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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 02, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.35

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

CRACKDOWN!!!

Fifteen disqualified for driving without insurance

„BE CAREFUL‰, ÂCODE REDÊ URGES Right: In anticipation of the opening of the new school year, President of NOBA Anthony ‘Code Red’ Bacchus is calling on ALL road users to be careful on the road.

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS AS STUDENTS make their final preparations for school on Monday, following a long vacation, President of the National Omnibus Association (NOBA) Anthony ‘Code Red’ Bacchus, is calling

on all road users to be careful on the road.

And he is making a special appeal to minibus operators not to drive recklessly, to ensure that their vehicles are properly insured, inspections are up to date, and to charge the correct fare.

“Carry insurance papers and driver’s licence at all times”, he urged.

Make sure your vans are 100 percent operational, and don’t drink and drive”, he added.

Continued on Page 3.

ON TWO DAYS within the last week, fifteen motorists were disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence for one year, after pleading guilty to separate charges of driving without insurance.

All the vehicles involved were private, nine of the defendants appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Bertie Pompey on Wednesday, August 31, while the others appeared at the same Court on Wednesday, August 24, the day when traffic matters are heard.

Officers of the Traffic Department of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) made the arrests in various parts of the country, as they continued their nationwide crackdown on motorists driving uninsured and unlicensed vehicles.

One man, Marcos Ashton of Cane Hall, pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle while being disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence for one year. He also pleaded guilty to using an unlicenced vehicle, and fraudulently using a registration plate. He was remanded until Monday, and the matter was transferred at the Serious Offences Court for sentencing.

Magistrate Pompey made it clear “Insurance is very serious, and I am going to take it very seriously”. He told one offender that if he gets into an accident while driving an uninsured vehicle, and somebody gets injured, that person may not receive compensation.

He told another, , “If you hit a vehicle, you can’t compensate unless you are rich”.

Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Twelve computers for Layou Resource Centre

THE STRAKER RESOURCE CENTRE in Layou is now equipped with 12 computers, compliments the generosity of the Government and People of the Republic of China

(Taiwan).

The 12 units comprise 10 desk top computers and two laptops at a cost of EC$27,000, and are expected to be used in the teaching of basic courses in information

and technology.

H.E Bashuan Ger, Ambassador to the Republic of China on Taiwan, spoke of the contribution of his government to the development of this

The new pieces of equipment that will be used in the continued education of IT.

Ambassador H.E Bashuan Ger hands over one of the laptops to Sir Louis Straker, while Rosmond Layne-Lorraine of the Division of Adult and Continuing Education Unit looks on. country’s information/technology.

According to the Ambassador, one of the millennium development goals set by the United Nations (UN) is to increase access to information and strive to provide universal access to the internet.

Sir Louis Straker, Foreign Affairs Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, spoke of the contribution of Taiwan to the development of IT, saying that the nation was also responsible for providing learning resource centres across the country.

He explained that the facility was previously equipped with 19 units, but as the result of some mismanagement, the computers got damaged over time.

A request was subsequently made to replace the damaged machines. Sir Louis said that he then put in a

Taiwan’s Ambassador pledges continued support H.E BAUSHUAN GER, Ambassador to the Republic of China on Taiwan, has pledged his country’s continued support, in light of the recent announcement by the opposition that it intends to relinquish diplomatic relations with that country when it forms government.

H.E Ger made the comment on Monday during a handover ceremony of some computers to the Straker Resource Centre in Layou.

According to the

Ambassador, he had received numerous telephone calls and visits from individuals who had expressed their solidarity and continued support.

Taiwan and St Vincent and the Grenadines celebrates 35 years of diplomatic relations this year, and with it has aided this country in a number of areas including agriculture, IT and education.

However, Leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace, in a public

statement last week Tuesday, announced that the New Democratic Party (NDP) intends to end the almost fourdecade relationship, saying that it intended to align itself with the People’s Republic of China, or mainland China.

Eustace cited a number of reasons for the decision, including Britain’s departure from the European Union, the impact on certain oil producers due to the current world oil prices, and the upcoming

Ambassador H.E Baushuan Ger presidential and congressional elections in the United States. (DD)

request to the local Taiwan embassy, and it was agreed upon to provide some computers

in order to continue the work by the Division of Adult and Continuing Education Unit. (DD)

Costly to our country LINKING UP WITH MAINLAND China will be costly to our country. An $89M debt will have to be repaid in the first instance, and there are substantial amounts that will be lost. Loans and grants that this country has received from the Republic of China on Taiwan is another factor that Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves is considering in his decision to maintain ties with Taiwan.

About 80 Vincentian students are receiving tertiary education in Taiwan.

Taiwan provides $6.7M a year for civic development. A further $3M is allocated for Youth Employment Services, whereby a number of persons get job training for a year, during which they get a stipend.

Dr. Gonsalves listed these as reasons for his administration to remain loyal to Taiwan. Even then, the relationship is not an ideological one. He noted that the People’s Republic of China is “integrated to the global capitalist system.”

Additionally, Opposition parties cannot determine government’s foreign policy, according to Dr. Gonsalves.

He dismissed the action of the opposition New Democratic Party and referred to the matter as transnational interaction with middle men, who do business on behalf of adventurers and people looking to make profit somewhere.

The Vincentian leader alluded to the plan mooted by the NDP to promote the practice of economic citizenship, whereby Vincentian passports will be given to persons willing to spend money in the country.

“Political parties have to be careful,” Gonsalves outlined.

He added that the “play-off days are gone,” and that the “bidding process was not the way you conduct foreign policy.”

Dr. Gonsalves has “high regard for the Chinese civilisation, and contends that the People’s Republic of China and Republic of China are “legitimate” expressions of the Chinese civilisation.

Milton Cato, this country’s first Prime Minister, came in for mention, and if Gonsalves were in Cato’s position at the time when ties were established in 1981, he would have linked with the People’s Republic of China. But Gonsalves admitted that “Cato’s decision has proven to have been wise.”

Dr. Gonsalves made it plain that no one was to expect anything “from me against the People’s Republic of China.”

He noted that the Chinese have “Immense influence on this world,” and that they “will sort out their problems without any outside help.” (WKA)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. 3.

News 3

American Journalist critical of Customs and Immigration operation THE OPERATIONS OF CUSTOMS and Immigration at the ET Joshua Airport have come in for heavy criticism from a Sports Illustrated senior writer at Fox Sports TV, Grant Wahl.

Wahl is among other sports journalists currently in the country to provide coverage of the Vincy Heat vs USA FIFA World Cup Qualifier game that will take place today Friday at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex. His complaint came in the form of a tweet on Twitter. Wahl wrote on Monday 29th August, “Now well into Hour 3 in the St. Vincent customs line,” He then posted a video with the caption “St. Vincent has 1 person going through every bag & suitcase of every person who enters the country. 90 minutes in.”

The journalist, who has over 700,000 followers on Twitter, caught the attention of some of his followers, including former national footballer Ezra Hendrickson and coach of the Seattle Sounders FC

2 team, who replied, “Welcome to my country #smallislandtroubles #100%vincy” and “yes...

We don’t have much and you won’t find 5 star hotels but we’re a genuine ppl and we’ll make sure you enjoy our country.”

Dr. Celine Gounder, whose Twitter account described her as a Doctor and Journalist, tweeted “We won’t be back. 1 customs official: 2 planes.

Took longer to go from Trinidad to hotel in #StVincent than from NYC to Trinidad.”

The Fox Sports Reporter later tweeted “The positive: People in St Vincent are nice. The negative: Customs/immigration/lod ging are a disaster compared to rest of Caribbean. Yikes.”

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, responding to complaints of slow service on arrival at the E.T Joshua Airport, said that Customs and Immigration officers have to do better, as they are the immediate face of

“Be careful”, ‘Code Red’ urges Continued from Front Page.

If this is not done, Bacchus advises the passenger or passengers affected, to take the bus registration number and report the matter to the police.

Bacchus said he is aware that some school children spend their bus fares, and some minibus drivers refuse to take them home because they don’t pay. He is therefore appealing to parents to

tell their children not to spend their bus fares.

Bacchus is also urging conductors to pay more attention to children using the buses.

He noted that some children have a tendency to stick their heads and hands out of the windows, which could be fatal.

He advised that conductors close the windows next to where t children are sitting, or place them in a position where they could be

supervised and controlled.

Bacchus stressed the important role of conductors, and urged, “They must be properly attired and clean”.

NOBA president is also reminding minibus operators who are driving into Kingstown, that if they do not intend to reach the Bus Terminal at Little Tokyo, they must let their passengers know before picking them up.

Sports Illustrated senior writer at Fox Sports TV, Grant Wahl. their job; however, their approach to search every piece of luggage is just wrong and should not happen. The prime minister, however, admitted that he is unaware of the fact, but will find out what exactly happened, while stressing that the Dr. Celine Gounder customs and immigration a country. officers must do their job He said that he cannot with good sense and tell the officers how to do discretion.

Fifteen disqualified for driving without insurance Continued from Front Page.

Pompey pointed out, “This is something that all citizens should be concerned with, whether you are using the road as a pedestrian or as a motorist”.

Section 3(1) of the Motor Vehicle Insurance Third Party Risk Act Chapter 309 of 2009 states that “No person shall use or cause or permit any other to use a motor vehicle on a public road unless there is in force in relation to the person using the vehicle, a policy of insurance in respect of third party risk”.

Section 3(2) states that, “A person who contravenes this section is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months or both. In addition thereto unless the Court for special reason thinks fit to order otherwise or without limiting or affecting the power of the Court to order a longer period of disqualification, shall be disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence for a period of 12 months from the date of conviction”.

Station Sergeant Junior Nero of the Traffic Department told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, that the crackdown which is ongoing has been very successful so far.

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4. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Court/News

Eleven charges of deception, probe continues Monday, charged with that between February 1 and McCree pleaded not guilty to 29, 2016, at Hopewell, by deception, dishonestly these charges when he initially obtained EC$175 in cash, the property of Shandell appeared at the same Court on TEDROY MCCREE returned to the Serious Offences McKree of Hopewell with the intention of August 22. He has been remanded Court Tuesday on six additional charges of deception, permanently depriving him of it. until next Monday when bail as police continued investigations into reports of He is also charged with committing similar would be reviewed. monies collected from people for registration and offences against Bertram Ambris of Layou allegedly Prosecutor Station Sergeant medicals, under the pretense of recruiting them for depriving him of EC$315 at Kingstown between Elgin Richards had objected to sailing jobs on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.

March 1 and 31, 2016 and against Jessylla bail, and requested a 3-week McCree, 31, of Penniston, appeared before adjournment, stating that the Magistrate Bertie Pompey on Tuesday, charged with Alexander of Old Montrose allegedly depriving Alexander of EC$175 in cash at Kingstown on July police were investigating several that on July 1, 2016 at Cemetery Hill, Bequia, by 21, 2016. other reports of a similar nature deception, dishonestly obtained EC$360 in cash McCree was not required to plea to the nine allegedly involving the accused, belonging to Derenzo Laidlow of Bequia with the charges as they were laid indictably. and expressed the view that intention of permanently depriving him of it.

He is also facing two summary charges of a McCree would interfere with the Tedroy McCree He is also charged with by deception, dishonestly similar nature, in which he is alleged to have investigations. obtaining EC$175 in cash from Andrew Cornwall of dishonestly obtained by deception 300 Euros in cash Richards assured that the police would have all Park Hill between January 1 and 31, 2016 at from Vradict Richards of Stubbs on May 16, 2016 at the matters ready in three weeks.

Hopewell with the intention of permanently Stubbs. He is also accused of committing a similar But Magistrate Bertie Pompey agreed with depriving him of it. offence against Richards between May 18 and May McCree’s lawyer that one week is a reasonable time.

McCree is additionally charged on four counts of 31, 2016 at Union Island, allegedly depriving The matters have been transferred for hearing at dishonestly obtaining by deception from Junior Richards of EC$600. the Serious offences Court.

Shallow of Richland Park, the sums of EC$700, EC$175, EC120, and US$50 with the intention of permanently depriving Shallow of the cash.

These offences were reportedly committed on reported to the owing to the St. Vincent SOME THREE MONTHS after different occasions between January 1 and May 17, police.

Electricity Services (VINLEC).

46-year-old Hancell Francis of 2016. They are alleged to have occurred at Investigations On June 4, 2016 around 7:30 Richland Park received a 6-month Hopewell, Arnos Vale and Stoney Ground. led by Corporal p.m, a VINLEC Customer Care prison term for stealing McCree had appeared at the same court on Gamal Bowens electricity, another man has been Associate worker was walking of the Criminal through Villa, and on reaching jailed for a similar offence.

Investigation Kwasi James, 36, of Villa, was the vicinity of James’ home, she Department saw electricity inside his house. on Wednesday sentenced to 12 The worker had knowledge that (CID) were months in prison for dishonestly conducted, James’ electricity was causing electricity to be diverted during which disconnected. at Villa between June 4 and 10 DELINQUENT student loans now are a cause for James’ home On July 10, VINLEC’s this year. concern for the continued sustainability of the Kwasi James was searched. reconnection and disconnection James was also charged with Economically Disadvantaged Student Loan team was dispatched to James’ using electricity without lawful During the programme in the future. residence. authority, but he was search, the red plastic seal used This, as Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves The defendant was not met at reprimanded and discharged on

by VINLEC when electricity is revealed on Tuesday that, based on information home, but a blue plastic seal, used disconnected was found carrying that. that has been provided, some 161 individuals are

by VINLEC to indicate that Magistrate Bertie Pompey the same serial number as the one delinquent in their payments amounting to handed down the penalties at the electricity is present was seen on which was placed on his meter nearly EC$3 million.

James’ electrical meter.

Kingstown Magistrate’s Court when his electricity was According to Gonsalves, since the As a result, the workers after James pleaded guilty to both disconnected. implementation of the company which deals with became suspicious. They also charges.

When cautioned, he admitted to the process of offering student loans to The 12-month sentence will run interfered with that the blue seal the offences, but told the police economically disadvantaged students in 2010, was twingled and its end cut. consecutively to a 9 month that someone reconnected the They removed the blue seal, sentence James is serving for some 521 students have benefitted. checked the electrical wires in the electricity to the meter for him, fraud.

He explained that the EC$3 million was just but he could not give the police meter, and found that electricity The facts, presented by Court the amount that was past due and not the total the name of that person. clerk Constable Shamrock Pierre, was present. They then opened amount owed.

He also indicated that he found the meter and observed that the showed that James’ electricity “Let me say this as plain as I can say it, when the blue seal not too far from his was disconnected from his home inside was tampered with. you get a student loan, it is not a student gift, home. (HH) The VINLEC authorities were at Villa on December 2, 2015 and the only way in which the programme is because of a balance of EC424.64 informed, and the matter was going to be properly sustained is if it is revolving — so you get you university degree by way of the student loan, you have an obligation to pay you student loan,” Gonsalves said.

