The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
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FRIDAY,
OCTOBER 04, 2019
VOLUME 113, No.36.
www.thevincentian.com
that constituency have demonstrated their commitment. IT IS TO BE DETERMINED who the New Eustace recollected that on two Democratic Party’s candidate for the occasions — following the 2001 and 2005 constituency of East Kingstown will be. General Elections, East Kingstown and According to General Secretary of the Northern and Southern Grenadines were political party Tyrone James, they were the only NDP Parliamentary in the process of doing that. Representatives. Leader of the Opposition and “That is no easy feat, you know; look at President of the NDP Godwin Friday all the other constituencies, West St further told THE VINCENTIAN that it George, East St George all over, and only was a democratic process and that a East Kingstown had a seat. number of persons had expressed interest “We have to thank the people of East in becoming the next candidate for East Kingstown for their faith in the New Kingstown. Democratic Party, their support for the This latest development comes New Democratic Party, when others have following the announcement by former failed, they were always there,” he said. Prime Minister and Political Leader of According to Eustace, he owed the the NDP Arnhim Eustace last Sunday, people of East Kingstown a lot of that he was not going to contest the next gratitude, as they were the ones who general elections. taught him a lot about politics. While speaking at the NDP’s 41st “Without you in politics, I would be Convention at the Arnos Vale Playing nothing,” he said. Field, Eustace first thanked the people of “And I want you to understand my East Kingstown for their support. appreciation for what you have done for “In the last five elections, of which I the New Democratic Party and for the won all in East Kingstown, I feel that it country.” is very important for me today, on a day The people of East Kingstown are the like this in particular, to say to the ones who kept the NDP alive over a people of East Kingstown — my people — I period of time, and the party was about say to you that to me, you are very dear, to enter into a new period, but one where very important, I love the people of East he will not be there. Kingstown,” Eustace said. He continued, saying that the people of Continued on Page 3.
EC$1.50
by DAYLE DASILVA
Former Prime Minister and Political Leader Arnhim Eustace has called it a day, politically. He thanked his supporters however for keeping their faith in him and the New Democratic Party.
2. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2019. 3.
News 3 Embrace CBI
NANCY CHARLES, a senior official of the ruling United Workers Party (UWP) has rubbished the notion that a Citizen By Investment programme (CBI) is not a lucrative idea with potential benefits for the country. Charles, while bringing greetings to the New Democratic Party from its sister party, the UWP, during the 41st Convention last Sunday, said that she had been hearing rumours, myths and misconceptions about the CBI programme. “I have never heard so much nonsense in my life, that people will just go, our leaders will just go and take your passport and sell it to people. Rubbish!” Charles said. In St Lucia, the Citizen By Investment programme is on-going, she continued. “And that is the change that I am talking about.” According to the St Lucian government official, there must be something to attract investors.
Nancy Charles of St Lucia’s United Workers Party (UWP) has urged Vincentians to embrace the Citizen By “And so, your government will projected to reach Investment ensure that reputable, credible people $65 million. programme. She further who have money where their mouth is, noted that the and they can become citizens of this money has been great country,” said Charles. used for the commencement of the Therefore, she was calling on new national hospital, for the Vincentians to embrace the marketing of the country as a tourist programme. destination. “I want you to speak to all of your Funding from the CBI programme leaders here and tell them that you support it because we cannot continue has also funded the national apprenticeship programme, which to do things the same way that we have been doing it over and over again trains the young people and gives them a skill in order that they go out and expect a different result.” and be able to help themselves. She then explained that in her “That is what we use it for.” native St Lucia, the previous “And so, I can assure you and I administration — the St Lucia Labour can guarantee you that your new Party implemented the CBI government when they come into programme back in 2015. But it was not until the UWP came office, can learn from us. Whatever mistakes we into power that they have seen the made, they can learn gains to be had through such a from it and tailor their programme. programme to suit the Charles said that in 2017, the country,” Charles said. programme generated $27 million, in 2018 some $67 million was generated, (Stories by DD) and the figure for this year was
Bacchus-Baptiste will fight for all
We will make it right “WHEN WE TAKE UP GOVERNMENT, we are going to take that legislation (medicinal marijuana) and put it in the right way.” So says Parliamentary Representative for North Leeward, Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews while addressing the New Democratic Party’s 41st Convention last week Sunday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field. According to Matthews, Opposition Parliamentarians supported the legislation to establish a medicinal marijuana industry here because individuals like himself coming from the constituency of North Leeward understood the importance of such an industry. But, the government was yet to declare an amnesty period, the North Leeward Parliamentary Representative contended. No amnesty period had been granted; however, licences are being granted: “They breaking they own law,
and they ain’t even start yet,” Matthews continued. Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, while addressing members of the press last month and in response to lawyer Grant Connell who, during litigation in court, suggested that perhaps the amnesty legislation will come into effect during the campaign leading up to the next general elections. According to Gonsalves, the amnesty law took effect — and particularly for traditional farmers — when they were granted licences. And there were some traditional farmers who had already been granted licences to cultivate medicinal marijuana. “That’s when the amnesty kicks in,” he said. The prime minister explained that if someone who was caught at sea with 40 pounds of marijuana, then amnesty does not apply. “How the amnesty
apply to that?” he asked. Under the Cannabis Cultivation (Amnesty) Bill 2018, the period between August 1, 2018 to July 31, 2019 — ‘or such further period as the House of Assembly may determine by resolution, to persons engaged in the cultivation of cannabis, contrary to section 8 of the Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act and any other relevant enactment, who may otherwise be liable to criminal prosecution for certain criminal offences and other proceedings under that Act or any other relevant enactment in force’ is specified. It continues that during the specified period, conditions for qualifying persons are that they shall register with the Medical Cannabis Authority and surrender all cannabis to the Authority. And requests for amnesty require that the applicant submit to the Authority information including the location of the land on which the
Parliamentary Representative for North Leeward, Roland Matthews has again asked about the amnesty period for traditional marijuana farmers. crop is being cultivated and the quantity being harvested and stored, and the Authority may, for the purpose of verification, cause three inspectors — one of whom is a police officer not below the rank of corporal, to visit the land or premises to conduct investigation and inspection in order to verify the information. Successful applicants will then be issued with an amnesty certificate.
Eustace calls it a day Continued from Frontpage. He then announced that he had already informed his colleagues within the party that he was not going to be a
candidate. However, he still intends to host radio programmmes and give his support to the party where needed. Before entering politics, Eustace worked in the civil
service, being assigned to the post of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture. Shortly thereafter, he was recruited by Sir William Demas at the Caribbean Development Bank as an
UP UNTIL CLOSING THE DOORS to her comfort profession, she reserves the right to fight for all Vincentians — even rapists. So said Opposition Senator Kay BacchusBaptiste last Sunday at the New Democratic Party’s Convention, held at Arnos Vale Playing Field. She told the people of West St George, the constituency for which she is the candidate for in the upcoming general Senator Kay Bacchuselections, that she was Baptiste said that she there to fight for them. intends to fight for the “I am not here to eat a people of West St food. I would be giving up George in the same the comfort of the legal manner in which she profession,” she said. defended criminals, In fact, it was by her including rapists. putting herself to the service of the people that she would be giving up her comfort, she said. “I have fought for the dispossessed all my life; you wouldn’t get a bigger and better fighter.” “But until I am elected into parliament, I reserve the right to fight for all Vincentians — even those convicted of rape,” Bacchus-Baptiste said. She said that she did not like rapists or those who broke the laws of the country, but the law said that an individual was innocent until proven otherwise. “I am a lawyer, and until I close my doors and my comfort profession, I reserve the right to fight for all Vincentians because all people have a right to be defended,” she said.
economist. He was then assigned other authoritative positions including Director of Finance and Planning and Fiscal Advisor until his resignation from public office in 1998. Eustace succeeded the leadership of the NDP and office of Prime Minister from then Prime Minister and Political Leader Sir James
Mitchell on October 27, 2000. The NDP then lost the March 2001 general elections to the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP). However, Eustace remained as Parliamentary Representative for East Kingstown. In 2016, Eustace stepped down as leader of the party, handing over that role to Dr Godwin Friday.
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4. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN
Court
Rat attack at police exhibit room
the envelope to that given in her evidence-inchief. ATTORNEY Grant Connell is “Four foot rat, two foot questioning, what kind of rat; how do you know it rat bit one of nine was a rat?” Connell envelopes containing questioned. samples of marijuana in a “Now listen”, the case at the Serious Magistrate intervened. Offences Court on But the lawyer Monday. continued, “How long rat Connell represented eating drugs out there? the defendant Josiah This is not the first time Clarke of Spring Village that rat eat the samples who was charged with and you have to change possession of 2,296 the package. Why didn’t grams of marijuana with you tell the Magistrate intent to supply, on that you carried two November 6, 2018. types of samples to be Under crosstested? You lied to the examination, Corporal Magistrate”. La Fleur Williams of the Williams did not Narcotics Unit revealed respond. The Chief that a second sampling Magistrate, despite process had to be done objections from Connell, because one of the granted Senior envelopes was bitten by Prosecutor Adolphus a rat in the exhibit room. Delpleche’s request for Williams made the the envelopes which had admission after Connell surfaced during the drew her attention to the cross-examination to be difference in the date on tendered in evidence. Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS
“What are we tendering? How many envelopes?”, the Prosecutor questioned. Clarke was arrested during police stop and search duties at Rose Bank around 2:20 pm November 6, 2018. The drug, according to the prosecution’s evidence, was found in a bag Clarke was seen fidgeting with when the lawmen stopped the omnibus in which he was travelling. When the prosecution rested its case, Connell made a no case submission, arguing that the evidence of Corporal Williams was at variance with the date the samples which were tendered in evidence and signed by the investigator, Constable Orlando Glasgow. “If for some reason, the first set of samples were compromised, they
Bail denied in vicious cutlass attack should have said so”, Connell said. He further argued that the case was riddled with inconsistencies regarding the evidence of Glasgow and Corporal Gibbs McDowall. In response, the Senior Prosecutor said that all that was required was a medical certificate to show that the substance was analysed and proven to be marijuana, and this was done. He, however, agreed that there were major inconsistencies in the evidence of Corporal McDowall and PC Glasgow in relation to the position and removal of the bag from the vehicle, and the Magistrate ruled that Clarke had no case to answer, based on the inconsistencies in the evidence of the two officers.
