THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 03-07-20

FRIDAY JULY

03, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.27

LIAT Stories Page 3,7 and 13

Gone are the days when the Prime Ministers Gaston Browne (top right hand corner) and Dr. Ralph Gonsalves held one head on how critical it was to ‘keep LIAT in the sky’.

REGIONAL AIRLINE LIAT, dubbed the Caribbean Airline, is heading into liquidation.

This is the consensus of a weekend discussion involving the airline’s four major shareholder governments — Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) — Directors and at least one of the airline’s creditors, the Caribbean Development Bank.

www.thevincentian.com

Re-building the Auxilliary Page 5

The recommendation for dissolution of the company (LIAT) will be advanced for approval to a general meeting of all the ordinary shareholders of the company.

All of this was disclosed by Chairman of the Shareholder Governments Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of SVG, who reported the decision to his people via WE FM radio on Sunday, and communicated same by way of a circular letter dated Monday 29th June, to all employees of the airline.

Severance to be addressed

Geothermal Update Page 17

EC$1.50

Party with a twist Page 15

In his letter to the employees, PM Gonsalves sought to assure employees that their severance and outstanding salaries “will be urgently addressed.”

As it stands, the Antiguabased financially strapped airline owes its staff an estimated EC$94 million in severance and holiday payment, which, Dr. Gonslaves admits, it is unable to pay since it is “insolvent” and “doesn’t have any assets to pay anybody anything.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the two Unions representing LIAT workers have indicated that it is going to be difficult convincing LIAT’s ground staff and pilots to accept reduced severance, reduced wages and other benefits.

Man damages clamp Page 18

This is the shared view of David Massiah, Chairman of the Regional Consortium of Unions representing LIAT workers, and Capt. Patterson Thompson, Chairman of the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA).

This indication came from the two organizations after a statement by Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua on Saturday, in which he said, inter alia, that should LIAT go into liquidation, it would be hard-pressed to honour severance and other entitlements to its workers.

LIAT is said to have a work force of some 600 persons with 400 of those being nationals of Antigua, according to the Antigua Observer of June 30, 2020.

Browne in a rage And while Dr. Gonsalves last Sunday went to pains to assure LIAT staff in SVG that they Continued on Page 5.

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2. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Corporate

Stowe takes Corporate Public Speaking title WHILE EIGHT OF THE NINE REPRESENTATIVES argued in the affirmative on the prepared speech topic ‘Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plays a vital role in SVG’, it was the contestant who argued in the negative that won the prestigious title of the 2020 SVG National Corporate Public Speaking Championship, held on Saturday 27th June at the Russell’s Auditorium, Stoney Grounds.

Ruth Stowe, representing the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union (KCCU), was adjudged the overall National Corporate Public Speaking Champion.

In her prepared speech, Stowe advanced the position that people should refrain from getting too caught up in what CSR embodies in

theory, because in practicality, the vitality anticipated falls short.

“This,” she said, “was supported by studies from Princeton University which found that firms involved with CSR are more likely to get away with crimes, as opposed to those with comprehensive programmes.”

“If you want to give us something, give use something that is genuinely good and not made in China,” she quipped.

She pointed to the money to support demonstrations of CSR as having to come from somewhere, and she posited that in most cases, “it comes from increasing the price of goods and services.”

She further noted that small businesses run the

risk of bankruptcy when they spend money that they can ill-afford on CSR programmes, simply to keep up with the trend.

Among the prizes that Stowe received was a cash prize of $3,000, a special package from Platinum Sponsor FLOW, a trophy and a fruit basket.

Aviar Charles, representing the National Insurance Services (NIS), placed second overall.

Charles, a former Miss SVG, said that her journey to success came because of CSR, including her participation in the Miss SVG pageant.

She pointed to the business community’s attitude to the COVID-19 pandemic as another positive of CSR. Charles,

for her effort, took home $2,000 and a special package from FLOW. Nicolette Nichols of the Treasury Department was third and was awarded EC$1,000 and a special package from FLOW. There was also a Table Topics/Impromptu segment.

Elingford Roban Jr., representing the SVG Tourism Authority, was adjudged the winner in this category and received a cash prize of $500.00.

Terrece John from Coreas Distribution Ltd. was declared the second place winner and received $300. Ruth Stowe placed 3rd.

The other finalists in this the second edition of the Championship were Sylvorn Lavia of the

Corporate Public Speaking Champion Ruth Stowe being congratulated by Nikala Williams, FLOW’s Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager.

Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force; Shaniese Cole representing Massy Stores; Andreka Samuel of the General

Employees Cooperative Credit Union (GECCU) and Jada Ross who represented the SVG Squash Association. (KH)

Desiree Richards praises NCPSC DESIREE RICHARDS, Managing Director of Metrocint General Insurance Company, Metrolife Agency Inc. and The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., was recognized as the Patron of the SVG National Corporate Public Speaking Championship (NCPSC), during the finals of the 2020 edition held on Saturday 27th at the Russell’s Auditorium, Stoney Grounds.

Richards, in a live interview with Deputy Chair of the NCPSC Tamira Browne during a special segment of last Saturday’s finals, showered praises on the NCPSC. “As I sat and looked at the amazing talent on stage ……

NCPSC is doing a tremendous job in developing communication and leadership skills across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Frankly

speaking, your organization has such a tremendous work ethic, and I really want to commend you and your organization,” said Richards, the daughter of Edgerton Richards, founder of the Metrocint General Insurance Company and herself an Attorney-at-law.

Richards, who is also a motivational speaker, noted that the participants improved significantly after the

preliminary. “ If you saw the preliminary and you saw today, you would see that these persons improved significantly, and I think that is a credit to your organization,” she said.

When prompted to give advice to the young professionals, Richards urged the participants to transcend beyond their boundaries.

In elaborating, she said: “For example, you can register as a participant, it’s something that makes you feel uncomfortable … you go out of the way to make yourself uncomfortable so that you can grow.

Because if you stay in your little corner you are not going to grow. It takes courage to do so but understand that you are not going to do so by yourself;

Desiree Richards (right) being interviewed by Tamira Browne during a special segment of the finals of the 2020 National Corporate Public Speaking Championship. you have organizations to support you. So, seek the opportunity to be affiliated with positive organizations like NCPSC and Toast Masters, that would allow you to see beyond what you see in yourself.”

And as a parting reminder, the Business Executive shared, “We all have excellence within us, and I encourage you to try to explore that. I do believe that we possess God-given gifts, and we need to honor our Creator by really maximizing those gifts.”

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

News 3

POST LIAT: Dr. Gonsalves focusing on SVG needs AS REGIONAL AIRLINE LIAT heads into dissolution/liquidation, St. Vincentian and the Grenadines is touting the idea of using two locally owned aircraft carriers One Caribbean and SVG AIR – to service the air travel needs of Vincentians.

Even as he admitted that the issue of a lack of air access could potentially be problematic, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, speaking on WE FMN last Sunday, emphasized, “As far as St. Vincent and the Grenadines is concerned, I am very interested in making sure that we have to make relevant connections, and connections, particularly Trinidad, Barbados, the Windward Islands, go right up to Antigua, and I’d expect that in the northern part, there’d be aircraft operating out of Antigua to make some sort of connection.”

He added, “I am making no promises or pledges to anyone concerned with LIAT because of all the legal circumstances. I am seeking to see what can be done to assist the movement of visitors and people to and from our destination.”

According to the Prime Minister, One Caribbean

has two 30-seater SAABs and one 19seater, offering a total of 79 seats, and SVG, as he knows it to be, operating through Adelphi Air, uses four twin otters and other aircraft.

“So I am looking, I am focusing my attention on what we can do to help these particular airlines in the circumstances,” the PM said.

And as for LIAT being replaced by a new entity upon its liquidation, as proposed by Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, the SVG Prime Minister, who is chairman of the principal Shareholder Governments of LIAT, noted in his radio address: “I see Gaston.. making the point - the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda - he has spoken quite expansively and …

I saw a report that he has said air transport is the only thing he get out of the region and he wants to maintain the LIAT name; he wants up there to be the headquarters still and creditors will have to take a haircut, including people for severance

PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is looking to local airlines One Caribbean (pictured) and SVG AIR to fill the void in passenger air service to Vincentian travellers.

payment. I am not going is retained, or anything into those discussions, like that.” except to say I am not At this point he hung-up as to what name reiterated that he was in

Vincentians to and from the country.. to make their connections.”

(KH/DD)

PRYME names not to be published THE NAMES OF INDIVIDUALS receiving grants under the Promoting Youth Micro Enterprises (PRYME) programme will no longer be made public.

Minister of Finance, Camillo Gonsalves told Parliament on June 22 that he was in agreement with the

Right: Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves has given a guarantee that no more names of PRYME grant recipients will be published.

LIAT to dissolve: Browne takes colleagues to task He described LIAT, according to the Observer, as “not an would be taken care of and that Antiguan institution but a there were some things in place regional one.” that could take up the slack when Regarding the liquidation of LIAT ceases to fly (see article on LIAT, PM Browne said that page 3), Prime Minister Browne Antigua supported that option was in a no nonsense mood on “contingent upon the Monday, establishment of a new regional The Antigua Observers airline.” reported him as accusing LIAT PM Gonsalves, though, told shareholders of “selfish motives.” listeners to WE FM radio here on In reference to his shareholder Sunday, “I’m not getting involved colleagues, he said he feared some in arguments about if there is a of them were “thinking new airline, regional airline, singularly,” that “they are where it is to be located, what concerned about their countries private sector should be involved. only,” with no consideration that I hear a lot of private sector Antigua and Barbuda, by it being people talking, but I want to see the headquarters of the airline, where their money is. Remember “was offering a regional service.” the number who wanted LIAT to Continued from Front Page.

discussions with the two local airlines (as referenced), and his objective “is to get

close down and they will spring up?”

Browne, meanwhile, went on to declare that if no other options are agreed upon, his country may have to look at operating its own airline, and he took his umbrage even further by announcing that Antigua and Barbuda may have to consider opting out of the OECS and CARICOM, since “fellow shareholder governments had sparse interest in integration and enhancing the region.”

LIAT operated 491 weekly flights to 15 destinations from Puerto Rico in the north to Guyana in the south. Its passenger service has remained suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

decision taken by the PRYME implementation unit that from hereon in, they will respect the confidentiality of applicants and awardees.

This comes after the names of the first 160 recipients were published.

Gonsalves noted that the action has become necessary given that following the publication of the 160 names, “a number of recipients found themselves victims to some very vitriolic attacks on social media, on public air waves and even their own villages for doing nothing more than applying for a grant and receiving support for their small businesses.”

There was, according to Gonsalves, even an outcry about a recipient who allegedly did not

reside in the country, and even accusations of political affiliation being considered when reviewing applications for grants.

All of this was regrettable, Gonsalves stated, and he apologized to those who had already been “assailed and traduced.”

Rest assured, though, information on PRYME grants — without naming applicants, will be made as seen fit and appropriate.

Minister Gonsalves told the Parliament that up to June 12, 1,509 persons had applied for PRYME grants, and 254 persons had received grants totaling EC$1.7.

The Unit he said, was receiving an average of 100 applications per week. (DD)

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4. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Ex-cop beats murder charge agreed with Charles’ Attorney Grant Connell’s submission that there was no evidence to make out a prima facie case against Charles.

As a result, Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett discharged Charles on the murder charge.

The Magistrate reserved his decision on the other men, Glenville Harry of Vermont along with Jerome Ollivierre c and Ulric Hanson, both of Mayreau, until July 8 Stories by HAYDN when he will rule on the HUGGINS no case submissions from Harry’s Attorney Vynette FORMER police officer Frederick and Hanson Ettian Charles who was who is unrepresented. among four men charged Attorney Kensha with the 2018 murder of Theobalds who held the Security Guard Rodney fort for Attorney Israel George of Victoria Village, Bruce on behalf of was cleared of that charge Ollivierre, made no on Wednesday. submissions.

As the Preliminary The four were charged Inquiry (PI) entered its with murdering George final stages at the between August 31 and Kingstown Magistrate’s September 1, 2018, as Court, Senior Prosecutor well as entering the GEC Adolphus Delpleche Auto Supplies building at

Arnos Vale between August 31 and September 1, 2018 and stealing EC$2,074 in cash, the property of Gevandean Wilson, the owner of the business.

The Senior Magistrate will also give his ruling on the burglary charge on July 8, in respect of all four men. Both matters were heard in one Preliminary Inquiry.

When the Prosecution rested its case on Wednesday, Connell submitted that there was absolutely no evidence against Charles that he was ever part of any enterprise to commit the act of murder, and therefore, at this juncture, the prosecution had failed to make out a prima facie case on the charge of murder against his client.

He indicated, however, that the prosecution may cross that hurdle on the burglary charge.

However, while the Senior Prosecutor agreed

with Connell that there was no evidence up to that juncture to make out a prima facie case against Charles on the murder charge, he did not agree with the no case submissions made

by Frederick on behalf of Harry, and that of Hanson.

Hanson made his own submission, as he was unrepresented.

In Delpleche’s view, there was enough evidence so far for a prima facie case to be made out against Harry, Ollivierre and Hanson on the murder charge. The trio will know their fate on July 8.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN following the proceeding, Connell said, “Whatever action resulted in a charge of this nature, had nothing to do with my client”.

George’s body, with throat slit, was discovered in the building of GEC Auto Supplies on the morning

Magistrate shows appreciation for journalists SENIOR Magistrate Rickie Burnett highlighted the important role journalists play, as he presided over a sitting of the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Burnette made the point when a journalist from another newspaper who was about to enter the Court to cover a Preliminary Inquiry (P.I), found that the seats were all occupied,

and had to go back outside.

The reporter, however, returned to the Court shortly after, as the Senior Magistrate told one of the police officers who was sitting to give her a seat, even if he (officer) had to borrow a chair.

“The journalists have an important role to play. I always try to accommodate them”, Burnett said.

Seating at the Serious

Offences Court and Kingstown Magistrate’s Court has been limited to about five chairs, since around March this year, to facilitate the physical distancing protocol occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, after the issue with the journalist surfaced, Burnett pointed out that it was time to put some more chairs in the Court room.

