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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

MARCH 03, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.09

www.thevincentian.com

Above: The Buccamanet Bay Resort boasted a man-made white sand beach, one to four-bedroom villas, double infinity pool, a fitness center, spa, tennis courts, dive shop, excursions desk among other amenities.

ALMOST FIVE MONTHS after the company formally entered insolvency proceedings, Harlequin Properties Ltd. (HPL), the developers and operators of the Buccament Bay Resort, has been forced into bankruptcy.

The company entered bankruptcy on Friday 24th February, 2017, after an application by a Proposal Trustee requesting an extension so as to file a proposal to HPL’s creditors, was denied by the Eastern Caribbean Court.

Justice Cir Clare Roberts, hearing the matter on behalf of the court, ruled that the request did not show irrefutably that HPL was deserving of an extension.

Meanwhile, reports from London, England, indicated that David Ames, Chairman of HPL, and who had knowingly to authorities here fled this country under the cloak of criminal charges for tax evasion and theft amounting to some EC$7 million, had had three charges of fraud laid against him by the Serious Fraud Office of the United Kingdom.

No real effort seemed to have been made to Continued on Page 3.

David Ames is still, as we understand it, wanted by the courts of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

MJ’S DOCTOR LANDS AT ARGYLE

A hand of welcome from Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves to Dr. Conrad Murray, at the Argyle International Airport.

14th February, the day the airport was officially

by KENVILLE HORNE opened. He arrived in the THE MEDICAL DOCTOR who was same executive jet that brought Rohan Sinanan, found guilty and served time for Trinidad and Tobago’s contributing to the death of musical icon Michael Jackson, was Minister of Works and Transport, and recently in St. Vincent and the Trinidadian Businessman Grenadines.

Dereck Chin.

Dr. Conrad Robert Murray arrived here at the Argyle Continued on Page 3.

International Airport on Tuesday

EC$1.50

2. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority held its Annual Awards Dinner at the Cruise Ship Berth on Saturday 4th February, 2017 at 7:00 pm.

At the Awards Dinner , welcome remarks were done by Mr. Bishen John, CEO of the SVGPA, while other remarks were done by Mr. Winston Davis, Deputy Chairman of SVGPA. Brief remarks was also made by the new Chairman of SVGPA, Mr. Clayton Burgin.

The Feature Address was made by Dr. Hon. Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister and Minister of Air & Sea Ports.

Employees were awarded for their years of service to the organisation and their outstanding performance in 2016.

Retirees were also honored, with special appreciation going to Mr. Edwin Snagg, former Chairman, and Mr. Mark Lulley, former Council Member.

AWARDEES LONG SERVICE AWARDS 30 Years

Mr. Brenton James 25 Years

Mt. Alincoln Bascombe 20 Years

Mr. Alain Weekes 15 Years

Ms Charmain Charmaine ne Peters Mrs. Ginel Huggins H Mr.. Michael Thomas Mr T Mr.. V Vivian Doyle Mr ivian D oyle 10 Ye Years ears

Mr. Damian Benette Mrs. Amanda Edghill Mrs. Carlene McLean Ms. Nicole Nelson Mr. Johnny Ollivierre Mr. Sudarmo Toby Mrs. Alana Weekes

MOST OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE IN DEPARTMENT Cruise Ship Terminal & Ferry Berth

Operations Kingstown

Mr. Fernando Serieux

Mr. Rodger Baker

Maintenance

HR/Admin

Mr. Ollivet Peters

Mrs. Camille Shallow-Duncan

Finance/Accounts

Ms. Susan Quammie Security

Mr. Delroy Smart Operations Campden Park

Mr. Brandt Nichols Marine

Mr. Dwayne Abbott Information System

Ms. Christine Warren

V News 3 NDP confident ahead of petitionsÊ appeal hearing

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. 3.

WHETHER OR NOT TWO elections petitions will be reverted to the High Court here for full hearing, will be determined by the Eastern Court of Appeal next week Tuesday, March 7, during a sitting in St. Lucia.

That is the day the Court will hear the appeals lodged in the names of New Democratic Party candidates Benjamin Exeter and Lauron Baptiste.

And during a press conference hosted by the NDP at its headquarters, Murray’s Road, last Wednesday, Leader of the party, Dr. Godwin Friday, said that, “it is vitally important that it be pursued resolutely and be decided by the Court without further delay. It has been a long and frustrating battle for justice, but we will see it through to the end… .”

He expressed heightened confidence that, based on the law and the evidence

in the cases, the Court would grant the appeal, and that, “…by the grace of God, Mr. Exeter and Mr. Baptiste will prevail, and we will have fresh elections in this country.”

Exeter and Baptiste, candidates of the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2015 general elections in the Central Leeward and North Windward constituencies respectively, filed election petitions contesting the results in their respective rcaces, claiming a number of discrepancies in the conduct and counting of the polls.

When the petitions were heard effectively on June 16, 2016 in the High Court here, Justice Brian Cottle upheld an application by the respondents — Unity Labour Party candidates

MJ’s doctor lands at Argyle Continued from Page 1.

Dr. Murray’s visit, according to reliable sources, was a secret, with even the Prime Minister, in his own admission, not knowing of in advance.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, speaking on Boom Radio last Friday, said that he did not know it was Dr. Murray who had disembarked the plane along with Chin and others, until someone informed him.

On the question of why Dr. Murray was here, the Prime Minister speculated that if Murray was looking to invest in this country, his government would not object, “but it depends on what he is investing into (and) I wouldn’t on the face of it, say that because a man went to prison for a particular matter. There is a man who went to prison and who is heading a church.”

But the Prime Minister made it clear that, “I would want to know what the person wants to invest in. For instance, if he wants to invest in a medical facility, I will find that problematic.”

Dt. Gonsalves said that he did not know if Murray wanted to invest in the development proposed for Arnos Vale, where, it is hoped, Derek Chin would set up a MovieTowne/Cineplex franchise.

Who is Dr. Murray Conrad Murray was born in Grenada and was the personal physician of Michael Jackson, up to the time of Jackson’s death, June 25, 2009.

Jackson’s death was ruled a homicide, due to an overdose of propofol which Murray admitted he administered to Jackson the day the pop star died.

On February 8, 2010, Murray was charged with manslaughter; he pleaded not guilty, denying any wrongdoing in connection with Jackson’s death.

He was convicted in November 2011 and received the maximum jail sentence of four years. His Texas medical licence was revoked, and his California and Nevada licences were suspended.

After serving two years of his sentence, Murray was released on October 28, 2013, due to prison overcrowding.

Sir Louis Straker (Central Leeward) and Montgomery Daniel (North Windward) and the Attorney General — to have the petitions ruled out.

Exeter and Baptiste appealed Justice Cottle’s ruling and after some delay, the March 7, 2017 date was set for hearing of the appeal.

Exeter and Baptiste will be represented before the Court of Appeal Dr. Godwin Friday, Leader of the by a team consisting of Mr. Stanley John, QC, Mrs. Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, NDP, is confident about his party Mr. Keith Scotland (Trinidad)and Ms. candidates winning their election Maia Eustace. petitions’ appeal.

It is expected that Anthony Astaphan SC, would lead on behalf of the Lucia during the appeal hearing. respondents.

Dr. Friday is also expected to be in St.

South Leeward road project plagued by delays

MINISTER OF TRANSPORT and Works, Senator Julian Francis has admitted that problems relating to the ministry, contractors and consultants, have caused the delay in the completion of the South Leeward highway project.

Francis said on Wednesday morning while speaking on Xtreme FM, that the project was overdue and that he had seen some correspondence where they were looking to extend it to April.

The minister admitted that there was some contention between the contractors, but that was expected to be settled by the end of this week, or early next week.

Francis said that he too have had issues with the consultants, and that he feels that the personnel within the ministry charged with overseeing the project, did not

Work on the South Leeward highway was expected to be complete

by March 2017.

manage it properly.

He assured that he was dealing with it, but that there were still some areas, along the highway, that needed some attention, for example an area in Questelles where he said the road was widened and the bank excavated.

There was another collapse in the area last week, and this is because of the lack of proper design, Francis said.

He was the minister and not a trained engineer, so he was unable to give instructions as to how to solve the problem, he quipped.

Francis also highlighted concerns with that area of

the higway in the vicinity of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

According to Francis, he proposed that the drains bringing water from the Montrose area ought to have been rebuilt to be able to handle the volumes of water.

Unfortunately, this was not done, and now there were negotiations taking place with the Anglican Bishop for permission to direct a drain through Church property located in the area of the Victoria Park, so as to allow for the

passage of water into the North River.

In a general comment, Francis posited that “It is difficult to rebuild a road while it is being used, especially one that is as narrow and precipitous as the South Leeward highway,” he explained, adding that the plan may be to complete 300 feet of road in one work session, but the actual work effected may only be 150 feet, a direct result of hindrances caused by vehicular traffic, not to mention weather related factors. (DD)

Buccament Bay Resort enters Bankruptcy Bat Resort had effectively ceased operations, once HPl entered have Ames returned to St. Vincent insolvency proceedings. and the Grenadines to answer the Workers were forced into taking charges in a local court, and there drastic action in demand of wages was corroboration that authorities and salaries owned to them, and knew his whereabouts, as attested members of the local constabulary to, when a Minister of Government were summoned to the site to bring confirmed that he had spoken with some order to the chaos. the accused since he had absconded.

All of this was met with promises The operations at the Buccament from the government, including Continued from Page 1.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, that the Resort will not be allowed to go to waste, and declarations that there were strong signals of interest in the resort by a number of parties.

Among those showing interest in taking over the operations of the Resort was the Canadian company PACE Developments, investors in the Mt. Wynne/Peter’s Hope Black Sand Resort.

V

4. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Defence to appeal decision in gun case Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS ATTORNEY Grant Connell intends to appeal Monday’s decision of Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne to convict and sentence his client Carlos Lewis of Arnos Vale, for firearm and ammunition possession.

Connell made the disclosure while speaking to the THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday. When asked to comment, the lawyer said, “It is a very interesting verdict, but we will explore its merit in a higher Court.”

Lewis was sentenced to five years in prison for possession of a Lugar 9m.m semi-automatic pistol without licence, and eight months for having six rounds of ammunition without licence, concluding a trial at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Lewis had been arrested during a police action at a house at Arnos Vale, which he occupied, and is owned by his mother who resides abroad.

Station Sergeant Dwayne Bailey of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU), who was among a party of RRU officers who had gone to the house around 5 a.m. January 25 this year to execute a search warrant, told the court he knocked on the door for a considerable period but got no response. He then peered through a window and saw Lewis climb up a wall inside and towards the manhole at the ceiling, then fell.

Bailey said someone inside

eventually opened the door and he (Bailey) climbed up the wall inside, went to the manhole and retrieved a loaded firearm from the ceiling. One of the bullets was in the breach.

The officer said Lewis asked to give him a chance, and offered to take the police to where another firearm was.

Bailey admitted, under crossexamination, that he did not see Lewis with any firearm.

He also admitted that there were two other persons in the house at the time, but added that Lewis was the only one he saw go to the manhole.

Bailey further admitted that he did not test the gun for fingerprints because from his experience, it was difficult to get fingerprints from a firearm.

Bailey’s evidence was supported by RRU officer Constable 192 Douglas Caesar who was part of the party.

When the prosecution rested its case, Connell made a no case submission, arguing that the evidence thus far did not put the firearm in physical possession of his client.

He noted that there were three persons in the house, one was charged but none had the firearm in their possession.

“It will be unsafe for the defendant to have a case to answer,” Connell proffered.

But Prosecutor Station Sergeant Elgin Richards pointed out that PC Caesar’s evidence was consistent with that of Bailey, and maintained that

Lewis had a case to answer.

The Chief Magistrate overruled Connell’s submission.

In his defence, Lewis denied that the firearm in question belonged to him, and that he had put any gun in the ceiling.

He called no witnesses to support his case.

Following Lewis’ testimony, the Court visited the house where the police said they had found the loaded firearm. On the Court’s return, closing submissions were heard from both sides.

Connell pointed out that it was physically impossible for Station Sergeant Bailey and PC Caesar to have seen what they told the Court they saw, because there was a concrete wall inside between the window and the corridor which would have blocked

their vision.

The lawyer argued that there was no evidence of possession, and that the circumstantial evidence before the Court was too weak to Attorney pass the hurdle of a Grant prima facie case.

Connell’s The Chief arguments on Magistrate, however, his client’s agreed with the behalf did not prosecution that there find favour was sufficient evidence with Chief to convict the Magistrate defendant.

Rechanne A firearm expert Browne. and an officer from the Traffic Department of the Police Force were the other witnesses to have testified for the prosecution.

Murder charges dropped after file review DIRECTOR of Public Prosecution (DPP) Colin Williams says he took the decision to discontinue a murder case against two Vermont men on Monday, after the files in the matter were reviewed at the DPP’s Office, and he agreed with the issues identified

by Counsel who reviewed them.

Malcolm Pollin and Mark Weekes walked free from the Serious Offences Court on Monday just before the commencement of the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) after prosecutor Station Sergeant Elgin Richards indicated that the prosecution was withdrawing the charges against them.

Polin and Weekes were two of seven men charged in connection with the July 20, 2016 death of Kamau Jones of Union Island, who died after receiving multiple

gunshot injuries, as well as chop wounds and blunt trauma to the head, during an incident at Vermont.

The prosecution is not required to give reasons to the Court for withdrawing a matter.

However, when contacted on Wednesday, the DPP told THE VINCENTIAN that, “The files were reviewed at the DPP’s Office, and I concurred with the recommendations of counsel who reviewed the files”.

He added that, “The issues identified by counsel are the same ones that I had pointed out to the police orally when we discussed the matter”.

The DPP gave no further details.

The PI against the other men charged with the murder commenced on Monday and was adjourned to March 8.

They are Bridon Joseph, Shemia Joseph,

(From left): Malcolm Polin and Mark Weeks are pictured here making their way to the Serious Offence Court in July 2016, to be formally charged in connection with causing the death of Kamau Jones.

Courtney Joseph, Andres Cuffy and Lennox Andrews, all of Vermont.

Attorney Grant Connell represented Pollin, while Weekes was represented by Moet Malcolm.

So far, two witnesses have testified for the prosecution.

Jarvis charged with murder, abduction ONE WEEK after former journalist and public relations consultant Junior Jarvis was remanded on charges of attempted murder, aggravated burglary and using a firearm to aid in the commission of an offence, he was back in court after being charged with murder, abduction and assault causing bodily harm.

The 44-year-old Redemption Sharpes man returned to the Serious Offences Court last Friday, February 24.

