THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 01-11-19

FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 01, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.40.

Reaction to Jomo’s resignation Page 3

JOMO QUITS THE ULP

Jomo Thomas speaking at a news briefing last Tuesday, during which he announced his resignation from the membership of the Unity Labour Party.

LAWYER JOMO THOMAS has resigned his membership in the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) with effect from Tuesday 29th October.

He also announced that he will vacate his seat as Speaker of the House, and foregoing the position’s $82,000 annual salary, early next year.

Thomas made his intentions known during a press briefing last Tuesday, at his law office in Kingstown.

And to dispel any doubts about him being or not being a candidate at the polls, Thomas made it clear that he had no

intention of offering himself as a candidate in the next general election, which Leader of the incumbent ULP, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has hinted could be held by the end of 2020.

The lawyer had contested the 2015 general elections on a ULP ticket and lost to the New Democratic Party’s Nigel Stephenson in the South Leeward constituency.

He continued, until last Tuesday, to be the ULP’s caretaker candidate in that constituency which he described as one comprised of “..long-

www.thevincentian.com

DJ on criminal charge Page 4

EC$1.50

US Official pleased Page 6

SVG in Robotics Games Page 14

Increased participation in Expo Page 19

FRANCIS LOSING NO SLEEP OVER JOMO Stories by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

suffering and neglected people.”

His reason for leaving the party, he summarised as. “… my membership was incompatible with the goings on of the party,” and described his time as a member as one characterised by ““accusations,……. venomous and scurrilous statements about me and my practice… I don’t think I can properly remain a member of the Unity Labour Party in that kind of atmosphere.”

There had been simmering differences between Thomas and the ULP over recent months. The friction was exposed during sessions of the sitting of the House of Assembly, with the most recent sitting being an extended and inflamed one that was

GENERAL SECRETARY of the Unity Labour Party Senator Julian Francis is losing no sleep over the resignation of Jomo Thomas as a member of the party.

He is also not perturbed in any way about his intention to Senator Julian Francis, General Secretary of the resign as Speaker of ULP, is not in any way the House.

Francis’ comments bothered by Jomo Thomas’ resignation came in a phone call one day after Thomas from the Party. announced his departure from the ruling Unity Labour party.

“A man is entitled to what he feels,” Francis said. “He joined voluntarily, he can leave voluntarily,” was the Senator’s reaction.

He added that Thomas was not the first to leave the party.

Asked about what he thought would be Thomas’ next move, Francis, declared, “Jomo is the only person who can respond to that.”

THE VINCENTIAN pressed Francis that it was the ULP who nominated Thomas to be Speaker of the House. Francis outlined that government has its regulations about the Speaker’s appointment, and made it clear that “it is not my forte.”

Continued on Page 3.

Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V News 3 Reactions to JomoÊs resignation

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

don’t like his approach as the Speaker of the House. I think he is a fair person. So sad to know he has to resign. I don’t know if he will be a part of the New Democratic Party. He has a lot to contribute still. He should consider himself playing a part in Vincentian politics.

Ivan ‘Kempes’ Dupont IVAN ‘KEMPES’ DUPONT Self-employed Jomo is a good youth.

He tried with the government. Maybe they

put them in the position.

The people hearing your voice and not him.

CECIL ‘BLAZER’ WILLIAMS: Lawyer If you keep your ears to the ground, you expected something like this to happen. I am not surprised at all.

Michael Austin

Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams

Tyrone John

Walter Saunders

RAS I

When Jomo was appointed, I thought it was an opportunist MICHAEL AUSTIN: Farmer TYRONE JOHN something. It was a Businessman throw sprat to catch What they want him whale. It seems as if they to do is not what he That is the right thing wanted to muzzle him. wants to do. When you he did.

As Speaker you should vote somebody into a be neutral. That position, they are WALTER SAUNDERS resignation was to have working for the people, Self-employed taken place a long time not for the person who ago. It is a good thing for

Nothing political about demonstrations

him to resign. If there are beans to be spilt, spill the beans.

RAS I: Businessman That is a good decision. From his

setting, he never comfortable in the Unity Labour Party, nor on his own land. Jomo is one who doesn’t want to follow. He reminds me of Donald Trump … I alone am the team.

Jomo quits the ULP Continued from Frontpage.

individuals.

An invitation was also sent to the St Vincent Laverne Phillips (inset) is not deterred by the numbers on the demonstration, and the Grenadines Christian Council. but is disappointed that government and church persons have not seen the Phillips told THE need to offer support.

VINCENTIAN that she was inspired to do RADIO HOST AND SOCIAL and in Kingstown, drew around 30 something about the problem, political activist Laverne Phillips persons, she said; the second one after hearing and reading about said that there is nothing political held a week later drew a far the number of reported incidents about the demonstrations she has smaller crowd, but a number of of rape and other sex acts organized. new faces. committed against young girls, “I have to be the voice of the And while she admits that voiceless,” Phillips told THE some may have stayed away as a often at the hands of older men.

The recent news of a 4-year-old VINCENTIAN. result of “politics,” she spoke of alleged to have tested positive for And she assured that she has the need for individuals to put a sexually transmitted disease, no intention of backing down their political differences aside, when it comes to speaking out especially on issues such as these. was the deciding factor.

“I decided I could no longer be against rape, and the other sex Phillips was especially silent,” she said. crimes committed against women expressive about her Phillips was not prepared to and young girls in the country. disappointment with the no show divulge what future plans she November 2 will be the last of by members of the ruling Unity has, other than to reiterate that the four scheduled demonstrations Labour Party while, at the same the overall intent remains one of and, according to Phillips, time, noting that a few members although there could have been of the opposition spent some time creating awareness and to encourage people to speak out and more numbers in attendance, she on the picket line. is pleased with the overall She assured that to government to support the call and sign the accompanying online petition, for numbers. members — including Frederick The first event, held outside the Stephenson, Minister of National a Sex Offenders Register here.

(DD) Parliament building on October 12 Mobilisation — and other senior

adjourned just before midnight.

He referred to discussions on radio, alluding to them as a combination of a “jaundiced, bellicose, scurrilous campaign against me,” and declared, “I couldn’t in good conscience remain,” with the ULP. Thomas’s public political association began, so to speak, with his appointment as a senator for the ULP administration, in 2013.

This prepared him for his candidacy in 2015, on an earlier referenced ULP ticket, and when he lost in that year’s general election, he was elevated to Speaker of the House.

Francis losing no sleep over Jomo Continued from Frontpage.

Pressed further as to the position of Speaker, Francis pointed out that it was a Parliamentary appointment and had “nothing to do with the ULP.” Francis, a senator since 2001, declared that Thomas’ move was “no history,”’ in that other Speakers had resigned previously. Quizzed further on his reaction to Thomas’ resignation from the party, Francis declared that as a resident of South Leeward, and a voter, he “raised a red flag” on Thomas’ departure.

Thomas was the unsuccessful candidate for the ULP in the South Leeward constituency in the 2015 general election.

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4. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

DJ on criminal charges circumstances likely to cause a breach of the peace, did make use of A ‘HOT FM’ DJ appeared at indecent language, to the Serious Offences Court wit, “dem (expletive) boy on Monday to answer dey can’t talk to me; three criminal charges, what de (expletive) dem after allegedly using think dey is”. indecent language during Rogers is also charged his DJ session at an event with assaulting Inspector dubbed ‘Colour Fete’ held Dwayne Bailey, he being at Arnos Vale last Sunday. a police officer acting in Ray Parker Rogers, due execution of his whose entertainment duties. He is additionally sobriquet is ‘DJ Maff’, is charged with resisting charged with, in the arrest of Inspector Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Ray Parker Rogers continues on bail, looking at a Dec. 9 reappearance in Court. (Photo Credit: Hot 97 FM Facebook page)

Bailey, he being a police officer acting in due execution of his duties.

The Old Montrose man pleaded not guilty to all three charges when he stood before Chief Magistrate Browne. He is represented by Attorney Grant Connell.

The matter was adjourned to December 9 and transferred to the Kingstown Magistrate’s

Court.

Rogers, who had been granted station bail on the charges, had his bail continued by the Serious Offences Court on Monday.

Men await sentencing for attacking tourist TWO YOUNG men are likely to be the centre of public attention at their sentencing hearing slated for November 22, at the Criminal Assizes.

Jeromie ‘Jay Jay’ Jordon and Enard ‘Baptis’ Douglas, will be sentenced on three charges in connection with the October 3, 2013 cutlass attack on two visitors from the US Virgin Islands, aboard their yacht ‘Rainbow’ at Frigate Rock, Union Island, around 8 p.m.

A nine-member mixed jury on Friday, October 25, found Jordon, 16 at the time of the incident, and Douglas, who was 15, guilty of causing grievous bodily harm to Christina Curtin, wounding Mark Beisar with intent, and entering the yacht of Beisar as a trespasser and inflicting grievous bodily harm on a person, and at the time

of so doing had a cutlass.

Curtin received chop wounds to her face and shoulder, while Beisar, then her common law husband, sustained injuries to his head, during the incident.

The Jury returned their verdict after close to two hours deliberations, Jeromie ‘Jay Jay’ Enard ‘Baptis’ following a trial which Jordon Douglas started at the Criminal ‘Cut-throat Assizes on October 21.

Several witnesses mounted the defence’, accusing each other of inflicting the injuries. They called stand for the prosecution, including the foreign couple, who no witnesses.

The Prosecution was led by testified via Skype, under the Crown Counsel Karim Nelson, Witness (Special Measures) Act assisted by Crown Counsel Rose2014, lead investigator Corporal Ann Richardson.

Justin Cupid and star witness Presiding Judge Brian Cottle Joul Mills. has postponed sentencing to The accused men conducted their own defence and ran what is November 22 to allow for the known in Court Proceedings as a preparation of Social Inquiry reports.

Prisoner to appeal 18 years sentence A MAN, who was on Monday, at the High Court Criminal Assizes, sentenced to 18 years in prison for manslaughter, stemming from the death of an elderly businessman about 8 years ago, is expected to appeal the sentence.

Travis Williams was originally charged with the murder of 72-yearold shop and bar proprietor Grafton Hutchinson of Stubbs, but pleaded guilty to manslaughter during a Case Management Conference on September 20, 2019.

Williams was 22 at the time of the incident, and was residing at

Calder.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, Williams’ lawyer Kay BacchusBaptiste said that her client is expected to appeal his sentence on two main grounds. She is of view that Justice Brian Cottle did not represent the facts clearly, in that he did not refer to the evidence which was before the Court, that the accused had expressed remorse even before he was arrested, and the lawyer stressed that this evidence came from a prosecution witness.

Bacchus-Baptiste is also of the view that her

client should have been given the full one-third discount, or most of it, for his guilty plea because it was his first available opportunity to plea to manslaughter, as he had been initially charged with murder.

Hutchinson’s nude body was discovered face down on the floor of his shop and bar at Stubbs June 20, 2011.

An autopsy revealed multiple trauma to his head and neck.

Evidence had revealed that during the incident, Williams relieved the businessman of his 12guage shotgun, as well as a quantity of rum and cigarettes.

In August 2013, someone came forward and told the police that Williams had confessed to the crime.

In sentencing, Justice Brian Cottle used 15 years as the benchmark, but after weighing the aggravating and mitigating factors, and taking into account the 6 years, two months and 11 days Williams spent on remand, he will only have to serve 8 years, nine months and 19 days in prison from Monday.

Williams had previous convictions for wounding and burglary.

Manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Lawyer calls for ganja renewal ATTORNEY Grant Connell has called on Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne to ask the relevant authorities to review the drug laws and value of marijuana.

Connell made the call in separate mitigation pleas on behalf of his clients Levan Matthews and Arno Charles, both of Petit Bordel, during a sitting of the Serious Attorney Grant Offences Court on Monday.

Connell once Matthews had pleaded again, called for a guilty to possession of 422 review of the drugs grams of marijuana with laws so as to arrive intent to supply, while at some standard Charles admitted to having 372 grams of the illegal herb regarding the value of illegal drugs, with intent to supply.

Connell said that, as this including marijuana. country celebrates 40 years of Independence, the average marijuana man continues to suffer, and Renewal at 40 does not include any significant change to the laws in relation to marijuana.

Connell said that the value of $900 per pound for marijuana, given to the Court by Head of the Narcotics Unit, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Foster Scott, is not correct and is misleading.

He has repeatedly stated that persons directly involved in the marijuana business, including head of the Cannabis Revival Committee (CRC), Junior ‘Spirit’ Cottle, has placed the value at $200 to $300 per pound.

Connell stressed that the Court needs to use the correct value of the herb, as there is a direct nexus between value and sentence.

The lawyer pointed out that the existing sentences for marijuana possession are too harsh and unconsconciable, stressing that the last significant increase in sentence at the Magistrate’s Court was in 2008, from three years to seven years, and the fine was moved from $100,000 to $500,000.

Connell said that the marijuana with which his clients were charged, amounted to less than a pound, valuing less than $250, and they were held in custody at the Central Police Station for four days before being taken to Court because they were denied station bail.

Matthews was fined $450, while Charles was ordered to pay the Court $330. (See back page)

Questelles man jailed for rape A 47-YEAR-OLD QUESTELLES MAN was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Monday for rape.

Earlier at the ongoing sitting of the Criminal Assizes, a nine-member mixed jury had found Eurnie Jackson guilty of raping a 15-year-old girl on August 5 and 6, 2012.

Jackson was 40 at the time of the incident.

Upon conviction, Justice Brian Cottle adjourned sentencing.

The Prosecution’s evidence revealed that the girl was in an unlocked room at a house sleeping with three sisters, when Jackson, who had access to the house, entered the room on two consecutive nights, removed her underwear and forced himself on her.

