THE VINCENTIAN PDF-03-04-20

FRIDAY,

APRIL 03, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.14

Another shooting death Page 2

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has confirmed its second case of the COVID-19 disease, which is its only active case, since the first case has since recovered.

by GLORIAH…

BY THE TIME THIS PUBLICATION hits the streets, Vincentians would have been apprised that this country had confirmed its second case of the COVID-19 disease.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment (MHWE) announced that confirmation last Wednesday evening, noting that the second positive case was among the most recent batch of samples sent for testing at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) laboratory, Trinidad and Tobago.

Second case According to the MHWE, this is an imported case, as was the first.

The positive sample was

taken from a Vincentian female who had travelled to St. Vincent and the Grenadines from the United States on 25th March. The individual and the other passengers who arrived on that aircraft were reportedly put on mandatory quarantine.

However, symptoms akin to infection caused by the coronavirus, the COVID-19 agent, were reported by the female as referenced, on March 28, and a test sample taken.

The positive result was returned on 1st April.

The individual was informed of her status and has been placed in isolation. The MHWE is currently in the process of informing persons with whom the would have come into contact.

www.thevincentian.com

LIAT suspends service Page 3

Minibus men speak out Page 13

EC$1.50

COVID-19 death unconfirmed Page 14

Girls home gutted Page 28

Below: The community of Owia – home to a Fishing Complex (pictured) and the only active Arrowroot Factory, has been locked down, according to reliable sources.

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2. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Marlon John was in the company of friends when was shot.

THE PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE for killing Marlon Jermaine John, better known as ‘Mob’, a 34-year-old labourer of Fairbaine Pasture, and shooting and injuring a 30-year-old labourer of the same address, is (are) still

Lawrence John admitted that he had spoken to his son about the friends he had.

Fatal shooting in Fairbaine Pasture at large.

And the police are soliciting information from the general public that will aid with the investigation, the arrest and prosecution of the he offender(s).

Around 3:15pm on March 29th, a group of men were ‘cooking’ outside a shop in Fairbaine Pasture when two masked men approached them and opened fire.

John was shot multiple times about his body, while the other man was shot in his left leg. They were taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), where John was pronounced dead on arrival by the District Medical Officer (DMO).

The other man received medical attention and has since been discharged.

Residents in the community were tightlipped when THE VINCENTIAN sought to solicit reactions to the shooting death.

“Me ain’t have nothing

to say,” was one resident’s response, and he all but summed up the attitude.

However, THE VINCENTIAN spoke with Lawrence John, the father of the deceased.

Lawrence admitted that his son would ‘hang out’ regularly at the spot where he was killed.

He recalled that he was repairing a door lock when his son came home, took a bottle of water and left “and go up the road.”

Lawrence continued to attend to the lock, and a short while after, he heard loud, continuous explosions.

“Me left the lock then go to see wha happening.

Me see people a run then me hear somebody saying, ‘John come.’ …

Same time a guy coming down the road say Marlon dead and dey on the ground up dey,” Lawrence recalled.

“When me left and go up the road, me see Marlon in a blood like he a try fi get up,” he continued.

His final helping hand to his son, was assisting him into a car to be

transported to the MCMH. “Me feel um because ah me son,” said Lawrence, on the impact his son’s death has on him.

Just like the police, Lawrence is searching for “clues” as to why his son was gunned down.

“I would like to know why he get gun down. Is 15 bullet dey (doctors) took out of him today.

They mek certain they kill him. It just get me in a suspense. What did he do?” Lawrence pondered.

He paused a minute or so and then blurted that he would, from time to time, speak to his son about the friends he chose. His son, he asserted, never told him if his life was in danger.

“I want justice.

Whoever shoot him, the government should deal with them,” said Lawrence on what he would like to see happen from here on.

Marlon John was the sixth of eight children for his father. His mother passed away almost three years ago, and he

Yacht in Layou creates concern RESIDENTS OF THE CENTRAL LEEWARD town of Layou were thrown into a frenzy when, last Wednesday, a 40-foot yacht anchored less than 100 yards from the beach at Jackson Bay. This was a strange occurrence, given that Jackson Bay is not usually a mooring area for yachts, whether local or foreign-owned.

Of course, the frenzy and expressed concerns came amidst residents’ fears about the spread of the coronavirus, and the entry of supposedly unscreened foreign nationals into SVG. What created even more concern was when two occupants of the yacht were seen coming ashore in a dinghy. The two appeared to be relatively young and were Caucasians.

Reports that surfaced afterwards said that they had come ashore to purchase groceries.

While the two occupants were on land, a Coast Guard vessel appeared in the area and approached the yacht. It circled

the vessel for some time.

Persons on the beach beckoned to the Coast Guard officers, telling them that two persons from the yacht were on land.

There was The two occupants of the yacht being questioned by a twenty or a police officer (partly hidden by pillar). so minuteperiod of yacht. inactivity after which the Coast It was not long after they Guard vessel headed to sea. boarded that the yacht headed out But not before a mobile police of Jackson Bay, leaving the unit (a pick-up) appeared in the residents of Layou with questions vicinity, just as the two occupants about the porous nature of our were making their way back to coast line and our inability to their yacht. police it in its entirety, leaving us They were questioned by a open to the perils — like uniformed police officer, after which they were allowed to board coronavirus — of the world. (CD) their dinghy and return to their

has been living with his father since then, save and except for short periods when he stayed

away.

John’s death marked the eighth (8th) homicide for the year 2020. (KH)

Cricketer reprimanded and discharged NATIONAL CRICKETER Hyron Shallow walked away from an assault charge with a “reprimanded and discharge” last Tuesday, March 31, at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

Shallow was arrested on March 26 following a tussle with his wife, and had pleaded guilty on an earlier occasion.

Sentencing was postponed to March 31, to accommodate Hyron Shallow played a what prosecutor good innings in Court as he Sgt. Renrick Cato would have done on the said was the reading of the facts cricket field. when Catisha Pierre-Shallow — the defendant’s wife and virtual complainant in the matter - could be present.

But with the wife not making an appearance, at the questioning of Magistrate Bertie Pompey, the Court learned that Catisha was slapped by her husband after several weapons were taken away from her, as she threatened to stab him.

“Your honor, in this offence, a screwdriver was taken away from her by the police, a knife in a house…., ” the prosecutor said as Magistrate Bertie Pompey interrupted to seek further clarity.

“Was taken away from?” Pompey asked. “The VC,” prosecutor Cato continued, “in a house in police presence, so I hope that the VC is present….”

Magistrate Pompey proceeded to query the circumstances that led to Hyron’s guilty plea.

Evidently Shallow’s narrative was too longwinded, which prompted Pompey to interject, “Cut the long story short. What happened?”

The Court was then able to discern that Shallow left the rented apartment he shares with his wife to pay the rent, only to realize that the money was still at his abode.

He returned to his home, only to find the doors locked. His wife refused to open for him.

A police officer, who was nearby, was summoned, and Shallow somehow gained entry to the apartment. Once inside, his 31-year-old wife allegedly approached him, threateningly, with a screwdriver and then a knife. She was disarmed both times.

“Reprimanded and discharged!” Magistrate Pompey declared, even while Shallow was midsentence in his recount. jp.schwmon.vincy@gmail.com

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020. 3.

News 3 LIAT suspends passenger service REGIONAL AIRLINE LIAT announced in the early afternoon hours of last Thursday, that it will suspend all passenger services from April 4, across its regional network.

The suspension will be for 14 days, at the end of which the decision will be reviewed.

The airline’s Cargo Service, however, will remain open during the period concerned.

LIAT now joins international carriers American Airlines, Air Canada and Caribbean Airlines in suspending passenger service into the AIA. As expected, the airlines, including LIAT, attributed their decisions to the impact of COVID-19, including border closures and travel restrictions across the globe.

Until April 4, it is expected that LIAT, as it had earlier indicated, will have one daily scheduled flight into the AIA, having reduced that schedule from seven.

Subsequent to that decision, Airport Authorities here issued a revised operating schedule for airports across

the multi-island state.

The Argyle International Airport (AIA) was expected to operate from 7am — 6pm, and the airports in Bequia, Canouan, Union Island from 8am to 6pm. There was no reference to the airport on Mustique in the advisory.

The changes were expected to remain in effect until April 1, 2020.

Up to press time, there was no advisory to say that the adjusted operating schedule has been change.

The cessation of LIAT and other international airline flights into the AIA will severely affect the airport’s capacity to generate revenue.

And while AIA remains Canouan and Union Island, to Given the expected reduced traffic into the AIA in open, other ports of entry have yachts and other vessels. particular and the closure of been closed.

Mustique was later added to at least four seaports of entry, Acting on the advice of Mr. this list. movement of persons in and Ports in Kingstown, Blue Brenton Cain, Commander of out of SVG is anticipated to be Lagoon, and Wallilabou the SVG Coast Guard, severely curtailed. remain in operation. government had announced on March 27, the immediate closure of seaports of entry in Bequia, Continued from Front Corporation’s morning the community.

Page. news programme of 2nd THE VINCENTIAN April, discussions held also understands that Community lockdown authorities have moved between Minister of to trace the occupants of Health, Wellness and It didn’t take long for a minibus in which the the Environment Hon. news to surface that the victim is said to have Luke Browne and person identified as Director of the Pan travelled.

SVG’s second case of the American Health The bus has been COVID019 was from Organization (PAHO) taken off the road, and Owia, the second most Dr. Carissa Etienne on as many of the persons north-easterly SVG’s response to who rode in the van, community on mainland including the driver and COVID-19, were St. Vincent. enlightening. his brother, are now in Reports are that the Suggestions on the isolation, one source community was thrown procurement of critical said. into an obvious panic supplies for SVG were Indications are that when the news broke, residents of Sandy Bay, given; offer for technical and THE assistance made; and the community VINCERNTIAN has support for ongoing immediately south of been reliably informed Owia, are also in a state activity here were that Owia has since of concern, bordering on expressed. been locked down.

It also noted that panic.

Nothing — people, Min. Browne also stated vehicles, animals - is that the FDA has SVG’s response to going into or out of approved a test kit COVID-19 Owia. Residents are which is a Gene Xpert said to be in a state of instrument. He As of 31st March, uncertainty. explained this would forty-four samples have allow SVG to do COVIDThis means that Fancy — the most north- been sent to CARPHA 19 testing in-country for testing. Four of easterly community on with equipment that is these were rejected St. Vincent - is already here. effectively cutoff by land. because they did not In the meantime, satisfy the COVID-19 Owia residents are citizens are being appalled that the person testing criteria. Only reminded to follow the concerned, who was put two positive results have protocols of social been received; all other distancing, hand assured that the Economic Review and on mandatory quarantine, in her Owia results were returned hygiene, coughing best Stimulus Package, which will be negative. home, seemed to have practices, and the presented to Parliament on April 7, According to a news disregarded this (order), constant sanitization of 2020, contains provisions to assist release on the National leaving her home to frequently used areas. persons who are actively engaged in Broadcasting mingle with persons in carnival and the cultural industry.

Vincymas 2020 cancelled VINCYMAS 2020, in its original format scheduled for June-July 2020, has been cancelled.

According to a release from the Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet accepted the recommendations to this effect, advanced to it by the Carnival Development Corporation through the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture.

The CDC assured the Cabinet that its recommendation was supported fully by the major component groups of Vincymas, namely, the Carnival Bands Association, the Youlou Pan Movement and the SVG Calypsonians Association.