He is not the first officer of the Court to

show appreciation for the work journalists do.

Several years ago, Justice Odel Adams (now deceased), during a High Court sitting here, pointed out that journalists should be better accommodated during Court sittings, as they play an important role in getting the information to the public, and he was instrumental in having a media box inserted at the High Court building.

However, journalists continue to write in their laps at the Magistrates Court, and sometimes have difficulty getting a seat when turning up to cover proceedings.

of September 1. He was 50.

The P.I started at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court earlier this year.

The Prosecution called several witnesses, including the

investigator, Inspector Sherol James who testified on Tuesday.

Charles was a Constable at the time of the incident.

Uncle charged with nephew’s death JUST OVER a month after 9-year-old Jamarie Phillips of Richland Park was chopped to death, his uncle, 21-year-old T-Zan ‘Zaza’ Phillips has been charged in connection with the incident.

Phillips appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court last week Thursday charged with murder. He was not required to plea, as murder is an indictable charge.

The 9-year-old body’s with chop wounds to the neck, head and hands, was discovered in the front yard of his home at Richland Park.

The matter has been adjourned to September 24.

T-Zan is also charged with unlawfully inflicting grievous bodily harm on Vibert Nedd of Richland Park, as well as damaging T-Zan ‘Zaza’ Phillips Nedd’s property.

Both offences were reportedly committed at Richland Park on May 29.

The accused appeared at the Serious Offences Court last Friday in relation to those charges. They were transferred to Mesopotamia Magistrate’s Court, and adjourned to July 17.

He is also charged with damaging the property of Osborne Ambris of Richland Park on the same date.

That matter was adjourned to September 24, and is slated for the Serious Offences Court.

It is alleged that T-Zan was shot in one of his legs while the police were trying to apprehend him, and had to be warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

When THE VINCENTIAN had contacted Commissioner of Police Colin John on June 19 to inquire as to why nobody was charged with Jamarie’s death, up to that date, he explained that T-Zan was still hospitalized, and was also supposed to have undergone a Psychiatric evaluation to determine whether he was fit to be interviewed by the police.

Diamond men cleared of robbery charge THREE MEN who were charged with the robbery of retired school teacher Jeff Morgan at his home at Diamond, June 26, 2019, were discharged at the Serious Offences Court last week, as the Prosecution offered no further evidence.

When the matter was called, Court Clerk, Corporal Atnel Ash informed the Court that Morgan communicated to him by telephone that he did not want to proceed with the matter.

Ash said that Morgan also indicated that he had relayed this

information to the investigator.

Shamol Williams, Jovanny Stephens and Daneoll Craigg, all of Diamond, are charged with being armed with a gun robbed Morgan of a white HP laptop valued $3,000, a Samsung Plus cellular phone valued $1,000 and $500 in cash.

They were also charged with entering Morgan’s house as a trespasser on the same date, and had with them a weapon of offence, to wit, a gun.

Both charges were laid indictably.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 5.

News

Taking back the Auxiliary Police Force MEMBERS of the Auxiliary of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force are an important part of the service.

However, the standards have dropped over the years and the organization is crying out to be returned to the position of respectability it once enjoyed.

Michael Charles, former Commissioner of Police who now heads the Auxiliary Police Department, recalled that when he joined the Police Force in 1981, he was assigned with an auxiliary police officer.

“This was the level of respect the Auxiliary had back in the day,” Charles told THE VINCENTIAN. In those days, the thing that distinguished the Auxiliary Officer from a regular Police Officer, was the red stripe that runs along the side of the pants leg or skirt of the Auxiliary Officer, the Commandant explained.

Charles admitted that a lack of discipline has begun to creep into the Auxiliary Force, e.g. not taking up assigned duties and use of alcohol while on duty.

Complaints about perceived

seniority Former CoP Charles had promptly availed himself to an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, on being told that complaints/ allegations had been made by a member of an Auxiliary Officer.

The officer, who spoke on the basis of anonymity, addressed a number of issues affecting him and his colleagues, one of which was the lack of respect shown to Auxiliary Officers by higher ranked and even members of the same rank of the Police Force.

Even Police Officers fresh out of training school, according to the complainant, were of the impression that they were senior to members of the Auxiliary, even if those Auxiliary Officers had enlisted for several years before.

The Officer contended that under the Police Act 391, the Auxiliary Police enjoy the same rights, privileges and freedoms as police.

Commandant of the SVG Auxiliary Police Force is determined to work towards restoring that Force to its once status of respectability.

And as is stated in Section 63 (1) of the Police Act 391 under ‘Authority and pay’: ‘Every member of the Auxiliary Police shall have, exercise and enjoy the same powers, authorities, advantages and immunities as a member of the Force and, when called out for service, be liable to the same duties and responsibilities’.

certain Police Officers.

“Because putting a firearm in someone’s hand is a very dangerous thing,” he said.

In order to be issued a firearm, you have to be trained, and auxiliary officers are not trained in the use of firearms, Charles explained, “So, while they are complaining, the Commissioner will not put a firearm in their possession.”

Salaries and wages A work in progress Another grievance expressed was that of salary; that Auxiliary Officers were paid less than what was paid to Police Officers of equal rank, despite provisions in the law for equal pay.

“We do the same thing the police are doing… we serving and protecting…we took the same oath and everything… .,” the Officer complained.

According to the Police Act: ‘Every member of the Auxiliary Police when called out for service by the Commissioner under the provisions of section 55 shall be paid for his services from such monies as may be provided

by Parliament, at the same rate as a member of the Force of equivalent rank’.

On this point, Charles clarified that although there are laws regarding the amount that auxiliary officers are to be paid, the reality is that they are daily paid workers.

Charles admitted that some of the allegations made were indeed accurate, but indicated that the “officers were the architects of their own misfortunes… the way they carry themselves.”

He added, “Many times I have to talk to Auxiliaries on the streets; they want to pass in rum shops and so on.

The Commandant disclosed that former Commissioner Keith Miller had started doing some training on weekends. Members of the Auxiliary Police are subjected to a certain level of training, but it is not as rigid as it is for the regular police, he explained.

According to Charles, there was a move to re-introduce a programme of training, but with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, they have had to suspend it.

At the helm of this project was the Adjutant of the Auxiliary Police Force B.T Marksman who was working along Licensed firearms with Charles to restoring some respectability to the organization.

Under Section 59 of the Police Act, Charels assured that they will be ‘Every member of the Auxiliary Police resuming training for auxiliary shall be provided with a short manual officers, more so now that some of the describing the powers and duties of issues affecting them have been the Auxiliary Police, a badge, a baton highlighted. and such clothing and other “Most of the times we do not hear equipment as may be approved by the anything from the affected officers.

Commissioner’.

Even during meetings, nothing is But, referencing that Auxiliary said,” he complained.

Officers are often assigned to what is He assessed the information relayed known as static duties, where there is by THE VINCENTIAN as very usual, a real chance of something dangerous noting that in most cases we cannot do occurring especially at night, the without it. complainant said that he believes that AS “VERY USEFUL “Because they Auxiliary Officers should be allowed to are very useful. In most cases we carry weapons. cannot do without them,” Charles told Charles, however, told THE THE VINCENTIAN. VINCENTIAN that even during his “It is just that the standards have time as Commissioner of Police, he deteriorated over the years, and we was very cautious about issuing are not sure how this happened,” he firearms and firearm licences to said. (DD)

6. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

V St. Lucia supports new entity

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

News

Prime Minister Gaston Browne (right) got a boost of support for his suggestion of establishing a new airline, from St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen Chastanet.

THERE WILL be no monopoly of air travel in the region.

This is the expressed position of Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne, in response to a suggestion that the Trinidad and Tobago owned Caribbean Airlines should take over LIAT. LIAT, the cash-strapped, debt-ridden regional airline whose principal shareholders are the government of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and is headquartered in Antigua, is heading for liquidation.

Talk of Caribbean Airlines replacing LIAT as the major inter-island connecting air service in the region reportedly surfaced in certain circles, as a response to PM Browne’s suggestion that a new

entity be established to replace LIAT, and that the name LIAT be retained.

Browne must have been put off by his colleague and Chairman of the Government Shareholder group, PM of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves who made it clear, inter alia, when he spoke after last weekend meeting of LIAT’s shareholders and Director, “I’m not getting involved in arguments about if there is a new airline, regional airline, where it is to be located, what private sector should be involved.”

However, PM Browne must have been well pleased to learn that St. Lucia has said it will support a new regional airline, if one is to emerge from the dissolution of LIAT. St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen Chastanet is reported by Antigua News Room, an Antigua Online News Agency, to have given that assurance.

“If the airline has a very well selected board; a board that understands business, particularly aviation and one the company is allowed to make all the necessary business decisions and we are not just going to be a shareholder attending a meeting… If we see the executive not doing a good job and the executive can be fired, then St Lucia will support such a venture,” PM Chastanet is reported to have said.

This statement is indicative of a position the St. Lucian Prime Minister has articulated on many occasions in the past, which he had often coupled with a vehement repetition that his country was not going to

There is no way PM Gaston Browne is going to sit back and allow Caribbean Airlines to move in and take over from LIAT. pump money into a debt-ridden LIAT. The St Lucia prime minister noted that there are some territories — Dominica, St Vincent, and the Grenadines for example — which depend on islands such as St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados for their link to the international routes, and determining the types of aircraft that is best suited for these routes is critically important.

“There are some hard economic rules that must be followed and observed,” he stated.

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8. FRIDAY, JULY 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

Making a mockery of Parliament A HEALTHY PARLIAMENT, it is said, operates on three ‘D’s - debate, dissent and discussion. As fate would have it, a fourth D has nested in our parliament, with a degree of permanence. That D stands for disruption or as others would have it, deterrence.

For yet another time in our Parliament, an Opposition’s Private Members Motion, the ‘COVID-19 Pandemic -Management of the Economic and Social Consequences of the Pandemic’, even though listed on the Order Paper for the sitting of June 22, 2020, at day’s (June 22, 2020), was not even allowed to be tabled.

As it stood, every little and even big loop hole in those Rules was used (or is it abused?) so as to prevent this Motion from seeing the light of day before the stipulated cut off time.

And, of course, that foiled any chance of another Private Members Motion being brought to Parliament during this calendar year since, in accordance with the House Rules, only one such Motion is allowed in a calendar year.

Worse, as though to make a mockery of our Parliamentary Democracy, the Motion that was deterred, according to the Rules, cannot be deferred to another sitting unless one of the majority members took it up. Convincing a majority member so to do is a herculean task if ever there was one.

Sad that the noble tradition of ‘debate, dissent and discussion’ is soiled by a Parliament that is structured (not of our own doing if the truth be told) to weigh heavily in favour of the majority, so that it can put spent to any effort to encourage healthy debate.

But, are we not in control of what and how matters of state unfold in our Parliament? So when we fail to exert that authority and allow disruption to the sacred tenets of ‘debate, dissent and discussion’, it is an affront to holding fast to the

ideal that we are fostering a new Caribbean Civilisation, founded on the principle of ‘government by the people, for the people’.

Unless you live elsewhere, there is no doubting that the fourth ‘D’, disruption, has crept into the Vincentian parliament and has become a bone of contention, not only for parliamentary functioning but also for the people of this country.

The characterization of parliamentarians going after each other like fowls in a cockfight, throws open larger questions about the role and relevance of the institution.

Disruptions have become an endemic feature of the functioning of the Vincentian Parliament. Not doing/allowing genuine debate and discussion is a mockery of democracy, which is another ‘story’ all by itself.

And in the meantime, the Honourable Speaker of the House, the man with the gavel to bring order and decorum to the sacred chamber, advances a ‘proposal’ for debate on the mode of dress for himself and members of the House.

Officers of high public office are wont to leave a legacy. Is a change of dress code something that the current Speaker would want to leave as his legacy?

There are, like this piece purports, greater and much more sacred things to which our new Speaker could give his attention, But no!!! He seems bent on continuing down the ‘old dusty road’ which, try as much as his predecessor did, even with admission of grave error as it relates to a motion the opposition attempted to have debated, he left most things undone.

Our Parliament is the highest law-making body in our land. If we are true to ourselves and what our forebears fought for, we should demand more of our parliamentarians.

One opportunity towards this end lies just around the corner.

Banana Talk: “Who Can’t Hear, Go Feel” (This is a reprint) ONE THING was sure during these past several opening weeks for this year, the country has been thoroughly educated as to its banana industry, its hopes and its fears.

If not before, we now know that banana is our chief money spinner, the mainstay of the economy, the principal employer which touches the lives of nearly every Vincentian.

Lome, Europe’s single-market, dollar fruit, and “Banana War”, are commonplace words bandied about all over the place. Unfortunately, we understand that our industry lives a precarious existence depending on our meeting the stipulated quotes with quality fruit.

A little problem that we have to get sorted our right away is that of our conception of quality becomes irrelevant, if it differs significantly from that of the European consumer. The latter is the king,; he calls the shots. So it matters not if our fruit is tastier if it has spots that put the buyer off. The European goes for appearances, and determines the market whether we like it or not. We simply have to fall into line if we want to stay in business.

Even so, it must be apparent to all that a major shift will have to be made away from bananas in the coming years.

But we desperately need this period of respite variously and aptly described as “breathing-space”, “stay of execution” or “reprieve”. In terms of modern civilization, we could hardly make it if suddenly the plug was pulled out.

Writing in the publication “Windwards Weekly”, Lennox Honeychurch painted a frightening portrait of Dominica with a collapsed banana industry. What follows is a similar picture projected on a Vincentian canvas. The scenario will go something like this: A fall in price brought on by market forces or whatever, will first of all wipe out the marginal farmer who will not be able to meet his cost of production.

Overall production drops and falls short of quotas. “Dollar fruit” moves in for the kill and gradually takes over.

Then people will realise the real length of the bananas finger that touches all and sundry in the community. Members of the urban middle class and the professional service (including doctors and lawyers), who have never touched a plant or dug a hole, would have their

lives adversely affected by down turn.

The typical banana farmers can now buy only the basics for living. Small business like boutiques, gift shops and eating places quietly close their doors.

