duty at the Layou Police Station and the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) at Layou.

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4. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Law

Ganja lands ÂhustlerÊ in jail Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

A RILLAN HILL MAN who told the police that he was trying to “hustle off” 106 pounds of marijuana to take care of his son, is into his third day of a two-year prison sentence for possession of the drug, with intent to supply.

James Lewis, a 29-year-old labourer, received the penalty on Tuesday at the Serious Offences Court, after pleading guilty to having 106 pounds of marijuana with intent to supply at Rillan Hill, on March 10 this year.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche told the court that around 5:20 a.m. on the date in question,

Sergeant Dwayne Bailey of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) headed a party of RRU personnel to Lewis’ home.

Lewis was met at home and consented to a search. A search under the bed in a bedroom in the upper floor of the premises, turned up a black bag, a nylon sack, a black knapsack and two brown taped packages. Each item was checked and found to contain marijuana which together weighed 106 pounds.

When cautioned, Lewis told the police, “That is my weed; I am trying to hustle if off so I can take care of my son.”

Lewis, who was not represented by a lawyer, begged the court to impose a

fine and allow him time to make the payment.

He told the court he was a father of three and had no previous convictions.

However, taking into consideration the sizable amount of marijuana involved, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne told the defendant, “I am not minded to consider a fine at all,” and imposed the prison sentence.

Lewis had pleaded not guilty when he initially appeared in court, but decided to change his plea on returning to court on Tuesday.

This is what 100 lbs. of marijuana (ganja) could look like. The Magistrate’s decision was made with this in mind.

Look out for ‘Road Safety Drive’ Clamp down AS PART OF ITS efforts to make the roads safe, the Traffic Department of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) will be holding a ‘Road Safety Drive’, on a date to be announced.

The event, which will include the participation of the public, is aimed at sensitizing persons on the critical issue of road safety.

“We want to make our roads safe. We want to get rid of all recklessness on the roads. We are doing all within our powers, in keeping within the laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to achieve this, and we want the

public’s cooperation,” Head of the Traffic Department Superintendent Kenneth John told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday.

Plans for the public awareness initiative are already in train, and earlier this month, the RSVG Police Force wrote to the Chief Education Officer requesting that a slogan competition be held among the secondary schools and colleges, from which an appropriate slogan will be selected, to be used in the ‘Road Safety Drive’.

“We suggested the secondary schools and colleges for submissions because a lot of drivers are young people”, the traffic chief explained.

Elderly man shot THE POLICE are investigating the shooting death of 80 year old Ishmael Browne, resident of Fairhall.

According to Police, the incident occurred at the deceased man’s home around 2:30 Thursday morning.

He received two gunshot wounds, one to his abdomen and the other to his chest, Police sources told THE VINCENTIAN. Browne died on arrival at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Thursday morning’s shooting follows on another incident that occurred in the Layou area last Sunday, when one man was shot following a shootout with Police.

A Police release stated that Police saw three masked men, one of them reportedly put his hands to his side and shots were fired.

They fled leaving behind a vault and Niron Morgan was later discovered on the Layou beach with a gunshot wound to his chest.

The letter, dated March 4, 2015 and signed by Commissioner of Police Michael Charles, stated, “I wish to inform you that, in light of the number of road fatalities that have been occurring, the Traffic and Transport Section of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force will soon be embarking on a ‘Road Safety Drive’ to remind road users of their roles and responsibilities.”

The letter goes on to propose that a competition be held among the secondary schools and colleges, in which students are required to come up with a slogan of between 5 to 7 words, which must include the words ‘road safety’.

“We would like to get students throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines involved in coining a slogan to be used in the ‘Road Safety Drive’ and throughout the year,” the letter stated.

A proposal was made, in the letter, for a winner to be selected from each secondary school and college, decided so by a committee comprised of the principal and teachers from each institution.

The urgency of the exercise was impressed, with the letter requesting submission of the slogans to the Ministry of Education, by March 28, 2016.

Supt. John revealed that the Ministry has responded favourably, and that submissions have already been made.

A committee made up of one representative each from the Ministry of Education and the Traffic and Transport Section, and a civilian, is expected to decide on the eventual winner, who will receive a cash prize of EC$500.00, with his/her school receiving a trophy.

The ‘Road Safety Drive’ exercise will include addresses from Commissioner of Police Michael Charles, Head of the Traffic Department Supt. Kenneth John, other senior police officers and members of the public

reaps success STEPPED UP action by the Traffic Department of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) to ensure the public’s safety, has been a success.

So says head of the Traffic Department Superintendent Kenneth John.

And the Traffic Chief has lauded motorists who have been acting responsibly in using the road, and urged them to Supt. Kenneth John, continue along that path head of the RSVGPF throughout the year and Traffic and Transport beyond.

On the other hand, John Section, described the Easter weekend warned those motorists action by the Traffic who are still reckless, to Department as a desist, or they would feel success. the weight of the law.

Statistics from the Traffic Department show there were five motor vehicle accidents reported over the Easter weekend.

One of these resulted in two persons receiving injuries. There was no fatality.

Statistics over the same period last year show there were six reported vehicular accidents, three resulting in injuries, and one fatal.

“Our aim this Easter was to ensure that there were no serious incidents on the road.

“Although there were five accidents, most of them involved minor damage such as dents,” John told THE VINCENTIAN. He said that stepped up patrols by Traffic Police over the Easter weekend to ensure safety on the roads resulted in 15 arrests being made for driving without licences, and 14 uninsured vehicles being taken off the road and kept in police custody.

Charges were laid against the drivers of the uninsured vehicles and those arrested for driving without licences. Owners who were not drivers were summoned to appear in Court.

The Traffic Chief noted that on Tuesday, some of these persons turned up at the Traffic Department with insurance certificates, and their vehicles were returned to them.

The vehicles included jeeps, cars and pick-ups.

John assured that the Department will continue its diligence throughout the year and beyond, to ensure that the roads in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are safe.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016. 5.

Regional

Cuba signs new tourism deals THE REOPENING of diplomatic and partial commercial Hotel Inglatera, set to be relations between the USA and Cuba, continue to included in the Starwood brand, translate into benefits for that Caribbean island, even is Cuba’s oldest hotel and has though it, Cuba, continues to endure the more been visited by many important overwhelming trade embargo enforced by the US figures throughout its life. government.

(Credit: www.lahabana.com) The latest development that is set to bring increased benefits to Cuba is the news that Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest leisure travel company, has been granted approval

by Cuba for the company to begin travel to the island starting on May 1, 2016. This follows on the US authorization granted in July 2015.

REPORTS from Jamaica say Carnival is now cleared to operate the 704that following the People’s passenger MV Adonia to Cuba through its newest National Party’s (PNP) onebrand Fathom. This marks the first time in over 50 Carnival will sail its 704-passenger MV Adonia on seat defeat (32-31) in the years a cruise ship is approved to sail from the trips from Miami to the island nation, marking the recent Jamaica General United States to Cuba. first time in 50 years that cruise passengers will Election, President/Leader of “This is a historic opportunity, and we know travel from the United States to Cuba. (Credit: that party, Portia Simpsonthere is pent-up demand amongst Americans who apartment2events.com) Miller, is set to face a want to experience Cuba. We believe there is no challenge to hold on to her a bid of US$12.2 billion for Starwood Hotels and better way to experience so much of Cuba in seven position. resorts. days. Everyone who sails with us with Fathom to But observers don’t expect Kenneth Siegel, Starwood’s chief administrative Cuba will have a very special, rewarding and that Simpson-Miller will go officer and general counsel, added: “We are enriching experience with our Fathom brand,” a down without a fight. confident Starwood is the right partner to help write spokesperson for Carnival Corporation said.

History shows that she has the next chapter of relations between Cuba and This development follows closely on the heels of Portia Simpsonnot had an easy rise to nor American business, and we moved quickly and news that Starwood Hotels and Resorts, in whom Miller has not tenure as the PNP leader. enthusiastically to pursue opportunities following Marriot signed three new hotel deals in Cuba, In fact, when she succeeded escaped sharp recent government actions.” making it the US-based hotel consortium to enter criticism over and PJ Patterson as leader of the Cuba received a record 3.52 million visitors last the Cuba market in 60 years.

PNP in 2006, she did so only blame for the Under the agreement, the long-time Havana icon, year, up 17.4 percent from 2014, with American after a bruising battle against PNP’s recent visits rising by some 77 percent to 161,000, not Hotel Inglatera, Hotel Quinta and Hotel Santa a triad of Doctors: Dr Peter defeat. (Credit: Phillips, Dr Omar Davies and Jamaica Star) Isabel will be incorporated into the Starwood brand counting hundreds of thousands of CubanAmericans.

Dr Enoch Karl Blythe. and undergo massive upgrades.

This surge is expected to continue well into 2016.

She had previously failed in Interesting, in November 2015, Marriott a 1992 bid to succeed a then ailing Michael Manley, International, the mega-hotel interest chain, put in (Source: prenza.latin.cu, The Guardian/UK) losing out to the more favoured PJ Patterson.

Simpson Miller again triumphed in 2008 when Phillips challenged her for the leadership.

Indications are that while Phillips is not willing to face off with her in another leadership contest, younger party officials see this as an opportunity to rid the party of PRESIDENT Barack Obama’s website, is said to what they say is a leader who has been responsible for historic visit to Cuba may just provide “the means making the party “stale” since, have hogged the news and pushed for the countries of as they put it, “little or no his other concerns into the the South to progress has been made under background. articulate and Simpson Miller’s leadership.”

One of those concerns was his promote their Venezuelan President The Sunday Observer and the USA’s continuing collective economic Nicolas Maduro has reported another unnamed occupation with Venezuela. interests and enhance leading elder member of the accused President On March 3, two weeks or so their joint negotiating Obama of promoting PJ Patterson was party as saying, “Now is the before his visit to Cuba, President capacity on all major time to take on Portia. The ongoing protests in a hard act for Obama signed an executive order international JLP is in its first year of a fivethe country, and of Portia Simpsonrenewing sanctions against economic issues year Administration, and so it backing members of Miller to follow, Venezuela. within the United is best to get the leadership the opposition alleged according to In that order, he referred to Nations system, and challenge out of the way so to be behind violence. observers. that South American state as “a promote South-South that there can be healing by (Credit: Reuters) (Credit: national emergency with respect cooperation for the party long before the next thinkingafrica.blo General Election comes to the unusual and extraordinary development.” gspot.com threat to the national security The group around.” all peoples and and foreign policy of the United represents the global Criticism has also been The executive order nations, with a view to States posed by the situation in South, and features leveled against Simpson-Miller for her lack of suspends the entry Venezuela.” many Latin American and blocks assets in promoting peace and understanding of “how an economy ought to be run.” development, And passions are apparently running high, with But that executive order did countries such as US territory of conveying solidarity.” another senior member declaring, according to the not go unnoticed.

Cuba, Ecuador, seven Venezuelan It also demands the Sunday Observer, “That is not the party that The Group of 77 and China Venezuela, Brazil and military officials.

U.S. government Norman Manley, his son Michael, and PJ Patterson pounced on it and reiterated their Bolivia. Other regions The White House “evaluate and worked so hard to remain relevant. I am just so “rejection to the latest decision of are represented by said this executive implement disappointed by all that has happened to the PNP in the government of the United members, including order has a greater the last few years. This is not the party that some of alternatives for a States of America to renew its the Middle East, Asia reach than us envisioned.” dialogue” with unilateral sanctions against the and Africa. sanctions imposed While there is yet to be any public declaration by Venezuela, “under the government of the Bolivarian The statement goes by Obama in persons willing to challenge the 70-year-old principle of respect to Republic of Venezuela.” on to say that the December (Credit: Simpson-Miller, ‘street talk’ in Kingston point to sovereignty and selfThe G77 might not sit “G77 and China nypost.com) persons like Lisa Hanna, MP for St Ann South East determination of the strategically on the US radar, but underlines the and former youth and culture minister; and Peter peoples. Therefore, it it is the largest intergovernmental positive contribution Bunting, MP for Manchester Central and urges to repeal the organization of developing of Venezuela to the strengthening former minister of national security. (Source: aforementioned executive order.” countries in the United Nations. of South-South cooperation, Sunday Observer) (Source: Caribbean News Now) The group, according to its solidarity and friendship among

Portia under attack

US executive order denounced

V

6. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Brooklyn Lions Club honours veteran journalist VETERAN Vincentian-born journalist Nelson A. King was among four honorees at a surprise honour ceremony last Saturday, organized by the Brooklyn (New York) Transition Lions Club.