In making the announcement of the cancellation on Thursday morning, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonslaves disclosed that Cabinet has left open holding a “popular” festival at a later date in the Summer of 2020, should circumstances permit.

Prime Minister Gonsalves also

Owia locked down

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4. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

“Move on,” Magistrate advises On March 28, during a conversation at Louie’s home at Kingstown Park, EON PERRY, 25-year-old baker of she told him that she was ending the Redemption Sharpes, has been warned relationship, and he must leave her to keep away from his former commonhome. law wife, Raynessa Louie, and move on.

Perry left, but he subsequently met The warning came from Senior her in the area going into a vehicle Magistrate Rickie Burnett at the with the child, and took away the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on cellular phone from her. She followed Tuesday, just after ordering Perry to him with a knife, and when he saw her pay EC$506 compensation to Louie. following him, he smashed the phone.

Perry had pleaded guilty to Perry admitted to the Court that damaging Louie’s Samsung Galaxy there was a problem of trust in the A20 cellular phone valued US$179. relationship, and they had broken up Prosecutor Curlene Samuel had told before, and mended it, but the the Court earlier that Perry and Louie problems continued. had a 4-year intimate relationship “Trust is very important in a which produced a child. relationship. If you have a breach of On March 27, Perry accused Louie trust, that is going to cause a problem of cheating on him with a friend who in the relationship,” the Magistrate had dropped her home. told Perry, and warned him of what Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

was taking place today in relation to some couples, as a result of relationships that went sour.

“You have to move on from her, and she has to move on from you, because if you don’t, things are going to happen,” the Magistrate warned.

Burnett said there are many other nice women out there, and urged Perry to find one.

“You move on and let her move on,” were his last words of advice to Perry, who nodded his head in agreement.

Perry was ordered to compensate Louie by May 29, or go to prison for two months.

Burnett, speaking generally later in the proceedings of the Court, said, “You could imagine being in a relationship for eight years, or seven years, and there is a difficulty, and

you have to move on tomorrow. It’s not easy.”

One police officer standing at the entrance of the Court room replied, “Especially when there are children involved.”

Parents urged to perform their role Youth accused of SENIOR Magistrate Rickie Burnett is calling parents to fulfil their role.

“Parenting is a serious responsibility,” he declared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, during the appearance of three juveniles on a criminal trespass charge.

The youngsters pleaded guilty, but the matter was adjourned pending a Social Inquiry Report on the boys. A dusk to dawn curfew was imposed in the interim.

As the Magistrate explained what the curfew entailed, the father of one of the boys told the Court, “My Lord,

he does fight me.”

But the Magistrate replied sharply, “You are the father of the child, and he does fight you? I am not the father of this child, the Welfare Department is not the father of this child; you brought him into this world.

“Too many times, we want persons and institutions to do what the parents are supposed to be doing. There are parents who have children, and expect other people to do what they are supposed to be doing.”

He made it clear, “You are supposed to perform your role as parents,”

and urged, “Don’t wait for the state or the Welfare, or the police or the Court to do it for you.”

The boys were charged with entering the dwelling house with intent to commit an offence.

The offence was reportedly committed on March 27.

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett put on his parent’s cap and scolded those parents who neglect their role.

Physical distancing in Court THE SERIOUS Offences Court and the Kingston Magistrate’s Court continued the precautionary measure this week in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

No more than about ten persons are allowed to be in Court rooms, and hallways are kept cleared.

Seats are positioned about five or six feet apart, and persons are required to sanitize their hands on entering the Court rooms.

Some of these measures were listed in a notice issued to all legal practitioners, and are in keeping with the guidelines set out by the Ministry of Health.

But matters continued to be called, as Court Officers get the job done.

chopping brother A 23-year-old man was on Wednesday granted bail in his own recognizance when he appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on a wounding charge.

The youngster is charged with unlawfully wounding his 15-year-old brother.

The defendant pleaded not guilty when he stood before Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett.

The elder brother is alleged to have chopped the younger one in the head with a cutlass during an incident on March 29.

Responding to questions from the Senior Magistrate, the defendant told the Court he and the brother were living in the same ‘yard’, but in different rooms.

Prosecutor Curlene Samuel told the Court that there seemed to be an issue with the defendant being at the home, and that issue seemed to be continuing. She asked that he be remanded until today (Friday).

But Burnett replied, “The Court cannot remand persons for convenience. I could impose conditions.”

However, in light of the defendant’s explanation that he and the virtual complainant were living in the same yard, he could not impose no contact as a condition of bail.

But the defendant quickly informed the Court that he would vacate the premises immediately.

He was then granted his own bail on condition that he must have no contact with the complainant.

The matter has been adjourned to April 7.

Robbery accused on curfew A DUSK to dawn curfew was among the bail conditions imposed on 29-year-old Wayne Jacobs of Lowmans Leeward, when he appeared at the Serious Offences Court Monday on charges of robbery and wounding.

Jacobs is accused of robbing Amarie Nichols, 33, of Largo Height, of $547 in cash along with a cellular phone and phone case.

Jacobs is also charged with unlawfully wounding Nichols. He is

alleged to have ‘boxed’ her in the face.

Both offences were reportedly committed at Bay Street, Kingstown on December 22, 2018, and are said to have stemmed from the same incident.

Jacobs was not required to plead to the charges when he stood before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne on Monday. He was unrepresented.

He was granted $5,000 bail with one surety, and ordered not

to contact the virtual complainant.

A daily curfew between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. was imposed, and he was ordered to surrender his travel documents. He will report to the Questelles Police Station once per week, and is not to leave the state without the permission of the Serious Offences Court or a higher Court.

The matter has been adjourned to July 8.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020. 5.

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6. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020. 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

Coronavirus in an Election year OUR PRIME MINISTER has been preoccupied with addressing our most immediate needs – those that relate to this dread – COVID-19.

Regardless of if Prime Minister is influenced by the politics of the next election, the state is dutybound to devise contingency measures, to cushion the impact thrown up by COVID-19.

Yes, it just happens that COVID-19 has decided to visit us during what is effectively an election year; a year when the state machinery would be expected to be set in motion in ways not usually the case in ‘nonelection’ years.

So, it is obvious that as the government designs and delivers on a stimulus package/recovery package/extraordinary fiscal measures — call it what you want — it would appear that the incumbent is delivering enticements not uncommon during an election year. And government opponents have already labelled the measures in those terms.

But if the truth be told, the incumbent, the Prime Minister had no DEW (Distant Early Warning) that this dreaded disease would choose this year to force itself on us.

What he does have is the ‘power’ to determine the date for the next election, and to devise a year of state projects that would entice the electorate.

Yes, there is a very thin line that separates genuine state responses from election gimmicks.

But when we fiddle with these ‘old notes’ and create yet another cacophony out of which will not come any harmonious melody, there are others issues that this COVID-19 period raises.

Not least among these is the uncertainty that surrounds when elections are to be held; this is an unhealthy reality.

The last time anybody looked in on it, the Constitution had not been changed to provide for a fixed date for election.

And there is no legal requirement that the Prime Minister should run the full course of exactly five years, so the guessing game continues unabated even as we grapple with COVID-19.

There are certain circumstances that will allow for some variation in the timetable for an election — that we go to war and/or some emergency that arises after Parliament has been dissolved.

Whatever, we have to start thinking in terms of this unprecedented period of COVID19 creating cause for special adjustments and/or special reform of the law, that would allow for a delay or differently conducted election.

Such drastic adjustment would require non-partisan support.

Possible?

Whatever, our Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC), if we still have one, and our Electoral Office must begin planning for the likelihood of conducting an election during a period of ‘social distancing’.

Polling stations would have to re-configured. And what about consideration for mail-in ballots?

Are we mature enough to make that option work? Perhaps an election over two days?

And then there would be need for funding (Special Warrant?) to cover training to attend to new logistics that would emerge.

The EBC/Electoral Office have a responsibility to conduct a review of the situation and formulate recommendations to be advanced to the Executive and onward to Parliament.

In a situation in which the fate of the general election is a legitimate cause for concern, we must show maturity and openness. We can do without a Guyana here.

As we look towards a nonpartisan parliamentary position that would legitimize and guide any adjustments in the conduct of the next election, supporters of the two major parties which have been responsible for the political divisiveness that plague us, must do away with their petty, undignified advances on their opponents, amid all the terror of the COVID-19 situation.

The economic and political sensitivities we face because of COVID-19, should be enough for us to temper ourselves in this uncommon election year.

Are the parties now to draw swords?

(Reprinted from THE VINCENTIAN of April 7, 2017) FROM ALL REPORTS, many of my readers are aghast that I have not as yet jumped in the middle of the current political imbroglio, but appear to be only skirting the issues and waiting for what Heaven only knows.

I have been around for nearly fifty years and realise that nothing happens, probably worsens, when the people sit back and merely nibble at the problem. They cannot forever leave it up for the leadership which cannot really lead in the absence of an alert and willing following.

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

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

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

On the other hand, I received word of the passing of Baha Lawrence at 103 years old.

Incidentally, I forgot to mention that Viola once stayed at his house at Rose Place where she gave me music lesson.

Understandably, I omitted some worthy persons such as Centurion Mrs. Herman Young of Layou, at the very time that her granddaughter Donna Young, 20years old who inherited from her a natural beauty and charm was remembered on the thirtieth anniversary of her tragic loss, a beauty Queen.

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

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

I heard several Good Friday church services by way of radio in the peace of my home. The Presentation of the Seven Words on the Cross by Streams of Power engulfed me, generally, but the Young Priestess who

elaborated on “It is finished,” fairly swept me away. It was all so gently, sometimes jocularly, breath-taking and powerful!

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

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

We love “words” as part of our culture.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020. 7.

Letters

Out of bad cometh good Mr. Editor, as I sat recently in my rocking chair contemplating how things are going here amidst the threat of the coronavirus, I was heartened to conclude that there has been some good that has come out of the whole experience to date.

I am pleased to note, for example, that washing your hands has been returned to being a habit and not just an occasional exercise. My hope is that this basic hygiene practice will

become second nature to us once again.

And then there are these new exercises we refer to as ‘social distancing’ and selfisolation. The combination of both has definitely resulted in more family time. More time is now spent with loved ones, and home is again a sanctuary of love and harmony.

And this time with family also means that parents get the opportunity to re-impress

Lockdown!

Two viruses

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a list of measures — a Recovery Package — to ease the financial and economic burden that will come with COVID-19. Dr. Gonsalves must be congratulated for devising such a plan.

The only thing left now is for it to be properly (no bias or favouritism) implemented.

But even as this country can be declared COVID019 free as I write this on Sunday, March 29, we cannot sit back and believe that our current state cannot change. We have to be prepared for the worse.

That is why I support a complete lockdown. I say complete because I know that three ports in the Grenadines have been closed.

But I think we need to take a lead from the Bahamas who started with curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., and now they have implemented a 24hour curfew. No vehicles on the road except for food or medical runs. And the kicker is: they only have four confirmed cases.

My advice: Don’t wait until it gets worse to lock-down. Don’t wait for what’s happening in Italy.

Jim, Kingstown

EXTREMELY poor management of SVG monies has placed our citizens at risk of being overwhelmed by COVID19. And we are so stretched for finance that we keep our sea ports open while others do not; our Chamber of Commerce insists we need to keep business open as much as possible, whilst all around the world countries are taking safety precautions by shutting down as much business as possible.