He went on to say that only a small fraction of THE COUNTRY’S economy continues to expenditure increased from EC$298.6 students who have graduated, have not been able improve, based on the numbers provided million in 2015 to EC$305.9 million in as compared to the corresponding period 2016. to find suitable employment either in the state, in 2015.

Capital expenditure went down this regionally or further afield.

But Prime Minister and Minister of year from EC$38 million in 2015 to EC#27 “And there are people who will tell you that Finance, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, is still million in 2016, and the overall balance, the student loan is lower on the totem pole than being cautious, saying that although the which registered a deficit in 2015 of paying their mortgage or payment on their car,” fiscal out turn for the country for the first —EC$26.1 million, there was a small Gonsalves said. seven months of the year has shown surplus amounting to EC$3.36 million.

But the only reason why they were able to go much improvement, based on the small He explained that the current to the bank to build a house, or buy a car was size of the economy combined with expenditure for the first seven months of because of the student loan which paid for their continuing economic challenges, the year was allocated to compensation for degree. difficulties remain. government employees amounting to “And this money does not come from Mars — “Having said that, the fiscal numbers EC$153.2 million, compared to EC$150.4 we borrow the money ourselves, or inject money Prime Minister will indicate to the population, that we million in 2015. from central government,” the prime minister Ralph Gonsalves are seeking in the most difficult And while the government was ensuring explained. circumstances to manage the central that the finances of the central He further explained that some people may government finances in a sensible manner,” he said government were being managed properly, he say let the lending agency deal with the during a press briefing on Tuesday. appealed to some government employees, saying delinquent individual; but Gonsalves said that it Total Revenue and Grants, according to the that the amount of money spent on employee is the government who signs, indicating that prime minister, for the period ending July 31, 2016 compensation was already high. should the individual default on their payments, was EC$336.24 million, up from EC$315 million for “And then we have significant increases in the government then becomes responsible for the corresponding period in 2015. transfers for social assistance benefit,” Gonsalves repaying.

Current revenue amounted to EC$327.7 million said before appealing to civil servants to lift their But the number of delinquent students was in 2016, it was EC$300 million in 2015. productivity. small, and there are others who repay their On the spending, Gonsalves said that there was a “I don’t want to have a lecture on that, I just loans. lot to spent, but his government was being want to flag it,” the prime minister said.

He urged those who may be in default, to come enterprising, yet prudent.

He continued, saying that the government spent in and explain and restructure the payments: Total expenditure for the first seven months in a lot of money on wages and salaries, and there “Don’t just stay away.” (DD) 2016 amounted to EC$332.8 million, down from were some challenges; but he urged workers to see EC$336 million in 2015; and the current how they can be more productive. (DD)

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Who reconnected disconnected electricity?

Repay your loans

Economy improves, but PM being cautious

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. 5.

Regional

Bahamian Tourism Minister warns of Zika impact on tourism

BAHAMAS MINISTER of tourism Obie Wilchcombe said the increasing number of warnings on the Zika virus coming from the Caribbean region could create a negative perception of Caribbean countries, if the number of people infected with the virus continues to rise.

Wilchcombe said, although there is currently no evidence to suggest that visitor arrivals in The Bahamas have been affected in response to the presence of the Zika virus, there is still a need to adopt the “simple theory that prevention is better than cure”.

The tourism minister said the Zika virus could have a “devastating impact” on the economies of Caribbean countries.

Since the first case of

Zika was reported on August 10, The Bahamas has received three international travel warnings.

Last week, three additional Zika cases were confirmed, and health officials say there were 83 suspected cases found throughout The Bahamas, eight of whom are pregnant women.

Canada’s Public Health Agency added The Bahamas to its list of travel health notices for the Zika virus, recommending that Canadians practise special health precautions while travelling in affected countries.

In addition, Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a level two alert for the country, warning pregnant women and women

planning to become pregnant about the risks involved in travel to The Bahamas.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also issued a level two alert last week to those travelling to The Bahamas, advising that they “practise enhanced precautions”, as two of the reported cases are believed to have been transmitted locally.

Wilchcombe told Guardian Business that there needs to be a regional government discussion about the impact of Zika on Caribbean states.

“I believe that the regional dialogue on Zika, chikungunya and dengue should be lifted to the highest levels and intensify ahead of what

Freddie Kissoon dies at home

Freddie Kissoon PLAYWRIGHT AND FORMER Newsday columnist Freddie Kissoon, 86, has died. Kissoon was found dead at his home in Diamond Vale, Trinidad, Sunday morning.

Kissoon was the founder and director of The Strolling Players.

He was also an actor, director and drama teacher.

As an actor, Kissoon has made more than 200 stage appearances, acting in Caribbean plays Ping Pong, Sea at Dauphin, Drums and Colours, Man Better Man (which was staged in London), and Croydon and Glasgow (for the Commonwealth Arts Festival in 1965).

As a director, Kissoon has directed more than 100 plays. As a drama teacher, he conducted classes for American students at the Ecumenical Centre and the Peace Corps in 1968 at the University of the West Indies in St Augustine.

He was in charge of acting classes for the Vacation School in the Arts at UWI in 1966, 67 and 71.

He also taught creative drama at six Teachers’ Training Colleges, three youth camps and several community centres.

He has taught classes in such places as Nelson Island, Lopinot, Mayaro, YTC — Golden Grove, Blanchisseuse and Tobago. He also conducted sessions in Grenada, St Vincent, St Kitts and Curacao. (Newsday)

could have a devastating impact on the region’s economy.

“The reality is that the Aedes Aegypti mosquito that carries this family of viruses still abounds, and so we remain vulnerable,” he said.

Wilchcombe asserted that tourism is the Caribbean’s “principal earner of hard currency”.

“I salute the work of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and regional health officials. They have done an outstanding job. The health officials of The Bahamas, headed by our ministry, have kept the nation informed and have

dealt with all matters with the highest levels of professional competence.

“Whilst I trust work has started, there exists a sense of urgency for a regional plan aimed at eliminating or substantially reducing the population of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

“It must be created and agreed, and each country must commit financially to its introduction and sustainability.

Bahamian Tourism Minister “We must send a Obie Wilchcombe message to the world, that the Caribbean is leading in finding a our paradise,” said resolution to a potential Wilchcombe. (Caribbean problem that has entered News Online)

St Lucians urged to report police claims of no patrol vehicle PERSONS SEEKING the assistance of police, have long complained that in many instances, they are told that they are without vehicle and cannot respond to certain cases.

But Saint Lucia’s Commissioner of Police Severin Moncherry has made it clear that every station is assigned vehicles, and in cases where they are without, they can call other units for assistance, especially in Castries.

“It is unfair for police officers to tell members of the public that there are no patrol vehicles, because you have other units, and I am aware that at the Central Police Station there are vehicles.

Further to that, I am aware that at other units, there are vehicles within the Castries area where if there isn’t a vehicle at Central, they can call for assistance,” he said.

The commissioner’s statement was in response to a complaint made by a member of the public, who called into ‘Police Insight’ aired on MBC Television on Monday evening.

Moncherry was a guest on that programme.

“What I want members of the public to do is to record the time you are calling and the date. Also, try to get the name of the officer you are speaking to. In some instances, they may not want to give their names, but record the time and date and report it to a senior police officer or one of the assistant police commissioners,” Moncherry advised.

The top cop said he will not accept at anytime, that police officers are telling members of the public that there is no vehicle.

“We are one police force with many departments, and if one unit does not have vehicle, then they need to call for assistance from some other station.”

Another caller to the weekly police programme also raised concerns about certain police stations getting into the habit of closing its doors to members of the public at a certain time.

But Moncherry again stated his disappointment with such a move, explaining to the caller that no police station should be closed in Saint Lucia, and instructions have been sent out that police stations should never be closed.

“So if you go to any station and you realize that any station is closed, you need to report it to myself or the officer-in charge or one of the members of the executive.

Stations in this modern day and age should not be closed at any point in time,” the police chief asserted.

Responding to another caller who had concerns about how a police officer responded to a burglary, Moncherry said police officers are always encouraged to act professionally, and said it is not encouraging when a police officer does not provide the services that citizens need.

“If there is a burglary,

St Lucia’s Police Chief, Severin Moncherry. as a police officer, you need to play your role and do what you have to do. It is not for you to decide whether it is a big deal or not. If the person believes what was stolen was not important to them, I don’t think they will come to the police. So every time someone walks into the police station, they need to walk out feeling satisfied with whatever treatment or service they have received from the police officer.”

He continued, “We are there to serve the public.

They are our customers.

We are paid to serve them. When someone comes to the station, it’s not because they just want to come to the station. They are coming to the station because they believe they need help, and they believe that is where they can get help.”

The police commissioner said that in itself will help to rebuild public confidence in the police. (St Lucian News Online)

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6. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Haiti NDP not ungrateful, IÊm sorry says Eustace IN LIGHT of the acknowledgment by the United Nations that they were responsible for the cholera outbreak in Haiti, a Caribbean Prime Minister is calling on his citizens to demand that the United Nations pay adequate compensation to the Haitians.

Dr. Gonsalves reiterated his position last Tuesday. He admitted that the United Nations was not obligated to make any compensation. He suggests, however, that Prime Minister Dr Caribbean leaders can Hon. Ralph Gonsalves “create a moment for a is making a demand just United Nations for Haitian response.”

The situation in which compensation. a number of Haitians died as result of the incident, has been described as an “outrage” by the Vincentian leader. He cited that it was not about law, but one of “international morality.” Over 770,000 persons were affected from the disaster which unfolded from 2010.

Poor sanitation at a UN Camp for Peace Keepers allowed cholera contaminated sewage to enter a tributary of Haiti’s largest river, Artibonite.

A federal district judge dismissed the class action lawsuit, ruling that international treaties immunized the UN from lawsuits.

The lawsuits were brought by the Boston based Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti and a sister group in Haiti on behalf of 5,000 victims.

The issue of the denial of citizenship to persons born of Haitian extract on Dominican Republic turf, raised questions on human rights.

THERE IS NOTHING ungrateful about the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) proposed decision to discontinue this country’s relations with The Republic of China on Taiwan and recognize mainland China.

“We have to learn to look at these things dispassionately,” Arnhim Eustace, Opposition Leader, said on Monday on the New Times radio programme.

He said that he had heard a number of comments being made by various people.

“I have my view, and you have your view, and that is what democracy is about — we can agree to disagree, and this gives us the opportunity to discuss a very serious component of our foreign affairs,” Eustace explained.

He went on to say that there were currently well over 200 countries worldwide that enjoyed diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, or mainland China.

“So what if we join the

200 plus countries around the world, we ungrateful? That is foolish talk,” the opposition leader said.

The NDP made a public statement last week Tuesday of its intention to sever relations with Taiwan, once the party forms government.

And according to Eustace, the party has concluded that it is in the best interest to have relations with mainland China.

“I hear all sorts of questions why now, and the point is that we have done an analysis and we believe that our medium to long term future lies in that direction. It does not mean that we think that Taiwan cannot do anything, or that we have not taken into consideration what would happen to Taiwan; this is what we will do as a party when we assume office; so ask me why now is a non-question,” the opposition leader said.

This country benefitted a lot from

relations with Taiwan, and they have as well.

But there were other potential benefits for the people of this country in having relations with mainland China.

Eustace said that Eustace defended his party’s statement to sever ties with China was now a Taiwan, saying that it was member of the time that this country’s Caribbean Development Bank foreign relations are re(CDB): “So when we examined. get a CDB loan, part be considered, he said, of the resources come before making a decision. from China and we are “We didn’t guess, we beneficiaries of that.” thought about the matter There were also for some time, and when concerns about the we examined the impact of the world oil situation, we came to the prices on countries like conclusion that that is Trinidad and Tobago and the best approach that Venezuela, Eustace said. we can take,” Eustace All these are factors to said. (DD)

PM calls for school analysis DR RALPH GONSALVES says that he is looking for answers.

While acknowledging the success of the nation’s students in both the recent Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exam (CAPE) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, at Tuesday’s press conference, the prime minister said that, based on data he has collected over the past 10 years or so, there are some trends emerging, some positive and some not.

“We have to see why we are not doing well in certain areas as we ought to, and why certain schools are not performing as well as they should be doing,” Gonsalves said.

And he said that he wants an opportunity when the ministry of education will allow him to make his presentation to all the relevant stakeholders.

According to Gonsalves, the government spends about EC$122 million on education every year, and some schools salaries amount to EC$2.3 to EC$2.4 million, with qualified teachers and small classes, yet they deliver average passes.

“We have to find answers,” Gonsalves said.

In the same way other institutions, such as the Girls’ High School, could record a 98 percent pass rate, that needed to be explored, and why other schools are doing poorly.

“We have to look at quality leadership and teaching in schools, sound parenting — “I have not gotten yet a sufficiently persuasive analysis as to why you can have a normal child for seven years, and then they come out having great difficulty in reading, writing and doing basic arithmetic, and then cannot do first form work,” the prime minister observed. (DD)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. 7.

News

L-R: Steve Francis representing Sol; Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Nathaniel Williams; Elroy Edwards, Rubis’ representative and Consumer Affairs Officer Cuthbert Knights.

Gas goes up PERSONS USING LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) for preparing meals or other such functions, will have to pay additional cash for the product. Those in the Grenadines, designated as Area Four, will pay $36.00 for a 20 pound cylinder, $42.49 for the 25 pound cylinder, and $179.94 for the 100 pound.

Those purchasing in areas north of Keartons and Langley Park on mainland St. Vincent, will pay $33.00 for the 20 pound, $39.49 for the 25 pound cylinder, and $149.94 for the 100 pounder.

Persons living between Lowmans Leeward and Calliaqua will pay $31.00 for the 20 pound cylinder, and $37.49 for the 25 pound bottle. But the price for the 100 pound cylinder will be $149.94 in all the areas except the Grenadines.

Those from Lowmans Leeward to Keartons, and Calliaqua to Langley Park started paying $32.00 for the 20 pound cylinder from yesterday September 1. Those in that area are charged $38.49 for the 25 pound cylinders.

The new prices were announced last Wednesday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Permanent Secretary Nathaniel Williams, was accompanied by Consumer Affairs Officer Cuthbert Knights, Steve Francis representing Sol, and Elroy Edwards, Rubis’ representative.

Williams points out that prices will be reviewed in three months. He urges everyone to comply with the new arrangements, however, including the order that those selling the gas must give receipts on their sales. Williams is asking those to ensure that they get their receipts and that the serial

number of the cylinder is clearly outlined on the receipt.

The Permanent Secretary announced measures to guide the way the product is imported, distributed, transported and stored. Williams outlined that those persons involved in the delivery of the product should be certified.

There is an opportunity for curriculum planners of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College to introduce a course of Gas bottle installation, in light of the fact that some persons have taken a casual approach to this measure.

Francis outlined this as one aspect of the safety measures aimed at ensuring the protection of the entire population.