Jarvis has been charged with the murder of 39-year-old Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines employee Randy Lawrence. He is also charged with, by force compelled Arisha Pompey from her home at Arnos Vale, and assaulting Pompey causing actual bodily harm.

The offences were reportedly committed on February 14 at Arnos Vale.

Jarvis was not required to plead to the indictable charges when he stood before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, and was further remanded pending a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) slated for June 1.

He had initially appeared at the Serious Offences Court on February 16 after being charged with the attempted murder of Josette Smith of Arnos Vale, using a firearm to aid in the commission of an offence, and entering Junior Smith’s apartment as a Jarvis now trespasser, and at the has to time had with him a weapon of offence, to wit, answer to a charge of a gun. murder.

These offences were also reported to have occurred on February 14 and the charges were also laid indictably.

Jarvis had been arrested and subsequently slapped with the six charges following the February 14 (Valentines Day) shooting death of Lawrence.

Lawrence was reportedly shot around 7 a.m. An autopsy showed that he died from multiple bullet wounds.

Attorney Israel Bruce represented Jarvis in both Court appearances.

V St.Kitts/Nevis intensifies fight

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. 5.

Regional

against crime

2015 to 114 in 2016.

The other category showing a decrease was robberies - 65 in 2015 to 57 in 2016, a decrease of over 12 per cent.

Despite the rise in reported crimes, Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley said that the six point crime fighting plan police have been employing since late 2015 has been successful.

And he may have even more hope going forward, with the announcement last week by Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. The Honourable Timothy Harris, that the government will soon introduce several new technologies to aid the Police Force in its fight against crime.

In fact, the High Command of the police force, has already issued statements of welcome of St. Kitts and Nevis signed an the new agreement for the supply of CCTV technologies that can equipment with VIVOTEK, on bolster the December 14, 2016.

BASSETERRE, ST KITTS (WINN) – The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has recorded a whopping 56.8 per cent increase in crime in 2016, as compared to 2015.

This is according to statistics released by the Royal St. Kitts and Nevis Police Force last week, which show that the total number of reported crimes in 2016 was 1,643(including 31 homicides), compared to 2015 with 1,048 (including 28 homicides).

All but two categories of crime showed increases.

Woundings by firearms fell from 15 to 5, a decrease of 66%, while woundings by other means rose by 65%, from 69 in

prevention and reduction of crime in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Commissioner Queeley, speaking since the PM’s announcement, assured that his men and women will “continue the embrace of new technology,” including the roll out of the enhanced CCTV system providing for more coverage of our communities.

Officers were currently in the Republic of China (Taiwan), being trained in a “real world” dynamic environment on the use of this system.

Kittitians and Nevisians can also look forward to the use of Unmanned Air Assets (Drones) later this year to assist with the fight against crime.

Already in place in the twin island federation is a Crime Reporter App, which allows for interaction between citizens and the police for the reporting of crime, be it active, past, or future.

The app can be downloaded from the Google play or the Apple Store.

Queeley assured the public that the police force

Digicel entered the Caribbean market in 2001 in Jamaica, and has had the endorsement of internationally renowned personalities like Olympic Champion Usain Bolt.

Digicel to cut its global workforce St. Kitts and Nevis Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley is excited by the new technologies that will be employed to fight crime going forward. (Credit: SKN News) will continue to incorporate good forensic practices in building cases for prosecution, and praised the addition of Mr. Narace Ramnarine as the new head of the Forensic Services Unit, who he described as having had immediate impact with his leadership and management skills.

St. Kitts and Nevis is said to have a population of 44,000 occupying a combined land mass of 104 square miles. (Source: Caribbean 360 and PM Office-SKN)

Clinical trial of HIV vaccine begins in Cuba A THERAPEUTIC VACCINE aimed at reducing the viral load of patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), is currently in phase one of a clinical trial, in Cuba.

The trial will also feature studies of the safety of the vaccine.

According to Yayri Caridad Prieto Correa, a researcher from the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) here said that the nine patients involved in the trial did not show any adverse effects or toxicity, which is the main objective of the phase.

After preclinical studies in laboratory animals, and tests in the small group of humans, it was shown that the immune response of the organism is enhanced, thanks to the use of the vaccine, although Prieto Correa insisted on not creating false expectations.

She told the Cuban News Agency that this is a multi-year project, and will take time which will include testing phases with a greater

number of seropositives in which large-scale and comprehensive efficacy will be tested to determine whether or not to continue with its use.

Prieto Correa emphasised that the country’s scientific institutions, and in particular the CIGB, should keep the search for vaccine candidates against HIV among its research priorities, although prevention is still the main method of avoiding contagion.

She added that the goal is to replace the current tripartite therapy, combining several methods that prevent the development of HIV, highly effective because the retroviral inhibitors block the spread of the virus, but can cause collateral damage and force in some cases the suspension of the treatment for a time.

The proposal presented by Prieto Correa and a team of researchers at the first Congress BioProcess 2017, which takes place in Camaguey, shows signs of efficacy;, however

Scientists in Cuba keep the search for vaccine candidates against HIV among their research priorities, although prevention is still the main method of avoiding contagion. she noted that it does not cure the disease.

Its administration is carried out simultaneously through the mucosal route, with the use of spray and intramuscular vaccination, and it has been preliminarily verified that it diminishes the viral load in the CD8 cells.

According to the Cuban Ministry of Public Health, 31 years after the first case diagnosed in the country with HIV, transmission by blood and its derivatives and mother-tochild transmission were eliminated.

(Source: CMC & Radio Cadena Agramonte — Cuba)

THE GLOBAL WORKFORCE of Digicel is to be reduced by some 25 per cent over the next 18 months, beginning on March 1, Ash Wednesday.

This was announced by Colm Delves, Digicel Chief Executive Officer, last week Friday, and might have gone unheeded amidst the celebrations in those Caribbean countries served by Digicel, which would have been in the throes of their Pre-Lenten Colm Delves, Digicel Chief Executive carnivals.

Officer, announced Delves, in a 6-minute 48 second You Tube video, the workforce cut. told Digicel staff across its network that, “As such, the first step in this headcount reduction process will be the offer of an enhanced voluntary separation programme, which will open on March 1.”

Depending on the response of the separation programme,the Digicel CEO said, “We may have to look at other forms of headcount reduction;” but he assured employees that they would be kept updated, and promised that the company would “look after people as they leave the Digicel family.”

The cut in the workforce is expected to affect the company’s 6,500 full time employees, plus contractors and part-time workers in the Caribbean, Central America and in the Pacific.

The Irish-owned telecommunications group reported a six percent drop in revenue for September to December 2016, and said its debt had reached more than US$6 billion.

It blamed declining profits on currency weaknesses across several of its major markets, including Jamaica and Haiti.

The Irish Times reported that, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization rose one per cent to US$285 million on a constantcurrency basis, they fell when earnings from Haiti, Jamaica and other markets were translated into US dollars. The Jamaican dollar has depreciated by 11 percent against the US dollar over the past two years, while the Haitian gourde has fallen more than 40 percent.

The company has made a commitment to reduce its debt ratio to 4.5 per cent by March 2018, and the workforce cut is in keeping with this intention.

There was no indication from the company with respect of how the reduction in staff was going to be spread across Digicel’s global markets, creating a sense of anxiety among Caribbean employees.

There is not a high incidence of unionisation among Digicel workers across the company’s Caribbean operations, driving anxious workers in some territories to appeal to their respective governments for intervention on their behalf.

V Hundreds mourn Carlos ÂPaulÊ Adams 6. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Story and photos by Nelson A. King naking@verizon.net;

kingnaking210@yahoo.com

US CORRESPONDENT HUNDREDS OF VINCENTIANS, Caribbean and American nationals last Sunday evening paid their last respects to former Kingstown Park resident Carlos ‘Paul’ Adams, at a funeral service at his home church in Rahway, New Jersey.

Adams died on Feb. 17 after a prolonged battle with heart disease, during which time he underwent several surgeries, his wife, Merlina, formerly of Richland Park, told THE VINCENTIAN. Adams was 57.

Mourners at the Agape Family Worship Center described Adams, a St. Martin’s Secondary School alumnus, as loving, caring and compassionate, among other superlatives.

“Carlos, you invested so much in our lives,” said Adams’ sister-in-law, Dalleane McNichols, in her tribute. “I often thought of you walking me down the aisle, but I know you will be there in spirit.”

Church members pay tribute Members of the Agape

Media Group, of which Adams was a member, joined in the glowing tributes during the twohour-long service that was punctuated with lofty singing by the church’s choir and congregation, backed up by the church’s nine-member orchestra.

“Carlos was a great friend,” said Media Group member Tanya, who, like another member, Sonia, did not give her last name.

“Carlos always loved the Lord.”

Sonia, who joined the Media Ministry 23 years ago, said Adams will be “greatly missed.”

Another young member of the church, whose name was also not given, said he and Adams had “stories.”

“Those heart-to-heart conversations between me and you, I’ll never forget,” he said, looking at the flower-bedecked casket in front of the altar. “You were like a father to me.

Your summer barbecues, I will miss your hamburgers [laughter].

“You did a lot for me,” he added, reading from a smart phone. “I’m sorry I didn’t get to see you [before Adams expiry in the nearby hospital]. I wish I did.

“I’m hoping you’re fishing in Heaven,” continued the white

Carlos ‘Paul’ Adams.

Left: Carlos ‘Paul” Adams’ widow, Merlina, and their son, Emeka, during funeral service.

Brief Biography Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, disclosing that Carlos was the third member of the Adams family to go to the Great Beyond in the last 10 years. Their mother, Other sentiments Clementine Adams, died in the Bronx, New York Adams’ brother, Peter about seven years ago; Adams, one year Adams’ and the youngest brother, junior, who trekked from Martin, predeceased home for the funeral and Carlos at home. interment, said his The church’s senior brother “loved life.” pastor, the Rev. Dr. “The reality [of Adams’ Lawrence Powell, said death] didn’t hit me until I Adams was “a great man, see him [his body in the a wonderful father,” casket] here tonight,” said asking mourners to give the recently-retired Adams a standing ovation.

Station Sergeant in the They, un-hesitantly, mourner, alluding to Adams’ love of fishing.

“Catch a big fish for me,” his voice quivering, his eyes reddening, and tears flowing down his cheeks.”

reciprocated.

Rev. Powell said he had known Adams for 24 years, adding that he had officiated at the Adams’ wedding during that time.

“I am going to miss Carlos,” he said, while delivering the eulogy, turning to Adams’ widow, sitting in the second pew beneath the altar. “His life will continue to preach meaningful things.

“He was one when you saw him he was smiling,” he added. “He was an incredible man of God. I want to take the example of Carlos and make life better for me. Carlos was a man whose fingerprints are on this church.”

After reading the obituary, Noreena Bayard, another sister-in-law, said Adams had “fought a strong and courageous battle, never losing faith.”

Dr. Robert Barchi, president of Rutgers University, Piscataway, where Adams worked as a Student Loan Specialist, before he died, said in a statement, read during the acknowledgements, that the faculty, staff and students at the university were “deeply saddened” by Adams’ death.

“And we want you to know, you’re in our prayers,” said Dr. Barchi, who holds Ph. D and MD degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, referring to Merlina and the Adams’ son, Emeka, 24, who sat next to his mother throughout the service.

Dr. Barchi said Rutgers University was expected to honour Adams by flying the university’s flag halfstaff on Wednesday and Thursday.

Adams was born on Jul. 4, 1959 to Innis and Clementine Adams, of Kingstown Park. His parents predeceased him.

He attended the St. Mary’s Primary School in Kingstown, the Vincentian capital; and, after graduating from St. Martin’s Secondary School, he went on to university in Trinidad and Tobago, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business and accounting.

The obituary did not indicate the name of the university.

Adams’ first place of employment was at Y De Lima & Co. Ltd., in Kingstown, as an accountant for eight years.

He migrated to New York in 1986, working as a payroll supervisor at the non-profit Catholic Charities, then at the Jewish Board, followed by Morgan Library.

Adams met his “best friend” Merlina in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 1977. They later reconnected in the United States and were married in 1993.

Besides Merlina, Emeka and Peter, Adams is survived by two other children — Jumon and Jenique Adams in St. Vincent and the Grenadines; brother George Adams (in St. Vincent and the Grenadines); and sisters Bernice (in St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Hyacinth (in Barbados); and Judy and Charmaine (in the Bronx, New York).

He was interred Monday at the Forest Green Park Cemetery in Morganville, near Old Bridge, New Jersey.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. 7.

Politics

Star should have stayed IF IT WERE LEFT to the former Deputy Leader of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) Sir Vincent Beache, the star which was placed at the entrance to the control tower at the Argyle International Airport (AIA) would not have been removed.

Beache said on Sunday, during a rally to recognize Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves’ 23rd year as the Parliamentary Representative for North Central Windward, that in his opinion, sometimes the supporters of the party were not as constant, or “not as hard as we should be.”

This brought him to speak about the issue of the star, which was subsequently covered over last week.

There was some

controversy following the placement of a star - the political symbol of the ULPwithin the precincts of the Argyle Airport, just before the official opening of the facility.

“I didn’t want to bring it up, but to make a point, the star is the ULP symbol, red is our colour,” Sir Vincent Beache. .

“I wonder where all the opposition were all the years.

They didn’t know it was a national project?” he asked rhetorically.

The conversation, he said was raised during a private conversation with a friend, Sir Vincent explained, who put the notion to him that the star ought not to have been placed there.

But Sir Vincent said that he responded saying that

Gonsalves was prime minister and the ULP formed government as a result of politics.

“But then said after, let me ask you one thing, you forget that Mitchell changed the flag? What is most important, a star at the airport that we built or the flag?”

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves had issued a directive to Dr Rudy Matthias, CEO of the International Argyle Development Corporation, to cover the star, although he was aware that some supporters did not agree with him, because, Dr. Gonsalves explained then, he had insisted all along that the project was national and not political, and he wanted to end it that way.

The star in the concrete paving that was the centre of concern has since been removed.

“The people who tried to put politics into it were members of the opposition and others who were opposed to the building of the airport,” Gonsalves said.

“All the time they didn’t know the project was national,

is only when it was done, they know it national.”

However, regardless to if a star is there or not, Gonsalves was adamant that he and the ULP government will go down in history as being the ones who built the airport. (DD)

Embrace the next gen of leaders not be seeking beyond that point to remain as leader and prime minister, he said that he intended to linger around as area representative — “if the people wish me to stay on.”

But amidst the calls by supporters for him to do one more term as leader, Gonsalves said, “… I understand it (but) I want you to reflect on what I have said,” adding, “I know that I have been around as party leader since 1998; I know the attraction and loyalty that you have, but you have to begin to start thinking about the next Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has again given indication of his intention to demit the office generation of leaders.”