And as the cruise ships stop coming and international air travel curtailed from out of North American and Europe, the lesson is

strong values in their children; values like obedience, respect, good manners and attitudes, and the importance of prayer.

And then there is the fact that fathers will spend more time at home now that the bars have either been closed or their activities scaled back.

The coronavirus and its COVID-19 disease will end, but we should embrace the lessons we have learned or re-

clear: we should not depend on tourism as the driving force of our economy.

Yes, the government, as incompetent as it is, will devise stimulus measures, but that does not change the reality.

Things are going to be as hard as ever when this period of ‘government relief’ comes to an end.

The picture is that we will now be suffering from what is effectively two viruses: the coronavirus and the virus of incompetence.

We had plenty of time to prepare for the COVID-19, but it seems at a time there that we chose to watch and see

learned and carry forward in our daily lives. This will make us stronger and more caring.

Let us pray that the good we have experienced during this time of discomfort, even fear, would continue long after the coronavirus has gone.

Retiree Arnos Vale

what other nations were doing.

And, it is worth noting that no amount of millions in a recovery package is worth the life of one citizen of this country.

Assembly has come to an end. On March 18, 2020, I tendered my resignation as Senator and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, effective March 20, to the Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Susan Dougan and the Clerk of the House of Assembly.

It has indeed been a distinct honour to have served the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines over the last four years, and to have supported our government’s quest towards the continued development of our country through the strengthening of our legislature.

I extend gratitude to the Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Ralph E. Gonsalves for affording

DO YOU know if our National Security is well secured? How about our health workers, from doctors to cleaners? How about our police/men and women? How about our education system, as we await the national history to be taught in our schools? Are our children continuing their education online? If no, ask more questions about the education revolution. Our teachers weren’t trained as yet?

How about food safety — National Food Safety?

How about medical herbs safety? Many questions to ask about the Medical Cannabis Industry, as we go ahead with it.

I met in the spirit with the late Hon. R.M. Cato, and he asked; “Who could be so wicked to destroy the Marketing (board) Corporation?” I told him some people who are referred to as ‘red rats’.

“Black people stop allow outsiders to paint you in their colours! They will allow your mind to think their way,” was his reply, and he disappeared, and I came back to myself.

If we do not have food safety, many will die, not from COVID-19, but from famine. Where are the Marketing Board trucks that used to transport food from Leeward and Windward to Central?

To solve this insecurity problem, especially food security, that is creeping upon us, we need positive and spiritual minds to come together, since our government can’t see in this dark night.

The law of God is the only solution, which is the Kingdom of Heaven/God. In the meantime, no one on earth is secure.

This might sound outdated. It is the only way out.

Lot of danger ahead if we as a people don’t come together in the oneness of all and the oneness of God. Move your political parties and religious differences out of the way.

Christian Democrat

Kadmiel McFee British war veteran

Resignation as Senator and Deputy Speaker ON DECEMBER 29, 2015, I was appointed Senator and Deputy Speaker of the House Assembly. I approached this challenge with a single purpose - to serve the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Today, I formally announce that my tenure as Senator and Deputy Speaker of the House of

Who cares for the ÂcarersÊ?

me the opportunity to be of service to our nation in my former capacity as Senator and Deputy Speaker.

Further, I wish to take this opportunity to thank parliamentary colleagues, friends and family, especially the wonderful people of North Leeward, for their unwavering support. I remain committed to our cause for a better North Leeward, and resolute in my commitment towards nation building.

I will now place an even greater focus and amplification of my service to you the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

Carlos James

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8. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

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Rising stronger from the ashes of Covid 19 Decisive leadership needed to manage COVID-19 Excerpts from the address to the nation on March 18th 2020 (Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s Address to the Nation)

The Fiscal Stimulus THE TOTAL PACKAGE of fiscal stimulus and tax relief will amount to more than EC $70 million or in excess of three percent (3%) of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) — a significant stimulus in all the circumstances.

The bulk of the revenue for the package is targeted to come from six sources: The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Contingency Fund of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, other financial institutions, and bondholders. The monies from these sources are either in hand or at hand.

Support will come, too, from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), the National Insurance Services (NIS), the SVG Port Authority, the Agricultural Input Warehouse, and the Eastern Caribbean Group of Companies.

Additionally, the locally-based financial institutions (commercial banks, credit unions and the other leading institutions), the Arrowroot Industry Association, the Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA), St. Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC), the telecom companies, the private sector, the workers and their trade unions, the farmers and fisherfolk, all state employees, and all Vincentians are expected to play significant roles in our economic recovery.

We are hopeful, too, that our many international friends and allies will assist us in one way or another as we expand and consolidate our socioeconomic recovery in the post-Covid19 period.

The expenditure of the revenue garnered for the economic recovery and stimulus plan will focus on the following main items (and with approximate estimated spending for each): 1. Covid-19 health initiatives (construction of Isolation Unit and associated facilities; equipment, supplies, materials, drugs; hiring of additional nurses and medical interns; accommodation, food transportation and associated expenses for 12 Cuban nurses and four doctors, specialists in handling infectious diseases):$10 million 2. Immediate generation of jobs in public works (specifically-funded roads and buildings programmes; other physical facilities; second phase of PAVE; painting of some government buildings):$30 million 3. Direct supports in the areas of farming, animal husbandry, fishing (additional monies for Farmers’ Support Company; free seeds at AIW; subsidised inputs; provision of fishing boats and farm animals on generous terms): $9 million 4. Support for the arrowroot industry:$3 million 5. Social Supports for vulnerable and affected persons (widening the social safety net with Interim Assistance Benefits for persons not on public assistance nor in receipt of a pension, until December 31, 2020; providing supports for displaced workers in the hotel and tourism sector, including cruise buses and taxis, through a Displacement Supplementary Income for three months in the first instance; hiring an additional 20 Home-Helpers for the elderly; additional transport support for students, including from the Grenadines): $5 million

6. Additional resources for grants under the Promotion of Youth MicroEnterprises (PRYME):$1.0 million 7. Additional supports for small businesses including in the field of culture and arts: $2 million 8. Medi Vac Vessel:$0.7 million 9. Additional Supports for SVG Tourism Authority: $1 million 10. Additional support for Argyle International Airport for five months:$2 million 11. Communications Expenses: $0.350 million The aggregate of this expenditure amounts to $64.05 million. Additional are the tax relief and other measures which are estimated to cost the revenue approximately $10 million.

In total, therefore the fiscal stimulus amounts to $74.05 million or 3.4 percent of GDP.

Decline in Projected Revenue It is self-evident that projected revenues will decline substantially – the full extent of that decline, and over which time period, are not yet calculable, given the range of uncertainties. So, there has to be a re-prioritisation of expenditure to meet the unfolding realities globally, regionally, and nationally; this exercise is ongoing. Over the mediumterm our fiscal condition will be consolidated as the anticipated economic recovery takes root. I am encouraged that both the World Bank and the IMF have jointly issued a call today for debt relief for IDA countries like St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The overall stimulus and socioeconomic recovery package is significant. As the global economy recovers, the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the rest of the region, must be in position to lift off and expand. Still, we are mindful that even before the expiration of the threat of Covid-19 and its hubris, the 2020 hurricane season would be upon us. This makes the overall situation even more challenging, awash with downside risks. Our region’s premier financial institution, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), is currently preparing a package of financial support for its membercountries. I await expectantly the CDB’s offered package. In this regard, regional provision has to be made for LIAT, so vital for our region’s progress. On these matters, I have already been in conversation with the President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

The received scientific learning and wisdom of the nature of Covid-19 is that it is not a death sentence like HIV/AIDS in an earlier period or more recently, Ebola. Some 80 percent of those who are infected by Covid-19 will have a mild infection and will recover well and in good time.

Only a very small percentage of those who are actually infected will suffer significantly; and an even smaller percentage of persons, particularly with severe pre-existing conditions (respiratory and heart ailments, diabetes and hypertension) will succumb fatally to the coronavirus. The responsive health initiatives have thus been taken with all these factual matrices in mind.

We recognise that some may die from it; others may die with it; it is a serious threat to life, living, and production.

IN THIS TIME, our country needs leadership, direction and clarity. I am very concerned that our Government has still not heeded calls to close our seaports and airports to all but essential travel and commerce. Nearly all the other Caribbean countries and many countries worldwide have seen it necessary to do so. Closing the country’s borders is a critical step in reducing the spread of the virus.

My friends, it makes sense to secure the borders for a while. This would allow us to deal with the situation inside the country without having also to manage new arrivals, and worry about what might come in on the next flight or on the yachts that enter our ports at Wallilabou, Kingstown and Blue Lagoon.

Our situation in SVG of having only one confirmed COVID-19 case should not lure us into a false sense of security. For even if we manage to put out a spark in our own house, we must acknowledge that the fire continues to rage outside, and that it still threatens to engulf us! In fact that threat grows greater, not less, by the day. So, clearly, we are not out of the woods yet– not by a long shot.

This means we must do all we can to protect our people. This requires closing our borders for a while by suspending all arrivals at our airports and seaports, except essential travellers (including nationals) and commerce. We would then review the decision as conditions change. Taking this action now will give us the best chance of avoiding more cases of COVID-19 in SVG and of reducing the risk of an outbreak that may overburden our fragile healthcare system. The situation as it is now, is creating unacceptable risks to the health and safety of our people. It is better to be safe than sorry!

As the situation stands, with all airports and some seaports open, and with very limited testing for the disease being done, the only reasonable measure that can protect the public is to quarantine all arrivals into the country, wherever they come from! Every country in the world now has COVID-19! That is, after all, why it is called a global pandemic! So, all arrivals from any country must be considered to be potential carriers of the virus and must be handled as such.

Further, the present system of inhome isolation or self-regulated quarantine is dangerous, because it is unenforceable. Even when the authorities seize the passports of people on arrival, as is being done in some cases; this cannot guarantee compliance with the quarantine requirements. And a guarantee of compliance (not merely a likelihood) is what is required in the present circumstances! We simply must ensure that all persons observe the quarantine fully. The stakes are simply too high to have it otherwise.

This calls for a government-operated isolation facility to house all new arrivals for the 14-day quarantine period. It is the only way to protect the public from potential harm and prevent the spread of the virus in our country.

Other Recommendations

My friends, despite the relentless march and huge toll of the coronavirus pandemic, we are not powerless to defend ourselves. We can and must fight back! There are effective things that we can do together to protect ourselves and one another. You may have heard about some of them before, but it helps to be reminded from time to time, lest we become complacent.

Stay at home: Stay at home as much as possible. This is critical for older persons and persons with health problems such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma. The younger, healthier persons can volunteer, with the necessary precautions, to help the elderly and vulnerable members of our communities by delivering their groceries and medication. Now that they need us most, we must not fail them.

If you can work from home, please do so. Employers, make work-from home arrangements with your employees, especially those who are in at-risk categories. Online tools are available to facilitate staff meetings and to supervise work so that satisfactory levels of productivity are maintained.

Practise Social/Physical Distancing: We are a fun-loving, sociable people.

The evening lime with friends, the house party and the beach picnic are part of who we are as a people and come out easily, especially in the young. But, the circumstances in which we find ourselves now require us to change our behaviour, for a while. We can do it. We must do it!

Avoid all forms of physical greeting.