According to the evidence, the girl suffered from asthma, making it difficult for her to scream or struggle during the ordeal.

V Arianna Wyllie is Miss GHS Heritage 2019

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

News

utilized the colours of the airport and an accurate painting of the facility; and responded with appropriate answers to both questions in the Interview segment.

She also copped the awards of ‘Most Disciplined’ and ‘Most Cooperative’ contestant.

Other contestants The other contestants appearing in order were: Ms. Hairouna, Sonelilia Glasgow of Form 5 Business; Ms. Youremei, Reanna Phillips of Form 5 Integrated; Ms. Kalinago, Naja Thomas of Form 4 Integrated; Ms. Vincy, Kayla Keizer of Form 5 General/Commercial; Ms. Home of the Blessed, Royesha Telemaque of Form 5 General/Commercial; and Ms. Gem of the Antilles, Anaelia Williams.

Arianna appeared in the sixth position. Each contender made four appearances: Ambassadorial Speech, Talent, Cultural Wear, and Interview.

This segment was won by Ms. Vincy - Kayla Keizer who spoke on ‘Vincy Mas, the Hottest Mas in the Caribbean’. A carnival costume helped her presentation and phrases from popular calypsos were skillfully utilized to enrich her story.

The winner of the Cultural Wear was Anaelia Williams whose wear aptly depicted her theme of ‘The Garifuna Homecoming’. Although boasting nothing glittery, it held true to the idea of Garifuna.

Talent

Winner of the Talent segment Reanna Phillips, based her dramatic presentation ‘The White Man is the Devil’ on the theme of ‘Female Arianna Wyllie - Miss GHS Heritage 2019.

Enslavement and Infanticide’. She Stories by GLORIAH… the Everything Vincy represented a proud Expo.

Yoruban woman ripped ARIANNA WYLLIE, Form 5 It was confined to from her community and Arts/Technical student of contestants from among taken into slavery in the the Girls’ High School (GHS), the student body of the Caribbean. She told of the took the Ms. GHS Heritage GHS. sexual abuses she 2019 title, when the Arianna appeared as endured, one such act pageant was staged at the Ms. SVG with a focus on producing a child who was Geest Shed, Friday 25th the Argyle International killed so as to prevent the October.

Airport, dressed as a flight Ambassadorial Speech child from bearing the The show, organized by attendant. She gave an and Cultural Wear same atrocities as its the Girls’ High School excellent Ambassadorial mother did. It was under the theme, ‘Forty Speech; performed an The Ambassadorial extremely emotional and Years of an Exciting energetic modern dance Speech and Cultural Wear captivating.

History: Hairouna, our for her talent; wore a were based on the Thrilling Legacy’, formed tastefully designed and contestants’ area of focus. Interview part of the programme of fitted cultural wear which

The two questions in this segment came from the contestants’ autobiography, and randomly selected from a number of questions. Royesha Telemaque won this category with creditable answers to: “You stated in your autobiography that you aspire to be a pilot. How would Reanna Phillips - 1st runner-up. you respond to someone who insists that females should be flight attendants instead?” and “Some Vincentians believe that the National Anthem should be changed.

What is your opinion on this, and give your reasons?”

Results The results Royesha Telemaque - 2nd showed Reanna runner-up.

Phillips as 1st runner-up and Pageant after a brief Royesha Telemaque as hiatus, many called for a 2nd runner-up. Naja return to the format of Thomas was adjudged participation from across Miss ‘Congeniality’. the many secondary Even as patrons welcome the return of the schools.

Ciarra and Mitch win inaugural Talent Showcase Shed, Friday, 25th October.

Organisers, while recognizing that the Pageant focused primarily on the young ladies of the GHS, also acknowledged that a wealth of talent existed within other schools. Thus, two categories were established: one for GHS students, and another for talented and interested students of other schools.

That component of the Pageant was dubbed the ‘Ms. Heritage 2019 Talent Showcase’.

A total of eight Ciarra Jeffers gets into contenders vied for the top a compelling segment spot in the two categories:, of her dance routine.

Arianna Clarke, Ciarra TWO NEW CATEGORIES Jeffers and Leah DaSilva in the GHS category; were added this year as part of the Ms. Girls’ High Rakeem Campbell (Thomas Saunders School (GHS) Heritage Secondary), Adia Phillips Pageant, held during the and Kysha DaSilva (St. Ms. Heritage 2019 Joseph’s Convent Pageant at the Geest Kingstown; Stefan Slater

(St. Vincent Grammar School); and Mitch Israel (St. Martin’s Secondary School).

And when the competitors had gone through their paces and the judges had done their work, Ciarra Jeffers of the GHS and Mitch Israel of the St. Martin’s Secondary School were adjudged winners in this inaugural edition of the Showcase.

Winning performances Ciarra danced her way to victory with a routine that had the entire audience focused on her flexible figure, as she moved across the stage in a cleverly choreography.

Her use of gymnasticcentric moves caused her body to journey from making waves on the floor to sashaying into the air, to arrive at or depart from particular points in her

routine.

From the moment Mitch walked onto the stage, he looked a winner with his appropriate attire, his poise and quiet swag. It was, however, the melodious strains that emanated from his highly polished steel pan in a riveting rendition of “Despacito”, that secured his victory.

approval.

Rackeem Campbell in the Open Category, danced as though the music was all in his head, when his compilation of rap, dub and soca appeared to quit on him.

Stefan Slater persevered through his love-gone-wrong song which was moving along quite nicely, when the music just quit. He threw Other performances a complaining sigh, the music restarted, he Open category dancing restarted. This exact competitors Adia and sequence happened a Kysha gave a stirring second time, and when it performance that gained happened a third time, them second place in their Stefan had all but had it! category. Beginning with Arianna Clarke placed a fireball blown into the second in her category. air, they danced across the Her singing voice stage, using a variety of exhibited great range, and genres to showcase their she impressively versatility. Identical manipulated the lower moves on opposite sides of part of the scale. the stage that formed Leah DaSilva, who symmetrical pictures drew placed 3rd, began shakily. shouts and whistles of She would have received a

Mitch Israel, patrons said, “made the pan talk.” thumbs-up for tenacity.

Organisers say that the winners will receive cash prizes, and their hope is that this competition will return next year.

V USA-Caribbean building resilience 6. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

THE UNITED STATES is committed to strengthening the United States/Caribbean Resilience Partnership (USCRP).

The USCRP was launched in April this year, and represents a combined effort to build regional capacity to confront disasters and promote crosssector resilience.

According to Cynthia Kierscht, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Department of State for Canada and the Caribbean, a two-day conference which began on October 23, brought together 18 countries from the region and including the United States, with more than 100 people in attendance to discuss the issue of disaster resilience.

“What we want to do is to strengthen our bonds with the Caribbean and also promote weather disaster resilience,” Kierscht told THE VINCENTIAN during a one-day visit to the state on October 24.

She explained that a working group arising out of the Conference will advise on ways to promote resilience, with the goal of identifying knowledge, capability and resource gaps that limit

achieving resilience-building goals.

It was also expected to present the opportunity to determine terms of reference and how best to structure the USCRP going forward.

According to the Deputy Assistant Secretary, whose purview does not include Cuba and Belize, the damage caused in the Bahamas by Hurricane Dorian was evidence of the types of disasters.

“Disasters do not recognize borders of countries, so we have to be in this together,” she said.

There are already regional organizations, Kierscht pointed out, one such being the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

“So we do not want to take over or duplicate what they are already doing, but to figure out better ways to work with those organizations and bring all of the countries together,” she said.

As far as the US government’s assistance is concerned, Kierscht referenced: a designated US$8.5 million to disaster resilience efforts in the region: USAid US$5 million to a

Caribbean-wide energy project where among the benefits will be to minimize electricity outages following the passage of weather systems; US$1.5 million to support the USCRP conference that is expected to promote the technical exchanges between the governments in the region and the experts and NGO’s; a further US$2 million to improve the Caribbean’s ability to prepare for and withstand the effects of natural disasters.

There was also a window at the Inter-American Foundation (IAF), which was a quasi-US governmental organization, that can provide up to $1 million in small grants to communities.

“We all know the real resilience begins in our communities and our neighborhoods, and so up to $1 million

Cynthia Kierscht, Deputy Assistant Secretary/USA Department of State, was expected to meet with Peace Corps Volunteers during her brief visit to SVG. is being dedicated through the IAF to NGO’s and community-based organizations,” she said.

Interested persons can access more information on this project, she added, by going on to the website IAF.gov.

US official pleased WORD COMING from at least one official from the Department of State in the United States regarding the alleged attack on a Peace Corps Volunteer here last year, is that they are happy that the issue was resolved, and that the volunteers were able to return to do what they were brought here to do.

That is the statement given by Cynthia Kierscht, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs during a one-day visit to the state last Thursday.

In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, the US official said that she was aware of the alleged incident which occurred on August 20, 2018, and which led to the evacuation of the 23 volunteers here at the time to St Lucia.

She said that they were pleased that the matter had been resolved, and that the volunteers were able to return fairly quickly.

“And they are now back where they should be, and we are happy for that,” she said, making no further comment

on the issue.

The US official was in the country for one-day last week, and was expected to meet with Peace Corps Volunteers during that visit.

In August 2018, a 70-year-old volunteer had alleged that she was assaulted by two men who she said were of Middle Eastern descent.

According to the woman, at around 7:30am, while walking in the vicinity of the Leeward bus terminal, she was grabbed from behind in bear hug fashion, and taken into an area next to an empty market table and partition.

The woman further alleged that during the assault, she was punched in the stomach, her breasts were grabbed and squeezed, and that her head was slammed on a table before one of the men spat on the back of her neck.

A medical report did confirm that the woman had scratches on her face, neck, upper arm and cheek, and that she had bruises to the left upper arm.

(Stories by DD)

V

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

Heritage

Food Festivals well received

THE INAUGURAL WILD MEAT and Breadfruit Festival, held at the Greiggs Hard Court, and the second edition of the Madungo Festival, staged at the Chatoyer Recreational Park at Rabacca, were wellreceived by those who attended them.

Both Festivals were held on Monday 28th October, and each attracted large crowds, as persons indulged the local delicacies that were the order of the day.

The Wild Meat and Breadfruit Festival featured a variety of methods of preparation of the iguana, manicou and tattoo.

Those meats along with river fish, jack fish , crayfish, river lobster, as well as breadfruit and other ground provisions, kept the patrons’ mouths busy.

Speaking on behalf of the Greiggs Tourism Organisation, which spearheaded the Wild Meat and Breadfruit

Festival, Michele Beache told THE VINCENTIAN , “All that was prepared was sold, which meant that the event was well received.”

She noted that apart from the Wild Meat, “we served the dishes with breadfruit, as it was a Wild Meat and Breadfruit Festival, as we also promoted the breadfruit, which was done in a variety of ways.

We had a lot of persons eating some of the meats for the first time. As you are aware, some persons have hang ups about some of them.”

Beache also remarked, that in addition to promoting the various Wild Meats hunted and consumed here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, “… Greiggs was highlighted in a positive manner, and that was good for the community.”

A beaming Beache projected, “We definitely are going to have it again next year.”

Hon. Ces Mc Kie addressing the Wild Meat and Breadfruit Festival at Greiggs.

Beache’s proposal got the nod of approval of Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture- Hon. Ces Mc Kie, who was impressed with the first hosting of the Festival.

He assured the organisers that it will be once again on the calendar in 2020.

Madungo Festival

Fungi being served with rock fish at the Madungo Festival last Monday at Rabacca.

Like Greiggs, the vibe was similar at the Chatoyer Recreational Park, as there was food in abundance and many more mouths to feed, as the long queues told the story of the demand for the Madungo, which was served fried or baked.

Made from the

Madungo being fried in banana leaves at Rabacca on Monday.

arrowroot rhizome, persons attending last Monday’s event at Rabacca, had an opportunity to see firsthand, the processes involved in the making of the products of the Madungo.

But whilst the focus was on the Madungo,

visitors and locals alike made good of the other servings of food, such as fungi, doucana and other delicacies, which for many are not everyday items.

The Chatoyer Recreational Park also provided a learning ground for many

Food being served at the Wild Meat and Breadfruit Festival in Greiggs.

youngsters, especially those from the urban areas, as they feasted on the sea side grapes and ‘fat pork’, which are in season.

Many are already chomping their lips as they look forward with anxiety to the two festivals next year.

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8. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

Poverty in the land WITH ALL THE INFORMATION and permutations surrounding poverty in this county, perhaps we can make some sense of the confusion by first segregating SVG’s poor into at least three groups.

First, there are those in abject poverty whom we understand to be the ‘Indigent Poor’ as per Government’s reference. These are the families who struggle to provide for themselves on a daily basis. This sector, according to the Unity Labour Party, has decreased in size since it ‘assumed the reins of government in 2001.

The second separation we can take as those who are vulnerable to poverty — those who don’t necessarily struggle to live but are sensitive to expenditure shocks — can’t afford with any consistency some basic goods and services.

Then there must be, if we understand the landscape painted by the Unity Labour Party government, a third band of people - neither struggling to sustain themselves nor vulnerable - but who are unlikely to ‘prosper’ without welfare programmes .

These ‘seekers of prosperity’ are just below the economic threshold line The question for us is; Do the 4500-6000 persons who currently benefit from monthly Poor Relief Assistance represent a single band as described above, or do they represent person from across the three bands?

If one is to believe the Unity Labour Party’s boasts about its ‘attack’ on poverty in this land, then we will accept that there have been a startling drop in poverty levels, and that if that trend continues by, say 2025, poverty, especially urban poverty, will be near zero.

This might well be challenged by development practitioners who say that a decline in poverty looks unlikely to reflect reality —Zero Hunger Fund and all that.