Edwards, for his part, was pleased with efforts aimed at “regularising” the industry.

He looks forward to the certification of those persons who are entrusted with this task.

Edwards outlined plans for his company to “continue to work with government to make the product more available and affordable to all Vincentians.” (WKA)

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8. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

Halls of Fame for Sports and Culture IT IS HEARTENING TO NOTE the initiative of COREA’S HAZELLS INC. and its CEO, Mr Joel Providence, to honour three local stalwarts in the field of sport: athlete/netballer Genita Lewis, former ace national footballer Guy Lowe, and Stanley ‘Gunny’ Hinds, himself a footballing colleague of Lowe, but who achieved even greater heights as a cricketer at the national, Windwards’ and broader regional level. Hinds has also been active in coaching, mentoring and in broadcasting sports.

All three richly deserve the much-appreciated gesture in view of their exploits, during the high points of their career, and their continuing contributions after retirement. Their peers would no doubt welcome the significance of the honouring, and we must congratulate COREAS/HAZELLS INC. for the initiative. Only recently, a sporting colleague of Guy and ‘Gunny’, the “man of steel”, Fred Trimmingham, passed away, and since then, there has been talk of renaming the Grammar School Grounds, Fred’s romping ground, after him as a fitting tribute. Fred was a permanent fixture there, and helped to raise the football club which carries the local name for the ground, Pastures. There may be some, however, who, for elitist reasons, may oppose such a move.

Traditionally, officialdom, both at the sporting and the governmental levels, has been slow to respond to calls for our sporting icons to be honoured, with any sense of consistency. It has been mainly on an ad hoc, expedient basis, that such recognition has been granted. Even posthumously, there is still some reluctance to give those who have passed away their due.

Take the case of the late Alfonso ‘Alfie’ Roberts for instance. He was the first Vincentian to play Test cricket for the West Indies, a batsman given that status in the days of the legendary “Three Ws” — Walcott, Weekes and Worrell. Yet, in spite of that, his on-field performances which earned him such selection, and his intellectual and academic achievements and accomplishments in Canada, the nation has not responded positively to calls for him to be honoured by, for instance, naming some part of our lone Test venue, the Arnos Vale Playing Field, in his honour.

This is sad, because a system of honouring our sporting heroes and heroines, not only sets consistent markers for achieving such status, but moreover, can serve to stimulate young aspiring athletes. This is especially important in the context of the absence of professional sport to offer suitable financial rewards. If we can’t provide the money, then at least we can find other ways of showing our appreciation.

We have been referring here to sports; but the same principle applies equally in the field of culture. Here too, our chief local exponents are not only under-appreciated during their active days, but too often forgotten afterwards. It has motivated Mr Hugh Ragguette, to make an impassioned appeal for a Hall of Fame for cultural artistes. It is a matter raised time and again by former Culture Minister Ms Rene Baptiste, though her exhortations are yet to bear fruit.

Similar calls have been made in the past for a consistent method of demonstrating our appreciation of the contributions of our sporting icons. A Hall of Fame, with clearly defined criteria for selection, will not only set standards for rewarding excellence, but also ensure continuity and a sense of national accomplishment. It is also a means of preserving our sporting and cultural histories, giving the younger generation role models, and keeping our traditions of excellence alive.

But for some reason, we are still very sporadic, very inconsistent where establishing such institutions are concerned. We nod in approval each time the matter is raised, but that is about all. It is time for us to move beyond tokenism and make a concrete effort to institute the relevant Halls of fame, or some such suitable form of consistently honouring our sporting and cultural ‘greats’.

We call on the Ministry of Sports and Culture and the National Lotteries Authority to take up the challenge and to put the wheels in motion in this direction.

Of political heroes and division LUZETTE WILL OF COURSE ignore the little fun poked at her ignorance of my birthplace in last week’s column. I make amends by seriously hailing Luzette as head of a four-some that is blazing the path to a regeneration of our depressed situation.

Luzette King, Margaret London, Patches Knights and Igal Adams, aided and abetted by the likes of Hamilton, are doing yeoman service in helping to restore SVG to its pristine glory of being “Home of the Blessed”.

This week, I was pleasantly moved by the honouring by Coreas Hazells business place of three national sports heroes, two of whom had been selected by me on my piece on Bottom Town, namely ‘Gunny’ Hinds and Guy Lowe. Incidentally, their glowing contribution was voiced by Mike Findlay, himself a sport icon of superlative measure. A great honour was paid to me some years ago when Mike selected me, of all persons, to present his citation on naming of the stand at the Arnos Vale Sport complex after him. I thank Heaven that Mike had successfully resisted all pressures to enter partisan politics.

Last Week’s article on Bottom Town had been somewhat rushed. Although necessarily abbreviated owing to shortness of space, there were some fatal omissions. I should have mentioned sporting heroes —George Hinds, Ali Munro, Tweety Spence, and Barney Jacobs, a football/cricketer before their times. Also a boxing champion, Mike “Ragglins” Harry.

Touching the spirit of generosity, I could have pointed out the shop-keepers Roberts and St Aurin Seymour who played their radios deliberately loud during cricket commentaries, so that many persons too poor to own a radio could hear commentaries on international sports, particularly cricket.

And there were characters aplenty in Rose Place, like Shorty Henry the dwarf-barber, “Tiger” Palmer, and above all Theodore “Dory” Culzac who danced around the park when SVG played, carrying a fish and breadfruit aloft, accompanied by a crowd of Bottom Town persons singing to keep the spirits of our own team at play.

That Bottom Town was not all poverty and squalor could be attested in the simple fact that the leading business place of Coreas had its four top executives living there: Messrs Newsome Duncan, Findlay, Ernest Gellizeau and Duncan “Darrow” Daisley. On the fringes atop Battery Hill lived Mr. Marshall of United Traders Limited. There were residences around the Park of Allan Gunn of Hazells and Stein Nanton.

CHINA OR TAIWAN The case is really simple, straightforward.

We have been an independent country since 1979.

The Labour Party of the Day chose to have relations with Taiwan, rather than mainland China, from which Taiwan had broken away,

but still mouth the concept of one China.

In 1982, the MNU of Ralph Gonsalves, in a public document, assailed SVG for its relation with Taiwan.

Ralph was then an orthodox communist when he formed part of the UPM in 1979. The body had first to proclaim a temporary compromise position of “socialist orientation”.

Without allowing time to pan out, after our crushing defeat, Ralph called a meeting in which he suggested that we declare for immediate communism. That caused the break out of the DFM-EF faction.

By 1986, he had entered the by-election for East Kingstown following Eddie Griffith’s death. His first candidate of the MNU was Cyp Neehall, now editor of THE VINCENTIAN, who indicated that he, rather than P.R of the NDP, stood for the ideals of the dead Griffith. From that point, it was clear that without formal recant, Ralph was all over the place without coherent philosophy, unless it was power-seeking at all costs.

It so happened in the international sphere, there was a confusion of ideologies as well, which Ralph may have reflected or even anticipated. So when he took power in SVG in 2001, it was easy for him to tighten the embrace with Taiwan desperate for friends in its diplomatic battles with mainland China.

It follows that it became over-generous to print with regimes that it personally championed rather than with the people. But the march of times was with China which grew in every sense by leaps and bounds, and as a result, liberated internally with technology, showing a decidedly human face.

So with the UN hooked on a one china policy and all countries consulting their own interest, which is the paramount principle in international affairs, the opposition New Democratic Party decided to do business with mainland China, if and when it forms government.

It is as a result of cold and calculated reasoning that Arnhim Eustace and company have decided to enter diplomatic relations with mainland China, regretful and thankful to Taiwan for all she has done for SVG, as a country and not a particular regime. In these matters, the whole, not a part must be satisfied: the head triumph over even the heart.

On this issue, the ULP seems to have forgotten, that in their books, there is no urgency, for they will be in power at least until 2021, and beyond if the NDP foolishly continue to be led, or misled, by Arnhim Eustace.

The immediate future contains some stinging surprises.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. 9.

Letters

Nigeria as Domestic violence against SVG I’VE HAD enough. I returned from the Diaspora recently, in hopes of starting a small business that would employ a few local Vincentians in jobs at a living wage. But censorship laws; Internet connections in and out (Modem?); no response on telephone enquiries (“we’ll connect you with a technician,” then the line goes dead); cable TV intermittent at best–never consistent on the stations I want to watch; untrained workers (my future employees); fake cross country road; fake int’l airport; fake dialysis clinic despite years of equipment on hand; bus service not government regulated, hence wait an hour then four buses show up; taxis charge what they want, streets not repaired (blue barrel in the hole in the middle of an intersection in Cane Garden), gutters not cleaned (house rented, water backs up and floods residence because I’m told this not a ULP district).

My wife died unexpectedly recently, and her body was shipped to a funeral home we had no knowledge of, and we had to ransom it back.

Postal service erratic, many options that postal services offer across the globe, including international reply coupons, which I use continually, everywhere in the world, are not available here. Worse than third world, the water is on and off unpredictably, our electricity off twice a month on average.

The China that the current Government chooses to accept support from, has limited means and limited capabilities. The China that the Opposition party has recently opted for, has virtually unlimited means of assistance and has demonstrated world-wide its eagerness to invest and support in a meaningful way, huge sums of money without political obligations–they see places where their investments can be beneficial both financially and politically, in terms of benign influence, and move accordingly.

We have a daughter in Nigeria, doing well, and have been invited to do business there. The former third world is offering an opportunity.

We’re moving there now, RIGHT NOW. George V.

DOMESTIC violence knows no end, be it in St. Vincent or further afield. Even though individuals are married, who authorized any one to put his or her hand on the other?

The victims like to suffer alone.

Often times, they cover up the abuse, are scared to death if it gets out into the open. Why? After all, they are suffering physically and otherwise, and abuse doesn’t end at one session. It is a continuous thing. Who would want others to be hitting on them time and time again, and what conscience do these aggressors possess, if any at all?

All seems to be well when things are the way they want them, but for a lapse in whatever area, their fists must connect with parts of the other’s body, and it appears that the face is their favourite target.

Then these ones with their damaged faces are expected to face the elements, to face the heat, the cold, in order to take care of these aggressors’ needs.

Some people just love to eat; and when food does not appear before them, they are angry. Cooking is not just a woman’s job. Whoever like to eat, must like to cook also. God didn’t create a slave for a man. He regarded Eve as a HELPER for Adam, the man, and as a helper, both were expected to share the chores, and as they were the beginning of the human family, the same applies to us to this day.

Some men blatantly refuse to do the honourable thing by some women. Yet, they expect them to wait upon them at their every call. Failure to do this will result in bruises and scars throughout the victim’s person. Again, who authorized them do these things? Is it because enough complaints are not filed in the criminal court? Or, is it that the courts of the land are not offering much by way of redress? Or, maybe it is the duration of time these cases seem to take, so the victims are

fed up waiting?

Whatever the reasons are, someone has to wake up and pay attention.

Many persons are suffering in silence.

Some need to be assured that GOD is the answer to ALL of our problems, and they need to lean on HIM and STOP putting their trust in MAN. God has endowed all — male and female with a good brain. All they need to do is to use it in such a way to make something of themselves, and to stop making some men feel they are indispensable.

Estina

Thanks and best wishes to The Venerable O. Samuel Nichols EARLIER this year, we were saddened by the passing of our dear Dean Patrick McIntosh, of St. George’s Cathedral, on Tuesday, January 5, 2016. Now, The Venerable O. Samuel Nichols has been appointed as Rector and Dean of the Cathedral Parish and Church of St. George, Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with effect from 1st September, 2016.

We thank him for his stewardship at St. Paul’s, Calliaqua and St. John’s, Belair, over the last six years.

It has been a pleasure communicating with him and St. Paul’s, in particular, in the furtherance of the good of the community. The celebration of the 175th anniversary of St. Paul’s in 2015, in

DonÊt blow your The blessing of SVG lies nose in the wrong direction on the next generation IS THIS WHAT we can expect here? The following is an excerpt from a New York Times report about Bangladesh. “In June, nearly 15,000 people were arrested ... the arrests, however, seem aimed less at bringing the real culprits to justice than in cracking down on political opponents. The government has admitted that only some 194 of the thousands arrested were confirmed militants. Authorities act with impunity even when under the international spotlight.” Arrests seem to matter less about what criminality that may be involved, and more about whether or not you are a supporter of the Opposition.

Don’t blow your nose in the wrong direction, or you could be next. You can run and hide, or you can stand and fight. It’s your country; do what you think is necessary to preserve it, and your freedom and rights within it. Speak, act, now! God help us all.

Herzen

I AM SPEAKING again to the younger generation. When God put that dream in your heart to govern this country, do not be greedy, neither be covetous. I man ‘Live up’ believe righteousness exalt a nation.

God did not bless us with oil or gold. He blessed us with agricultural lands. Now, the greedy, covetous politicians destroyed all we agriculture estate and still saying SVG is the land of the blessed.

Campden Park estate was the best in this country. The people who worked on that estate use to always wear a happy smile. The development that took place on that site wasn’t bad, but they could have at least put that estate on a hillside, and still be manage

by the government.

Now, I want the next generation to bring back the blessing to this country, whether it is Red party, Green party, or Blue party. I don’t mind, as long as the man with good leadership, vision and dream for this country, bring back the blessings in every field. The health care want to be upgraded. A few weeks ago, I went to take an Xray on my hip.

When I read the result, I was shocked that it revealed that I have arthritis in my hip. I went to the xray operator and said,” I can’t take this to my doctor. I will get treatment for arthritis, I have a pinch nerve. Isn’t it sad”?

Aliston ‘Live Up’ Simon

particular, will remain as a noteworthy undertaking in the annals of the church.

Best wishes are being extended to him on behalf of my family, the community that he served and the group known as The Villagers. As he moves on to the next phase in his life, we pray that God will guide him and his family and the church in the future.

The service of Institution, Induction and Installation will be scheduled after the restoration of the Cathedral.

Efforts are underway to restore this historic institution which is an outstanding icon in the nation, the region and beyond, and so deserving of support.

Cheryl Phills-King

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10. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

That EC $1.3 million that is haunting the NDP

The NDP and International relations

Introduction

I HEREBY FORMALLY announce that the New Democratic Party of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as of today’s date August 23rd 2016, has taken the decision to recognize the United Nations accepted norm of a One China Policy.” Since the Honourable Arnhim Eustace has made that foreign policy announcement, it has triggered a national debate throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Most observers and commentators have welcomed the announcement and embraced the decision by our leader to recognize the One China Policy. But, the Unity Labour Party (ULP), with its archaic approach to foreign policy, has not welcomed such a progressive move.

Instead, the ULP has been criticizing Mr. Eustace for making one of the most critical decisions in foreign policy since conquest and settlement.