The handshake, the kiss and hug must all wait until we get out of this mess. Also, keep a safe distance of 3 to 6 feet between you and other persons. Avoid crowds and public gatherings.

Remember, preventing the spread of COVID-19 is a collective responsibility. It is your responsibility; it is my responsibility.

So, do your part and practise social and physical distancing, as recommended by the health professionals. We are yet to hear specifics from government as to how social distancing will be incorporated into commercial activity, and I commend those establishments already leading this effort.

To business places, I wish also to recommend the following: please allow for the opening and closing of the doors for your customers; provide means to wash or sanitize hands upon entry to your business places; place markers on the floor, 3 to 6 feet apart, for customers who must stand in line to be served; limit the number of persons who can be inside at any given time; allow for safe distance between customers inside and encourage safe distancing of persons outside the entrance; adjust office spacing and seating to allow for safe distancing between employees, and implement and enforce guidelines for proper hand hygiene; disinfect used surfaces regularly throughout the day, and restaurants, try your best to shift your operations to take-out service.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020. 9.

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Tsundoku

Safe and sane in SVG

“Tsundoku. It’s the word I’ve always needed! A Japanese term, it refers to the stack of books on a bedside table waiting to be read. Books offer the potential for learning or an escape to a different time or place, and I long for the delights and insights found within their pages. So, the stack remains.” – Lisa M. Samra – Daily Bread Devotional of 19th March 2020.

we are ‘Therefore, the prudent keep quiet in such times, for the times are evil.’ Amos doing what we can to stay ahead, it was 5:13 announced that we had all but 6 ventilators in SVG. Last Friday, Health ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES is Minister Luke Browne disclosed that we going through trying times. For the last ten years, we were struck with hurricanes, will get 18 more soonest.

Last Wednesday evening, PM droughts, storms and landslides. All delivered body blows to our people and the Gonsalves got probably the largest listening audience in his entire political economy. And now this: The novel career. Citizens were all ears. coronavirus pandemic may set us back Obviously, those who uncritically like no other disaster. It is as if the gods support the ULP were effusive in their are against us, although if you listen to praise. However, many persons high officials, especially those in the expressed profound disappointment. political class, you may be tricked into The speech was too long. At least two thinking that God is a Vincie. staunch ULP supporters disclosed they In times like these, we must avoid fell asleep on Gonsalves’ words. For us, the error of doing business as usual. the speech did not correspond to the Most of all, we must fight against our moment. inner urges to play politics with this Gonsalves could put a speech issue. In the past, we warned against claiming bragging rights for a fall in the together. However, he never homicide rate, for we never know when convincingly explained why his a drug deal gone bad could breed death approach was different from his CARICOM colleagues closest to us. He and destruction. Similarly, we caution never explained why he continued to against the temptation to bat outside allow international travel into our our crease and claim Vincentian country, particularly from North exceptionalism because thus far, only two persons tested positive for the virus. America, particularly since by the time of his address, the epicentre of the Donald Trump claimed that the coronavirus pandemic had shifted to the Corona Virus was a hoax only a month USA. ago. Today, the United States of There is no information in the public America has the highest infection rate domain which points to Gonsalves in the world. The now celebrated response of New York Governor Andrew directing and mandating that flights from certain regions be temporarily Cuomo was not so stellar early on. On curtailed. Air Canada landed last March 18, Cuomo publicly declared he Thursday. American Airlines was wouldn’t approve a ‘shelter-in-place’ scheduled to arrive from Miami on April order for New York City, even as New 1. The airline cancelled the flight either York City Mayor Bill De Blasio for the safety of the crew or for the suggested residents prepare for one, shortage of travellers. LIAT stopped because, he said then ‘the fear, the flying. panic is a bigger problem than the However, as airlines cancelled flights, virus.’ Currently, New York has more than 50 percent of all infections in that Gonsalves was callously disregarding the science he touts, offering a 50 country.

No country in the world wants to see percent reduction in departure taxes, and encouraging Vincentians and its entire social, political and economic life ground to a halt. SVG cannot afford foreigners to engage in inter island to shut down, the fierce urgency of now travel. Now you can’t be more reckless than that! is upon us. This period demands The call by the state to have people discipline, determination and self self police is another joke. As we saw sacrifice. Our leaders are required to with the AIDS epidemic, young people put down the political guns and hoist are convinced that God is not ready for the national flag of statesmanship.

Together now takes on real importance. them yet. They could not care if Good Politics can wait. We cannot be like the Friday falls on Christmas. They have callous Donald Trump and tell people if strong rum in their veins and nice time on their mind. you are going to die, hold until after To effectively deal with this problem, election day, then go meet your maker.

Under no condition should politicians we must throw a broad net to ensure that all your policies close all try to steal a march on the other side. opportunities for spread and Scare- mongering must be banished. contamination. Across our country, Equally, the care and concerns for the social distancing is not working. We safety, health and welfare of citizens close the schools then encourage parents coming from politicians and others to send their children on hikes. cannot, must not be cavalierly Preachers at funerals delight in the rubbished as scare tactics. We are captive audience and engage in long currently walking on a tight rope. sermons enquiring as to where those in What’s the best course of action? How attendance will spend eternity. do we keep the nation safe and sane?

The mini vans are still packed with Should we move in a measured way and play wait and see or hide and seek with passengers going to and from work.

Some businesses try to limit the number the virus? Alternatively, do we follow of people in their premises, but our neighbours and lockdown the customers stand near each other on long country in the hope of controlling the lines as they wait for service. There is spread of this scary and potentially no recommendation from state and deadly virus? health officials for the use of masks.

Some say follow the science. The Too often in SVG, supposedly learned scientific reality indicates the virus, and experienced leaders become afraid galloping there and creeping of their own shadow. They are scared demonstrates a determined certainty. that opponents may gain politically It’s coming. because of their handling of a crisis or a We live in a lake called the given development. However, our Caribbean Sea. Those neighbours history is replete with examples where closest to us, Barbados, Trinidad, this view is grossly overblown and far Grenada and St Lucia have all taken removed from reality. drastic actions determined to protect Our only concern is to ensure our the health, safety and welfare of people remain sane and safe. Any other citizens. What is the peculiar and calculation should be disavowed. exceptional Vincentian reality that demands that we take a different course?

Send comments, criticisms & Like the rest of our sister isles, we suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com have asked for and received help. While

AFTER READING Lisa Samra’s devotional presentation entitled “Delights in Books” on 19th March 2020, I proceeded to conduct an Internet search to discover more about this Japanese term “Tsundoku”. While doing so, I vividly recalled my 1988 investment in a collection of classic hard cover books that were available through Encyclopedia Britannica. Classics such as Mark Twin’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”, Herman Melville’s “MobyDick”, Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”, Emily Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights”, and many others, decorated the shelves in my study. These made up a significant part of my tsundoku.

Unfortunately, termites quietly invaded my “treasure throve of books” several years ago and destroyed most of my valuable collection of priceless literary works. A new tsundoku is in progress.

Many teachers and parents of primary and secondary school children complain that modern day distractions have diminished their children’s interest in reading. This appears to be especially so in relation to the male population. However, we need to strengthen our resolve to correct this trend. It is not beyond us to develop incentive programmes that would encourage reading and thereby cement this most worthwhile habit.

Reading is known to “exercise the brain” and feed our curiosity.

Reading improves our cognitive function and enhances memory. It also helps us to better understand the world around us, improve our communication skills, reduce stress (depending on the books selected), develop analytical skills, and stimulate creativity.

Many secondary students, in an attempt to enhance their vocabulary, develop the habit of recording the meaning/definition of unfamiliar words discovered as they read. They then seek to use these in conversations and written communication exercises. Many discover that this practice enhances their communications skills. They develop more fluency and clarity of expressions of thoughts. This is not surprising since we think via the use of language. Their thoughts, their cognitive development, expand as they broaden and deepen their use of language.

Books have the ability to satisfy our hunger for knowledge. There is so much that we can learn as we go through the pages of “good books” — publications that encourage selfimprovement, positive attitudes, and the expansion of our knowledge base.

The right books can provide information that assist us in becoming smarter, mentally stronger, more skilled, more creative, more innovative, and more receptive to new ideas. Conversely, a word of caution needs to be pronounced as we seek to guard our thoughts against publications that encourage unethical, anti-social, and/or immoral behaviours. We are to be guardians of

our thoughts — and the thoughts of our wards. We should not take this responsibility and privilege lightly.

What we read influence our thoughts.

And those thoughts influence our actions/behaviours … for good or for bad.

Books are known to aid in stress reduction. Many testify of the benefits of reading science fiction books, romance novels, self-help publications, autobiographies, and so on. These all have the capacity for tension reduction and relaxation while simultaneously broadening our knowledge base. With the proliferation of publications (including eBooks) it is possible to find literature that is related to every possible topic.

Through reading, we open our minds to new and more exciting possibilities.

As a teenager, I enjoyed reading the words penned by many of England’s accomplished poets.

William Cowper (1731-1800) was one of my favourite poets. His descriptions of the English landscape often provided me with vivid pictures of the rolling hills and valleys, the flowers that blossom and bloom in the meadows, the butterflies that flit through the wide open spaces, the aquatic plants that populate the placid lakes, the fish that swim (and seem to play) in the gentle flowing rivers, the various species of birds that chirp and sing as they nestle in the boughs or branches of the trees, and so on. His narratives of the iridescent clouds and glass-like lakes caused me to imagine what it was like to run, skip, and jump in the flowery meadows that punctuated such landscapes. I was an immigrant in England (through his writings). In my own way, I sought to mimic his writings when I wrote essays at school. It served me well.

Based on the foregoing, we could well imagine how persons in far-away lands could have a similar appreciation and longing for the Caribbean lands as they read the works of many of our accomplished Caribbean writers. Our Caribbean nationals continue to excel as authors describing various aspects of our culture and environment. They invite the readers (far and near) to use their mind’s eye to see, smell, and taste our unique Caribbean offerings. These readers would have been considered immigrants in our lands even though many would never set foot on our shores. They would have conjured up vivid images of our Caribbean territories and cultures as they read the works of Antiguan Marie-Elena John; Barbadian George William Lamming; Cuban José Julián Martí Pérez; Trinidadians C. L. R. James and V.S. Naipaul; St. Lucian Derek Walcott; Vincentian Shake Keane, and many others.

We are encouraged to revisit our respective tsundokus and determine which book(s) we will read over the next few days, weeks, and months.

We may well discover distant lands and cultures, explore new sources of knowledge, and unearth new interests that enrich our lives and the lives of those around you.

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

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10. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

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Stand pipes and water tankers urgently needed SCIENTISTS and governments around the world are advising their people about simple things they can do to try and avoid contracting or spreading the coronavirus. One simple thing people can do is wash their hands regularly and thoroughly.

An effective way of reducing one’s risk to the virus and repelling the virus, is for people to scrub for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, when washing their hands. People are advised to do this when they arrive home or at work, eat or handle food, and when they blow their nose, sneeze or cough.

According to Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc(Hons), MSc, MBA, this is harder for people in poorer households to do, as many thousands of poorer households do not have access to piped water.

CWSA statistics showed that during the period of 2006 to 2010, the average number of household water disconnections per month was 360.

Over this 5-year period, this means that about 21,600 households were disconnected from the mains water supply. If the average household is 3

people, then the number of people cut off from the piped water supply over this 5 year period was about 64,800.

Also, in March 2015, the ULP Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment told the people of SVG that his Ministry intended to phase out the use of standpipes.