They are likely to say that the judgement that poverty will fade away is unrealistic and that in reality, it might just be worsening over time given that the Poor Relief list here has shown no decrease but rather the opposite since 2001.

If the truth be told, the ‘liberal’ economic policies of the Unity Labour Party government have caused impoverishment on one end and accumulation of wealth on the other, the latter hugely benefiting the country’s already rich. Yes, those ‘liberal’ policies have produced the highest degree of ‘liberalistion’ in areas in which SVG’s middle and upper classes make their living.

In contrast, the areas in which the poor struggle to earn a livelihood have seen the least sustainable reform, resulting in this band becoming dependent on the state apparatus, as well as the party apparatus.

As it stands, the gains from these ‘liberal economic’ policies are accrued to the better off section of society, while the costs are to be paid by the poor.

And as far as the real wage, especially the minimum wage in SVG is concerned, it has declined effectively over most of the recent past; as the purchasing power of wage earners shrink in the face of increasing price.

If the wage earner finds its challenging, what are we to say about the truly poor?

The way forward is to create sustainable employment opportunities, incomegenerating opportunities aimed at making the poor and vulnerable self-reliant and independent.

Simultaneously, there must be a deliberate prioritizing of the most vulnerable sections of society — women, the disabled.

The issue is not about the absence of an effective Social Security Progamme that should include the vulnerable groups; it is about the existing relief programme reaching people of real need, (those in abject poverty) and not being used for any political gain.

For now, it seems that while one SVG is prospering, the other seems to be getting pushed deeper into poverty. And petty politics played around such a critical issue may render ineffective whatever economic policies are proposed by those political parties who are desirous of ‘leading’ us.

“Just another look” A TYPICAL YEAR OF GROWING PROBLEMS which mushroomed up to this day, crying aloud for a solution.

I deliberately borrowed the title of Keith Joseph’s Radio Programme “Just Another Look” as the theme of my end of year article, for Keith has been the dominant focal figure of 2003, much activity swirling around his personality throughout the year.

The year began with the Monica Joseph enquiry into the Diamond-Gibson Corner Housing Schemes.

Monica Joseph praised Arnhim Eustace for involuntarily appearing before her commission and tendering helpful evidence in a straightforward and forthright manner.

She absolved the NDP Government of any wrongdoing whatsoever, claiming that she found no evidence of fraud.

There had, however, been some administrative bungling which a cheated and irate Gonsalves repesented as “monumental incompetence” on the part of Eustace whom he described as “dotish”.

Notwithstanding its claims of transparency and consultations, the major events of the day came to light largely from the “New Times” programme manned by Elwardo Lynch on Nice Radio.

Firstly, six months after the event, not a soul had heard a word of the twelve hundred pieces of office furniture received on behalf of the people by Governor General Sir Freddie Ballantyne, until E.G had broken the news in his own inimitable style.

Frank Da Sliva was to build on the theme which never suggested dishonesty, but hinted broadly at the possibility of political patronage.

Frankly, that problem has never been solved, only shelved for further political usage down the road.

The Big Gut Water issue was plainly a secret deal in which the Government tried unsuccessfully to push its technical staff at the water authority to do its promotional job for it.

The prison which had been earmarked for Boisden in the teeth of local criticism, suddenly found itself in the country’s best agricultural land at Belle Isle. Several ULP supporters, including the agriculturistfather of a Government Minister, Manny Francis, openly voiced his opposition in the press.

To compound the folly in take-it-or leaveit attitude, Solid Waste also placed a dump in the general area without fully canvassing the pros and cons of the project.

When the Big Boys talk, no damn dog bark!

Then came the Hartley Henry affair like a pimple cotched on the backside of the body politic. Barbadian Henry had worked in the electioneering campaigns of the ULP

in 1998 and 2001.

Clearly the ULP wished to continue the relationship to shore up its hope of repeating the election victory.

Only this time, there would be a twist to the situation with government coffers, and not party funds, rolling out the contract price. The done deal was, again, never sold to the people before its exposure by Lynch and company.

The Cross Country Road is a different kettle of fish, if only because there was mention of it in the manifesto which the victorious ULP presented to the electorate in 2001.

But much water had flowed under the bridge since, including a tightening of public finances following the Twin Towers fiasco and its aftermath.

Furthermore, there had been a reckless and slap-dash approach to dealing with certain prerequisites, including an environmental impact study and viability report.

Indeed, the public was shocked to learn from Arnhim Eustace’s last budget presentation that the Government’s own chosen consultants had pronounced on the untenability of the Scheme.

Then there is the sorry situation in which Dr. Gonsalves, for all his progressive talk, has taken the decision to plunge this country back into a neo-colonialist relation in the Grenadines, from with Mitchell had successfully fought to extricate it.

Thank Heavens that ULPites, such as Jomo Thomas and Junior Bacchus, would have none of it; nor would the NDP Opposition or the Grenadines people as a whole. The nation will hear much more of the Tobago Cays affair if the ULP attempts to push its luck to far in surrendering the gems to foreign interest to run supposedly in our behalf.

Still, local political science is not necessarily a dismal study. There have been some positive aspects to governance under the ULP. Popular consultations, though not the real thing so far, are a blow struck in the right direction. The renovation of the Peace Mo was a definite plus, even though a woodlice problem had been left.

One has to applaud the effort being made to give arrowroot a new lease for life but, on the other hand, it may soon become necessary to pull the plug on bananas, and think afresh on agricultural diversification.

The idea of the Agricultural Exhibition Continued on Page 22.

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

Letters

‘Nice time’ noise cripples productivity THE EDITOR: It is now approaching 10pm of Monday 28th October, the day after we celebrated

the 40th Anniversary of Independence, and we the residents of Arnos Vale, who have had to endure

Nastiness How can a man look at another man and call him “my husband”?

Or, how can a man in his life call another man “my wife” and give him a wedding band?

These questions are really quite baffling, How can a man call another man “my darling” and give him an engagement ring?

I call it nastiness!

For a man to lie with another man The Bible calls it an abomination; You know what they call them in my days?

But today they call them homos and gays; To me, it’s nastiness!

You have woman and woman as well, Joining their counter-parts on the road to hell; What a confusion we have in life!

Tell me, which is the husband and which is the wife?

Real nastiness!

But how can two men or two women procreate, Don’t they put value anymore on God’s mandate?

Then when it comes to the question of divorce, That would be quite interesting of course; Such nastiness!

These days everybody fighting for rights, Gays and lesbians too are in the fight; They are openly promoting same sex marriage, And some countries and states are granting them that privilege; What nastiness!

Imagine a man coming up to you as a man, And making sexual advances with his hands; If you are straight, you’ll tell him where to go; This is not a healthy practice to follow, It’s plain nastiness.

Some claim that they were born so, So they have no choice but to be a lesbian or a homo; But the creator never made anything half way or in-between, No one can charge God of being nasty or unclean, Just nastiness!

Some men go into this thing for the sake of money, Others are lured by the offer of expensive clothes and jewellery This life style is most shocking to the highest height, And so wicked and despicable in the Almighty’s sight, Watch nastiness!

This world is rampant in immorality, Our children are falling into it very subtly; But the thing that worries me about lesbians and homos, Is that they are very active in some religious circles; Religious nastiness!

Parents, you can nip this thing in the bud, Let Jane be Jane and Ehud be Ehud; Train them up to walk in the truth and in the light, Then it will be no fault of yours if they choose to go left instead of right; Cause it will be real nastiness!

By: C. Fergus

the amplified noise over the last several days and nights continuously, are questioning the rationale of the authorities in their obvious indifference to this lawlessness. How does this expression of indifference benefit our country?

On the basis of this “exposition”, are our visitors impressed that we are an organized country whose leaders they can take seriously?

During his address at the Independence Parade at the Victoria Park, the Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves firmly stated, that “Nice Time and partying are not going to contribute to our development”. That is clearly logical. Those

No to homosexuals I DON’T WANT TO BE an alarmist, but this drive by homosexuals to have us change our laws to accommodate them, is going a bit too far. If they have their way, us straight people might just be shoved aside and, to stretch it a bit far, we might just become endangered.

Our society, a society of laws, gives the homosexuals the right to contest what they might see as injustice; but it is another thing when what they are asking for threatens the very fabric of our society.

We have to stand firm and protect our pride as a people, not gay pride. We have to protect our constitution.

The gays must come down from their places of pride and stop believing that we owe them something. How many times straight people have had to forego what they think is right for them?

Gays and homosexuals must stop behaving like babies and keep what they do behind closed doors.

Should our constitution ever change to accommodate them, then God alone knows what would come next.

Anti-Gay

thousands of persons who participated in that all-night partying “Vigil” at Arnos Vale last Saturday night and going home at 7am on Sunday, could hardly have been satisfactorily productive over the next several days.

The bombardment of that continuous senseless noise, also impacts

negatively the productivity of the residents of Arnos Vale.

The authorities should have by now seen the need to address these matters! Do we not have a Noise Act? Leadership should demonstrate Maturity!

LeRoy Providence

Pornography influences I WANT to believe that Pornography is watched regularly by many persons, unlike days gone by. While for many it is enjoyable, I want to believe that this contributes to the many sexual activities we are hearing today.

Not only does Pornography contribute to the sexual desires, but additionally there are many songs that are lewd and promote the idea that ladies are sex objects and, as such, they must be taken advantage of.

Sometimes a man is made to feel less than a man if he is not sexually active and decides to be

* Is Jomo going to reactivate the People’s Movement for Change? * Ah mean, why are the roads, fish market/jetty, airport in Bequia so rundown and for such a long time?

Vindictiveness? * Was Minister of Health Browne dodging the real issue about the Campden Park Clinic, i.e. that it is in a deplorable condition? * Are there any persons on the Poor Relief Programme that should not be there? Anybody verifying the names being submitted? * If the CDC is considering changing their slogan ‘Welcome to Soca Land’ to ‘Welcome to Noise Land?

pure and faithful to his partner.

Pornography we know, can also have a mental effect on persons who watch it constantly, for what they see, they feel must be done. It can also be an obsession - a strong desire for sex - in men. Sometimes their partner is not enough because of their obsession.

An obsession with sex can sometimes lead a person to commit rape, sexual harassment and other sexual activities.

Sadly, watching pornography has become a daily routine for some persons in order to satisfy their sexual desire and for

stimulation. And watching porn is not exclusive to adults; it is also watched by teenagers and I would believe even younger children.

With technology so readily available, it gives easy access to pornography, thus making parental control more difficult, since children can watch them in the privacy of their bedroom.

I, therefore, recommend that we pray harder for our children and our nation by extension. May God help us to walk in the right path with Christ as our leader.

Kennard King

Far from being independent THROUGHOUT the nation of SVG, independence is but a mere word, and this is reflected in the nation’s chain of command from top to bottom.

True independence is the combination of the mental and physical being of every citizen regardless of gender, wealth or ethnic origin. It means being able to aspire and achieve to one’s highest goals.

Unfortunately, even after 40 years of independence, few black men own businesses or manage money in SVG. The government has set in place a so-called small business start-up programme for select entrepreneurs who effectively steal the ideas of legitimate entrepreneurs, start businesses, and block the legitimate entrepreneurs from achieving their goals.

Yes, something is radically wrong here, even after 40 years of nationhood. A $25.00 increase on poor relief payouts to individuals, is a clear indicator that Prime Minister Gonsalves would rather keep thousands of Vincentians on poor relief, rather than raise income to improve the lives of all by abolishing the Mustique Act No.48 and cutting ties with Taiwan.

It is ever so clear that SVG will never be truly independent until the colonialism style leadership is removed. That may very well mean the election of a third party into power.

I ask: How can a handcuffed government talk independence?

Kadmiel McFee - British War Veteran

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10. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The use of our instruments of Sovereignty and Independence in building a strong, vibrant Nation

Introduction THE CELEBRATION of our country’s anniversary of political independence is something that’s generally marked with heightened expressions of patriotism and emboldened signs of national pride. This year, as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines celebrates its 40th anniversary of independence, there are clear signs of both expressions and a general positive mood among Vincentians. This year, the government, led by Dr. The Hon. Ralph E. Gonsalves, couched our national celebration in an innovative and visionary concept of “The Renewal at 40”, a concept that urges Vincentians to be reflective and take a fresh guard for the years ahead. But as we look to the future with a renewed sense of determination, let us examine how this government was able to use our country’s instruments of sovereignty and independence to improve the livelihoods of our people, and the overall growth and development of our nation.

When the Unity Labour Party administration took office in March of 2001, our country had just celebrated its 21st anniversary of independence.

Today, as we celebrate 40 years, we recognise that this ULP government has led the celebration of our country’s independence for 19 consecutive celebrations, almost half of our total years of independence. This is not a feat that we take lightly, as firstly, we recognise the faith placed in us by this noble Vincentian society for allowing us the opportunity to govern for such a long time, and secondly, we also reflect with a sense of gratitude and humility on the historic significance of such an accomplishment.

policy, that we finally understood that, even though we are small and developing, our nobility as a people, with the capabilities needed to chart our own destiny, was best articulated in the phrase “while we are no better than anyone, no one is better than us”.

Practical results for all to see

Having acknowledged that our country’s sovereignty and independence must be regarded as resources to be used to attain national development, the government’s foreign policy was determined to expand our diplomatic relationships by deepening our existing relations while establishing new ones.

Prime Minister Dr Hon. Ralph E. Gonsalves articulated clearly that, while we cherish our traditional allies, we must as a practical exercise expand beyond those by forging new relationships with countries outside of the traditional groupings. This strategy and its subsequent success were inadvertently lauded by Hon Arnhim Eustace when in answering the question “How would the NDP finance the international airport project at Argyle if they were to take over and Venezuela, Cuba and some of the other nontraditional were to pull out”? His response rings as fresh and as true today as the day it was spoken, “It would be dead, the project would be dead, traditional partners like the EU and others are not going to finance that project”.