King, THE VINCENTIAN’s United States Correspondent and Chateaubelair native, received the award at the club’s inaugural Fashion Show Luncheon at St. Gabriel’s Golden Hall, Hawthorne Street, Brooklyn.

The other honorees, all Guyanese natives, were the club’s “resident DJ”, Leslie ‘DJ Leslie’Brooks; Sharon Anne Trotman; and Patrick Verwayne.

King told THE VINCENTIAN that he, like the other honorees, had no knowledge whatsoever that he would be honoured for his work in the Caribbean community in the US. He said he and his wife, Dofflyn, a registered nurse, were invited to the event by his wife’s former co-worker, Guyanese Desiree Blake, also a registered nurse, and executive member of the Brooklyn Transition Lions Club; so he decided to cover the event.

“Suddenly, I heard the MC saying, ‘I wonder who is going to take the pictures for the next honoree’”, King said. “Even then, I didn’t fully grasp that he was hinting it would be me, until the presenter called my name and began reading my bio.

“This was, indeed, a big surprise for me,” added King, a national, regional and international journalist for almost four decades. “I do what I do from the bottom of my heart, and with the grace of God, not expecting to be honoured. Needless to say, I am very humbled by the gesture; and I will continue to do what I love doing best for God and country.”

King said his wife told him afterwards that she had secretly furnished his biography to the group, since members wanted the honour to be a surprise.

The conferring of the honour on King by the Brooklyn Transition Lions Club adds to the already very lengthy list of civilian and military honours and awards he has received over the years.

Besides the Brooklyn Transition Lions Club’s honor, King’s civilian awards comprise: Community Service Award by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Nurses Association of New York, Inc.; Leader in Excellence, Journalism Award, conferred on him by the Brooklyn-based APC Community Services, Inc.; Proclamation of the United States Congress by Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke; Proclamations of the Council of the City of New York by Councilmen Mathieu Eugene and Dr. Kendall Stewart; Proclamation by the New York State Assembly by Assemblyman Nick Perry; and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ New York Consulate General Award, under former Consul General Cosmus Cozier.

Other civilian awards are: The Chateaubelair Development Organization Award; The Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO) Independence and Advisory Committee awards; Dee Vee International, Inc. Award; the Grenada-New York Independence Award; the L & D Community Service Award; Carnival Players International Award; New York Red Stripe Cup 1994 Sports Writer Award; Central Brooklyn Lions Community Leadership Award; BB (Bridget Blucher) Ministries Award; and VincyCares Award.

King’s military awards include: The US Army Commendation Medal, the US Army Achievement Medal, the US Army Overseas Ribbon, the NonCommissioned Officer Award; the US Army Good Conduct Medal; and the “Iron Man” Award for being the “strongest man” in his battalion while attending aircraft technician school at Fort Gordon, Augusta, Georgia.

King, a former elementary, secondary and postsecondary school teacher in his native land, launched his journalism career in the mid-1970s — soon after graduating from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Grammar School — when he was a teenage school teacher at the Chateaubelair Methodist School. He worked, sometimes pro bono, for a number of news and sports programs, radio stations, newspapers, and other media houses

locally, regionally and internationally.

These included the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Black London; the Barbados-based, former Caribbean News Agency (CANA); the defunct, popular Radio Antilles in Montserrat; Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) Radio Barbados; Radio St. Lucia; and Radio Free Grenada (during the revolution).

Others were: Caribbean Contact newspaper; WLIB Radio in New York; “Vibes Caribbean”, WNJR Radio, New Jersey; “The Heart Beat of the Caribbean,” WNWK Radio, New York; Roots, a defunct North Leeward, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, community newspaper; the former 705 AM National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) Radio in St. Vincent and Journalist Nelson A. King receives award from Gloria the Grenadines (sports); and The Searchlight, Rennie-Murray, the Grenadian-born president of the The Star, The West Indian, Cross Country and Brooklyn Transition Lions Club.

The VINCENTIAN newspapers, also in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Besides THE VINCENTIAN, King currently Additionally, for almost nine years, he has been serves as the US Correspondent for the Barbadosan Adjunct Professor at Brooklyn’s predominantly based Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), and has Black Medgar Evers College, City University of New been a senior writer, for over 25 years, for York. There, he teaches American History, African Caribbean Life, the largest Caribbean-themed American History, World Civilization and Political newspaper in the US, based in Brooklyn.

Science.

The hard-working King mixes his journalism King, also a certified United Methodist Church career with other disciplines. He has over 20 years Lay Speaker and former Methodist Lay Preacher at of public health experience, serving in several home, possesses undergraduate and graduate administrative and managerial capacities. He’s degrees in Liberal Arts, Political Science, currently a Health Service Manager with New York Journalism, Public Administration and Law.

Proposed amendment to law to include history of Garifuna

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT A NEW YORK ASSEMBLYMAN has proposed an amendment to New York State Education Law to include the history of the Garifuna people.

Assemblyman Luis R. Sepúlveda, who represents the Bronx, announced his plan during Garifuna delegation at the New York State the 6th Annual Abrazo Garifuna in Assembly, witnessing and receiving the New York and in the New York proclamation of March 11 – April 12 as Garifuna State Assembly, according to the Heritage Month in New York.

Bronx-based Garifuna group, The Garifuna Coalition U.S.A., Inc. “It is a little known story that The Coalition said the Bill states that, “in order deserves its place in the annals to promote a spirit of patriotic and civic service of the African Diaspora.” and obligation and to foster in the children of the “We are grateful to state moral and intellectual qualities, Assemblyman Luis R. which are essential in preparing to meet the NYC Sepúlveda for this initiative to obligations of citizenship in peace or in war, the Assemblyman amend the New York State regents of The University of the State of New Luis R. Education Law to include the York shall prescribe courses of instruction in Sepúlveda. history of the Garifuna people,” patriotism, citizenship, and human rights issues, said Jose Francisco Avila, with particular attention to the study of the chairman of the Board of the Garifuna Coalition inhumanity of genocide, slavery, including… the U.S.A., Inc. history of the Garifuna People…to be maintained “It is the culmination of the Garifuna Coalition and followed in all the schools of the state.”

U.S.A., Inc. and its community partners who in The Coalition said the proclamation of Mar.11 2009 decided that the community development - Apr. 12, 2016, declaring Garifuna-American initiative will be based on creating awareness and Heritage Month in the State of New York, is in appreciation of the Garifuna culture, and its observance of the 219th Anniversary of the “forcible deportation by the British of the Garifuna contribution to the culture and society of New York City,” he added.

People from St. Vincent and The Grenadines on Avila urged the Garifuna Community of New March 11, 1797, and their settlement in Central York to “remain vigilant as the Bill enters the America on April 12, 1797.” committee and calendar stages by communicating According to the study guide for The Garifuna Journey video, “the study of the Garifuna provides your views on a particular issue to your Senator.

“You have another opportunity at this point to insight into a people whose history has been one of participate in the lawmaking process,” he said. “An struggle and determination to survive at a time expression of opinion on a proposed bill can be sent when very few people, or nations, were able to directly to the committee chairman, or it can be resist the onslaught of colonialism and slavery. sent to your local Senator for relay to the “Despite exile and subsequent Diaspora, their traditional culture survives today,” the guide says. committee members.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016. 7.

News

Local Re/Max office opens

IT IS ALREADY ANTICIPATED that the opening of the international airport at Argyle will attract direct foreign investment.

The team of Michael and Barbara Eardley would be thinking the same thing.

The couple realised a dream last Saturday, March 24, when they oversaw the opening at Diamond of a local franchise of one of the World’s renowned Real Estate companies, Re/Max. Barbara brings over 30 years of real estate experience, previously owning Re/Max franchises in Toronto, Canada and the Dallas/Forth Worth Metroplex in Texas in the United States.

But it is more than just another real estate, Barbara Eardley cautioned.

“When we put a property on the market, it is translated into 38 different languages. So when you list with Re/Max, you’re not just listing with Re/Max realty, you are listing with a whole organisation,” she said.

Their target market is persons outside of St Vincent and the Grenadines who are looking for investment

Re/Max St. Vincent headquarters at Diamond.

Left: Franchise holders (from left) Michael and Barbara Eardley and Minister of Social Development Frederick Stephenson cut the ribbon to officially declare the local Re/Max operations open.

opportunities.

And Barbara boasted that there were already inquiries coming in, “so with the airport coming, that will be an extra boost.”

Husband Michael explained the journey leading up to last Saturday’s opening, saying that the couple was looking for a place to retire, and their search brought them to SVG. He disclosed that his wife contacted local architect Moulton Mayers, who the couple said was instrumental in providing sufficient information about the

country, and broaching to them the idea of opening a Re/Max franchise here.

“He (Mayers) planted the seed, we went back and put water and we got this,” he said.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Minister of National Mobilisation, Social Development, etc., Frederick Stephenson, also pointed to the potential benefits of the opening of the international airport.

He said that he believed that the company, Re/Max will be an important stakeholder

in the further development of the country.

“And I assure you that, once everything works well, that your business will develop and grow,” he said.

Re/MAX sells itself as

a service with a ‘global reach — with a local feel’.

Its franchises can be found in nearly 100 countries, and is considered the most visible real estate network in the world.

(DDD)

Moulton Mayers, local architect, is credited with having convinced the Earleys to make the investment in SVG.

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8. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016. 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

Different systems, same dreams KARL MARX, Adam Smith, whosoever and whatsoever the case, all would agree that the major driving force in mankind’s quest for ‘Utopia’ is economics.

Mind you, the debate continues and we are free to agree or disagree.

But one wonders, given the failure, some say part failure, of one trend of political economic organization, given the fact that more and more economies are moving towards an open concept, albeit some still describing themselves as mixed, there is little doubt that the world is engulfed in one big battle for economic advancement, aimed at creating meaningful standards of living to all its people.

That may be idealistic, but unquestionably, it is what drives any good intention of those who espouse one philosophy over another, and those who are desirous of becoming guardians of our development.

Put Cuba into this milieu, and the story becomes an interesting one.

This publication, long before some other more ‘luminous’ columnists, pointed to Cuba being the biggest ‘threat’ to our economic survival, especially given CARICOM’s (general) over-reliance on tourism, i.e. a fight for the dollars of those whose open economies afford them enough disposal income, so that they can set aside some for the leisure of travel to distant and exotic places.

Back to Cuba!

In this hemisphere, the USA and Cuba conjure up a picture of stark difference in terms of political systems.

But since the re-opening of diplomatic relations and the partial easing of commercial regulations, the results of President Obama skillfully circumventing the still entrenched trade embargo against Cuba, the common interests of both countries have come to the fore, as though we didn’t know it before.

Unfolding before us are the heightened economic interests of the USA and Cuba, that make a mockery of the stark difference in their political systems.

The essence of economics fills the air with a familiar aroma: money pays the bills; people’s needs are met; we can be foes, but we can also set aside our differences in the interest of mutuality of economic interests.

That in itself is a huge lesson for us.

That lesson speaks to differences on human rights issues, free elections issues, as being secondary to the mutual benefits of open trade.

American private sector interests and Cuban government interests have

been sitting on the fence for years waiting, hoping, for something to break, that would, on the one hand, keep American private sector investment closer home, and on the other, bring a level of a new sense of productivity to the Cuba’s controlled society.

One writer describes the situation, to paraphrase, as ‘the US private sector salivating at the prospect of doing business with Cuba and in Cuba’.

And Cuba, for its part, has been salivating at the hope of an influx of private sector investment, whether it be from China or the USA, to bring some balance to its mixed economy, which is desperately in need of foreign exchange to inject movement in its drive to modernize its technology and appease a new, young and ambitious generation of the revolution.

So where does all of this, in brief, put the rest of the region, especially the smaller territories grappling with the challenge of balancing their budgets, maintaining their infrastructure, physical and otherwise, and catering to an equally young generation that national leaders have excited with limitless horizons?

The truth is that, even as we speak of attracting foreign exchange, and devise one strategy after the other, we are but planktons in a sea invested with much bigger fish, who have much more ‘flesh’ to offer the ‘fishers’ of more developed countries.

This is not to say that we cannot survive, that we cannot progress. The challenge is, should we invest in infrastructure which we will struggle to maintain, and a mode of development which we cannot sustain?

Ours is an open economy. As much as it might appear otherwise, government is a facilitator and not the beginning and end in our pursuit of foreign exchange and economic advancement.