Only essential goods are imported, village grocery shops fold up, wholesale vans stop plying the country route.

There is a drop of consumer durables, and government revenue accordingly shrinks with less imports. Health, education and public works programmes are thus cut back, and the Civil Service pruned. The Public Sector begins to lay off workers and stream-line their operation.

One danger point is reached with banks foreclosing on mortgages on account of unpaid loans. Homes are sold out and land prices drop sharply, but there are few takers with the ready cash.

Unpaid bills also mount up with the utility companies, and there is widespread disconnection especially of telephone and electricity services.

Transportation declines and vandrivers are driven against the wall with banks foreclosure on loans. And the vicious circle bites deeply with the dwindling of the tax base and Government’ further loss of revenue.

The environment suffers with indiscriminate foraging for fire-wood, hunting for animal-food and fishing.

The crime rate climbs with increased attacks on visitors, dashing the forlorn hope for an alternative Tourist Industry that was planned to pick up the pieces.

Drugs and drug-related crime enjoy a good climate as many people wink at infractions of the law which bring scarce money into circulation.

There are wild public demonstrations which lack conviction and hallow calls for the Government of the day to resign, for the sake of change.

We can avoid the possibility of the forgoing by making an honest-togoodness attempt, firstly, to produce quality bananas during our grace period, secondly, to capture a piece of the shipping business where much of the real action is, thirdly, to seek our viable alternatives in the interim.

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Demits, son does not replace him

HE CAME in on a wave of popularity. The people clamored for him. They anointed him and may have given him a Spiritual Bath. He appeared to be the long expected leader. He was tall, handsome, and eloquent; one who would stand with the World Leaders. Their urgings and actions were tantamount to creating a ‘Revolution’. They shouted, “The voice of the people is the voice of God.” Although this was not God’s intention, he let the people have their way.

His early years in power were fairly successful, but the power soon got to his head, as he tried to assume

attributes that belong only to God. He changed long established laws and traditions to suit himself. Rather than relying on God’s prophets for advice, he sought comfort and consolation in Obeah, mistakenly thinking that he could consult wizards to know God’s will. He thought he could work Obeah for God, not recognizing that obedience is better than sacrifice. As he grew old and dementia and perhaps senility were appearing, he could not recognize that his contribution to the political landscape was complete.

Doing the honourable thing I SEE WHERE, Mr. Editor, you did the honourable thing and wasted no time in getting an apology off to the Prime Minister.

The way I see it, if you know you erred, and there is no use in trying to say you didn’t by fighting the issue in court, then the honourable thing to do is to admit you erred and get on with business. In so doing, there is no time wasting and no money down the drain.

The thing is, if I know you well, Mr. Editor, you would have passed this whole business by one of your legal friends and, if I really know you well, that friend would not be a person from here in SVG. For except for one or two ULP diehards who would know no better, there was hardly a beep from any of the political sides on the matter.

I think, my friend, you can rest assured you have no friends on either side, and if you have enemies, it’s probably a blessing.

One thing for certain that I know, and that is that you are not for sale.

Keep on doing what you’re doing, my friend.

Charles, Edinboro

Rather than bowing out gracefully, he sought desperately to hold on to power. He knew he had to go, but wanted to hand over to his son who was not at all suitable for the task of restoring the high ideals to which the country aspired. However, God’s plan was for someone else to rule the country, and this is what played out in History.

Despite his shortcomings, David, son of Jesse, succeeded Saul as King of Israel and proved to be ‘a man after God’s own heart. The story is recorded in 1 Samuel. Saul wanted his son

found, but not limited to: between spouses, between parents, between parents and children, in the community, at the work place, in organisations and in church.

In restoring relationships, both parties must be prepared

Anthony Stewart, PhD

Learning on the Basketball Court THERE ARE five things I learned playing basketball that contributed significantly to my success as an adult.

1. Communicate with openness and full transparency: Many of my teammates often criticized me for changing and calling out plays as a point guard, from the top of the key.

They always wanted me to develop a code to signal the play we were about to run. I was of the opinion that because I had the ball, I can tell you what I was going to do. If we did it correctly,

there was nothing you can do to stop us. My ball, my rules. Keep your team informed.

2. Always be ready to pivot: Flexibility is the key to all successful plans; be ready to change direction based on the current information available, and your team will adapt. Great leaders know when and how to pivot. Your team will take their clues from you as long as you communicate effectively and with confidence. If you are wrong that’s okay, you will get the ball back, just stay focused on the task at

Restoring relationships RESTORING relationships is of paramount importance, especially that broken relationships have contributed to the hurt and anger that many persons are carrying.

And bear in mind that these broken relationships can be

Jonathan to succeed him, but this was not to be.

Rather than peacefully handing over power to the next Government, Saul chose to fight the anointed successor, and eventually dies disgracefully in Office. This was his fate despite knowing that he was rejected by God and the people. His mantra seemed to be ‘to hold on to power by any means necessary and at any cost’, and this was his downfall.

to be honest with each other. This would involve open discussion and openness to accept wrong. Many times we play the blame game, i.e. to blame someone else except ourselves; it is always someone else’s fault or someone else who is wrong and not me.

However, as we move to restore relationships, we have to be honest to admit we are wrong, and humble enough to say we are sorry.

This will lead to FORGIVENESS — that we forgive those who have wronged us, after they would have admitted their error and seek our forgiveness.

But we must also forgive ourselves, stop blaming ourselves when we have been forgiven by others.

More importantly, we cannot expect to be forgiven by the Lord if we don’t forgive others.

(St. Matthew 6:15.)

Don’t fool yourselves, it is hard to forgive, but it can be done once we seek God’s help.

Coupled with all that was mentioned before, is the willingness to change and to love each other despite our own hurts and challenges. If we truly forgive those who have hurt us, then it becomes easier to love.

The humbleness to say we are sorry and to forgive others is important. The humbleness of asking for forgiveness plays an important role in restoring a relationship.

We must be humble enough to let go of the past and accept each other.

It is my prayer that as a people, we would seek

by God’s help to restore the broken relationships that exist in and around us. Let us have a stronger family, home, church, nation and communities.

Kennard King

hand. We’ve all seen leaders who pivot without sharing all the reasons. The result?

Their team ends up confused, frustrated, and demoralized.

3. Face your fear: Give people on your team a chance to talk about their fears and respect their concerns, about the new direction. Don’t underestimate the need to allow for dissent and honest disagreement on how to achieve the stated goals. Take time to address their concerns and when it will do no harm to the bigger goal, allow for the introduction of new options to the playbook.

4. Do the hard work: No matter how well you think you know the play, or the game plan, be committed to the practise sessions. Be willing to help others succeed and remain flexible and agile.

5. Say thank you: Celebrate and acknowledge the

accomplishments of the team and the effort and contributions of the individual. You cannot succeed without everyone doing his/her part and taking care of each other.

As a leader in these unprecedented times, remember you don’t need to know all the answers, but you need to share what you know at all times. Give yourself and your team permission to make mistakes, be willing to acknowledge those mistakes, and more importantly be willing to make the necessary changes quickly.

Horatio Skeete, USA

Big up to ‘Bigger Biggs’ I AM TRULY glad for ‘Bigger Biggs’. They say the truth always comes to light, and I hope that this is what will happen, now that he has a chance to challenge the authorities in court.

I don’t think I know another man who went through what ‘Bigger Biggs’ went through and came out fighting. He is a born survivor, a warrior.

I was not directly affected when they forced Biggs’ business to close down, but a relative of mine was, and it took that relative a very, very long time before he found new employment. I think they saw my relative as a supporter of the NDP just like how they saw Biggs.

But what is even more outstanding about this man, is that he continues to employ a lot of people in that food outlet he operates. The man is a true, true Christian, and I wish him all God’s blessings.

I know that he will battle to the end, and I pray that he will have the strength to see his fight to victory.

A Mespo man

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SVG: A functioning society, and working economy during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction On Thursday, June 25, 2020, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment issued a press release informing the nation that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had achieved zero active recorded COVID-19 cases. This means that all 29 positive tests have fully recovered and are medically cleared. From the date of our first recorded positive test on March 11, 2020, this country has conducted over 840 tests, the bulk of which were done at the CARPHA lab in Trinidad and Tobago. However, approximately 150 tests were conducted locally, thanks to our enhanced capacity that now allows us to do in-country testing.

Before any Caribbean island recorded a positive COVID-19 case, SVG put the necessary protocols in place based on the advice of the WHO and PAHO, that included partial bans on travellers from specified countries including China, screening at ports of entry, and advisories detailing proper hand hygiene, social distancing and other measures necessary to prevent the spread of the virus. All countries implemented quarantine measures for visitors arriving from certain locations, with this country being the first in the region to actually execute the quarantining of new arrivals. It was not long before COVID-19 impacted the entire region, as member state after member state of CARICOM confirmed positive cases.

Countries had to act swiftly to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. Measures included the closure of exit and entry ports, the issuance of stay at home advisories, complete lockdown, and in the cases of Jamaica and Saint Kitts/Nevis, states of emergency. These measures implemented by our Caribbean neighbours brought economic activity to a standstill; schools were closed and citizens were locked in their houses unable to move about freely, in some cases facing the possibility of arrest for venturing outside for anything other than essentials. These measures had a crippling economic effect, with some countries’ revenue projected to drop by as much as 80% as in the case of Antigua and Barbuda, forcing delays of central governing payment including salaries! It not difficult to imagine the social, psychological, and other terrible consequences of this halt on national economies. Simply put, countries in the region had not just stopped working, they had stopped functioning! In SVG, the ULP government led by a man with an indomitable spirit in whose breast hope springs eternal, refused to entertain the idea of putting the country to sleep, regardless how temporarily.

scientific and very caring, proceeded with purpose, showing the region and the world we are very mindful of the virus, but would be forced in perilous inertia by it.

The government took all protective measures. Schools were closed one week earlier, with the Ministry of Education making relevant arrangement to ensure the continuous learning of our students. Needless to say, Dr. Friday allowed opposition politics to cloud reason, urging that schools be closed, not to return until 2021. Making every effort to reassure the society at large that the safety of our children was paramount, the government met with stakeholders, and with Ministry of Transport and Works including BRAGSA to look at ways to safely restart face to face learning. By the end of May, there was a phased re-opening of schools, beginning with students writing exit exams, with all measures to ensure full and complete safety of our students. All Grade 6 students were able to write their CPEA on June 25th and 26th.

There was also the accelerated roll out of the universally praised PRYME program, offering grants to small businesses, with over 160 successful applicants obtaining sums from $2500 to $40,000. The agriculture sector received an injection of over $12 million. All the while SVG continued its regular shipment of produce to Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, keeping our farmers and traffickers employed while helping our CARICOM sisters. Some businesses scaled back activities, while offering special relief incentives to customers who may have difficulty servicing their accounts. But by-and-large, businesses kept their doors open. The vendors at the vegetable and fish markets as well as street vendors continued to ply their trade, securing their livelihoods. Imagine the economic disaster that may have ensued if this ULP government had abandoned reason and courage adopting the ill-conceived non-idea of Godwin Friday’s NDP to shut down the country, effectively bringing the functioning of our society to a halt!

But wisdom triumphed once again over childlike fear! Thanks to which not just our economy but indeed society never entered a coma.

Conclusion

Keeping our Vincentian society functioning and our economy working during the COVID-19 pandemic underlines that SVG has a government led by a Prime Minister SVG never stopped functioning who constantly applies his heart to wisdom, consulting the professionals Exposing the panic-laden and unwise consistent calls of the Dr. Hon. and following the science. But more than anything, a man who truly cares Godwin Friday-led NDP to shut our for all, but first and foremost the least borders, and institute “Chinese-style draconian measures”, that would have fortunate. He knows they must be all but crippled normal functioning of cared for! Our people are blessed with wise, innovative, creative and caring our society, PM Gonsalves poured leadership. We see this repeatedly scorn on this irrationality; and, through the actions of this ULP determined to proceed without histrionics, cognizant of and believing government. The most important take away from the way SVG managed the in the resilience of our people, gave the assurance and demonstrated that Covid-19 pandemic is, that while the our economy can continue to function. rest of CARICOM is trying to figure out how best to get their economies The ULP government then, with and countries working again, we soberness and maturity, being proudly boast, SVG NEVER stopped!

NDP has a better way for youths ON THURSDAY 25TH JUNE, the New Democratic Party (NDP) held a successful youth forum. In that session, youths shared their experiences of hardship, neglect, victimization, discrimination and hopelessness under the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government. The NDP has a better way.

We offer hope and we see the talent and energy of our youths as pivotal in an effort to move St. Vincent and the Grenadines forward.

The stories articulated by the youths are well known, and most youths can relate to them. It was heart-rending to listen to their presentations. It is even more depressing for young people who have graduated colleges and universities and are finding it extremely difficult to be employed. Some people are at home for a number of years and cannot find a job. As a result, they become frustrated.

The following are excerpts of one of the presenters of how she sees the situation: “In the recent past here in St.Vincent and the Grenadines, we have witnessed many acts of violence and desperation from our young people. Many of them have been labeled as mentally ill. Just recently in Richland Park, a young boy was killed in a most gruesome manner. I would say, therefore, that we in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have a problem with mental health.

“On the heels of that incident, the Prime Minister of this country was asked a question about mental health.

His response was to state dismissively that people must ‘own their madness’.

In the present climate, I thought that response was a most insensitive and out of touch comment that one could get from a Prime Minister of a country.

“As a young woman I am angry. I want to own my anger and madness. I am saying, ‘Yes, I am mad’. I am mad because as a young girl, I was told if I studied hard and did well academically, I will be rewarded. I did that up to Community College and graduated with subjects in Law and Communications and can’t even get a job in a supermarket.

“I am mad because I see persons who I know are employed not because of their qualifications, but because of their political connections, and I who have worked so hard am told continuously ‘no vacancies exist’. I am mad because I see so many young men and women on the block with nothing to do. I am mad because so many young people I know are being gunned down in the streets.

“I am mad because unemployment among young people here in St.Vincent and the Grenadines is over 46%. I am mad because unemployment among women here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is over 30%. I am mad because according to the IMF, Vincentians are worse off today than they were in 2001.