THE MAN ACCUSED of a vicious cutlass attack on his fellow villager, September 24, was denied bail at the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday after Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche informed the Court that the victim Michael ‘Mike’ Woods was warded at the Georgetown Medical Complex in an unstable condition. Lawrence Dabriel, 54, of Byera is charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Woods, 56 of Byera with intent. Woods was reportedly chopped with a cutlass across the abdomen during an incident at Gorse, causing his intestines to protrude. The charge was laid indictably, and therefore Dabriel was not required to plea. Dabriel had initially appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, but the matter was transferred to the Serious Offences Court. The Senior Prosecutor told the Court that while Woods underwent surgery at the Georgetown Medical Complex, he was not stable and had to be fed through a tube. Delpleche added that the victim was not mobile, and was being monitored closely by medical personnel. Delpleche asked that the accused be remanded at this stage pending a prognosis on the victim. Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne granted his request, and remanded Dabriel until October 8 when bail will be reviewed.
Gunn Hill man charged with stabbing death
Harold Godfrey Roberts
HAROLD Godfrey Roberts, 56-year-old labourer of Gunn Hill, Lowmans Hill, is behind bars awaiting a January 6, 2020 Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into a stabbing incident on Friday, September 27, which left Kenrick Kenroy Roberts of Great House, Campden Park dead. Godfrey Roberts was not required to
plea when he appeared before the Serious Offences Court on Monday, charged with Kenroy Roberts’ murder, and was remanded. The 40-year-old labourer/farmer died after reportedly being stabbed during an incident at Great House between 8 and 9 p.m Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche informed the Court that the investigator told him she had about 12 witnesses, and would be ready by the end of November. Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, however, listed the Preliminary Inquiry for January 6, 2020.
Top CoP thanks public, lawyer COMMISSIONER of Police Colin John says the escape of murder accused Veron Primus from Her Majestry’s Prison, Kingstown, was unfortunate, and has assured that Law Enforcement would put measures in place to avoid a recurrence. John declined to say what measures would be put in place. The Top Cop was speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday after Primus, a Vermont man in his early thirties, was sentenced to 16 months in prison for escaping lawful custody. Primus had turned himself in at the
Central Police Station Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by Attorney Jomo Thomas. He was CoP Colin John reported missing from the Male Prison around 10 a.m. on Tuesday. John expressed gratitude for the role Thomas played in accompanying Primus to the Central Police Station shortly after a wanted bulletin was issued for the fugitive. John also thanked members of the public for their assistance.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04 , 2019. 5.
V Murder in Great House 6. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN
News
WHILE POLICE have arrested on Friday night, I got a call and charged 56-year-old that somebody stabbed up Harold Godfrey Roberts of me brother and he dead,” Gunn Hill for the death of said Christopher of how he Kenroy “Piggy” Roberts of learned of his brother’s Great House, Lowmans, the death. brother of the deceased is “I felt down and still mourning his loss. depressed, because it’s just Harold Roberts also like I lose my hand and my known as ‘Gunn Hill’, foot. He was everything to named after the me, working together. community in which he Sometimes if I can’t go, I belongs, was charged with would send him, and I murder, for the death of know he can go and do the Kenroy “Piggy” 40-year-old Kenroy work,” said the brother. Roberts, resulting from an Roberts was killed Most times they do work in during an altercation in Great the areas of farming, altercation over a House, over a cell phone construction work or cell phone. which belonged to another gardening. man who was arrested with Horald According to Christopher, his Roberts but later released. brother left many things When police arrived on the scene in unaccomplished, including finishing Great House, Roberts was found dead the family house and having a child. with what appeared to be stab “A lot of things he wanted to wounds. In an interview with THE accomplish he didn’t accomplish,” he VINCENTIAN, Christopher Roberts, said, adding “I know he ain’t going be brother of the deceased, described around anymore to help me. I have to their relationship as very close, stating work double time. It’s going to be more that they grew up together and hectic for me, because we work fast maintained the “closeness” up until together and more things could have his death. get done.” Christopher last saw his brother on He said he wasn’t around when his Friday evening, brother got into the altercation, but “I hours before would like to see justice for my his death. They brother. I have nothing against had taken a anybody and we all know each other. ride to Great We go by the same shop and House where everything,” said Christopher, they live concerning the guys who were together. involved in the altercation. Christopher “Finally, all I want to say is God eventually hold the keys to life and he is the one went to to pass the final judgment, and Kingstown to everybody have to meet their pick up his judgment for all the wrongs we done grandson, while in life. Am not here to judge no one, Kenroy stayed am not here to condemn no one. God Christopher at home. “About knows it all,” declared Christopher. Roberts, brother of minutes to ten (KH) the deceased.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04 , 2019. 7.
News
SVG begins 3-month observation period of Security Council LAST TUESDAY, St. Vincent and the Grenadines began its three-month observation period of the Security Council. The country will officially take up its two-year seat on the Security Council starting from 1 January, 2020. According to a release from the Permanent Mission of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, “The state uses the tools of diplomacy and multilateralism to advance its interests in the global arena. The work being undertaken at the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Permanent Mission to the United Nations is an important aspect of this strategy,” said the release. “At a time when an ongoing climate crisis touches the lives of millions of people residing in low-lying coastal regions and on islands dispersed across the world, the perspective of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is crucial for ensuring that the global community considers the effects of their climate policies on our countries and peoples. While SVG is small, the combination of our history, experiences, and perspectives - which we refer to as a “small island exceptionalism” - compels us to lift our
voices and share our unique opinions on the issue of climate change and its implications for global peace and security. This is why at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), 185 countries elected Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. We consider this not only a privilege, but an important responsibility,” the press release further stated. The Permanent Mission said it will continue to lift SVG’s international profile, as it works with their partners to uphold international law and the principles of sovereign equality. “We are friends of all, and we continue to strive for a better world,” the release
PM Ralph Gonsalves and Minister of Foreign Affairs Louie Straker (L-Rcentre), pose with staff at the Permanent Mission of SVG at the United Nations. stated. St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday 7th June, became the smallest country to be elected to the United Nations Security Council. The Security Council is one of the bodies of the UN which addresses matters of peace and security as well as conflicts across the
globe and how to resolve those conflicts. It has five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, and 10 non-permanent members which are elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.
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8. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN
Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Editorial
Climate change threatens sport too LAST WEEK IN NEW YORK, while the official representatives of the 193member United Nations body were engaging in debate on the pressing issues of the day, thousands of young people from more than 150 countries were involved in a massive mobilisation campaign to focus the attention of the world’s population on the gravest threat to our planet. The youths are campaigning around the dangers of climate change, a phenomenon of such proportions that the UN itself hosted a “Climate Action Summit” in New York on September 30. It is not by chance that young people are in the forefront of the climate change action, for their very future is at stake. Interestingly, young people have a shared interest in a matter in which they are the principal participants. We refer here to sport, a unifying factor among youth, an area central to their culture, to recreation and enjoyment a source of passion and, in today’s world, a provider of lucrative careers, for it is a global business worth some US $600 million. Today, however, sport, a challenge in itself, faces a challenge of a different sort and of a global dimension. The spectre of climate change and all its attendant negative impacts threaten to disrupt sport worldwide and to wreak havoc as it does in other areas of human endeavour. The impact of climate change is multi-fold — higher temperatures, rising sea levels, more frequent and more intense storms and floods. All of these affect sporting facilities (grounds, stadia, etc.) and also limit active participation as well as spectator attendance. As such, they present challenges to sporting engagement on a mass level. This threat is set out in a study, The Game Changer Report, done by a group called the Climate Coalition. This study outlines the greenhouse effect of global warming showing how it affects rainfall patterns, climate and ecosystems. It chose three sports to illustrate such effects — football, cricket and golf, but points out that in the context of global warming, it is winter sports that are most affected. Specific attention was paid to
the noted effects of climate change on professional football and cricket in the UK where extreme weather is more and more affecting and even forcing cancellation of football and cricket games, causing millions of pounds in losses. In addition, major football teams like the two big Manchester clubs (City and United) have already instituted programmes for mitigation, involving recycling, irrigation, energy-saving and conversion of waste material to make sports surfaces for football, tennis, basketball and athletics. Cricket most vulnerable Cricket is considered most vulnerable, given its outdoor nature and the duration of games. Cricket games are sometimes washed out completely, causing huge losses especially for international games. But in addition, in countries like England and New Zealand, the changing weather patterns can cause disruptions, while tropical countries such as us in the Caribbean and Sri Lanka are more and more prone to be hard hit by violent hurricanes. Emissions of carbon dioxide in such countries like Pakistan and India affect both visibility and air quality. The Game Changer Report comments as follows on the effects of climate change on cricket: “Climate Change is becoming a huge factor. If we don’t take it seriously, it will fundamentally change the game. It’s simple: the less cricket we play at every level, the fewer people will watch it, the less they will come to the ground and pay to enter, the less chance there is for young people to be inspired to take up the game”. There are some other issues, commented on recently by former Australian captain, Ian Chappell. He mentions how drastic temperature increases can add to health risks, the need to protect players from heat stroke and even possible skin-cancer. That is why, he says, day-night cricket is considered critical to the future of cricket. Chappell urges cricket administrators, players, spectators and fans, to take the threat seriously. We should all heed his call and the global warnings.