The private sector and private sector organizations have to be as proactive as agencies like INVEST SVG, if we are to attract meaningful collaborations, that could set us on a path of sharing the burden and risk of development — tourism not excluded.

No government must stand in the way of a serious effort by the private sector. No private sector, like the people, ought to be afraid of a government. In fact, the philosophers of old will tell us that it is government that must fear the people.

Time that we shake off this rent economy, and start putting our money where our mouth is.

Are the parties now to draw swords?

FROM ALL REPORTS, many of my readers are aghast that I have not as yet jumped in the middle of the current political imbroglio, but appear to be only skirting the issues and waiting for what Heaven only knows.

I have been around for nearly fifty years and realise that nothing happens, probably worsens, when the people sit back and merely nibble at the problem.

They cannot forever leave it up for the leadership which cannot really lead in the absence of an alert and willing following.

I have espied signs indicating that our people are at last waking up from their mid-night slumber, and are beginning to understand that the so-called leaders cannot function effectively without a measure of control from the ground or at least some active support.

Beginning next week, I will, despite my ailments, make my contribution to the struggles. I cannot, like the Roman Emperor Nero, play the fiddle and carouse, while Rome burns! In the meanwhile, I simply finish off what I had begun last week.

I made reverend mention of Yvonne Francis Gibson’s thankless contribution, without realising she was about to enter her 85th birthday on Saturday March 26th, with me not participating in the joyful event.

On the other hand, I received word of the passing of Baha Lawrence at 103 years old. Incidentally, I forgot to mention that Viola once stayed at his house at Rose Place where she gave me music lessons. Understandably, I omitted some worthy persons such as centurion Mrs. Herman Young of Layou, at the very time that her granddaughter Donna Young 20years old who inherited from her a natural beauty and charm was remembered on the thirtieth anniversary of her tragic loss, a beauty Queen.

I must have tried too hard to remember, and end up forgetting to mention Ralph’s mother who has entered her nineties, I will twin this with the silence on Major Leacock’s Old Queen also in her 90s. And I will not forgive myself for letting my one-time sea-bathing partner, Vivian Child 97 years, slip out of my consciousness.

Burns tried to get in the acts by reporting that his mother Elaine Cato Bonadie was the oldest GHS survivor and not Olive Pollard. I believe that one is 98 and the other 97.

I heard several Good Friday church services by way of radio in the peace of my home. The Presentation of the Seven Words on the Cross by Streams of Power

engulfed me, generally, but the Young Priestess who elaborated on “It is finished,” fairly swept me away. It was all so gently, sometimes jocularly, breathtaking and powerful!

The towering presence of our Anglican Bishop preached like a gentle giant, coaxing our fellowmen to become really active in the promotion of Christianity; while Monty Maule had himself risen to new heights from the Methodist pulpit.

I am sure that all the churches rose to the occasion; we are gifted talkers.

We love “words” as part of our culture.

The church as an institution cannot be faulted on its preachment. But somehow the message is often lost, and we do not “Take up our beds, and walk”.

I promise that this column will focus on the political crisis as from next week.

I didn’t anticipate the deepening of the crisis on account of our too conservative judiciary which generally plays safe by not rocking the boat. But the genie is out of the bottle. There would be no quick-fix in getting him back in. A real revolution is about to take place. Like good scouts, WE MUST BE PREPARED. On the other hand, it is just possible that a wiser course is advised with the success of the petitions, and the ordering of two by-elections in Central Leeward and North Windward, both of which the NDP would win comfortably and form a new Government say, at year’s end, under the leadership of Arnhim Eustace who will hand-over to a successor in mid-stream.

But if -Heaven forbid- we were to play true to form, reject the petitions, and confirm a ULP Government, then we would for a year or two exist in turbulence under siege, with a government under Gonsalves using its nailed fist to control a determined opposition led by Leacock and Cummings.

There is a third way out which I can barely conceive but not retail. CARICOM may enter the fray seeking a peaceful way out.

If I could exercise choice in the situation, I would pray for a solution that soon installs an NDP Government which had a long haul in the Opposition, and in particular allows a fighting chance to Eustace to undo the mischiefs which the ULP had committed over the years, including much victimisation.

Such a scenery could form the background of the second tier of leaders vying for ascendancy in both groups: the NDP, Leacock, Friday, Cummings and Ferdinand; the ULP, Camillo, Luke Browne, and Saboto Caesar.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016. 9.

Letters

Cry of a house owner in Bequia one of the oldest in the Caribbean, has lost its attractiveness because of the wild parties on the Island. For you gentlemen (Tourism Authorities), it is important to clarify the Grenadines’ unique selling points; one cannot be everything for everyone, one has to choose.

The ‘illegal bars’ that open over Easter hurt the businessmen in Lower Bay who pay VAT on their income.

And the very heavy littering around the areas is left for the house owners to pick up.

I am not on the Island who are responsible must this Easter, neither can see the flaws. Young we have friends or people need to steam off, rentals during this period. For me, it is sad, but not via violence, disturbing of order in for the country loses residential areas or drug revenue due to lesser use.

I MAKE NO bones when I say, history.

Maybe THE VINCENTIAN spending, dealing a and neither do I make any The Editor must be could enlighten us further in this heavy blow to the Bequia Peder Johnson apologies for saying, that THE congratulated for giving this regard. brand name.

VINCENTIAN is my favourite special coverage to the landing of In the meantime, I raise my I truly love the island Editor’s Note: This letter homeland newspaper. THE that Callinago Warrior Canoe. hand in recognition of those and I do hope for a was directed to tourism VINCENTIAN continues to lead Mind you, given how I remember Callinago warriors who undertook bright future with the authorities in Kingstown the way in highlighting the less the editor, and I have no reason to the journey — from cutting the airport coming; but you and in Bequia. sensational news that comes out think that he has changed, he tree in the forest to launching the of SVG, though, from time to would have had a special ‘feeling’ canoe and bringing it to time, it has joined in with the rest for that canoe undertaking.

Kingstown. And I say a hearty to give us its fair share about If I remember well, it was THE thank you to THE VINCENTIAN murders, politics and so forth. I VINCENTIAN that first for this enlightenment. dare say, though, it has stayed highlighted the plan by Agustine away from what I would call the Sutherland; the others followed.

Garnet N.Y. commess news.

The question I have, though, is Now, you take last week’s how much of the satus quo — those Editor’s Note: Thanks, Garnet, for IS THE NIS, all of a sudden, living up to its papers for example. (I have access historians, intellectuals, political your kind sentiments. With original name, the National Insurance Scheme? to two of them and I usually, and community leaders, all those respect to the ‘who’s who’ of As of late, vital information to consumers is not when I need to get an update on who spout their love for our local history and whether they being transmitted, yet they (NIS) expect you to the other, call my family and culture, history and heritage — were present at last week’s know and carry out certain procedures. Failing to friend). ONLY THE paid any regard to this (Monday) ‘Canoe enactment, our comply, results in your payment withheld.

VINCENTIAN saw it fit to give undertaking? reporter indicated that Mr. Curtis It is amusing, very amusing, when NIS workers full coverage to an undertaking by I didn’t get the impression from King, historian, was seen. He look you in the face and ask if you filled out a life some of our indigenous people.

THE VINCENTIAN that there ensured that his school’s (SVGS) certificate. Can a dead person write?

An undertaking that could teach were any persons of ‘consequence’ Heritage Club members were After you have complied with the life certificate, all of us, especially the younger at Rose Place. I could be wrong present. you feel assured that you will receive your ones, a thing or two about our about this. payment the following fortnight. On arriving at your bank the following fortnight, you are told that there is no money.

Then, the whole ‘rigmarole’ will start afresh when you visit them (NIS).

Management needs to investigate, for this ‘run ECTEL announced over three weeks ago, that very bright fellow who deserves every penny he’s around’ is becoming a small scale universal earned, including building Liberty Global into what negotiations with Columbus Communications and problem. There are few who fail to treat people’s Cable and Wireless Communications had collapsed, it is today. I begrudge him nothing. business with the expediency it deserves. If I was told to bring in my old set top box (Karib since “existing legislation does not give ECTEL consumers cannot rely on what is rightfully there, Cable, Columbus Communications, whoever) and sufficient standing to stop or impose remedies on something is definitely wrong. companies partaking in mergers and acquisitions in get a new one. I did, and now pay EC$30.00 per If a worker does not attach importance to the the telecommunications sector.” Last week, ECTEL month more for virtually the same channels I had task he is paid to do, he/she is saying, in no before. Whoops, correction, the newspapers just announced it was “fine-tuning a draft of new uncertain terms, that he/she doesn’t need the job. legislation” that might allow it greater authority. Do announced an additional $20 increase, so I will be Often times you hear, “Everything will be paid paying $50 more, hey lucky me! all five countries in ECTEL have to agree? Do all I seemed to have read in the newspapers, at the five have to then introduce and pass enabling next time,” but it’s the same old story. time of the Cable and Wireless acquisition of legislation to make this effective? And that would It is tiresome and annoying to pay bus fare and Columbus Communications, that the Government of take how long? have to buy lunch, only to hear the same thing in a St. Vincent has no legislation that addresses Liberty Global bought Cable and Wireless in parrot-like fashion time and time again, without acquisitions or monopolistic practices. So then just November of last year. Not much publicity about even an apology. what can it “regulate”? It can hire and pay cronies that. Flow has an internet business, Lime has an People need to be assured that their monies are internet business, both formerly Cable and Wireless, to staff an agency that has no power. Legislation is accessible at times and places when and where being discussed to deal with this. Whoopee! Maybe and now Liberty Global has it all. What does they should be. by the time my grandchildren are paying $1,000.00 ECTEL or any local telecommunications authority This ongoing problem is causing people to be a month, for ten channels, there may be regulations (HELLO CAMILLO!) have to say about that? Who frustrated, annoyed and disgruntled. in place that can ameliorate this rip-off. Gonsalves really is billing us, where does the money go, who It is in the nature of some people not to can have any say in how much we are billed and by and Family Forever! You put them in office, it was complain. But when the same problems occur time your choice. whom? Is it all up in the air, and money just flows and time again, there is more than cause for a from this multinational corporate entity to that complaint.

Hugo nominally supervising telecommunications agency, To this end, I am calling on persons in authority and the bills go up and rates increase and everyone to do something to ensure that this problem — Editor’s Note: The FLOW-C&W merger has not just shrugs their shoulders? payment to pensioners — does not raise its ugly I met John Malone (John C. Malone, if you want escaped coverage by THE VINCENTIAN. In fact, we head anymore. Enough is enough. boast that we have been at the forefront of to google him) many years ago in Colorado; he’s a coverage of this issue, not only in terms of ongoing year younger than me, but considerably better developments, but also in our Editorial column. situated. He struck me as an honest, very sharp, Annoyed I AM A HOUSE owner in Lower Bay, Bequia, for some six years now. I am a true ambassador for this Island and this country. I rent out the house and bring many people to the region.

However, it is impossible to recommend anyone coming here for Easter. I have myself avoided coming here at this time, which is one out of three periods I would prefer coming here. The reason for this is the change of ambiance on the Island from friendly and nice to extreme loud and more, unpredictable. The permit the authorities

give to play extreme loud in residential areas, is unheard of in the civilized world. Who has the right to intrude in other people’s homes, and make sleep impossible?

The Easter party is a certain way to scare away sailors, the backbone of Bequia tourism.

Friends of mine in the charter business avoid Admiralty Bay over Easter and even so other times of the year, when the sea surface of the bay is polluted with very loud music that disturbs everyone, except those playing it and their

friends.

The quality of Bequia is the safety of the Island. It does not have the reputation of Trinidad or Jamaica.

Sadly, this is so easily destroyed. I saw some really tough fistfights at Lower Bay. There was even a shooting at Jack’s during the drinking frenzy, and more guns were seen, and there were tough arrests. Have The Telegraph write about that, and you do not have to worry about Chickengunya any more, no one will come.

We cannot rent out the House because of the

extreme loudness and hostilities that one can experience here over Easter.

How can anyone give the Reef in Lower Bay a license to play extremely loud music to 7 o’clock in the morning, a la last New Year? This is residential area. This goes also for Port Elisabeth - last Easter Music went on to 4:ooam.

I know for a fact that Admiralty Bay has lost a lot of its attractiveness because the extremely loud music keeps the boat tourists awake.

And this is not only during Easter.

The Easter Regatta,

Hail that canoe landing

The NIS: A pensioner’s ordeal

FLOW, C&W, ECTEL, what a mess!!!