The arguments put forward by the ULP in their opposition to the One China Policy are baseless, weak and ridiculous. For instance, the ULP is using the scholarships that are offered to Vincentians by Taiwan, as an issue to strike fear in our youths; but our youths need not to be fearful. Because China has a larger economy than Taiwan, it is in a better position to offer more scholarships to our youths, and students who are studying in Taiwan also should not be worried.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines will benefit immensely from such a relationship with China in: trade, training and education, culture, technology, economic cooperation, agriculture and sports. As a result, the Honourable Arnhim Eustace and the NDP should be commended highly for making this all important decision at this time. It shows the character of a leader; one who is not afraid to make crucial decision when it is needed. St. Vincent and the Grenadines needs such a leader at this time.

WHEN PRIME MINISTER Dr. Ralph Gonsalves revealed during a recent meeting of the House of Assembly that the opposition NDP received EC $1.3 million dollars for their 2015 election campaign, there was a veritable “stink” coming from the ranks of NDP. The first reaction was the emotional feeling of denial, and the thought that this was another strategy by Prime Minister Gonsalves, to tickle the fancy of the opposition.

Then stories surfaced from the Searchlight newspaper, and the radio station Boom FM, and the matter took on a very serious note.

Serious, because it seems as though very few persons within the leadership of the NDP, had knowledge of the transaction, and the presence of the funds. Serious, because the very leader of the opposition, Arnhim Eustace, who loves to preach about transparency, did not observe these principles when dealing with this money. For sure, the announcement by the Prime Minister has created a situation that can be described in local terms as a “bassa bassa”.

The Transaction The information is that the sum of EC $1.3 million dollars was deposited in the RBTT account of a lawyer who is close to the opposition NDP on November 24th 2015, just days before the last general election which was held on December 9th 2015. The following day, November 25th 2015, the sum of EC$300,000 was transferred to the lawyer’s account, to the account of the opposition NDP, at the same bank. On December 1st 2015, the remainder of the money was transferred to the account of the NDP. Arnhim Eustace has never denied knowledge of the money, even going to the point of saying that his party did not do anything illegal, in terms of the deposit of the money, and the transfer from the lawyer, to the account of the NDP. In fact, speaking on his radio programme, Eustace said that there was no problem getting the money from the RBTT. However, within the NDP itself, members of the top echelon of the party are not happy with this situation, and serious questions are being posed to Arnhim Eustace. There is a feeling that some of the NDP candidates may have performed better during the 2015 general elections, if that $1.3 million was used in a better way, or even if some of the cash was made available to weaker NDP candidates. We must remember that all the candidates, except St. Clair Leacock in Central Kingstown, suffered a reduction in votes, as the ULP gained more support from the electorate, as compared to the NDP. We will hear from the fall out in the NDP over this matter, in due course.

The debate now arises for the NDP, for them to explain to their supporters, and indeed all Vincentians, some issues related to the acquisition of the $1.3 million.

Clearly, no benefactor hands out that kind of money to a political party, particularly during an election, without expecting something in return. The NDP needs to come clean on this issue, to reveal to the general

public, the identity of the benefactor, and to further reveal what, if any, assurances and guarantees were provided to the benefactor. In addition, Eustace must tell Vincentians, whether the issue of economic citizenship was raised with the benefactors, and what agreements were arrived at.

The One China Policy At the back end of this EC $1.3 million campaign issue, is the media statement by Arnhim Eustace, that his party intends to sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and seek relations with mainland China, and with the ruling party in the PRC. This announcement took most people by surprise, not only because of its suddenness, but also because of the sheer stupidity of the decision.

In the process, Arnhim Eustace and the NDP demonstrated that they had no clear understanding of the One China Policy. They confused issues such as BREXIT, the current state of oil prices, the US Presidential elections and the relevance of CARICOM, as matters they considered in reaching the decision to move to mainland China. They even referred to the country of Taiwan, as “the Province”, a clear indication of their lack of understanding of the presence of Taiwan in the South China Sea. There could only be one reason for this development, and that is to divert attention away from the issue of the EC $1.3 million campaign contribution, and the leadership challenges Eustace is currently facing from the likes of St. Clair Leacock.

Less than one year ago, as they faced the electorate, Eustace and the NDP had no issue with Taiwan, as can be seen from their manifesto. In fact three months ago, Eustace was full of praise for the diplomatic relations between Kingstown and Taipei, while speaking at an event to mark the inauguration of the new president of Taiwan.

So it is clear that there are other reasons being this hasty statement and decision. There is speculation that it might have something to do with the campaign donation. In fact, the Searchlight newspaper, in its front page story last week, asked the question “Is China’s cash in NDP’s foreign policy shift?” Clearly, there is more to this situation, and the public will be demanding answers.

Conclusion Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has already commented strongly on the absurd decision of the NDP, and so there is not much more to be said on this matter.

One thing is clear: for the NDP to break off diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and move to mainland China, they must first win an election in St.Vincent and the Grenadines and return to governance. That occurrence has fast disappeared like a mirage in the South China Sea.

International Relations Policy The NDP reaffirms its commitment to invest in our international role, commensurate with our condition as a small island developing state in a globalised environment. In this regard, we will place primary emphasis on diplomatic efforts to create and exploit new opportunities in trade and business relations through bilateral and multilateral initiatives, while maintaining and strengthening, wherever possible, traditionally beneficial principles. This new diplomacy aims at empowering our people, thereby enabling them to build the society they desire; safe, prosperous and proud of our heritage and role in the world.

For countries like St. Vincent and the Grenadines with small, open economies subject to the vagaries of that condition, creative engagement in International Affairs is required, not only as a consequence of political independence, but as an indispensable area of involvement for the enhancement of national development and the provision of greater opportunities for country and nationals alike. Our foreign policy will be tailored to maximise these opportunities. The NDP is confident that it has devised a methodology which will enable our country to benefit from increased interaction in the international community. Also, the NDP is proud of our people and nation, and we are convinced that we can contribute significantly, within our means, on the international stage, while conversely increasing the benefits to be derived from that engagement.

The conduct of our Foreign Affairs has far-reaching implications in terms of its relevance to vital sectors of our

economy. As such, maintaining an appropriate stance with regard to our involvement in International Relations can only serve our nation well in the long term. The major facets of our economy which are directly related to our dealings with the global community are as follows: trade, training and education, culture, tourism, technology, economic cooperation, national security, agriculture and energy.

The central facet of our external relations will be to deepen the regional integration process with particular reference to the OECS, then reaching outwards through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) integration initiatives. This will provide the springboard from which we could insert ourselves into other hemispheric and global integration, especially with respect to economic and trade relations.

We will purchase a broad-based political cooperation and linkages policy, geared towards increasing the economic and social benefits to be derived thereof.

Our approach will be flexible, yet purposeful, with the protection and advancement of the interests of the people of our country always being paramount. In the implementation of our policy of strengthening and transforming our International Relations, the NDP Administration will: Place economic and trade relations at the top of our diplomatic priorities and re-orient its missions accordingly; apply an integrated approach to Foreign Affairs with the participation of relevant ministries and interest groups in order to anticipate and respond to current and future international challenges facing our nation; improve the effectiveness and agility of our diplomatic presence abroad for building stronger international economic relationships; enhance our abilities to cope with the geo-political landscape by developing deeper relations with new and emerging global peers, while building on strategic partnerships with long standing friends and allies and emphasize links between domestic and international dimensions of security, development, economic growth and protection of the environment.

The world is watching On Friday 2nd September, 2016, St. Vincent and the Grenadines takes on United States of America in a football World Cup qualifying match at the Arnos Vale playing field. The NDP wishes ‘Vincy Heat’ all the best, and welcomes the Americans to our shores.

However, our nationals and visitors did not arrive at the Argyle International Airport (AIA) for the match, as promised by Dr. Gonsalves on Independence Day, 2015. Once again, the ULP regime has failed to deliver the AIA to Vincentians. We were told repeatedly by the ULP administration that the AIA would have been operational in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Five years later, we are still waiting.

The failure of the ULP regime to complete the AIA on schedule demonstrates the incompetence of the ULP administration. The construction of the AIA is the largest capital project in this country, as boasted by the ULP. Yet, it lacks transparency and accountability. Clearly, the world is watching an incompetent ULP regime headed by Dr. Gonsalves.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. 11.

Views

What gets measured gets done China and Taiwan

“You cannot manage what you cannot measure … and what gets measured gets done.” - William Redington Hewlett (1913-2001), Co-founder of Hewlett-Packard.

IT IS SO VERY IMPORTANT to develop the discipline of recording the events that are taking place around us. Many outstanding individuals in the realm of business, government, and society, can attest to this very important fact. They have seen the benefits of keeping a tab on a variety of activities, and observed how this habit of being a disciplined scribe has propelled them to the greater heights of success and outstanding achievement.

Several very interesting things happen when we pause to record activities - to measure developments.

This is as true for the athlete who is seeking to improve her performance, as it is for the Marketing Manager who desires to see increased sales. It is equally true for the diabetic who regularly measures his blood sugar levels, as it is for the Production Manager whose focus is on increasing productivity in the workplace. This also applies to the Personnel Manager who desires to see improvements in punctuality and regularity in the office, as well as to the student who is seeking to spend more time studying.

Measuring how well we perform tasks, has a way of pushing us to better our best efforts. Those who accept the challenge to measure performance know that what gets measured gets done.

Many readers of this column can attest to the truth that is captured in the preceding paragraph. They have seen it happen in so many aspects of their lives. Many others, who seek to avoid the “rigidity” of such an approach, will confess that they have often not accomplished their goals in any substantial way. They seem to limp along, with a hit-or-miss end result. This article then comes as an invitation to have us try a different way, a better way, by setting out to measure the progress (or lack thereof) in relation to that that illusive dream that now challenges us. It may be a very personal task such as weight loss, increasing the time spent praying or reading the bible, making time for community work, and so on.

It can also be work-related, as efforts are made to improve efficiencies or reduce costs.

This columnist has an addiction for recording events … and measuring progress. This is not a new practice.

When I was a student preparing for examinations, I found it useful to record how much time I spent studying the various subject areas.

This information was then converted to a bar graph that displayed how much time was allocated to the particular subjects on a daily basis.

This data was later used to portray how much time was spent on a weekly basis. This information clearly revealed that I was spending significantly more time pursuing the subject areas that I liked and much less time on the subject areas that I found boring or unattractive. The revelation was then quite clear — unless I dedicated more quality time to the areas that the graph identified as “neglected,” it was highly unlikely that I would do well in those subject areas. The data assisted me in changing my focus — improving my

study habits and, I am convinced, achieving better overall grades.

There is value in measurement.

It is probably important that I share another personal example of how measuring my blood sugar levels proved to be instrumental in adjusting my eating habits (for the better). Over the years, I have jokingly commented that “sweetness is my weakness”. It was my excuse to practise the indiscipline of eating a variety of sweet items (e.g. cakes, cookies, chocolate bars, groundnut sugar cakes, and so on). In my youth, it was relatively easy to burn off the extra calories. However, as we age, we readily discover that it is no longer that easy to get rid of the excess carbohydrates. This is especially the time when we engage the “discipline overdrive” so that we avoid consuming food items that we know are detrimental to our health. I can testify that regular checks of my blood sugar levels is a good way of policing what I eat. Measuring the blood sugar levels helps the process of identifying some of the food items that should be avoided and, in addition, fortifies me to discipline myself to evade these. There are times when I may “indulge” and snack on some high sugar items, but even then I can predict that the next blood sugar reading will reflect the illdiscipline. Recording this data plays a major role in encouraging a healthier lifestyle.

Tom Peters, an outstanding business consultant and author, recommends that business leaders (including department managers and supervisors) develop the habit of measuring a variety of business performances. In his books, In Search of Excellence and A Passion for Excellence, he recommends that there should be renewed emphasis on the qualitative (measurable) aspects of business. He especially encourages managers to develop the skills in measuring productivity levels and customer satisfaction. Similar advice was provided by the late Professor Peter Ferdinand Drucker (1909-2005).

He also advocated that regular quantitative measurement of customer satisfaction is a very useful indicator of organisation health.

Firms that measure how well they are meeting and/or surpassing their customers’ expectations, are more likely to outperform their competitors in this area.

Anthony Robbins, the American author and motivational speaker, recommends that if we perform a particular task every day for 30 days, we are likely to see positive results in relation to that particular habit being formed. That being the case, let us challenge ourselves to select a particular noble task that we will measure consistently for the next 30 days, and see what results will surface at the end of that period, noting that what gets measured gets done.

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

THE DEBATE CURRENTLY swirling in SVG around the announcement of the NDP to disavow ties with Taiwan, and if elected to establish relations with the People's Republic of China is really a tempest in a teapot.

For one thing, Mr Eustace remains the leader of the opposition. He must first win elections which are due more than four years away. Therefore, the announcement at this time is really of no moment.

Tactically, it would have had greater impactful force if the announcement came just before the last elections. In a hard fought elections, and with SVG still reeling from difficult economic times, a compelling argument could have been made to the electorate to 'try something new,' with the hope that China, with all of its economic might, could have injected a much needed stimulus with offers of infrastructural, educational and other forms of assistance.

This was not to be, and while Mr Eustace couched his party's decision of the one China Policy as being in with the trends and development in the modern world, there is nothing really for his party or Vincentians to gain from the announcement. At least not now.

Consequently, the announcement could have waited for the party's much anticipated conference due before year end. It is anticipated that there may be a challenger for the post of President of the party, even though Mr Eustace indicated that he has no intention to leave voluntarily, and that the delegates at the conference will decide his fate.

To any serious analyst of Vincentian politics, that was the bomb shell news. After four consecutive electoral defeats, even diehard party members and supporters yearned for a chance to have a new leader who might lead them to the 'promised land.' This view was even strengthened with the recent resignations of David Cameron and Kenny Anthony, following their defeats in recent months. But the leader 'knows best,' and the party delegates will have the last word whenever the conference is held.

The story of relationship with Taiwan has its roots in cold war politics. The communist revolution of 1949 in China chased the nationalist leader off the mainland and they built an outpost on Taiwan. The USA and other western countries immediately embraced the nationalists, and intended to use it as a capitalist showcase against what was then sold as the failures of communism in both the Soviet Union and China.

The Labour Party of Milton Cato, as well as most of the developing world, following the cold war mantra of the West, moved to recognize Taiwan, and established diplomatic relations. Taiwan was projected as the sole legitimate representative of the Chinese people, even though the vast majority of Chinese lived on the Mainland.

All of this began to unravel after the secret visit of Henry Kissinger to Beijing in 1971. The USA established relations with China, broke relations with Taiwan, and the dollar diplomacy started in earnest. Both Taipei and Beijing began offering assistance to countries that will align

with either side.

Currently, the People's Republic has the diplomatic support of the vast majority of the independent nations in the world. Taiwan is recognized by only 23 nations, with Belize, Haiti, St Kitts, St Lucia and SVG among them.

Taiwan and China are increasingly drawing closer. In fact, 40 percent of the foreign investment in China is believed to have an origin in Taiwan.

The former government led by President Ma hastened and tried to consolidate this closeness. The new government, which is the independence party in Taiwan, may press the independence claim, and the leaders in Beijing have maintained that they will never allow such a move.