And in committing to being of Political Leader of the Unity Labour Party. around so to be of assistance to that next generation, Gonsalves SUPPORTERS of the Unity Labour Party promised, “I am not going anywhere.”

(ULP) will have to begin coming to terms And until such time as the and embrace the transition of leadership transition is effected, the political of the party. leader declared that he intended to be That is the indication given by his best to the people of the country. current Political Leader and Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, who Another change announced in Colonaire on Sunday night that it was likely that he will be And while Political Leader and sticking to plans to step down as the Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves head of the ULP by 2020, when the has made it clear his intention to step next General Elections are scheduled. down from that capacity by the time He was speaking on the occasion of the next General Elections are called, the 23rd anniversary of his becoming Senator Julian Francis, the Unity the Parliamentary Representative for Labour Party’s General Secretary, the constituency of North Central says that he is looking for a Windward. replacement for that office.

Although it is planned that he will

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While he says that he intends to be there when the next elections are called, and it is scheduled constitutionally by 2020, he would rather if a younger person can begin the process of understudy.

“There are some bright, creative

young men and women out there who I would love to coach during this four of five year period, to take them into the 2020 election and make sure they can carry it on in 2025 and 2030,” he said during an interview on Xtreme Radio on Wednesday. (DD)

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8. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. 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 Transition of leadership DR. RALPH GONSALVES has given notice, again, of his intention to demit the office of Political Leader of the Unity Labour Party (ULP), the political party that has occupied the seat of government in St. Vincent and the Grenadines since 2001.

It is perhaps instructive that we remind our readers that Dr. Gonsalves became Prime Minister after his party won the general elections of 2001.

In fact, the former University Lecturer and Lawyer was the first Prime Minister from what is a relatively recent political construction called the ULP. The ULP, readers will recall, was constructed out of a merger between the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Labour Party, led then by Vincent Beache, and the Movement for National Unity, led by Dr. Gonsalves.

Dr. Gonslaves entered the parliament of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 1994, winning the North Central Windward constituency in a political accommodation between his MNU and SVGLP, agreed upon to contest that year’s general elections.

The ULP that followed immediately after that year, was first led by Beache, with Dr. Gonslaves assuming political leadership of the party in 1998, after a ‘graceful’ handing over of authority by Beache.

Since then, Dr. Gonslaves has been both Political Leader of the ULP and Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

During his twenty-three years to date as an elected parliamentarian and his sixteen years as Prime Minister, Dr. Gonsalves has seen the birth of a new generation and has been, in great measure, responsible for its nurturing.

It follows, therefore, that when in 2017 Dr. Gonsalves reaffirms his intention to hand over the baton of leadership, he will do so for both offices.

And when he looks immediately around him for a possible successor, he will find that his closest aide is his cousin and general secretary - Julian Francis. But in his understanding of the dynamic nature of politics, he will understand that succession, in his case, does not include his closest aide — for reasons of age, temperament and the fact that Francis is no guarantee of a ULP hegemony.

He knows that after twenty-three years and the coming of a new generation, that any political party with its eyes on the future, will look forward, not sideways, and definitely not backwards.

And speaking of backwards, any hope of a return to semblance of the SVGLP faction within the ULP construction, has faded into the distant past, with the likes of the two superannuated knights, Sir Vincent Beache and Sir Louis Straker.

When it comes down to the real and honest deliberation, if any, on who is to succeed Dr. Gonsalves, the truth is that he will, effectively, determine the process and the outcome. There are indications, some subtle and sublime and some more covert, that he has done so already. Under guise of offering a choice, as any democratic process should allow, he has unleashed two young parliamentarians — Camillo Gonsalves, his son, and Saboto Caesar, both lawyers and ministers in the current ULP Administration, unto the sensibilities and psyche of the party faithful and the nation by extension.

There is little doubt that before the arrival of Camillo by way of the safe seat of East St. George, the energetic and dynamic Saboto was being positioned and, it seemed, had positioned himself into the realm of consideration as a successor to Dr. Gonslaves.

That Saboto has political tenure, a genuine if nor organic connection with people, a proven track record of involvement in people’s organizations, and a delivery record as a representative, is unquestionable.

And while Camillo cannot boast of this people-centre profile, what Saboto does not have that Camillo has, is the simple advantage of proximity to the Leader. That he is the flesh and blood of the leader cannot be erased from the landscape of variables that will be thrown up as determining factors.

Further, proximity has to do with Camillo portfolios in Government, which accord him an innermost working knowledge of Government while, it appears, Saboto is led out to pasture in fields that promise much but in which he suffers from want of genuine policy and practical support.

One, it seems, is destined to succeed, the other to fail.

But when it comes down to the nitty gritty of local politics, shouldn’t it be a question of who has paid the dues?

Leadership of the ULP might be a commodity that can be passed from one hand to the other. Leadership of a nation is not bequeathed to a single soul. It must be earned.

The AIA- A case of occidental nepotism BEAR WITH ME. I am now emerging from a self-imposed period of political hibernation. I needed some rest to recuperate from my own ailments which occurred at a time of intensive political turbulence.

Adrian Fraser’s favourite tune is that there is never a dull moment in Vincentian political life. In fact, what we are currently experiencing is exposure to a veritable battle for people’s minds, not merely their votes. Our way of life is on the cards.

Donkey years ago, philosophers ventured an explanation of the emergence of Kings and domineering leaders that arose in the East, and sprang up to deal with the social and economic circumstances of habitation in the great river-basins, like the TigrisEuphrates and especially, the Nile.

It was theorised by Wittfogel in a book Oriental Despotism that the vagaries of nature — floods and drought- necessitated an extremely tight and organised society headed by a strongman - better a king with an inheriting family to sort things out. One skylarked with nature to his peril. Hence the need for strict loyalty, even enforced workers called slaves, and virtually an ironclad chain of command, as there was originally in Egypt’s Nile Valley.

Russian communism arrived at a similar end using different routes. Ralph Gonsalves was an admitted communist for a great part of his own development. It can rationally be concluded that, for whatever reason, the latitude which it handed to the unquestioned leader was the main attraction. So when he became leader of ULP at the end of the 20th Century, through his messages to the people but, moreso, by his superb skill at party machinations and in fighting, he actually took power when Russian communism had faltered and the ideological conflict was in tatters.

In power in 2001, Ralph’s shrewd brain spotted that he badly needed to champion a project ostensibly in the country’s interest, but one which was difficult to procure and to which there might be some local opposition , for a multiplicity of reasons, but one around which in a vaunted two partysystem, the political opposition could be made to coagulate. It worked like a charm.

I have written of an issue in our early Parliamentary life where Joshua found it necessary to deny Mr. Sam Slater‘s claim that he supported Joshua’s progressive bill.

Similarly, Ralph indicated that the NDP was in total opposition to the scheme, while the NDP declared that their objection clearly related to the lack of accountability

and transparency into which the project was shrouded, and gave rise to the possibility of graft and corruption which they could not deal with, owing to a lack of integrity legislation and the government’s scant regard to the general rule of law.

On the other hand, the indefatigable Dr. Gonsalves literally moved mountains and shook governments left-right-and centre to obtain funding, whether by outright grants or easy loans or imaginative financial mechanisms to bring off his miraculous event.

Staggering and untold debts are left to be settled by the second and third generations, and now there are frenzied attempts to rationalise this mausoleum, built by Ralph. The people glory in their new international airport that ranks in the world of modernity and natural beauty.

More seriously, the airport is publicly nailed not only for the physical beauty of its setting, but also praised as the Heaven sent panacea to the country’s social and economic woes.

It seems that the election petition will be heard in St. Lucia on 7 March! This will be an open-and shut matter. Either the Appeal Court agrees with Justice Cottle that both matters perished on failing to follow faithfully some procedural steps, or that those electoral matters touching on the rights of the people were too fundamental to be overturned by what may be conceived as basically minor missteps.

In other words, the matters may close finally at St. Lucia or be returned to the High Court for a proper hearing on their merit.

It seems that all parties are preparing for elections, just in case. If this latter course becomes a reality, Dr. Gonsalves riding aloft will try to tie in his recordbreaking five in a row, with the International Airport as the glittering jewel on his star.

The opposition NDP, under the leadership of quartet Friday, Leacock, Matthews and Cummings, will call for change, inspired by Arnhim Eustace offering his active backing. But for the luckless Linton Lewis, it really is the dream team all over again!

In fact, Arnhim is creating his own precedent. I am yet to hear of another person who gave up the leadership after never having lost in five parliamentary outings, still continue to be working diligently with the partly as an ordinary floor-member.

Continued on Page 22.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. 9.

Letters

AIA without Thanks, Prime Minister!

Thanks, Venezuela! airlines

GNR KADMIEL MCFEE, war veteran, two Iraq medals 1 Clasp, UN medal, professional paratrooper, economist, is calling on PM Ralph E Gonsalves to terminate all flights at the AIA so as to avoid any chance of a mishap.

Even in the best of weather at Argyle, aircrafts taking off are compelled by unpredictable winds coming over Peruvian Vale, to turn right immediately during the climbing of the aircraft.

Flights to Barbados are compelled to head south towards the Grenadines then turn east.

Further, throughout any given day, aircraft are compelled to change take off direction. There is no fixed take off direction at the AIA. I must testify that I witnessed the landing and taking off of two different aircrafts at the AIA. In each case, there was room for concern.

In the case of a LIAT aircraft, it appeared to have encountered difficulty landing, and appeared to have had to brake heavily. That the pilot was struggling with the landing was confirmed by other pilots.

In the case of the take-off of the Easy Sky aircraft which landed here on Friday 14 February 2017, it appeared to have to use immense power to maintain its lift.

I call on PM Gonsalves to disclose/publish the usability factor assessment of the AIA and the type of licence granted, if any.

And as far as the use of the airport is concerned, any sane person would agree that an AIA without international flights is an AIA that should never have been built.

Kadmiel McFee

Medical effects of noise

IT HAS BEEN encouraging to see so many letters and op-ed pieces written about the recent escalating levels of noise pollution in SVG. While most of the articles on the subject have concentrated on the psychological effects of noise, especially from extremely loud music, let us not forget about the physiological harm that continuous exposure to noise can do. Hearing loss, of course, tops the list. This in itself is a serious matter, in that there is no cure for deafness. Once the hearing cells die, they do not re-generate.

However, hearing loss is not the only health effect. According to Professor Mathias Basner, secretary of the International Commission of the Biological Effects of Noise, social noise exposure poses a serious threat to public health.

Noise has been associated with sleep disturbance, cognitive impairment in children, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. This research has been published in The Lancet.

Basner states that noise can function as an unspecific stressor on the body. Prolonged periods of unwanted noise can cause the body to release stress hormones like adrenaline, and can negatively affect blood hormones like cholesterol, which, in the long run, may lead to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Epidemiological studies suggest that the risk for cardiovascular disease rises 5 to 15 percent at every 10-decibel increase.

Clearly there is a need to increase awareness about the dangers of noise, and as such, noise laws should be vehemently enforced.

Can a country whose medical system is already strained by the epidemic of hypertension and other metabolic diseases, handle these additional health challenges?

Ivona Bradley

THE VENEZUELANVincentian Friendship Association ( VENVIFA) with our main objective of promoting “the most extensive and mutually beneficial relationships of friendship, co-operation, solidarity and support among the peoples of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in the context of unity and integration of the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean”, congratulates Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves and the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the opening of the Argyle International Airport (AIA), and pledges our support of its productive successful operation.

At our recent Biennial Meeting, we expressed our deep appreciation of the steadfast support of the AIA by the government and the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and noted the following concrete manifestations of such support: 1. Commitment: Clearly, the point of

departure is the solidary commitment, captured in the now iconic words of Commandante Hugo Chavez Frias at the June 2005 meeting with PM Gonsalves and Commandante Fidel Castro Ruz, “Well, Fidel, if you say we have to build the airport for Ralph, we will build the airport. Venezuela will help.”

2. Personnel: Within weeks (September 2005) of the June decision, Venezuelan engineers and technicians were at Argyle to conduct topographical, soil and wind studies. Maria Leon, a soil engineer who worked at Argyle, died in a plane-crash in Venezuela. Later, many Venezuelans (including equipment operators) worked at the AIA in the famous Chatoyer- CheChavez Contingent which P.M Gonsalves described as “the backbone of the workforce”.

3. Equipment: Venezuela provided some 50 pieces of equipment valued at EC$30 million–- bulldozers (6),

motor scrapers (2), frontend loaders (3), dumptrucks (9), motor graders (3), water-trucks (3), wagon drill (1), backhoes (2), hydraulic excavators (3),bus (1), jeep (1), trucks (5), fuel, mechanic, service, administrative (2), compressor (1), oxicut outfit (1), welding unit (1), jacks (2), wind/weather stations (3), plus other assorted items and spare parts.

4. Finance: “One-third of the ($700 million) which built this airport came from the Government of Venezuela, Petrocaribe and ALBA Bank”, Prime Minister informed at the February 14th opening.

Some $121million was borrowed from ALBA’s Solidarity Fund, and $74million from Petrocaribe.

5. Visits: Argyle was visited by two Venezuelan Presidents: Hugo Chavez (2007) and Nicholas Maduro (2015), a Vice- President , Jorge Arreaza (2015), and two Foreign Affairs Ministers, Elias Jaua (2014) and Delcy Rodriguez (2015).

Minister Jaua returned as Vice- President to deliver greetings at the February 14th AIA opening.

For such manifestations of extensive solidarity, we in VENVIFA say “MUCHISIMAS GRACIAS”, and pledge our own support of the transformative work of the Maduro administration in Venezuela.

In the words of our motto “Tu sangre es mi sangre” (“Your blood is my blood”).

Mike Browne (President – VENVIFA)

Dancehall music is no different I SEE WHERE the old debate about dancehall music and how much it contributes to crime and violence in the region, has raised its head again.

The debate has always been here with us in Vincy Land, even though it has got somewhat quiet in recent times.

However, the debate is once again raging in Jamaica — the home of dancehall — and it wouldn’t be long before, as usual, we jump on the bandwagon.

You know, I want to say that dancehall is no

different from any other art form, and that it will evolve like others.

We must realise that dancehall is no different from the old artists who, when they refused to follow the norms of their time, were castigated.

An art form, as I see it, will reflect the society in which it finds itself.

It will reflect the good, bad and indifferent.

If we accept that, then we should not be putting down dancehall as a contributor to violence and crime. Rather, we should be looking at what is breeding in

society that encourages a certain type of dancehall music.

Dancehall music is a product of society, and if it reflects violence, it is only because our society has become increasingly

violent.