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10. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Excerpts from the Budget Address delivered by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves Part Five (A) TOWARDS ZERO HUNGER MR. SPEAKER, the facts and figures regarding poverty, indigence (“dirt poor” poverty), and under-nourishment in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are wellknown. In 1996, the Kairi Consultants of Trinidad and Tobago found that general poverty in St. Vincent and the Grenadines stood at 37.5 percent of the population and indigence was at 25.7 percent of the population. By 20082009, the same group of Consultants assessed that general poverty had fallen to 30.0 percent of the population and indigence had dropped sharply to 2.9 poverty of the population.

Similarly in 1995, the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations assessed that 22 percent of the population were undernourished; by 2012, the FAO’s assessment was that undernourishment had decreased markedly to 3.5 percent of the population.

Indeed, on two occasions, in 2013 and 2015, at their headquarters in Rome, the FAO formally recognised St. Vincent and the Grenadines as being one of a very select group of countries globally that had met the relevant targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the FAO’s World Food Summit Goals of more than halving both the percentage of the population living in extreme poverty (“indigence”) and the absolute number of persons who were under-nourished. These outstanding accolades by a reputable international body are undoubtedly a tribute to the government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

In September 2015, at the United Nations, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and all other nations globally, signed on to the achieving of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030; the SDGs replace the MDGs of the earlier fifteen-year period, 2000 to 2015.

In October 2015, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, and Rural Transformation, introduced a motion in this Honourable House to establish, in accordance with a FAO proposal, a bipartisan Parliamentary Front Against Hunger. This motion was unanimously accepted by this House.

The ULP incorporated the SDGs, inclusive of the goal to end Hunger, as central to its policies and programmes in its Manifesto for the 2015 General Elections. Further, the ULP pledged to get to Zero Hunger in St. Vincent and the Grenadines by the very ambitious date of 2020, not 2030, as prescribed in the SDGs; the ULP promised that its aim was to ensure that by 2020 “no man, no woman, no child would go to bed hungry at nights”.

Immediately upon returning to office after the general elections of 2015, the ULP government set about on its quest to achieve Zero Hunger.

Swiftly, it established an InterMinisterial Committee under the Joint Chairmanship of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Economic Planning and Sustainable Development; the Secretariat of this Inter-Ministerial Committee resides in the Office of the Director of Planning. Swiftly, the officials of the Ministry of Social Development provided from its data base the names, addresses, and other relevant particulars of each of the approximately 3,000 persons whom it considers to be in indigence and hunger. Through the diligent work of the relevant officials across the Ministries, a draft Plan to Achieve Zero Hunger has been produced, in accordance with a written Policy Declaration (including programmatic elements) on the subject by the Prime

Minister.

Central to the draft National Zero Hunger Action Plan is the establishment of the Zero Hunger Trust Fund (ZHTF). The ZHTF will support the multi-faceted efforts needed to eliminate hunger in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and establish a model approach that can be replicated across the Caribbean.

The ZHTF is designed to achieve the following major objectives: * Ascertain the precise extent of hunger in St. Vincent and the Grenadines; * Ensure that the specific circumstances or condition of each person afflicted by indigence or hunger is addressed appropriately and successfully; * Establish action-oriented programmes in education and training; health and wellness; housing; employment and productive work; and the strengthening of social safety nets; and * Make sure that the targeted beneficiaries are transformed into self-sufficient and self-sustaining human beings.

The ZHTF will be established by statute law. Its Trustees will be drawn from public servants, professionals, other esteemed personalities at home or abroad, and persons drawn from civil society organisations, inclusive of charitable entities. The ZHTF will not have any politician or political activist among its Trustees. Its Secretariat will be located in the Ministry of Sustainable Development. It will support existing relevant “Zero Hunger” initiatives by the government and will itself spearhead others.

The funding of the ZHTF will be sourced from the Consolidated Fund, a special levy on telecommunications, grants from local, regional, and international organisations, donations from individuals, and grants from friendly governments globally. I have already been in discussion on this matter personally with the Director General of FAO, the state authorities in Dubai, and an important charitable organisation based on Mustique. I have received pledges of support.

A five-year Zero Hunger Action Plan is being fully elaborated, with particular components of the Plan being of a shorter time-span. The estimated cost of the overall Plan is put at $10 million per year. Our government intends to begin work on the ZHTF immediately with whatever resources are at hand.

I intend to impose a levy of two percent on mobile telephone calls and on international calls to be paid directly into the ZHTF in accordance with a specific statute law. This levy is estimated to raise $2.7million annually.

I am personally pledging for each of the five years (2016 — 2020), one month of my net basic salary, to the ZHTF. In effect, I will be taking an 8.3 percent cut in my net annual salary for each of these five years to support the push towards Zero Hunger. In order to encourage contributors, especially businesses, to donate to the ZHTF I intend to amend the Income Tax Act to enable contributors to treat the contribution as a tax deductible expense for the assessment of taxes to be paid. I will not myself take advantage of this amendment in respect of my contribution.

Central Leeward - Part 2 THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY Continues to highlight the vast number of irregularities that occurred at Polling Stations on Election Day, 9th December, 2015.

The following is the final section of the Central Leeward Petition: Preliminary Count at Polling Station CLA1 (28) The First Respondent failed to ensure that the election was conducted in accordance with the Elections Rules given the following particulars: (a) The Presiding Officer for Polling Station CLA1, the 2nd Respondent herein did not commence the Preliminary Count of the votes after the close of polls in breach of Rule 39. ((b) After the close of polls, the Presiding Officer had two sets of counterfoils, and she proceeded to go through the list and marked counterfoils with the voter’s registration numbers. The exercise took in excess of two (2) hours. (c) For about two hours immediately before the procedure for the preliminary count could begin at polling station CLA situated at the Barrouallie Resource Centre, downstairs, the second Respondent as Presiding Officer had two transparent plastic containers; one on the left and one on the right table. The one on her left had more counterfoils in it, about three times as many as the one on the right, which also contained counterfoils. The Presiding Officer would now and then take one from the right and put it in the one on the left. She was saying, she may have missed it during the rush. The container on the right appeared to be all blank counterfoils with no ID numbers. (d) Thereafter, the Presiding Officer, in the presence of the Election Clerk of the 1st Respondent purported to count the ballots and engaged in recounting same and returned a preliminary result after 11 pm, some six (6) hours after the close of polls at 5 pm, of 186 votes for the petitioner and 173 for the 3rd Respondent. (e) The Petitioner visited this polling station about 10 pm and noticed that contrary to Rule 41 (7) the Election Clerk of the 1st Respondent had in his possession on a table in front of him all form 16 statements for the Barrouallie Polling Stations none of which was enclosed in a special envelope and sealed in the manner prescribed under the Rules.

(29) Contrary to Rule 41 (10) (b) none of the Presiding Officers transmitted to the 1st Respondent envelopes containing keys for the ballot boxes in such manner as the 4th Respondent ought to have directed.

Form 16 Statements of Poll (30) Contrary to the provision of Rule 41 (7) of the Rules no form 16 statements of the Poll was presented in the Final Count for Polling Station CLII and in the case of others the Form 16 Statement of Poll presented, manifested various errors and inconsistencies including the following: (a) Based on the information contained in the Form 16 Statement, in particular the total number of ballots cast and the number of names on the voters’ list, there appeared to have been 100% voter turnout in polling stations CLA1, CLE,CLF1 and CLH; and (b) in polling station CLD1 where 485 ballots is stated to have been used

by the 480 names stated to be on the official list of electors used at the poll.

There had been 101% voter turnout.

(31) The Petitioner requested a recount of CLD1 pursuant of Rule 42 (6) in light of the statistically impossible turnout and of CLA1 in which no data is entered for the number of ballots received by the 1st Respondent from the 4th Respondent and of CLE but contrary to Rule 47 the 1st Respondent denied his request even before the Petitioner was permitted to state his reasons.

(32) There was no form 16 statement produced in respect of the ballot which was labeled CLII and when the petitioner inquired of the 1st Respondent about same the latter stated dismissively that there was none. The Petitioner objected to the count proceeding as there was no Form 16 Statement on which to base the final count but the 1st Respondent denied his objections.

Counterfoils (33) At the final count, the Petitioner and his representatives/agents were denied the opportunity to inspect the counterfoils for one Polling Division only after the representatives of the 3rd Respondent questioned the 1st Respondent’s production of the counterfoils to the Petitioner’s representatives.

(34) Repeated requests which were made by the Petitioner and by his representatives/agents on his behalf to the 1st Respondent while the final count was being conducted, to be permitted to examine the counterfoils of the defective ballots and other electoral documents in respect of all the fifteen polling stations and in particular having regard to the matters set out at paragraphs (31) and (32) above, Polling Stations CLD1, CLA1, CLF and CLE, which requests were denied by the 1st Respondent.

(35) The number of ballots which were declared at the end of the purported final count conducted by the 1st Respondent which was two thousand four hundred and ninety seven (2497) to the second Respondent and two thousand one hundred and eighty four (2184) to the Petitioner, making a difference between them of three hundred and thirteen (313).

(36) Section 57 of the Representative of the People Act Cap 6 of the 2009 Revised Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines provides that a Petition complaining of an undue return or undue election of a member of the House of Assembly be presented within twenty one (21) days after the return of the Writ is made by the Returning Officer.

(37) Based on the above irregularities that was undue return of the polls in the constituency of Central Leeward as a result of the breaches of the applicable laws including the Election Rules and the effect of those breaches was that the election was conducted so badly that it was not substantially in compliance with the law as to elections and/or that they materially affected the result of the election.

(1st Respondent-Winston Gaymes, Returning Officer and 4th Respondent- Sylvia Findlay - Scrubb)

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The University of the West Indies: A Beacon of Hope for the Region – Pt 3

Science and Technology “In order for small island states to fully adopt STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) as a key driver for economic growth and the improvement to the overall standard of living, science and its related areas must be seen by all stakeholders as beneficial to the future development of the Region.”— Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies, Annual Report 2014/2015, p. 135 DR. COLIN DEPRADINE is the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies. The faculty is comprised of the Department of Biological & Chemical Sciences, headed by Professor Sean McDowell; the Department of Computer Sciences, Mathematics, & Physics, headed by Professor Upindranath; and the Centre for Resource Management & Environmental Studies (CERMES), headed

by Professor Adrian Cashman. Dr. Depradine is ably assisted by Dr. Thea Scantlebury-Manning, Deputy Dean, and Dr. Jeanese Badenock, Deputy Dean (Outreach and Research). Together, they have designed and implemented curricula that seek to convince the various stakeholders that science does not belong to a specific section of society – it is central to every aspect of Caribbean society and should be used to advance humankind. This overarching philosophy, and the passion that these professionals bring to the institution, continue to push the boundaries of science and technology within the Caribbean region.

Based on the foregoing, it is not surprising to observe that several of the department’s initiatives have focused on various aspects of wealth creation throughout the region, and how best to preserve and maximize the region’s natural resources while doing so.

Marine science is understandably one of the areas that the department considers to be priority. The department has focused on solving many of the problems in fisheries and marine science. This has involved, but not limited to, research related to the preservation of many of the endangered coral areas in the region. This is not surprising, since the health of the regional coral reefs will have a direct bearing on the marine species (fish, turtles, etc.) that frequent the area. There is wisdom in engaging and empowering the fisherfolk in the enhancement and preservation projects.

After all, their livelihood depends on the sustainability of the marine ecosystems.

In addition, their frequent visits to the marine sites make them ideal disciples and monitors for the enhancement projects. Over the years, the UWI has engaged in programmes to empower the regional fisherfolk organizations. The fisherfolk organizations in Barbados and Dominica have been especially privileged to benefit from training programmes that were specifically designed for their fishing communities.

Such initiatives have been useful in taking knowledge beyond the walls of the university. They provide evidence that the members of staff and the facilities of this institution of higher learning are being used for the betterment of the region; protecting and enhancing the marine environment while simultaneously creating opportunities for stimulate and sustain economic activities in this sector. This is especially appreciated when we

consider the vast amount of ocean that surrounds our Caribbean nations.

The UWI continues to be at the forefront of research in the area of water resource management, climate change, and renewable energy. The Faculty of Sciences and Technology continues to forge links with public and private sector entities throughout the region, as it seeks to minimize the negative impact of climate change. In addition, it has formed strategic alliances with governments and international organisations to enhance public awareness in relation to how science and technology can fuel and sustain economic growth.