A new Understanding of Sovereignty and The unvarnished truth is this: while Independence Saint Vincent and the Grenadines doesn’t proceed with our foreign policy Since gaining our independence on October 27,1979, our country has had at in a transactional manner, we understand that the tools of our its disposal, instruments of our sovereignty and independence must sovereignty and independence that allow us to determine for ourselves, the confront the external environment in a manner that addresses the interests of policies both foreign and domestic that our people. How have we done this? One best suit our interests. While previous just needs to examine the major and administrations spoke of this some smaller project initiatives that independence in its usual context, it is the Unity Labour Party that has in very exist and their source of funding: the Argyle International Airport, definitive ways, acknowledged that constructed with assistance from the these two instruments are as much Republic of China (Taiwan), Venezuela, resources to be used for the benefit of Cuba, Iran, Georgia, and a host of other national development as are our other non-traditional as well traditional allies; resources, though very limited. In fact, this government saw as our three major the bridge over the Rabacca River; the Bailey Bridges built after the resources: our people, our sovereignty destruction caused by the 2013 floods; and our independence. It was the Petro Caribe; the Learning Resource acknowledgement of this that saw the Centres; and most recently, the ULP administration assigning top priority to our education revolution and geothermal project, plus many others not mentioned here. All of these and so the crafting of a pragmatic and many more projects may not have proactive foreign policy. gotten life, had it not been for the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines expansion of our diplomatic relations, has always practised international based on our sensible use of our relations as an independent nation, instruments of sovereignty and albeit in a manner that tied our independence. proverbial sails to the “masters of the North Atlantic”. As a young nation, one We can celebrate that was finding its way in the global As we celebrate 40 years of political arena, becoming a member of independence and take a fresh guard international organisations and through our Renewal at 40, we can truly agencies, and establishing diplomatic celebrate our nation’s independence as relations with new countries, our we proudly reflect on the way our country seemed always mindful not to go out of our metaphorical crease unless visionary government has used our tools of sovereignty and independence to first getting the “nod of approval” from develop our country and raising the the traditional allies we had come to revere. It’s no surprise that as Leader of standards of living for all. Vincentians, the Opposition, the Honourable Arnhim at home or abroad, can see the results and can stand with renewed pride when Eustace, responding to a particular policy decision by our ULP government, we sing our national anthem, or look at our flag, both symbols of our asked the question, “What would independence.

America say”? This type of timid and The Unity Labour Party subservient use of our instruments of congratulates the citizens of our blessed sovereignty and independence, waiting country on its 40th Anniversary of on permission or approval from allies regarded to be too powerful and mighty Independence, and looks forward to your continued support as we forge ahead to contradict, did very little to advance with growth and development through the development of our nation. It was the pragmatic and consistent use of our only after seeing firsthand the work of tools of sovereignty and independence. the ULP as practised in our foreign

The NDP and electricity REDUCING the cost of energy is a major priority of the New Democratic Party (NDP). It impacts everything: cost of living for all the members of our population, particularly the poor, and it is equally critical to the cost of doing business and therefore creating jobs.

Whether it is commercial or industrial businesses or our homes, energy must be used, and in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, energy is costly. One of the ways to reduce the cost of energy is through renewable energy.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has long benefited from renewable energy in its national energy balance, in the form of hydro power. Hydroelectric power plants commissioned in the 1950s, 60s and 80s, contributed to the economic growth of the country while keeping electricity bills low. Over the past eighteen (18) years, however, the development of a vision for a sustainable energy future for our country has been neglected.

Consequently, the trends are all heading in the wrong direction: our country’s dependence on expensive, imported petroleum products is increasing, electricity prices practically doubled during the past fifteen years and our energy security is threatened.

However, the government has decided to proceed with exploratory drilling for geothermal energy. We believe that the geothermal energy project that the government has embarked upon has not been designed in the best interest of the Vincentian public. If this project continues in its present form, the bulk of the benefits will be reaped by the foreign investors.

It must be reiterated that the NDP supports geothermal energy for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but is opposed in the manner in which the Unity Labour Party (ULP) regime has implemented the project. For example, the financing of the project and the shares that were allocated to the companies then.

Early in the life of the project, the Honourable Arnhim Eustace made the following observation, “No one seriously believes that Emera will come to St. Vincent to put in the facilities to generate only 10 megawatts of power. They have their eye on a larger prize”. Now, consider that Emera is the owner of the electricity company in Barbados, they acquired majority shares 2 ½ years ago. So, the question now is: what is Emera going to get for spending all the money and taking all the risk up front? What is this “larger prize” that Gonsalves is talking about? Do not underestimate that question. What is the larger prize that Emera has their eyes on? And why should Ralph Gonsalves, the Prime Minister of a sovereign state, be interested in the larger prize to be acquired by a private company?”

exploration phase of their project, and they have fully proven the location, extent and quality of their geothermal resource. They have begun to build a geothermal power station. In doing so, they spent over 32 million EC dollars, and this is the important point; all of that money was public money. They got grant funds from the European Union (EU,) and they added local counterpart funds; they have proven the geothermal resource and now, the rights to the geothermal resource belong to the state and people of Dominica. What is happening in St Vincent is the opposite.

There were problems associated with the project. Vincentians were kept in the dark as to changes that were made to the companies who were initial shareholders of the geothermal project. It was not until Dr. Friday, Leader of the Opposition, asked a question of Dr. Gonsalves, that he was forced to explain that Emera had pulled out. In response to the question, Dr. Gonsalves said, “On 25th October, 2018, Emera Caribbean incorporated (ECI) indicated to the government that it was not in Emera’s best interest at this time or for all concerned in the project for them to remain in the project, and gave notice of their intention to exit from the St. Vincent Geothermal Project. As you know, there were three partners to this project: Emera, Reykjavik Geothermal and the government.”

He went on, “In keeping with the objectives of the project and to safeguard against any reputational harm to themselves, Emera entered into a sale purchase and option agreement and sold its shares to Reykjavik Geothermal in St. Vincent Geothermal, and the government now holds 51 percent.”

At a recent function by the ULP at Rabacca, it was announced that electricity consumers will have their electricity bills reduced by one third from 2022. Taking into consideration the present agreement and the funding arrangement where VINLEC will invest $200 million in the project, that means a further $200 million in debt for VINLEC. One may ask, is the reduction of electricity bill possible by the time mentioned?

At our 41st Convention of the NDP, president of the party Dr. Friday, remarked, “VINLEC is killing us.

Everybody knows the story: VINLEC is quick to increase the fuel surcharge with the slightest provocation, increase in oil prices, but slow to lower it when oil prices go down. To the consumer, it is just as painful to pay his light bill if the increase comes for rising fuel surcharge as from using more energy in his daily activities.

Dominica geothermal energy “The light bill is too high. And we will do something about it, starting Dominica has also done exploratory with ensuring that the fuel surcharge work for geothermal energy, but has never exceeds the cost of units used. different financial arrangement. In In other words, you should not have to 2007, Dominica applied for grant pay more in fuel surcharge that you funds from the European Union (EU) pay for the energy you actually use.” to finance the exploration phase of As mentioned earlier, the NDP their geothermal project, and the supports geothermal energy and is exploration phase commenced in 2008. committed to cheaper electricity for Dominica has completed the entire Vincentians.

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

Views

From Misery to Hope

Why I resigned from the ULP

“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope.” Kofi Annan (1938-2018).

Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations (from January 1997 to December 2006). He and the UN were This is why it is so very important the co-recipients of the 2001 Nobel that we seek to monitor and guide the Peace Prize. literature that our young wards are exposed to. Katherine Paterson, a THE BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION (BBC) recently featured a Chinese-born American writer of children’s books, said it well when she radio programme highlighting the noted that, “It is not enough to simply outstanding selfless contribution that teach children to read; we have to Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) made in give them something worth reading. encouraging reading throughout and Something that will stretch their beyond the United States of America. imaginations–something that will This outstanding Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist donated help them make sense of their own lives and encourage them to reach out significant sums of money to build libraries around the world. The records toward people whose lives are quite different from their own.” Dr. Maya confirm that between 1883 and 1929 Angelou (1928-2014) supported this he financed the construction of 2,509 view and noted that, “Any book that Carnegie libraries. Most of these were helps a child to form a habit of built in North America and Europe.

However, six (6) were constructed in the reading, to make reading one of his needs, is good for him.” It is so very Caribbean. The grant to construct the important that we exert the effort and Carnegie Library in Bridgetown, energy to encourage all of our Barbados, was approved in 1903. The children to read. library in Roseau, Dominica, received Many parents, teachers, and theirs in 1905. The grant to construct concerned adults have voiced concerns the Carnegie Library in Kingstown, St. in relation to the tendency for our Vincent and the Grenadines, was “modern day children” to play games processed during the latter part of on their smart phones, tablets, and 1906. Georgetown, Guyana, received computers. These activities can easily their grant to construct the Carnegie distract children from reading on a Library later that same year. The grant to construct the Carnegie Library in San regular basis. We are familiar with many of their arguments that they do Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, was sanctioned in 1914. Two years later, in read using these “gadgets”. However, 1916, the grant to construct a library in a close examination may reveal that they are more readily distracted by Castries, St. Lucia, was approved. The citizens in these Caribbean nations will games and other Internet sites. Some of the sites and programmes may be forever grateful to Andrew Carnegie broaden their knowledge base. for the significant positive contribution However, there are so many sites that that he made through his commitment are designed to lure the innocent and to encourage the advancement of our unsuspecting to develop bad habits societies through literary pursuits. and impure thoughts. Concerned Many of the Caribbean’s brightest and most accomplished citizens would have adults may therefore have to design benefited from his philanthropic efforts and implement imaginative behaviour modification techniques to redirect and selfless sharing of his wealth.

As is evidenced from the content of them to reading. For example, there is wisdom in allocating times for the preceding paragraph, Andrew Internet use based on the amount of Carnegie championed efforts and reading done. Over time, their love initiatives to encourage reading. He for reading may emerge. Reading knew that the ability to read could then emerge to be presented to enhanced an individual’s self-worth children as a desirable and precious and provided ample opportunity to gift rather than as a burden, chore, or usher individuals out of misery and duty. Developing the reading habit into hope. History also records that will pay great dividends in the long he sought to encourage the run. “disadvantaged in society” to better Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835their conditions. In this regard, he 1910), better known by his pen name provided scholarships to blacks and Mark Twain, was an American writer, women. He firmly believed that all people (regardless of colour, ethnicity, humorist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer. Mark Twain was often gender, nationality, or class) had a regarded as the greatest humourist right to exist and to pursue their that the United States of America noble dreams. His legacy lives on. ever produced. Many regarded him as He continues to inspire many to pursue excellence in education so long “the father of American literature”.

We therefore lean on his credibility after his death. and readily accept his statement that, Children who develop the habit of “A person who won’t read has no reading early in life tend to perform advantage over one who can’t read.” well at their academic pursuits. In This should propel each of us to addition, their overall personal develop the habit of reading regularly. accomplishments appear to be more In addition, it should energize us to advanced when compared with their non-reading counterparts. This is not commit to encouraging others (especially our young citizens) to do difficult to comprehend when we realise that words influence thoughts likewise. In doing so, we can embrace Kofi Annan’s quest to usher many (i.e. we use words as we think). It is from misery to hope. therefore logical to conclude that the

MY DEPARTURE from the ULP was long in coming. All that was left was timing.

Intolerance and demonization of persons with opposing or contrary ideas and opinions; confusion and conflation of governing party’s interest with the national interest; the neglect of large swaths of the country and selective approval of the rule of law, are key reasons for my resignation. But this piece is personal because the people of South Leeward and SVG were robbed of the opportunity to elect a disciplined, committed and determined representative.

The 2013 invitation to join the party proved to be a ploy intended to silence me, rather than to utilize my training, experience and advocacy to assist in the development of our people and country.

When it became clear that I could not be bought or silenced, the effort to deny me an elected seat in parliament and to sideline and ostracize me, began in earnest.

I am a serious man who loves SVG. This is no mere rhetorical flourish that is so often mouthed by politicians. It is a commitment that comes from deep within my being, and one for which I am committed to die for. This is no idle boast. I have been serving this life sentence since I was 14 years old, and one which nothing -not money, fame, fortune, or women- could detour.

I really have no vices. Many accuse me of having a boring existence. I don’t eat meat, smoke, take or sell drugs, engage in money laundering, cheat clients in my law practice or the government of taxes due. I am a social drinker for whom three drinks are plenty. Except for my mouth and brain, which I did not leave in my mother, as well as advocacy of “unpopular causes,” there is nothing I say or do on which society will frown. I have a voracious appetite for reading and learning, criticism and self-criticism, and quite frankly, don’t suffer fools gladly.

I joined the ULP in 2013, because I was convinced, at the time, that it constituted the best avenue through which the people could realize some of their most basic dreams. My first central executive meeting was a revelation of what was to come. It lasted all of 171 minutes, of which Prime Minister Gonsalves spoke for 136; and so, it went on, whenever infrequent meetings were called.

At most meetings, I became either bored, nervous or angsty. From my YULIMO/UPM days, I had grown accustomed to challenging and testing my views against those of Renwick Rose, Adrian Saunders, Mike Browne, Oscar Allen, Caspar London and Ralph Gonsalves in a spirit of camraderie. Not so with the ULP. Before you could finish your thought, you were cut off in midsentence. There is only one font of wisdom.