The emergence of the new government in Taiwan may partly explain the move by Mr Eustace.

China may be making a last ditch effort to further isolate Taiwan by winning new friends among Taiwan's few diplomatic allies. Certainly, if this effort succeeds, the talk of independence in Taipei will certainly recede.

Therefore, the decision by the NDP to recognize the People's Republic of China if it were to win government, may be a blessing in disguise. It may offer a unique advantage to the government of PM Gonsalves to press the government of Taiwan for even more developmental assistance.

Gonsalves, the skilled politician that he is, should see an opportunity to press for more assistance. The leaders in Taiwan may be hard pressed to deny more assistance.

Plain Talk had always maintained that the assistance our country received from Taiwan was much too low, bearing in mind that we have for more than 35 years been a stalwart of Taipei. As a journalist and revolutionary activist, we have argued for the establishment of relationship with the People's Republic.

This was not an anti-Taiwan position.. The argument was grounded in the fact that Beijing represents the vast majority of Chinese, and was a second largest economic power in the world. But when I signed on to the ULP platform as a candidate in the last elections, the party platform, like that of the NDP, called for continued relations with Taiwan. One cannot go on a frolic of his own, once he signed on to a broader ticket. However, it does not mean that long held views are jettisoned. It simply means that those views have to continue to germinate until they win the favours of the majority.

We have entered a new period in our conversation about our relationships with Taiwan and hopefully the rest of the world. The world is too complex a place for knee jerk, emotional responses. State craft demands much more. Plain Talk has confidence in a forward looking, developing SVG. The critical question is whether we are ready for the task.

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

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12. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Decriminalizing defamation PRIME MINISTER Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, in a response to concerns raised about the Cybercrime Bill by Reporters Without Borders, reiterated his and his government’s take on the issue of ‘criminal defamation’.

Given what the Prime Minister had to say, we cannot expect under his watch, any move towards effecting the removal of acts of defamation and libel from categorization as criminal offences.

THE VINCENTIAN newspaper is on record as calling for consideration to be given to decriminalising defamation/libel, something that many of the world’s most ‘progressive’ countries have done.

If the truth be told, this country enjoys a level of freedom of expression that far outweighs many other societies across the globe. Media houses operate with a sense of assurance, in an atmosphere that does not speak of hostile closure by state agencies and/or governments.

The public too, with the availability of social media platforms, enjoy an opportunity to voice their opinions in ways that exceed anything that existed three decades ago.

But, as convention dictates, no freedom is absolute. The constitutions of the free world and the adherence to Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, guarantee the exercise of the right to freedom of expression, but states in equal measure that this carries "special duties and

responsibilities" and may, therefore, be subject to certain restrictions to also guarantee “respect of the rights or reputation of others."

The challenge, therefore, for any ‘fair’ society, is one of striking an appropriate balance between the human right to freedom of expression, and the need to protect individual reputations.

This country is no exception in this regard and, if the truth be told, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves alluded to this noble intention in his referred response.

It is towards the end of striking that balance that anti-defamation laws are framed and enacted.

One expects, therefore, that provision will be made to restrict certain rights in order to protect the reputation of all citizens. However, it becomes worrisome when, in what can be described as a dubious attempt to strike this balance, this country continues to criminalise defamation, making the offence of libel punishable with jail terms.

While in practice, the majority of countries where criminal defamation laws exist (SVG included), criminal penalties have been rarely applied to defamation, press freedom advocates, human rights activities and even ‘progressive politicians’ across the world, contend, as Reporters Without Borders has, that the very existence of these laws has a “chilling effect” on free speech and, therefore, a truly democratic state ought not to retain criminal defamation laws.

Even the United Nations Human Rights Commission cites the use of criminal penalties for defamation as a key indicator of nations that largely reject if not restrict the right to freedom of expression.

Sometimes, it is not so much about what we have done, but moreso about what we can do. And therein lies the danger of abuse — the grounds for ‘unbalanced application’.

No wonder, then, more and more nations the world over, including some CARICOM countries, have voiced support for and/or have moved towards decriminalizing defamation.

More and more criminal defamation/libel is being denounced for what it is: ‘a particularly insidious form of intimidation’; an archaic law that continues to sit in our Criminal Law books; a relic from our colonial past which we blame for so much of our own shortcomings.

More and more countries across the globe are recognizing that defamation is essentially a wrong against an individual and does not fall in the category of serious offences against society at large.

Criminal jurisprudence that has

evolved in recent times, has lowered the standards of proof applied to such offences from “proof beyond reasonable doubt”, down almost to a “preponderance of probabilities”.

In reality, while a defamation trial takes the form of a criminal trial, in substance, it is essentially a civil trial, resulting ultimately in an anomalous criminal punishment.

We are not here advocating that people be permitted to defame others with impunity. Rather, our appeal is to our law-makers to see the need to place more reliance on the civil process for righting the wrong caused by defamation for more reasons than one.

An appropriate balance between the right to freedom of expression and the need to protect individual reputations can, and indeed must, be achieved through a more liberal judicial use of civil remedies.

In the case of the media, perhaps the introduction of a Press Council could ensure that journalists discharge their duty to act in good faith and provide accurate, trustworthy information protecting individual reputations, without having the fear of serving jail terms alongside common criminals.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. 13.

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14. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

NY charity group continues to raise funds for healthcare in SVG

in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, shipped through the courtesy of the Brooklyn-based Square Deal Shippers and Movers.

Among the items from that shipment to be distributed are: Three THE BRONX, New York-based charity anesthesia machines and a Sonogram group, St. Matthias Charities, Inc., for Milton Cato Memorial Hospital continues to raise funds to assist the (MCMH) in Kingstown and an EKG healthcare sector and the needy in St. machine for the Chateaubelair Vincent and the Grenadines.

Hospital.

The group, headed by Georgetown McBarnett said he and his team native Pastor Robert McBarnett, on will be on the ground on Sunday in St. Saturday conducted another successful Vincent and the Grenadines, where fund-raising barbecue at the Friends these items will be handed over to the of Crown Heights Educational Center respective authorities. in Brooklyn, New York.

Other items to be distributed, “It was a very good event,” said McBarnett said, are: Food trays for the McBarnett in a VINCENTIAN hospitals; 55,000 condoms “to help stop interview. “The folks came out to the spread of STDs” (Sexually support a good cause, as we continue Transmitted Diseases); over 500 Foley to give back to the people of St. catheters; utensils; clothes; pampers; Vincent and the Grenadines. wheelchairs; commodes; crutches; and “We’re getting ready for our next 150 hospital sheets donated by mission into St. Vincent and the Vaughan Toney, the president and Grenadines,” added McBarnett, chief executive officer of the Brooklyndisclosing that two 40-ft containers of based Friends of Crown Heights medical supplies have already arrived Educational Center and the Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO).

Rosemarie Welsh, Grenada’s new Counsel General to New York, and Jomo Thomas, Speaker of the House of Assembly in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, were among patrons at Saturday’s fifth annual barbecue.

Welsh said she first met McBarnett, a few months ago, when St. Matthias Charities, Inc. was gathering medical and other supplies for distribution in Grenada.

“He’s such a blessed servant of God, and I was really happy to get to know him,” she said. “Coming to this event was very exciting for me, because I met the people from the neighboring island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and among them were one or two Grenadians. I feel welcomed among them, and I hope to be invited again.”

Ruby Wood — proprietor of Square L-R: Don Sutherland, Angus “Brigo” Deal Shippers and Movers, whose Lynch and Randolph “Randy” company has been shipping the Liverpool.

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking2109@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT

group’s medical and other supplies to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada from the very inception — said she was delighted to patronize such a humanitarian gesture.

“It’s a worthy cause, and anything I can do to help the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines would be a pleasure,” she said.

Don Sutherland and Randolph Liverpool, members of the defunct Georgetown-based band Affetuousos, said, besides the “good food,” the function served as a meeting place for old friends and relatives.

“Any charitable function is a good function,” said Liverpool, who journeyed from his New Jersey residence. “It’s good to see people you have not seen in years.”

“The good food was wellorganized,” chimed in Sutherland, who also trekked from New Jersey, disclosing that McBarnett had also assisted members of Affetuousos in lifting heavy musical equipment in his youthful days.

Calypsonian-turned-gospel artiste Angus “Brigo” Lynch used the occasion to release his latest CD, “We Welcome You.” “I feel blessed,” said the BornAgain Christian, who hails from Calliaqua, claiming that he was prevented from playing his CD from the large stage during Vincy Day USA two Saturdays ago.

“I’m happy the DJ took the time to play my song,” said Lynch about Trinidadian-born DJ Time 2 Wine, whose real name is Josh Cumberbatch.

In September last year, McBarnett handed over two EKG machines to the MCMH, as well as distributed school supplies to several of the nation’s schools.

Mc Barnett said the machines were donated to his group by Ramon J. Rodriguez, president and chief executive officer of Patrons

Ruby Wood (L), proprietor of Square Deal Shippers and Movers, with Grenada NY Counsel General Rosemarie Welsh.

Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, on the Brooklyn-Queens corridor, where he works in the Environmental Department.

Mc Barnett said most of the school supplies were purchased through proceeds from the St. Matthias Charities, Inc.’s Fourth Annual BBQ at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center.

having their fill.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. 15.

News

Inaugural Vineyard Vincyfest a success SATURDAY AUGUST 27TH dawned, clear and bright on Martha’s Vineyard, perfect weather for the inaugural Vineyard Vincyfest. It was a success.

The history behind this festival goes back to September, 27th, 2014, when a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Martha’s Vineyard Island Council was signed. This MOU was signed to encourage Garifuna group with Anita Anita Botti, Chief and facilitate closer Instigator of the MOU and team leader for the relationships between festival. these two islands and thus the idea of having El-Diery. a festival to showcase the culture of Keisha Phillips and Nisha Glasgow St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the from the Center for Enterprise residents of Martha’s Vineyard and its Development played a tremendous international visitors was born. part by ensuring that the products The festival organizers fully from St. Vincent and the Grenadines recognized the similarities between were packed and shipped to the USA. the two islands, and made every effort They also attended the festival and to showcase and celebrate their were in charge of selling all the common traditions and long history of processed foods and crafts from SVG. shared indigenous cultures. After There were many festival goers many months of planning this festival, from the diaspora and Vineyard it finally took place on the beautiful residents. All had a wonderful time. grounds of Featherstone Center for the There was music from the South East Arts, a six acre property in Oak Bluffs Steel Orchestra led by band leader on the Vineyard.

Marla Nanton. When they played, the Key organizers of this festival were: crowd surrounded them and listened SVG Consulate General to the USA, intently. The music was sweet!

W. Selmon Walters, who was the There was a Garifuna contingent director of the SVG team; Camille and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay English who was the committee chair; Head Aquinnar, on Martha’s Teddy Linley, Celia Ross-Latham, Vineyard. They both did performances Chandelle De Riggs, Rosalind of drumming, singing and dancing. A Goodluck, Stefferny Boyce- Herbert, display of boat building tools was on Ynolde Smart, and Camille Saunders- display, as well as arts and crafts from Musser.

SVG. 7 local artists displayed their Members on the Martha’s Vineyard work; they were - Shanique Stewart, working group were Anita Botti chief Sean Roache, Christine Browne, Gary instigator of the MOU and team leader Peters, Nzimbu, LeeAndra Thompson for the festival; Ann Smith, executive and Camille Saunders-Musser. director of Featherstone Center for the A highlight of the event was an Arts; Martina Thornton, Dukes inflatable 40-foot humpback whale County Manager; Beth Kramer, Nancy called “Salt”. It was possible to walk Cardella, Tim Carroll, Glen DeBlase, inside the whale and see the anatomy Natalie Ward, Rozetta Lewis Hughes, as well. The real humpback whale Rebekah El-Diery, and Isabelle Hazell called “Salt” makes a 3,000 mile round trip journey each year swimming from the cold waters of the North Atlantic to the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. Carnival in SVG was showcased. This consisted of carnival costumes on display and calypso singers, among whom was Lady Hibiscus. Soca music from SVG was constantly played when the steel orchestra was taking a break. There was a great carnival “vibe”. A fun time was Boats and tools from Fest. had by all.

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16. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

FLOW Internet Summer School closes

Participants in the 2016 FLOW Summer Internet school programme, along with FLOW representatives in the back row.

CLOSE TO 350 PERSONS who participated in the FLOW Internet Summer School programme, received certificates at this year’s closing ceremony at the Methodist Church Hall on Tuesday 30th.

The programme saw the largest number of participants in its 10year history, with branches on the leeward side and windward sides of the island. The summer school on the leeward end took place at the Fitz Hughes Learning Center and ran

for two weeks. It saw 22 youths and 10 senior citizens participating, under the guidance of Latham Adams.

On the windward side, participants gathered at the North Union Learning Resource Center, where Nollene Sutherland conducted a one-week session. At the closing, Sutherland said the kids were very happy with the programme. She expressed thanks to Flow for expanding the activity in to the rural areas.

The main place of

gathering however was at the FLOW compound in Arnos Vale, where most of the participants attended.

Country Manager at FLOW Wayne Hull described the summer programme as historic, given that it was the biggest programme ever, because of the branches on the windward and leeward side of the island. He said the students can impart their knowledge to the other youths, even at school. Hull told the participants that FLOW

will look at additional ways to make the programme not only educational but entertaining as well.

Some of the graduates also expressed their happiness with the programme and even gave an idea of what this year’s programme entailed. (KH)

Nollene Sutherland was in charge of the FLOW Internet Summer School on the Windward side of the island.

Energy Unit’s Lilli Sutherland debuts children’s book Website Launched FLOW Country Manager Wayne Hull

In 2012, Jason and I returned to St Vincent for a two-month trip, which was extended to two years. During this time-out, our I am a ‘new author on the granddaughter was block’. My debut children’s book born. So I sat on a called Jasper at Plumrose Farm, beach and penned this was both written and illustrated story for her birthday. by me.

On our return to the UK, a publishing My Background: company accepted my manuscript, and I was born in Calder, St subsequently the book Vincent & the Grenadines. was published in April Daughter of Pauline and the late this year.

Cecil John, I was raised by my Based on the island, wonderful grandparents Clement the tale is about a kitten (Clemmie) and Clara Bullock. called Jasper who My grandfather was, and chases a butterfly, remains, the most influential and becomes lost and learns inspirational person in my life. to be brave. With a fun He taught me to persevere and storyline and beautiful never give up on my dreams. One illustrations, the book is of my life-long aspirations was to both interesting and become an author. informative.

As a child, I attended Calder Breadfruit, plum rose Government School. In 1967, I and coconut tarts are joined my parents in the UK, mentioned in the story. where I lived, and was educated Written for children up to 5 in High Wycombe. I am married years of age, this is an ideal early to Jason, and we have two years / first book. It is available at daughters. amazon.co.uk and has already PLEASE SEE BELOW, a few thoughts penned by Mrs Lilli Sutherland (pictured at right) on the debut of her first book “Jasper of Primrose Farm.”