Since the early 1990s, the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies has focused on advancing research in solar energy. Back then, Professor Oliver Headley constantly reminded the governments and peoples of the region of the need to invest in renewable energy. He noted that, “The sun will still shine when the oil runs out.” The department continues to focus on designing solar devices that would aid national development. We are encouraged by the initiatives that the members of staff and students engage in to encourage the use of energy-saving devices throughout and beyond the campus.

Regional education planners and administrators continue to encourage our young citizens to consider pursuing careers in science, technology, and mathematics. It is heartening to observe the number of nationals who have pursued careers in these disciplines and now stand out as icons in these areas. The first part of this series of articles identified several outstanding Caribbean nationals who have made us proud — establishing a name for themselves and reminding us that we do have the capacity to excel in in the field of science, technology, and mathematics. There is no doubt that the UWI continues to play a major role in influencing the mindset of our people to this reality.

Many departments at UWI now arrange to have “open days”, when students from secondary schools can visit their facilities and “get a taste” of the developments that are taking place within the walls of this noble institution. Among other things, such an approach allows the young visitors to better understand and appreciate the importance of pursuing studies at this level. We wait with bated breath as we anticipate that many of them will emerge to join the noble band of scientists and mathematicians that the university continues to equip to have a positive influence on their communities, the region, and the world.

They will carry the torch that will light the way into the future as the UWI continues to be a beacon of hope for the region.

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

Mr Imperialism comes to town CUBA HAS ALWAYS BEEN a great place to visit and live. But Cuba is an especially wondrous place now. Ever since November 2014 when Presidents Castro and Obama announced that they were ‘burying the political hatchets’ and establishing diplomatic relations, the people of the world, and moreso the people of Cuba, have been in a state of high anticipation.

President Obama’s historic visit came a few days before I arrived. As I said in my column last week, if there is a political leadership in the world that can manage this transition, it is Cuba’s.

I distinctly remember when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990. Then US president, Bush the first, established a transition committee in Florida. For the American power elite, the time was near for America to regain its prized and coveted Cuba.

It must be remembered that after Cuban patriots, led my Jose Marti, defeated the Spanish to gain independence, America invaded and stole the people’s victory.

It is now 26 years since socialism vanished in the Soviet Union. All of the internationalist aid that helped Cuba to survive the American blockage was taken away, but the Cuban revolution lives on. In reading a speech by Fidel, I was moved when he said, ‘…during the difficult period when things were very very hard, we never closed a school or hospital. We shared the little we had with everyone. No one was made homeless and none was left hungry.

There was no mass demonstrations against the government. Most of all, we never stopped or curtailed our assistance to our friends around the world.’

It took the valiant effort of Fidel and Raul and the other revolutionaries to oust the Americans from Cuban shores and launch Cuba’s second period of independence. So Cuba and the US have been in a world class power play.

Who can out-manoeuvre whom?

I had been heartened before I left home for Cuba. In a meeting with the ambassador to SVG, among other things she said, was that Cuba agreed to most of what Obama asked for as a precondition for his visit. He was free to go wherever he wanted. He made a live broadcast on Cuba’s TV. ‘Simply, we are not afraid.’ There are not a lot of world leaders who will say this when Mr imperialism comes to town.

I had been invited to Havana to speak on the topic “Conquest, settlement, slavery, colonialism and the fight for reparation.’ It was well received, and while speaking on Wednesday morning, the seeds of the Cuban confidence became manifest.

They are an exposed people. They are a politically educated people. Theirs is an organized and conscious nation.

Cuba is an amazing place because it is so much different from many of the other places in the world. Cuba is different because it is not penetrated, at least not yet. And I hope it is never scared by the rampant and unhealthy face of capitalism. There are no Mc Donald’s or KFC franchises here. I hope they are never allowed to come. Cubans are excellent cooks. Havana has some of the best restaurants anywhere. The high sugar drinks of Coco Cola and Pepsi and all the others we know so well are still off limits.

Can you see why the American political and business leaders dream?

Do you understand why President Obama came here to bury the Cold War? The landscape is not littered with advertising. The television is not filled with the blindingly oppressive and disruptive views of businesses hawking their wares. Cuba is virgin territory and

any capitalist’s dream. There are lots of money to make in Cuba. The Cuban leadership must therefore fashion their society in a manner that allow sthe Cuban people to benefit from the fruits of their labour.

The gains made by ordinary people in Cuba are enormous. In health and educational advancements, Cuba remains the envy of the developing world. When the revolution triumphed, 3000 of the country’s 6,000 doctors left.

Today, there are 8,000 doctors. As Raul told Obama, rights are universal.

Health, education and gender equality among the people are fundamental rights for which all societies must strive. In these most important indices of life, Cuba leads even the powerful United states.

None of what’s said here is to give what would be a false impression that Cuba is heavenly paradise on earth.

What is certain, however, is that Cuba has to avoid the errors made in Russia and the Eastern European bloc, where Capitalism got a free rein and the societies became very inhumane. The people’s safety net was removed, while a few became billionaires. Life expectancy fell and the people died in record numbers because of inadequate care by the state.

The Cuban leadership must strike a people- centred compromise as they work to further develop their country.

In meeting with officials, they speak as leaders with an understanding of the task ahead. They proclaim their commitment to meet and beat the challenges.

Jorge Arias, the deputy head of the Foreign Relations Department of the Communist Party Central Committee said, ‘We are going to change everything that needs to be changed, because the system we are trying to build is to ensure social equality for everybody.’ He invoked the words of Raul who reportedly said, ‘The centre of the ideological battle is the economic battle.’

Further in the dialogue, Jorge Arias noted ‘the problem is not the challenge, it is how we prepare to meet the challenge. We acknowledge that the challenges are enormous. The key is that we know the challenges and understand that we cannot overcome them with work based on schemes and dogma. So we are very confident in what we are doing.’

In Cuba, whether speaking with top leaders of the party or ordinary citizens, one sentiment becomes clear. They understand what president Obama’s visit means. The US government was prepared to change its policy of blockage and aggression, but not its attention, which has always been to overthrow the Cuban revolution.

Jorge Arias noted that the Cuban revolution was fortunate to have outstanding leaders, but acknowledged that Cuba is going through a period of transition. He offered this reassuring assessment as the current generation of leaders prepare to take their exit: ‘We know if we don’t train our leaders, someone else will train them, and we cannot afford for that to happen.’

We can only say straight ahead to this level of confidence, and wish the Cuban revolutionary process much success.

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

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GonsalvesÊ Zero Hunger Thrust Fund – Is food rationing next?

AFTER 15 years in office in SVG, the incompetent ULP government is forced to introduce a Zero Hunger Thrust Fund, to save the lives of thousands of Vincentians trapped in deep poverty and lacking enough food.

In 2001, there was no Zero Hunger programme in SVG. The introduction of the Zero Hunger Thrust Fund is a clear admission of failure by the ULP regime over the past 15 years. It shows that they have managed the economy poorly, and failed to create the jobs our people need to be able to feed their families adequately.

The ULP’s economic policies have caused many businesses to close down and many jobs to be lost. SVG is on the verge of being a United Nations food aid state.

The ULP regime’s economic philosophy is to run the country on tourism. After doing that for 15 years, the need for the introduction of the Zero Hunger Thrust Fund shows that, not only does tourism fail to boost our economy, but the focus on tourism actually pulls down our economy.

The introduction of the Zero Hunger Thrust Fund shows the craziness of the ULP regime and their lack of joined-up thinking. In the 2016 Budget, Gonsalves increased taxes on many food items, including salt, sugar and other very essential nutritional foods items. These tax increases were an attack on the food security of the poor, and will cause thousands more people to go hungry.

Now, the introduction of the Zero Hunger Thrust Fund has been set up to help the people whom the ULP regime has pushed into hunger. One hand does not know what the other is doing in the ULP regime.

There has been a massive increase in imported food under the ULP regime. This has made food far more expensive for our people, and pushed many families into hunger. The failure to create systems to have more food grown locally, distributed locally and consumed locally, is a major reason for increased hunger in SVG. Until this is changed, the Zero Hunger Thrust Fund will be useless.

We must grow what we eat, and eat what we grow, to reduce hunger in SVG. This is the sustainable agriculture programme being promoted by the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon.

However, the ULP regime is doing exactly the opposite by increasing food imports.

A ‘Zero Hunger’ campaign was introduced in Venezuela too, and that led to food rationing, which means people can only buy two of each item, grocery thieves snatching people’s shopping bags, and chaos in the country’s food system. There is panic on shopping days, and a massive shortage of food in shops in Venezuela.

Monday is one of only two days people can buy groceries. If you don’t shop on Monday, you have to wait four more days to buy food. Many children

are kept out of school on shopping days, as their mothers have no time to take them to school or collect them, as they spend all day standing in line at grocery stores.

Under Venezuela’s Zero Hunger campaign, government supermarkets sell price-controlled food, making them far cheaper than private stores.

However, there is rising anger over food shortages, and the strict rules about when and where people can buy things. Grocery shopping in Venezuela is a nightmare.

Can Vincentians expect food rationing soon in SVG? It is an insult to the people of SVG, for the ULP regime to have wasted one billion dollars on the Argyle airport over the last 9 years, and then now,

allocate a few thousand dollars towards ending hunger in SVG. Has the ULP regime only just realised that people in SVG are going hungry?

After 36 years of independence, the introduction of the Zero Hunger Thrust Fund shows that SVG has fallen to a low depth. The lack of a fair tax system is a major cause of the perpetuation of poverty. The Mustique Act and Canouan Act must be abolished.

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Budgetary Response: Reality Checks Final Part

This amounts to a contingent liability on our Treasury; becomes payable, if, EVERYONE will relish cheaper by default, VINLEC is unable to pay. energy anytime. Mr Eustace is on If this huge liability is overhanging record of not supporting the you, and one of the means available to geothermal project, principally recover the money is VAT, will you because our share of the ownership of remove VAT off electricity? If you the facility is not enough. He firmly suspect the shark, EMIRA, will gobble believes that EMIRA is after VINLEC you up when it corners you, will you since they will have 80% of the not take precautionary measures? One investment in the project. The such measure could be to use some of structure of the ownership should not the VAT proceeds over the years, and matter too much, because, left to us to set it aside to purchase increasing do on our own, it will not be done. So, chunks of EMIRA. Mr Eustace sees why can’t we be like the remora fish the emergence of EMIRA as akin to and attach ourselves to the jawbone of selling off the family’s silver. However, this shark, EMIRA? Obviously, while I find it quite inconsistent that they it is grazing, we will be feeding too. do not want a foreign entity to have We are wooing foreign investors. Mr any sort of dominance in our sphere; Eustace’s argument is tantamount to yet almost all of the capital projects scare-mongering: EMIRA has gobbled they promise in their alternative, up Light and Power in Barbados, and involve some unnamed international is VINLEC next. Be that as it may, we or global entities. Will this not be need the development of the energy giving away the family’s silver? source to power the nation. Let us give Lastly, Mr Eustace contends that them a chance. He advocates the the Estimates do not give much hope removal of VAT on all electricity for growth and increased employment. consumers, to give a boost to users.

Growth in 2015 amounted to 1.4% Sounds good. He claims that, and is projected to be 2.2% in 2016. according to his sources, SVG owes Ideally, a 5% growth target is a some $900 million to PetroCaribe. desirable one and can be reachable when the infrastructural services derivable from “go-for-growth” projects get built into the production functions of an increasing number of enterprises. This will dispel the doom and gloom of Mr Eustace and the NDP. It will surely cast aside the notion that nothing good is happening in SVG. If you want a layman’s perspective on economic performance in SVG that is more reflective of what goes on in SVG, do or have done, an Economic Performance Index (EPI), with four macro subcomponents: inflation rate, unemployment rate, budget deficit to GDP ratio and change in real GDP. Go for it.

by GODSON CAIN

V Bro. Ebony: The „Double‰ Man

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Arts

HE HAS DONE it again!!

Brother Ebony (Fitzroy Joseph), affectionately referred to here in his native SVG as ‘The Nothing At All Man’, has won the 2016 National Humorous Calypso Monarch Competition in Trinidad and Tobago for the second year running.

He successfully defended his 2015 title on Saturday March 19, at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-ofSpain.

The Trinidad Guardian reported that Brother Ebony, appearing in position 6 among a finalists complement of 9, earned “the loudest and longest applause from patrons for a delightfully funny selection, titled ‘Still the Champion’.

And, the report said, he continued in this vein in the second round with the side-bending ‘Stupid People’.