There is an urgent need for standpipes to be set up around the country to help people in poorer households reduce their risk of contracting and then spreading the coronavirus. It will be hard for people in poorer households that do not have piped water, to regularly wash their hands. They need access to free, clean water immediately.

Standpipes should be installed with urgency across the country, and water tanker deliveries of fresh water should be started too. Government should be getting free, clean water to people who do not have piped water at their house, and be handing out free bars of soap too.

Personal hygiene and keeping one’s hands clean are crucial in warding off this virus that we know is deadly.

There is extensive poverty all around

SVG, and these poorer households need help to protect themselves properly.

The virus is not a living organism, but ‘a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a lipid (fat) protective layer, which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes its genetic code, (mutation), and it turns into aggressor and multiplier cells’.

The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin layer of fat. This is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam

dissolves the fat (that’s why you have to rub your hands so much, for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam). By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and decomposes on its own.

It is repugnant and immoral not to have standpipes and water tankers providing free, clean water for poor people and poorer households, whilst maintaining hundreds of millions and dollars of tax and customs duty exemptions for Taiwan and the superrich of Mustique and Canouan.

To help poorer households, the ULP regime should immediately set up standpipes and provide water tanker deliveries of free, clean water and soap. Vincentians’ lives should not be put at risk.

The political participation of women WHILE STAKEHOLDERS were actively engaged in preparations for the 25th Anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action for the Advancement of Women, the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19 arose. Energies are directed, and correctly so, towards overcoming this challenge.

It was interesting to read that WHO experts see men as more vulnerable in this crisis, while UN Women target women as the gender to be most affected. Are these two entities correct? Is COVID-19 bringing us to a level playing field? How should they treat what is a double challenge?

This calls for strong leadership, laying aside prejudices and negative party political behaviour, to research and present the facts from both a male and female perspective, collectively if possible, and work on solutions.

One of the complaints prior to and during the 25 years of Beijing, is the low participation of women in political leadership. The 1st National Congress of Women held in 2012 highlighted this factor, and offered the following recommendations for implementation by stakeholders: 17. Implement the agreements made in the Beijing Platform for Action and the Commonwealth Plan of Action for Gender Equality, that 3050% of candidates on the slate of political parties for elections are women; 18. Conduct leadership training and civic education among women in all sectors and at all levels, to stimulate their greater interest in moving beyond the realm of political organization and campaigning, into political representation and leadership; 19. Strive for the development of a political culture that allows women in politics to work across party lines to develop issues wherein they find common ground; 20. Encourage all women,

throughout the State and in the Diaspora, to rally behind their sisters in politics, providing the moral support and political solidarity that will allow them to be effective and influential advocates on issues that affect women.

The political participation and leadership of women at critical periods of our national development is largely sidelined in our history, becoming an even more glaring omission in discussions on National Heroes.

While Trinidad and Tobago has elevated our own national Elma Francois to the status of a National Hero, we have not gone beyond a postage stamp, and literature on her achievements is not in schools. We remain tight-lipped about Bertha Mutt and the fifteen women who led the march on the Parliament, and of Ivy Joshua whose success in winning her seat is still unsurpassed.

However, in this darkness, there are some bright rays of light. The recent selection of a Deputy Speaker for the House of Representatives saw two women contending for the position. This is a sign of change, as women are emerging in training positions and not plunged in mostly hostile fields at the time of a general election.

Therefore, it is with a sense of satisfaction that I congratulate our new Senator and Deputy Speaker, Dr. Mineva Glasgow. She is a woman of substance and profound experiences, who will bring much to the political table of National and Caribbean civilisation. As recommended by the 1st National Congress of Women, as citizens, we must, “Strive for the development of a political culture that allows women in politics to work across party lines to develop issues wherein they find common ground.

Nelcia Robinson Coordinator of The Committee for the Development of Women (CDW).

V Republic Bank offers COVID-19 care packages

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020. 11.

Business

REPUBLIC BANK, cognizant that in these challenging times “access to financial services and financial well-being may be negatively impacted,” has taken concrete action in responding to this reality.

To this end, the Bank has introduced the COVID-19 Care Package to assist with improving their personal and corporate customers’ cash flow at this time.

The packages are available for all customers of Republic Bank (EC) Limited (Anguilla, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten and St. Vincent and the Michelle Palmer-Keizer, Grenadines), and will become effective from Republic Bank’s Managing Director, says March 30, 2020. It will be offered for an initial that the Bank is period of 6 months. committed to working with its customers to COVID-19 Care cushion the negative impacts of the COVID-19 Package - Personal customers disease. * Moratorium on all loans, including mortgages, up to a maximum of six (6) months, will be available upon request; * Temporary increase on credit card limits on a case by case basis, upon request; * Automatic waivers, until September 2020, on: ABM fees due to withdrawals from Republic Bank ABMs; credit card late fees and over limit fees; overdrawn account fees; late fees on loan repayments for customers who have not taken up the moratorium offer; penalties for early withdrawal of term deposits.

COVID-19 Care Package - SME, Commercial and Corporate customers * Moratorium on all loans, up to a maximum of six (6) months, will be available upon request; * Facility restructuring on a case by case basis; * Temporary increase of overdraft and credit card limits on a case by case basis, upon request; * Automatic waivers, until September 2020, on: credit card late fees and over limit fees; overdrawn account fees; late fees on loan repayments; penalties for early withdrawal of term deposits.

As we all work together to overcome these challenging times, Republic Bank continues to advise its customers to limit the number of inbranch visits and utilise its digital and electronic banking channels. Customers are also encouraged to

contact their home branch regarding any queries or challenges that may be faced.

The Bank’s Managing Director, Michelle PalmerKeizer, assured, “We are here to help. We urge our customers to reach out to us if they are experiencing challenges. We are implementing measures to help provide them with a financial safety net, should they need it.”

She also affirmed that the various country

managers “are working tirelessly with their respective teams to ensure that our customers can continue to access critical banking services, while adhering to the guidelines outlined by our public health authorities to protect their health and wellbeing.”

For more information, please visit: https://www.republicbankanguilla.com/covid19 (Source: Republic Bank)

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12. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Safety

SVG Coast Guard fulfilling its motto

THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Coast Guard Service (SVG Coast Guard) was formally established on Dec. 02, 1980, with the motto: ‘Dedicated to saving Lives’.

And, according to Commander, Mr. Brenton Cain, the SVG Coast Guard has been living up to its motto, in an often time unpublished but effective manner over the years.

A release of March 30 from the Royal SVG Police Force Public Relations and Complaints Department which covered the work of the Coast Guard for the first quarter of 2020, revealed that the Coast Guard conducted eighteen (18) successful Search and Rescue (SAR) missions in the territorial waters of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

These operations resulted in the saving of thirty-four (34) lives - sixteen

Right: Brenton Cain was appointed to the rank of Commander of the SVG Coast Guard in March of 2017 after acting in the capacity from 2014.

(16) nationals and eighteen (18) nonnationals. The nonnationals included two (2) British, one (1) Guyanese, two (2) Barbadians, four (4) St Lucians and nine (9) Grenadians.

Among the notable SAR missions was the rescuing of two British citizens on the 23rd March, 2020.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard received a distress message from the International

The distressed vessel ‘NEMO’ - secure in the Villa Bay.

Coast Guard Vessel Captain Hugh Mulzac (SVG 01) is an essential part of the SAR capacity of the Coast Guard.

Maritime Rescue Coordination Center via Trinidad and Tobago Rescue Coordination Center. The report was in relation to a vessel named ‘NEMO, which was located approximately sixty-two (62) nautical miles (NM) West of West Cay, Bequia, with a broken rudder.

Coast Guard Vessel Captain Hugh Mulzac (SVG 01), under the command of Lieutenant Commander Enos Hamlette, was deployed at 5:26am on Monday 23rd March 2020 in response to the distress report.

The vessel was located sixty-five (65) nautical miles west of Bequia and was taken into tow. Almost twentyfours (24) hours later at 4:41am on Tuesday 24th March, the distress vessel was secured in the Villa area, after a SAR mission that amounted to a round journey of over 120 nautical miles.

In addition, during the first quarter of 2020, the SVG Coast Guard Service also conducted sixteen (16) medical evacuations (Medivac) from the Grenadines.

In January, seven (7) patients were evacuated, six (6) from Bequia and one (1) from Union Island. In February, six (6) patients were transported by the Coast guard - four (4) from Bequia, two (2) from Canouan and two (2) from Union Island. For March, three (3) patients were evacuated - two (2) from Bequia and one (1) from Canouan.

Editor’s Note: THE VINCENTIAN is not only pleased to share this information but also to join in commending the work of Commander Caine and his complement of officers who work steadfastly behind the scenes to ensure SVG is safe for locals and visitors alike. (Source: RSVGPF)

COVID19 - Difficult Detection in Children THE MONTH OF APRIL is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and while there are taskforces and laws to protect youngsters from visible predators, the coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic is a force not noticeable to the human eye and is therefore not easily detected.

Coronavirus infections are common year-round, but outbreaks do occur most during the winter. But the new or novel coronavirus which causes what we now called COVID-19 disease and which erupted in Wuhan, China in December 2019, is believed to have been caused by animal to human contact.

A recent study by Nature Medicine of 10 Chinese children infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) respiratory disease, uncovered

that the virus can appear as a less-serious infection.

Of the 10 children studied, one child had no symptoms at all (asymptomatic), while the others only had mild symptoms. The research also revealed that the virus itself can continue to appear in faecal samples long after nose and throat swabs no longer show evidence of an infection.

It was determined that rectal swab testing may be a more effective way to determine how long to quarantine children.

The 10 youngsters - six boys and four girls from Guangzhou ranging in ages two months to 15-years - were tested because they were exposed to family members with COVID-19.

Lead author of the report Dr. Yi Xu of Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Centre discovered

that five children had a cough, four had a sore throat, three had diarrhoea and two had nasal congestion and runny nose. The research indicated that these were symptoms that could make COVID-19 appear like other illnesses.

While muscle aches, nausea, lethargy, laboured breathing, vomiting, disorientation and headaches were symptoms seen in adults, none were present in the infected children.

Statistics from FiPhysician.com indicates that while COVID-19 is spreading rapidly, less than 2.5% have been children. Children less than 10 or 15 years old seemingly don’t get sick from the virus, and this was similar with the Middle East Respiratory-MERS and Severe

Acute Respiratory-SARS viruses.

But while children are known to be asymptomatic (showing no symptoms, they are more often common carriers.

Interestingly, when there were 87,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus worldwide, no children were reported as having serious complications.

According to data from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control (CCDC), there is a “zero mortality rate” for humans under the age of nine.

Meanwhile, adults over the age of 80 have a 14.8 per cent chance of dying, if they contract the virus.

While experts have not scientifically confirmed just why children are getting infected at low rates or just

Science may say the children are the least likely to be infected, but they are deserving of equal attention and care against the coronavirus. not showing very strong symptoms, it is believed that the older one gets, the greater the risk of getting infected and therefore, the greater the risk of dying.

Compiled by Sheron Garraway

V Minibus operators to get stipend

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020. 13.

Industry

operations will come through a decrease in the price of petrol at the pump - from $12.97 per gallon to $11.97 per gallon in the case of gasoline, and from $11.79 per gallon to $10.79 per gallon for diesel.