THE ENERGY UNIT of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines launched its website on September 2, 2016. The site was fully funded by Global Environment Facility (GEF) Promoting Access to Clean Energy Services in SVG (PACES), a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) executed project.

All are welcome to log on to www.energyunit.gov.vc for viewing. The website is designed to heavily inform the general public on the various areas of sustainable energy (renewable energy and energy efficiency). It is extremely interactive, and the Unit believes that it will indeed provide individuals with the necessary materials on the progress of RE in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

For further information on the work done at the had five customer reviews, who all Energy Unit and by the PACES Project, kindly gave it five stars. contact telephone (1784) 451-2338 or email: I am a proud Vincentian and a energyunit@vincysurf.com children’s author, who is “flying Facebook: www.facebook.com/energyunitsvg the flag for St.Vincent”.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. 17.

News

Last hurrah for beleaguered Walters

New York Consul General Selmon Walters has been replaced by head of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), Howie Prince.

Walters told the paper that the festival sought to dispel the notion that Martha’s Vineyard was only for the rich and famous.

“Part of the fest is so people know ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES’ they can come to the Vineyard,” he said beleaguered New York Consul General about the initiative, which was held at Selmon Walters has been given his last the Featherstone Center for the Arts. hurrah, as he spearheaded the inaugural Walters worked closely with “Vineyard Vincy Fest,” at Martha’s Martha’s Vineyard Dukes County Vineyard in Massachusetts, on Saturday. manager Martina Thornton to “put Walters, who has been recalled by together the celebration of the Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves differences and similarities in Vineyard after five years at the New York and Saint Vincent culture,” the Consulate General, has been replaced Vineyard Gazette said.

by Howie Prince, head of the National It said the Martha’s Vineyard-St. Emergency Management Organization Vincent and the Grenadines “Sister (NEMO), according to Deputy Prime Island Partnership” was signed in Minister and Minister of Foreign September 2014, “though the Affairs, Sir Louis Straker. relationship between the islands dates Sir Louis told THE VINCENTIAN back to the 19th century.” that Walters, a former minister in the The partnership was first brought to Gonsalves administration, was among the table by West Tisbury, Martha’s three diplomats who are being recalled. Vineyard resident Anita Botti, a former The others are Ambassadors to Cuba US Peace Corps Volunteer in St. and Venezuela Dexter Rose and Vincent and the Grenadines, said the Andreas Wickham, respectively.

Vineyard Gazette, adding that the Walters, who has been under partnership has facilitated, among enormous fire for his alleged other things, a book swap with the mismanagement of the New York West Tisbury library.

Consulate General, was expected to On Sept. 27, 2014, Dukes County demit office on Wednesday, Straker Manager Martina Thornton and former said.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines The “Vineyard Vincy Fest” on Ambassador to the United States La Saturday was a daylong cultural Celia Prince signed a Memorandum of celebration between “two unique but Understanding between Dukes County connected cultures,” according to the and St. Vincent and the Grenadines Vineyard Gazette. Martha’s Vineyard is about mutual cooperation as “Sister an island located south of Cape Cod in Islands,” Dukes County said.

Massachusetts, known for being an There was also a symbolic handling affluent summer colony. over of the firefighting equipment Visual arts, performing arts and food collected from towns on Martha’s from both islands were on display at Vineyard to help firefighters in St. the festival on Saturday, the Vineyard Vincent and the Grenadines, said Gazette said.

Dukes County in a statement.

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

Marshall ready for next year JUNIOR MARSHALL has been in the calypso arena for the past five years. He has created an impact in his career. He made it to the finals in 2014. He did not make it to the semi-final this year, but his influence has not been reduced. In fact, Marshall won the Most Humorous Calypso song introduced by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Calypsonians Association this year.

He did the trick with a composition ‘Donkey for car.’ He beat Roland ‘Chico B’ Veira whose number was ‘Rum pipe,’ Fitzroy ‘Brother Ebony’

Joseph with ‘Love in Calypso,’ and William ‘Kojah’ Anthony whose creation was ‘Behind closed doors.’

Marshall, a member of the On Tour Calypso Tent, received his trophy and $300 at Victoria Park last Wednesday. He expressed gratitude to fans and well-wishers, and promised the audience, comprised of members of the Calypsonians’ Association executive, that he will be in the top three for the national competition next year.

“I aint talking by guess,” he uttered.

But that doesn’t mean

Junior Marshall that he will be neglecting his Most Humorous Song title. Marshall will be seeking to strengthen his foothold while broadening his horizons.

“We are looking to start making connections between people from Martha’s Vineyard and St. Vincent & the Grenadines, and exchanging knowledge and best practices in the following areas of mutual concern,” it said, identifying among them, fire prevention; security; citizen safety; readiness; management and training; emergency response; education; library operation and management; economic development and tourism; agriculture and fisheries; and arts, crafts and culture.

Last week Saturday, the Organizing Committee of the Brooklyn, New Yorkbased Vincy Day USA gave Walters his penultimate hurrah with a send-off plaque.

Rosalind Goodluck, the treasurer of the Organizing Committee of Vincy Day USA, presented the award to Walters, who has chaired the Committee since its inception five years

ago, before hundreds of nationals at the annual unity picnic at Heckscher State Park in Long Island, New York.

But despite the praises showered on the Consul General by Goodluck, Walters has been under heavy fire in recent years.

However, he has, unequivocally, left his indentation on Vincy Day USA. “I am confident that this great event may outlive all of us,” said Walters in the foreword in the Vincy Day USA booklet, distributed to nationals as they entered the park. “Committee members may come and go, but the event must remain.”

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18. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

„Remember to Give Back‰ - Urges Former GECCU Scholar and CARICOM Ambassador The General Employees’ Co-operative Credit Union Ltd (GECCU) held its annual Youth Leadership Symposium for its scholarship holders on August 23rd and 24th 2016 at the Anglican Pastoral Center in New Montrose. The objective of the symposium was to expose the scholarship holders of GECCU to the core principles of co-operatives, while promoting continuity within the movement. Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, Dr. Mineva Glasgow, addressing a hall of over 60 students at the official opening ceremony, told the gathering that, “This year’s theme “Embracing the power of cooperatives values’, is significant and relevant for helping you, our young students to understand how every decision that GECCU makes is directly proportional to the benefit it can provide to you and our wider membership.”

Former GECCU Scholarship precipient and CARICOM Ambassador, Ms. Chelsea Ferdinand,

encouraged the students to “Let your decisions today reflect the Cooperative values and principles, especially that of concern for community, in helping to create opportunities for others”. She emphasized how relevant credit unions are to, not just older persons, but also the youths, since younger persons are “most vulnerable to life’s challenges”.

The CARICOM Ambassador also told the young gathering about GECCU’s commitment to education, and the importance of giving back, “GECCU issued their first scholarship in 1981, and here we are today, in 2016, still benefiting. How is that so? Because persons who would

have benefitted from scholarships, came back and made a contribution.

Don’t just fill your pail, but help to fill someone else’s as well. Add your voice to the vibrant, Co-operative community — a voice which represents

the hopes, dreams and ambitions of young persons in St. Vincent and the Grenadines”. The two-day symposium featured various presentations, team building exercises and also a field trip to Winfresh in Diamond.

Former GECCU Scholar and CARICOM Ambassador – Cheslea Ferdinand.

Bursary recipients along with President of SVGTCCU (L) Kay Martin-Jack and CEO of SVGTCCU Julian Jack (R) Philbert John (left) back row.

Ten receive SVGTCCU scholarships and bursaries finance to good use. “We want to see returns in this investment. You have TEN (10) persons have received been selected in order that we lift scholarships and bursaries from the from your shoulders the burden and St. Vincent and the Grenadines the difficulty you have in paying your Teachers Cooperative Credit Union. college and university fees,” MartinReceiving bursaries to pursue Jack further stated.

Bachelor level studies in various CEO of the SVGTCCU Julian Jack areas were Marva Bynoe, Desla commended the recipients. He said Campbell, Shawn Chandler, Dumona both scholarship awardees passed 12 Charles, Franklyn Evans, Elma subjects, while stressing on the Franklyn, Ledson Jack and Irvin importance of having a good Warrican. Scholarships were educational background “to live and presented to Jose Ann Carrington to live comfortably”. and Daniel Hamilton who would be The long standing SVGTCCU pursuing studies at the St. Vincent employee commended the recipients and the Grenadines Community and reiterated that the Union must College. look out for its members from the During a presentation ceremony at cradle to grave. the SVGTCCU headquarters in Philbert John, who chaired the Paul’s Avenue, President of the proceedings and was also part of the SVGTCCU Kay Martin — Jack said interviewing process to select the the presentation of bursaries recipients, said that all the awardees provides an opportunity for the have a compelling story, which is recipients to construct their careers quite touching, and that the union as well as to further enhance their was happy to be a part of their story. chances of moving up their various The recipients also expressed career ladders. gratitude. Bursary recipient Ledson Martin- Jack told the gathering Jack expressed his gratitude to God comprising the bursary and and the SVGTCCU, noting that the scholarship recipients, parents, support would go a long way. Jose SVGTCCU employees and media Ann Carrington said she felt personnel, that the SVGTCCU fully privileged for the investment, and endorses the value of higher that she would work hard to ensure education, and that the Credit union the support will be put to good use. is always pleased when its members 2014 scholarship holder Kerron engage in such. “The Credit Union Glasgow congratulated the recipients, indeed believes that education and and expressed the hope that they will continued training are important to continue to aim higher. He said that the holistic development of the time management, team work and individual, country and credit union,” self satisfaction are key ingredients said the SVGTCCU President. for success.

She told the recipients to put the

by KENVILLE HORNE

Participants at the Symposium.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. 19.

News

Digicel rewards Vincentians with more summer cash

AS TELECOMMUNICATION provider Digicel climaxed its Bring the Beat Summer campaign, Vincentians were provided with another opportunity to win thousands of dollars in cash.

Wednesday, August 24th through Friday, August 26th, 2016 saw Digicel rewarding its prepaid customers with thousands of dollars.

The promotion, dubbed “Talk and Win,” ran for a total of three days and saw persons who called anyone, anytime, anywhere and remained on that call for 5 minutes or more, being instantly qualified to win a cash prize of $1000.

The first winner in the Talk and Win promotion

was Dexter Williams of Park Hill, who now resides and works in Canouan. Williams, on Wednesday, August 24th spoke for just over 8 minutes on a single telephone call. And, on Thursday, August 25th Grace Jacobs of Union Island was selected as the second Talk and Win winner, talking for just over 7 minutes, while Friday’s winner was Stefano Billingy of Largo Height who made a telephone call lasting 5 minutes and 36 seconds.

All the winners were on Wednesday, August 31st invited to Digicel’s main office to collect their winnings. The winners, who were all smiles, said it was their

first time winning in any promotion put on by Digicel.

The customers described Digicel as a company that is truly committed to its customers, explaining that the monies could not have come at a better time. The lone male collector, Stefano Billingy said he has been a Digicel customer for more than 13 years, and the cash will help to ensure that he ends the summer in grand style.

Esther Moore- Wilson said she is happy that her friend- Grace Jacobs is among the winners, explaining that her friend is now pregnant and the money will go towards her preparations

New president for the Rotary Club of St. Vincent FOLLOWING a long list of over forty years in the distinguished business United States. During his leaders in St. Vincent and the time abroad, Joel worked in Grenadines over the past Corporate America as a forty-five years, Ambassador business executive with Joel G. Toney is the new organizations including president of the Rotary Club Xerox Corporation and of St. Vincent for a one year Equitable Life Insurance term 2016 to 2017. At a Company. Mr. Toney served Rotary Club meeting and in the United States Army in press briefing at the Germany where he attained Grenadine House in the rank of Specialist E5 and Kingstown on Thursday, received an honourable August 25, 2016, Ambassador Ambassador discharge.

Toney outlined plans for the Joel G. Toney, In 1980, Mr. Toney was new Rotary year, and asked by the cabinet of new president introduced his new government of St. Vincent of Rotary Club executives. and the Grenadines to of St. Vincent.

The new executive establish the Permanent includes Joel Toney — President, Kirk Mission of St. Vincent and the Da Silva — VP, Earl Tash — Secretary, Grenadines to the United Nations. He Reuben John — Treasurer, Laela was later asked to set up the Constance — president-elect, and Consulate of SVG in New York, and Directors — Francios Trousour, Viktor the SVG Mission to the Organization Hunt, Joe Sheridan, Don Providence, of American States (OAS) in St Clair Thomas, and Bob Haydock, Washington, DC. He served Sergeant-at-Arms. The Assistant simultaneously as SVG’s first District Governor for the three Rotary Ambassador to the United Nations, Clubs in St. Vincent and the Consul General in New York, and Grenadines: Rotary Club of St. Interim Representative to the OAS. Vincent, Rotary Club South and All three portfolios were conducted Rotary Club of Bequia is Brian from the UN office in New York City Glasgow. with a small staff.

The Rotary Club of St. Vincent is a Mr. Toney has participated in many chartered member of Rotary international conferences, including International, an international service those of the United Nations and OAS. organization whose stated purpose is He was Vice-Chairman of the Saint to bring together business and Vincent and the Grenadines professional leaders in order to delegation to the sessions of the provide humanitarian services, General Assembly, as well as the encourage high ethical standards in Third United Nations Conference of all vocations, and help build good will the Law of the Sea. Ambassador in the world.

Toney was chairman of the Latin Five years ago, Joel Toney, a American and Caribbean Group of the businessman, returned to St. Vincent UN during the Falkland and the Grenadines with his wife, Dr. Islands/Malvinas War, and testified Joyce Toney, to live, after spending before the Security Council.

Winners pose for pic with Digicel’s Public Relations Executive Jamisha Wright. From left to right: Esther Moore- Wilson collecting on behalf of her friend Grace Jacobs, Jamisha Wright, Stefano Billingy and Susan Baynes, who collected on behalf of her common law husband Dexter Williams. to welcome her new baby. Common law wife of Dexter WilliamsSusan Baynes was overcome with joy, explaining that the $1000 will go directly towards getting her children ready for back to school. Baynes said her family is at the moment financially strained, since her

common-law husband had lost his job and recently started a new job in Canouan.

Meanwhile, Digicel’s Public Relations Executive, Jamisha Wright, in presenting the cheques to the winners, congratulated them and explained that Digicel this summer has given Vincentians access to

over 80 thousand dollars in cash and prizes.

Wright added that Digicel continues to demonstrate in so many ways that it is the network of the people, and explained that now summer is over, Digicel is focused on ensuring that the nation’s youth are all set for back to school.