As the elections of 2015 approached, there was a concerted effort to steer me away from South Leeward and into West Kingstown, a constituency where I had neither presence nor electoral interest. The leader was committed to a candidate for South Leeward who had little or no chance of winning. My team out hustled the contender. A Peter Wickham pool in May 2015 showed that on all trending points, I was the choice of the people. That poll also indicated that I was ahead of the New Democratic Party incumbent Nigel Stephenson by a 49/48 percentage. Sadly, by July 2015, a top party official had predicted I had “no chance of winning.”

Edgar “Cookie” Cruickshank, who

expansion of our vocabulary and the insights gained through reading can, in turn, influence the way we think.

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

died tragically subsequently, was convinced by the party leader I would not be the candidate and therefore must support my rival. When I emerged as the candidate, Cookie felt betrayed, became confused, and spent his last days campaigning against a leader and party he had once sworn to defend with his life.

The ULP activist we all know as Garfield “Coals” Joseph, who had welcomed my candidacy since, in his words, “what better man we could have to represent us than someone fighting for reparations,” admitted to members of my campaign team that he had been directed by the party leader not to support me. He became cold and was “fired up” to attack me in meetings and on radio. When he died, few followed him to the cemetery. No one from his Vermont community paid him a tribute.

But I was there to witness how good sons and daughters of our people were used, abused, discarded and forgotten.

Every November 15, I posted the following on Face Book: “On this date in 2015, the ULP lost the South Leeward seat.” It is true. Jerry Scott had represented South Leeward for 17 years. He liked my advocacy, and on more than one occasion, implored me to return to SVG and contribute to national development. When I got into the race, I engaged Mr Scott in quiet diplomacy. I knew he was estranged from the NDP and I wanted to keep him out of the campaign. I also knew that he was still loved and respected by many in the area. He committed not to do anything to affect my electoral chances.

I, however, made the cardinal error of telling Dr. Gonsalves.

On November 15, 2015, at Clare Valley, the Prime Minister spent 14 minutes talking about how great Jerry Scoot was and that he would make him the point man for developing Campden Park into the 7th Town. On that night Mr. Scott received close to 100 calls accusing him of selling out to Ralph Gonsalves. On November 22 at Campden Park, Mr. Scott, bending to pressure to prove he was not a sellout, mounted the NDP platform -for the only time in the campaign- and spoke for 11 minutes. It was enough. The old guard became convinced the old bull was in.

The ULP handed the seat to NDP, and Stephenson won by 118 votes.

But there is more. Our Campaign team also found that there were 83 known NDP supporters registered in South Leeward but who lived in West Kingstown. The party leadership was asked to make representation to the Supervisor of Elections to have them switched. Nothing was done. Seventyone of these persons voted. Because of the general lack of material support and inattention of the party leadership, I told Dr. Gonsalves in the presence of his wife and daughter: “I know you don’t want me to win, but I will still win.” We fell short through no fault of ours.

Since 2016, the nation has witnessed a jaundiced, venomous and scurrilous barrage against me. These persistent attacks were sponsored, sanctioned, coordinated and executed by the party leadership. Star Radio was the medium of delivery.

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

V

12. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

School of navigation, fish canning industry: Winners in SVG

ACCORDING to Leader of the SVG Green Party retired British Royal Air Force Engineer Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, a school of navigation and a tuna-fishing and canning industry could bring in about EC$1,000 to the SVG Treasury, for every EC$1 we currently get from tourism.

The focus on tourism by the ULP regime is a big joke and cannot lift SVG out of poverty and debt. We have had 18 years of focus on tourism, and our country has only got poorer and more heavily in debt.

Tourism is a big negative for SVG, and policy makers have made a big mistake focusing on it as the engine of the SVG economy. The extent of unemployment, deprivation and destitution throughout

SVG clearly illustrates that SVG is moving backwards.

We have plummeted into an economic darkness, and the recession in our country means a substantial lack of jobs and lack of money circulating our country.

The potential revenue from a school of navigation and a tunafishing and canning industry is huge, and would significantly improve the quality of life for our people. We could use some of the revenue to provide free, high-quality education from pre-school to our own science and technology university.

SVG Green Party focuses on creating mass employment and a strong economy. The idea that we should wait for the tourist to put food on our table is very short-

sighted. SVG needs to invest in our people, businesses and country to create substantial economic growth.

Vincentian-born, Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, believes that economic growth in SVG is pitiful.

The ULP regime has been an economic failure.

The poverty and destitution throughout SVG illustrate this.

A SVG Green Party Government would build a high-quality School of Navigation to promote a SVG fish industry and use the fish industry, estimated to have potential annual return of EC$2.5 billion, as a major source of revenue.

A tuna-fishing and canning industry would make a massive difference in providing a sustainable, high-quality lifestyle for all who live

in SVG. A Green government would take back the SVG fish licence from Taiwan and set up our own SVG deep-sea tuna fishing and canning industry.

This will include leasing or buying ships and building factories. This would bring billions into our economy and create mass employment.

The School of Navigation and Seamanship would train

Vincentians in seafaring, the principles of seamanship, navigation and nautical astronomy, so they can serve onboard vessels worldwide and captain SVG unafishing trawlers.

A School of Navigation and a fish canning industry would be winners in SVG. Our country needs to go in a

new direction and set up new industries in order to create thousands of new jobs and a strong, sustainable economy.

Under the ULP regime, our country is drifting rudderless into an abyss of mass poverty, mass unemployment and huge public debt.

It’s just not good enough.

Anti-LGBT Laws have no place in our law books LAWS THAT discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people are relics of the colonial era and should be struck off the lawbooks in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, says a local organisation working to reduce HIV infection rates in the country.

Section 146 and 148 of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Criminal Code are discriminatory laws used to target LGBT people. Punishment for breaking these laws is up to ten years imprisonment.

Two gay men, exiled from their country, have filed cases at the High Court of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, challenging the constitutionality of these laws.

‘The current legal challenge was not brought by VincyCHAP, and we were not made aware of it before it was filed. However, we firmly believe that these outdated laws have no place in our lawbooks, and would welcome them being confined to history, whether through the courts or via parliamentary reform,’ said spokesperson from the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Chapter of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Partnership (VincyCHAP).

international organisations have called for the decriminalisation of homosexuality on public health grounds alone.

Regionally, ECADE, an alliance of eastern Caribbean organisations that works with VincyCHAP to reduce stigma and discrimination against marginalised groups, notes the merit of the action. “Our experience in the region shows such action can raise public emotion, and we continue to support VincyCHAP to ensure the safety and security of Vincentians in the short and long term,” said Executive Director Kenita Placide.

VincyChap is witness to the devastating impact these discriminatory laws have on LGBT St Vincentians. There are several recent recorded incidents of young Vincentians being assaulted verbally and physically, and denied protection due to their perceived sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

‘LGBT St Vincentians are ordinary citizens. They are doctors, farmers, shopkeepers and taxi drivers. They are our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, parents and grandparents, whose rights are recognised by our Constitution, the supreme law of our No of Vincentians living with HIV land, no matter who they love. It’s high time the Courts strike down After Sub-Saharan Africa, the these archaic las for good,’ adds Caribbean region has some of the VincyCHAP. highest rates of HIV/AIDS infection in NB: VincyCHAP is a legally the world. According to UN AIDS, registered non-government around 1200 people in Saint Vincent organisation founded in 2017. It and the Grenadines are currently provides HIV education, counselling living with HIV. and testing in St. Vincent and the Even though there have been no recent arrests under the anti-gay laws, Grenadines. the criminalisation of LGBT people For more information and to schedule creates an environment of shame, interviews, please contact: Saint stigma and violence, which in turn Vincent and the Grenadines Chapter hinders the availability, access and uptake of HIV prevention, testing and of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Partnership treatment services, thus increasing transmission, says VincyChap.

Email: vincychapsvh101@gmail.com Because of this clear link, multiple

V Taiwanese contribution

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

Opinion

to SVG Agricultural Development (Pt 1)

On the trail at the Pembroke Demonstration Farm, the first location of the Taiwanese Technical Mission. contribution to agriculture in SVG? I believe that many other Vincentians may be asking the same question, so I will share with the public the response I gave to my travelling companion. I captioned my response under the headings: 1. Plant Germplasm pool enrichment.

Through the introduction of a number of new plant varieties, Vincentians have a wider food source on which to tap. Some of the introductions did not survive beyond the demonstration farm stage, for example, hill

rice, mung beans, from which we got beansprouts, some sweet potato and dasheen cultivars, some mangoes, some table grapes.

Others have made it onto farmers’ holdings: notable are the waxapple, jujube, some pineapple varieties {Tainan # 11 and Tainan # 16}. Some persons prefer the Taiwanese water melons, and the sweet corn “Known-you Bright Jean”, a non GMO variety.

2. Technology transfer/human resource enrichment: The MOA identified the need to strengthen its capacity to provide guidance to agroprocessors. Hence the Taiwanese Mission, as it was called then, set up a demonstration facility at Orange Hill. Mr. Kemston Cato {employed at Vincy Fresh} and Ms Wendy Michael {assigned to the Ministry of Health} received university training in Taiwan in food processing. It was the intention that Vincentian craft persons were introduced to a variety of on their return functional products that could be made from Bamboo. they will Here, some of those products are introduced to Mrs. spearhead the Pearl Isaacs, the CAO’s wife.

I HAVE JUST RETURNED from the reception hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to mark their 108th National Day. It was a pleasant occasion attended by a wide cross –section of Vincentian “middle class” society.

What prompted me to write this article is the question posed to me by a very sincere attendee, whom I was giving a ride to his home. After 38 years of the relationship between SVG and Taiwan, have we really benefitted? What is there to show that there has been any meaningful

sustainable development of the small agroprocessors. Dr. Rafique Bailey pursued his PhD in entomology/plant protection in Taiwan, to provide leadership in that field. Mr. Rohan McDonald was one of the first from Min. of Agriculture to pursue studies at the Pingtung University. On his return, he replaced the Taiwanese expert at the Orange Tissue Culture Laboratory. He is still leading that successful programme there. Many other Ministry staff received short term attachment training in Taiwan. The Taiwanese technical professionals now work side by side with our agricultural professionals on farmers’ holdings demonstrating agronomic practices.

We all expect that over the thirty-eight years the nature of the engagement will change.

When the Mission first established itself, most of the Taiwanese agricultural technical work was done on the 17acre demonstration farm which government leased from the Punnet’s estate in Pembroke. The emphasis then, was on experimental trials of a number of vegetable varieties coming out of the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Centre. So, crops of asparagus, tomatoes, sweet-peppers, mung beans (mentioned before) cauliflower, broccoli, cabbages, pakchoi and lettuce, were produced on the farm but were not allowed to enter the market to compete with national farmers production. This was later relaxed when it was observed that farmers were not able to meet the national demand.

Systemic Impact: (i) Pig industry. Most pigs were raised along some gutter/river side under a big breadfruit tree or some such. The breed was the black ‘Ridgeback”. The system was cut/pull anything and

The Taiwanese Orchid Nursery – Orange Hill – was the beginning of the Tissue Culture Project, which helped to embellish the cut flower industry and more in SVG. throw it to the pigs; or “boil pig-food” which consisted mainly of kitchen waste (“peeling” i.e. the skins of whatever the household meals consisted of, plus some boiled breadfruit, banana etc.)

The Taiwanese Mission introduced new breeds: the large white, Landrace and the Duroc.

The first Piggery was established at the abandoned Milk -plant at Camden Park (currently the site for the Plant Protection and Quarantine facilities).

The pigs were raised on a ration that matched their stage of development: (sow ration, pig-grower, pigfinisher). Producers began building pens with proper waste disposable systems, thus minimising the negative environmental impact.

Renewable energy in the form of biogas was encouraged. ECGC feed production was boosted

as a result of the demand for these special rations.

Pigs were weaned and fattened within an eightmonth period, and SVG at one time, was selfsufficient in the supply of fresh pork.

The Pipes family of Wallilabou invested in a pork processing facility which produced sausages and ham. Artificial insemination of pigs was part of the programme.

Farmers were able to purchase piglets at a reasonable cost. In short, the whole pig production system changed with excellent, measurable, sustainable outcomes.

The national breeding centre was subsequently moved to Orange Hill and the programme handed over to the MOA, Animal Health & Production Division. It is still in operation.

Contributed by: Philmore Isaacs.

Retired Chief Agricultural Officer

Viewing the Pig Demonstration Farm (L-R) Mr. Philmore Isaacs, Dr. Dzou and Sr. Chung.

V

14. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Science

Team members hastening to build the Robot from scratch.

SVG impresses in Robotics Competition YES, ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES has entered a realm many would have thought was light years away from its grasp.

This country has put

together a Robotics Building Team which, just recently, participated in a Robotics Competition in Dubai.

Sponsored

by First Global Challenge (FGC), the Competition attracted participation by 189 countries, St. Vincent and the Nearing the completion of the SVG Grenadines Robot. included.

Each

By Day Two, they had team, on registering moved into 10th place, a interest in the phenomenal leap. On Competition, was Day Three SVG had to provided, free of charge, settle in the 35th with a kit containing the position, still a parts and instructions for remarkable the construction of a accomplishment for a robot, and rules of the country not associated Competition. with Robotics and Each country was unknown to the majority asked to build their robot of competitors. in whatever way they But when it was all chose. done, SVG stood in the In Dubai, SVG’s robot prestigious position of was hailed among the number one among the top three in construction, Americas and the with members of many Caribbean, beating the other countries, large likes of the USA and and small alike, Canada. surrounding it with Commenting on the amazement and challenges, team leader admiration.

Daniel said that it In fact, the report is started with the little that the SVG Team, time that was available headed by Brodlon for building the robot Daniel, was called upon and for practising. to assist a number of countries to either repair Continued on Page 15. or get their robotics going, while in Dubai.

The actual Competition ran from October 24 to 27 and involved teams of three countries in competition in a prescribed area to convert as many ‘goals’ as possible in a basketball-type sport.