“I am mad because for years, we were on the cusp of an economic take off and today we can only boast 0.03% economic growth for 2019. I am mad because too many young girls are forced to prostitute themselves to advance in life. I am mad because it seems that it’s only at the end of every five (5) years the government remembers that I want plywood, galvanize, lumber and cement.

“I am mad because of the high levels of sexual violence against women and girls here in St.Vincent and the Grenadines, and an apparent disregard by the ruling regime. I am mad because citizenship means nothing — ask the cruise ship workers, the students in Cuba and Jamaica.

I am mad because of the poor and despicable healthcare system here in St.Vincent and the Grenadines, and I am mad because fifteen years ago we were promised a national stadium; today we could only get a basic track.

Yes, I am mad.”

Plans for our youths The NDP has stated that its major priority is to create the environment to provide thousands of sustainable jobs for the youths of this country. We will implement a number of novel and innovative programmes and policies that will create an enabling environment for thousands of jobs to be created. For example, the implementation of the Citizenship by Investment Programme will be an instant game changer for economic growth and development and job creation.

The NDP has also identified Information Technology as an important area that will provide opportunities for our young people.

We will place tremendous emphasis on Information Technology to tackle the unemployment situation which exists among our youths, in this country.

We will continue to provide the opportunities for higher education for more young Vincentians to obtain degrees at home and abroad; create a diversified scholarship portfolio by providing incentives and scholarships for youths who excel in sports, the arts and extracurricular activities. We will also ensure that meaningful employment is created for these youths after they have completed their studies.

Further, we will encourage a culture of youth entrepreneurship and provide the environment for them to grow. We will establish a National Development Bank, to eliminate the credit problem and make financing more accessible and more affordable for local businesspeople, especially small businesses. Our youths will benefit immensely from this bank.

This bank will also provide training and technical assistance in Agriculture, tourism, fisheries, small business development and human resource development.

We will also focus on sports and skills training. Vincentians have seen the decline in these areas since the ULP took power in 2001. It is the intention of the NDP to revive these crucial areas of development, so that our youths can benefit. The NDP will restructure the schools’ curriculum so that sports education can again be a priority. More hard courts will be constructed, enclosed, lit and properly maintained to facilitate various sporting disciplines, and at least one playing field in each constituency will be lit to encourage more participation in sports. The NDP will make SVG work for all the youths.

V The Power of Restraint

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“He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.” ? Lao Tzu – Ancient Chinese philosopher and writer.

WHEREVER POSSIBILITIES exist for interacting with others, there will also be occasions for misunderstandings and disagreements. Discourteous service providers, disrespectful commuters, selfish drivers, unreasonable customers, ungrateful children, and insensitive parents are but a few of the examples of the stages that are sometimes set for us to play out a response to an irritating situation. And while we may be able to justify responses that are tinged with anger, we may often discover that a more productive outcome is generated when we exhibit the power of restraint.

Life’s varied situations will periodically appear to test us to the core. There will be times when challenges emerge in relation to whether or not we should respond in a manner that demonstrates restraint or the lack thereof. For example, a recent visit to a hardware store in search of a plumbing fixture generated a most irritating feeling when one of the workers responded to my request for assistance by answering in a manner that left me feeling that this was not part of her job description; she was not there to guide or serve customers but to engage in conversation with her coworker. My brain quickly processed the situation. Should I opt to remind her that I was a customer needing service? On the other hand, should I tactfully suggest that it is in her best interest, and that of the firm that she works for, if she provided the necessary assistance sought? Or should I leave her to “stew in her miserable, unhappy state”?

Sometimes, our choices in situations are neither right nor wrong. We can easily justify whichever choice we make. In this case, I opted to search for the item without her assistance.

In my disappointment and anger, I opted to show some self-restraint and not “pour fuel on the fire”. To me, it was not worth it. I had power to dismiss it and reflect on the guidance provided by the Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius (121-180) when he said, “You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” Sometimes others may very well interpret that strength to be a weakness but we, you and I, must determine and justify our responses noting that we will periodically be required to demonstrate the power of restraint … for a greater good.

The foregoing example reminds us that we do not have to fight every battle. And we must be especially on guard to ensure that we do not allow others to sour our spirits. This is especially so when confronting unhappy, miserable, angry individuals. Bohdi Sanders (born 1962) suggests that we should “Never respond to an angry person with a fiery comeback, even if he deserves it...Don’t allow his anger to become your anger.”

We commend those individuals who, regardless of the pressure that they face, go out of their way to make others feel welcomed and cared for.

However, it is often considered ironic that the individuals who are recruited

or employed to provide customer service or patient care seem to be so very lacking in relation to how they respond to those individuals that they are required to serve. It is often quite visible that so many of these individuals appear to be more focused on power/commanding rather than demonstrating that they care or are concerned. In so many cases, they provide evidence that they lack the power of restraint. They are too easily enticed to be caustic. And in so doing, we (the recipient of their negative responses) are required to show some restraint. We conclude that they may have lacked proper training at home or may have brought their “home problems” to the workplace. However, neither excuse is acceptable. Even when under tremendous pressure we are required to demonstrate the strength of character that commands us to demonstrate control. Many of the older generation would have recommended that we pause to take several deep breaths or to slowly count to ten. They anticipated that the pause would aid in relieving the tension and dispelling an otherwise confrontational outcome. We treasure their wisdom.

As best we can, we must seek to avoid being easily provoked or angered. Epictetus (50-135), the Greek Stoic philosopher, reminds us that, “If someone succeeds in provoking you, realize that your mind is complicit in the provocation. Which is why it is essential that we not respond impulsively to impressions; take a moment before reacting, and you will find it easier to maintain control.”

We must continue the legacy of guiding our wards to think and act in responsible ways especially when frustrated and/or angry. We have the privilege of guiding them to be considerate and respectful citizens.

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790), one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America, reminds us to “Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society.” Critical social skills and personality traits are developed in our homes, schools, and churches. We have been commissioned to train our wards to develop the discipline of selfrestraint. As leaders in our homes, schools, workplaces, and the community at large, we must convey that restrain is necessary if we are to be trusted and respected.

So, we press on through this often challenging maze called life, knowing that its beauty will periodically be punctuated by the ugly behaviours and attitudes of others. But we will not be daunted. We will take each step in its stride knowing the we possess the power of restraint.

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

Too early to call THE 2020 ELECTIONS are rapidly approaching. Gonsalves loves December elections. We offer 2005, 2010 and 2015 election cycles as proof. He repeatedly said the elections will be called before year-end. Constitutionally due March 2021, Vincentians can expect to go to the polls later this year.

Last Saturday we made the following post: ‘The 2020 elections in SVG is too early to call as opposed to too close to call. If you are a betting man, the best you can safely say is ULP 6, NDP 4.

Don't assume that either side will easily get the coveted 8 victories necessary to form the next government.’

Supporters from both sides of the political divide jumped on the post. We were called crazy, unscientific and worse. One leading official of the ruling party said the post was intended to offer support to the NDP, but it was too late.

Other ULP supporters with an inside track posted numbers from a poll and declared that the ULP will do even better this time than in 2015.

Opposition supporters quarrelled. Many said our forecast had to be wrong because Vincentians were so fed up with the governing party that this time there must be a change. Some said ULP has cheated since 2005 so expect them to cheat again.

We maintain that as of July 1, 2020, the elections are too early to call. Plain Talk did not say too close to call. Too early to call simply means that much can happen between now and elections day.

younger, a former national footballer and diplomat, carries an expectation burden. NDP has held the seat since 1984. Bramble may not lose any of the support the former Opposition leader held. However, he must get to East Kingstown as soon as the airlines start flying. A delay increases problems in the constituency for NDP. Orondi Brewster, a medical doctor stands in for Sir Louis Straker who ensured that Central Leeward stayed in the ULP column since 1994. Brewster possesses a strong, booming voice.

Whether his youth offers a connectivity that allows him to build on the ULP’s 2015 314-vote margin, is to be seen. He will be strongly tested by Ben Exeter.

Exeter’s candidacy, underrated in 2015, sent the ULP leadership into a tizzy last election night.

Exeter’s legal challenge of Sir Louis’s election remains unresolved. The entire NDP leadership and its supporters remain convinced they were cheated out of a seat and the chance to topple the ULP. To his credit, Exeter, who resided in Canada for decades, remained grounded and continued to work with voters. The ULP will not underestimate his chances this time, while Exeter will be revving for the victory he is convinced was stolen from him in 2015.

Only the politically naïve will count him out.

South Leeward is a seat that the ULP should have easily won last time.

Its leadership sacrificed it in a political gambit that almost cost the party the elections. Nigel Stevenson, the two-time incumbent is a lacklustre candidate, but the NDP election machine in South Leeward is stellar. It took the party home in 2015 and could again this time around.

The ULP offers Dr Minerva Glasgow, a life-long NDP supporter. Dr Glasgow, an accomplished executive, is an unexciting, dour retiree who will be hard-pressed to enthuse the voters.

Worst, the ULP did precious little in the last 10 years to endear itself to South Leeward voters. The most neglected constituency in the country, it’s anyone’s guess whether the current efforts to get some things done will not amount to too little too late. South Leeward is a marginal seat and the ULP could surprise.

Montgomery Daniel vies for a 5consecutive victory in North Windward.

Reports are that he will be challenged by a female teacher. He won by 320 votes in 2015, an increase of a mere 70 votes after the ULP spent heavily following the Rock Gutter disaster that took the lives of several young people.

Daniel, as Housing Minister, was also in control of the government’s lumber, cement and galvanize giveaway bonanza.

Yet an 8 to 7 result compelled Gonsalves to pleasurably declare ‘A win is a win.’

In politics, a lot can change in a short space of time. All politics is local. ULP is going for a 5th term. Many are neglected, turned off or simply not impressed. This reality explains Gonsalves’ nervousness as reflected in his overbearing, daily attempts to saturate the news media with his voice.

Because postcolonial SVG is not postcolonial, the light-skinned Friday will be his biggest threat to the continued domination of local politics. Whoever triggers the imagination of the populace will win. We await the day of decision.

Unless there is a massive swing away from the ULP, PM Gonsalves, Saboto Caesar, Gustaus Stephenson, Jimmy Prince and Camillo Gonsalves will retain their seats. The safe bet is that newcomer, teacher/historian, Curtis King so well rooted in West St George, will beat back a spirited and energetic challenge from Kay Bacchus Baptiste.

Dr Godwin Friday and Terrance Ollivierre hold the Grenadines seats, while Major Leacock and Daniel Cummings will get third terms in Central Kingstown and West Kingstown.

There are 5 seats in play at this juncture. The Leeward constituencies which are currently held by Patel Mathews, the retiring Sir Louis Straker and Nigel Stevenson.

In 2015, the ULP narrowly lost North Leeward, and Carlos James must now fancy his chances. However, the ULP having lost by a mere 12 votes may have hurt its chances by backloading much of what it had to do for the year before the elections. The coronavirus slowed ULP’s attempt to finish projects and win favours. There is a mad rush to repair the roads, rebuild the bridges and the wharf at Chateaubeliar. With high unemployment and growing hopelessness, James, aloof and pompous, will not easily remove the rabble-rousing Mathews.

The two contests to watch with hawks’ eyes are those in East Kingstown and Central Leeward. Luke Browne is a formidable challenger.

Contesting against the leader of the opposition in 2015, he shaved more than 300 votes off Eustace’s 2010 victory margin, to lose by less than 150. He’s youthful, aggressively determined and overly committed to winning. His father has long labelled him a future Prime Minister. His ambition to lead may prove his undoing.

Send comments, criticisms & Browne will face Fitz Bramble who suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com replaces Arnhim Eustace. Bramble,

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LIAT - long-term addict IF YOU KEEP giving a drug addict drugs, they will continue to rely on drugs.

The relationship between LIAT and its shareholder governments has mirrored that of a drug addict and his drug suppliers. For decades, LIAT has been managed poorly and been a financial failure. LIAT has been in debt for decades, but its shareholder governments have kept on pumping millions of dollars into it, to cover that debt.

LIAT has never bothered to properly restructure, to run efficiently and to create a profit, because it knows that when it needed a quick ‘fix’, its shareholder governments would supply that ‘fix’. LIAT has been addicted to bailouts for decades and its shareholder governments have been happy to waste taxpayers’ money to satisfy LIAT’s addiction.

LIAT has never been forced into rehabilitation to get off its addiction, so it is no surprise now to hear that LIAT will more than likely be liquidated; that it will collapse, again!

LIAT’s shareholder governments must take responsibility for LIAT collapsing, because they have failed to force LIAT to operate in a manner that would create a profit.

The prime ministers of these shareholder governments must be held accountable for the incompetent governance of LIAT. It was reported that in all of 2019, LIAT made a loss of about EC$12 million. Even without COVID-19, LIAT was failing and in debt.

Wrongful trading is a serious offence which is punishable by law.

Wrongful trading is when the directors know that the company is insolvent; they know it will not be a temporary state and they have no way to pay their creditors. Wrongful trading could also be proven if the directors willfully allow the amount of debt to increase whilst they are trading. There are statutory rules and regulations that deem wrongful trading unlawful.

Whatever happens next, if LIAT reforms or a new airline is created, governments must not subsidise this new entity. Governments must not create a new bailout addict.

Whatever new entity is created, it must be set up properly so that it is run in an efficient manner that leads to a profit. The new entity must be run as a private company and funded by money from private investors. The new entity will only run well if it knows

that it cannot become addicted to government bailouts.

It would be unacceptable to the taxpayers’ of LIAT shareholder governments, for these governments to continue to wastefully throw away millions of dollars of their money on another poorly run airline. Gonsalves must stop wasting millions of dollars of SVG taxpayers’ money to prop up LIAT or any other airline. It’s like throwing money down the drain.

Thousands of households in SVG live in poverty, without mains water and electricity, and with their children going to bed hungry. SVG taxpayers’ money should be helping these poor households. The poor of SVG should not be neglected, so that Gonsalves can waste taxpayers’ money subsidising the air travel of the rich.