The rise of the Breadfruit THIS ARTICLE, first published on 28th October, 1989- nearly 30 years ago- is our contribution for 2004’s “Breadfruit Festival” in celebration of Emancipation Day. Everybody knows the historical background. The breadfruit was brought here from the South Pacific in days of yore to provide cheap food for African slaves who powered the plantation by the sweat of their brows. It is a colourful history replete with the mutiny of the Bounty, the ship that brought the first plants. The ship’s captain, Bligh, is a household word in the West Indies, commemorted here in St. Vincent by a local rum which bears his name. Suckers from the original plant still proudly stand in the Botanical Gardens which were opened over 225 years ago, boasting highfalutin scientific names which mean little to the local population. The tree, gnarled with age, and trapping much of our history, is a great attraction for tourists. The Breadfruit flourished in the tropical climate of St. Vincent, offering a plentiful supply of carbohydrates to keep the human machines going on the slave estates. Some areas such as “Breadfruit Gutter” (near Victoria Village) were appropriately named. Although with a little effort a wide variety of fish was available in the seas around, the official colonial policy was to import from Canada the lowest grade of cod-fish that was specifically consigned for the West Indies market. Breadfruit and saltfish (rationed at two and a half pounds per slave per week) became a staple diet, and the latter-day concept of Breadfruit and Bull-Jowl was born. With time, the breadfruit came to occupy a central place in the average Vincentian’s life, offering food, shelter and recreation. Board made principally from the Breadfruit tree, was supplied by slave masters to help make doors and window frames in the construction of the wattle-anddaub which housed the slaves. The practice survived slavery and has continued into the Independence era among the poorest folk. Coffins made of breadfruit board are still a common sign in rural districts. Poor children at play “sold” the undeveloped breadfruit as Bread, the ripened fruit as butter, while the more inventive cut the bark of the tree and chewed the dried resin as gum. Naturally, generations of cricketers and footballers, past and present, had their early training with “Breadfruit-balls”. And to this day, sophisticated commentators show no disrespect for the English language when they describe a well-set batsman as one who is seeing the ball “as big as a breadfruit!” Indeed, declining sportsmen are often advised from the bleachers to go on a diet of Breadfruit and fish, to regain lost strength. And as late as the 1950s, whenever our
national fortunes sagged in football or cricket an aged man, Dory, used to appear around the Victoria Park holding aloft a fisherman’s rod with breadfruit and fish attached, accompanied by a string band of adoring little children, all lustily chanting the virtues of that particular food combination. Invariably if miraculously, St. Vincent’s fortunes would rise again following the imprecations of our mascot. The Breadfruit Culture The Caribbean masses virtually grew up on a menu of breadfruit, mangoes and bannanas. The latter two received popular recognition donkey’s years ago. One recalls, for instance, calypsonian “Kitchener’s “Mango Tree” and the beautiful “Mangoes” by Olive Walke’s La Petite Musicale. Similarly, the Jamaican poem “Banana Man” proudly highlights the exalted place of that fruit in the total life of the average Jamaican. But, not so with the Breadfruit. This evolution and comprehensivenes of the breadfruit is of natural growth. One local company ECA built its business chiefly on the breadfruit. At first, when one was embarrassed to put the eating-habit on display, it used to be smuggled overseas inbetween intimate apparel, just like an illicit drug on which one was hooked. Recently an overseas-based calypsonian De Man Age heckled Vincentians for constantly spronging off the relatives abroad with “Send this, Send that”. CP in replying in kind from St. Vincent, noted that the very first thing the Vincentian Americans request is breadfruit, specifically, “a roast breadfruit”. The Chamber of Commerce displayed their own impressive “show case” as a tribute to our Independence. In the food and agriculture section, prominently displayed was breadfruit botanically titled “Archicarps” which sits somewhere in the social hierarchy of the breadfruit family of which “Coco bread” is the aristocrat of them all. In order to emphasise the food shortage in the 1930s, the Times Newspaper reported on the long food queues gathered in the market place “even for breadfruit”. A month ago, vendors in the same market were cutting style. To qualify for a breadfruit, one had first to purchase another food item. The Breadfruit had arrived! The breadfruit also broke into the English language, enriching its local branch. For example, social scientists have dealt with the broad phenomenon of the deculturated Negro, a black person cut off from his roots. But nothing quite captures its essence as the description “Roast Breadfruit”. Continued on Page 19.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2019. 9.
Letters
The ULP and agriculture THE PRIME MINISTER, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, was in town last weekend, i.e. Brooklyn, New York, and he addressed a town hall meeting on Saturday, September 28. I understand that the address was to focus on SVG’s attainment since gaining independence from Great Britain in 1979. However, according to a supporter of the ULP who attended the meeting, “I car lie, boy. De PM only talk ‘bout wha’ happen since he took power in 2001.” If that is the case, I must fault the PM for not being honest to our
history. But then again, the town hall meeting seemed to have been attended on invitation only and, that could well mean that it turned out to be another ULP meeting. So, the PM stuck to highlighting the accomplishments of his government, especially with his eye on the next elections. But, Mr. Editor, the thing that struck me most was when this same ULP friend reported that Dr. Gonsalves said that when he took over government in 2001, agriculture was not the
SLAVERY was a genocidal scheme. Being such, we deserve reparations. On the other hand, my concept about reparations is different. As a school boy, I remember leaning on the perimeter of the “Iron Man” observing people going by. Now as an adult, I look at the names of our fallen soldiers in the World Wars inscribed on the monument. These soldiers were partly responsible for the destruction of Hitler and Nazism. Nazism was responsible for the lives of 10 million Jewish civilians. Genocide. What’s amazing is that many movies based on Hitler, were responsible for the beginnings of the wealth of Hollywood. The 1965 motion picture of the year, “The Sound of Music”, was based on Hitler. Our country, through our soldiers, participated in the destruction of Nazism, hence we also participated in the wealth of Hollywood. I do not know how many countries participated. If marketing efforts from small, just developing countries like ours who fought against Nazism, can attract the attention of Hollywood to at least provide $2 billion U.S into some of our treasuries, from time to time, this would be very welcomed. The money can be put into the theatrical arts where our actors and actresses can be paid handsomely etc. How often we would get $2 billion, will
depend on our marketing efforts. Hollywood, as small as it is, will remain the richest place in the world for a long time to come. The money we can get from them might be more than the reparations from England, Spain and France combined. Many Jews are part of the Hollywood world. Our country, through our soldiers, helped to defeat Nazism. We participated in Hollywood’s wealth, and this, together with some elements of benevolence and philanthropy on Hollywood’s part, can make things happen. This would be another awakening.
Reparations
Julian ‘Rockstar’ Williams
dominant sector in our economy. If agriculture was not the dominant sector in 2001, then perhaps the PM can say what was. I know that by that time, the economy was showing much more a diversified face with tourism, manufacturing and so forth, increasing their share to economic activity. But I am certain that all taken, agriculture was still the backbone of the economy. I understand now why it was that Dr. Gonsalves, in wanting to create this new postcolonial economy/society, found a reason to turn away from agriculture,
My friend Owen MY FRIEND Owen Ralph, the artist, just died. We have lost a master with a brush and paint. He was certainly cutting edge, and his keen sense of reproduction and adaptation made his stylised scenes different. His art can easily be described as realism with a touch of the abstract, and his colours vibrant. His carnival bands took a page out of his cousin’s (Roy Ralph) style and took it to the next level. R.I.P, my friend. Paddy Corea
causing it to gradually fade into the background. There has not, regardless of how much money the ULP will say that it put into agriculture, a genuine desire or intention on the part of the ULP to ensure that the agricultural sector remains intact. Perhaps the ‘great cannabis industry’ will return agriculture to its dominance. Garnet, NY
Open letter to PM and lawmakers I AM WRITING on behalf of the majority of the silent Vincentians. I am begging you not to compromise our laws on buggery to accommodate these two men who are emissaries of satan. We have problems enough here and do not need these guys to come here to exacerbate their evil will on our people. As a mother, I am sorry for their upbringing, suffering and pain, but my Bible says that, “The wages of sin is death”, and their lifestyle is an abomination to God. Unto now, after all the research and money put into a cure of HIV, AIDS, there is no cure. The protease that they are given is a placebo which only delays the symptoms and delays death inevitably. They die young. Send those pathetic lost souls back from whence they came. I am also expecting the churches that have been silent on many injustices in this country, to take a strong stand against these men and their lawyers. I have another peeve. The very filthy Milton Cato Hospital. I do not know how many people lost their lives because of the dirty corridors filled with old moldy beds and other dust filled objects. The walls are dirty. The clinic just outside the gate has a leak in the roof, and they put a plastic basin from the mold-filled roof, so patients have to walk around the basin to go to the doctor. Doe the Minister of Health Luke Browne ever visit this institution for which he is responsible? Or they all go abroad if their head even hurt? Buggery laws must stay on the books. Concerned citizen
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10. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN
Views
Excerpts from the 2019 UN address
The ULP’s contempt for the people
by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves
(Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s address at the 41st Convention - Pt. 1)
Introduction SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES – ignored by the architects of the modern world order – are now increasingly indispensable to understanding and solving the challenges of our day. As the original builders of our global economic and political architecture descend into jingoistic isolationism, and succumb to the narrowest pursuits of short term selfinterest, it is the small, the poor and the historically marginalized states of our global village that present the last, best chance to restore the crumbling edifice of international cooperation, and the principles on which that cooperation rests. With multilateralism being battered by a resurgence of base and dishonest pandering to narrowly-partisan interest groups, and with great power intrigue driving nations further apart, Small Island Developing States, by necessity, will prove to be the glue that holds together this international experiment in unity, discussion, and joint action.