On Day One of the Competition SVG was Team members leaving for Dubai ranked 135th. not knowing what to expect.

V

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

News

L-R: Mc Gregor Sealey, Manager of the NLA and Super Six winner Ezzie Roban at last Friday’s presentation.

Roban is latest Super Six winner

FIFTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD Ezzie Roban said that he intends to allocate a portion of his winnings in the Super Six draw towards his children’s education.

Roban, the winner of the $200,000 Super Six draw of October 11, said that he has two daughters attending secondary school, and has decided to use the money for them, until he can find something useful for himself. He collected his winnings last Friday.

He recalled that on the day he purchased the

SVG impresses in Robotics Competition Continued from Page 14.

But giving the success of their first outing, he and his team are already looking to next year’s competition, with the intention of impressing the rest of the world with even greater feats.

Participation was made possible through assisting from FGC, local sponsors and funds raised by members doing odd jobs.

In addition to Brodian, other members of the team were Ozni Daniel, Lisha Beache, Adrion Francois and Brendon Thomas.

ticket, he had done some work and was paid $100, from which he said he purchased both Lottery and Super Six tickets.

“I sat down and den something say, go to de book where me does write down numbers,” Roban said.

The numbers 2, 17, 20, 21, 27 and 28 were called, but the man, originally from Byera now living and working in Bequia, said that he came to realize that he

had won the following morning.

Before Roban’s winnings, the Supersix jackpot had climbed to $860,000, with two nationals of Dominica sharing equally in the prize.

Anthony Dennie, Product Development Officer at the National Lotteries Authority, said that those individuals had already stepped forward and collected their winnings.

16. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V Schools to get free upgraded internet

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

Technology

TWENTY-ONE SITES, including fifteen schools, will soon be provided with upgraded internet service through an initiative of the NTRC. The government entity recently signed a contract with

Telecommunications Company Flow for the second School’s Project here which, according to Director of the NTRC Apollo Knights, is costing some $2.5 million.

The first NTRC

School’s project was commissioned on 6th June, 2012 by Telecommunications provider Flow at a cost of $5.2 million. According to Knights, the reduced cost of the second phase of this project is accredited to the access points that were already laid out in the initial project.

Acting Country Manager of Flow Andrea Liverpool said this project is an important one since it supports the company’s broadband expansion strategy, and aligns to their commitment to deliver a high quality broadband service.

Liverpool added that Flow will continue to support government’s strategic initiatives.

There is now only one connection per school over the hybrid network provided by Flow (Columbus). Under this new contract, the twenty- Andrea Liverpool, one new sites will have Country Manager of Flow (Ag.) committed fibre connections. her company to 15 schools for upgraded continued support for government’s (telecom, internet IT) initiatives.

The fifteen school sites School, and the three include: Campden Park campuses of the St. Secondary, Bishop’s Vincent and the College Kingstown, Dr. J Grenadines Community P Eustace Memorial, College. Other sites Girls’ High School, include: the Kingstown Intermediate High Public Library, School, St. Joseph’s Documentation Centre, Convent Kingstown, St. open spots at Heritage Martin’s Secondary, St. Square and SVG Port Vincent Grammar Authority. Users will School, Thomas Sanders obtain upload and Secondary, St Mary’s download speeds of 100 Roman Catholic, C. W. Mbps respectively.

Prescod Primary, the The 21 new external Kingstown Preparatory access points and 13

Apollo Knights, Director of the NTRC, attributed the reduced cost of the second phase to the number of access points that were already laid out in the initial project. internal access points under this project will bring the total to 249 external access points and 136 internal points throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The duration of this new project is five years.

The contract was signed at the NTRC’s conference room on Wednesday 23rd October, 2019. (Source)

V SMRCS opens Japanesefunded facility 18. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Education

by GLORIAH…

ANOTHER ROUND of renovations to the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic School (SMRCS) was formally brought to closure, in a ceremony held at the school on October 15, 2019.

The ceremony marked the official handing over of the works to the school, by the NonResident Ambassador Designate of the Embassy of Japan, His Excellency Tatsuo Hirayama.

The works, the

H.E. Excellency Ambassador Tatsuo Hirayama accepts a gift on behalf of the SMRCS.

placement of a concrete floor in the section of the school that houses Kindergarten classes (downstairs) and Grade Three classes (upstairs), was funded through the Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Securities Projects, and formalized on 13th February this year with an agreement for a grant of $33,047 US. Making remarks on the occasion were a number of government officials, including Mrs. Bernadette Greaves, Senior Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, and Ms. Janeil Frederick, Communication Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They all agreed that the situation of the floor was in dire need of being addressed, and that the Japanese stepped in just in time.

Ms. Yvette Antoine, Senior Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, recognized the Ministry’s inability to take care of all the needs of educational institutions across the country, and thanked the Ambassador, assuring, “This school is a good school, a deserving

school!”

Principal Johnny registered her pleasure in being able to thank the people of Japan for providing the “beautiful floor.”

She expressed the view that, “It shows that the people of Japan are committed to helping others to acquire an education, thus a better quality of life under better conditions.”

She then recapped the project’s journey from problem to solution, after which she effusively thanked Ambassador Hirayama and his Embassy for their intervention, stating that thanks were not enough for the generosity and

support they had extended to the institution.

With this, a group of Grade 3 students expressed their appreciation to Ambassador Hirayama in a glowing choral speech.

Monsignor Michael Stewart, on behalf of R.C. Bishop Gerard County and the Diocese of Kingstown, expressed gratitude to HE Ambassador Hirayama and his people, stating, “It is well accepted that to develop a nation, one should invest in children.”

In his response, Ambassador Hirayama expressed his

H.E. Excellency Ambassador Tatsuo Hirayama and Principal Eula Johnny unveil a commemorative plaque. exhilaration with the project. “I was so happy that I could start my duties with a project related to education, a priority area for any country.” he said, adding, “I remember having said that providing a better education is absolutely essential for bringing up the next generation and for providing them with a wider range of opportunities.”

He thanked all those involved in the project.

The Ambassador took the opportunity to congratulate St. Vincent and the Grenadines for other significant changes

it had undergone in the recent past: its first female Governor General who is a former educator; its election as a nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations,” he said, “to this country for its global effort to represent the voices of small island countries in the international community.”

The ribbon to open the facility was then cut and a plaque signifying the transaction, was unveiled.

Yearwoods donate to Teacher Education here THE DIVISION OF TEACHER EDUCATION (DTE) of the SVG Community College was a recent recipient of a donation from the Jewel and Randolph Yearwood Education Technology Foundation.

The donation comprised seven (7)

laptop computers, computer cases, and two (2) digital video display projectors, representing a total value of EC$11,500.00.

Two used/surplus laptop computers were also donated to the Early Childhood programme in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

According to Dr. Dave Yearwood, Professor Emeritus, University of North Dakota, and his wife Jo-Anne Yearwood, who is also a Professor at the University of North Dakota, both native of SVG and who were on hand to make the donation, the Jewel and Randolph Yearwood Education Technology Foundation was established in 2013 to honour the memory of Dr. Yearwood’s parents, and through the educational technology needs of teachers and students could be met.

The Foundation is governed by a sevenperson Board of

Mrs Eula Adams, Deputy Director of SVGCC, receiving ICT equipment from Professor Dave Yearwood on behalf of Students and Faculty of the Division of Teacher Education. Mrs. Jo-Ann Yearwood is standing on the left and Mrs. Harriette Da Silva, Dean of DTE, is on the right.

Directors, representative of a diverse collection of expertise, inclusive of government, business and education.

Prior to this donation to SVG, the Foundation has provided assistance to: Native American communities and public schools in North Dakota (ND); schools in Africa and Jamaica; agencies working with refugees from Africa Liberia; graduate at the University of ND and two Air Force veterans who served in the United States Air Force with Dr. Yearwood.

Dr. Yearwood, who conducts research in ePedagogy (technologically enhanced teacher practice) and automatic electronic control systems, and his wife JoAnne, whose expertise is in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, facilitated three workshops for the SVGCC educators, specifically the Early Childhood Education cohort and also lecturers at SVGCC, Division of Teacher Education, during their recent visit to their homeland.

V Increased participation at 3rd Vincy Expo

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

Industry

Vincentian artistry and industry on display at Everything Vincy Expo 2019.

THE 3RD EDITION of the Everything Vincy Expo 2019 hosted by Invest SVG got underway on Thursday 24th October, 2019, at the old Geest Shed.

In delivering welcome remarks, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Invest SVG Anthony Regisford said the Expo has registered growth from a high of 40 participants in previous years, to 145 in 2019. This, Concrete expressions of adding value to agricultural he said, was produce abound in SVG. testimony to what Invest SVG is producers this help them to grow their doing. opportunity, we are able business, and by doing Regisford said:“ It is to increase their so, create more our hope at Invest SVG business, increase trade, employment and have a that by affording

positive impact on the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Invest SVG, he projected, will be hosting an investment forum, in May 2020, to attract high network individuals, with the objective of placing SVG firmly on their minds as the investment location.

Caribbean Export Development Agency representative Gail Gallop said that her agency is mandated to enhance the competitiveness of regional, small and medium size enterprises; promote trade and development among CARIFORUM members; as well as to promote stronger trade and investment between CARICOM and the Dominican Republic.

Gallop said that the Everything Vincy Expo is an important step in establishing linkages and export of local products and services to an eager international audience.

“Caribbean Export is proud to work with Invest SVG in getting the job done, and I look forward to seeing the continued growth of this Expo,” said Gallop.

Executive Director of Invest SVG Annette Mark noted that the Expo has grown in support and participation. “We are extremely proud of the growing success of this event, the continued

support of the private sector, and the added backing of the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” said Mark.

She said that while the Expo was designed to showcase the best of local Vincentian products, the rest of the world has been supporting us. This year witnessed participation from St. Lucia, Guyana, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

Mark disclosed that in 2020, Invest SVG will be leading a delegation to the World Economic Expo in Dubai.

She expressed thanks to the sponsors, staff at SVG, participants, as well as the general public.

Minister of Tourism Cecil McKie outlined the benefits that the Expo will have on the economy of SVG. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves underscored that Invest SVG was very vital in bringing investment to SVG. He congratulated the participants.

The opening ceremony featured performances by Cantemus, Saeed Bowman, SVG 2019 Carifesta team and Kenneth ‘Vibrating Scakes’ Alleyne.

Everything Vincy Expo 2019 displayed a

Anthony Regisford, Chairman of Invest SVG, spoke of the welcomed increase in participation.

Annette Mark, Executive Director of Invest SVG, recognized the growing support from the private sector and government for the Expo. wide range of products and services from different sectors across SVG, including agroprocessing, manufacturing, services, ICT and the creative industry. (KH)

V

20. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Friendship?

Dear George, MY BEST friend asked me to help him pay for his girlfriend to have an abortion.

I refused and told him I do not support abortion, and if it was anything else, I would have helped him.

Now, he is telling me I’m no friend, and good friends are always there for each other. He has not spoken to me since that time, and it’s bothering me.

Should I have given him the money?

Feeling guilty Dear Feeling guilty, Your response to your friend was based on your conviction, and therefore, you should not feel guilty

about it.

It is unfortunate that your friend did not agree; but with time, he will come to respect your decision. It is not fair for him to drag you into the mix and try to make it look as if it is all your fault.

Good friends must take a principled stance when it matters, and if your friend refuses to talk to you as a result, then you need to find yourself another friend.

George

Find another girl Dear George,

Pressure

MY GIRLFRIEND wants me to get her a dildo, based on the argument that she does not want to cheat on me. She told me plain and straight that she will be tempted to cheat if I’m not around, and there’s no dildo.

George, I travel often, sometimes 6 or 7 times a year for an average of a week each time. I know guys who are away at sea for months and yet their women do not cheat. What’s the difference with my girl that she cannot trust herself?

I am caught in a bind, in that I don’t want to get her any dildo, and I do not want her to cheat. What do I do, George?

Dear Pressure, What you do is find yourself another girl! Your girl should not want to cheat if she loves and respect herself and you. Maintaining her pride and dignity should be motivation enough to keep herself honourable and free from blame and ridicule.

A dildo is not the answer here, and getting one for her will only open up the floodgates to her coming up with other ‘solutions’ to keep her from cheating, after that one has been exhausted.

George

Remove yourself immediately Worst of all, I would hate my wife to know about this.

Also, your cleaning up campaign has to begin with being honest with I THINK I’m about to be your wife; you must exposed by one of my Need answers. confess your actions to students, for having her. She deserves to sexual intercourse with Dear Need answers, know! From there, you one of her classmates. will need to see a She has threatened to do Sorry to disappoint psychologist who would so because she is jealous you, but you have put help you to get a grip on of her classmate, after seeing the kind of ‘stuff’ I yourself up to be judged. things.

As a teacher, you are I repeat: You should have bought for her. She not be in an environment came to me and told me placed in a position of trust, and you have where there are to drop her friend in exchange for her or else. violated that trust. Your unsuspecting children act is both criminal and whose only crave is to I honestly do not know unethical. receive an education and what to do because if I You should not be care from teachers whom do that, the other one contemplating who you they respect. would certainly squeal should choose or who is Help is available to on me. going to squeal. Rather, you, but you just have to My options are few you need to do some reach out and take here. I can deal with introspection and, in the advantage of it. both of them and keep process, remove yourself things quiet, or I can George from the classroom reject the proposition of immediately. this other girl and face whatever consequences.

What’s the best way of keeping this on the down low? I am sharing this with you because I know you are not going to judge me.

Dear George,

Leisure

ARIES (MAR. 21- APRIL 20) Don’t spend too much on products that promise amazing cosmetic results. You’ll be tempted to spend extravagantly this week. Do not react too harshly when dealing with partners.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) Your best efforts will come through investments concerning your home.