It was reported that one of LIAT’s shareholder governments said that “the new airline will be much leaner than the current LIAT… But if you are going to have a new entity that is scaled down, that is viable, that is efficient, that can meet the connectivity needs of the Caribbean people, then clearly that has to be the option that we pursue.”

Why on earth is this being said

now? This should have been said over 40 years. LIAT needed to be leaner, efficient and viable 40 years ago. It is ludicrous that this is only being said now, in 2020.

LIAT has been in crisis and utter financial chaos for decades, even though LIAT has had a virtual monopoly on regional air travel in the Caribbean. This is because LIAT’s shareholder governments have been incompetent and continually failed to tackle the real problems within LIAT. It was reported that the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Browne, said the formation of the new entity must be done swiftly. This is wrong. The formation of the new entity must be done properly. It would be foolhardy to rush to create a new entity and that new entity turns out to be as bad as, or worse, than LIAT. The new entity must be financially sustainable.

Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons) MSc, MBA, says that LIAT has been in debt for decades and addicted to government bailouts for decades. It is time to stop the addiction. The new entity must be a privately funded company.

The grass in the drains of Kingstown gives testimony A FEW MONTHS ago, the “bright flag on the pole” of St. Vincent and the Grenadines was held aloft by our Prime Minister, who, with eloquent speeches, sought to infuse pride in our people on the occasion that St. Vincent and the Grenadines had made history by becoming the smallest nation ever to have the distinction of sitting on the United Nations Security Council, as a non-permanent member. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves had clearly demonstrated his enthusiasm, with which he indicated it would significantly enhance the reach of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as it undertook to speak on behalf of the small, disadvantaged nations of the world.

In this acclamation of the acknowledgement of the enhanced status, Dr. Gonsalves seemed to have enjoyed substantial support at home and abroad. The leader of the Opposition Dr. Friday himself was clear on that matter.

We have been represented on the Security Council of the United Nations for six months now, but I have not as yet heard anything on the news, indicating that any issue had gone to the United Nation’s Security Council for adjudication, and that St. Vincent and the Grenadines had played a role in the satisfactory resolution of it.

There are still eighteen months to go in terms of our stint as a member of that distinguished body, and considering the instability and uncertainty, which seem to be always hovering, St. Vincent and the Grenadines could well be called on to play some part in the discussions which the Council would be burdened to consider, as they endeavor to bring relief to the suffering citizens of some nation or nations.

Is the ULP prepared for the task?

But how prepared, how qualified is the ULP government to play the declared role of defending the people of the small disadvantaged nations of the world?

A farmer is not equipped to do worthwhile work on the farm, if he leaves home with a new cutlass, but depends on a rusty file to sharpen it with, and the hoe on his shoulder had been resting un-used in the sun and the rain for several months. A dispassionate examination of the modus operandi of the Ralph Gonsalves led regime over the last fifteen years, clearly shows that they are not reliable material on whom one can depend to look out for the interests of the people. With respect to his management of the interests and business of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, he has turned out to be “superlatively untrustworthy”.

The evidence of that has been well documented.

A glimpse of his crippling of our economic well-being can be seen when the case of Leon “Bigger Bigs” Samuel is examined. I remember “Bigga” from several decades ago when we met at Bernard Punnett’s garage, where he had come to do some tractor work.

From the short conversation I had with him, I saw that he had big ideas, and he was logical. By now he should have been a multi-millionaire!

Incidentally, Leon’s father was Joshua Samuel, a man who played a prominent role as a member of the St. Vincent Banana Growers Association which up to the 1980s had at least nine thousand members. Joshua had his farm in Glenside in the Marriaqua Valley. Bananas allowed Joshua to provide adequately for his family. One of his sons is an important player in an internationally recognized organization.

Promise to revive the banana Industry

Neglect of the drains” A poor reflection

What a great pity, that Ralph Gonsalves did not honour the promise he had so spiritedly made in 2001 to revitalize the Banana Industry here.

He would have had the satisfaction of being the young scholars “soar with their wings unclipped” enabled by the incomes of their banana farming families.

Today, these families are hurting, for instead of Ralph Gonsalves and his men honouring the promises they made in 2001, to revitalize the Banana Industry, they mashed it up.

So, today we ship ‘no bananas, we ship no bananas today’. However, it must not be forgotten that Renwick Rose of ODD fame, and WINFA distinction, participated actively, in the crippling of the Banana Growers Association, leaving the farmers scrunting and the economy dead.

It is worthy of note that despite the fact that Renwick Rose had participated in the neutralizing of our largest farmers organization in his home land St. Vincent and the Grenadines, he was in Geneva, Switzerland delivering an address as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the World Banana Forum. It is reported, that in delivering that address, Renwick Rose called for “new forms of engagements and exemplary relationships”, to avoid the negative situations of the past which had led to a virtual “race to the bottom”. And this Banana Forum was held on November 8th — 11th 2017. How long has our banana industry been dead?

How have we benefited from Renwick’s participation in that Forum? This is one of the subjects on which we need some discussion. Too much grass in the drain!

Citizens, it is time to remove this “wutless stain”, this lack of pride will cause us pain, the pervasive grass in the drain exhibits disdain for the people by the administrators who “in Cabinet” enjoy healthy dinners at the expense of the people. Do we expect that our colleagues in the Security Council of the United Nations will be impressed favourably when they see abundant evidence of neglect in our capital?

That almost derelict pole — standing valiantly in the drain next’ to our noble Parliament Building and on which is displayed a bold “COVID-19” sign, speaks volumes of the quality of management in our capital. Despite the appearance that the pole can fall at any time, because one-third of its circumference at the base has already been eaten away, the good pole stands defiant, its agony seemingly soothed by a beautiful tuft of green grass which hides its eroded base. On this pole there are clusters of wires which lead to the Parliament Building where the people’s representatives meet to direct the business of the state.

It is reasonable to say, therefore, that the exhibition of neglect, the evident lack of pride and the indifference to the well-being and comfort of the people, as reflected in the extended prevalence of grass in the drains, are irrefutably the products of our Parliament.

The citizens should now be demanding that the drains of Kingstown and other communities be properly cleaned before schools reopen. Free the drains of grass before they come back to class!

LeRoy Providence

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

News

NO LIAT⁄. NO AIA the Argyle International Airport (AIA) will become a “white elephant.”

His reading of the tea leaves with respect to the AIA must have been predicated on the fact that LIAT was the main scheduled passenger air carrier serving SVG, even in the face of much touted direct flights from the USA and Canada, by Amercian Airlines, Air Canada and Caribbean Airlines.

St Clair Leacock, The Central Parliamentary Kingstown Representative for representative also cited Central Kingstown, the debilitating impact says governments must LIAT’s dissolution would not run away from have on the local hotel dealing with air industry, not least being transport problems that that there would be no confront the region. scheduled nor sustained airlift of regional visitors into St. Vincent and the OPPOSITION Grenadines.

PARLIAMENTARIAN St. Existing hotels will Clair Leacock has issued a suffer, and those whose call for the problems investments in the thrown up by the recent industry have begun to LIAT debacle to be addressed and addressed take shape will be having doubts about the soonest. feasibility of their Speaking earlier this investments. week on the heels of In not as many words, news that a proposal had the trained Business been made for the debtConsultant opened ridden airline to go into discussion on the harsh liquidation, Leacock warned that if the LIAT economic times that lay ahead for this country, problem is not resolved,

with or without the challenges occasioned by COVID-19.

And as far as a new entity replacing LIAT upon its dissolution, Leacock is not at all excited about a quick response to this expectation.

He all but said that the region could not depend on any of the The Argyle International Airport will be severely affected by the dissolution large international airlines — Virgin, British of LIAT, Leacock said.

Airways, American Airlines, even Caribbean Airlines — to invest in a new entity since they were all in “debt up to their necks.”

Those airlines are themselves looking for bailouts; they could not be expected to “bail us out,” Leacock reasoned.

Further, the MP suggested that there was no private sector entity in SVG, for that matter anywhere in the OECS, that would even think of buying out or bailing out LIAT. “Whether we like it or not, the governments will have to and bound to and compel to get back into the solutions of air transport problems in the region and eat humble pie,” Leacock said.

‘Cooperatives for a better world’ Kingstown St. Vincent & the Grenadines June 24th, 2020 THIS IS THE THEME for International Day of Cooperatives, which would be celebrated on Saturday, July 4th, 2020, by three (3) The River Bank Gardens at Stoney Ground, the venue local Cooperatives for the celebration, is the result of the work undertaken in the state of St. through the River Bank Gardens Environment Vincent and the Protection project.

Grenadines: Alternative be promoted for during the ‘economic Holistic and Organic maintaining a healthy recovery period,’’ post Cooperative Society Ltd., COVID-19 pandemic. diet.

(AHOCS-SVG), Goodwill The joint cooperative Among the activities Fisherman’s Cooperative during the open day, activity to celebrate ‘’ Society, and the would be short speeches Day of Cooperatives’’ North Windward by representatives of the would take place on Cannabis Cooperative.

Saturday 4th July at 3 cooperatives, the The objective of Riverbank Gardens launching of a Farmers commemorating the ‘’ Market by AHOCS, with Environment Protection Day of Cooperatives, ‘’ is an emphasis on Organic project at Stoney to raise awareness of the Foods, healthy living, Grounds, Kingstown beginning at 7 a.m. with need for unity and and the use of natural the opening of the cooperation among herbs and bush Community Market. cooperatives in striving tea/roots. Fish - a rich to ‘’ build a better world’’ source of protein - would (Source: Coops as referenced in article)

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14. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Police Force shows appreciation THE ROYAL ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Police Forcepresented a plaque to the Melisizwe Brothers, in recognition of the group’s support for the Police Band and for promoting the name of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the global stage.

In a brief handover ceremony held at Police Headquarters Conference Room on Monday June 29, 2020, Commissioner of Police Mr. Colin John handed over the plaque to Mr. Mark James, father of the Melisizwe Brothers.

According to Commissioner John, the Melisizwe Bothers has impacted positively on the Royal

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force and St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a whole. He thanked the brothers for their generous contribution of the musical instruments donated to the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Band on June 8, 2020. He proffered that the instruments would play a pivotal role in the development of the Police Band.

Mr. Mark James, in accepting the plaque on his sons’ behalf, expressed sincere gratitude. He stated that the smiles on his sons’ faces — seen as they joined the presentation via Zoom, illustrated

appreciation of the plaque. He outlined that he is more than happy to partner with the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Band and the Police Force as a whole, to promote future ventures. He thanked the Commissioner and the Police The plaque was designed and made by Vincentian craftsman Mr. Rowland “Scrappie” Dopwell and crew.

(L-R): Mark James, father of the Melisizwe Bothers, accepts a plaque from Commissioner of Police Colin John.

V Celebration with a Twist

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 15.

Grenadines Feature

Sylvester Tannis (seated) surrounded by his children and grandchildren. nurses — those who toil in an often take-it-forgranted service to mankind.

June 24, 2020 marked the achievement of Tannis’ three score and ten.

During that sojourn, he has had his fair share of ‘near death’ experiences.

His family, too, had their share as well. And so he thought it fit and timely that he show appreciation in a tangible way, to ‘those often neglected but The special 70th important roles provided by our health care workers Birthday Cake with Sylvester Tannis’ image - the nurses’.

The decision made, thus on it. began the collaboration IT COULD BE DESCRIBED as between Tannis and a birthday party with a Cheryl Johnson, twist.

Proprietor/Manager of the There are very few Fig Tree Restaurant and people in this world that Bar. would ‘throw a party’ and Ms. Johnson, no shower gifts on the stranger to volunteerism invitees. and philanthropy, quickly One such person is the embraced the intention, brother of the writer of and availed her place and this article, and the other, culinary expertise in who perhaps is the most support of the activity and recent inductee, this side challenge i.e. a birthday of the world, into this party with a twist. exclusive club, is BequiaAnd so it was that the born, former Customs guests — immediate Officer, retired Bequia family, close neighbours Revenue Officer and and friends and guests of Councellor-at-Large, honour the nurses - turned Sylvester Tannis. up at the Fig Tree In celebration of his Restaurant and Bar to 70th birthday, Tannis dine on an appetiser of decided to use the occasion either pumpkin or calaloo of his personal milestone soup served with freshly to lavish praise on and baked buns; a main course show appreciation to the — buffet style — of fish,

Sylvester Tannis (seated centre) and nurses from the Bequia Hospital who were able to attend the ‘birthday with a twist.

beef or chicken for meats, served with rice and peas, green pawpaw pie and fresh mixed vegetables; and dessert, for the persons with a ‘sweet tooth’, of coconut ice cream and coconut cake.

But before guests delved into the Cheryl Johnson engineered

delicacies, a blessing was pronounced on the proceedings by Pastor Alfred Charles, following which Ms. Johnson gave an outline of how the function was conceptualised and organized.

Tannis then personally thanked the nurses for their service over the years, and expressed a special sincere thanks for the health care provided to him and his family.

Nurse-in-Charge at the Bequia Hospital, Sis. Maurice Simmons, thanked both Mr. Tannis and the staff of the Fig Tree for giving them the surprise treat, which she assured was thoroughly appreciated by all present.

The grand finale was a surprise presentation of a birthday cake to the ‘birthday boy’ by Ms. Veronica Lewis. And it was no ordinary cake. Not only was it large but it bore an image of Tannis, who commented that it was the first time he was seeing a cake with a

Sis. Maurice Simmons, Nurse-in-Charge/Bequia, thanked Sylvester Tannis for his thoughtful gesture. human image and besides that, his own image.

Those who know Sylvester Tannis and Cheryl Johnson, would know that party time or not, the activity would have complied to a ‘T’ with the protocols occasioned by COVID-19. And it did!

THE VINCENTIAN, which has had a long association with Sylvester Tannis, congratulates him on his milestone of his 70th Birthday. May you live to enjoy many more.

(Submitted by Don de Riggs)

TCMP’s capacity to be enhanced

Mr. Vanburn Harry - CEO SVGCF hands over cheque to Mrs. Dorette Hooper Noel - TCMP. THE TOBAGO CAYS MARINE PARK (TCMP) has received a grant of XCD$131,360.00 from St Vincent and the Grenadines Conservation Fund (SVGCF).