the metaphoric eagle threatens to unleash war and disorder in unilateralist vainglory. What all the world’s peoples want is peace, dialogue, security and prosperity. The sustained and coordinated attempts to engage in externally imposed regime change in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is but one egregious example of the current trend. We are witness to an illegal economic blockade, eerily similar to the one against Cuba that we annually and overwhelmingly decry as immoral and anachronistic. We are in possession of indisputable evidence of extensive foreign interference in the sovereign affairs of the Venezuelan people, and the frequent, unambiguous threats of military intervention. We are complicit in an international farce, where the members of the UN General Assembly seat one government as representative of the people of Venezuela while a selfdescribed regional agency within the United Nations — the Organisation of Climate Change American States — seats a different, illdefined entity, a fictitious creation of The rapid acceleration of Climate foreign powers. Change is the menacing manifestation of We are mute in defence of the a failed multilateralism. Faced with a principles that have bound us together, common threat, ample warning, and and steered us clear of World Wars for overwhelming scientific consensus on the the last 74 years. Principle, and past causes, future impacts and present international law, cannot be sporadically solutions, the international community or selectively applied. Whatever the has dithered endlessly, and impotently. challenges facing Venezuela, they are As emissions continue to increase, exacerbated, not remedied, by hegemonic legally-binding limits are recast as interventionism, and compounded by our voluntary targets, and the worst inconsistency. The solutions to the offenders hypocritically highlight the conflict in Venezuela are well known, as specks of pollution in others’ eyes, to they are in all other similar conflicts: the distract from the beam in their own. facilitation of peaceful dialogue, the At the same time, many more cessation of outside interference or the needlessly suffer and die while cessation of outside threats of indisputably urgent global action is intervention, and firm adherence to intentionally thwarted by selfish shortCharter principles, including the respect termists and convenient climate-deniers. for sovereignty. Those who advance a Today we gather in the wake of different agenda are acting against the indescribable horror in the Bahamas, interests of the Venezuelan people, and whose citizens and residents were are becoming — willingly or unwittingly terrorised by Hurricane Dorian. — co-conspirators in undermining Weeks after the storm, hundreds multilateral diplomacy. remain missing. In recent UN gatherings, this tale has become The Middle East sickeningly familiar. Only the names Without hyperbole, we must now all and locations have changed. Yet we recognise that the Palestinian peace cannot allow the steady drumbeat of process is mortally wounded, and near climate catastrophes to become death. Our silence is complicity in the background noise to our annual gatherings. We must remain attuned to increasingly brazen unilateral usurpations of international law. the urgency of vulnerable states in the Neither the Two State Solution nor path of cataclysmic storms. regional peace can survive the ongoing Every year, the ferocity of these hurricanes increases. Every year, island disavowals of bedrock agreements and states wait with bated breath, and hope the enabling silence of our international community. The Palestinian people against hope that increasingly frequent deserve more than lip service and handstorms will thread their way between wringing. The General Assembly, and our countries without incident. And every year that we are spared, we grimly the Security Council, must be heard unambiguously on this matter. acknowledge that our luck will not hold indefinitely. Sadly, hurricanes are merely the most The Africa Re-connection violent manifestation of climate change’s This year, after separate visits to the insidious effects. The floods, land Caribbean by the esteemed brother degradation, droughts, landslides, coastal erosions, and unreliable weather Presidents of Ghana and Kenya that captured the regional imagination, the patterns across our region, and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has elsewhere across the globe, place approved, in principle, the establishment increasingly insurmountable daily of an “ABCD Commission” for further hurdles to life, living and production in practical elaboration with the African vulnerable nations, particularly Small Union, Brazil — the home of over 100 Island Developing States. million persons of African descent —, the membership of the Association of World Peace Caribbean States and the African Diaspora elsewhere particularly North A different type of metaphorical storm America and Europe. is wreaking havoc on the bedrock The Africa-Brazil-Caribbean-Diaspora Commission places the fractured global principles that undergird this might of peoples of African descent Organisation. The rising tide of within a single institutional framework. hegemonic, unilateral, interventionist Within that unity is undeniable and interference now threatens to inundate untapped strength. This is a concrete entire nations, while responsible states stand askance from their responsibilities proposal for further upliftment of the goals and targets of the UN Decade for to speak and act in defence of central People of African Descent. Africa’s Charter tenets. Everywhere — North, centrality is a core feature of South, East and West — the hegemonic CARICOM’s public policy. imperial hand is visible and oft-times
CURRENTLY, our people are crying out about how tough the country has become. All over: Sandy Bay, Barrouallie, Kingstown, Bequia, Union Island and Mespo, people tell me they have never met it so hard in their life! Even ULP supporters say so. Many even go so far as admitting that under the NDP government, things were better for them. They could comfortably feed their families. They could send their children to school properly dressed and eager to learn. They could fix the leak in their house roof and buy tires or spare parts to keep their vehicles on the road. But all that has changed. Under Ralph, the place has become as tough as stone. And life is hard.
Accountability The government continues to fail miserably when it comes to financial accountability. We have noted before how they violate the Constitution and Finance Administration Act by failing to do what is required to ensure public financial accountability. The leaders and apologists continue to heap scorn and contempt on the people, even when the most basic legal demands for accountability are made. Papa Gonsalves as Prime Minister and Baby Gonsalves as Minister of Finance bear the greatest share of the blame. They continue to flout their responsibility to uphold the nation’s Constitution and account to the people. I have said it before: “In a modern democratic society, public funds cannot be spent in the dark. The law does not allow it, and we, hand in hand with the Vincentian people, will not allow the government to break the law with impunity.” When our people of all walks of life take stock, they see gross mismanagement of their affairs by the government; they see violent crime threatening the fabric of society; they see nepotism, insatiable greed, corruption, exploited workers with no recourse (e.g. Ottley Hall); high unemployment, especially among the youth; bad roads; poor health services; schools in disrepair that’s putting it mildly; increasing taxes such as VAT; increasing electricity prices, increasing food prices; declining household incomes because so many are out of work, and businesses closing every day. Our people see their lives getting tougher by the day, while a privileged handful of people reap all the benefits. This is why we will continue to raise the accountability issue, and the day of reckoning is coming. Keep your ears to the ground, your eyes focussed and your pencil sharp. And when you get the chance, make it count by voting them out. That is the surest way to punish their violations and hold them to account.
Yarabaqua Project and the unreliable contract Gonsalves has further shown his contempt for the people of this country in the recent Yarabaqua/CDB project scandal. We brought this matter to light and will continue to demand accountability for it from the government. This involves the serious matter of the declaration by the CDB of
misprocurement of contract in the work River Defense Works at Yarabaqua done under the Natural Disaster Management - Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (December 2013 Trough Event) Project. The value of the contract is EC$ 1, 421, 567.00. For a poor small country like ours, that is a lot of money. You will recall that a year ago, on 14th September 2018, Mr. Cameron Balcombe Managing Director of Bally and Bally Investments Limited, wrote to the Chief Engineer in the Ministry of Transport and Works, Urban Development and Local Government objecting to the award of the contract in question to a company called Reliable Construction Services Limited. Bally and Bally was one of several companies that put in bids for the work because the winner of the contract was a company that failed to meet the criteria set out by the CDB for the contract, having necessary experience in gabion basket and river training work. The government responded through the Chief Engineer, Mr. Alistair Campbell, saying essentially that they had hired a consultant, IBI Group of Canada to, “further review of the experience of Reliable Construction Services Ltd. And it confirmed the previous conclusion of the consultant and by extension, the MTW.” So, they refused to change their decision, to award the contract to Reliable Construction Services Ltd. However, the CDB did not take their word for it, and conducted its own investigation. And what the CDB found was quite different from what the government found. They found that the procurement rules had been violated in awarding the contract, and the CDB cancelled its financing of the contract. Can you imagine that? The government reviewed the bidding process and said it found nothing wrong, so it said it would stick with its decision to give Reliable Construction the contract. The CDB, on the other hand, found the violation of the procurement (bidding) process was so serious that, for the sake of its good name and integrity, it had to withdraw from the project. Then what was the government’s response to the CDB’s withdrawal? Instead of saying “Something stinks here” and noting that the CDB would not cancel without good reason, and then resolve to get to the bottom of it, the government went into damage control mode. And ultimately said to hell with the CDB, to hell with the other contractors who had an interest in the outcome to the matter, to hell with Friday and the NDP, to hell with anyone else who might question them: we are going ahead as if nothing is wrong, and guess what: the money will come from government’s funds. The work would now to be funded by the government, not the CDB. But where is the money coming from? Parliament did not approve any other money for it. So, the money will have to be asked for separately. Will this be another part of the spending spree where the government spends money without informing Parliament and seeking its approval?
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2019. 11.
Views
Guilt and Regret
Constituencies in contrast
“No matter how frustrated, disappointed and discouraged we may feel in the face of our failures, it’s only temporary. And the faster you can stop wallowing in guilt, blame or resentment, the faster you can put it behind you.” – Fabrizio Moreira (Born wrenching, stories come to remind us of the various forms that may give 1982) – Ecuadorian politician and birth to feelings of remorse: businessman. Shakespeare’s Macbeth crafts a story of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth being WE HAVE ALL THOUGHT, said, and done consumed by the remorse of their things that we regret. As imperfect human beings, we will periodically think, crime. Students on English Literature may recall that Macbeth, a brave say, and do the wrong things. Some of Scottish general, had received a these may have created embarrassing prophecy from a trio of witches, that situations for us having exposed our he was destined to become the King of failures, foibles, and shortcomings. Scotland. Consumed by ambition, and Depending on the magnitude of the encouraged by his wife, Macbeth infraction and the sensitivity of our conscience, the memories may linger for murders King Duncan and occupies the Scottish throne. However, he is a relatively long time. They may subsequently haunted by guilt and periodically surface to haunt us with remorse, having achieved the position their tentacles of regret and remorse. by foul means. In Victor Hugo’s 1862 The thought of writing this essay classic novel Les Misérables, Jean emerged several months ago while hosting the early-morning Fellowship Valjean, a prisoner who breaks parole, Breakfast radio programme on Praise is moved by his guilt after having stolen a loaf of bread to feed a FM (105.7 FM and 95.7 FM or starving nephew. In the case of the www.praisefmsvg.com). One of our former (Macbeth), we are reminded regular listeners (Mamasita) had called in to share some of her insights that uncontrolled ambition and greed and experiences. She had commented can lead to paths of destruction and about how foolish she sometimes feels regret. In the case of the latter (Les Misérables), our “good intentions” when she revisits memories of could also result in generating mistakes she had made over four remorse. Regardless of the source of decades prior. She mentioned “stewpsing her teeth” (a sign of regret the guilt and regret, we do understand and remorse) when she recollects how and appreciate that our reflections on foolish she had been. It then dawned the past will periodically result in our revelations of thoughts, speech, and on me that she was not alone in such actions that can be categorized as thoughts. Like her, I can also look regrettable. back