So, come off the back of dancehall and let us begin to look inwards at ourselves — our society.

TB

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10. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The AIA, a dilemma for the NDP

Introduction THE OFFICIAL opening of the international airport at Argyle, and the outpouring of support for the project, the ULP and Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, have created a dilemma for the opposition New Democratic Party, and its leader, Loraine Friday. Over the last three weeks, the NDP has been scrambling to find a strategic response to the smooth change over, as the flight activities at the ET Joshua airport moved over to Argyle.

Indeed the NDP now finds itself up the creek without a paddle, not sure where to turn. Having lied to their supporters, having fooled a number of them, by saying that the construction of the airport project was impossible, and that the wind factor would prove to be the downfall of the project, they are now faced with the prospect of eating “humble pie”, in large doses.

The estimates are that close to fifteen thousand supporters of the NDP, visited Argyle to attend the official opening ceremony. Their applause was long and loud as they listened to the various speakers. They had nothing but admiration as they witnessed the landings of the charter jets out of Toronto and New York.

And they asked themselves, “Why did our party oppose such a project”?

The answer to this question came as another lie from the NDP. Their new leader, Lorraine Friday, claimed that the NDP always supported the project, but that they wanted certain fears addressed. Nothing could be further from the truth. All the members of the opposition, without exception, in parliament, poured “scorn” on the international project at Argyle. They opposed it at every turn.

They were critical at every opportunity, and they engage in a system of lies and half truths, all aimed at creating doubts in the minds of Vincentians.

The Dilemma Given the overwhelming support coming from Vincentians at home and abroad, the opposition NDP now finds itself between a rock and a hard place.

With their eternal nasty campaign against the AIA, they now have to explain to their supporters, how this change of heart came about. How did they go from calling the construction of the project the worst thing in the world, to now state that the project will be very successful?

That’s the dilemma facing the NDP. Vincentians are experiencing the AIA, flocking to the site even after the official opening, to see the planes land and take off. They are seeing with their own eyes that the runway is safe, that the wind factor does not affect the operations of the airport, that the terminal building is one of the best in the region.

They hear the expressions of joy and pride coming from the Vincentians who returned here on the charters from New York and Toronto, creating history. They see the arrivals of the jets from Havana and Caracas, and they ask themselves, have we been fooled by the NDP? Many of

them are looking at the leadership of the NDP in a different light, with more skepticism, and more doubt, no longer willing to believe the lies and half truths they are hearing. Their conscious thought is that “this is our airport, is we who build it, and is we have to make it work, so we have to be proud”.

All over the region, people are talking about the feat achieved by the country, against all odds. We have completed a task that many leaders have talked about for 40 years, and no one had the vision to lead us to this dream - the completion of an international airport at Argyle, and such an airport! The Barbados Nation newspaper in an editorial last week quoted as follows “It is the account of great vision, loyal friends, purposeful self-reliance and dogged determination. The people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines deserve to fully enjoy the fruit of these wonderful human attributes”.

The way forward All Vincentians must now support the Argyle International airport. All Vincentians must now disregard the dirty nasty campaign that the NDP is still conducting on the airport project.

All Vincentians must now join with the Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Agriculture and other related organisations, who are planning to bring business to the country, by using the airport.

The NDP has nothing good to offer the people of this country. You will remember that one of their strong supporters, Doug King Howard of New York, wanted one of the chartered flights to crash at the AIA. To date, there has been no public response from the NDP, showing disapproval for this dastardly suggestion. We cannot forget that another of their supporters, Luzette King, on face book a few years ago wanted a tsunami to wash away the airport. To date, there has been no public condemnation by the opposition NDP, of this evil and wicked statement.

It is a joy to behold a people casting off the old order of negativity and learned helplessness, and embracing the immense possibilities of a new dispensation, even in the face of the restraining hand of limitations.

Faith was renewed, among the people, and they resolved to explore, with energy, the construction of the Argyle International Airport.

Over the years, we as a nation will buckle down with the hard work of making this facility work for us, increasing our job creation and the provision of wealth for our nationals, both at home and abroad. Argyle, beautiful historic Argyle, is our St. Vincent and the Grenadines, our beloved homeland. It is a gift of love to us from the Divine Giver of all treasures. It is especially for our young people and their future.

Media Statement by Dr. the Honorable Godwin Friday, President of the New Democratic Party, March 1, 2017 I AM PLEASED to state here today that the New Democratic Party, having refreshed its leadership and deepened its mandate for change, has its eyes set on a new Vincentian reality and a future of boundless possibilities of and for our people.

What has not changed, however, is the poor state of our economy and the hardship people and businesses are currently enduring. After 16 years in power, the status quo has become stale, reactionary, petty and bitter.

That status quo now depends on a policy of divide and rule to maintain its tenuous hold on power, using the largesse of the state to fatten its most loyal supporters, while the rest of the people get only the crumbs that fall from their corruptibles.

I believe we can do much better than we are doing now. However, our priority must be the people. Put another way, government must always put our people first– all the people. That is why we continue to call not just our traditional supporters, but people who have grown disenchanted by the culture of divisive politics that has developed under the ULP and yearn for a better day when we all come together to build our country as one nation, one people, one vincy.

When we put our people first, we see more clearly that projects are important only to the extent that they improve people’s lives. This involves first and foremost providing jobs, especially for our young people trying to start their careers. It means creating a business climate that fosters entrepreneurship and investment and rewards both, irrespective of political coloration. It means giving farmers the support they need so that they will feel confident to cultivate their lands again. In short, it means putting the country back to working rebuilding our economy. In so doing, we can transform St. Vincent and the Grenadines into one of the most prosperous countries in the region, and this is my mandate, this is our goal as the New Democratic Party, nothing less.

Elections, Sir Louis Straker, Mr. Montgomery Daniel and the Attorney General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines) filed applications in the Court to have the petitions struck out on the basis that they had not met the requirements of section 58(1)(b) and (c) of The Representation of the People[s1] Act and Rule 9 of the House of Assembly (Election Petition Rules) 2014 which set out the procedure and conditions for providing security for costs.

The application to strike out the petitions was heard before Justice Brian Cottle on the 4th March, 2016.

At that hearing, the Petitioners’ lawyers made a preliminary objection to the application on the basis that the Court lacked jurisdiction to hear it at that stage of the petitions proceedings. Despite the objections of the lawyers for our candidates, the Judge proceeded to hear the application to strike out the petitions.

In a written decision delivered on the 4th day of April, 2016, Justice Cottle ultimately agreed with our candidates’ lawyers and ruled that the petitions could not be struck at that stage of the proceedings. However, unusually, went on further to state that if the application to strike out the petitions were raised again , later, during the hearing of the petitions on their merits, it was bound to succeed.

When the petitions came before Justice Cottle for hearing on the 16th June 2016, the motion to strike out the petitions was again brought by the Respondents. The motion was granted (as Justice Cottle had previously said would happen) and the petitions were struck out. Mr. Exeter and Mr. Baptiste appealed against that decision striking out their petitions. After much delay and despite the efforts of the lawyers for Mr. Exeter and Mr. Baptiste to have the appeal heard earlier, the appeal will finally be heard next Tuesday March 7, 2017.

The Elections Petitions Appeal After the arguments are presented by the lawyers for both sides in the The appeals in the elections matter on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, it petitions filed by Mr. Benjamin Exeter will be up to the Court of Appeal to and Mr. Lauron Baptiste, will be decide whether Justice Cottle was heard by the Court of Appeal on right or wrong to strike out the March 7, 2017. The hearing will take petitions. place in St. Lucia. The lawyers We are confident that our representing Mr. Exeter and Mr. Petitioners cases are strong and that Baptiste will be Mr. Stanley John, the Court will grant the appeal and QC, Mrs. Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, Mr. overturn Justice Cottle’s decision.

Keith Scotland and Ms. Maia Eustace. Should the Court grant the appeal, They, along with Mr. Exeter and Mr. the petitions will then be able to Baptiste, will travel to St. Lucia on proceed to a hearing on their merits Monday, March 6, 2017 for the before a judge in the High Court. We hearing. As President of the New believe that, based on the law and the Democratic Party, I will also be evidence in the cases, our candidates present at the hearing.

Mr. Exeter and Mr. Baptiste will win As you know, following the General their legal battle.

Elections held in St. Vincent and the The New Democratic Party fully Grenadines on the 9th December supports Mr. Exeter and Mr. Baptiste 2015, two of the candidates for the in their efforts to see that justice is New Democratic Party, Mr. Exeter done for the people of Central and Mr. Baptiste, filed petitions Leeward and North Windward, and by challenging the election results in extension, for the people of the Central Leeward and North country as a whole. Democracy in St. Windward constituencies, Vincent and the Grenadines is on trial respectively. As required by the in this case. Therefore, it is vitally legislation governing elections important that it be pursued petitions, recognizances were signed resolutely and be decided by the Court by persons intending to be sureties to without further delay. It has been a provide security for costs on behalf of long and frustrating battle for justice, the petitioners, so that the petitions but we will see it through to the end, could proceed. and by the grace of God, Mr. Exeter The Respondents in the matters, and Mr. Baptiste will prevail and we (i.e. the relevant Returning Officer, will have fresh elections in this Presiding Officer, the Supervisor of country.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. 11.

Views

Playing the Dysfunctional Card (Pt 1 of 2)

“My advice to other disabled people would be, concentrate on things your disability doesn’t prevent you doing well, and don’t regret the things it interferes with. Don’t be disabled in spirit as well as physically.” Dr. Stephen Hawking (born 1942) English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, author and Director of Research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology within the University of Cambridge.

THE HEADING FOR THIS WEEK’S article could quite easily be interpreted in at least two ways. In the first instance, it can imply that persons who consider themselves to be dysfunctional (mentally, physically, or emotionally challenged) could “play that card” and be on the lookout for sympathy and/or handouts.

However, it could also focus on those persons who are conscious of the fact that they possess some form of dysfunction or disability, but are still prepared to play with that card in the game of life – making something beautiful of their lives and enriching the experiences of those around them. This article focuses on the latter interpretation.

It is often interesting to listen to persons who give up the pursuit of a noble dream, claiming that life has presented them with a “bad hand”.

The image that this conjures up, is that we are playing a game of cards and must use what we have been shared. Using that analogy, we could easily understand that we are all presented with different “hands” to play. There are some who receive no hands (real hands, that is) at birth.

They are born, knowing that they will never be able to use hands to hold a pen, comb their hair, brush their teeth, and so on. However, we are encouraged by the many who refuse to blame life for their circumstances, and fade into nothingness and a life of dependency. They may not have hands, but they use their feet to do what hands were designed to do. They play their dysfunctional card. They know that disability is not synonymous with inability. They are just “differently abled”.

Amelia and Phocomelia are extremely rare congenital disorders that result in the malformation of limbs or the complete lack of limbs. In the past, children born with missing limbs and/or other debilitating disorders were locked away and denied any semblance of a normal life.

However, as our society becomes more enlightened and technology advances, we become more exposed to the exceptional talents that these individuals develop as they write, paint, wash, and perform chores around their homes. We readily discover that even though life may have shared them a “bad hand” by having no hands, they seem to develop unusual dexterity with their feet and sharpness of their minds. Many excel at academic and other pursuits.

A friend recently shared a video on Facebook that showed a gentleman who had no hands but was still able to write and draw with his feet. In addition, he could use a saw to cut wood and to make wooden toys as a means of sustaining a livelihood. It was truly amazing to observe his exceptional skill as he used his toes and feet to saw through pieces of wood; performing tasks that many able-

bodied individuals will be challenged to accomplish. His determination was mind-boggling.

The Daily Mail Online featured an article on May 6, 2016 highlighting the accomplishment of Anaya Ellick (a seven-year-old from Virginia, United States of America) who was born without hands but won the handwriting competition (beating fifty of her able-bodied peers). She received the Award for Excellence in Manuscript Penmanship. It is interesting to note that she taught herself to write, holding the pencil between her two arms (not having any fingers).

Several years ago, this In Touch column featured an article about the Trinidadian-born student, Veera Bhajan, who was born without arms.

Encouraged by her parents and other concerned adults, she excelled at primary and secondary school levels.

She eventually graduated from the University of the West Indies with a law degree and now practises law in Trinidad and Tobago. Her life story reminds us that disability is certainly not inability; we can succeed in life, regardless of our circumstances, when we have a determination and the right attitude to do so. It was no wonder that the people of Trinidad and Tobago voted her the Express Individual of the Year in 2006.

Isaiah Bird, a nine-year-old without legs, is another outstanding individual whose life is a shining example of what can be accomplished when we are determined to play in the game of life with the cards that we have been dealt to us. He is featured on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gi 08UbsopU). Isaiah has not had an easy life. In addition to being born with a birth defect that resulted in him being born without legs, he lives in a homeless shelter that is managed by a church in Glen Cove, New York, USA. His mother and younger brother also reside there. His father has had several encounters with the law and has spent several years in prison.

However, this youngster is not daunted by the cards that life has served him.

He provides ample evidence that having no legs and living in a shelter should not be excuses for not engaging in sports and other “normal activities”.

Encouraged by a caring coach and mentor, Miguel Rodriguez, he is actively involved in wrestling. This energetic youngster finds strength on the wrestling mat as he dislodges and overpowers opponents who, unlike him, have both legs. He is now considered one of the better wrestlers in New York for his age division.

This topic will be considered incomplete if we neglected to consider the outstanding accomplishments of individuals whose “normal lives” were shattered by accident and/or disease, but persisted to accomplish great feats.

We continue the journey in next week’s article as we gain inspiration from the lives of individuals who experienced severe tragedies but rebounded to play the dysfunctional card.

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

The assault on reason “Error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.”

Thomas Jefferson “IN AN ENVIRONMENT conducive to criticism and self criticism, steel is supposed to sharpen steel. However, where the free and open discussion of issues is discouraged or choked out of existence, the mind becomes fossilized, and stagnation and disintegration take hold.” Ho Chi Minh, President, North Viet Nam speaking to academics and intellectuals.

“Man, once surrendering his reason, has no remaining guard against absurdities the most monstrous, and like a ship without rudder, is the sport of every wind.” Thomas Jefferson.

“No passion so effectually robs the mind of all its powers of acting and reasoning as fear.” Edmund Burke.

The plain truth is that politics is choking off open discussion in SVG. It is not that our people are not talking. We are speaking more than ever before. The sad truth is that most of our conversations on major issues of life and death, the past, present or future, are premised on which side of the political divide we stand. Politicians encourage, aid and abet this assault on reason.