Chronic health problems are likely to surface if you are keeping your problems locked up inside.

TAURUS (APR. 21- MAY 21) If you’ve been under stress and worrying about older members of the family, it’s time to come to terms with the situation. Promotions will be yours if you have acted professionally in times of crisis.

SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) You need to get out and have some fun to reduce tension. You can’t make things better if you don’t know what to fix.

Don’t forget to read the fine print.

Limitations at work might set you back.

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) Exhaustion combined with overindulgence could result in minor health problems. You may find that someone you live with may be irritable; you’re best to leave them alone.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 22) Talk to someone with experience about budgets or consolidating debts. Be sure to take time for old friends or relatives you don’t get to see that often. Try to keep a low profile.

LEO (JULY 23 - AUG 22) This will not be the best day to sign deals or to take care of other people’s financial matters. You could have a change of heart if an old flame waltzes back into your life. Your attitudes at work will open new avenues for you.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEPT. 23) Trips will be enjoyable, and communication with your lover will clear up any misconceptions. Those you live with may be experiencing problems.

You’re in the mood to do things such as competitive sports, or perhaps a night on the town.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 21) Do not over expand if you have your own business. Sit tight. You may find that romance will unfold through business connections. You always seem to spend more than you make. Don’t try to hide your true feelings from your mate.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 20) Pleasure trips will bring you into contact with new and interesting people. Leave your checkbook and credit cards at home. Your lover may feel rejected. You can evade the issue as usual by being affectionate.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) Escapist tendencies will result in a poor reputation and a lack of confidence.

Lending and borrowing may be a problem. You will be erratic and quite likely to make personal mistakes.

PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) You’ll regret every word for some time to come. Get involved in competitive sports.

Friends will appreciate your attention and playful nature. Make sure that you have all the pertinent information before any reprisals or making any moves.

ACROSS 1. ”Gee!” 5. Hit with the hand 9. Tree fluid 12. Bar between wheels 13. Superman, for example 14. Gorgeous Gardner 15. 44-Down sufferer, perhaps 16. Sudden attack 17. Toothpaste variety 18. Finalize 19. Burger rolls 20. Hurt 21. Dull; dreary 23. Yale graduate 25. Natives of Israel and Iran 27. Dark stretches 31. Musical Ronstadt 32. Bed linen 33. Car motor 35. Unwavering 36. _ Antonio, Texas 37. Group of cattle 38. Back’s curve 41. Divided by doubt 43. City rule 46. Lack of peace 47. Feast (on) 48. Grain of China 49. Abel’s mother 50. Smeared frosting on 51. British princess 52. Petal wetness 53. Army meal 54. Nest chirp DOWN 1. Fence door 2. Yoked beasts a farm 3. Winter fun on a hill

4. Coop clucker 5. Woody bushes 6. Slender 7. Ascended 8. Pea casing 9. Heroic epic 10. Say clearly 11. Tropical tree 19. Cereal fruit 20. Less low 22. Salad veggie 24. “Pay attention!”

25. Beer cousin 26. Break a Commandment 28. Story title on a newspaper’s front page 29. Senator Kennedy

30. Home for hogs 34. Lure 35. Rips into thin strips 38. Overwhelmed by fear 39. Talk crazily 40. Airplane staff

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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

42. Change for a five 44. Skin ailment 45. Turn on the waterworks 47. Poorly lit 48. Sharp knock

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22. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Independence Message

40TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE

FROM HIS EXCELLENCY MR CENIO ELWIN LEWIS, HIGH COMMISSIONER OUR NATION’S JOURNEY has now taken us to 40 years of independence. At this point in our journey, it is a good time to reflect on our achievements and the challenges we have encountered within forty years.

I think it is reasonable to state that as a people, we have accomplished quite a lot. It is not possible in this short message to give a list of

our accomplishments, but one only needs to look today in the area of education, the construction of the Argyle International Airport, and membership of the UN Security Council. In doing so, one cannot help but conclude that our country is moving forward on the development pathway.

Certainly, there are

many challenges that we have had to face.

Everyone knows of the effects that climate change has had on our development, and the impact of rules imposed on Small States within the global system, where the powerful States make the rules often without consideration for small vulnerable economies.

But what our election to the UN Security Council has shown is that we have a Government with vision and resolve; it has demonstrated that our nation, small as it is, can achieve goals that may appear almost impossible. The election referred to above reminds me of Chekhov’s words, “the structure of

every society depends upon its constituent parts supporting each other”. That support to each other comes in various forms and holds the key to the development of our nation.

In celebrating our 40th Anniversary of Independence, let us enjoy the moment and additionally look towards the future with confidence. Let our thoughts transcend divisions within our society and let us work together in unity for the success of our nation, so that the young people and the future generations can be given a worthy legacy.

As we move into another year of independence, and as we engage in reflection, we may find the values that really matter in our lives: values such as friendship, family togetherness, and help to those who are less fortunate. Also, it may be useful to remember that whereas who we are is important, the measure of who we really are lies in what we do for our fellow human beings.

May God guide our

His Excellency Mr. Cenio Elwin Lewis, High Commissioner leaders and grant them the wisdom needed in these challenging times.

Happy 40th Independence Anniversary to all our people at home and in the Diaspora.

God bless Saint Vincent and the Grenadines!

HIGH COMMISSIONER for SAINT VINCENT and the GRENADINES Please address reply to the High Commissioner Telephone: +44 (0)207 460 1256 E-mail: office@svghighcom.co.uk

www.svghighcom.co.uk Our Ref: Your Ref: 10 Kensington Court London W8 5DL

“Just another look” Continued from Page 8. was excellent. One should be practical and stage it every two to three years, and not annually.

Our last budget was a grave disappointment, reaping praise only from Dr. Gonsalves’ own Chamber of echoes where ULP economist Kenny Baker and some newspaper “nabobs” and an assortment of party-hangers-on held court. Arnhim Eustace’s criticisms were to the point, especially his lament on the relatively paltry sums allocated the Ministry of Tourism which is where the focus for the future must now be riveted. Is it that a tight leash is maintained on Rene who has threatened to soar out of orbit?

Intended or not, Keith Joseph has struck a preemptive blow at the ULP’s plan to make Cato into a National Hero bright and early next year.

Keith has provided much air-play for Ralph’s condemnation of Cato and his Governments before turning around in 1994 to unite Labour MNU more of this later.

Meanwhile, it does seem that we have lost the real meaning of Christmas in the glitz and tinsel and especially the sharp party divisions. The ULP started a process of party tribalism that is proceeding apace, and will certainly get worse, before it gets better.

Finally, this column salutes the departure during 2003 of a sample of some of our finest sons in Dr. Jeffrey Daisy and Dr. Stanley Anderson and Dougal Lewis in the USA, and Messrs Carlos Alexander, Julian Caruth and Oscar Moss at home.

A select group of old girls have also opted for well-earned rest: among them, Sylvia Dopwell, “Sissy” Venner, Belle Mc Intosh and my own sister Stella Browne who is mother to Elma Dougan, Joye and Mike Browne.

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23. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

St. Lucia downs SVG in Rugby 15s After the bruising encounter, both teams posed for the cameras. little sporadic attendance in the training…. if we did get consistent numbers it could have been a closer affair,” Smith related.

In contrast to the Vincentians, Knight noted the superior fitness level of the St Lucians.

“Indeed the St Lucians were a bit fitter than us, SVG and St Lucia in battle last Saturday at the Arnos Vale Two Playing Field. and that was a big difference … They had a better work rate and we HOST ST. VINCENT AND But even in defeat, the score for St Vincent were not able to catch THE GRENADINES Senior there was some and the Grenadines.

Men’s Rugby team went consolation for the local It was the first test for them”, Knights commented. under to their St. Lucia team as they dug into the new St Vincent and Knights, who began a counterparts in an official their resources to lift the Grenadines Coachsix-month stint with the Regional America’s North themselves up from a 36- Sam Knights.

(RAN) Rugby 15s match, 5 half time score.

Although on the losing St Vincent and the played at the Arnos Vale Dellon Durrant, who end, Knights thought the Grenadines Rugby Union in late August, said that Two Playing Field last accounted for the home match gave him a good weekend. team’s only try in the insight of the talent pool he plans to use the schools’ Programme, to At the end of the 40first half, added another at his disposal and the get more persons minute encounter, played in the second, along with major deficiencies involved in Rugby. in blazing heat, St Lucia tries from Anthony therein.

Meanwhile, Lenord finished on top, 53-26.

Joseph and Kenmore He cited the lack of Mathews President of It was something of a Horne. fitness as being a major the SVG Rugby Union, letdown for the SVG And Anzio Lewis had setback. said that despite the team who had hoped to “Fitness comes from three conversions to add team defeat, it was a repeat their 2018 victory some respectability to training and we had a good opportunity for the over the St. Lucians.

players.

“Although our team lost it was a good game. …. . The St. Lucians came down well armed with a squad of well experience players so it paid off for them. We on the other hand are in the process of building a young team so it was a case of giving the younger players the opportunity to gain experience,” Matthews commented.

The SVG Team for the match comprised: SVG team reads, Orlando Rouse, Justin Tittle, Rasheed Campbell, Oan Goodluck, Recardo Dallaway, Trevon David, Giles Jr Garraway, Dellon Durrant, Leon Bowens, C’Brian Alexander, Raydony Williams, Dimitri Samuel, Kareem King, Schefild Samuel, Jonte Bowens, Anthony Joseph and Kemi Francois.

SVG Rugby Union’s Head Coach- Sam Knights.

Leonard Matthews – President of the SVG Rugby Union.

Constituency Netball Tournament returns

Central Kingstown was off to a good start in the return of the Constituency Netball Tournament.

THE CONSTITUENCY NETBALL TOURNAMENT returned to the national fold after a twelve-year absence.

The tournament opened last week Wednesday at the Kingstown Netball Centre.

Addressing the Opening Ceremony, President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association- Mrs Doris Mc Intosh, who is spearheading the Tournament, welcomed its return.

“I wish to thank the constituency representatives who sponsored or part

sponsored their constituency team… I also thank the persons who assisted me in one way or the other, in helping me revive this tournament.” Mc Intosh said.

Mc Intosh listed sisters Thelma Foster and Joan Foster- Baynes, as well as Geshell Peters, as the “driving forces” behind the revival of the tournament.

Nine constituencies responded to the call of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball Association’s for a return of the tournament.

The teams have been divided into two zones: Zone A comprising Northern Grenadines,

South Leeward, Central Kingstown and Central Leeward; Zone B made up of North Windward, North Central Windward, South- Central Windward, Marriaqua and West St George.

On the opening day, Central Kingstown was double winners, taking the Best Dress Award, and winning Doris Mc Intosh- President opening fixture, of the SVGNA, addressing narrowly beating the opening ceremony.

South Leeward, 3231.

Hard Court, the Biabou Matches in the Hard Court, the Chilli tournament will take Hard Court and the place at the Richland Kingstown Netball Park Government School Centre.

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24. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Desmond Maloney going through a skills/technique session with the Windward Volcanoes in Grenada.

Maloney upbeat about First Class Debut

“FIRST OF ALL, I want to thank God for everything.”

That was the overarching sentiment expressed by Desron Maloney when he spoke with THE VINCENTIAN about his call-up to the Windwards Volcanoes Franchise, for the regional 2019/2020 first class season.

Maloney, a police officer by profession, said, “Playing for the Volcanoes is another step up the ladder… closer to my dreams. It’s a very good feeling. It means a lot to me, my family, and friends, who always support

International Masters Festival in train

THE THIRD edition of Miles Bascombe, NLA/SVTA Chairman of the Independence International International Masters Masters T20 Festival got going Committee, here last Tuesday. expects that the Miles Bascombe, Festival would be Chairman of the the ‘biggest’ yet.

International Masters Committee, said on encounter Monday at the press briefing, also played at Arnos Vale. that this year’s edition was Scores: Sarasota International slated to be bigger than the 79 runs for 4 from 20 overs others.

Chris Thakoorpersad 23; “This year, six teams are Munro Road Masters 80 for 3 expected from Trinidad and Tobago, one from Canada, one in 10.1 overs - Ramesh Singh 41 (not out) from 46 balls. from Carriacou and Grenada and two from the USA as well Munro Road Masters obtained 1 batting and 1 bowling bonus as five from SVG,” Bascombe point. said.

In a Fete Division match The tournament is being played at Park Hill, VeeJays held in two divisions: the North Windward Masters beat Festival Shield Division and Canada Masters by 82 runs. the Fete Division.

The winner of the Festival Scores Shield will get US$5000, while second place will receive North Windward 203 for 6 US$2000. The Fete Division from 20 overs - Kyon Boyea 62, winner will take away Hannif Ollivere 46, Rick Ali 4 US$2000 and second place will for 22 from 4 overs; Canada get US$800.

Masters 121 for 4 in 20 overs Up to Wednesday, four Roy Signh 35 (not out). matches were completed.

Also at Park Hill, NPL In the Festival Division GECCU North East Masters played at Arnos Vale, trounced Carriacou by 6 Mustique Co. Masters defeated wickets. Scores: Carriacou New York Masters by 8 Masters 178 runs for 5 in 20 wickets. Scores: New York overs - Ray Charles 63 (not Masters 135 for 6 in 20 overs - out), Lashley John 56 runs, Sheldon Bhurasingh 57 from Olonzo Jackson 2 for 17 from 4 45 balls, Ian Allen 2 for 21 in 3 overs; North East Masters 179 overs; Mustique Masters 136 for 4 in 18 overs - Harvey Pope for 2 from 16 overs - O’Neal 43 and Bertram Stapleton 40.