at my errors of judgement with Bible scholars would remind us of disappointment and regret. We all the folly on the great King David and can. However, regardless of the the guilt that surfaced following his magnitude of the error, we all know adulterous affair with Bathsheba (2 that we cannot return to rewrite the Samuels 11). His “little sin” of lusting past. It is gone. We may have the after another man’s wife, resulted in guilt and the regret but, as best we pain and destruction for so many can, we must move beyond these others. He was tormented by guilt for feelings to ensure that they are used a relatively long time. The peace of to assist us and others in making mind eluded him until he, through the better choices. Sabaa Tahir, a wise council of a friend, repented for Pakistani-American young adult fiction writer, reminds us that, “There the wrongs that he had done, and sought (and received) God’s are two kinds of guilt: the kind that forgiveness. drowns you until you’re useless, and Many of the pangs of guilt and the kind that fires your soul to regret can be exorcised when we get to purpose.” We accept the challenge to the point where we learn to forgive raise from the ashes of guilt and others and to forgive self. Burdens of regret to ignite new fires of purpose. Mark R.M. Wahlberg, the American guilt can be spiritually, physically, and emotionally debilitating. But they actor, producer, businessman, model, need not destroy us. We can rapper, singer and songwriter, provides us with some useful thoughts terminate them when we get to the point where we face up to the reality when he notes, “I did a lot of things of our errors … and seek forgiveness. that I regretted, and I certainly paid The shame and guilt can be jettisoned for my mistakes. You have to go and ask for forgiveness, and it wasn't until when we own up to the infractions. It may mean facing someone that we I really started doing good and doing have wronged (or who wronged us and right, by other people as well as we retain a sense of resentment), or it myself, that I really started to feel may require our conversing with our that guilt go away. So I don't have a God (through prayer) as we seek the problem going to sleep at night.” Therein lies a possible solution to our release. However, as we approach the cleansing or release, we must be big receiving some kind of release from (mature) enough to be small (humble) those pangs of guilt — seeking enough to seek forgiveness and to turn forgiveness and focusing on doing a new leaf in our lives … being truly good; doing right. Repentance is a useful starting point on the journey to repentant. This is as true for the forgiveness. That forgiveness is often individual who reflects on “telling a accompanied by the warmth of a peace little lie”, as it is for the adulterer, the thief, the murderer, and so on. of mind. Whatever the infraction that would The sources of guilt and regret are have caused the heavy burden of guilt, many and varied. Over the years, shame, and/or regret, it is possible to many writers have penned stories to obtain and retain a sense of release steer readers away from the temptations of the eyes, the flesh, and when we are truly repentant. the pride of life that seem to so very Send comments, criticisms & easily lure and poison the innocent suggestions to and the greedy. Two classic, heartjulesferdinand@gmail.com
THE CONSTITUENCIES OF SOUTH LEEWARD and East St George are interesting in many ways. If one were to compare them, we may find more than meets the eye. At the time of the last elections, East St George and South Leeward were the two largest constituencies. South Leeward being largely agricultural, working class and residential, while East St George composed of a dominant middle and upper and professional class, a solid entrepreneurial base, with a dominant hotel and entertainment sector, yet possessed with large pockets of poor and working people. There is more. In 2013, two individuals were thrust into the political arena. Camillo Gonsalves and yours truly. We mirrored each other in many ways but differed in significant ways, most particularly, he being the Prime Minister’s son. Camillo, was placed on a fast track to political stardom, rising as he did from Senior Crown Counsel in the Attorney General’s chambers, to United Nations Ambassador, to Foreign Affairs Minister, to election in one of the safest ULP seats in the country, then to Finance Minister with the PM chair beckoning. Me, a much slower grind. Camillo’s academic training mirrors mine in every particular: First Degree in Journalism and Political Science, Graduate Degree in Political Economy and International Relations. We both read for Law and became practising attorneys in the USA before returning home. In the 2015 elections, Camillo romped home to victory with well over 3000 votes. He got every conceivable assistance to ensure that this victory was secured. In contrast, there was palpable utterings among a significant and influential cabal in the ULP that the South Leeward seat must be sacrificed, if only to stymie my victory and ascendancy. In South Leeward, most party supporters worked valiantly, but with tepid support from the party’s centre, some say sabotage, the party lost South Leeward by 118 votes. South Leeward had always been neglected and voters taken for granted. Dougie Slater promised the people a playing field in 2005, and it was delivered 10 years later, just before the 2015 elections. During this same period, a single Constituency got two spanking new playing fields with floodlights and all, and another field was refurbished at Chili. The playing field at Hope, was so poorly designed that when it rains, a virtual river gushes onto the field and covers a large portion of the grass with silt. Locals warned against this very problem, but community buy-in was disregarded, the ‘experts’ knew best. The Vermont valley is a fertile community that produced an abundance of agricultural products. The farmers love the mountain slopes, but in the last 25 years, the roads leading to and from these rich farmlands have become almost impassable. A commitment was made in June of 2014 to send tractors to clear the mountain roads in North Leeward, North Central Windward and then South Leeward before the 2015 elections. The tractors never got to mountain roads at Very Vine, Paradise, Gaskill and Queensbury. Four years later the tractors are yet to get there. Small wonder that farmer supporters fell off for the ULP in the 2015 elections, as many families who depend on the land for a living lost enthusiasm and stayed away from the polls. Since the 2018 budget Very Vine mountain roads in Vermont were slotted for repair. The people await the festival
slated for 2020 for some relief. No one can persuasively deny that South Leeward has some of the worst roads in the country. Has anyone seen the Zippers that were showcased patching up the roads in East St George in the run up to the 2015 elections? The road to the Vermont Nature Trail presents a real-life adventure. The occasional patches in the roads are so shabbily done that they wash away with the slightest downpour and amount to an absolute waste of tax payers’ money. There are 5 community centres in South Leeward. At Campden Park, a new centre erected to replace the one whose roof collapsed more than a decade ago, remains locked up, presumably until 2020 election fever begins its destructive, corrosive roast of the people. The centre at Retreat, Vermont is dilapidated with neither light or water, a broken toilet and missing windows. At Penniston, the community centre is shuttered, almost swallowed up by a forest. At Rillan, the centre is really a disaster relief outpost that is not offered to the community for daily use. A similar disuse continues at the Clare Valley centre, except for the fact young children find refuge there while their parents work. In South Leeward, there were the fewest Lives to Live projects. Once the nation rolled past the last elections, work stalled, leaving unfinished projects and broken hearts. They too will get a new lease on ‘Life’ as 2020 elections approaches. Youth unemployment is a huge problem in our country, but it takes on deadly proportions in South Leeward. Police statistics indicate communities such as Campden Park, Questelles, Rillan Hill and Vermont are hot beds of violence and crime. Of the 400 persons behind bars, over 100, a staggering 25 percent, are from South Leeward. Yet, there are few persons from these communities working at the ports, especially that at Campden Park. You will have to go deep up the windward coast to find more than 50 percent of the employees at our ports. What happened to the commitment to transform Campden Park into the 7th town? What happened to the proposal to move the Cruise Ship Berth? Why has the suggestion to bring it to Campden Park never gained traction, even though its construction at Arnos Vale Bay, where the water depth would have created an engineering challenge? What happened to the sensible idea to revive agriculture by marrying idle hands with idle lands, or the proposal to create Rapid Road Repair Response units in every village? Now contrast this sad tale with what happened in the run up to the 2015 elections and what has taken place since. One constituency is in the ascendancy while the other mires in hopelessness and despair. Benign neglect and or callous disregard impact negatively on real flesh and blood people. Now, you see why I was made to lose the 2015 elections. I would have never stood for this sad state of affair. I can never stand for it.
Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com
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12. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN
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ULP regime betrays Chief Chatoyer and Garifuna by selling crown lands CHIEF JOSEPH CHATOYER and thousands of Garifuna brothers and sisters sacrificed their life protecting and preserving our sacred land of St. Vincent and the Grenadines from foreigners. They are being betrayed now by the ULP regime as the ULP regime sells off our lands to foreigners. The sale of crown lands in SVG to foreigners, is terrible and not done in good faith, in that, the ULP regime is giving away billions of dollars of tax revenue to the super-rich, white Migrants in Mustique and Canouan and to Taiwan too. This is running the SVG Treasury dry, and the ULP regime is using this outrageous and foolish strategy as an excuse to sell Crown Lands. SVG is not the private estate of Ralph Gonsalves, and Ralph Gonsalves is not above the law of SVG 1979 Constitution and the SVG Audit Act 2005. The table is of very serious concern. The analysis shows SVG is driven
by the inequalities becoming commonplace in SVG. We must do like Cuba and ban the sale of our lands to foreigners. Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer’s fight and death must not be for nothing. We must show respect and honour for his sacrifice on our behalf. We are losing our country to
country. Public land once sold is land lost to us forever. No government ‘owns’ public lands - they hold it in trust for the people. When Governments sell-off crown lands, they are also selling our children’s future. foreigners at a very fast rate. If we do An SVG Green Party government not stop the sale of our lands to will end the sale of crown lands. Too foreigners now, there will be no much of SVG’s land has been sold to country left for our children and foreigners. This is counterproductive grandchildren. We must protect and and not a policy on which to sustain preserve our country for future SVG’s economy. The lands of SVG generation of Vincentians. should be for Vincentians only. When our children grow up, they will want to SVG has become like Australia. Our people are suffering the loss of our be able to build their own house on their own land. This will only be heritage lands and unconstitutional taxation laws. Like the Aborigines, the possible after a change to a Green government. indigenous people in SVG are being We don’t want to become second trampled on, and rich foreigners are taking over our country. We must not class citizens in our own country. The ungrateful ULP regime should allow Australia’s history to be respect the sacrifice by Chief Chatoyer replicated in our beloved country of and our Garifuna brothers and sisters SVG. who gave their life defending SVG The socially conscious SVG Green from being taken over by colonialism. Party is calling for an immediate ban Selling our country to foreigners is a on the sale of crown lands to nonkick in the face by the ULP regime. Vincentians, and a land distribution reform system be put in place to avoid SVG Green Party our people being driven further into www.svggreenparty.org despair. https://twitter.com/svggreenparty Future generations of Vincentians will be born as foreigners in their own https://www.facebook.com/SVGGreen-Party-154937087877631/
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04 , 2019. 13.
Music
Wiseman releases ÂUp for ReviewÊ
Right: Former Xadus band member and Vincentian musician, Kendal Wiseman has released an album covering tracks over the years and one he says coincides with the country’s 40th Independence.
TO COMMEMORATE THE COUNTRY’S 40th year of independence, former lead singer for Xadus, Kendal Wiseman has released an album entitled ‘Up for Review’. The album will officially be released this weekend. “This month of October is of special significance for us Vincentians as we celebrate 40yrs of selfgovernance on October 27th 2019,” Wiseman said.
“As a born patriotic Vincentian, I happened to be fortunate to have witnessed that special moment in Victoria Park 40 years ago, thanks to God Almighty for giving sustained life thus far.” “I thought it is the right time to reflect/Review and celebrate with my homeland some of my music as it evolved through the years,” he continued. According to Wiseman, he had not too long
started his career as Xadus’ front man, leaving behind a teaching career to “embark on an ambition I desperately wanted to pursue and excel.” Apart from writing and recording many hits with the band Xadus, Wiseman recorded and competed in the National Calypso Competition during the middle 1990’s until migrating to the United Kingdom.