The grant, in response to a project proposal title ‘Enhancement of resource management capacity within the Tobago Cays Marine Park’, is earmarked for use to enhance the institutional capacity of the TCMP, so that it is better equipped to fulfil its mandate ‘to protect and conserve the resources of the Tobago Cays’, while being environmentally friendly and climate smart.

The project will be executed over a one year period driven by the objectives: to reduce the emissions and increase fuel efficiency of operations by at least 20%; increase institutional capacity by training at least four park rangers in waterbased activities, monitoring marine resources and maintaining

moorings towards creating a fully trained and equipped team of rangers at the park; and to establish a comprehensive biophysical (conch, coral reef, sea turtle) monitoring programme.

By way of tangibles, the project will deliver new dive equipment, biophysical monitoring equipment, and two 60hp (4-stroke) outboard engines for the TCMP patrol vessel.

A virtual launching of the project was held on Tuesday June 16th with remarks from Director of Grenadines Affairs Mr. Edwin Snagg, Chairman of the SVGCF Mr. Michael John and Lesroy Noel Manager of TCMP. John described the Park as world class, encouraged that students be educated about it and reminded that in as much as the project will deliver tangibles, it was also development human resources and education.

Noel presented the project as being consistent with and helping to address a number of St. Vincent and the Grenadines regional and international commitments and national biodiversity priorities.

“The conservation measures implemented within the TCMP addresses SVG’s attempts to address over-exploitation of plant and animal species, habitat loss or fragmentation and global climate change as articulated in the National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan for St. Vincent & the Grenadines,” Noel said.Noel also explained that the management of the TCMP is responsible for the conservation and sustainable use of the resources, so as to preserve the historical aspects while developing novel livelihood opportunities for the people of the Grenadines and

The Tobago Cays – the only Marine Park – protected area – in SVG. SVG as a whole.

The Tobago Cays Marine Park is the only marine protected area (MPA) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). The main management office is located on Union Island with a satellite office on Mayreau, and is staffed by nineteen permanent workers including a manager, an accountant, administrative officers and a team of park rangers.

The Park is located approximately 5 miles sailing east of Union Island and is a 6,450 hectare multiuse land and sea MPA which include five primary uninhabited Cays: Petite Tabac, Petite Bateau, Petite Rameau, Baradal, and Jamesbyand the inhabited Island of Mayreau.

The waters of the TCMP has extensive coral reef, seagrass beds and sandy bottom habitats, home to healthy populations of marine life (fish, conch, sea turtles).

Similarly, the Cays are also home to significant populations of terrestrial flora and fauna (iguanas, tortoises, opossums and birds). The rich biological diversity of the TCMP is further enhanced by the strong seafaring history of sailing and fishing of the adjacent islands. (Source: TCMP)

16. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 17.

Environment

SVG Geothermal Update

Viability, Finance plan, Leeward instead (Final Pt)

A decision regarding the continuance of the project will be made on the return of the technical team.

Editor’s Note: The following is the final of a three part series which seeks to give an account of how the Geothermal Project at La Soufriere has panned out. The series makes no attempt to be editorial in approach. Instead, it reports the facts as relayed to the writer.

Finance Plan THE PROJECT may fail economically, Dacon delineated, but it is now an established fact that St. Vincent and the Grenadines possesses geothermal resources.

According to Dacon, the Project Manager, it would take about 8 weeks from the moment the technical team arrives here, to ascertain whether the project can go forward. He was, however, tightlipped about the observation of the on-going case studies that his team here is developing, as they await

The Leeward slopes of La Soufriere (background) which would have been studied as a possible location for the Geothermal Project. the overseas based professionals.

Dacon was succinct in his praise of the financing design of the project, lauding it as “perhaps the best put together geothermal project in the Caribbean in terms of how it was set up; the utilization of the grants, the utilization of the contingent plan; the ability to mitigate the risks without the government being under

pressure; the ability of mitigating the risks to the developer without causing the developer to ask for a greater return because they didn’t have to put in their money and take any risks — just the whole structure and the project partners involved.”

He reminded that informing the project preparation and plan were persons from New Zealand, Iceland and Japan, persons he

described as “some of the best in the world.”

And when the work got going in earnest, “we had drilling supervisors from the Philippines, geologists from California, so we had a very good team but we’re also working with a risk of exploration that we knew from before,” Dacon said.

Drilled in the wrong place….. ?

And as for the ‘talk’ about the location of the drill site, Dacon declared, “I want to say this because I hear it on the radio all the time that we

Seabird harvesting increases ALTHOUGH SEABIRD HARVEST AND EGG COLLECTION are prohibited by legislation of both Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, research by Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) shows that the practice continues to occur, primarily amongst fishing communities and recreationists.

Harvesting often occurs in tandem with other activities, such as goat hunting, fishing and cook-ups on offshore islands, while chicks and eggs are additionally collected and brought back to main islands for distribution amongst family and friends.

Practitioners originate both within the Grenadines and also

from mainland Saint Vincent and Grenada. Despite lockdowns and restricted movements during Covid-19 in recent months, EPIC has received increased reports of seabird harvesting during this time. Although laws prohibit the taking of seabirds, their chicks and eggs, enforcement of these protective laws has been limited due to the difficulty and expense in monitoring the remote islands in the Grenadines.

To address the issue of seabird harvesting in the Grenadines, EPIC is collaborating with authorities, organizations and local communities of both nations to enhance capacity for seabird protection and raise awareness of conservation needs. EPIC has additionally developed a network of individuals throughout the Grenadine — especially fisherfolk and tour operators — trained in seabird monitoring and patrolling of threats at remote islands.

All in all, seabirds have declined by approximately 70% worldwide, with declines in tropical areas thought be more than 90%.

In an assessment of seabirds in the Lesser Antilles by EPIC, Brown Booby chicks killed at a researchers found that Grenadines nesting colony. (Credit: K. the greatest threat facing Lowrie)

Laughing Gull eggs are frequently collected at certain times of the year. (Credit: Juliana Coffey) seabirds, for both Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, is the continued and extensive harvesting of seabirds, their chicks and eggs.

Interviews amongst fishing communities on six of the Grenadine islands in 2019 indicated that more than 50% of respondents have harvested seabird chicks and eggs before.

A higher number indicated that they consume seabird products but are not involved in harvesting. And 60% were not aware that the practice is illegal in both Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

It is vital that we act now to protect the seabirds and their nesting sites. (Source: EPIC)

Getting the equipment to a site on the Leeward would have been a costly undertaking and not as easy as this photo implies. astronomically, costly operation.

“It would have meant that we would have had to bring in the equipment by a barge into Chateaubelair, which would have meant that we would have to had to do some work on the jetty and then, even after, that we would have to do even more civil works than we did for the Argyle International Airport — widen roads, etc.

As it were, the cost of that project would have been too high even before drilling commenced.

“If we went to the Leeward end the risks of exploration would be less but the cost for infrastructure is high and on the Windward end the risks of exploration is higher but the infrastructure costs is lower. At the end of the day we have to look at the costs and the risks and we felt that by going close to the volcano we’d be able to tap into the same resource. And the science suggested that we can, Dacon summarized in support of removing the Leeward side as a viable option.

“If the project fails it Leeward site too costly is not because we went to the wrong place. It is However, as he the only option we had pointed out, “the terrain for the costs and the in that area is very budget,” the Project challenging” and to move manager concluded. the all-important drilling rig up to that site would jp.schwmon.vincy@gmail have been an .com drilled the wrong place and we should have drilled up Leeward.

“First of all, we’ve had studies for geothermal since 1990 actually. We had 6 or 7 feasibility studies, and every one of them came up with the same result — we have a very good potential but the infrastructure costs is too high and we can’t get the capital investment to move forward. Every single study looked at the North Leeward end,” Dacon, assured.

North Leeward was attractive, the Project Manager admitted, because the exploring geologists noted the surface manifestations as is evident in the hot springs that are found “in the river going up to Dark View Falls, going up to the top.”

Dacon explained that the water temperature increases as it gets closer to the volcano, reinforcing the knowledge there’s a source underneath the river, and that, he confirmed, “was an indication of heat and suitable permeability.”

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18. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Police

Businessman charged for damaging clamp POLICE HAVE arrested and charged Lennox Jack, a 50-year-old businessman of Liberty Lodge for the offences of Damage to Property.

The arrest was

executed on June 28 after investigations revealed the accused had cut a vehicle wheel clamp with an unknown object, in what persons said was an attempt to remove it

from the vehicle.

The act, Police said, was committed at the Reclamation site on June 26.

Jack was officially charged that ‘without

lawful excuse damaged one (1) Orange Vehicle Clamp valve, the Property of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’.

The clamps in use here are said to be foolproof.

He was expected to appear in court this week to answer the charge.

Though Police did not confirm it, speculation here is that this is the first reported case of anyone tampering with the vehicle clamps used by the Traffic Department against vehicles parked in no parking zones or in places that threaten to the safe flow of vehicular traffic.

Robbers arrested and charged And as the spate of robberies continue here, Police reported that they arrested and charged Oranson Garraway, 21year-old old Labourer of Layou, and Juran Alex Williams, 21-year-old Electrical Assistant of Barrouallie, with two (2) counts of robbery.

The accused men allegedly robbed a 32year-old self-employed man of Belair of one (1)

black Samsung Galaxy J3 cellular phone and $300.00EC in cash.

The men were additionally charged with allegedly robbing a 23year-old unemployed man also of Belair, of a quantity of personal items value $800.00EC. Police say the suspects allegedly used a gun in the commission of the offences.

The incidents occurred on 25.05.2020 at Belair.

(Source: RSVGPF) The men appeared before the Serious Offences Court to answer to the charges on 25.06.2020. Bail was not open to Garraway because he is presently serving a sentence.

However, Williams was granted bail in the sum of $5000.00 with one (1) surety. He was ordered to surrender all travel documents and to report to Barrouallie Police Station weekly. The matter was adjourned to 25.9.2020.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 17.

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20. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

00J88DH – WALTER RICHARDS: A Tribute

I HERE SALUTE A FALLEN SOLDIER … Amateur Radio operator, avid table tennis player, driver instructor, Large-Haul Trucker, caring father and loving husband.

That is how I knew Walter Richards, a long standing family and

continued with his cheerful demeanor, his wife Helen a constant angel by his side.

And about a month ago I heard his voice over the airwaves calmly greeting all the listeners and wishing them well.

Little did I know that that would be his last ‘73’ over the airwaves.

personal friend.

It is with sadness I witnessed his slow demise. He never once fretted to me about his condition, but did let me know what he was going through. Yet, despite the My driving instructor writing on the wall, he

Walter was my driving instructor. I got to know him and his family as we attended the same church. He was recommended as a great tutor, and a great instructor he was.

Early in the training, he taught me how to reverse and I remember reversing in his small Hilman Imp from where KFC is located in Arnos Vale, for almost a half

Walter Richards mile going up into Queens Drive. That was a lesson well learnt… so much so, it made driving forward appear so easy.

Needless to say, I passed my road test.

The table tennis Champ I must confess… I never won a set of table tennis against Walter. I worked out with him and others at the AVESCO tennis house.

He was indeed a Knight of the Green Table winning the National Veterans Champions title on several occasions. He wasn’t just good, he was great and loved the sport.

Many newcomers would misunderstand his quiet demeanor and end up getting an ‘under-10’ to their surprise and embarrassment.

I recall that when we were warming up, we would rally for several minutes without the ball leaving the board.

Walter was the consummate gentleman tennis player; he never boasted about his skill nor about having defeated the many opponents he did.

Trucking

getting into an accident.

The Ham Operator It was Amateur Radio (Ham radio) that really cemented our friendship and his friendship with many radio amateurs locally and regionally.

The Helen-Walter combination was always the looked forward to ‘norm’; if Helen checked in first during our local and regional radio networks, Walter would follow and vice versa.

They were the only active husband-wife combination throughout the Caribbean.

As radio amateurs we often assist each other with the setting up equipment, from time to time we would visit his home to assist with running cables and erecting or dismantling antennas, especially when a storm was threatening. We never that home without some fruit presented by either Helen or Walter.

As a Christian believer, I do not fear for Walter’s soul … absent from the body, present with the Lord. So while I will miss his companionship, I am personally happy that the following scripture rings true: ‘precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints’ Psalms 116:15.

The following regional Hams asked that their condolences be expressed to his family” 8P6JBRon, J69B-Bernard, KC2ADI-Tony, V44KBPTerry, J39JT-Peter, 9Y4HW-Harry,J39JF-Joy & J39JX-Floyd.

In his trucking business Walter was punctual, and his truck was always clean and well painted. Whenever his truck was parked on the ETJ apron, you knew that Amerijet wasn’t far away.

There are other persons who can attest to his efficiency in the trucking business. I say though: I can’t remember Contributed by: Donald A. De Riggs ever hearing of Walter

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

22. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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

Business

RFL records US$81.7 million in half year profits Nigel Baptiste, President of Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL).

PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD: May 6, 2020: The President of Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL), Nigel Baptiste, announced today a profit attributable to shareholders of the parent of US$81.7 million for the sixmonth period ended March 31, 2020, a decline of US$36.1 million or 30.6% below the corresponding period last year.

These results reflect preliminary estimates of the financial impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the Group as a result of increased operating expenses during the latter half of March 2020 and the setting aside of additional provisions of US$55.3 million for the first half of Fiscal 2020 (2019 US$20.3 million) to cover potential future losses.

Mr. Baptiste advised that total assets stood at US$14.8 billion at March 31, 2020, an increase of US$2.3

billion or 17.9% over the total assets at March 31, 2019 reflecting mainly the acquisition of Scotiabank’s operations in St. Maarten and the Eastern Caribbean (except Antigua and Barbuda) on November 1, 2019 which added US$1.9 billion to the Group’s asset base. The acquisition of Scotiabank’s banking operations in the British Virgin Islands remains ongoing, with the Group presently engaged with the regulator in that territory to obtain the requisite approval.