The reductions, in fact, became effective March 23, and government has MINIBUS OPERATORS HERE, who have was agreed, among other things, that a given indication that the prices are to be been asked to reduce their passenger stipend of between $250.00 and $300.00 further reduced within the next three complement from 18 to 12, are in for a will be paid to minibus operators for 2 weeks. stipend from government to cushion loss of months, beginning in April.

And given indications of ease that earnings during the period of the prevailing The process/procedure governing could be forthcoming from financial threat by the coronavirus/COVID-19 registration and collection (of the institutions here, minibus operators who disease. stipend) will be worked out currently have loans with banks and In a meeting held at the Office of the expeditiously, it was promised. THE Prime Minister on Monday, March 30, VINCENTIAN understands that minibus credit unions are being encouraged to contact their banks and credit union, 2020 involving relevant government operators will have to register with the with a view to establishing whether they officials and representatives of a Ministry of Transportation. are eligible for loan payment deferrals. relatively unknown Vincentian Further ease for the minibus Meanwhile, VINTAS expressed that Transportation Association (VINTAS), it

its members were ready to co-operate with government, i.e. comply with measures aimed at curbing if not preventing the spread of the coronavirus.

Among these is the already referenced reduction in passenger complement per bus, and to allow their buses to be sanitized by the Ministry of Health at least twice daily.

Sanitization is to be conducted at yet to be decided locations in Kingstown.

And even as it understands that the measures and their attendant inconveniences are temporary, VINTAS is urging not only its membership but also the travelling public to comply with the measures, in the interest of the national good.

Minibus operators speak touch up seat and everybody touching up the same area.

The whole thing is confusing but we need better compensation for our loss .

Bernard Shallow

BERNARD SHALLOW Mesopotamia/ Richland Park ON MONDAY 30TH MARCH it was announced that the government and the Vincentian Transportation Association ( VINTAS) had reached an agreement on an economic support package for minibus operators.

Among the measures that were agreed upon were: that the government would give minibus operators a stipend of between EC$250 to EC$300 each for two months beginning in April; gasoline and diesel prices to be was reduced by $1.00 further reduced within the next three weeks.

Minibus operators were also encouraged to discuss with their creditors the possibility of loan repayment deferrals.

THE VINCENTAIN, this week, sought a reaction from some minibus operators to the agreement between the government and VISTAS. Here are a few opinions and concerns.

To me, the stipend can’t work. That is like paying for one trip per day, so at the end of the month it really can’t work. In terms of the $1 reduction on gas, that can’t work either and it’s not enough.

In terms of the bank … at the end of the day you still have to pay the bank plus you have to pay insurance and licence. I heard they have meeting but I don’t know about any meeting with the Minibus Association. The only information is from Facebook, so is like a decision was made with the minority of the van drivers knowing what was going on. It is something we really have to sit down and look at.

Earl Jack

Darryl Frederick

Ezekiel Neptune

corona, and the $300 stipend still can’t add up to the less passengers, because if you add up we are losing more than that a month.

The social distance thing in passenger van can’t work because if somebody have corona and cough and have money in their hand and pass it to the conductor, you could still contract it. When the conductor pass the change to somebody using the same money, you could still contract it. So, the space thing in the van is a waste a time because they say the corona could live on money, steel, clothes and all these things . Is the people themselves EARL JACK have to keep themselves Mesopotamia/ Richland clean and know what they Park are doing .

The $1 reduction on gas This thing rough, but if the government say so we and diesel can’t add up.

Remember the licence we have to go with it. The are paying for is for 18 $300 stipend could work but it can’t pay. The police passengers and that haven’t been reduce so we came to us and told us EZEKIEL NEPTUNE about the one (passenger) always dey paying more.

Redemption Sharpes The price of tires in front and three on a increasing so we have to seat, but we are going to They are saying 12 pay more for tires. lose because some vans passengers in a van, but I think they should just still carry the full capacity that can’t pay us, and shut down the country for . I use gasoline and that sometimes when the two or three weeks to people them catch the van, does cost, but what they maintain everything say, we have to do. they don’t even want to because people still give us $1.50 . They give moving about so we don’t we a dollar, but we don’t know who is who. If the DARRYL FREDERICK make fuss about it so the country itself don’t Enhams stipend a month can’t quarantine the people compensate for the loss. themselves won’t To me, the three per When the passengers seat thing still cannot stop quarantine because they come in the van, they

Shane Williams won’t listen, and we don’t have police to be at everybody home to make sure they stay home.

SHANE WILLIAMS Campden Park

Shorn Grant

without the majority of van men. Now we have to go accept that which will pose a problem. But some vans might still decide they are not carrying 12 passengers because they The 1 dollar reduction ain’t happy with it. But on gasoline and diesel took everybody is trying to place before the 23rd of fight the corona so we will March, before they said to work with it for now. carry less passengers , so that wasn’t design for us.

SHORN GRANT In terms of the stipend that is being offered, I Even if the bank take it think that is real minimal easy on us for three because we are being months, we still have to asked to carry 2/3 of what pay them, so is not like the van is licensed to they going to wipe off carry, and we still have all three months of our loan. we expenses and we are So that is still a debt; It’s making less money. just a postponement .

I feel the team that The $250 — $300 is not went to negotiate with the enough and when is that government did a poor job. going to be implemented?

The message was Where can we go to collect conveyed via text the money? Nobody talk messages and over the to us about this and when news. I don’t think it was you do the maths, the a decision that van men dance can’t pay for itself. all came together and But we have to eat and made. A few people went feed our children. to the Prime Minister on our behalf without hearing COLLIN VEIRA our concerns and without Campden Park getting our views, and then made a decision The measures they put

Collin Veira in place don’t make sense.

The dollar reduction for gas, the $300 don’t make sense. The police talk to us about three on the seat, but that don’t make sense either, because the same time the police telling me that in the morning, the same people in the van come out down by Kendra’s Aluminum and they jamming up on one another face trying to get into Kendra’s for the sale.

So they practise the distancing in the van but they aren’t practising the distancing when they outside. You have to get a balance!

Who is VINTAS ? I enquired but nobody seems to know. I have never heard of them before.

They said they will further reduce the fuel, but you ain’t say when you going further reduce. They say in weeks to come; you did not give a time frame, so you could sit down for three weeks and only get one reduction Things slow and it is not what it used to be.

V Vincie succumbs to coronavirus in NY 14. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Stories by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT RELATIVES of Vincentian nanny Jenna Francina Layne say that she died on Saturday in Brooklyn, New York from the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Layne’s sister, Erica Layne-Gordon, an early childhood educator in Brooklyn, told THE VINCENTIAN Sunday that her sister had exhibited symptoms of the virus and succumbed to “complications related to the coronavirus” at Kings County Hospital, NY. She was 66.

“Words cannot express the grief and pain that the family is feeling, because Jenna was a vibrant individual full of energy,” said Brooklyn resident LayneGordon.

Her sentiment was shared by Jenna’s only daughter, Karen Roxanne Layne-Lewis, who lives in Florida, and they both agreed that Jenna had left an irreplaceable mark on the lives of

those with whom she came into contact.

Layne-Gordon confirmed that Jenna, who spent most of her life as a staunch Christian and a mentor in her church, “was a nanny for two distinguished employers, Frank Scanga and Snezana, in Manhattan.”

It was not clear whether the couple tested for the virus, but Layne-Gordon said she strongly believed that her sister, who also resided in Brooklyn, contracted the virus on the train from Brooklyn to Manhattan or vice versa.

Jenna Francina Layne was born on Dec. 11,1953 in the town of Barrouallie. She resided in Old Montrose, Kingstown, the Vincentian capital, before moving to Brighton Village and the Diamond Estate.

According to her sister and daughter, Jenna was a netballer in her youth, and worked, in the early 1970s, on Mustique, renowned as ‘the playground for the rich and famous’.

She was also one of the managers at

the now defunct Glove Factory and at the Kingstown Town Board.

She left St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the USA in 2000.

Besides Layne-Gordon and LayneLewis, Jenna is survived by her three sons — Jenson Codrington in Pennsylvania, Othnel Layne in Mexico and Glenroy Layne, a corporal in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force; sisters — Clorene Layne and Beverly Miller in Brooklyn; brother Collin Miller in Brooklyn; and other unidentified sisters and brothers in Trinidad and Tobago.

Jenna is also survived by grandchildren — Lechante Charles and Devonte Lewis in Florida, and Jennique and Jenna Codrington.

Jenna Francina Layne’s death was confirmed as being the result of complications associated with the COVID-19 disease. (Photo courtesy: Erica Layne-Gordon.)

Coronavirus-related death not confirmed REPORTS circulating on social media, including Facebook, that another Vincentian in Brooklyn succumbed, over the weekend, to the coronavirus, may just have been pre-mature.

The local Vincentian news outlet, News784, reported on Sunday that Bequia resident Cledd Barbour, a resident of New York, died from symptoms associated with the coronavirus around 2 a.m. that Sunday.

The news outlet also reported that, “His family members, (who) were in contact with him, are all in quarantine for 14 days.”

But when THE VINCENTIAN contacted Barbour’s wife, Cheryl Barbour, also a Bequia native and Brooklyn resident, Sunday night for confirmation of her husband’s death and its cause, she said: “We have no confirmation that it’s coronavirus (that caused his death).

“We did not get confirmation from the hospital that it’s coronavirus,” Mrs. Barbour stressed.

She, however, disclosed that her husband had a fever and had complained that his heart was “hurting.”

“And that’s when we called 911 (emergency services),” Mrs. Barbour said.

“I did not give permission that they put up something on Facebook,” she

Cledd Barbour’s death has not been confirmed up to press day (Wednesday), as a coronavirusrelated one. (Photo Credit: Facebook) added. “I don’t know where they got the information from.

“Right now, it’s hard for me to deal with,” Mrs. Barbour continued. “I have four children here. It’s hard.”

She confirmed, though, that her husband, who was born on Dec. 29, 1958, died Saturday night at Wycoff Hospital in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, bordering Queens.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020. 15.

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16. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Home for Girls destroyed by fire fire.

“My son called to say the Guadeloupe Home was In addition, members of the Home’s burning down. When I came up, I saw black smoke Board, personnel from the Ministry of coming from downstairs. I heard some girls saying Mobilization and the area to call the police. One man was rushing inside with representative had all gathered at the a hose to try out the fire but a plain-clothes police scene. officer told him to come back outside,” the Sleeping gear and toiletries were spokesperson recounted. quickly sought and distributed to the Apparently, their main grouse stemmed from the distressed girls. It took some doing to fact that villagers were willing to make an effort to get them settled for the night. diminish the blaze but were prevented from doing so, even as the officials took “more than an hour” to A community member’s account arrive.

Additionally, the residents were upset that the A group of residents volunteered to fire truck had to refill about “six” times. “Three fire give their two-cents on the issue of the trucks come,” she said, “and it was only the last one that was able to out the fire!”

Residents felt that they should have been allowed to do more.

Continued from Back Page.

Fire officers were on the scene even after the break of dawn.

A Statement from the Board Mr. Yohance Gibson, Secretary of the Board, is appealing for people to contribute to the rebuilding of the home — the physical structure as well as the social environment.

Items in need include but are not restricted to: clothing, food items, kitchen utensils, beds, mattresses, linens, stove and fridge.

Donations, Gibson said, can be dropped off at St. Joseph’s Convent House in Kingstown, at the home of Ms. Sandra Davis in La Croix, and at the Social Welfare Department in Paul’s Avenue.