This is an unfortunate state of affairs because there is so much more that can be said on an issue, without even mentioning the governing party or the opposition. We can discuss critical issues affecting or impacting on our lives without turning the issue into a political football. This is why in the more developed countries or even at the campuses of the University of the West Indies, issues are researched. They may be adopted by politicians and implemented as government policy, but the key is that the policy was not driven by the political party.

Not so in SVG. A few years ago, a leading politician chided me for wanting to have solutions oriented policy neutral discussion that was absolutely devoid of politics. In his view, there was no clear difference between policy and politics.

They were one and the same, he said.

Many persons, on either side of the political aisle, probably share those views.

However, such shortsightedness holds back our country. Such thinking blocks the emergence of new and creative ideas. That school of thought demands that some of our brightest minds go along just to get along. This forced unity of mind and opinion is amazingly pervasive and damaging. In private conversations with persons from both sides of the political fence, sometimes cogent and reasoned views are articulated as to why they may disagree with this or that view of their party, but dare not present it in public for fear that it may get back to someone of influence and authority.

This cannot be good for our emerging and developing polity. Some say that they like a weak or weakened opposition because it means the ULP will remain in power longer. I will love the ULP, with its people-centered policies, to remain in office, once it continues to deliver; but I am absolutely certain that all ULP politicians will be forced to hone their craft and improve their ‘game’, if there is an opposition that is meaningfully demonstrating heft in all areas of national life.

The most unfortunate development in SVG since independence, is the emergence of the ULP and NDP as the

two most important institutions in Vincentian society. The organizations are much more powerful than the churches and schools, parents and teachers. Everything and everyone run through them for authentication and validation.

Here’s why this development is damaging our country. A judge makes a reasoned decision and, depending on how it goes, different sides break down along political lines either trashing or supporting it. Worse, some will join in the melee without knowing the facts or bothering to read what the judge of high training and long years of experience said.

A minister of Government announces a plan to clean up Kingstown. Although we all agree that Kingstown needs a face lift, the conversation breaks down along partisan lines. A business man claims he is targeted and, without a bit of evidence, one side of the divide joins in the chorus that he is indeed being targeted. The converse is all true.

Without weighing the facts, many supporters of the government declare that there is no way such a claim could be true.

During the budget presentation for 2016, the PM announced taxes on cooking oils, (not coconut oil), milk and sugar. He premised the increases on the basis that life style diseases were murdering us because of our bad eating habits. You would think that opposition politicians will at least bow to the fact that diabetes, hypertension, strokes and heart ailments are killing us in record numbers, and join the refrain which attempts to swear people off these products.

No, sir. We take the political easy street. Gonsalves is nicknamed ‘Doctor Salt’. Government is killing the poor with taxes, screams the elected opposition, thus reinforcing the ignorance of the populace. Similarly, those supporting the government will not offer a shade of difference with what the government proposed in its budget, because it is said such expression of difference lends succor to the other side.

The school of thought that is most attractive is the one which says sunlight is the best disinfectant there is. This school proclaims that steel sharpens steel and inevitably leads to enlightenment. The institute that reminds us that nothing is settled for all times, that what may be true today may fade into falsehood tomorrow, is well recommended.

Success breathes arrogance and disdain for other views. But it is the most successful who must constantly look back and delve into ways to make her work better. If we don’t do constant introspection, in the end our only arsenal will comprise of the destructive language of negative labeling, irrational fear mongering, smear and the violence of ‘lick up.’

If we keep this up, this refusal to look critically at all things before jumping on a band wagon, SVG will forever remain an intellectual wasteland.

This piece, with slight modifications, appeared exactly one year ago.

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

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12. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Digital schools under a Green government to modernise education in SVG IN THE EARLY 1940S, the British government phased out the use of slates in schools in SVG and introduced the use of paper books. The world has moved on significantly since then, and it is time to phase out paper books in SVG, and bring in digital schools.

The Leader of SVG Green Party, Ivan O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, says that a Green government would modernise the SVG education system and phase in digital schools with no paper books, using instead electronic books and other online educational materials.

Already, millions of children across the world are taught in digital schools.

The cost is much less for parents, as there are no books to buy and all children have access to all the books they need, as they are electronic and free. At present, many children from poor families miss out on educational books, because their parents cannot afford them. With digital schools, children of the poor and the disadvantaged will benefit significantly, and obtain a high level of education.

In digital schools, students are

connected either through a free tablet or laptop to the school’s electronic library, and have access to all the textbooks needed for any class. The software also includes all sorts of notetaking and interactive features, and offers children a whole new way of doing homework and studying.

A Green government will provide free wi-fi internet in all primary schools, secondary schools and colleges throughout the country, to facilitate the introduction of digital schools in SVG, and so that all children can have internet access at home. This significant educational strategy would be coupled with free education from pre-school to university.

In digital schools, teachers can show a page from a digital book on an interactive whiteboard in the class and send students links to digital learning plans, assignments or a particular math problem, with the teacher’s notes added in. In some of these digital schools, students have access to the Gutenberg online library which has more than 42,000 free digital books in English.

Updating the education system in SVG is crucial to provide our children with modern, high-quality education and high-quality skills training for all our people, to help eradicate illiteracy and inequality. The gap between the poor and the rich in SVG is large, and this perpetuates poverty, as poorer children have less access to paper books.

The world, and information, change at a faster pace nowadays.

Consequently, paper books are often outdated as soon as they are printed; but with online books, children will always have up-to-date information.

Minneapolis’ Benilde-St. Margaret’s School in the United States, scrapped the 5,000 paper books in its library, but the space is proving to be more useful than ever – digitally. Now, the library is a space where children come together for creative learning.

Students do research through online databases like Gale and ProQuest, and get help from math and literacy coaches. Benilde’s venture comes after Barack Obama called on schools to embrace digital textbooks by 2017 as it

saves money.

The point to be emphasised here, is that our economy must be driven by a highly-skilled workforce, so that our country can attract foreign investment. A bigger input in education has a positive correlation, creating a bigger output for our economy. Also, our children will have a much better chance of getting highlypaid jobs anywhere in the world.

Under mass tourism, we are being swamped by white migrants taking over our country and turning our grandchildren and great-grandchildren into third class citizens. Our children are having their future stolen and their opportunities for highly-paid jobs stolen too.

Digital schools and free wi-fi internet are needed in SVG to give our children a better quality of life and a higher standard of living.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org Find us on Facebook and Twitter

They have been disloyal to the people

I HAVE SERIOUS concerns with the increase in the VAT to 16%, as was enacted by our parliament recently, because when the VAT was introduced some years ago, I had the painful experience of having to pay more for callaloo and plantains every week, when I had no additional income.

Because of that tax, the cost of living went up dramatically, as every trader was then forced to adjust his prices upwards, to meet his own additional expenditure.

A few months into the implementation of that first VAT, we were told by the Prime Minister, that the Government had realized thirty million dollars more than they had projected. That was within the first half of the year, so one had thought that they would have adjusted the tax downwards; but they did not, and there is evidence that we have been reckless in the way we have been using our resources.

A very worrying factor is the extent to which we have been crippling ourselves by neglecting the development of our agriculture and fisheries sectors, the areas in which we have been relatively successful for decades, and we could multiply by several times our output, if we employed more scientific systems, many of which are not beyond our immediate capabilities, so we can do that successfully!

indigent, seemingly unaware that their neglect of agriculture and fishing sectors, is to a large degree Indicators of Economic responsible for the It seems to me that the decline debate on the prudence of the strangulation of the economy, thus frustrating the people There are some important large expenditure on the who had for generations been Argyle airport at this time, indicators which we ought to will continue for several look at very seriously. Our disposed to working hard and conscientiously, to provide for decades as the realities unemployment levels have the welfare of their families. confront us and as our been high for some extended The ULP seem to feel that emotionalism subsides. It may period. New business ventures “harping back” to the shortwell be found that a parallel have not been significant comings and indiscretions of effort at improving our enough to offset the lay-offs the NDP during their stint in productive capacity would from the closure of older government, is sufficient to have brought much more long- businesses, which has been lasting, intimately impactful quite significant over the last induce exoneration from their and more broadly spread twelve to fifteen months. As a own betrayal of the people, in the dishonouring of the benefit throughout the result, there are hundreds of pledges they had made to the community. students who, after people, on the strength of Surely, none of us will successfully completing their which they had won the dispute that there has been secondary and even tertiary mandate to govern this land for some time, the obvious level courses, can find no in 2001. placement in the job market. need for the significant improvement of air access for This situation has been very our people; but it is recklessly frustrating for those families! When banana bonanza Yet the people in irresponsible to burden the When often I hear these government do not seem to next generations of the days of “zero hunger” citizens of our land, without understand that the initiative, no child left behind, underlying reason for the leaving them with a solid education revolution, working closures and lay-offs, is the production base, strong harder and smarter, cusp of enough to allow them to crippled economy. Everybody economic take-off, my mind knows now that the service those debts we are goes back to the 1980s and government has wrecked the leaving them to repay.

1990s, when tons of bananas Those of us who, agriculture sector. Their preoccupied by ego driven mismanagement of the sector which were not suitable for excursions, and those of us has been clearly exhibited and export to the UK, used to be who seem now to be settled in documented in their handling dumped at places like ‘Sally Spring’, where needy citizens indifference to our societal of the banana industry, and responsibilities, will surely be their ineptitude, regarding the of the area could pick up two or three sacks for their regarded as the authors of any matter of our regional trade families; that went a long way unrest which this country has been painfully obvious. in keeping their pots on the could experience, when the The leadership speak fire. Even at the ‘buying dissatisfied people of that age condescendingly of “zero depots’ throughout the state, seek redress. There is the hunger”, and addressing the non-farmers were to be seen possibility that those painful needs of the jobless and the collecting sacks of rejected

The next generation’s burden

times may not be as far away as we think.

fruit. In effect, they were subsidized by the banana farmers who had satisfying reward, while providing the conduit for the weekly in-flow of precious foreign exchange to fortify our economy. Farmers, even then, had been contributing to “zero hunger” in our land!

These days, our fishermen have been effectively shut out from the benefits of exploiting our share of the rich resources of the Atlantic Ocean. In this the 21st century our fishermen, having inherited the tradition from their forebears, should be enjoying the opportunities to advance themselves and provide for their families. It is a right and privilege which seems to be clearly inferred by the language of our constitution.

Yet our governments have been accommodating the plundering of our share of the resources of the Atlantic Ocean by the Taiwanese, to whom they have given all of our quota of licences to fish in the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, our own people who have had the desire, zeal and capability, have been for many years deprived of those rights and privileges, and this is a contributing factor to the socio-economic malaise now plaguing SVG. That seems to me to represent a disloyalty akin to reason!

LeRoy Providence

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. 13.

Education

Joshua Harry wins writing competition of the primary schools in the country. Of the total “WRITTEN participation, forty-four COMMUNICATION is one of were girls and nine, the key skills taught in boys. schools, but it is also one By the law of of the areas with which averages, it would seem students struggle. Writing that it would have been a calls us to pull from all of foregone conclusion that the faculties we have the winner would come developed: organizing, from among the females. thinking on our feet, and That was not to be. other 20th century skills Ten-year-old Joshua we have nurtured. A Harry of the Kingstown competition calls for even Preparatory School, more than these, as there among the youngest of is no opportunity for all competitors, walked researching and so on.” away with the top These were the position, and in the sentiments expressed by process, gained for Mrs. Aldia Dyer, Senior himself a medal, a Education Officer, certificate, a trophy, a Curriculum, at the chrome book, and a bag commencement of the of Hodder paraphernalia.

Prize Giving Ceremony For his school, he won a of the Ministry of trophy.

Education Hodder Grade Like the other 6 Writing Competition, students, Joshua wrote held at Frenches House an essay in the first on Thursday 23rd round, and was one of February. ten students selected for The competition, the finals, which was according to Mrs. conducted on the Elizabeth Austin, morning of the Prize Education Officer in the Giving Ceremony. The Language, Literacy and finalists, in addition to Communication Harry, were: Kristy Department at the DaSilva - Richland Park Curriculum Unit, began SDA; Annique Patterson on January 6th, 2017 -Calliaqua Anglican; and saw increased Genevieve McMaster participation among Windsor Primary; schools. A total of fiftyJaydealeah Chambers three schools entered Barrouallie Government; competitors (one per Maleeka Providence school), representing 80% Gomea Methodist;

by GLORIAH…

Brenell Joseph Kingstown Anglican; Cody Bartley - Fitz Hughes Government; Ronece Robertson Belmont Government; and Jolece Yammie Calder Government School.

The finalists had four scenarios from which to choose one on which to write a composition expository, narrative, persuasive, or descriptive — in fifty minutes: In addition to the first prize, awards were given for the best writer in each category of the finals. Annique Patterson won the best Descriptive Award; Genevieve McMaster won the Best Persuasive; Jaydealeah Chambers, Best Narrative; and Cody Bartley, Best Expository Award.

Coming in second position behind Joshua was Kristy Da Silva, with Jolece Yammie placing third.

In outlining the sponsoring body’s opinion on the contest, Mr. Byron Wilson, local representative of Hodder Publisher told the ceremony, “Hodder is pleased to partner with the Ministry of Education,” adding, “Hodder welcomes the improvement in numbers

as it views the competition as an opportunity for the students, not for Hodder nor the Ministry. We urge the Ministry of Education to continue to provide opportunity for student self-expression.”

Hodder is a recognized and established publisher in the United Kingdom, and is the second largest primary publisher there.

Joshua Harry, winner of the Ministry of Education Hodder Grade 6 Writing Competition, receives his trophy from Mrs Aldia Dyer, SEO Curriculum.

Geothermal Emissions

By Gestur Gislason, senior geochemist at Reykjavik Geothermal & Snorri Gudbrandsson, PhD geochemist at Reykjavik Geothermal

Emera Caribbean Inc. and Reykjavik Geothermal, in association with the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, are planning a 10 MW geothermal power plant at the foot of La Soufriere on the northern part of St. Vincent.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Emera Caribbean Inc. and RG are planning to build a 10 MW geothermal power plant. The potential for the present drilling program may yield up to 15 MW, with more available from the resource. Planned construction of the power plant in St. Vincent is estimated to include 3 production wells, each about 2.5 km deep, and one injection well at 1 km of depth.

Presently, the only installed geothermal power plant in the region is located on Guadeloupe, producing 15 MW, and on Nevis where they are currently in the phase of building a 9 MW power plant. Dominica, Montserrat and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are at an advanced development stage.

THE POWER PLANT Geothermal energy is a sustainable source of electricity that has a low natural footprint. During operation steam rises from cooling towers. The steam is mostly water vapour (H2O) but commonly gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and, to some degree, methane, hydrogen, nitrogen, ammonia, and trace gases. All of these gases are naturally emitted from volcanoes around the world.