Brother Ebony became only the second calypsonian to accomplish the feat of winning back to back titles in the Humorous Calypso Monarch Competition, the other being The Incredible Myron B (Myron Bruce), a hat trick winner (2012 — 2014), but who was not among the finalists this year.

Second place and a $30,000 prize went to Dr Rhythm (Shawn Mc Intyre). He did ‘Something about the Tablet’ and ‘Eff’.

Calypso fans were more than pleased to welcome back 72-year old The Loveable Lunatic, Crazy (Edwin Ayoung), to the

competition, and he did not fail to impress fans and judges alike. He claimed the third position and a prize of $20,000., doing ‘Four Calls’ and ‘The Electrician’.

Of course, calypso enthusiasts will recognise The Electrician that dates back to 1972, the year Crazy debuted in Sparrow’s Original Young Brigade (OYB) tent.

Readers will be pleased to know that the competition allows for the use of ‘a calypso of a humorous nature that could have been performed prior to Ash Wednesday of the previous year’, Winning fourth position and a prize of $14,000 was Spicey (Tammico Moore) for her offerings D Champion and Man in Dat. She was one of two females in the finals, the other being Sexy Suzie (Natasha Nurse), who did The Results Are In and How To Keep Yuh Man. Other finalists: Mr Nature (Michael John Old Age and Dumb Witness; • Brother Mudada (Alan Fortune) Dog and Fries and Dem Judges; Kid Kalaloo (Julien Hunte) - Victoria Secret and Ah Cyah See; and Kaiso Knobby (Carl Barrington) - Marriage Advice and Not Me. Each of the finalists below fourth position received $8,000 for his/her efforts.

The annual National Humorous Calypso Monarch Competition is organised by the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO).

When the news of

New Virgin Gorda Calypso Monarch, Roland ‘Chico B’ Veira, told VI News Online 6, that putting the songs together was not hard because he was writing from his heart.

Brother Ebony (Fitzroy Joseph) acknowledges the applause from the audience after being crowned T&T’s 2016 National Humorous Calypso Monarch.

(Photo Credit: Trinidad Guardian)

Vincentian wins Virgin Gorda Calypso title

VINCENTIAN Roland ‘Chico-B’ Veira is the new Calypso Monarch in Virgin Gordam British Virgin Islands.

It was ‘Chico B’s’ first time in the competition which was held on March 27 as part of the BVI Annual Easter Festival, at the Festival Village, Virgin Gorda, named this year after honoree Ms. Franka Pickering.

Reports from Virgin Gorda said that the newcomer, competing against four other finalists, captured the awards for best stage performance, best musical arrangement, best humorous performance and best lyrics, with his songs ‘Thanks BVI’ and ‘Rum Pipe’.

The Monarch took home a prize purse of $4,000.

First runner-up King Henry pocketed $3,000, second runner-up Falco $2,000, and third runner-up Mighty Ley-Ley $1,500. The other participant was Mighty Reddo.

The 2015 Calypso Monarch, King Paido was unable to defend his title, reports indicating that he was still recuperating from injuries sustained in a recent to tonight’s opening can announced. $3,000. accident. look forward to seeing the From Casa Blanca 2, “Our aim remains one Speaking with Virgin Hairoun Girls and the SWTS cavalcade will of bringing out the great Island Platinum news after involving themselves in a move to John’s Hideout in talent within karaoke the results were announced, Beer Drinking Biabou on April 9. lovers, especially those Competition.

Thereafter, karaoke who never got the chance ‘Chico B’ said, “I feel great.

Appearances by past enthusiasts can look to expose themselves. We Hard work paid off. It’s a good feeling. I love VG and I SWTS winners are also forward to sessions at: are expecting a night of slated.

River View Bar, fun on Friday after such a love the BVI. I will compete again and again…The song “The requests to bring Overland, on April 15; the long wait,” Nanton told that I loved most was back the programme have Tunnel View Bar in THE VINCENTIAN. “Thanks BVI”…This is my been fast and furious. I Byrea on April 22; and Winners of the SWTS first time, and the truth is had to give in,” said Millers Bar, Sandy Bay Karoake through the that I love culture, I love to Georgietha Nanton, on April 30. years have been: Rohan sing…I want to be part of founder, co-ordinator and The preliminary round Morgan — Season One; culture, that is why I entered host of SWTS. of this Country Edition Marvo Morgan — Season the competition.”

And Nanton has put season will climax on Two; Noveecha Toney — Virgin Gorda’s Easter together, as usual, a full May 1, at Flashers Season Three; Josette Festival was celebrated slate of preliminary Grocery and Bar in Joseph — Season Four; under the theme, sessions, leading up to Georgetown.

Lenny Warren — Season ‘Celebrating 2016 with Class: the usual grand finale, on Among the prizes up Five — Special Christmas A Festival of Pure Mas!’ (KH) a date still to be for grabs is a first prize of Edition.

Brother Ebony’s repeat victory was relayed to a leading calypso enthusiast here (name withheld on request), he remarked: “When are we going to hear some of Ebony’s humorous calypsoes here?

Where has the humour in our calypso gone? Look, Ebony has to return to Trinidad to display his skill. He could never do so here, not with the message certain people are sending out about what calypso is.”

Brother Ebony continues to ply his craft

in both Trinidad and Tobago and his native St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

He is a member of the Upsatge Calypso Tent here in SVG, and sings with the Klassic Ruso Tent while in Trinidad, where he is also involved, as a resource persons, in Calypso Workshops organised by the North Zone of TUCO. THE VINCENTIAN extends congratulations to Brother Ebony on his most recent accomplishment.

Singing with the stars returns tonight

Georgietha Nanton, founder, co-ordinator and host of SWTS, said that she was moved by how much persons here missed the karaoke programme.

BY OVERWHELMINGLY popular demand, especially in the face of similar attempts that have paled in comparison, the Singing With The Stars (SWTS) Island wide Karaoke programme returns to SVG. The sixth season, dubbed The Country Edition, of the live and post-televised karaoke programme, will commence today, Friday 1st April, at the Casa Blanca 2, located opposite the Mt. Bentick Distillery in Georgetown.

In addition to those who will make their karaoke debuts, patrons

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Trinity joins Zika awareness drive campus.

According to presenter Dr. Conrad Nedd, the main objective of the exercise was to provide information that would drive persons to take action.

measures.

Emphasising the incidence and attack rates of the disease, Dr. Nedd commented, “It is thought that in a whole population, if there is an Information imparted outbreak, 73% of persons will become infected.”

Dr. Nedd’s presentation traced the disease from its first appearance in the He, however, went on to Zika Forest in Uganda in 1947, through explain that, “There have L-R: Dr. Conrad Nedd, chief presenter, and Cecil been no reported deaths to the spread of the virus worldwide, Ryan, Chairman of the Ratho Mill/Prospect highlighting in the process the disease’s associated with Zika Community Organization, at the sensitisation virus. Hospitalizations symptoms, testing, initial assessment are rare, and only in cases session hosted by Trinity School of Medicine. and treatment, and preventive where patients have Supervisor of Vector Control Unit another severe illness like kidney within the Ministry of Health and the disease, for example.”

Environment, and Mrs. Neeka He outlined symptoms as: fever, Anderson-Isaacs, Communications conjunctivitis, headache and edema.

Officer in that Ministry contributed.

The clinical illness, he said, is usually When the presentation concluded, there is need for training.

The Centre for Enterprise mild, with symptoms lasting between many listeners testified that their “Since CED and BIMAP Development Inc. (CED), in several days and one week. first collaborated in 2009 to conjunction with the Dr. Nedd advised persons to employ impression of the disease had changed offer the Event Planning Barbados Institute of preventive measures, since there are no so significantly that they were eagerly seminar here, we have seen Management & vaccines nor specialized medications for ready to take action.

Also addressing the gathering was one hundred and eighteen Productivity (BIMAP), will treatment. Everyone should endeavor (118) persons benefitting from next month host a two-day Mr. Cecil Ryan, Chairperson of the to reduce mosquito exposure by our seminars, and we are seminar on Events ensuring that their breeding places are organization. He said that the confident that this seminar Planning & Management. environment has been an area of focus eliminated, he advised, and pointed to will help participants to be The seminar is designed the protection of infested persons from for the organization. more efficient in planning to develop and maximize “We have done many clean-up further mosquito exposure during the their organization’s events, the full potential of activities,” he explained, “and we have first week of illness would serve to and help set some persons on participants, and is noticed that some persons don’t keep prevent further transmission. He also a promising career path in scheduled to take place on the community as clean as it could be. warned that pregnant women should Event Planning.”

April 20 and 21 at the NIS We wanted to address these issues, and consider postponing travel to affected Upon completing this Training Room. the school has facilitated this request.”

Keisha Phillips, areas. training, participants are According to CED’s According to Ryan, a widespread CED Training An interactive discussion ensued, to expected to be able to identify Training Coordinator, clean-up activity is listed as the next Coordinator, which Mr. Todd Lewis, Senior and co-ordinate the logistical Keisha Phillips, the agenda item for his organization. says the seminar components of event Environmental Health Officer and seminar will cover a wide is aimed at, coordination, including but range of event-specific and not limited to food and inter-related topics that will among other beverage management, equip participants with the things, helping participants to human resource knowledge and skills to think critically in the fastbe more efficient management, financial paced event environment. in planning their management, etc; discuss the emergence of the event “This seminar organization’s industry in the Caribbean, will examine a range of events. citing examples from across theoretical perspectives the St. Vincent; demonstrate that can be applied to an understanding of the importance of, improve practice and enable and techniques used in event participants to be more effective evaluation; and identify the practitioners in Events Planning, components of a risk management Organization and Implementation plan, and understand the purpose and within both their own organizations and St. Vincent and the Grenadines in importance of contracts, permits, licenses, insurance and contingency general. It will also explore and plans. develop critical employability skills The seminar will be facilitated by and industry knowledge in the BIMAP’s Kim Bascombe (BSc, MSc). It organization and planning of special will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. events.”

Miss Phillips says, with more people daily. Interested persons have until Tuesday, April 12th to register. For being assigned the responsibility to plan and execute activities and events more information contact CED’s office at 451-2235/6 for more information. within their respective organizations,

AGAINST the backdrop of one confirmed case of the Zika virus disease in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, health authorities have stepped up efforts to contain and eventually eliminate the incidence of breeding of the aedes aegypti mosquito, carrier of the Zika virus.

In addition, a public awareness campaign has been mounted, and Trinity School of Medicine has joined in that effort.

On Saturday 19th March, the School engaged members of the Ratho Mill/Prospect Community Organization in a sensitization session, at the school

Events Planning/Management Seminar coming in April

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News

Faith Word Ministries honours two

EASTER MONDAY, March 28th, was a special day for at least two leading political figures here: Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, still in active service; and Girlyn Miguel, now retired from the daily challenges of that endeavour.

The occasion was the 13th Annual Love Fest of Faith Word Ministries, held at the Georgetown Government

School.

The annual event, usually characterised by a spirit of sharing, this year took on an added dimension when Dr. Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and former Minister of Education, Mrs. Girlyn Miguel, were recognised for their service to the people of SVG.

Schools get donations STUDENTS AT THE Lodge Village Primary School and the Bishop’s College Kingstown are the latest recipients of assistance from the Cecil and Naomi Browne Memorial Foundation.

Last month, March, Peronia Browne, on behalf of the Foundation, made presentations of reading material to the two schools.

The library at the Lodge Village Primary benefited from a quantity of books, including thesauruses, and the kindergarten class received toys.

A number of nonfiction books were also presented to the library of the Bishop’s College Kingstown.

Representatives from both schools thanked the Foundation for the gestures, and guaranteed that the books would be put to good use.

On making the presentations, Browne indicated that the Foundation was happy to make the contribution to the schools’ reading

Ms. Peronia Browne (2nd from left) presenting books to Librarian at the Bishop’s College, in the company of students. programmes, since her grandparents, in whose memory the Foundation was named and established, believed that education was the foundation for a strong family and nation, and that reading was the first step in that direction.

The presentation at the She cited the Lodge Village Primary donations as in School. keeping with the Foun-dation’s commisimilar contributions to tment to uplifting other institutions in the literacy in St Vincent near future. and the Grenadines, and Cecil and Naomi anticipated that the Browne both passed Foundation will make away in March 2014.