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20. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Not part of the plan as well. She claims she is not doing it because of her friend, but only because WHEN MY WIFE and I decided to get married, it she wants us to be better off. was not part of the plan The truth is, George, for her to go back to school. She has a good job we are very well off. and so do I, and neither of Between both our salaries, we bring home a us made any plans of continuing our education. total of nine thousand dollars. She is accusing Now that her best friend me of not supporting her. had gone to study in Barbados, she wants to go I do not agree with what

Dear George,

she is doing now, and I tried to remind her that it was for a reason why we sat down and planned our future and it was on that basis I decided to agree to go through with the marriage, along with other factors of course.

Why would she want to change plans in the middle of the game?

Concerned

Dear Concerned, It is a good idea to plan for the future, but while that is a good thing, it is not such a good idea to write certain things in stone.

Continuing one’s education is always a good thing, and besides adding to the financial status of family, it will give your wife a sense of achievement, something you would not want to deprive her of. Rather than fighting over this, it

would be useful for you both to sit down and discuss this move as mature adults. Consider the timing of the move, and the effect it would or can have on the marriage, in terms of her absence from home etc.

Your wife would be undoubtedly happy if she

gets the feeling that you want the best for her and would not stand in the way of her selfdevelopment. Plans can change, but what is most important is how you go about discussing and effecting the changes.

George

I feel deceived the doctor. We argued over it for a few days, and she dealt me a low MY WIFE AND I have blow when she told me decided not to have any that she just wanted to more children and, as such, she decided to go to make sure that I could not get another woman the doctor to get her tubes tied. As a matter of pregnant if I decided to run around. I feel fact, she said she deceived, and this has requested that the left a very sour taste in procedure be done after my mouth and in our our last child. We have marriage. five children. The agreement we made with Hurting husband each other was that I would have a vasectomy Dear Hurting Husband, and she would tie her tubes. One of her Deception is one sure girlfriends came to me way of destroying a with the news that my marriage. Your wife has wife did not tie her tubes. I asked her about shattered your trust in her, and I can only it, and she finally imagine how hurt you admitted that she did must feel. You however not make the request of must realize that she did

Dear George,

what she did out of share insecurity. She felt that with you being limited in this way, you would want to stay committed to her. Sit her down and reassure her that she has your commitment and love, and she does not need to stoop to such levels to further secure things. Seeing that you had already decided to have no more children, then the vasectomy issue should be a non-issue.

The bigger issue is the lack of trust and the presence of insecure feelings of her part. This you can address together, not excluding the option of involving a marriage counsellor.

George

Is he cheating? hotel and the room number etc. Should I I FOUND A NOTE in my show up there to catch husband’s pocket to meet him in the act? someone at a certain Unsure hotel at a specific time, and I am wondering if he Dear Unsure, is cheating on me. The writing looks like a Trust is a very vital female handwriting.

There is the name of the ingredient in a marriage,

Dear George,

and that which you discovered does not have to be what you are thinking it is. This is your test to see whether you do trust your husband, as you may have him believe. Having said that, it would not have been a bad idea to simply hand him the note and remind him of his appointment. That will give him the perfect opportunity to let you in on what his appointment is about, or at least give you some background.

Nothing beats effective communication. Always choose to talk before taking that ‘walk’.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You won't have much time for your mate this week. The existing problems must be dealt with one way or another.

You will be misinterpreted if you get involved in other people's problems. Do not expect too much from others.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Keep busy and let them fume while you're not around. Enlist co-workers in order to get the job done on time.

Uncertainties regarding your home and family are evident. You should be traveling to that exotic destination you've been dreaming about.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Don't let others make you feel guilty or insecure. Don't put limitations on yourself. You can make career changes that may put you in a much higher earning bracket. You will have good ideas for home improvement projects.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You can gain approval, get kudos, and ask for help if you put a little heart into your speech or request. You may feel that someone at work is holding you back. Take a trip or just spend some quality time with your mate. You may not get your facts correct this week; double-check before making any statements.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Confronting a situation will only result in indignation and misunderstandings. You will easily blow situations out of proportion. Find out what they're up to, and see if you can pick up where you left off. Try not to lend or borrow money this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Although it does look promising, be careful not to overextend yourself or you will lose in the long run. Get help setting up a reasonable budget. Look into ways of making extra cash. Things aren't as they appear. Females may put demands or added responsibilities on you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You can form new partnerships, but don't move too quickly; things may not be as they appear. Consider selling your homemade crafts at the flea market.

Social events will be favorable. You may find it difficult to communicate with someone at work.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Check your personal papers and make sure everything is in order. You must not let fellow workers take advantage of your fine talents. Your tendency to take on too much will end in fatigue. You can sort out any differences you have in an amiable manner.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Take work home but be sure to spend some time with your mate. You should not get involved in joint ventures. Don't let situations get out of control. You must try to include your mate in your activities this week.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Passion will be your only answer. Be honest if you wish to solve the problem.

Your suggestions for fund raising events will be well received. Do what you can to help them but don't neglect your own family.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) An older member of your family may have left you with a pressing situation.

Take time to catch up on overdue correspondence. Travel and communications will not run as smoothly as you had hoped. Get domestic chores out of the way early.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You can come up with ways of earning extra cash. You can ask for favors or run your ideas by those who will be able to support your objectives. You may find yourself in an uncomfortable situation if you have overloaded your plate unintentionally. You should not get involved in joint ventures.

ACROSS

42. Theme 44. Miss Piggy’s 1.Colorists word for 6. Dossier “me” 10. Memento 45. Friendly 11. Golfer Palmer cartoon 13. Tortoiseshell ghost cat 47. Fictional 14. Turn into books 15. Punching tool 49. Prepares to propose 16. Should 18. Herbal drink 50. Knot on a tree 19. Wing 51. Nile snakes movement 21. Pooh’s friend 52. Author Ferber et al.

22. Lacy-leaved plant DOWN 23. First name in cosmetics 1.Speaks like a 25. Fears Southern 27. Refrain word belle 29. Comedian 2. Berate noisily Caesar (2 wds.)

30. Remove color 3. Hebrew judge 33. Giraffes’ are 4. Puerto __ long 5. Use elbow 37. TV host Jack grease __ 6. Guitar ridge 38. Old boat 40. Military grade 7. Business abbr.

41. some Scrabble 8. Raided 9. Brand of glue tiles

11. Despises 12. College figure 13. Cabaret 17. Zeus or Apollo 20. Ustinov or Falk 22. Volume control for recording 24. Victorian __ 26. Munich “one” 28. Lancaster and Brando 30. Monkey’s treat

31. Girls 32. Crude house 34. Tourist’s neckwear 35. Small hills 36. Goes downhill fast

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. 21.

37. Little kiss 39. Spree 42. “Alice” diner 43. Doting 46. Vitality 48. Vincent __ Gogh

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22. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports Extra

Mr. Chester Morgan with some youths during the handing over of school supplies.

A teacherÊs joy⁄

IT IS INTERESTING ENOUGH that an Indian blogger by the name Jk Soni, defines a teacher to be “A leader, who is always dynamic, believes and has the capacity to prepare future leaders and develop in them the skills that they may need to succeed in the future”.

This is interesting because the majority of persons today tend to believe that a teacher is someone who simply teaches in a classroom. However, many teachers believe differently, as they know that children ought to be taught in a holistic manner if we are to prepare them for the real world. Mr. Chester Morgan is a Physical Education teacher at the Barrouallie Secondary School.

However, he does not limit himself to the walls of a classroom, but extends his knowledge and assistance to children even when he is at home.

Over the past six years, Mr. Morgan has donated exercise books, pens and pencils to students who are returning to school after

the summer holidays.

Each student receives at least one dozen exercise books, pencils and pens.

This initiative is geared towards assisting parents in ensuring that their child is ready for school. Morgan often speaks of his experience as a child, and the hardships that his mom met while preparing him for school. “Everyone needs a helping hand, and our children ought to be cared for by every community member, not just the parents,” is something that Morgan often says. He believes that the overall growth of a child depends on the love, care and support given to children by the entire community. He wishes to thank the Mustique Company Limited who assists him in helping others.

Mr Morgan doesn’t only assist the youths by donating books, but also is the founder of the “High Performance Sports Club” in Layou, where he shares his knowledge and skills with the sportsmen and women in the

community. He often conducts training after school at the Layou playing field, and sometimes on weekends at the Arnos Vale playing field. He is also actively trying to revive the Layou Cultural and Sports Association, with the assistance and commitment of many other persons in the community.

Morgan is definitely a Young Leader in his community and offers his assistance to any youth who needs it. He takes into consideration the old as well, and ensures (by driving around and distributing) that every elder receives a drink from him at Christmas.

He believes that our elders have worked hard in order to create leaders, and are still doing so in pushing our youths to further their education, and so must be rewarded also. The people of Layou would like to say thank you to Mr. Morgan for his support to the parents and students in this community. (Submitted)

Not just a footballer MYRON “LEFT EYE” SAMUEL has been playing soccer since he was a little boy. He was always known as a “star athlete” in his community of Layou and the schools which he attended. He is a past student of the Layou Government School and the Bethel High School.

Continued on Page 26.

Myron Samuel with several recipients of his gear.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. 23.

Local swimmers stake claim for OECS places SEVERAL LOCAL YOUNG local swimmers placed themselves in the mix for places on the St Vincent and the Grenadines team for the 26th edition of the OECS Swim Championships to be hosted here 11th to 13th November.

They did so last weekend, when the St Vincent and the Grenadines Swimming Federation held the Flow Invitational at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre, Ratho Mill.

Taking the 6 and Under Girls individual was Blue Marlins’ Tyler Matthias, while the Girls 7 to 8 winner was Kennice Greene, also of Blue Marlins .

More success went the way of the Blue Marlins Swim Club, as Brandon George took the Boys Age 7 to 8, and the Boys Age 9 to 10 went to Tristan Ballah.

Meanwhile, Black Sands Swim Club’s Paige Cadogan bossed the Girls 11 to 12 and her sibling Shane Cadogan, also representing Black Sands Swim Squad, was the Boys 13 to 14 winner.

Copping the Women’s 15 and Over age group was Black Sands Swim Club’s Shne Joachim, while Nikolas Sylvester of the same club was the Men 15 and Over top performer.

The age categories secured by non — Vincentian swimmers

were the Boys 6 and Under, won by Cain Edwards of Pirates Swim Club, Barbados, with Anaika Charles of Grenfins Swim Club of Grenada, crafting the Girls age 9 to 10 segment; Malik Nelson of Tobago — the Boys 11 to 12 winner, and Eden Crick of Sharks Swim Club — St Lucia pouched the Girls 13 to 14 bracket.

Dubbed sprint champions were Kennice Greene- Girls 8 and Under, and Brandon George — the Boys winner in that age group.

The Girls age 9 to 12 went to Anaika Charles, and Malik Nelson — the Boys winner.

Shne Joachim and Nikolas Kennice Greene Sylvester captured the 13 and Older, Male and Female segments, respectively.

Black Sands Swim Squad were the overall champions, with 1278 points. Second were Blue Marlins- 772 and third, the Bequia United Swim Club on 401 points.

The rest of the points standings saw Unattached swimmers totalling 178; Pirates Swim Club Barbados- 130, Silver Fins Swim Club — 122, Torpedoes Competitive Swim Club — 118, High Tide Stingrays — 99; Grenfins Swim Club — 82, Rapid Aquatics - 70 and Sea Jays Swim Club- 28. Paige Cadogan

Best prospects from left- Marknell Holder, Ozaved Miller.

Tristan Ballah

Nikolas Sylvester

Humble Lions devour Marriaqua DEBUTANTS to the 2016 National Lotteries Authority / Flow/ Kirk Da Silva Marriaqua Football League, Humble Lions, have made a winning start, taking the League title last Sunday at the Cane End Playing Field.

All it took was a Kevin Primus strike, for Humble Lions to achieve a one- nil win, leaving Downstreet to settle for the second place.

And, taking the third spot was Glenside/ QESCO. The individual accolades which were presented at the closing ceremony saw Orlando Trimmingham of Richland Park Pride and Joy copping the Most Valuable Player award.

He was also the competition’s leading goal scorer with 16 goals.

Humble Lions’ Javin Sutherland was adjudged the best defender, while Jared Mc Master of Glenside QESCO took the best midfielder accolade.

Named as the best goal keeper, was Anthony Hazell, of Richland Park Pride and Joy.

Champions of the Marriaqua Football League Humble Lions.

Awards were also presented to the match officials who officiated in this year’s competition, in which twenty teams participated.

Last Sunday’s closing ceremony was addressed by chair of the Marriaqua Football League

Yosiah Dasent; President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation Venold Coombs, and Parliamentary Representative for Marriaqua St Clair Prince.

SVG Rowing Association aims at Japan Olympics 2020 IT IS THE AMBITION of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Rowing Association that St Vincent and the Grenadines will be represented at the Olympic Games as early as 2020 in Japan, in that sport.

Technical Director of the association Raffique Browne strongly believes this can happen, after local rowers and coaches were engaged in an Technical eigh-day technical course and Director of the training, facilitated by FISA SVG Rowing (The Fédération Internationale Association du Sport Automobile) Raffique expert/consultant of the Browne. continental region, Osvaldo Borchi.

The course featured classroom theoretical sessions which took place at the Roman Catholic Centre in Layou, and practical sessions at Jackson Bay, Layou on afternoons.

Browne thinks that the latest exposure has cause for the next Olympics’ optimism.

“We really zeroed in on techniques and rigging the boats, which is setting up for individual athletes… We have a bunch of new junior rowers, in particular Ozaved Miller and Markell Holder, so we are hoping to do some junior championships in the near future, and are hoping to get these guys properly seasoned before the next Olympics which is in Tokyo in 2020… That is the main goal right now”, Browne projected.

“The objective for this course was to train coaches to be able to properly train athletes…Before we were taught how to train athletes and how to properly set the boats up and how to rig the boats…

This course here should have happened in the very beginning when we were just starting, but we were thrown in the deep end; but now I think we have a proper base going forward, so the sky is the limit”, Browne added.

Thirteen persons, including two from Jamaica, Robert Scott and Otis Harvey, were part of the Olympic Solidarity course, which came through the SVG Olympic Committee.

Apart from the certification process, the training of the local junior rowers, the course and training roped in new members of the association who were netted from the development camp which took place in April of this year.

Other than Browne, the rest of the SVG Rowing Association’s executive elected 25th June to serve a two —year term , 2016- 2018, includes, Ramona Mc Dowall- President; Shavar Maloney- Vice President; Tamiko Browne- Treasurer, and Nicha BrankerSecretary General.

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24. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

2nd Division Champions Southern Stars.

1st Division Champions Wizards.

Curtains lowered on 2016 Bequia Basketball their team was not going to be on the losing end of a final.

But it was Steveon Taylor of East Blazers who was going to receive the individual glory when he was named, for the 4th year running, the First Division’s MVP, for his 133 points and 32 assists in six first round games.

There was no stopping Southern Stars in their quest for Second Division glory. They disposed of Young Duke, taking 2 straight games in the best of three series.