Mr. Baptiste said, “Cognizant of our responsibility to help our clients, staff, and communities navigate these unique challenges, the Group instituted several measures, including loan payment moratoriums, waiver of fees and charges, and interest rate reductions on loans and advances

including credit cards. The Group has also contributed a total of US$2M to national COVID-19 initiatives across the territories in which we operate.”

Stressing the importance of a prudent approach given the many uncertainties as a result of the current pandemic, Mr. Baptiste went on to say, “Notwithstanding the public health measures implemented to date, there is uncertainty globally in respect of the intensity and duration of this crisis, and it is unclear what the social, economic and market conditions will be like once the crisis is over.

Prudence requires therefore, that financial institutions adopt a defensive posture to preserve the stability of individual institutions and the integrity of the overall financial system. Therefore, until the full repercussions are clearer, and to

preserve the capital available to the Group, the Board of Directors has declared a reduced interim dividend of US$0.09 (2019: US$0.19) per share payable on June 5, 2020.”

In closing Mr. Baptiste added, “Republic Financial Holdings is wellplaced to make a major contribution to the regional recovery effort and is fully committed to doing so. We will seek to balance the interests of all our stakeholders as we all shoulder the responsibility of restoring sustainable growth to the territories in which we operate.”

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24. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

My innocence is threatened Dear George, I am 15 years old and living at home with my mother, stepfather and my sister who is 7.

I am trying very hard to maintain my sexual innocence until I meet the man I would make my husband, but there is pressure all round, e.g. from the boys and girls at my school, but most of all from my stepfather.

I threatened to tell my mother about his advances on me, but he countered by threatening to leave. If he leaves, it would be hard since he pays the bills; my mother is unemployed.

Even if I told my Mom, I don’t know if she would believe me, but I know it would break her heart just to hear it.

George, I am depressed. I am thinking of running away from home but don’t have anywhere to go. Maybe it’s better if I kill myself. There are not too many people in Vincy who you can trust, which is why you are my best option.

share your intimate and other moments with, is very noble and commendable. Continue to say a resounding no to your mates at school and anyone else whose sole intent is to get your intention to maintain your sexual innocence.

As for your stepfather, that matter must be dealt with more seriously.

You owe it to your mother to let her know what is happening so she can make a conscious decision about her future with this man. There is that chance it may hurt her more if this continues or gets much worse, only to discover in the bitter end that you kept it all from her. You have to trust her as your mother, to do what is right by you.

I am also suggesting that you get professional help to point you in the right. Ask your mother to accompany you. A good place to start would be to Very worried contact The Marion House.

If at any point you feel you are not Dear Very worried, getting anywhere, feel free to let me Thank you for sharing. Your goal of know. The very best to you. wanting to keep your virginity intact and waiting for that special person to George

Find someone else Dear George, SINCE meeting my boyfriend, I have cried more than I ever did before. He is very abusive and each time he hits me and I threaten to leave, he gets on his knees and begs me not to and makes outlandish promises. The last promise he made was to take me on a cruise, but has conveniently used COVID-19 as the reason he hasn’t done that.

Besides being abusive, he cannot be trusted. My cousin has told me he

came on to her numerous times.

I keep asking myself why I remain with him.

How long do you think I should wait before making a move to leave? Do you think, like I do, that with time he would change?

Seeking answers Dear seeking answers,

in denial, waiting for a miracle cure to his abusive and cheating ways.

A good man would not lay hands on you, neither would he look to find satisfaction in any other woman. You need to put a higher value on your time and turn the page. You cannot move forward if you allow yourself to be bugged down with dead weight.

Find someone who can complement you and who would bring joy and laughter to the relationship, rather than tears and worries.

Your boyfriend has shown what he is made of, and now it is entirely up to you to accept that picture or continue to live George

To abort or not to abort⁄. ready to be a father, then why go ahead and have unprotected sex?

You seem to be the number one IT HAS ONLY been two months since candidate to be the father of that my girlfriend and I have been going child, and possibly the only one, so it’s steady, and during that time, I have not useful to play the ‘it-wasn’t-me’ seen her four times and we have had card. A real man accepts sex once. responsibility for his actions, and that The last time I saw her, she informed me she was pregnant for me. is what you need to do until you can prove otherwise.

I have a feeling she’s lying so as to You do not have to marry her, but it trap me into marriage.

I told her if the child she is carrying would surely show her the type of man belongs to me, she is better off getting you are should you embrace this pregnancy and give her the kind of rid of it. She insisted she was not support she expects from you. having any abortion, Remember, she has the right to Is it wrong for me to tell her she can count this relationship over if she carry her child to full term, and you do not have the right to demand of her to decides to keep the baby? abort the pregnancy.

Whatever is the final decision Not stupid between you two, it is worth remembering that at the end of the Dear Not stupid, day, both of you would have to live You need to know that it only takes with that decision. one sexual encounter for conception to George take place. If you know you are not

Dear George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You are best to avoid confrontations.

Hold on; your time will come. Your mate will enjoy helping out. Go with the flow and don’t be concerned about your own job.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) If you put your mind to it, you could entertain or host a multitude of social events. Don’t be a pest or a troublemaker this week. You will attract members of the opposite sex readily.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) If you’re single, get out there and you’ll meet someone new. Don’t overdo it.

Make changes in your domestic scene.

Avoid joint ventures and steer clear of groups that want you to contribute financial assistance.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Make plans to meet again in the near future. You should try to elaborate on an idea you have regarding a product or service for the home.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Your partner may not understand your mood swings but if you are willing to communicate, a lot of grief can be avoided. Travel will also entice you.

Don’t make promises you can’t keep.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You’ll regret every word for some time to come. You must be careful not to ignore the needs of the youngsters in your family. You should get out and enjoy social events.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Rewards for past good deeds will highlight your day. You may be in an extremely passionate mood this week.

You need a change of pace. Sign up for courses or join fitness clubs.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You can bet that situations will get out of hand if you allow others to interfere. This is a great day for a family outing or just a drive. You will have an interest in foreigners and their cultures.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You should get out and enjoy social events where you are likely to meet new potential mates; however, don’t over spend. You may find your mate somewhat perturbed. Your stability will aid you in getting support from your fellow workers.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Travel will be most enticing. Consider a cruise. Spend time getting into physical activities with your lover. Take time to help children with projects that may be too hard for them to do on their own.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Take time to talk things over. Travel for business or pleasure. Discord may arise with someone you’re close to. Don’t force your opinions on friends or relatives unless you are prepared to lose their favor.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Don’t fall for damaging rumors, and refuse to get involved in gossip. Pay attention to small but important details.

Limitations will set in if you haven’t followed the rules. Don’t let your work and your personal life interfere with each other.

ACROSS 1. Face part 4. Talented cook 8. Hourly charge 12. of yesteryear 13. Deep devotion 14. Immoral 15. Unlocked anew 17. Hand surface 18. Acorn sources 19. Travels via ship 20. Brick pro 23. Be unsuccessful 24. State emphatically 25. Guiding principle 29. Beguiling Novak 30. Broken-arm support 31. Halloween greeting 32. Ousting 34. Drain problems 35. Hen shelter 36. Eating plans 37. Scout collective 39. Aid (criminals) 41. Bread bun 42. Arctic frozen masses 46. Symphonic woodwind 47. “__ Girl,” TV sitcom 48. Pleased cry 49. Care for 50. Matched groups 51. Playtime object DOWN 1. Glass vessel 2. Ripen 3. Romance (someone)

4. Freshly laundered 5. Horn toot 6. Nights before 7. Gave lunch to 8. Compensated 9. On the market 10. Cultivate 11. Lawn trees 16. Hardly rich 19. Vocalized 20. Construct 21. Tel __, Middle East port 22. Clause separator 23. Serpent tooth 25. Lingerie buy

26. Silvery metal 27. Shrub anchor 28. Barking pets 30. Halt 33. Lost heat 34. Quote 36. Sums owed 37. Run slowly

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 25..

38. Choir gown 39. Continual pain 40. Whip (cream) 42. “_ a boy!”

43. Corrode 44. Sticky gunk 45. Far from bold

26. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 27.

Football Club ChampionshipsÊ resumption imminent Carl Dickson- President of the SVGFF positions.

He assured that winners would be declared and promotions and relegations made.

“Let it be known that a cancellation does not equal to nullification,” Dickson underscored, adding that there are mathematical formulae that can be applied in order to arrive at the final positions.

Looking ahead to future championships, Dickson assured First Division Points Standing Premier Division Points Standing that “testing” for the coronavirus will be part of the THE TWELVE FOOTBALL CLUBS in Grenadines Football Federation, temperature checks on entry to that the challenge of regulations. the Premier Division as well as the who will be present at the stigmatisation is his greatest the venue; sanitising of the When the championships twelve in the First Division, have fear in getting the necessary Victoria Park during matches, dress rooms prior and after were halted, the race to the indicated their willingness to testing done. be tested for the coronavirus. matches, and sanitising breaks First Division title was among resume the St Vincent and the “All players and match The condition also extends to mid-way in each half of a match.

Layou, Volcanoes Pride and Joy Grenadines Football Federation’s barring any club player, Each club would be allowed a officials will do a mandatory and Largo Height. Two of the (SVGFF) National Club management official or match maximum of twenty- three (23) baseline testing, but there is the three will gain promotion to the Championships. challenge of stigmatisation as official who is not tested for the persons in Victoria Park.

Premier Division of the next Suspended in mid-March, the coronavirus is being treated edition of the Club coronavirus, from competing No spectators would be after the COVID-19 was in the same way that HIV and and/or participating in the allowed into the venue.

Championships. declared a pandemic, the AIDS are being treated,” championships.

The Premier Division is more championships were suspended If there is a cancellation Dickson said.

Also, anyone who tests open, and could go down to the with thirty—five (35) matches He stated that generally, like wire. positive on the second testing still to be played in the Premier will result in their club mates President of the SVGFF- Carl HIV and AIDS, no one really is Four clubs will be demoted Division, and seven (7) that keen on knowing his or her from the Premier and First and any other club (payers) they Dickson told THE outstanding in the First VINCENTIAN that the decision status. competed against being reDivisions. Two clubs will be Division. to restart the championships But should the tested. promoted from the First The planned resumption, represents the will of the championships be cancelled for The National COVID- 19 Division, while Parkside Rollers slated for later this month, any reason, Dickson informed Taskforce, which is tasked with twenty- four clubs. and Richmond Hill, which ended would be contingent on all He assured that organisation that the Executive of the enforcing related protocols first and second respectively in players, team officials, match SVGFF and the clubs would across the state, also demanded: would be compliant with the the completed Second Division, commissioners, referees, and protocols. come together to decide on the random testing throughout the have gained spots in the First staff of the St Vincent and the The SVGFF President noted best way to declare the final resumed championships; Division.

Women’s Football gets financial boost THE US $ 500,000 ALLOCATED to the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) Specifically for Women’s Football, has been hailed as a “boost” by national Under-17 Female CoachAndrew Bramble.

The SVGFF and the other 210 Member Associations of FIFA, the sport’s governing body, have been awarded a total of US $ 1.5 million in grant funds, as relief

during the disruption caused by the COVID- 19 pandemic. “ I am happy for it…

Indeed it will boost the development of the Women’s game here in St Vincent and the Grenadines,” Bramble assessed.

Bramble, who coached SVG to the title in the inaugural Senior Women’s Windward Islands Football Association (WIFA) Tournament in 2015, said that the

funding brings some semblance of equality.

“It is good that Women’s Football is getting this type of funding, because the men’s game has been given most of the funding and the attention, so it is good that FIFA is looking in this direction,” Bramble commented.

Among the first set of coaches to take to Women’s Football here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, Bramble

noted that the funding can assist the SVGFF in better serving the female side of the sport.

“It is an opportune time for a project to be put in to help get more females involved,” Bramble added, explaining that the injection of the FIFA funds are coming at a time when the female side of the sport “is showing some upward mobility.”

Meanwhile, FIFA has stipulated that the monies given to the Member

Associations must be accounted for, with accompanying audited statements.

Member Associations also have the option of applying for a loan for up to 35 % of their revenue, to a maximum of $ 5 million.

Andrew Bramble Confederations (like CONCACAF) The FIFA package to its are each given grants of Member Associations, is $2 million and loans to a worth $ 1.5 billion. maximum of $4 million.

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28. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Maloney excels in the USA SHAFIQUA MALONEY, a Vincentian 400 and 800meter athlete on scholarship at the William

Fulbright College of Arts and Science, Arkansas University, USA, has been recognized for her outstanding academic work at the college, amidst her success on the track.

Her commendation read: “In recognition of your scholastic performance during the spring 2020 Shafiqua Maloney (foreground) was part of her College’s winning team in the 2020 4×400m relay at the Indoor Arkansas Invitational.

team, you have been named to the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Science Dean’s List.

You have earned this recognition by completing a minimum of 12 credit hours and by earning 3.75 grade point average or higher. This is an outstanding academic accomplishment of which you should be very proud. I hope that your Dean’s List status at the University of Arkansas will encourage and inspire you to seek the same mark of excellence in all that you do.”

Meanwhile, on the track, Maloney concentrated on the indoor circuit over the last year or so. Among her accomplishments: fifth in the 600m at the Arkansas Qualifier in a then career best of 2:11.16 to break the St.

Vincent national record of 2:12.23 set by Kineke Alexander in 2009; sixth in the 800m at the SEC Indoor Championships with a record breaking career best time of 2:08.19; fifth in the 400m (56.35) and first in the 4×400m relay (3:46.58)at Arkansas Invitational; eighth in 400m (56.00) at Red Raider Invitational and seventh (55.45) at Razorback Invitational; set an indoor best of 24.99 in 200m at Razorback Invitational.

Michael Ollivierre, founder and head coach of IT DAT Academy with which Maloney was associated before she went off to the USA, commented, “I am proud of her achievement, and I believe she will go on and do better things on the track and academically in the year

Williams pleased with first outing SHANTEL WILLIAMS, the 100 and 200 meters track specialist who has completed her first semester on an athletic scholarship in the USA, said, “It went well with both academics and on the track.”

Williams is presently enrolled at the Benedict College in South Carolina pursuing studies in Business Administration and Management.