Some of these tracks are included in his Review. Making up the compilation of Wiseman’s hits over the years
includes ‘Jam in Vincyland’, a track recorded back in 1984 with the band ‘Gravity,’ and which was arranged by Frankie ‘The Maestro’
McIntosh, who was featured on keyboards. “It is Caribbean music at its best, Soca! Reggae! Calypso and Ragga!” he said. (DD)
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14. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04 2019. THE VINCENTIAN
News
Forty and forever
THE DECORATION COMMITTEE of the Renewal at Forty exercise is planning to create a lasting impression throughout the nation, not just for this year’s anniversary of independence, but for always. Julian ‘Piling’ Pollard, Chairman of that Committee, envisages that “every nook and cranny” is going to experience some of the “visual branding” that will be displayed. Pollard was speaking at the Carnival Development Corporation’s office at Victoria Park last Wednesday. He promised that the entire nation will be decorated. Kingstown will have an intensified drive, including the Financial Complex, House of Assembly Building, Vegetable Market and the Ministerial Building. Pollard is appealing to persons operating commercial ventures to “spruce up” their surroundings to add to the drive. Pollard pointed to the Argyle International Airport where a variety of activities will be based. Those include a 90 by 30-foot national flag on the cliffs adjoining the runway. Every effort is being made to make
visitors feel L-R: Elvis Charles, Coordinator of the Renewal and Forty exercise; Selmon “comfortable” Walters, Manager of the Arrowroot Association and Chairman of the Madongo at the newly Festival, and Angenella Young, Marketing Officer at Invest SVG. constructed facility, female outfits towards the twilight years of their Julian ‘Piling’ Pollard, Pollard will be unveiled. lifetime. Chairman of the indicated. For Young, It is with that in mind that Charles Decoration Committee There will this will be the is reaching to members of that age of the Renewal at be two areas culmination of an category. Forty celebrations. of “nostalgic arduous journey. He is planning some trips for the gardens,” She is keen on witnessing the final elderly. As part of this year’s according to him. One will reflect the product, prototypes of which be on programme. Charles expressed his nation’s phases, while other projects display at the Geest Terminal in views last Wednesday at Victoria trend to the next forty years. Pollard Kingstown. That forms part of Park, and declared that “Elderly anticipates that the Gardens will celebrations marking 40 years of people have been pushed aside for too attract students and the wider Independence. long.” populace. The countdown to that new attire He has bus tours organised for 70 intensifies from today with the closure persons from the Leeward district, and Counting down to National Wear of entries. The top three go into the their destination will be the Windward final, following Cabinet’s approval by coast. Sunday, October 27, 2019 will mark October 11. A similar exchange is carded for 120 an additional milestone on the Young gave details of the persons from the Windward end for an Vincentian calendar. Everyone knows competition last Wednesday. excursion to the Leeward side of of its significance, first as Associated The winner earns some $2,000. mainland St. Vincent. Statehood 1969, and ten years later Opening activities at the Everything Charles announced plans of independence. Vincy showcase will see a revised celebrating this year’s event with Forty years later, Angenella Young, version of this country’s 2019 Carifesta “pomp fashion and style.” Marketing Officer at Invest SVG, is package. The programme varies with According to him, “We want to anticipating the rolling out of this the Cake Dance synonymous with provoke that spirit of patriotism.” country’s national dress. Male and Union Island, and Rose Hall Drummers. Eat what you grow Saturday’s session is dubbed: ‘Soca, Salsa and Steelpan.’ Former Parliamentarian Selmon In addition to Vincy Soca vibes, Walters, Manager of the Arrowroot there will be segments of pan as well Association and Chairman of the as exposure of Cuban and Venezuelan Madongo Festival, is looking at the influences. promotion of that festival as an The Everything Vincy programme occasion for Vincentians to appreciate also features fashions with 12 the concept of local consumption. designers on the catwalk, and ‘Gospel Walters is hoping that this year’s ‘N Glory’ explosion. There is also an Madongo Festival, scheduled for opening entitled Musical Maestro, at Chatoyer National Park Monday, which legendary Frankie McIntosh is October 28, will be another slated to appear. Budding musicians opportunity for Vincentians to partake Rodney Small, Saeed Bowman and in local production. There will be Darren Andrews will also appear. Madongo served fried, baked and as fungi, complete with fish broth. In Old people man addition, there will be spectrum of steamed, salted, fried, and black fish. Elder citizens here can look forward Walters was highlighting the to some pampering from one who is benefits of local productivity at last just about approaching the middle Wednesday’s launch of the Renewal of ages. His name is Elvis Charles, and 40 programme. he is the coordinator of the Renewal at He is hoping that this festival Forty exercise. That task is under the becomes part of the national agenda, theme: ‘With strength, honour and as it helps to solidify the prospect of dignity, we stand resolute at forty and enhancing the local economy. As far as beyond.’ Walters is concerned, “Most times, we Charles is placing emphasis on the go for the foreign product.” aspect of “beyond’, for he is satisfied Walters urges residents to be part of that elderly people may not have the activities at Rabbaca. (WKA) experienced the best of treatment
V Hazelwood honoured
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04 , 2019. 15.
News
herself would have been a young mother, is the mother of 16 children and several grand and great grand children. The Miss Young Mothers Pageant is scheduled to be held on October 25th, 2019. (CD) Contestants of the upcoming Miss Young Mothers Pageant.
SASHED AND CROWNED as the Oldest Queen, 101year-old Effie “Baby Din Din” Hazelwood was honored today by Joanna Christopher and the contestants of the upcoming Miss Young Mothers Pageant. With outward reflections of emotions,
the contestants joined Effie’s family in praise and thanksgiving, through prayer and hymns, which was sometimes recited by the centenarian. A gift basket and a floral arrangement were also handed over. Effie Hazelwood, who
Chauncey Methodist Church makes donation of Otoscope ON FRIDAY 20th September, 2019, the Chauncey Methodist Church donated an Otoscope to the Clare Valley Health Clinic, as part of its 2019 Mission Project. The church has heeded the call L-R: Anne Jones, Nurse Nequette Durham & Staff Nurse Culzacof the Health Center for this James, Rev. Tui Nuku Smith instrument, and (Methodist Minister), Kenneth the donation of Abraham and Sharon Browne. this Ostoscope is the Chauncey Methodist Church’s way of giving back to the community and ensuring that the people of Chauncey, Clare Valley and the surrounding communites receive better care. In 2018, a footpath was constructed for a blind resident in the Chauncey community. The Church has made other donations over the years: of a blender to the Clare Valley Government School and the Bethel High School respectively; swings at the Questelles Government School and the Jyels Natural Care Pre-school in Chauncey; and a rail constructed at the Golden Years Activity Center located at Buccament. Over the last five (5) years, the Methodist Churches in the Kingstown/Chateaubelair Circuit, have made several donations as part of their “Mission Projects” to various communities, individuals, and agencies in their communities. (Contributed)
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16. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN
News
Lions Club St.Vincent South hosts CPR Training
CPR Simulation.
THE LIONS CLUB ST. VINCENT SOUTH, in collaboration with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Society, hosted a training session in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, commonly referred to as CPR, for residents of the Enhams, Glamorgan and Mc Carthy communities on Saturday 28th, September 2019 at the Club’s Den, located in Enhams. Participants were taught how to administer CPR, and how to respond to different emergency situations. CPR is a lifesaving technique that helps maintain blood flow to the brain and heart in an emergency situation. President of the Club,
Lion Noel Dickson noted that it was Club’s way of giving back to the communities, and urged participants to make use of the training opportunity. He took the opportunity to update participants on some of the Club’s projects, which include fencing and upgrading of its hard court, which will be available for the maximum benefit of the community. The next planned activity to be held in that community is scheduled for October 19, 2019,
which will take the form of a games evening on the upgraded hard-court. The Lions Club St. Vincent South is a not for profit organisation which exists to serve its communities. The Club
Participants CPR Training. is an affiliate of the Lions Club International — the world’s largest service Club organisation.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04 , 2019. 17.
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18. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN
News
SMSS assists in CYENSVG Beach Clean-Up her comments by revealing that a wide THE ST. MARTIN’S variety of garbage was SECONDARY SCHOOL, collected from the Arnos through its Environmental Vale beach where they Science Club, was assisted. She described represented at the coastal collections of clothing, clean-up which took place shoes, plastic straws and on a number of beaches forks, toys, plastic and throughout St. Vincent and metal bottle tops, the Grenadines on seasoning bottles and Saturday, 21st September. vehicle tires. She Science teacher and recorded that the entire member of the Caribbean group, working from 9:00 Youth Environment am to 12:00 noon, Network St. Vincent collected twenty large Chapter (CYEN-SVG), bags of garbage from Avanel Hector, along with that single area. student club member and Peer Counsellor, Brett Crick, joined other eager environmental enthusiasts at the Arnos Vale Beach, with the aim to remove garbage deposited on the beach. Among these also were volunteers from Coco Cola, SVG Coast Guard, SVG Community College and volunteers from the general public. THE VINCENTIAN caught up with Brett and sought to find out why he saw the need to become involved. He was clear that, “For students, especially those in Science and Environmental clubs, it is very important because it helps you to know more about your environment and how pollution could affect places like our beaches.” Brett proposed the use of pamphlets and rap sessions to bring the message home to students who are not members of such clubs. Science teacher Ms. Hector agreed, while giving a rationale for student involvement. “Students should get into activities like these because it starts from the youths, and in order to bring awareness, we must educate,” she said “Children are our future, and in order alleviate and combat some of the problems we are experiencing in the environment at the moment, we start with young persons because they would be the ones who would be able to bring about the change, since they are the future.” She backed up by GLORIAH…
The coastal clean-ups have been organized by the local chapter of the Caribbean Youth Environmental Network which participates in the International Coastal Clean-up endeavours. According to Ms. Clonesha Romeo, Director of the CYENSVG Chapter, International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) is celebrated annually on the 3rd Saturday of September. She noted that, “The Caribbean
Youth Environment Network is dedicated to improving the quality of life of Caribbean youth by facilitating their personal development and promoting their full involvement in all matters pertaining to the environment and sustainable development.” The organisation promotes education and training, Caribbean integration and community empowerment as tools to develop an ethic amongst
Clenesha Romeo, Director of CYEN-SVG.
young people, that assists in the conservation and protection of natural resources within the Wider Caribbean. The Arnos Vale beach L-R: Student club member clean-up, therefore, was and Peer Counsellor, only one of the fifteen Brett Crick with member beach clean-ups of the CYEN St. Vincent designated for Saturday Chapter Avanel Hector.
21st. These included beaches in the Grenadines. The CYENSVG Chapter intends to continue this project of cleaning of beaches here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as early as October 2019. All volunteers, including students, are welcome.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04 , 2019. 19.