SVGAM awards annual bursaries

by SHINNEL FERARY SVGAM Bursary Recipient On Sunday, March 20, 2016, over 250 people attended the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Montreal Inc.’s (“SVGAM”) annual (From left): Bursary recipients Nathan Mills, Jamie Vincy Brunch, held Delpeche, Vanessa John and Shinnel Ferary with at Le Manoir in Maurice Conliffe, Chairman of the Bursary Committee, Notre-Dame-deand Alfred Dear, President- SVGAM. Grâce. receiving standing ovations.

At the Brunch, four students were Door prizes were given throughout presented with bursaries by the the event. Funds raised will be SVGAM. The recipients were: donated to the SVGAM’s bursary and Shinnel Ferary - Kane & Fetterly general fund.

Bursary Award; Nathan Mills - Dr. The SVGAM’s Annual Brunch is a Phyllis Conliffe Bursary Award; Vanessa John - Alfie Roberts Bursary wonderful opportunity to enjoy food Award; and Jamie Tamara Delpeche - and entertainment alongside fellow Vincentians and other members of Noel King Bursary Award.

Montreal’s Caribbean communities.

The patrons spent the afternoon Despite our cold weather, we can sampling delicious Vincy cuisine and always feel the warmth of St. Vincent beverages, including callaloo and and the Grenadines when we celebrate cowfoot, a bountiful buffet, sorrel, mauby, ginger beer, sugar cakes, cake together.

Editor’s Note: The SVG Association and ice cream.

For entertainment, artistes, who are of Montreal is one of the oldest organizations that group Vincentians members and friends of the SVGAM, in the diaspora. In fact, it celebrated performed singing and musical its 50th Anniversay in 2015. renditions of pop and soca music, all

Dr. Ian Beache of Faith Word Ministries described the day as “a great day,” having had an opportunity to “honour” two deserving nationals.

“It was indeed a good day spent in the presence of persons worshiping and giving thanks,” Dr. Beache added.

In addition to the honouring segment, the event also saw the donation of food items, clothing and books and other school supplies to the Georgetown Government School, the Georgetown Health Clinic and the St. Benedict’s Day Nursery and Children’s Home.

Mrs. Paula Blake-Toney, Principal of the Georgetown Government School, accepted the donations on behalf of the institutions, and thanked Faith Word Ministries for their continuing goodwill, in fulfilling their mission of ‘sharing love throughout SVG’.

It was a special occasion for both Dr. Gonsalves and Mrs Miguel, both recognising the sincerity of those bestowing the honours on them.

Mrs. Girlyn Miguel (left) received a plaque of recognition for her contribution to education as both teacher and policymaker.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves accepts a photographic impression that captures what was described as capturing a sense of his visionary leadership.

V Strange behaviour 20. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

cell phone under his pillow, and walks with it everywhere he goes, MY HUSBAND has been acting very even to the bathroom and shower, strange as though he has something and refuses to let me use it.

I know something is not right, to hide. He was never like this, and and it is making me very his behaviour is making me very suspicious of him. I asked him about uncomfortable. it, and he claims he is acting no way different than before. I tried to show Unsettled him how far his explanation is from Dear Unsettled, the truth, but he insisted that he is not acting in any way strange.

It can be a beautiful thing Here are some things that have when a couple can be totally open developed. I am not allowed to with each other and to each other. wash his clothes without his Based on your description of consent, so that he could empty your husband’s behaviour, it does his pockets before his clothes not speak to him being very open. reach. He goes to bed with his

Dear George,

As a matter of fact, as you suggest, his behaviour gives the impression that he has something to hide. Let him know that, even if that is not the case, it certainly appears that way. Perception, they say, is much greater than the truth.

Having said that, it is also for you to understand that his strange behaviour does not necessarily have to translate into any violation of the matrimonial rules on his part. In working through this period, proceed cautiously.

George

Going round in a circle was cruel to her; but that was two years ago, and I have since begged her forgiveness. Further, I have MY GIRLFRIEND insults me in front of her friends, and treats me made every effort to make things up to her. Since that time, George, like a dog whenever we are around her relatives. She has no I have treated this woman like a Queen! respect for me, and whenever I Sadly, none of this seems to talk to her about i, she repeats matter to her, and she continues that she will never be able to respect me because of an incident to insult me and make me feel less than a man. that happened a long time ago.

I admit that on that occasion, I

Dear George,

Emotionally Crushed

Dear Emotionally Crushed, There comes a time when you have to let bygones be bygones.

If as a couple or a as a unit, you cannot let go of the past, then it makes no sense making plans for the future together.

Unresolved (past) issues will surely taint your future.

Her refusing to let go of the past will only take your relationship into a perpetual circle.

If you are satisfied that you have done everything, including seeing a professional counsellor, to correct the situation, and she insists on taking pleasure in humiliating you in public, then you need to move out and move on.

An individual who has difficulties forgiving and moving forward will not be a good candidate for marriage or the kind of life partner you deserve to have.

George

No need for the pill Dear George, MY WIFE is hell bent on using contraceptives although she knows I had a vasectomy some years ago. I got a vasectomy because she was adamant that she does not want any more children, and to prove my love and commitment to her.

But my wife insists on taking the pill, giving the reason that she wants to be 100% sure she cannot conceive, even though our doctor told her that it is not likely that she would get pregnant anytime soon by me.

A friend of hers pinched me and told me that she is fooling around with this guy.

When I confronted her, she denied it. I believe that she is on the pill so as not to get pregnant by this guy.

The friend told me that she would give me evidence. As soon as I get that evidence, I will

confront her again.

How can I trust my wife from here onward?

Let Down Dear Let Down, To suspect that your wife is fooling around is definitely not a comfortable thought to be carrying around.

I agree that it is better to await this evidence (from her friend) before you confront her again, since you do not want to rush to judgement and accuse your wife of something of which she is innocent.

Perhaps you should consider using a condom. This double defence (condom plus vasectomy) should help her deal with her paranoia. This of course is a measure you should employ until you get to the bottom of things.

In the meantime, get yourself tested for STDs.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Your anger may be impossible to contain if you get into debates with family members. Anger could lead to problems. You've been hurt before and could be again if you don't play hard to get. You're likely to encounter new partners if you take short trips.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Residential moves will be hectic and may be unsatisfactory. You will be full of good ideas, and your choice of activities may bring you enrichment far beyond your expectations. You should look into a healthier diet. Make changes regarding your status in society.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Take care that arrangements to spend quality time together are made in advance. Make sure that you have all the pertinent information before any reprisals or making any moves. You will have a great deal of insight when dealing with others. Travel will enhance romance and adventure.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Help elders in your family. Don't turn down an invitation or a challenge that could enhance your chances of meeting someone special. Your personal life will be under the gun and you may want to avoid the questions your lover is going to want to ask you. Stop telling others about your problems.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Go out with friends. You have been going through a period of change that no doubt caused problems with your loved ones. Don't turn down offers that include sports activities or children. Go directly to the source if you want to know exactly what's been going on.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You could have trouble persuading others to accept your ideas and opinions. You may have a problem keeping secrets. Concentrate on getting ahead financially and let your personal life settle down for a while. Your determination and stamina will make your work look flaw less and effortless.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Try to accommodate them without infringing on your own responsibilities.

You should get into programs that will enhance your appearance and help you to be the best that you can. Throw yourself into your work. You will be in the mood to socialize.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Talk to an older, established individual about your present situation. Make changes regarding your friendships. You will have a problem holding on to your cash this week. Self-deception is likely.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur. Secret affairs may only cause complications in your life. You won't get the reaction you want from your mate this week. Children or friends may try to talk you into lending them money.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your boss may be pushy. You may find that purchases or entertainment could be expensive. Don't evade important issues; you may find yourself backed into a corner. You would be wise to consider attending lectures that will broaden your awareness concerning your professional direction.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Think twice before you speak. Deception will play an important factor in relationships. Get on with business.

Assist a relative or good friend by setting of a budget for them.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Travel will promote romantic connections. You need to spend some time getting to know this person all over again. Don't confide in anyone for the time being. Outings with relatives or good friends will provide you with stimulating conversation.

ACROSS

(abbr.)

42. Kitchen 1.Feathery appliance neckpieces 44. Hang 5. Actress Theda around 9. Part of an 47. Elongated Encyclopedia fish set (abbr.)

48.Officeholders 12. Individual 49. Glinda, e.g.

13. Functions (2 wds.)

14. Boise’s state 54. Narc’s org. (abbr.)

55. Cement 15. Household 56. Digruntled helpers 57. NNE’s oppo17. British bathsite room 58. Knitting 18. Groove wool 19. They come in 59. Requests to last Santa 21. Honor – thieves DOWN 24. Drake 25. Swab 1.Future flower 26. Car rental 2. Lennon’s company widow 28. Wedding Yoko vows 3. Focus (2 wds.)

4. Severe 32. “We kiss __ 5. Cigarette’s Shadow” remainder (2 wds.)

6. “__ Lay 33. Metal Dying” fastener for (2 wds.)

Rosie 7. Loners 35. Pie __ mode 8. The “A” in (2 wds.)

NBA (abbr.)

36. Jonas or Lee 9. Mean 38. Dough 10. Skunk’s 39. Sopping secret 40. Heights weapon

11. Cambodia’s neighbor 16. __ and spice 20. Go downhill 21. Fifi’s friends 22. “__ Lisa” 23. October gem 24. Female opera stars 27. Early record player 29. Morning’s beginning 30. Fashion designer Cassini 31. Glut 34. Tossed 37. Kit __ Club

(“Cabaret”) 41. Like Betty Grable 43. “He’s making __...” (2 wds.)

44. Kettle covers 45. Smallest bills 46. “I came, __, I

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016. 21.

conquered” (2 wds.)

47. First garden 50. Possessive pronoun 51. Extremely 52. Wail 53. “__ a Rebel”

22. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016. 23.

Strough leads SVG Under 15 Team FAST BOWLER Kemron Strough will lead the national Under 15 cricket team, which will participate in the 2016 Windward Islands Under 15 tournament, scheduled for Dominica from April 1 – 8.

Strough, of the St. Vincent Grammar School, believes the team, which retains a number of players who represented SVG in last year’s tournament, will do well.

“I think the batsmen will do good, after looking at them batting in the nets, while the bowlers just have to work up on

their bowling with more control.”

Strough, recognizing his dual responsibility added, “As captain and the opening bowler, I will be looking to take early wickets and put the opposition under pressure.”

The young man points to Dominica as being the toughest opposition, based on last year’s performance, but assured that his team will not be taking any of the other teams lightly.

Head coach Deighton Butler feels the preparation also went

well. “We got a lot of access to the nets, which is vital, and we did a lot of batting and bowling.

Apart from the specialist batsmen, I believe the allrounders will give a lot of depth to the unit.”

He highlighted that he has been focusing on reinforcing the importance of the basics at this level and posited, “Once the players stick to the basics, I believe we will see some improvement in the players and their performances.”

SVG has performed poorly at the Windwards

Under 15 level over the recent past, and Butler expects an improved performance this year, given the retention of many players from last year, and the experience they will bring.

Strough will have Handel Roban as his deputy. The other players are O’Jay Matthews, Jahiel Walters, Romando Mars-Browne, Devorn Peters, Desroy Hooper, Camarlo Cain, Jerdon Jacobs, Javid Baptiste, Zevron Bobb, Davian Matthews and Daniel Gonsalves.

Kemron Strough, captain of SVG Under 15 team for the Windward Islands tournament.

Five reserves have also been named in Luke Wilson, Newton Browne, Dwayne Henry, Azar Williams and Coby DaBreo.

Samuel Holder, who

Left: Deighton Butler under 15 coach. managed the successful Windward Islands U17 last year, will travel with the team as manager.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Georgetown Secondary retain schools’ volleyball titles THE GEORGETOWN SECONDARY SCHOOL (GSS) stamped its dominance on secondary schools volleyball here when they retained titles in the male and female divisions of that championship.

Playing on familiar setting at the GSS auditorium, last Thursday’s, title deciders were carbon copies of what took place in 2015, and the results were the same.

In a repeat of the female title decider, GSS aced the Girls’ High School 3-0 (25-16, 25-12, 25-22).

The win by the GSS females marked a hat trick of wins, the first female outfit to do so.

The St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown won the first two competitions in 2012 and 2013.

In the male showdown, the GSS overcame arch rivals and former winners, the George Stephens Senior Secondary

(GSSS), also in straight sets, 25 -10, 25-13, 25-8.

It was the fifth straight year that the two institutions were facing off in the male finals.

The GSSS had had hat trick of titles from 2012 to 2014.