Reflecting on her arrival in the USA, she said, “It was not too bad. I went up when it just started to get cold … that was one of the hardest parts…. but overall it was good. My coach and my team mates made me feel comfortable.”

Williams believes that in the new and different environment and training facility, her performances can only improve.

“The gym at the College is good, and the fact I get to train on a synthetic track at least twice a week was different. This will definitely help me as I will

be training on a synthetic track on which I am going to compete, compared to home where I can only train on grass.”

And, recognising that there is a world of opportunity before her, she is taking time to focus on her starts.

“I am working hard on my start in the 100 meters, and I have improved on that, so I just need to work on my endurance. While I am back home that will be my main focus,” Williams Shantel Williams shared. intends to grab every The young athlete has opportunity while on her gaze trained on scholarship to advance competing in the most prestigious track and field herself academically and as a track and field event sport in the world.

“My aspiration is to see athlete. myself at the Olympics…

I am giving myself until 2025, but in order for me to get there, I will need to train extra hard and compete in various athletics meets. At the College, we are involved in competition almost every weekend. This helps me to gauge where I am,” Williams acknowledged.

The confident young lady is also excelling in her academics. She gained six A’s during her first semester.

She is set to enter the second semester (lasting three months) in August, but she has been given an option to continue the course online because of the COVID-19 pandemic persists. She will make that decision soon.

ahead. This achievement will give her a better posture at the university … putting her in a position to get assistance to do her Master’s programme.”

Ollivierre recalled first meeting Maloney in 2010 when he was asked to assist with the Penn Relay team from the Thomas Saunders Secondary School.

The renowned coach said that he noted some

“social and physical issues with her,” and he arranged for her to migrate to St. Kitts, under the care and guidance of coach Denise Dailey.

Her development and achievement while competing as a school athlete there, were good enough for her to win a scholarship to the USA. Stories I.B.A.ALLEN

Netball training goes virtual MEMBERS of the Senior National Netball Team are not being ignored during this ‘period of lockdown’ occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vasha Adams, Head Coach of the team, confirmed that “We have been doing things virtually. Workouts programmes are being sent to the players, including what we call a ‘two week challenge’.”

She assured, “We are doing all to make sure they are keeping fit and stay in shape while protecting themselves at the same time from COVID-19.”

Adams said that there are plans to include other players in Vasha Adams – Head the programme.

Coach of the Senior “We have to make National Netball Team – sure all our netballers is bent on keeping are fit and safe”, Adams netballers focused on said and pointed to an the sport during a anxiety among players period of no to return to competition competitions. beginning with the ‘fast five netball competition’ proposed by Doris Mc Intosh, President of the SVG Netball Association.

With respect to the Under-16 netballers who were already in training for the Windward Islands Championship which was cancelled as a result of COVUID-19, Adams said, “We are working together to come up with different ways on how to keep them engaged in netball and not to let their spirit drop. ,,,, There is always next year so we are working to make sure that we have an even better team and this break will give us that opportunity.”

Adams appealed to all netballers to use this downtime to acquaint themselves with the rules of the game.

“You cannot be good netballers unless you know the rules,” she advised.

Introspectively, Adams acknowledged that if she is to help the players develop, she has to be on top of her coaching.

Towards expanding her capacity, she informed that she is expecting “to take part in a virtual coaching meeting which will broaden my knowledge which I shall willingly pass on.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 29.

Sports

Karate training kept alive STUDENTS of the St Vincent Seishin Karate School and the Bequia Kiai

Out of focus MANY A TIME, we as Caribbean people seem bent on self-destruction. As much as the West Indies Cricket team stands out as symbol of regional unity, that very pillar has served as the battlefield of numerous territorial skirmishes.

The latest one with the call for the removal of Phil Simmons, might be the tip of the iceberg.

West Indies Cricket has potential on the global scale, especially when the players keep their end of the bargain and play to the ability which the region knows.

There are open displays of flagrant disregard for levels of discipline as manifested by some players.

When it comes to West Indies Cricket, the slightest requirement can throw absurd responses. With the emphasis on ‘Black lives matter,’ there is the possibility that we can be doing ourselves exactly the opposite with the handling of our own matters.

Whether the call in Simmons’ removal succeeds, the damage is already being done with the driving home of the insularity tendency.

It seems that the impact of the results of the West Indies election is taking its toll.

The current board played into the hands of critics in their anxiety to get rid of the incumbent coach who had shown some progress.

Our performance at the World Cup was demoralising. Phil Simmons’ recall to the position of coach served as a platform for rapprochement.

But with the new dispensation globally, Simmons may have found himself in the path of a razor.

When our thoughts should be focussed on the English encounter, the West Indies players will be obsessed about potential repercussions of Simmons’ attendance to funeral for which permission was acquired ahead of the tour.

Simmons seemed to be somewhere in the midst of controversy. That factor has been a recurring part of his career.

The timing of this latest controversy at the adjustment to conditions of trans-COVID dynamics opens the team to snide remarks.

While cricket is viewed as the gentleman’s sport, the intensity which surfaces on the field of play, engages the emotions of substantial portions of populations across borders.

One hopes that the players, management and those engaged in the mission in England stick to the original script and ‘bury the hatchet’ so that the West Indies come firing on all cylinders when the Test match series begins.

Cricket has shown itself as perhaps one of the easily adjustable sporting disciplines with the COVID context. Football is asserting its prestige, but the nature of the exercise involving close contact will throw up some uncertainty about the continuation of such games.

In any event, COVID-19 is nothing to gamble with. Measures to implement post-COVID protocols must be taken with caution. There is time in rushing to what is hoped is the natural passage of the pandemic.

It surfaced without warning and continues to weave a path of destruction that is more deadly that any natural occurrence. COVID-19 is of different proportions, and some world leaders still operate in a state of paranoia.

The alterations on the global scale as a consequence of the COVID conditions have returned the earth to some level of naturalness which has impacted on world health in a different way.

While COVID-19 takes its toll, there are pockets of healthier atmosphere spurred by the slowing down of travel which engenders the jungle technique of survival of the fittest.

Karate School have resumed training but in a smaller group.

According to Sensei Gibson, the instructor, the training is conducted in keeping with the present COVID-19 situation.

“Training was off for one month in April due to the coronavirus pandemic, so I decided to do at least three to four persons while maintaining social distancing,” Sensei Gibson explained, adding that the idea is Sensei Gibson, instructor to keep the students at the Seishin Karate and enthusiastic for when full instructions the Bequia Kiai Karate resume.

Schools.

Students in a Karate training session.

Josh Peters, a student of the Kingstown Preparatory School, and one of the youngest students told THE VINCENTIAN he was enjoying the sessions, saying, “I am learning the back stance, front stance and uprising blocks, and I am enjoying it”.

Josh said that he chose the sports because, “I want to show my talent and it teaches me to be disciplined and focused.”

He has his aim set on getting to the “black belt” level, the highest accreditation in the sport.

Garry Peters, Josh’s

father, admitted that he got “involved in the karate programme, to support my son.”

He has since grown beyond that and has recognized that the sport is “a discipline…. teaches self defence mechanisms … and I would encourage a lot more persons to get involved.”

He was high in praise of Sensei Gibson for “his work and effort.”

Sensei Gibson took the time out to explain that karate is geared towards developing rounded individuals.

“Karate teaches you to be disciplined and focused. Unlike other sports, in karate we enforce the discipline a lot, since we recognise it as a tool for life. It is not just about punching and kicking,” he stressed.

The Sensei conceded that learning the art is Josh Peters, challenging, perhaps one of the moreso than other sports, but to perfect youngest it brings great students satisfaction. under Sensei Gibson’s care and guidance. I.B.A.ALLEN

Zefal Bailey to Âwheel and come againÊ ZEFAL BAILEY has to ‘wheel and come again’, as he failed to topple the nine-year-old Hill Sprint record of his elder brother- Shimano Bailey.

This was his intention when last Sunday he saddled up to be part of last Sunday’s road race hosted by the St Vincent

Shimano Bailey still holds the Hill Sprint record.

and the Grenadines Cycling Union.

That race began at the Sol Gas Station in Arnos Vale and finished at the Belmont Look Out, a distance of 3.2 miles.

Zefal was the first to cross the finish line but his 17 minutes 48.78 seconds, was slower by over one minute, than Shimano’s record of 16 minutes 40 seconds.

In his failed attempt to displace his brother’s record, Zefal attributed his “slow time,” to some faults on his bike.

But oblivious to any record breaking objective, was second place- Sherwyn James, who stopped the clock at 18 minutes 39.89 seconds. Trailing the top two was Antonio Richardson. His third place time was 20 minutes 59.07 seconds.

Orel George was fourth in 23 minutes 04 seconds, while fifth was Carlos Rivas in a time of 24 minutes 55.59 seconds. Rivas Young was sixth in 28 minutes 06.12 seconds.

Veteran cyclist Leroy Constantine made his first appearance for 2020 in last Sunday’s event.

Zefal Bailey making his way to the finish line at the Belmont Look Out.

And, completing the list of competitors was veteran cyclist Leroy Constantine, whose time was 31 minutes 08.26 seconds.

The event was another Keep Fit event, geared at

providing cyclists with activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The next road event of the SVG Cycling Union’s calendar is set for 12th July, from Georgetown to Tourama.

30. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 03, 2020. 31.

Classifieds

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SYBIL LEONIE ANTROBUS Wednesday 1st July 2020 New Testament Church of God Wilson Hill Viewing: 1:30 pm Service: 2:30 pm

ASHFORD GORDON Sunday 28th June 2020 At Kingdom Life Ministries Keartons, Barrouallie Viewing: 2:00 pm Service 3:00 pm

AUGUSTINE LAIDLOW Saturday 27th June 2020 Kingstown Chapel Viewing: 2:00 pm Service: 3:00 pm

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FRIDAY JULY

03, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.27

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

APPEAL FOR FUNDS TO AID SOSO

Winston Soso for whom an appeal to aid his medical and life needs has been mounted.

the last four decades, it is only right that we, in turn, give back to him our financial

by NELSON A. KING support in his time of need.” naking@verizon.net ‘The Friends’ said that their US CORRESPONDENT appeal will be officially launched on Sunday, Jul. 5, at AN INFORMAL Brooklyn, New 8:00 p.m. on a daily Vlog, York-based group calling itself owned and hosted by Doyle, the ‘Friends of Winston Soso’ is but noted that the GoFundMe appealing for community account was already active. support for the popular “So, feel free to begin your Vincentian calypsonian, dubbed support,” the ‘Friends’ the ‘The Rolls Royce of Calypso’, appealed, assuring, “All funds who recently suffered a minor raised by the GoFundMe stroke and is on dialysis benefit will be transferred to treatment.

Winston as the only “As you may be aware, beneficiary.”

Winston has to do dialysis The “Friends” said that the three times weekly and has goal is to raise US$50,000 for recently had a minor stroke,” Soso. said the all-Vincentian ‘Friends: — Allan Doyle, owner Soso Honoured of Sans Souci Studio in Brooklyn; Adrian Bailey, a In November 2012, the renowned Vincentian Philadelphia-based St. Vincent musician; and Laverne and the Grenadines Munroe, a retired registered Organization of Pennsylvania nurse, who hails from (SVGOP) honoured Soso with Georgetown — in a Facebook the ‘Vincentian Person of the post.

Year’ award at its 17th Soso is unable to work and Annual Gala Dinner and support himself, the Group Dance, commemorating the said, adding, “He has brought nation’s 33rd anniversary of us so much great music over independence.

Soso, St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ first-ever Soca Monarch, was among two other honorees at the event, the others being Barrouallieborn Dunniston Woods, who received the SVGOP Outstanding Member award, and Kylla Herbert, president of the South Jersey Caribbean Cultural and Development Organization, who received the “Caribbean Person of the Year” award.

“This is great, wonderful,” Soso told THE VINCENTIAN then, in an exclusive interview, after receiving the award.

“I feel honored to be honored,” he added. “When you’re honored, it makes you feel good to do more (for the community).”

Soso said he began his singing career in the early 1970s as a solo act doing ballads. Later, he joined the popular Vincentian band, Clymax, as lead vocalist, performing at various events at home and in the Caribbean.

In 1978, Soso said he left his native land with Clymax, and performed at several

L-R: Winston Soso and Adrian Bailey, one of the persons spearheading the effort to assist the once soca star. venues in the New York metropolitan area (e.g.

Madison Square Garden, Brooklyn College and Radio City Music Hall), and other major US and Canadian cities.

He also performed in the United Kingdom.

In 1979, Soso said he went solo, recording his first album, ‘Too Much Corruption’, but it was his 1985 “I Don’t Mind’ that skyrocketed him to stardom.

“Throughout much of his music, one can hear the romantic overtone, which reflects right back to his early days singing love ballads,” said SVGOP in its souvenir journal. “That’s why he is called the ‘Rolls Royce of Soca.’

Soso is also revered in his native land for having represented the nation in goalkeeping, for five years in the early 1970s.

SALT WHISTLE BAY TO GET ATTENTION

by DAYLE DA SILVA

ACTION is expected in the short term, aimed at stalling any further erosion at the world famous Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau.

Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves, in giving an update on proposed restorative work at the site, told Parliament on June 22 that since the tender for restorative work was advertised June 9, three contractors had responded, and it was now up to the Tenders’ Board to decide on who is awarded the contract.

The Minister was hopeful that this decision will be

forthcoming by the first or second week in July.

All of this followed a visit to the site on May 31, 2020 by personnel from the Office of the Chief Engineer and other engineers.

Both long-term and shortterm plans were discussed to address the erosion currently threatening what is known as one of the best beaches in the region, and which, as a popular destination for visitors, provides an opportunity for making a livelihood for many residents of the island.

However, as the Minister disclosed, “The consensus was that the most readily

available move is the placement of boulders to protect the Bay, while we come up with a long-term solution,” He assured that studies are on-going to determine a suitable long-term solution to the problem.

In the wake of the announcement that work is expected to begin soon, the residents of Mayreau were asked to discontinue the placement of rocks and conch shells along the coast line, as a remedial measure.

These will have to be cleared to accommodate the placement of the boulders.

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

In the absence of any real response by the authorities, residents took to using conch shells to stop the erosion taking place at Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.