People
Recaptured murder accused jailed
Continued from Backpage. AROUND 7 A.M. on October 1, the shift was again changed, and around 10 a.m. that day, he was discovered missing. An alarm was raised and a report was made to Superintendent of Prisons Brenton Charles. The matter was also reported to the police, and a wanted bulletin was issued for him. However, later that afternoon, Primus turned himself in at the Central Police Station accompanied by Attorney Jomo Thomas. He was cautioned, but gave no statement. Primus said very little
to the Court, except that he had turned himself in voluntarily. After the facts were read, the matter was stood down for a few minutes, and the sentence was passed when the hearing was resumed. As aggravating factors, Browne noted that Primus had escaped lawful custody, and did so while awaiting trial for a very serious offence. In the area of mitigation, she noted that no violence was involved, and that he turned himself in voluntarily. He had no previous convictions. Escaping lawful custody carries a maximum penalty of
three years in prison, but the Magistrate used 22 months as a starting point, and went up and down as she weighted the aggravating and mitigating factors. She also took into account Primus’ guilty plea which earned him a one-third discount on sentence. He ended up with a sentence of 16 months. While Primus was committed to stand trial for Greaves’ murder in 2017, the prosecution had withdrawn changes against him for kidnapping, and a number of sexual offences involving a young lady. THE VINCENTIAN understands that the
Evesham man discovered Continued from Backpage. She said that he did not disclose to her any plans for the rest of the weekend. And although they lived at separate locations, Iris said that it was the norm for him to pass by and ‘hang out’ for a while. So, she became concerned when he did not show up at her house last Monday and Tuesday morning. She said that she thought he was tired and had opted to rest. However, she grew more concerned as time passed and he never showed. “After I did not see him, I called his phone and he was not answering,” Iris said. She then walked up to where he lived, but did not see him; so she returned home thinking that he had gone to his lands, or lime with some friends. After some time, Iris said that she went back to the house where he
lived and searched around — this time, she said that she met the couple’s 19-year-old son in the yard. Upon looking around, Iris said that she met George’s cutlass, water boots and the keys to his vehicle, suggesting that he never went to the lands as she initially thought. She said she left after very little exchange with her son. Iris later explained that she and her 19-yearold son did not have a good relationship after she was forced to call the police following some behavioral problems. Nevertheless, she questioned him as to who changed the curtains to the house, and he responded “Daddy.” But Iris said that she knew that George would not have done such a thing, so she went back home. She later went to a nearby shop and asked if anyone had seen George, ‘Coban’ as he was referred to, but she got
the same response that no one had seen the man. “I said, this is fishy because nobody saw him.” It was at this point that she then decided to check where he tied his animal. She went back to the house where she said the outside toilet was, checked, but nothing out of the ordinary was discovered. Then a suggestion was made to check a path at the back of George’s house, and as they made their way, she noticed an area trampled down. Upon further investigation, some blood was discovered, and then Iris said that she got the stench of decay. That was when an area of fresh dirt was discovered, with some bush spread over it. At that point, the police were summoned. “I feel sad because I did not expect dat,” she said. Investigations are ongoing.
The rise of the Breadfruit ambitionless person who will not lift a stroke to improve his lot, once he has To call a man “Roast Breadfruit” is to spotted enough breadfruit on the tree to suggest that he is Black outside but assure him the next square meal. Such white inside: Lloyd Best’s Afro Saxon person is afflicted, in the words of our and Fanon’s “Black Skins White Masks”, Prime Minister, with a Breadfruit graphically converging in a vegetable! Mentality. No more, no less. Similarly, the essentiality of the One major political party has the good Breadfruit to West Indian life has led to sense to choose as its emblem the the concept of the “Breadfruit Tree”. To breadfruit leaf. But for the practicalities cut down a man’s breadfruit tree is to involved, the breadfruit on our original wipe out the very means of his existence. flag also showed commendable thought. And so we come to the most For there can be little doubt that the controversial usage of all, “The movement towards true Independence Breadfruit Mentality”. The breadfruit and the evolution of the Breadfruit have tree often springs up unplanted and had their destinies intertwined. We needs no watering, weeding or stand or fall with the Breadfruit Tree. fertilizing. There is the kind of Continued from Page 8.
charges were withdrawn after the victim failed to show up at the Preliminary Inquiry.
Primus is also a person of interest to Law Enforcement in the United States in connection with the killing of a 16-year-old girl, Shanel Nixon in the
United States in 2006, and was interviewed by detectives from the New York Police Department (NYPD) while in police custody here in 2016.
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20. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN
Advice
Give yourself time
Dear George, MY HUSBAND has been physically abusing me since the day I married him. As a matter of fact, he hit me several times when we dated, but he apologized for that and promised never to do so again. There is this guy who wants me to divorce my husband and marry him. He swears he will treat me like the queen that I am. Those were his exact words. He wants me to leave my husband right away, and move in with him until the divorce. This guy is a nice guy and I’m considering doing what he is suggesting. I do need a man who can treat me like a queen.
things would work themselves out once he apologized. I am strongly suggesting that you get immediate counselling, and make it your business to demand that your husband does that as well. Your counsellor will guide you as to the way forward from that point. If your husband does not receive professional help, the abuse would not stop. It is you who have to decide ultimately whether you continue with him or not. As for that other guy, getting Tired and battered. involved with him at this juncture is a bad idea. That would complicate Dear Tired and battered, matters. If you choose to get involved again, then you need to give yourself You should never accept any form of time to heal properly and to be sure abuse from anyone, let alone your you are not just rebounding. husband. The warning signs were there during your dating period, but George you chose to ignore them, thinking
CanÊt let another woman have him Dear George,
MY BOYFRIEND has suddenly become overly aggressive with me. I’m not sure what’s going on with him. He was a nice and gentle soul when I
met him, but now, he has lost it. Any argument between us would end with him threatening to take my life. Three times in the same month, he said he would kill me. He never apologized for that,
Game over! Dear George, MY GIRLFRIEND has made it clear to me that I cannot satisfy her anymore. This was after she got back from staying just over a year in the States. She has admitted to having a few flings while she was there, but has since asked me to forgive her. Now she is telling me I am much too small for her, and if I need her to stick around, I should get penis enhancement. I do love my girlfriend, but do not see how in the world I can get to the place where I would be able to satisfy her enough. I believe my goose is cooked unless you have suggestions.
Worried Dear Worried, Relationships ought to be based on love and acceptance. Your girlfriend is not at that place anymore, where she is willing to accept you just as you are. You should realize when someone is asking you to do the ridiculous. If your girlfriend cannot accept you as is, then you need to ask her to leave you be. Whatever happened in New York will forever be in the way of normal relationship with you. The writing is on the wall, you just need to pay attention. Game over!
George
although I’ve begged him to do so time and time again. He just said whatever he said, he meant it, so no need to apologize. George, I find myself unable to leave this man, especially when I remember how great he is in bed. I can’t afford to let another woman end up with him. I just want him to be that nice guy he was before. Am I asking for too much here?
Afraid and in love. Dear Afraid and in love, The reason why your boyfriend would not apologize for his behaviour, is he is not sorry for any of it. He has admitted to you he meant every word, and that should be your signal to move on. Issuing threats is a criminal offence, and I advise you to take this seriously and report this to the police. Love is nowhere in the equation here, and you need to wake up. Do what you have to do to detach yourself from this guy and move on. You deserve better.
George
Leisure
ARIES (MAR. 21- APRIL 20) Don’t let your mate talk you into going somewhere you’d rather not go. You will find your vitality is lowered. Problems with relatives and friends could surface. TAURUS (APR. 21- MAY 21) You can ask for favors but don’t take them for granted. Don’t be too quick to judge your position or surroundings at work. Someone you live with is ready to play emotional games. GEMINI (MAY 22-JUNE 21) Expect your workload to be heavy. You’ll find it easy to charm members of the opposite sex this week. Your temper could get the better of you if you confront personal situations. CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22) Don’t get upset. Don’t be critical or overly opinionated with dislikes; it could cause disapproval and unwanted opposition. Don’t jump the gun; you may find yourself getting angry at the wrong person. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Those who have been too demanding should be put in their place or out to pasture. You’ll meet new friends if you try new activities. You will find travel and lectures most stimulation. VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) Your ideas are right on the mark and your work commendable. Your need to put great detail into everything you do may cause you to miss the overall picture.
LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Children could cost you more than you can afford. Don’t be afraid to make a move if you aren’t happy with your emotional situation. Financial investments that deal with joint money can be extremely prosperous. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) Your moneymaking opportunities will flourish. Unexpected bills will leave you a little short. A series of misunderstandings may be at fault. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Take care of any pressing medical problems that you or one of your parents may be suffering from. Outbursts of passion may cause arguments with your mate. Help others solve their dilemmas. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Go over your finances and figure out a solid budget. Be honest in your communication and don’t lose your cool. Prove your worth; concentrate on getting the job done and steer clear of office politics and gossip. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21.- FEB. 19) Don’t overspend to impress someone who interests you. Your own small business on the side sounds pretty lucrative. Anger could lead to problems. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Travel or short trips will probably be your best outlet. Problems with females you live or work with will try your patience and cause temper flare ups.
ACROSS 1. Crook catcher 4. Sailor’s distress signal 7. Cafeteria aid 11. Lyric poem 12. He tells fibs 14. Sharpen (a blade) 15. Neither trailer 16. “The Sun _ Rises”, book 17. Finds a sum 18. Large mats 20. Song in church 22. Shout of discovery 24. “That’s fine!” 27. City in Norway 30. Perched on 33. Room for scientific research 35. Opponent 36. Pull by a rope 37. Exert effort 38. Merriment 39. Foot encase 40. Sound quality 41. Mama’s hubby 43. Throw on (a uniform) 45. Even exchange 48. State founded by Mormons 51. Andean metropolis 54. Cob veggie 56. Family vehicle 58. Spoken 59. Musical Clapton 60. Slight shade 61. Moderately hot 62. 39-Across tip 63. North Pole helper DOWN 1. Debate side 2. Skunk’s scent 3. 51-Across is its capital 4. Knife cut
5. Italian-dressing ingredient 6. Beauty-pageant ribbon 7. Show gratitude to 8. Curtain bar 9. Furthermore 10. Reply of assent 13. Cowboy Rogers 19. Syllable from Baby 21. Floor wiper 23. Pledged vow 25. Choir participant 26. Spun thread 27. Light-switch option 28. Broth-based dish 29. Talented Horne 31. Excessively 32. Had monetary obligations 34. “Farewell!” 39. Visualized
40. Explosive stuff: abbr. 42. Biblical 20Across 44. Pound division 46. Flying expert 47. Harbor town 49. Nagging pain 50. Drag
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2019. 21.
51. Melancholy 52. A Gershwin brother 53. Damage (a surface) 55. Brazilian 47-Down, briefly 57. Boxing judge
22. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2019. 23.