Gibson encouraged that whatever is to be given should be in partnership with the Home. This, he said, will guarantee the protection of the interest of those who are willing to give but are not certain if their donations will get to the Home.

The Guadelupe Home for Girls was established on 8th September, 2007 as the realization of a lifelong dream of Sis. Patricia Ann Douglas to help her underprivileged students who, because of societal ills, needed a secure place to live.

This was achieved some two years after Sis. Pat’s passing, and it has been operational up until the fire.

NTRC-FLOW sign second SMART Project Contract A SECOND SMART project contract, for the provision of subsidised internet and computer equipment, was signed here on March 26, 2020 by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC)and telecommunications provider FLOW. The project, funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF), is valued at EC$2.8 million and will extend over a period of five years.

It will be executed in two phases during which 680 households (340 in each phase) will receive internet connections at a subsidized cost of $10 per month.

Only households that have been without internet for the last two years will be eligible to apply.

According to a release from the NTRC, the project will target households with students between grades 5 and 6, students between forms 4 and 5, students of the Community College, as well as persons enrolled in online courses and distance teaching.

Persons wishing to apply can do so at the office of the NTRC located on the second floor of the NIS Building, Upper Bay Street, Kingstown. (Source: NTRC)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020. 17.

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18. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

In quarantine Dear George,

MY BOYFRIEND who lives and works in Barbados claims he has been sent home from work and is under self-quarantine at home. I have no problems with that, but I have received word that he is living with another woman. I understand he has moved this woman in with him. All this information I got from my Aunt who lives not too far from him.

He knows I cannot travel to catch him in the act, so he is taking advantage of the situation. One time I was on the phone with him and I heard a woman’s voice in the background. When I asked him about it, he said it was the TV. This situation is making me very stressed right now, and I’m pulling my hair out. What should I do?

Worried Dear Worried,

Get him out!!!!

Dear George, I AM STUCK in a small house with my five children and quickly running out of food. I made my living by selling in Kingstown, but I am scared to continue because of this virus. I do not want to get it and pass it on to my children.

The situation is that my husband is no more, and the guy who I’m involved with presently is of no help. He lives with us too but is always drunk.

I know I should not have moved him in so quickly. He keeps saying the children are driving him crazy, and wants me to send them to stay with my sister, so we can get a break. I told him he was the one who is crazy to make such an insane suggestion. When he is drunk, he gets very abusive and even made a pass at my oldest daughter and blamed it on the alcohol.

He is a burden to all of us, but I would feel guilty if I put him out, which is what the children want.

Should I give him the benefit of the

Let your boyfriend know that you are going into mental and emotional quarantine from the relations with him, until the crisis is over.

Let him know he is free to do whatever he wants during that time, but know that when the covid19 threat is over and done with, there will a re-evaluation of the relationship.

You have control over the decisions that you make concerning the relationship going forward. This is a good time to promise yourself better and also to develop a self-care plan that would leave you in better mental and emotional health.

George doubt and let him stay? How am I going to survive through all of this?

Uncertain future Dear Uncertain future, There could be government assistance available for individuals such as yourself. You should check into that.

As far as your ‘friend’ is concerned, you need to do what’s best for you and your children. He has clearly demonstrated he has no respect for you. Furthermore. He is not contributing in any way to your household and you do not need unnecessary baggage at this crucial time.

Tell him to leave and take measures to see that he does. It is your house.

Find ways to encourage your children as best as you can and explain things to them in a way appropriate to their ages.

In the meantime, adhere to the practices that the health officials encourage to ward of the coronavirus.

The very best to you.

George

No visits to my boyfriend letting them know.

In the meantime, my boyfriend thinks I am I HAVE NOT seen my seeing someone else and boyfriend for over two weeks now. My parents I’m just making up stories why we can’t visit insist I do not leave the house to go visit him and one another. I do not want to lose this good he can’t visit me either. and handsome hunk of a I am 18 years old so I man, which is why I am should be able to make seeking your advice. my own decision. I am my own woman. I think Need to know they are just mean and evil.

Dear Need to know, My father said if I leave the house, there is You are correct in no coming back, but I saying you are old know that is just talk. enough to make your But I have a plan as to own decisions, but you how I could visit my also have to keep in boyfriend. I think it’s mind that your parents best my parents not are also old enough to know, but I don’t make theirs. understand why I’m Living with them at feeling guilty about not your age is now

Dear George,

considered a privilege, and you need to be careful not to push your luck. The house rules are theirs and you can choose to obey or not, but you will have to be prepared to accept the consequences.

If your boyfriend is worth his salt, he would encourage you to remain at home in the interest of everyone’s health and well-being. If he is suggesting otherwise, then maybe it’s time to do a rethink as far as your relationship is concerned. Your parents want the best for you and so should your boyfriend.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Try not to let your emotions interfere with the completion of your work. Don't be too eager to spend what's left over; more unexpected expenses are evident.

Consider applying for a job in another part of the world.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You can certainly gain popularity; however, don't do it by paying for everyone else. Opportunities to go out with clients or colleagues will be in your best interest. Look into alternate means of sup porting your financial burdens.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Your tendency to dramatize may be a little much for your partner to take constantly. Changes in your domestic scene are apparent. Sudden changes regarding colleagues may surprise you.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Do not confront situations unless you are sure you have a good understanding of the dilemma. You have been stagnating for some time now and you need a change of pace. Romance can develop; however, it will most probably be short-lived.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) This is a turning point. Too much too fast will be the attitude surrounding your home environment. Real estate investments could be prosperous. You need to take a good look at all sides of an issue before making a decision.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You will have no trouble getting things to fall into place. Sudden romantic encounters are quite likely, but discretion will be a must. You should be getting into self-improvement projects.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Talk about your intentions and confirm that you both feel the same way. Your personal life is going through a state of confusion. Expect to have more people on your domestic scene.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Don't hold yourself back because you think you're too old. Any capricious behavior will confuse loved ones and your mood swings will result in loneliness. Try to be fair in your dealings with acquaintances.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Take care of any pressing medical problems that you or one of your parents may be suffering from. You can pick up information that will give you an edge.

Your intellectual charm will win hearts and bring opportunities that you least expect.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You may want to take a look at courses offered at a local institute. Someone may try to damage your reputation. Delays are evident. Your talents might just be discovered.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Make sure you concentrate if operating machinery or vehicles. Social activity should be on your agenda.

Compromising could be on the agenda this week. Rest and relaxation may be required; minor health problems will prevail if you don't watch your diet.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Romantic opportunities will be plentiful if you get out and mingle. Don't let yourself get rundown. Joining organizations will provide you with stimulating romantic contacts. Visit friends who have not been well.

ACROSS 1. Sweet potato 4. “All __ Jazz” 8. Frying utensil 11. Expert one 12. Valiant fellow 13. Brazilian city, briefly 14. Quarry hole 15. Fall tool 16. Lofty poems 18. Challenged 20. Greens dish 22. Humble 23. Mouse chaser 26. Oklahoma destination 28. Portion (out) 29. Auto shelter 32. Invaded 34. Covering 35. Instrumental compositions 37. Kitten cry 38. Neither hide _ hair 39. Rightful 43. Last 45. Computer info 46. Bluesy Clapton 48. This minute 50. Pea vessel 51. Tree protection 52. Exploit 53. Foreign agent 54. Parting words 55. “Understand?”

DOWN 1. Canine noise 2. Caustic substance

3. Lead and iron 4. Flung 5. Brain locale 6. Bible boat 7. Foot digit 8. Paid athletes 9. Verdi opera 10. Christmas melody 17. Embodiment of evil 19. Zoo sounds 21. Plied a spade 23. Northern fish 24. Saloon brew 25. Actor Danson 27. Citrus fruit 28. Chopped, as onions

29. Chewing _ 30. Large primate 31. Ply oars 33. Have pain 36. Neptune Neighbor 40. Empty spaces

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020. 19.

41. Over 42. Refined woman 43. Hearth blaze 44. Get rid of 46. Diminish 47. Light beam 49. Tiny

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20. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

McDowall credits coach

Linda McDowall (right) receives her 2019 Sportswoman of the Year trophy from Minister of Sports Cecil Mc Kie.

McDowall, this country’s leading middle distance track and field athlete, copped her fourth consecutive Sportswoman of the Year Award at the Annual National Lotteries Authority/National Sports Council Sports Awards, held two weekends ago.

Her feat of four consecutive awards is unprecedented among female sportspersons here.

“I am very appreciative of my coach. He has played a great role not just as a coach but also as a Linda McDowall with her Champion father figure,” McDowall trophy after taking the 2019 Female told THE CARICOM 10k staged in Jamaica.

VINCENTIAN. “As a matter of fact,” THIS COUNTRY’S SENIOR McDowall continued, “I SPORTSWOMAN of the Year has wouldn’t have taken that credited her achievements to podium to collect the first, her coach Michael Ollivierre, second, third and fourth who, she believes, has consecutive Senior transformed her athletics career Sportswoman of the Year and life. trophy… I don’t think I would

have been in athletics still if I didn’t meet my coach Michael Ollivierre.”

The slender built McDowall shared that, as a child, she was always running.

With her family unable to offer her full and effective support, it was not until she met Ollivierre in 2011, that she began to take track and field seriously.

“I realized then, given my family’s financial situation, that if this was going to give me what I needed in life, then I have to get serious, and today I am happy I made such decision.” McDowall explained.

About her fourth National Sportswoman Award, a smiling McDowall admitted, “I feel very good about winning the Award, because I think I am the only Vincentian athlete to have actually won four consecutive Senior Sportswoman of the Year.”

She also confessed that “It was something I never had in my thoughts when I started, but from the first time I won it in 2016 and realized the criteria to be a nominee — performances locally, regionally and internationally - I started putting my performance together.”

And as for her favourite events, she said without hesitation, that she looks forward to the annual CARICOM 10k and International Endurance 10k held here.

Now that the coronavirus pandemic has caused the cancellation of many sporting events, McDowall is content to keep on training.

“It’s a little disappointment,

but it’s for the benefit of our safety. There is nothing more I can do than to continue training and to keep my fitness up for whenever the races resume,” she reasoned.

And as for how her achievements can influence others, McDowall said, “What I can see is that most athletes are of the middle distances because they are more challenging and require consistent endurance training and hard work. But by me winning this Award for four consecutive years, I hope it can open doors for younger and middle age athletes both male and female.”

I.B.A.ALLEN

Netball President still optimistic PRESIDENT OF THE ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Netball Association (SVGNA)- Doris Mc Intosh is optimistic that the 2020 Bank Of SVG/ FLOW National Netball Tournament will come to a completion.

The Tournament, like others here and around the globe, has been suspended because of the threats of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

But the National Netball Tournament has been dealt a heavy blow, as after a few days into the tournament, matches were halted.

The 2020 edition got started Sunday 8th March at the Kingstown Netball Centre. Thirty-one teams , spread over four Divisions, were registered for participation.

But even with the limited action thus far, Mc Intosh told THE VINCENTIAN she is “praying that we would get the green light soonest and

the Tournament would resume… We know it will be difficult even if the all clear is given for the resumption of the Tournament, as persons would be still apprehensive.”

She stressed that her Executive will be endeavouring to complete the Tournament, even it is outside the normal period.

Mc Intosh noted that the 2020 National Netball Tournament edition had promised to be a very “exciting” one.