High temperature well in Iceland

Top ten primary school writers, featuring winner Joshua Harry (centre front), 2nd place Kristy Da Silva (2nd from left front), 3rd place Jolece Yammie (2nd from right front) and Best Descriptive Awardee Annique Patterson (furthest right front).

Because these emissions are natural, geothermal energy production does not emit additional greenhouse gas and are considered minimal (near zero). For comparison purposes, the emission of greenhouse gases from geothermal energy is estimated to be 40 g CO2 per kWh compared to diesel generation at 750-800 g CO2 per kWh.

During the operation of a geothermal power plant, the area’s behaviour, water level, chemical composition of the water, seismicity and air quality are constantly surveyed to better understand the system’s behaviour, both for operational purpose as well as for hazard monitoring.

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14. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Education

This batch of UWI Open Campus Graduates boasted a record number of honours students.

Graduates challenged A total of 63 persons were involved in the graduation exercise, which included 13 first class honours — a record for St Vincent and the Grenadines according to Deborah Dalrymple, local Open Campus Head.

The graduating class was made up of participants in programmes ranging from Certificate to Master’s degrees, and in disciplines ranging from Accounting to Guidance and Deborah Dalrymple, Head of Counselling. the local UWI Open The day was one of Campus, told the graduates celebration, and, that they had earned the according to respect of their peers and Dalrymple, it was society generally. customary to salute the students on their big day.

She recognized THE YEARS OF PERSEVERANCE, sacrifice that the journey for some and hard work came to an was not easy.

Programmes are pursued end of sorts for another part time, and students batch of students, when the University of the West often have to juggle Indies Open Campus – St. between a full time job, family and dealing with Vincent and the all the other challenges Grenadines - held its Recognition of Graduates that life often throws out.

“You have earned Ceremony, last week respect as you have Friday.

persevered. Today marks the successful end,” she said.

Value of Knowledge Deputy Director (Ag) Continuing Professional Education, UWI Open Campus in St Kitts Sarah Owen also commended the graduates for their achievements, and for being able to complete the required course work amidst the usual day to day activities.

Owen went on further to commend the group for the range of disciplines in which degrees were attained, saying that it was testament of the intellectual capacity of the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, and their dedication to the development of the country.

“This ceremony recognizes the certificates that you have been awarded as a symbol of the knowledge that you have gained.

What we are celebrating here is the advanced knowledge that you have gained, with the hope and the expectation that

you will bring it to good value through practice,” Owen said.

“Given the fields of study selected, and the vast number who have graduated with honours and distinctions, your commitment to increasing the value of the knowledge you have gained is clearly evident,” she added.

Not giving up Valedictorian Nick Francis in his address, spoke first hand of what the experience was like.

“We all had a part to play in our achievements; in fact we inspired each other, we encouraged each other, and over the past four years, we have forged relationships that surpass the category of classmate to lifelong friendship. Indeed, such relationships will continue to grow and flourish long after we leave this hall,” he said.

Francis paid special tribute to the single parents who made it to the end.

“Your ability to study and perform well while looking after the needs of

Nick Francis, Sarah Owen, Deputy Valedictorian, had a Director (Ag) special word of Continuing Professional Education, commendation for the single parents among UWI Open Campus (St the batch of Graduates.

Kitts) – urged the Graduates to continue those instances when to add value to the individuals wanted to knowledge they had give up. gained.

They, however, exercised good discipline, your children, is truly remarkable and deserves and were able to the highest recognition,” accomplish the task.

And regardless to he said. whatever reason While individuals challenged themselves to individuals made the decision to earn a higher grasp the material, degree, the Valedictorian reading the same encouraged them to go material a number of times to ensure that they out and make a difference in society, and understood the concept being presented, Francis to advocate for positive confessed that there were development in teh nation. (DD)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. 15.

Arts

Starlift Steel Orchestra is 50!

THE ACTUAL BIRTHDAY is not accurately recorded.

The idea, though, came to fruition in 1967 for sure, and as far as patriarch and manager Errol Sutherland remembers, the band got its name Starlift in August 1967.

Sutherland credits Walton ‘Tanny’ Peters, renowned steelband man, calypso composer and policeman by profession, as the driving force behind the formation of the Starlift Steel Orchestra. Other pioneers were Simeon ‘Spitter’ Antrobus, Cedric ‘Teddy Mice’ Samuel, Hugh ‘Paddy’ Williams, and Gideon ‘Socks’ DaSilva.

The orchestra soon adopted the motto - ‘Men will come! Men will go!

But Starlift remains forever,’ and has endeavoured to live up to the thrust imbedded therein.

In so doing, the orchestra has become the most successful Panorama champion in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They boast 20 senior and 10 Junior panorama titles.

Satrlift will take those accolades and more into a series of events to

Errol ‘Mickey’ Sutherland, one of the original members of Starlift has remained active throughout the 50 years and has much about which to rejoice.

mark its 50th milestone anniversary.

At a media briefing last Wednesday at the Methodist Church Hall, Kingstown, and chaired by longstanding member Garth Williams, Stalift’s top brass outlined those activities.

According to the orchestra’s Captain — Roddy Dowers, the events will run throughout the balance of the year, under the theme ‘WE 50!’, climaxing on December 16 with a concert which Sutherland quipped would be “special and memorable.”

The concert, though not meant to be, could well be the culmination of a Starlift’s Steel Orchestra top brass: Back Row (L-R): St Clair Leacock, Garth Williams, Aubrey Burgin, Dick series of smaller Neverson, Enroy King, Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus and Marsden Burnett. Front Row (L-R): Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts, concerts that are Errol Sutherland, Kennedy Taylor, Roddy Dowers and Hugh ‘Paddy’ Williams. intended to crisscross the state, going a lot sooner, with a with a major one clean-up exercise in the scheduled for Kingstown. Old Montrose community But the events get scheduled for this Saturday, March 4.

The clean-up will focus on the river that cuts through Block 2000, the banks of which provided the home of the very beginnings of the orchestra. This location has fond memories for the original complement of players, who oftentimes had to retrieve bass pans from the water, when the river overflowed its banks and From left: Richard ‘Dick’ Neverson, Alston Becket Cyrus and Kingsley ‘Hero’ took whatever (basses included) was in its way. Roberts in a lighter moment at last Wednesday’s media launch.

A Thanksgiving Carnival will not be a J’Ouvert band for Vincent Cooperative Service comes off at the lost in the exuberance Vincy Mas 2017, a means Bank’s Laverne Gibson Kingstown Methodist that is expected to of returning steelband Velox; and Managing Church Sunday, March characterise the music to the road.

Director of Gonsalves 12.

Present at Liquors Lennox That will be a prelude milestone year. Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts, the Wednesday’s launch was Gonsalves, one of to the honouring of orchestra’s Musical Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus, Starlift’s primary ‘Tanny,’ in a special Director/Arranger, one of this nation’s benefactors throughout function planned for assured that Starlift will cultural icons, who was a the years.

Block 2000, March 14 — compete in the 2017 member of Starlift and, THE VINCENTIAN National Heroes Day. panoramas, with the in fact, made the count congratulates the Starlift Juniors already fired up for the orchestra at the Steel Orchestra on its Founding members/ to make it five in a row 1968 Panorama. achievement of this pioneers of the Starlift of titles.

Also present were milestone, and wishes its Steel Orchestra Hugh In addition, the Central Kingstown’s management, players ‘Paddy’ Williams (left) orchestra will collaborate Parliamentary and supporters success and Cedric ‘Teddy Mice’ with the New York based Representative St. Clair through another 50 Samuel.

SVG Connect, to produce Leacock; Manager St. years. (WKA)

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16. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Trinity joins in effort to provide MCMH sign THE PARTNERSHIP between Trinity School of Medicine and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Medical Association (SVGMA) continues unabated.

The most recent collaboration between the two entities saw the redesigning, mounting and presentation of the official sign for the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), the main hospital in the country.

On the morning of Friday, 24th February, Dean of Trinity Dr. Linda Adkinson joined the President of the SVG Medical Association, Dr. Rosalind Ambrose, and her organization’s secretary, Mrs. Shannon Samuel, to conduct an official handover of the sign that is strategically placed at the main entrance of the MCMH. Hospital Administrator -, Mrs. Grace Walters, and Dr. Simone Keizer-Beache, Chief Medical

Officer, were on hand to symbolically receive the sign.

Dr. Ambrose gave a brief outline of the rationale for the project. She admitted that while there were other projects that would appear to be of greater priority, the sign was significant to the institution but had shown signs of continual deterioration.

“We were quite happy to initiate the project,” she said.

“We spoke to Trinity, and they agreed to partner with us in the venture. We redesigned it, got it done, and Trinity provided the finances.”

She pointed out that the slogan used by the Ministry of Health and the Environment of, “Your health! A shared Responsibility” is now a feature of the renovated sign.

Dean Adkinson expressed her institution’s pleasure in being asked to collaborate on the project. “When you

support the right cause,” she was adamant, “the cost isn’t as significant as it would be if, in your mind, it wasn’t the right thing to do. So, when there is the right reason, you find the money to do the right thing.”

She went on to add that Trinity’s involvement comes out of pure gratitude and commitment for the benefits it receives from its relationship with the community. She was happy to point out that, “There are physicians in the community that contribute to our students’ training and it’s very significant that we are able to share in the other part of what they do with their lives — patients at the hospital, patients in the communities.”

Hospital Administrator, Mrs. Walters expressed gratitude for the gesture, saying, “I must express my sincerest gratitude for recognizing the need to

Administrative Staff of the MCMH, executive members of the SVGMA, and Dean of Trinity Dr. Linda Adkinson at the presentation ceremony. intervene in such a necessary way,” she said With that said, the sign, mounted to the right of the

main entrance of the hospital, was unveiled symbolizing the change of hands from donors to recipients.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. 17.

Art News

Fya Empress sings, Chalkdust wins WHATEVER WAS his take on the impasse that broke last week Thursday that saw threats of legal action being made against the Trinbago Unified Calypso Organisation (TUCO), he never divulged.

Lady Gypsy (Lynette Steele) was a last minute addition to the list of finalists.

It seemed in his silence, a sense of being oblivious to all the wrangling involving Fya Empress (Lornette Nedd) and Lady Gypsy (Lynette Steele) ahead of last Sunday’s Calypso Finals, that he was sending a message,

Fya Empress (Lornette Nedd) remained in the finals but finished down the field.

“I will speak on Sunday night,” could well have been that message.

And so he did. And in the process, Chalkdust (Dr. Hollis Liverpool) chalked up another Trinidad and Tobago Calypso Monarch title, to add to his previous eight - 1976, 1977, 1981, 1989, 1993, 2004, 2005 and 2009.

Chalkdust is now the ‘winniest’ (nine wins) calypso monarch in the land of calypso and steelband, easing past the master - The Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco).

His rendition of ‘Learn from Arithmetic’ was, according to the Trinidad Express, ‘a polished delivery of his wellcrafted song, which addressed the issue of child marriages’.

Chalkdust, bedecked in a red and white graduation gown, left no stone unturned as he made a mess of certain segments of society — not least a major Hindu

organisation, the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, and its general secretary Satnarayan Maharaj - for their support of young girls being married to older men.

He employed the mathematical truism that ‘75 can’t go into 14’, to emphasis his point, in a masterful use of innuendo.

The night’s competition, with some nine females in a field of 17 contenders, pointed to the likelihood of that sex exerting their numerical strength.

And so it was with three females — 2011 monarch Karene Asche, multiple times finalist Heather Mac Intosh and first time finalist Terri Lyons — finishing second, third and fourth respectively.

Interestingly, Lady Gypsy, who had been added to an original list of 15 selected finalists to compete against

defending monarch Devon Seale, in what was a compromise so as to allow Fya Empress to compete, beat the latter — finished in 9th place to Fya Empress’ 15th.

Sunday night’s finals also featured four other former monarchs: Chucky (Roderick Gordon) who finished in 7tth position; Cro Cro (Weston Rawlins) who finished 11th; Gypsy (Winston Peters) who took 12th position; and Kurt Allen who filled the 13th spot.

Defending monarch Devon Seale had to settle for 6th place.

T&T’s carnival threw up another dethroning, when Road March icon Machel Montano was rudely removed from that position by the band Ultimate Rejects, with their monster hit ‘Full Extreme’, an overwhelming favourite on the road, at major judging points for masquerade bands, and

Chalkdust (Dr. Hollis Liverpool) delivered a lesson on the use of Arithmetic, and won an unprecedented ninth crown. with a number of steel orchestras competing in this year’s panorama.

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18. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Hairoun presents ÂOn the EndzÊ

Speaking at a media launch last Tuesday at Chill Spot in Arnos Vale, Marketing Coordinator at the St. Vincent Brewery - Kelvin Franklyn described the promotion as a new platform for the beer in 2017, one that “is talking to the new generation of drinkers, what we call the generation X.” He added, ‘On the Endz’ is all about “wherever you find yourself chilling. It encompasses what we are about, free spiritedness and a friendly nature.”

Kelvin Franklyn and Cenica Patterson of the The promotion will be St. Vincent Brewery are excited by the supported by television, radio particular focus of the promotion. and billboard advertisements as well as a strong social THE HAIROUN BRAND has launched media outreach. their latest campaign dubbed ‘On The Cenica Patterson, Marketing Endz’, aimed at the new generation of Assistance at the Brewery, addressed Hairoun beer drinkers. the social media aspect of the The promotion kick starts with a press launched last Tuesday. It saw a campaign. She said that persons can go live on Facebook or Instragram number of persons involved in the latest campaign in terms of the video with a cold Hairoun beer, tag and music production, as well as beer @hairounbeerSVG, hash tag hairoun , hash tag ambiance and give their drinkers and Hairoun models.

Music producer Alex Kubiyashi Barnwell and recording artiste Akene ‘Prez’ Keizer have combined to bring a visual and audio drive to the promotion. location. The persons with the most like or views will get to win prizes.

And the promotion will have its own in the person of recording artist Akene ‘Prez’ Keizer. He has recorded the official song for the promotion, and for him, “it is a great feeling to be the face of the promotion.”

He worked with producer Alex Kubiyashi Barnwell to put together his component of the promotion, and recognised the producer for his hard and selfless work on the production.

Barwell also spearheaded the production of a video to complement the promotion. (KH)

New Zealand visitor fined for cocaine A NEW ZEALAND national visiting these shores was on Monday fined $400 forthwith or six months in prison for cocaine possession.

Jackson Rogers, who was holidaying here, was taken before the Serious Offences Court after he was found in possession of 0.7 grams of cocaine at Port Elizabeth, Bequia, around 3:56 a.m. last Saturday.