Trevor Bailey gets UCI Recognition PRESIDENT OF THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Cycling Union - Trevor ‘Sailor Bailey’, was awarded the UCI Merit of Distinction, for his work in Cycling here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Caribbean and the Americas. Bailey was presented with his award last Friday at the 188th Annual Congress of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), in Harrogate, Yorkshire, England. Former UCI President Brian Cookson, former UCI President Pat McQuaid and President of the Malta Cycling Federation John Zammit, were also recognised. Reflecting on his recognition, Bailey said he was caught by surprise, by the announcement of the award. One who does not do things in return for accolades, Bailey, though, was grateful that his efforts in the sport over the years, has been acknowledged. “The award is not just for me,
but it is also for the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, cyclists, officials, and folks involved in cycling in the Caribbean and the Americas”, Bailey said. Involved in Cycling for the past 47 years, Bailey revealed the recognition ceremony touched him, as there was a throwback of photos of him, from his early days as a cyclist at age 14. Last Friday’s Congress saw the inclusion of two new members to the UCI. The participants voted in favour of the official affiliation of the Samoan Cycling Federation and the Maldives Cycling Association, bringing the number of National Federations affiliated to UCI to 196. Trevor ‘Sailor’ Bailey, at centre, is flanked by UCI President David Lappartient, at left and UCI Vice President Jose Manuel Pelaez (right).
Ball Burners, NL Women Champions
Champions, Ball Burners.
Kacy Johnson, MVP of the Finals.
BALL BURNERS UPSET UPSETTERS to retain their title in the DMG Furniture Enterprises Ltd. North Leeward Women Softball T20 Cricket Tournament, when they beat them by 3 wickets, in the finals of the competition last weekend at the Fitz Hughes playing field. Batting first, Upsetters
posted 165 for 8 off 20 overs. Denel Creese top-scored with 28, while Denella Creese and Yolande Granderson hit 19 each. Bowling for Ball Burners, Vinisha King took 2 for 21, Shenezia Daniel 2 for 22 and Edely Turtin 2 for 55. Ball Burners in reply, reached 166 for 7 off 20 overs. Kacy Johnson led the runs
chase with 66 and Zavian Stephens 20. Yolande Granderson was the Most Successful Bowler for Upsetters, with figures of 2 for 31. Kacy Johnson was MVP of the Finals with her knock of 66. I.B.A.ALLEN
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24. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
Central All Stars- Senior Division champions.
Football titles stay in Sharpes SESCO WON the Under-18 Division, and Central All Senior Division top goal scorer- Enrique Millington of World XI.
Stars- the Senior Division, when the Central Kingstown Nine - A -Side Football Competition ended last Saturday night.
Under-18 Winners- SESCO. Watched by a large crowd under the lights, Silas Kirby scored the lone goal, in SESCO’s one nil win over System Three, in champing the Under- 18 title. More joy was to come to the partisan home support, when Central All Stars won the Senior
World XI’s Enrique Millington was the title. Senior Division’s top goal Central All Stars beat scorer, with seven goals. World XI 5-4 on penalties Following the success to win the Senior of the competition, Division. organisers are planning Both teams had a Youth Competition as played to a nil-nil tie in well as a Village regulation and extra Competition, as they aim time, before Central All at bringing a renewed Stars won on penalty Football vibes to the kicks. community.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2019. 25.
Sports
Academics and sports ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES draw swords with Suriname in the third Round of the Concacaf Nation’s Cup next week end. By the time Independence comes around, October 27, the stage will be set for the final showdown. That time, Vincy Heat will welcome Nicaragua, and then journey to Dominica for the decisive encounter. Similar scenarios face Suriname in the four teams in that Group. One advances to League A and a chance of taking part in the next Gold Cup. The month of October bears special significance to Vincentian football lovers and enthusiasts. One would recall it was around that time 40 years ago that a group of young men, without any formal training, undertook the task of engaging their regional counterparts in a championship at which we were expected to just take part. When the curtains came down and St. Vincent and the Grenadines placed second to Haiti, the world had to take notice. That tournament was in Suriname, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines was not supposed to pose any challenge to Suriname. The South Americans had established a record of dominance especially at home and with their international image, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, unknown in the football circles, were to have been swept aside. Results have proven differently and in fact, the scenario was such that it unleashed a level of respect for this nation at the regional, if not internationally. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has seesawed in its performances since. But there is no disagreement that this nation has distinguished itself as one with pedigree in football. In fact, our country’s prowess in sports has been acknowledged. We churn out stalwarts in some of the most unpredictable spheres. Could it be something about the natural psyche? There must be some semblance of natural ability, and given this country’s terrain, there is the logical cohesion. But life has progressed beyond the natural realms, so teams, coaches and individuals have to pay attention to other factors. Those entail aspects of technology and psychology. Once we come to terms with those elements, we could on be course towards accomplishing more in the area of sports. This year’s calendar of Independence activities shows some inclination towards sports. Gradually, the message has dawned on the respective departments, that sports is more than a cursory exercise. When one looks at the earnings of present sport men and women, there is no puzzle if youngsters tend to gravitate towards sports. But there must be the balance, for no matter how dynamic one’s sporting career may be, there is the reality that the sporting life cycle is limited. Life continues after the times on the field of play. It will be paramount that the sports personnel get a full grasp of that image. It will be more profitable to balance sporting and academic performances. In any case, it will be easer to enlist on an academic platform, on the basis of a foundation in sport. However, the need exists for there to be a delicate balance. That is something that sports personalities present day will have to contend with.
Greaves, new President of the SVG Umpires Association GOLAND GREAVES was elected as the new President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Umpires Association (SVGCUA), when the Association held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday 28th September 2019, at the Bishop’s College Kingstown. A new Executive was elected to conduct the business of the Association for the next two years. Greaves convincingly beat Maria Abbott to the post, with 13 votes to 4. Former President Roger Davis did not contest reelection. The other members of the Association are Michael St. Hilaire - Vice President, Afron Byam Treasurer, Cornelius Edwards - Secretary, Kaman Green - Assistant Secretary, Selwyn Allen Public Relations Officer (PRO), Colbert McDonald - Committee Member. In his acceptance speech, the former President expressed thanks for the support he received, and outlined his intention to move the Association forward. “One of my first initiatives is to get the Constitution revised, while bringing integrity back to the Association, and I will encourage all executive members to have the same mindset pertaining to integrity,” Greaves said. He also added that he believes that his executive will endeavor to do more than what has been done during that period. Greaves also believes that educating the umpires in the ever evolving world, is critical towards their development, and he has education as one of his top priorities. “First thing is to update our umpires with the new laws - the 2017 codes. Since then, the laws have been reviewed and, with the 2019 edition, our umpires have not been properly trained under those new laws, and one of the things I
New SVG Umpires Executive. am going to do before the 2020 local cricket season, is to have at least one workshop, where our umpires will receive training pertaining to those laws. Umpiring is not just about the laws of the game, it also involves coping with pressure, match management, Roger Davis outgoing President of SVG ground weather, and Umpires Association. light; so all these areas of umpiring have to be taken seriously”. I.B.A.ALLEN
Goland Greaves is the new President of SVG Umpires Association.
26. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2019. 27.
Classifieds
LAND FOR SALE
FOR SALE
Residential lots at Brighton for quick sale $12.00 per sq. ft. 5,542 sq. ft., 4,3778 sq. ft. & 7,501 sq. ft. Other lots can be surveyed to your choice. Call: 457-2788/454-4739
Household items Fridge Stove 3-piece couch Call: 454-4739
STETSON ISSACHAR (STEPPER) NEDD
GREGORY DARNLEY HUGGINS
S.D.A Church South Rivers Sunday, September 29th, 2019 Viewing: 1:30 p.m. Service: 2:30 p.m. Interment: Park Hill Cemetery
Faith Temple Church New Montrose Monday, 30th September, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m. Service: 2:00 p.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery
JOSEPHINE THEODORA THOMAS 6W -RKQ¶V Anglican Church Belair Viewing: 2:00 p.m. Service: 3:00 p.m. Interment: 6W -RKQ¶V $QJOLFDQ Church Yard
PAULINE VEIRA Cathedral of the Assumption Thursday, September 26th, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m. Service: 2:00 p.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery
MR. FITZROY BROWNE New Testament Church of God Lowmans Hill Saturday, 28th September, 2019 Viewing: 2:00 pm Service: 3:00pm
CHARLES ALFANSO NOWELL Chebar Evangelical Assembly Rose Place, Kingstown Saturday, 28th September, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m. Service: 2:00 p.m. Interment: Kingstown Cemetery
F O R
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
S A L E
FRIDAY,
OCTOBER 04, 2019
VOLUME 113, No.36.
A.I. REAL ESTATE Executive house with pool, Gunn Hill, Land 25,000 sq.ft, Fully furnished Price EC$M1.5. H161 (784)- 457-2087 office (784)-533-0431 whatsapp (784)-493-9431 cell (718)-807-4376 office donp@vincysurf.com www.aisvg.com facebook.com/airealestatesvg
www.thevincentian.com
EC$1.50
RECAPTURED
MURDER ACCUSED JAILED Primus, a Vermont down and Primus was man in his early thirties, there. Around 11 p.m. WHILE MURDER ACCUSED was awaiting trial for the that day, the shift was VERON PRIMUS is into the murder of Real Estate third day of a 16-month Agent Sharlene Greaves, prison sentence for 36 of Dorsetshire Hill, escaping lawful custody at whose body was Her Majestry’s Prison, discovered with stab Kingstown, police are wounds, at her Bijou continuing investigations Real Estate office on into the circumstances November 13, 2015. surrounding his escape. Clad in blue jeans, When THE black t-shirt and multiVINCENTIAN contacted coloured sneakers, a Commissioner of Police visibly calm Primus was Colin John on escorted to the Serious Wednesday, minutes Offences Court by Head after the 16-month of the Major Crime Unit sentence was passed on (MCU), Inspector Elgin Primus, he confirmed Richards on Wednesday that the investigations to answer the escaping were ongoing, and a lawful custody charge. number of prison officers He pleaded guilty when were assisting in that he stood before Chief regard. Magistrate Rechanne The probe was Browne, and was launched following a unrepresented. report to the police on In presenting the Tuesday that Primus facts, Senior Prosecutor was reported missing Adolphus Delpleche told from the male prison the Court that around 3 around 10:00 a.m that p.m. on September 30, day. the prison was locked by HAYDN HUGGINS
Veron Primus was discovered missing from his cell on Tuesday morning.
changed and Primus was again accounted for. Continued on Page 19.
EVESHAM MAN DISCOVERED IN SHALLOW GRAVE
Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
by DAYLE DASILVA IRIS SAMUEL recalled the moment she discovered the body of her 56-year-old husband George ‘Coban’ Samuel buried in a shallow grave on Tuesday night at Evesham. The two did not live together, but still maintained a relationship Iris Samuel where they would spend time back and forth between the two homes last saw George Samuel last they shared. Saturday when he dropped her off According to Iris, she at her daughter’s residence in Gomea. Left: George ‘Coban’ Continued on Page 19. Samuel
Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.