“We were excited about this year’s tournament and are still excited, despite the suspension of the tournament… We are excited to have a new sponsorship on board,” Mc Intosh related.

Mc Intosh stated that she and her Executive are hopeful that the novel scholarship offer for the Most Outstanding Youth Player is realised.

Part of the sponsorship deal with Bank of SVG (BOSVG) is a $ 4000 scholarship offer to the Most Outstanding Youth Player, to attend the SVG Community College, for two years.

CNA Under-16 Tournament Also affected has been the Jean Pierre Caribbean Netball Association’s Under-16 Tournament, which was set for here for 27th March to 4th April, to be hosted by St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“We have been assured by the Board of the Caribbean Netball Association that we will host the Under-16 Tournament once it is able to take place,” Mc Intosh said, adding that even if the Tournament is deferred to 2021, “We will still be the host.”

Doris Mc Intosh- President of the SVGNA.

V SVGFFÊs Executive to seek affiliatesÊ guidance

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020. 21.

Sports

SHOULD the suspended National Club Championships be aborted, then what happens next will be entirely in the hands of the affiliates of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF).

The Championships, like most sporting activities here, were suspended in keeping with the national effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus and its attendant disease COVID-19.

The suspension was for an initial period of two weeks, beginning March 6, but was extended for another two weeks since the situation occasioned

by COVID-19 had not seen an appreciable change for the better.

Cognizant of the current crisis and the possibility of the Championships

being aborted, General Secretary of the SVGFF- Devron Poyer outlined the way forward, should such occur.

“We will have to go back to the affiliates to make a decision with the clubs and the leagues, as it relates to what next. The executive, yes, we will have plans as to where we want to go, but this has to be a conversation that is done with the clubs, as to, do we finish the club championships competition jeopardising the various leagues that want to run, which might push back over 2020/ 21 Club Championships,” Poyer related.

At the point of putting a hold of the National Club Championships, the Premier Division was at round 16, with another 6 rounds to go, while the First Division had basically one round remaining of the 11 rounds.

Looking ahead, Poyer said also that the Executive of the SVGFF was aware of the

economic fallout that clubs could possibly face because of the disruptions of the various Football activities, hence, the Executive would be moving to assist those entities here which are affected adversely.

Poyer revealed that his organisation is working in tandem with the world governing body with respect to how clubs could be assisted.

“If a club or an affiliate has a need and they think (that) the Federation has the ability to aid, if you reach out to us, I mean all doors are open,” Poyer indicated.

He added, “ President (Carl) Dickson and we from the Executive are willing to say yes , if there is a need, we could sit, we could look at it, and we would hear what it’s the club or the community or the country as a whole, because right now we have to bond together.”

And as the football enthusiasts await the restart of football activities nationwide, Poyer assured that his

SVGFF’s General Secretary- Devron Poyer.

Executive will be guided by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment in the current circumstances, viz a viz COVID-19.

‘Marry sports and academics,’ McKie

Carlos James (2nd from right) handed over cricket gears to representatives of a Female Cricket team.

James assists North Leeward Cricket Teams CARLOS JAMES, recently elected Speaker of the House and the Unity Labour Party’s candidate designate for the North Leeward constituency, has once again made a donation of cricket gear to North Leeward cricket teams.

In making the presentation, James said, “I am delighted to offer my continued support to the development of sports in North Leeward. ……

Moreso, it is a delight to carry on the legacy of Jules Anthony through the advancement of cricket in North Leeward. I have been sponsoring cricket in North Leeward over the past decade, which started due to the initiatives of Jules Anthony. This has paid dividends, in that quite a few of those players have gone on to National and Windwards selection.”

James also disclosed that he has provided sponsorship to cricket teams in the National First Division and Female competitions.

I.B.A.ALLEN

“SPORTS by itself won’t get you where you want to go and what you want to do in life.”

That was the advice, inter alia, given by Minister of Sports and Culture Cecil McKie as he addressed the Annual National Sports Awards Ceremony held on Saturday 21st March, at the Community College.

Addressing the sportspersons directly, McKie said, “2019 was a special year for all of you, and we recognize you for your hard work and success; we salute you for what you did in 2019. I urge you to work even harder and you will be on the nomination slate in 2020.”

In keeping with the theme of the Ceremony, the Minister urged the sportspersons to pay particular attention to the academic side of their preparation towards becoming an outstanding athlete.

“The year 2019 was an important year … we gave support to our sports men and women to go off to pursue their academic careers. You all will know if you apply for a sporting scholarship, the first thing they ask is ‘Where are your academic credentials?’ If you don’t have them, it is very unlikely that you will get to the next level —

university,” the Minister elaborated.

He also reminded the athletes that their exposure and achievement lift the nation. “As a nation, we depend on you to represent us regionally and internationally. In doing so, not only will your fame bring glory and honour to yourself, family and your associations, but you will also do so for your nation.”

He encouraged the sports men and women to “dream and dream big, commit to these dreams with discipline and execute well… indeed, success starts and ends

with you.”

The minister committed his government to continue to support the sportsmen and women of this country.

“The policy of the government of SVG is that everyone at the national level should either be in school or working, so in addition to pointing you to direct employment, we have the support mechanism of the Yes and Set programmes, and recently the PRYME programme as it relates to small business, if Cecil Mc Kie, Minister of you’re not in school.”

Sports and Culture.

(Photo Credit: NLAI.B.A.ALLEN Facebook page)

V

22. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Barbados: Champions of CWI Cricket BARBADOS PRIDE are the 2019/20 winners of Cricket West Indies PCL FourDay Championship, ending the defending champions Guyana Warriors’ prolific run of titles in this format of the game.

According to CWI, “The Cricket West Indies (CWI) has confirmed that the Barbados Pride have been declared winners of the 2020 West Indies Championship (Four-Day), following a Board of Directors teleconference.

Acting upon the advice of the CWI Medical Advisory Committee, a decision was made to cancel the last two rounds of matches in the firstclass season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

As such, therefore, Barbados Pride, sitting on top of the points table with 134.8 points at the time at which the Championship was aborted, was awarded the Headley/Weekes Trophy.

The Trophy is named in honour of West Indies cricket pioneers and icons George Headley and Sir Everton Weekes.

Barbados Pride won six and lost two matches to finish ahead of Trinidad and Tobago Red Force on 94.5 points from three wins and 2 losses.

Guyana Jaguars and Jamaica Scorpions with three wins and three losses each, finished on 91.8 points.

Windward Volcanoes avoided the

cellar position and finished fifth with 78 points from 2 victories and 3 losses.

The Leeward Hurricane occupied the sixth position on 52.8 points, with 1 win and five losses.

Speaking after the announcement that his team has been declared Champions, Barbados Pride captain Kraigg Brathwaite said, “The thing about this success is that we had a number of young, talented players that did not get a play. They are all capable of doing a good job, so it says we are in a good place. We need to keep the systems we have in place and continue to build on them to guide the Pride players.”

As far as outstanding players for the Barbados Pride were concerned, left-handed all-rounder Kyle Mayers, playing for the Pride for the first time after four seasons with the Windward Islands Volcanoes, finished the truncated season with 654 runs from 15 innings in eight matches — at a healthy average of 50.30 — including two hundreds.

Chemar Holder, 22, the former West Indies Under-19 World Cup-winner fast bowler, captured 36 wickets at 18.91 apiece and is said to have

Kraigg Brathwaite, captain of Barbados Pride, must be feeling well pleased with his and his team’s accomplishments. bowled dangerously fast at times, especially on helpful pitches on home soil at Kensington Oval.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Barbados Pride celebrate another wicket along the way to becoming Champions of 4-Day Cricket in the West Indies.

SVG Women not in FIFA rankings WHEN THE RELEASE of the FIFA Women’s Rankings was made known last Friday, March 27, there was no place for St Vincent and the Grenadines, for rankings as of December 2019.

In effect, St Vincent and the Grenadines has not been able to satisfy the basic conditions for consideration.

But Wayne Grant, Second VicPresident of the SVGFF, disclosed that the issue is a matter on the planning agenda for 2020.

“We acknowledge that we are not on the rankings now, and have plans to fix it… It is part of plans for this year, 2020”, he said.

According to the FIFA Ranking conditions, teams that have not played more than five matches against officially ranked teams and /or teams that have been inactive for more than 18 months, do not appear on the (ranking) table.

During 2019, this country’s women footballers were engaged in four matches, three in the Windward Islands Football Association (WIFA) Tournament and the other an international friendly.

The Vincentians emerged winners of the WIFA Tournament on the basis of a better goal difference over St. Lucia, to whom they lost 1-0, this after victories over Dominica (4-0) and Grenada (1-0).

SVG went under 3-1 to Grenada in the SVGFF’s friendly played in Second Vice Carriacou.

– President – According to Grant, Wayne Grant. “(The) International Friendly with Grenada was played outside the FIFA Window, so we did not get many ranking points… So in going forward, we will be endeavouring to have these friendlies within the FIFA dates.”

The last time St Vincent and the Grenadines was ranked was in September last year, when they held position 141.

St Lucia is the lone team from the Windward Islands to be on the FIFA Ranking list. At last Friday’s release, St Lucia was sitting at position 138.

Some members of the SVG Senior Women’s Football Team who captured the 2019 WIFA Tournament.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 03, 2020. 23.

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FRIDAY,

APRIL 03, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.14

www.thevincentian.com

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HOME FOR GIRLS DESTROYED BY FIRE members of the Fire Department were busy attending to a ‘facia’ board that THE FIRST SIGNS of a fire at the had shown signs of reigniting.

Guadelupe Home for Girls situated in At the time of the fire, the Cane End, Mesopotamia, were reported Guadelupe Home for Girls housed at just after seven o’clock on the night of twelve girls and a resident House Monday 30th March.

Mother, Ms. Dannette Dowers.

Reports are that the original blaze The building comprised three levels. had begun in one of the lower levels of A ground floor served as the laundry the two-storey building. area. The first floor provided one When THE VINCENTIAN visited dormitory for sixteen girls, quarters the scene early Tuesday morning, for the House Mother and Assistant

by GLORIAH…

The burst-out interior of the Guadelupe Home for Girls.

House Mother, two offices, a Chapel and bathroom, kitchen and dining areas. The upper floor — an open area — was used for skills training programmes.

Absolutely nothing, in terms of contents and personal effects, was saved!

The Administrator’s account House Mother Dannette was too distraught to comment so Administrator of the Home, Ms. Salene Dopwell recalled: “I got a call from one of the girls around 7:35 last night, saying the house was on fire. I rushed to the spot. By that time, I saw a blaze coming from downstairs; it was not widespread. The girls were already outside up at the St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua. I was told community residents had helped to take them there after they had rushed outside to save themselves. I subsequently brought them down to the Sister’s House on the compound.”

The Administrator applauded the work of community members whom she described as first responders to the fire. “Everybody came out! They were very supportive. Neighbours deployed themselves to move the 100lb cooking gas cylinders that could have made matters worse. They also made earnest attempts at putting the fire

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

Salene Dopwell, Administrator of the Home, was moved by the outpouring of support - during and after the fire – by members of the Cane End/Mesopotamia community. out before the authorities arrived.

They were, however, advised to desist and let the trained officers from the Fire Department handle the matter when they arrived.”

She also was heartened that community members voluntarily prepared dinner for the girls, and she noted how quickly social case workers and counsellors arrived to lend support.

Continued on Page 16.

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