Rogers pleaded guilty when he was taken before the Serious Offences Court on Monday and admitted that he was a user of cocaine.

According to the facts, police had found the drug in one of Rogers’ front pockets of his trousers when they met him in the company of another person at the back of the Port Elizabeth Vegetable market. A search was conducted on his person after he began acting suspiciously.

Before handing down the penalty, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne warned the visitor about the danger of using cocaine. She advised him to enjoy the sun, sea, and the coconut water, on visiting St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Checks by THE VINCENTIAN confirmed that Rogers paid the fine.

(HH)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. 19.

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20. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

‘Frustration killing me’ Dear George, FRUSTRATION is killing in this country. I am in my late fifties and not working. I am tired of looking for work. It has been four years since my

last job. Since that time, I have been doing odd jobs, and begging when I have to.

What is really frustrating me is the people I used to help out when I had money, have

turned their backs on me. I would, from time to time, ask them for a little money to buy a lunch, to help pay a small bill or sometimes to help pay my bus fare,

and they would lie and say they are dead broke.

George, I have had enough, and I cannot take it any longer. I am very qualified in my

The case of a condom in a pocket Dear George, I FOUND a condom in my husband’s pocket, and when I asked him about it, he told me he was holding it for a friend of his. When I showed him the condom and asked if he was going to give his friend a used condom, he was dumbstruck.

I told him if he wanted to stay in this marriage, he had to give me the name of the woman he was with and how many times he went with her. He told me he couldn’t do that because the woman was married and that would destroy her marriage.

I was shell-shocked to realize my husband

your inner strength and continue to push forward. You have survived for four hard years, and that speaks much for your character.

I suggest that you visit a counsel, who would be able to explore your strengths, and see how you can use your God given talent and ability to create your own employment/business, as an alternative to your present predicament.

There will be those in Desperately hungry and this life who will easily out forget kindness, but you need not worry about Dear Desperate, them. Concentrate on lifting yourself out of the Thanks for sharing. It hole you are in, by using is understandable how as much help as possible, you feel, having once and seeing that been able to provide for counsellor is a good place yourself but now find to start. yourself completely down and out.

George You need to look at

field, and I do not understand how come I cannot get work. I do not know what else to do.

To be honest, sometimes I get a feeling makes me want to do terrible things to those ungrateful people who would rather save another marriage at the have now turned their backs on me. expense of his. I am All I want to do is to about to file for a divorce. I do not want to eat! I do not want to steal or continue see any counsellor to save a marriage that my begging. I want to be husband is not interested able to buy my own food, in saving. Well done for with my own money. him!

Very sad wife Dear Sad wife, To make a marriage work, both parties have to be on the same page. You alone cannot save your marriage. Whatever the reasons your husband had for not spitting out the information, he must think they are more important. There is nothing you can do about that.

Have another talk with him, and give him another chance to fight for his marriage. If he holds on to his position, then he would have made his decision.

And one for you as well.

George

You have no case Dear George,

MY HUSBAND and I are at loggerheads over our daughter sleeping over at one of her friends. I see nothing wrong with it, since that friend has, in the past, slept over at our house.

His contention is based on the fact that this friend has two sisters who had to leave secondary school because they got pregnant. He has, he said, no confidence in the parenting style of this girl’s parents.

I keep telling him it is just one sleep over, but he is firm in his position.

We cannot see eye to eye on this, and I think he is making a mountain out of a mole hill!

JX Dear JX, Before sending your daughter to sleep over anywhere, you have to be fully confident that your child would be properly supervised, and you should know and have confidence in the parenting style of those parents.

With two teenage pregnancies and no confidence in the parents, that’s enough to put a hold on any decision to send your daughter into that environment.

This is a good time to listen to your husband and do what is best for your daughter. This is not something to lose anymore sleep over.

George

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21‐ April 20) You might find added popularity with those around you this week.

Get out and experience the spice of life. You should spend your day trying to get things completed at work. Use your energy wisely.

Taurus (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Romance will develop through work related activities. Look into any educational activities involving the whole family. Don’t let the erratic behavior of someone you live with interfere with your professional performance.

Gemini (May 22‐June 21) Don’t let them blame you. Your diplomacy will be of utmost importance this week. Spend time by yourself to avoid any conflicts with family members. Don’t cause a scene, but when you get home let your partner know how you feel and why.

Cancer (June 22‐July 22) Don’t push your opinions on others this week or you may find yourself in the doghouse. Business conducted in your own office will proceed smoothly. You will communicate easily and should be able to develop new friendships.

Leo (July 23‐Aug 22) You need time to rejuvenate. Focus on your domestic scene. Get together with friends or relatives. A series of misunderstandings may be at fault. Your lover may disappoint you in such a way that estrangement will follow.

Virgo (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Offer consolation, but don’t give them any direction. Don’t gamble unless you can afford to lose. You can make changes to your living quarters that should please family members. You can expand your circle of friends if you get out and socialize.

Libra (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Your mate may not be too sure about your intentions. Your need to get away could lead you into greater debt. You can gain valuable cultural knowledge through dealing with foreigners. You have a lot to offer.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Over spending or unexpected bills could set you back. Take your time be fore making personal decisions.

Discord may arise with someone you’re close to. Keep important information to yourself.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Don’t bother complaining, do the work yourself. Don’t be too open or put your faith in unreliable co‐ workers. Don’t be too quick to judge partners or those you work with. You will find that friends or relatives may not understand your needs.

Capricorn (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Opportunities to make financial gains through investments look promising.

You can ferret out secret information if you just listen to what others have to say. Keep your mind on your work and stay away from situations that could ruin your reputation.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) You may have taken on a little too much, but you will enjoy every minute of it. You may be emotional if you allow your lover to take advantage of your good nature.

Avoid functions that will bring you in contact with those you find difficult to get along with.

Pisces (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Brunch, a long walk, or a quiet dinner will secure your position in the relationship. Short trips will prove to be more fruitful than you imagined. Losses are evident.

Dealing with foreigners will be most enlightening.

ACROSS

45. Swiftest 50. Moose’s kin 1.__ the line 51. Word on a 4. Word on a gift waffle box card 52. Shuttle 8. Station wagon launchers 11. South Seas (abbr.) isle 53. Letters 13. Sioux City’s after a state dentist’s 14. Stun name 15. Trumpeter 54. Brat’s Louis __ response 17. Reaction to 55. Knockout an IM joke number 18. Onion relative DOWN 19. Singer Furtado 1.Vague 21. Bug‐hitting‐ schedule a‐windshield info (abbr.) sound 2. Rowing item 24. Golf standard 3. Common 25. Clip neatly street 26. Cornered name (3 wds.)

4. Inferno 30. Distress inits. 5. Chessman 31. Ridiculous 6. Have title to 32. Lumberjack’s 7. Industrial need bigwig 34. Certain 8. Visit fortuneteller 9. MP’s prey 36. __ and 10. Bank (on) proper 12. Muslim 37. Choose faith 38. Oxidizes 16. Vietnamese 39. Buddy (Sp.) New Year 42. Smear 20. Misjudge 44. Storage box 21. Main and

Sesame (abbr.)

22. Theater tool 23. Actress Kudrow 24. Sound after jogging 26. Individual 27. Mas’ mates 28. Corn spikes 29. Theater sign 31. Barges in 33. Dorothy’s aunt and others 35. Cabin part, perhaps 36. __ a good word for

(2 wds.)

38. Shaft 39. Sleeping 40. Placid 41. Writing fluids 42. Entreats 43. Some

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. 21.

summer babies 46. Trevino’s gp.

47. Break bread 48. Compass point (abbr.)

49. Shoe shade

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22. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Bequia leads in recycling Collection truck on Ferry with operator Ewancee Arrindell (left) from Hamilton and driver Calvin Hunte from Friendship.

AN ACTION BEQUIA INITIATIVE has just made its first delivery of ten, 30 cubic foo bags full of plastic and metal drink containers, to the All Island Recycling Centre in Campden Park (AIR Inc).

And this is expected to be the first of an ongoing delivery pattern.

Towards that end, bin pairs, for both litter and recyclable material, are being placed throughout Bequia, wherever people

gather and walk.

Daily collections from those bins are made by the Action Bequia team using their own truck.

The material gathered from the recycling bins is taken to the newly

constructed recycling facilities located at “The Sandpit” in Port Elizabeth. There it is sorted, washed and bagged, ready for delivery to Campden Park. AIR recycles this material and

shares part of the subsequent proceeds which enables the financial sustainability of the programme.

This has been a real community effort, and thanks are due to many including: Kelly Glass, for making space available at the the Sandpit; Bequia Express for ferrying material at no charge; Cabinet for granting concession on the importation of the truck

and materials; Bequia District Council, the Bequia Tourism Association, CWSA and AIR for their close collaboration; and of course Action Bequia’s funders and management, especially Recycling Project Director Lucille Cozier, and Michael Connell, who organised the building, work and bin placements. (Submitted by : David Harper, CEO Action Bequia)

Proud to display the first bins are Bequia District Council Officer Rannier Gregg (left) and Bequia Tourism Association’s Sayie Ollivierre.

The AIA- A case of occidental nepotism Continued from Page 8.

Arnhim’s action since handing-over the leadership is humility personified.

I believe that the new leadership should show its appreciation by encouraging Eustace to run a lap of honour, especially for his devoted supporters by contesting a sixth time in East Kingstown, if snap elections were to take place for any reason.

The truth is that I express only my own point of view, for Arnhim for his part would prefer to see a fresh man take over, especially one of the ilk of Orde Ballantyne who I understand had joined the rush of NDP recruits.

As for the ULP, they now appear as passé the party led by a leader who calls all the shots to whom all his colleagues surrender their judgement and merely fall in line or on their knees. What is more, the trend is hardening into a family dynasty.

Cousin Julian, perhaps the only member of the clique with a smattering of independence, has spoken of the robust health of the Prime Minister as that of a bull. We fear his behaviour may become that of “a bull in a china shop”, smashing all that we treasure dearly: integrity legislation, role of law, human rights, even the two-party system!

Vincentians require quite literally, a measure of self —government. We reject even an existence in some “gilded cage”! The people will no longer tolerate any variety of despotism, benevolent oriental or occidental (western).

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. 23.

New T20 Champions to be crowned THERE WILL BE A NEW CHAMPION of T20 cricket in St. Vincent and the Grenadines when the finals of the 2017 NLA/Neil Williams National T20 Cricket Competition climaxes this Saturday, March 4.

In almost predictable fashion, Team Rivals and Victors One, undoubtedly the leading performers in this year’s competition, will face off in the finals to be played at the Sion Hill Playing Field.

The finals will be a replay of sorts, since last Sunday, in one of the matches in the final round of the Super Six played at Sion Hill, Victors One took first blood over Team Rivals, literally mauling them by 9 wickets. Scores: Team Rivals: 107 for 6 in 20 overs, — the in form Casmond Walters 57, Alston Bobb, continuing his wicket haul, 2 for 17; Victors One — 112 for I wicket in 12.5 overs - Christroy John 59 not out and Atticus Browne 30.

On Saturday, Team Rivals, led by an innings of sheer brutality by Walters, got the better of Guardian General Saints at Arnos vale. Walters decimated the Saints bowling

attack, when he torpedoed himself to a 135-run innings (11 SIXES, 11 FOURS) off a mere 56 balls, to lead his team to 215 for 2 in 20 overs.

SVG National Under 19 batsman Dillon Douglas also added 43 not out. Saints were restricted to 149 for 7 in their turn at the crease, Walters accounting for 2 of those wickets.

Victors One tasted victory on Saturday. They dispensed of defending champions Flow Radcliffe by a confortable 89 run margin. Scores: Victors One 95 for 6 in their 20 over Miles Bascombe 56, Atticus Browne 47, Donwell Hector L-R: Miles Bascombe, with another half century (57) to his Team Rivals’ Cosmond Walters 38; Flow Radcliffe 106 in credit last weekend, would be hoping to keep that form for takes the joy of a blistering 135 15.3 overs - Romano Pierre Victors One in the finals, and Alston Bobb had another he made last weekend, into this 28, Alston Bobb, enjoying a four-wicket haul in last weekend round of matches. weekend’s final. good year with the ball, 3 for 22.

Radcliffe scored 155 for 4 in 20 Smashers by 58 runs at the Also on Saturday, Smashers Vidal Edwards 33, Arben overs — Wayne Harper 68 and Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Neverson 30 and Shamon recorded a 36-run win over Scores: Saints 210 for 4 Hooper 28, Marvin Harry’s 2 Romano Pierre 63, Ronique Providence Electronic Rockford Walker 78, Romel Laborde 2 for 14; North for 19.

Solutions North Leeward, at Leeward 149 all out - Hooper Currency 43 not out; At Arnos Vale Two on Sion Hill. Scores: Smashers Smashers 152 for 4 in 19 overs Sunday, Flow Radcliffe ended 34, Neverson 26, Amansford 212 for 4 - Kirton Lavia 87 - Kirton Lavia 75, Kurtbert from 46 balls, Rawdon Bentick their season on something of a Richards 25 and Allison Springer 36, Kamali Williams Samuel 22, Lindon James 3 high with victory over 46, Winston Samuel 2 for 53; up 2 for 5. for 9.

North Leeward 186 for 7 in 20 Providence Electronic Tomorrow’s finals is Solutions North Leeward by Also last Sunday, Guardian overs - Micheal Joseph 38, scheduled for a 2pm start. six runs. Scores: Flow General Saints defeated

Williams working to revive Bodybuilding KOREAN WILLIAMS, President of the SVG Amateur Bodybuilding Powerlifting and Fitness Federation believes it is time to revive the sports and get athletes back on the competitive stage, after a six-year period of dormancy.

“The decline in competition started when there was a split with the Federation and the ‘Naturals’. Also contributing to the decline was the fact that some of the executive members migrated as well as the lack of interest,” Williams noted.

Williams, who has been the President of the Federation since 2000, added, “In the past, we have hosted several competitions up until 2011, including invitational shows with participants from Trinidad, Barbados, also St Marteen, following which athletes went on to represent SVG in the Eastern (Caribbean) and CAC competitions.”

And Williams has begun to make efforts to return the sport to its ‘former glory’.

“I have been talking to the

Eastern President and they are willing to assist to conduct seminars here, but it’s for us, the local executive, to put things in place,” she disclosed.

“Apart from the seminars, to build the awareness of the sports, we will also have some exhibition competitions, so I think persons are going to be aware of bodybuilding is coming back on the cards,” Williams said.

Williams acknowledged that there are many male athletes who are into fitness training programmes at gyms here, and her hope is to move these athletes on to the competition stage.

This would mean establishing better working relationships with the gyms, even offering to assist with providing the appropriate training so as to produce bodybuilders for competition.