In getting to the finals, the GSS females as well as the males had beaten the West St George Secondary in their semi-finals match ups, while the George Stephens Senior defeated the Petit Bordel Secondary in the male semifinals, and the Girls’ High School outlasted the Thomas Saunders Secondary.

The West St George Three in a row for the Georgetown Male champions of schools’ volleyball – Secondary gained the third Secondary in the female division of the Georgetown Secondary. spots in both categories. schools’ volleyball competition.

The other competing teams Secondary.

And, in the male segment, in the female division were the Presentation of there were also the Dr JP Grenadines Volleyball Bishop’s College Kingstown, the Eustace Memorial, Central awards takes place on a date yet Association Alana Mc Master Intermediate High School and Leeward, the Intermediate High to be announced, though are that this has been set for the George Stephens Senior indications from President of School, Bishop’s College the first week of the upcoming Secondary.

Kingstown and the Petit Bordel the St Vincent and the school term.

Smith, Sebastien: Top Volcanoes performers OPENING BATSMEN Devon Smith and Liam Sebastien (captain) were the top batsman and bowler respectively for Windwards Volcanoes, in the just concluded WICB PCL four-day tournament.

Smith stroked 719 from 8 matches this season. His efforts included 2 centuries and 6 half centuries from 15 innings, with his highest being 127 against Trinidad and Tobago. He finished with an average of 47.93.

The Grenadian also finished with the second highest run aggregate in the tournament, second to

Leon Johnson, the Guyana Jaguar’s captain, who made 807.

Including his debut match in 1999 when he represented the Windwards against Barbados in the Regional Four-Day Tournament, Smith, who last played for the West Indies in April 2015 against England in his hometown St. George’s, has played 175 first class matches and amassed 11,414 runs, including 27 centuries, 52 fifties. His highest individual score is 212 made against Guyana in

2009, at Queen’s park, Grenada.

Liam Sebastien topped the bowlers with a haul of 37 wickets from his 10 matches. He finished 6th over all in the tournament, having bowled 366 overs of offspin for an average of 26.40, and an economy rate of 2.66. In the process he picked up 3 five wickets haul, with a best of 7 for 58 against Jamaica.

Following Smith in the batting was his opening partner Dominican Tyrone Theophile who recorded a total of 453, including 3 fifties, from 10 matches.

His top score of 83 he left for the final game against Trinidad that helped the Volcanoes to a 7 wickets win. He averaged 26.64.

Sebastein’s fellow Dominican, off spinner Shane Shillingford, was the second highest wicket taker with 34 from 7 matches. He had 3 fivewicket hauls and one 10wicket haul. He averaged 25.58 with an economy rate of 2.82.

The Volcanoes finished 5th in the six-team table with 64 points. Guyana retained their title.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Devon Smith hit the most runs, 719, with 2 Liam Sebastien took the centuries and 6 half centuries. most wickets, 37.

V SVG Customs takes treasure trove of trophies 24. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

by GLORIAH… ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Customs and Excise Association, host of the 41st Caribbean Customs Tournament 2016, were well rewarded when they walked away with the majority of trophies up for grabs.

A packed auditorium of the West St. George Secondary School, where the Closing Ceremony was convened, captured the essence of the tournament’s theme,

‘Togetherness through Sports, Culture and Caribbean Unity’, as Customs Officers and supporters from across the region joined in camaraderie with their host.

The visiting teams had journeyed to SVG, ‘Land of the Blessed’, to enjoy a rollicking weekend of brotherly rivalry, and partake in some of what St. Vincent and the Grenadines has to offer.

Teams participated in a number of competitions firstly at the Victoria Park, and

secondly at the Arnos Vale Playing Field for follow-ups and finals, all in an atmosphere of fun and fostering true friendships among regional counterparts.

These games included cricket, football, netball, basketball, and dominoes.

There was also competition in the walking race, march past, and at Karaoke.

Awards at the Closing Ceremony

A Section of the regional participants.

Presentation of the trophy for the Dominoes competition.

The Cricket trophy appropriately presented to SVG by Vincentian cricket umpire (retired) Golan Greaves (right).

Mrs. Sandra Noel hands over Tournament flag to Mr. Gavin Low of Guyana.

SVG’s eight trophies included first prize awards for cricket, football, netball and dominoes, and third prizes for basketball and the walking race.

Barbados took top honours in basketball, while Antigua and Barbuda walked away winners in the walking race as well as the march past.

In Karaoke, Debbie Villafana of Trinidad and Tobago sang away to victory in the Karaoke competition, followed by Ian Sealey of Barbados and Ronnie Harris of St. Lucia in that order.

On the strength of their trophy haul, St. Vincent and the Grenadines was announced Champions of the 2016 Caribbean Customs Tournament.

President of the local Customs and Excise Association, Mrs. Sandra Noel, told THE VINCENTIAN that she credited the great performances of the local team to the fact that the games were staged at home, and all hands were on deck. “Being the host country,” she gushed, “we had the full participation

The winner’s trophy for football collected by a SVG participant from Mr. Golan Greaves.

of many of our customs officers at home, unlike previous years when many could not travel due to financial constraints.”

She admitted that, while host countries are most disposed to becoming champions, their resolve was to “keep everything at home”, so they strategized to have full participation in the major sports.

With Guyana hosting the tournament next year, President Noel handed over the tournament Flag to Gavin Low, Head of the Guyanese team.

Low expressed his delight, saying, “We have hosted the tournament twice and have done a splendid job. We have dedicated staff and will ensure that challenges are eliminated.”

He added: “We have to have togetherness in the Caribbean, and the tournament is all about fun, sports, camaraderie. We want to have the Caribbean people know and communicate with each other both at tournaments and for the future.”

Time for the presentation of the Netball Competition First Place trophy.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016. 25.

Sports

More CARIFTA Medals for SVG swimmers THE BROTHER/SISTER combination Alex and Shné Joachim created history when they copped medals at 2016 CARIFTA Swimming Championships held in Martinique March 22nd to 26th.

They wrote themselves into the history book by ensuring that for the first time, this country produced two athletes who captured medals at a CARIFTA Swimming level.

Alex Joachim, younger brother of CARIFTA record holder Shné, swimming in his final year of the 11 to 12 age group, produced the most outstanding performance of a Vincentian swimmer at the CARIFTA level, when he copped silver medals in the 50 and 100 meter breaststroke events. He is the first Vincentian to capture two medals in any age group.

He finished a very close fourth in the 200 meter breaststroke and the 200 Meter Butterfly events, and altogether, he swam personal best times in 6 of his 7 races, and broke two SVG national records.

Shné Joachim, swimming in the first year of the 15 to 17 age group, captured a bronze medal in the 50 meter Breaststroke.

She qualified for three finals, and in addition to her bronze medal, had two fourth place finishes. In the process, Shné set personal best times in all three breaststroke events. This is the fourth consecutive year that Shné has medalled at CARIFTA. Shane Cadogan, swimming in the final year of the 13 to 14 age group, qualified for three finals, and was a close fourth position in both the 50 and 100 Breaststroke events. Shane also had personal best times in six of his seven races.

Nikolas Sylvester, swimming in the first year of the boys 15 to 17 years old age group, qualified for the 100 meter breaststroke final and finished seventh. Nikolas did five personal best times.

Aaron Defrietas and Cruz Halbich also represented SVG in the pool events, and the latter teamed up with Tyrell Raggette to compete in the 5K Open Water ocean race.

In a post games comment, President of the SVG Swimming Federation Stephen Joachim, observed “The CARIFTA Swimming Championships are one of the pinnacles of Caribbean swimming, and the top swimmers at this event can compete with top swimmers across the world in their age groups. It’s a very tough competition”.

The President also expressed disappointment with the refusal of the Government and the National Lottery to lend any support to the SVG 2016 CARIFTA swimming team.

The SVG 2016 CARIFTA swim team was led by Coach Kyle Dougan, SVG Coach of the Year in 2013 and 2014, The next national team event for Team SVG is the Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships (CISC) to be held in the Bahamas, in late June 2016.

The 26th annual OECS Swimming Championships have been awarded to SVG, and all things being even, would be hosted at the newly renovated and expanded Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre.

The SVG 2016 CARIFTA SWIM TEAM which, according to the Swimming Association President, received no support from the State.

Double silver medalist Alex Joachim.

26. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2016. 27.

Classifieds

CECILY YVONNE HAGLEY Kingstown Methodist Church Wednesday 30th March, 2016 3:00 p.m.

ANITA ELLIS Known as Catherine Bulze St. Patrick Anglican Church Barrouallie Tuesday 29th March, 2016 3:00 p.m.

MISS NOLA SIMMONS 6W -RKQ¶V &KULVWLDQ Pilgrim Church Sion Hill Wednesday 30th March, 2016 2:30 p.m.

REGINALD J. GIBSON RUPERT L. PHILLIPS Mt. Caramel Spiritual Baptist Church Sunday 27th March, 2016 Service at 2:00 p.m.

Dorsetshire Hill Evangelical Church Sunday 27th March, 2016 Service at 3:00 p.m.

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S A L E

FRIDAY,

APRIL 01, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.14

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‘ELECTIONS SOON,’ SAYS EUSTACE

by DAYLE DA SILVA GENERAL ELECTIONS are coming soon.

This was the sentiment expressed by the Leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace, last Monday as he addressed supporters of the New Democratic Party (NDP) at the party’s annual beach picnic at Sion Hill Bay. “I come three and a

half months after the election of December 9, I come here not simply for a beach splash, but I come here because I have something to say and I choose to say it here,” Eustace said.

He told supporters that he will be giving detailed information within the coming weeks on the plan of the NDP as it pertains to protest

The NDP has refused to accept the results of the Dec 9, 2015 general elections which showed a 8-7 victory in favour of the ULP.

action.

Eustace added that he and the members of the NDP were expecting a ruling on the move to have Elections Petitions before the court sometime this week. that the ruling disallowed, to come He remained confident would go in the NDP’s favour, and as a result, that Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves will announce a date for the next General Elections very soon.

Arnhim Eustace, Leader of the “What I am reaches as far as the Privy NDP, has predicted that saying to you the Council. The Saint Vincent elections will be called here people of St and the Grenadines Bar soon, regardless of the Vincent and the Association urges all who are outcome of Election Petitions Grenadines, don’t aggrieved, especially officers before the court. assume that of the court, to employ those elections will come channels for the ventilation statements she initially months from now, it will of any grievance, be it actual gave in court (so) “we come in a short period of or perceived. don’t want her to time – petition or no The public attack on the supervise any elections petition,” Eustace told judiciary, the manner and anymore,’ adding, the associated invective are those gathered at Sion “Elections must be free not only unbecoming, but Hill Bay. and fair, people must be seek to call our time“Our system depends free to make their honoured system of on justice, and without choice,” governance into disrepute. justice, you are not going Association stands firm that the Eustace reiterated Our system of justice is bolstered to have any peace,” he that, “The election was by public confidence, the attacks members of the bench who are continued. appointed by the Judicial and stolen and we are not serve to undermine that public The NDP would not be Legal Services Commission under going to rest until the confidence in the judiciary. We backing down, he said. the aegis and auspices of the matter is settled in our must resist those efforts at all And he was adamant Chief Justice, serve with interest.” costs; the alternative is to of that, and that the integrity, and without fear or The opposition leader promote and engender a lawless NDP did not want the favour. and Political Leader of society where dissatisfaction with current Supervisor of The SVGBA asks that the the NDP also paid a decision leads to chaos and Elections, Sylvia Findlay, homage to those who he anarchy. We are to be guided and judiciary be accorded due respect or any of the other for their decisions sans said have been governed not only by legislation individuals involved in committed to the cause, and rules, but also by acceptable vilification. the December 2015 and have been turning codes of conduct. elections, to run the next Secretary SVGBA up for the past weeks to The executive of the St. one.

On behalf of the Executive show their support to the Vincent and the Grenadines Bar According to Eustace, Vilification cause of the NDP. Findlay withdrew

Bar Association condemns attacks on the judiciary EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a Press release from the executive of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bar Association, and is carried verbatim.

The Executive of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Bar Association wishes to publicly denounce the attacks made on the judiciary in the wake of the December 9th, 2015 general elections.

While respect must be accorded to freedom of speech, and one is free to express one’s opinion on politics, the statements and allegations which have been made against our judiciary leave much to be desired.

The imputations go to the very root of the Rule of Law, and the Separation of Powers, the very independence which the judiciary has always enjoyed as a facet of our democratic and sovereign nation.

The system is such that, resident in its very structure, are mechanisms for the challenge of a decision of the judiciary with

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.