Camal Bess was the uncontested MVP of the Second Division, having led all comers with 198 points and 104 rebounds in eight games played. He was the obvious MVP of his team, and was also adjudged MVP of the finals.

As has obtained every year since its inception, a full presentation ceremony followed the final game, recognizing all outstanding teams and individuals across the three divisions of 1st Division MVP, Steveon Taylor competition. receives trophy from Sabrina Mitchell.

Sabrina Mitchell, President of the Bequia Basketball Association, in THE 18TH EDITION of the Vita Malt addressing the ceremony, thanked the Bequia Basketball Tournament climaxed St. Vincent Brewery (brewers of Vita last Saturday evening, August 27, at the Malt), Bank of SVG, Frangipani Hotel, Clive Tannis Hard Court, Port Elizabeth. and many others for their sponsorship Basketball enthusiasts turned out and support, and made special in their hundreds to witness first-hand mention of the over 70 volunteers the First Division finals between referees, table officials, bar, gate and Wizards and East Blazers, and the DJ officials — “who all came together to clash featuring Young Duke and ensure a smooth and well executed Southern Stars to determine the competition, putting eighteen years Second Division champs. into the history books!”

Down 2 to 1 going into last And in a slight departure from the Saturday’s match, East Blazers, led by norm, Ms. Mitchell presented two their standout player Steveon Taylor, special recognition awards to nondid their best to ward off a determined players. Marissa Gregg of Hamilton 2015 beaten finalist Wizards, but had was presented with a plaque for her to bow in graceful defeat. dedication and service to the Bequia Wizards’ Xavaughn Dennie and Basketball Association as their MVP Dareo Glasgow ensured “dedicated bartender”. Ms Clecia John

of Cemetry Hill was presented with the Most Loyal Fan award for her presence at ever single night of basketball for the seven-week tournament.

Mitchell also thanked the patrons of Bequia for their continued support and

love of basketball, and encouraged them to give themselves a round of applause for achieving the milestone of eighteen years, “something for which all of Bequia should be proud.”

I.B. A. ALLEN

Jack pleased with TT progress HE IS INTO HIS third year table tennis to rural as President of the SVG communities, create a centre Table Tennis Association for table tennis activities in (SVGTTA), and Tyrone Jack these communities, and has expressed satisfaction identify future champions,” with the impact of his Jack said of his Association’s Association’s community ongoing outreach programme. outreach programme.

It was, in Jack’s His expressions came as assessment, a pleasure to see he officially closed another a total of some 60 new SVGTTA/National Olympic persons initiated to the game Committee (NOC) Summer of Table Tennis, and to see Table Tennis Development them involved in exercise Programme, at the West St. drills that can benefit them in George Secondary School all sports and for a lifetime.

Tyrone Jack, last week.

Twenty-three of the President of the According to Jack, the participants also benefited SVGTTA, is programme was aimed at satisfied with the from a further one week (15 “beginners,” from rural hours) of more advanced effort his communities. skills training in Table Association is Sessions at the West St. making to grow Tennis. Fourteen (14) persons George Secondary School in the sport here. were able to obtain an Belair, catered to SVGTTA Bronze Award participants from Sandy Bay, Fitz (model after the ITTF skills award Hughes and Layou. scheme).

Jack counted 32-39 participants Joseph Carrington, Damion Dublin, from Fitz-Hughes, 19 to 27 from Kendal Charles and Uniqua Velox, Sandy Bay, and another 19 to 23 from coaches attached to the SVGTTA, the third session as having conducted the training, with technical contributed to an effort worth its time advice from Mr. Orville Haslam O.D., and investment. Each group was Technical Advisor of the SVGTTA, and involved in 15 hours of initiation to Mr. Keith Joseph of the NOC. the game, over a five-day period.

“We aim to reintroduce the game of I.B.A.ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. 25.

Sports

Nothing to lose THIS MATCH is like a nothing to lose, but we seem to have played into that realm long before the first whistle is blown. That might be some sort of reverse psychology, for I am too much of a patriotic Vincentian to surrender. But having seen the display in the match in the US when a simple routine as ensuring that your goal is secured in a corner, was overlooked, I am sceptical that we have risen to a level to mount contention.

Anything can happen in a ninety-minute furore. And suppose the players are roused and produce a period, sustained enough to induce panic, compounded by the heat generated, the visitors could find themselves tested and in a battle of survival.

Such an incident occurred against a talented, drilled, skilled and well-oiled Mexican outfit.

There, however, the players mustered the belief, and Vincentians were decidedly possessed with the esteem that they ought to have qualified for higher running. The stage is set. In any event, the opportunity is there for our players to match their wits. We have been overwhelmed with side shows or make believe scenarios to project the country in the obsolete and jungle fashion that the average American may have of us. It is normal for US Police to shoot black citizens with impunity, right. And they get back their jobs and perhaps are promoted for having served faithfully.

The unfortunate thing is that their policy may have surfaced as a carbon copy, and most fraternities in the world emulate that sort of operation.

It is part of the new world order. A direction that has become perhaps endemic, for it is all too blatant wherever one goes, especially where black people exist.

Today’s football encounter forms the penultimate chapter on the road to the hexagonal. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has no chance. Our stake to glory or stigma lies in our hands, or more applicably at our feet.

After today, we move to Guatemala, the other contender for a spot in the six. They will have to upstage the Trinidadians at home in order to be in the reckoning. We will do well to hold the US not just to salvage pride, but to serve as CARICOM solidarity. We will continue that trend if we can again gain respect in Guatemala.

We faltered after a hectic travel schedule, as with the return journey from the US escapade.

Our performance against Guatemala at home was the turning point in our down syndrome.

How we came up with such a display left causes to ponder. We produced our best performance at home against the Trinidadians, when we came close to a two all draw, having equalised. That euphoria was short-lived as the visitors asserted their dominance with a third goal and deflated our spirit. They drove the nail in our coffin at home, following early encouraging periods of optimism on our part. We seem not to take fitness seriously, and when the second is needed, invariably are found short of breath. That’s where top outfits take charge and go for the jugular, something we have to do.

Members of Hope International FC and participants of August 13th Grassroots Clinic.

Hope International FC hosts 2016 Grassroot Football Clinic IN KEEPING with its social responsibilities, and in an effort to strengthen its contribution to national development and the general advancement of the sport of football, Hope International F.C has embarked on the execution of a series of free grassroots football clinics throughout the length and of breadth of St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

The first two of these grassroots clinics were held at the North Union Secondary School playing field on Saturday 13th August, 2016, and the Diamonds Village playing field on Saturday 27th August, 2016 respectively.

These clinics saw the participation of more than thirty (30) boys and girls from the areas of North Union, Sans Souci, Diamonds Village and surrounding areas, between the ages of five (5) and seventeen(17) years.

Hope International F.C, which celebrated its 20th year of existence last year, is well established in the footballing landscape of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Club finished third (3rd) in this year’s SVGFF Premier Division Club’s football competition, second (2nd) in the

Knock Out competition, and were the winners of the previous instalment of the Club Championship title.

As stakeholders of the “beautiful game,” the Club is deploying the skill and dedication of its accredited coaches and support members, with the objective of imparting valuable technical skills associated with the sport to the youngsters, and important social skills such as team spirit, discipline, commitment and forging new friendships by extension.

The Club’s members hail from all parts of the country, including as far south as Bequia, as far north west as Sandy Bay, as far north east as Chateaubelair, and

Mespo in the interior. Youngsters will continue to have the opportunity to interact with the Club’s national youth players with whom they have become familiar through local competitions.

The Club wishes to extend its thanks to the SVGFF, and recognize the generosity of the following business places: Allan Smith Family Bakery, Facey Trading (SVG) Ltd., Food Centre Ltd., Frank B. Armstrong (St. Vincent) Ltd./Better Brands Distributors, Global Distributors (SVG) Ltd., Premium Products Ltd. and St. Vincent Brewery Ltd, which have been gracious enough to offer support in kind to the initiative.

Section of participants during August 27th Grassroots Clinic.

Vinlec North Leeward T/20 rolls on THERE WERE victories for Police, Carlos James Troumaca Starlight, Peto Stars, and House of Graphic Summerset last weekend, as the Vinlec North Leeward Cricket championship continued.

Police 145 for 7, overcame Sharpes United. Christopher Howe 55 was the mainstay for Sharpes United, as they reached 143 for 7 from 15 overs. Parnel Browne 2 for 18, Kenneth Dember 2 for 28, and Elmore Alexander 2 for 31 were among the wickets for Police. Dember 38 and Browne 28 turned in good all-round performances as the lawmen won from 14 overs. Terrence Williams 2 for 21 and Hosani Porter 2 for 29 were the best bowlers for Sharpes United.

Starlight 109 for 9 from 18.4 overs, had to rely on the last wicket pair: Zemron Providence

16 not out and Kwando Lewis 06 for their win. The pair shared an unbroken 21 run stand to see their team to victory. They came together at 88 for 9. At that point, Police were confident that their total of 105 all out from 15.4 overs was sufficient. Darrell Sam 29 led the scoring for Police. Providence 3 for 23 and Lewis 3 for 25 supported by Kentish John 3 for 22 were the best bowlers for Starlight.

Leshaun Lewis 32 top scored for Starlight, but with a steady procession to and from the crease, the game hung in the balance until the final rescue. Browne 3 for 12, Alexander 3 for 22 were among the wickets for Police.

Peto Stars, buoyed by Jemuel Matthews 70, Ronique Laborde 40, Allison Samuel 27, and Shamon Hooper 25, racked up 218 for 7 in their 20 overs.

Rose Bank reached 183 for 7 when the over ran out. William Edwards 38, and Stinson Ince and Easton Robertson 25 each put up resistance for Rose Bank. Shamon Hooper 3 for 35 was the best bowler for Peto Stars.

House of Graphics Summerset scored 154 off 20 overs with Jadial Chance Chance slamming 56, and Nelson Williams 22. Jedi John 2 for 27 had the best returns for Big League. They were dismissed for 142 off 19.2 overs with Logan Roberts 25, and Omalie Lavia 21 being among the runs. Addeem Charles 3 for 32, Bishon Williams 2 for 22 and Jadial Chance 2 for 29 were the wicket takers for Summerset.

Tomorrow’s fixture sees Circumstance and Rose Bank United in a showdown. Ajuba and Big League play Sunday’s first match. North Stars and Upsetters round off the action.

V

26. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Not just a footballer

Continued from Page 22.

He has played for numerous teams throughout his career, including the national team of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Avenues United Football Club, the Layou soccer team and many more.

He currently plays for Seattle Sounders FC 2, and has already led this team to victory where he scored twice.

Myron is the second Vincentian to join the Seattle Sounders, Oalex Anderson being the first. These two youngsters are training to become even better footballers and are headed by Coach Ezra Hendrickson, another Vincentian who has represented SVG in soccer.

Myron’s love for soccer is extended beyond the mere playing of the game, since he also has a passion for the development of the sport. Being a young player and having represented St. Vincent and the Grenadines regionally and internationally, he uses his opportunities to advertise his country and to offer assistance to those who share the same passion. He has often donated soccer gear to other footballers in his community, even before he made his mark internationally. He believes that with every new opportunity he gets to develop himself, he should also create opportunities to develop the sport.

Therefore, Myron makes big steps to single- handedly contribute to the youths of his community so that they may carry on the life of soccer and

become great players who can represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the near future.

Upon his return to his home country, where he will play for SVG against the USA on the 2nd September, 2016, the passionate “Left EYE” brought twenty football shoes and donated them to talented players in his community. This is an excellent initiative and the people of Layou are indeed grateful and happy for such gesture. Speaking with one of Layou’s top sportsmen who is the founder and president of a sports club in Layou called “High Performance Sports Club” on Monday, Chester Morgan expressed his heartfelt thanks to Myron Samuel and encouraged others to always give back. Morgan said that Samuel desires to see great changes and improvement in the sport locally, and so is not afraid to make the first step in order to achieve the change that he wants to see.

Myron is excited and ready for the game on Friday and urges Vincentians to come out and support. He said that over the years, he has learned and believed in a quote which says “Growth is never by mere chance; it is a result of forces working together”. Therefore, Vincentians; soccer players, patriots, families and leaders need to be there together as one country to support Vincy Heat in order to motivate and push their players to do their best.

(Submitted)

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 02, 2016. 27.

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MAHOGANY SQUARE

TO TAKE NEW APPROACH

by HAYDN HUGGINS

WHEN THE NEW SCHOOL TERM opens on Monday, September 5, at least one wellknown restaurant and bar in Kingstown is expected to discontinue the sale of alcohol.

The Mahogany Square Restaurant and Bar at Richmond Hill which has been in operation since September 2010, will stop selling alcohol as from Monday, unless it is sold when social functions are held at the outlet, outside school hours.

That’s according to Earl ‘Groove’ Abraham, proprietor of the business place.

Abraham told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday that his decision came after listening, over a period of time, to genuine concerns raised by some of his friends, on the alcohol issue, coupled with the business move to partner with ‘Tus-T Water’, a product of the local entity, ‘All Islands Recycling’, to further uplift the Mahogany Square area.

‘All Islands Recycling’, of which local prominent entrepreneur Dwight Hillocks is a key player, is using proceeds from the purchase of ‘Tus-T Water’, a locally produced bottled water, to help sustain a programme called ‘Start Bright’ aimed at helping to provide free nutritious breakfast for underprivileged school children in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The initiative, which is sanctioned by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, is expected to be near full implementation by September this year, following a successful pilot programme which ran from November 16 to December 4 last year.

Abraham told THE VINCENTIAN

that the partnering of his business with ‘Tus-T Water’ will include branding, the placement of garbage bins, and other measures to further uplift the Mahogany Square area.

Abraham has contributed significantly to physically transforming that area within the last five years. He noted that it was literally a garbage dump before he began operations there.

It was Abraham who named the area where his business is located, Mahogany Square, because of the number of mahogany trees there, some of them he believes to be well over 100 years old.

Of course, Abraham is no stranger to the area. He is a product of the nearby Frenches community, and

The Mahogany Square Restaurant and Bar has been a cause for concern, because of the sale of alcohol in such close vicinity to several schools. attended the Kingstown Preparatory School and St. Vincent Grammar School, two of five schools located within close proximity to his business.

The others are Girls’ High School, Thomas Saunders Secondary School and C.W. Prescod Primary School.

Abraham is also a former national youth footballer and cricketer, and would have spent a considerable part of his youthful years on the Grammar School Playing field, also located in the area.

Abraham said that as from Monday, his business would be concentrating on its food service and local juices.

Abraham was at the centre of

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

controversy when the news broke in early 2010, that he was granted permission to operate a restaurant and bar in that area.

Reports were carried in the local media, with some persons, including the principals of some of the schools in the area, expressing concerns, mainly with the sale of alcohol in the area.

Abraham had also given his side of the story to the media.

In his conversation with THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, he expressed gratitude to those who have patronized his business over the years, and looks forward to their continued support as he takes this new approach.

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