In recent times, Vincentian Garvin Phillips has kept a SVG presence in regional and international bodybuilding competitions.

Korean Williams - President of the SVG Amateur Bodybuilding Powerlifting and Fitness Federation.

Right: Garvin Phillips took the sport of bodybuilding here to a higher level.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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24. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

High Park United rules Richland Park netball HIGH PARK UNITED was large and in charge in the final of the 2017 Vita Malt / GECCU Richland Park Netball

Top shooter- Skiddy Francis-Crick, accepts the top goal shooter award from Doris Mc Intosh- President of the SVG Netball Association.

tournament, which ended last Sunday evening at the hard court of the Richland Park Government School.

The powerful High Park United, which a concoction of key players of the two top teams of the national first division - Mitres and Maple - , outscored JG Scorchers in all quarters to lift the title.

High Park United took the first quarter 20-11, the second at 38-21, and sped to a 60-25 lead at the end of the third, before sealing the issue at 72- 37, at the sound of the final whistle.

High Park’s goal shooter- Skiddy Francis-Crick poured in all 72 goals for her team, from her 78 attempts.

At the other side of the court, Khadija Williams recorded 30 of her 39 attempts and Kemisha Antoine scored 7 of her 9 tries.

When the semis took place the previous day, Saturday, High Park United put a 77- 33 drubbing on Sea Operations Nar Fren Dem, and Scorchers got the better of Young Strugglers, 63-52.

Young Strugglers went on to cop the third place which preceded Sunday’s final, beating Nar Fren Dem 49-41.

Young Strugglers’ Mary Ann Fredericks successfully registered 47 of her 54 attempts, and her goal attackShannique De Shong, 2 of 3.

Kai Bentick wins double squash titles

KAI BENTICK won both the Male Under — 19 and the Mixed (male and female) Under-19 titles, when the St Vincent and the Grenadines Squash Association held the St Vincent and the Grenadines Junior Open tournament, last Friday and Saturday at the National Squash Centre in Paul’s Avenue.

Kai Bentick - double In winning the male champion (left) and Under-19, Bentick Jada Smith Padmore, overcame Rashid winner of the female Constance 11-1, 11-1, Under-19 category.

11-0. Bentick also beat Geronimo Ross 11-5, 112, 11-2, and had an 11-9, 11-7, 11-8 triumph over Mikal Quashie.

Bentick, who is ranked 54th on the world rankings for Under-19, had the better of the 34th ranked Quashie, also 11-9, 11-7, 11-8.

Geromino Ross, who has a world ranking of 137, was third behind Bentick and Quashie in the open Under-19 male.

Meanwhile, Barbadian Jada Smith Padmore bettered her sister Jodi Smith Padmore, 11-4, 11-6, 1118, to cop the Females Under-19, as she added this title to her third place in the Under-19 Mixed category.

Vincentian Jada Ross was third in the Females Under-19 bracket.

The next calendar Mikal Quashie gets his event for the association is set for March third place trophy from 17th and 18th, with the Vice President of the SVG Squash Association staging of the National Junior Trials.

- Dominic Ross.

For Nar Fren Dem, Jessica Lavia converted 33 of her 38 and Tamara Baptiste- 8 from 12.

Awards and prizes For winning the competition, High Park United earned $1500 as well as the first place trophy, while Scorchers got the second place trophy and $1000.

Young Strugglers took home $700, and the third place trophy.

Skiddy Francis-Crick was named the resounding Top Goal Scorer in the competition, with a whopping single effort of 105 goals scored against 3J’s Valley Strikers..

Anella Samuel of High Park United was adjudged the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

And Youngsters of Barrouallie won the award for being the Most Disciplined Team in the competition.

Most Valuable Players awards for the teams were: Anella Samuel- High Park United; Kay- juana Bacchus - 3J’s Valley Strikers; Cherise PompeyV Sports Youths;

Anella Samuel, the competition’s overall MVP, gets her reward from President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Netball AssociationDoris Mc Intosh.

Anesia John- QUESCO Titans,; Mia Durrant- Nar Fren Dem; Roseclair Hall- Young Strugglers; and Nicole Sandy- Stevenson - Young Strugglers.

Last year’s winners - LP Combined, did not defend their title.

High Park United.

System 3 confident NATIONAL Club Champions System 3 Sport Academy is into intensified final preparations for participation in Group E of the CANCAF Club Championship Caribbean leg, to be played here at the Victoria Park, next week.

System 3 will join San Juan Jabloteh of Trinidad, Club Sportif Moulien of Guadeloupe and Flames United SC of Sint Maarten in a round robin format beginning next Wednesday, March 8, 2017.

A record 20 sides from 11 countries, spread over five groups, have qualified for the 19th edition of the competition, which will determine the region’s representatives to the next edition of the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League. The five group winners will advance to the final round, scheduled for May 1321.

Ian Sardine, founder and coach of System 3, told THE VINCENTIAN, “Things have been going pretty well. I have brought in a few foreign-based players from Antigua, England and Orlando, and believe they will bring maturity to the unit base.”

Of the local players, Sardine said, “We won the local

tournament last year. These kids have been doing very well. Over the years, System 3 has been producing quality players, so I am quite confident they will perform well at this stage.”

Keron Clarke, System 3’s center forward, is also confident they will progress from this stage, Keron Clarke “The team is working very hard expects a Ian Sardine, for the series, and I am expecting good result coach of a very good result, once we play for his team, System 3 Sports as a team and keep the System 3. is not daunted. composure. Playing at home may 12, 2017 - Club bring a little more pressure, but Sportif Moulien v Flames United we will also look at it as a SC,. System 3 Sport Academy v motivation because we want to San Juan Jabloteh. satisfy our fans”.

Fixtures for GROUP E — I.B.A.ALLEN Victoria Park, (St. Vincent & the Grenadines: March 8 - Flames United SC v San Juan Jabloteh, and System 3 Sport Academy v Club Sportif Moulien; March 10, 2017 - San Juan Jabloteh v Club Sportif Moulien, and System 3 Sport Academy v Flames System 3 in a cool-down session during a United SC; March recent practice session.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. 25.

Sports

System 3Ês turn BEQUIA UNITED FC have returned home with the experience of the Antiguan sojourn behind them. It was a reality check for the players, and they will be stronger for the exercise. It is a case of returning to the training ground and sharpening up and getting in shape for the next hurdle. Racing de Gonaives showed the depth of Haiti’s football. They are proving a quality of resource that inevitably ranks them among the elite of regional standards.

Two other group winners will be determined on Sunday. It will be System 3’s turn to break into the big circle at Victoria Park, March 8 to 12. It will be a National Heroes Day token, should the Vincentians overcome the might of their rivals.

Group D will be finalised March 18, with Portmore, Scholars, Puerto Rico, and SV Transvaal vying for that spot.

System 3 are improving for the outing here.

Teams and officials coming for the matches will have easier access and more convenient facilities at Argyle, and whether or not the argument is settled as to if Argyle is an extension of Arnos Vale, visitors will be pleased with the reception at Argyle. Many Vincentians have accepted the potential for growth, and the rest of the region are revelling in their Vincentian pride.

There should be easier and cheaper access, as David Granger indicated in his address at the opening.

Taxi drivers and other transport operators will welcome the increased visitor arrival, and hotels and Guest Houses will enjoy the injection in occupancy.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has its version of promotion. It is up to the citizens to play their role in maintaining the country’s image of one tinged with that air of cordiality.

We can’t afford to fall short, and nothing than our best should not be tolerated.

There is a sense of accomplishment that the Argyle Airport has engendered, and the average Vincentian is revelling in its unveiling.

Avenues have opened, with the logic that Arnos Vale Playing Field lighted is a matter of course, and that St. Vincent and the Grenadines has enhanced its credentials for hosting a leg of any regional tournament, if not the biggest names in international arena.

Real lighted facilities will boost the nation as a destination, while serving as a springboard for the growth of a culture of sporting engagement.

Educational institutions can take advantage of the new era, and gear their academic activities to include aspects of Argyle’s construction. We can’t allow the novelty to be pounced upon by outside forces only.

It is a source of inspiration for a small nation.

The lesson is that obstacles can be surmounted.

Sporting entities, and indeed the entire nation, can reflect on their situation, and when the synergies are channelled, there can be no limit to what we can achieve.

We must take the position and hold it firmly, knowing that there can be one aim, and that is to maintain a healthy nation. Sports and education are natural platforms. The thrust must be to sustain that precept.

Zefal Bailey opens with a win ZEFAL BAILEY picked up from where he left off in 2016, by riding off with the Elite category’s top place, when the 2017 SVG Cycling Union’s first race took place last Sunday morning.

Bailey’s winning time was one hour 22 minutes 24 seconds over a 26 — mile route that began in Kingstown, onwards to Bridgetown, Biabou, then circuited once to Mount Pleasant and finished at main road at the Argyle International Airport.

As was the case last year, Enroy Lewis again trailed Bailey, to settle for the second place with a time of one hour 26 minutes 38 seconds.

Third was Lucky Antrobus, who recorded

a time of one hour 27 minutes 57 seconds.

The other competitor in the elite bunch to stay the course was Matthew Gule, an American, who is attending medical school here.

Samuel Lyttle and Marlon Antrobus, who started the event, did not finish.

Meanwhile, in the Masters category for Zefal Baileythose 40 years and Podium finishers among the Over, Peter Durrant winner of the Masters (L-R): Orel Bailey, Peter was the boss over the elite bracket.

Durrant and Curtis Lewis.

18-mile distance, third was line. finishing in a time of , Curtis Lewis — one hour The SVG Cycling one hour 3 minutes 2 19 minutes 10 seconds.

Union plans to host its seconds.

The masters rode from next race this month, Orel Baptiste trailed with the decommissioned Durrant in second place Kingstown to with a time of one hour 7 Bridgetown, Biabou and ET Joshua Airport strip, being the pursued venue. minutes 38 seconds, and returned to the finish

Vincentian trio shine at CUNY championships THE VINCENTIAN trio of Kailon Kirby, Rojike Thorpe and Shantal Rouse contributed significantly to the Kingsborough Community College(KCC) overall performance, at last weekend’s City University of New York (CUNY) Athletics Conference’s Community Indoor Championships.

Staged at the New Balance Track and Field Center in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Kirby turned in a performance that earned him the accolade of Male MVP of the championships.

In copping the award, Kirby took first place in the Shot Put, with a distance of 9.68m, and similar podium places in the Long Jump with a distance of 6.24m, and the Triple Jump with 13.79m.

He continued his winning ways, tying for first position with teammate Hakeem Mowatt in the High Jump with a clearance of 1.74m, and combined with Mowatt, Kimone Paterson and Ji- Aire Jones to lead KCC to victory in the 4 x 400m, in a time of 3 minutes 38.20 seconds.

Thorpe, meanwhile, earned second places in the 60m in 7.04 seconds, and the Shot Put, with a throw of 8.57m. He also flung 22.27m to earn a third place in the Discus.

And, Rouse’s 58.11 seconds in the 400m, made her the first place winner to add to her second place in the Long Jump, with a leap of 4.78m.

Rouse, though, fell below her best in the 60m, as she clocked 8.12 seconds. She holds the school’s record for that event, having clocked 7.65 seconds at the Colgate Invitational, the previous weekend.

The efforts of the Vincentian trio helped KCC to tally 196 points in the male category and 142 among the females.

Kirby and Thorpe are former students of the

Thomas Saunders Secondary School, and Rouse, a former student of the Bethel High School.

Shantal Kirby Rouse and Thorpe joined KCC in January 2016, while Rouse was enrolled at

Rojike Thorpe (left) and Kailon Kirby (right). the institution last September.

Dolphin Gymnastics excel at International Competitions Ben HarrisonInternational Correspondent

As St. Vincent and the Grenadines gained worldwide recognition with the opening of the Argyle International Airport, St. Vincent’s Dolphin Gymnastics and Health Academy team, led by Director LaPrise Harris-Williams, gained international recognition by winning over 60 individual medals and 30 placements at two prestigious International Artistic Gymnastic Competitions; the Magical Classic on February 18th and the Presidential Classic on February 20th, held at the Disney World EPCOT Centre in Orlando, Florida.

Top finishers included Abigail Deshong who won the gold medalist on balance beam and floor exercise; a silver medal for floor exercise; three event placement medals plus a silver medal and 4th in all-around events.

Dolphin Gymnastics and Health Academy Artistic Gymnastics Team.

Jasmine McLawrence brought home a Gold Medal for the Balance Beam. Dakia Child medaled in all 8 events, including a bronze medal on Vault, and placed 6th and 7th in all around events in both competitions; and Teya Garraway won the Silver medal on balance beam.

THE VINCENTIAN congratulates Director Harris-Williams and her entire team for again placing St. Vincent and the Grenadines front and center on the world gymnastics stage.

26. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 03, 2017. 27.

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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

MARCH 03, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.09

www.thevincentian.com

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MEN LOCKED UP AFTER SUPERMARKET SKIRMISH One of them replied that they were customers too.

TWO MEN WERE apprehended A patron at the time of the by police last week Tuesday drama, said, “Dem man come night, following a dispute with in to make trouble. De security guards at Randy’s security tell dem to go so (out Supermarket, Lower Bay Street, of the supermarket) but dem Kingstown. say how dem ah consumer and According to employees of dey come to shop”. the supermarket, the two men The men continued with entered the business place and their noise, causing further started acting in an unruly visible discomfort among manner. One worker said that workers and customers alike. they were told to behave When the disturbance themselves, since they were heightened, a security officer disturbing other customers. on duty at the supermarket confronted the men, but the situation got out of hand.

Customers inside the supermarket as well as workers ran for cover as a tussle ensued between the security guard and the men.

One of the men, known only a Buju, sustained a wound during the skirmish.

The main entrance was shut at this time, and management called the police.

They arrived at around 8:10 pm.

During this time, customers and workers were trapped inside the supermarket.

Persons peeped through the supermarket windows to get a glimpsed of what was taking place.

On arrival, the police moved A police officer was seen swiftly to apprehend the men, taking a cutlass away from and led them to a police the scene.

by KENVILLE HORNE

transport.

In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN moments before being taken away in the police transport, Buju said they that their rights were being violated.

He also showed the bloody wound on his hand which he claimed was inflicted by a cutlass. In the chaos, he threatened legal action.

After the men were taken away, persons were allowed back into the supermarket to carry out their shopping.

Blood stains could be seen on the floor of the business place, a telling reminder of what had just transpired.

One of the men, known only as Buju sustained a wound just about the wrist on his left arm.

Curious onlookers peering in through the windows to get a glimpse of the skirmish.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.