Thomas 76 (not out) from 42 The tournament will balls. conclude on Sunday with the Munro Road Masters (T&T) finals at the Arnos Vale got the better of Sarasota playing field.

International Cricket Team by 7 wickets in a Fete Division I.B.A.ALLEN

and encourage me to keep playing cricket; to put in the hard work and chase my dreams.”

And in that vein, he moved to express thanks to his parents, teachers (SJCM), and the community of Greiggs, saying, inter alia, “They have all played a very vital role in my professional development by instilling a high level of discipline in me.”

Maloney was one of the five draft picks joining the other ten ‘protected players’ who make up the 2019/20 Windward Volcanoes squad.

His ‘pick could well have

been sealed after his creditable performances in the 2019 Windward Islands senior men two-day cricket tournament, which was held in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and in which he had an aggregate of 171 runs, including 104 versus Dominica, and 64 against Saint Lucia.

He continued to impress after his selection to the sub-regional team when he scored 139 not out in a 50Over trial match for the Volcanoes, earlier this year in Grenada ahead of the Regional Super50 tournament.

Maloney acknowledged being at the Franchise, “is an opportunity for me to work on my game and develop my skill. … With the experience of Devon Smith, Kirk Edwards, Shane Shillingford, Sunil Ambris and others”. He noted that he has already learned to “value my wicket and spend more time at the crease,” a far cry from the aggressive nature that has characterized his earlier game.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Blue Chip Academy hosts Competition THE BLUE Chip Basketball Academy made full use of mid-term break for schools, by hosting a 3 x 3 and 4 x 4, mini Basketball Youth Competition, last Friday at the Calliaqua Hard Court.

When the final whistles blew, it was Blue Fly and Rising Stars, which had emerged as the triumphant outfits.

Blue Fly copped the Co- Ed Junior Division title, beating Super Strikers 8-5 in the Final.

And, in the Senior Boys’ Division, Rising Stars had a 16-7 win over Thunder.

Kendale Thomas, the point man for Blue Chip Basketball Academy here, co-ordinated last Friday’s Competition.

The Competition was sponsored by Coreas Hazells Inc.

The Blue Fly team, winners of the CoEd Junior Division.

Winners of the Senior Division- Rising Stars.

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

Sports

Gold Cup here we come FOLLOWING the next round of matches in the Concacaf Nation’s League, the path to the 2021 Gold Cup will be more precisely defined.

Attention will be on the Vincy Heat with Nicaragua at Arnos Vale November 15. The Vincentians have battled their way to the top spot, courtesy of two drawn games, first in Nicaragua and at home against Suriname sandwiched between a one nil win at home against Dominica.

They found sufficient groove in unfamiliar territory to record a single goal showdown in Suriname. That must have been pleasing to coach Kendale Mercury who contended that the Vincentians ought to have gone to Suriname with a clean sheet in their favour. It so happened that the squad had to come from two goals down to wrestle a draw.

Mercury will be looking forward to unconditional Vincentian support in the encounter with Nicaragua.

Suriname welcomes Dominica a few hours after the Vincy/Nicaragua clash. Monday, November 19 will be the defining moment with the Vincentians, void of the home pressure in Dominica.

Nicaragua will have Suriname at home and have a chance of making amends for their away debacle when they went under 0: 6 to Suriname.

Besides the prestige and pride, Gold Cup positions still loom for second place teams in League B. They face first place finishers in League C. The winners move on to play third place finishers of League A, and the four matchups winners of Round 2 qualify for the 2021 Gold Cup. Vincy Heat will be looking to avoid that long route, so they will have to take care of business up front.

The top two teams from each of the four Groups in League A qualify for the Gold Cup, and with three teams in each group, the third-place team still stands in good stead.

It could well be that all 12 teams in League A end up in the 16 team Concacaf Gold Cup. That depends on what impact those second-place teams in League B and winners in League C have.

Curacao on 5 points play at home against Costa Rica, while Martinique on two points, welcome leaders Honduras with six points. Friday, November 15, the USA play Canada, having lost 2:0 away to the Canadians.

Panama have home fans to placate for losses against Bermuda at home and in Mexico whom they welcome this time.

Sunday 17 matches see Costa Rica at home to Haiti, and Honduras hosting Trinidad and Tobago. Tuesday, November 19 sees the political barrier smashed with the USA in Cuba, while Bermuda will be called upon to exert full energy in Mexico.

No one should overlook League C for, as seen in the first Round, some outfits may find ways of sneaking into the big league.

Barbados on nine points as well as Cayman Islands, will have to create the decider. In Group A of this League, it is a showdown between Bahamas and Bonaire, while Guatemala seems assured of matters in Group C, as does Guatemala in Group D. But first, the speculation must be put to rest and the real test will be written on the actual field of play. Until the final whistle blows, it’s patience.

Titles decided in SEDI Football Competition REAL INVESTMENT NATURE BOYS took the Knock Out title, and Volcanoes the League title, when the 2019 Hairoun/Sagicor South East Development Inc. (SEDI) Football Competition ended last Sunday at the Stubbs Playing Field.

Nature Boys, on the back of a hat trick from Deomaji Samuel, and a goal each from Glenford Ashton and Enrique Millington, handed them a five nil win over Sagicor Bonhomme.

Then, Volcanoes had a 3-2 win over Bonhomme Ghetto Stars in the League Final.

A brace by Jahseem James and a strike from Mazique Herbert, accounted for Volcanoes’ goals, while Rondel Thomas and Dan Laborde replied for Bonhomme Ghetto Stars.

Jahseem Best Goal Keeper- Jahvan Peters

Bonhomme Ghetto Stars’ Orande James is in the process of passing the ball to his team mate- Dan Laborde during last Sunday’s League final.

Right: Most Goals recipient- Deomaji Samuel James was named the Player of the Final.

Awards Those rewarded for outstanding performances were: Deomaji Samuel of Nature Boys - Leading Goal scorer with 8 goals; Jahvan Peters of BDO Stubborn Youths Best Goal keeper; Tevin Thompson of Sagicor Bonhomme Best Midfielder; Atticus Enville of Teflan Strikers - Best Striker, and

Geroni Peters of KQ Mavericks - the Best Defender.

Kelique Wyllie of third place team BDO Stubborn Youths was named the Most Promising Youth Player, and Cornelius Thomas of Bonhomme Ghetto Stars, the Best Manager.

Bohomme Ghetto Stars collected the award of Best Attacking team, with BDO Stubborn Youths - the Best Defensive team.

Top Strikers, the 2018 League winners, was adjudged the Most Disciplined Team.

Ten teams participated in the 2019 competition.

Volcanoes - New League Champions of the SEDI Inc. Football Competition.

TBPO T20 Weekend Round-Up ACTION CONTINUED in the National Lotteries Authority TBPO T20 Softball Cricket Competition on the weekend, with wins for Hard Hitters, Simple Boys, Gomea Bombers and Challengers.

Gairy Construction Simple Boys blew away Coreas Distribution by 182. Simple Boys batted first and made 221 for 9 in 25 overs - Stein Joseph 52, Nicos Davis 41, Kemron John 37, Asborne Franklyn 33. Bowling for Coreas Distribution, Antonio Gerold had 3 for35, Jason Caesar 2 for 45. In reply, Coreas

Distribution reached 39 in 10 overs. Keneal Skinner 3 for 5, Adolph Adams 2 for 5, Kentish Phillips 2 for 12 did the damage.

Gomea Bombers beat One Team by 41 runs. Gomea Bombers made 129 for 8 in 17 overs, Barnard Bushay 35, Ovando O Brian 27, Enrique Daniel 2 for 29. One Team reached 88 for 8 in 17 overs, Kenton McFee 3 for 29, Raymond Sayers 2 for 13 leading the bowling for Bombers.

Challengers defeated Nice Radio Clinchers won by 40 runs.

Challengers made 116 for 8 in 17 overs, Britnol Scott 51. Bowling for Clinchers Romano Pierre 3 for 10, Danroy Fergus 3 for 21. In reply Clinchers got to 76 in 12.1 overs, Lesroy Richards leading with 21. Kendal Payne 3 for 9, Ronike James 3 for 15 were the leading wicket takers for Challengers.

Hard hitters won by default over Dauphine United when Dauphine United failed to show up for the game.

I.B.A.ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 01, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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

Classifieds

JOYCELYN I. GORDON-WILLIAMS Truth and Faith Light House Sunday, 27th October, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Layou Cemetery

ALLISON YOUNG Apostolic Faith Mission Campden Park Saturday, 26th October, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Chauncey Cemetery

GLENDA LOVENDA DEFREITAS

MABLE GEORGE SCOTHLAND

St. Olive Spiritual Baptist Church Park Hill Saturday, 26th October, 2019 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

Interment: Park Hill Cemetery

Brighton Church of Christ Saturday, 26th October, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Brighton Cemetery CARLON OLONDO NEDD Langley Park Church of Georgetown Saturday 26th October 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Georgetown Cemetery

EUNICE V. CUMMINGS Grace Community Baptist Church Kingstown, Park Saturday 26, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Chauncey Cemetery

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 01, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.40.

A.I. REAL ESTATE Campden Park 5 bedrm Property on 3,835 sq.ft.

- open to offers - H124 New Montrose 3 bedrm Property on 6,399 sq.ft.

- $350,000.00 - H157 Cane End 2 bedrm Property on 11,738 sq.ft.

- $135,000.00 - H201 (784)- 457-2087 office (784)-533-0431 whatsapp (784)-493-9431 cell (718)-807-4376 office donp@vincysurf.com www.aisvg.com facebook.com/airealestatesvg

www.thevincentian.com

PM’s INDEPENDENCE ANNOUNCEMENT under 65 years; * 2. Compensation to AS HAS BECOME a Nurses and Nursing custom, Prime Minister Dr. Assistants for Ralph Gonsalves used the outstanding on-call and opportunity of his address weekend allowances, at the Annual amounting to a total Independence Military outlay of EC$995,332.56; Parade, October 27, to * 3. Appointment of advance certain initiatives some 100 teachers with that government will university degrees to undertake before year’s Graduate Teacher status; end and in 2020. * 4. Building of 35 Some of those housing units in the initiatives are as follows: Lowmans Bay area to * Monthly Public accommodate the Assistance payment will resettlement of families increase by $25.00, from Rose Place, to translating to $275 for accommodate the those 65 years and over construction of a modern and EC$250 for those port facility;

* 5.

Prime Minister Resolution of Dr. Ralph land titles Gonsalves and delivered, once distribution again, what of housing citizens have lots; dubbed his * 6. A ‘Independence clean-up package of Kingstown goodies’. campaign * 8. Medical and a Public Access to Cannabis Authority Village Enhancement (MCA) to provide EC$1.3 programme (footpath million in assistance to construction) costing traditional marijuana about EC$6 million; growers who have been * 7. A EC$3 million licensed, to transition road-cleaning into the legal cannabis programme to be industry; instituted towards the * 9. MCA to provide end of November; educational, health and rehabilitative support in the sum of EC$200,000 to assist drug addicts; * 10. With Taiwan’s assistance, subsidized THE Association for the Conservation The repatriation of fertilizer distribution to of Threatened Parrots (ACTP), tasked three Amazona farmers and 16 with the responsibility of breeding the Guildingi (parrots) registered agroAmazona Guildingi (parrot), the bred in Germany, cooperatives; national bird of SVG, will repatriate may just be the three 3 parrots to SVG from Germany. assurance this * 11. Construction of It is the first occasion on which a modern parliament country needs parrots bred on an ex situ and courthouse complex that its national conservation programme will be at Richmond Hill with a bird will survive. returned to St. Vincent and the US$200 million soft loan Grenadines. from a Taiwanese bank; The birds will arrive at the Argyle as well as Prime * 12. Cultural International Airport at 4:30 pm on Minister Dr. Ralph Ambassador status to Monday, November 4. The Chief Gonsalves.

Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts, Veterinary Officer will receive the Commenting on the repatriation of Peggy Carr and Godfrey birds and transport them first to the the birds, Minister of Agriculture ‘Cherry’ Ince; quarantine facility at the airport and Saboto Caesar said, “The historic * 13. Sports then to a quarantine facility in event of the return of the parrots will Ambassador status to Campden Park. signal a new dispensation in our Elliot “Morrie” There will also be an official nation’s conservation efforts.” ceremony at the VIP Lounge at the After clearance regarding the birds’ Millington, Raltie Lowe, Ian Sardine, Dr. Kishore Argyle International Airport which health, etc., they will be delivered to Shallow and Doris will hear addresses from government Governor General, H.E. Susan McIntosh. officials, representatives from ACTP, Dougan. (KH)

by KENVILLE HORNE

Parrots to be repatriated to SVG

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

EC$1.50

Policewomen praised for good work

by HAYDN HUGGINS TWO POLICEWOMEN with only two years of service under their belts, came in for high praise at the Serious Offences Court on Monday.

Constable 991 Indiria Providence of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) and L-R: Policewomen Tamisha Constable 993 Samuel and Indiria Providence Tamisha were at the receiving end of a Samuel of the litany of praises for their work.

Criminal Investigation Department (CID) were lauded by Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche and defence attorney Grant Connell for the professional manner in which they structured the facts in their cases.

Providence was the arresting officer in two matters in which two men were held for marijuana possession during a police stop and search exercise at Buccament last Friday.

Samuel’s action was in relation to a matter involving a report of wounding and damage to property.

“Do not get weary, work diligently at all times, and work efficiently,” the Chief Magistrate told PC Providence, who was also lauded for her vigilance when she pulled two men off a minibus at Buccament last Friday, searched and found them in possession of marijuana.

The two, Levan Matthews and Arno Charles pleaded guilty at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. (See separate story on this page 4) The Chief Magistrate urged the two female officers to be professional in whatever they do, and to strive for excellence.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.