Vin pages 04 11 16 e reader to use

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 04, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.43

www.thevincentian.com

By DAYLE DASILVA ESTHER RAWLINS denies she set the house she called home for the past seven years on fire, and further denies that she had any knowledge of anyone planning such an act.

The fire broke out around 1:40 last Tuesday, November 1, afternoon, destroying two wooden structures located in the area commonly referred to as ‘Long Wall’, overlooking Port Kingstown.

Reports indicate that the fire started in the house occupied by Rawlins, before spreading to one above, occupied by Delano Simmons, his girlfriend and the couple’s three-year-old son.

Residents on the scene were quick to point fingers at Rawlins, accusing her of starting the fire.

They alleged that she started the fire after she was given an eviction notice.

THE VINCENTIAN was informed that she was expected to vacate the premises by November 15, but Rawlins said that the allegation was not true.

“I left early to take my son to school,” she said, adding that she had a matter at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

And after leaving the Court sometime Esther Rawlins between 10 and 11 on Tuesday morning, has categorically she met her son at 12:15pm at his denied setting fire school, and took him to get lunch. to the house she She returned her son to school, after occupied. which she became engaged in a conversation before making her way home.

It was while she was on her way that an individual drew her attention to the fact that her house was on fire. When she looked towards the location, she saw her home engulfed in flames.

Rawlins explained that she had been living in the said house and on the said property since 2013, and that she had a rent-to-own agreement with the former landlord.

But the property changed hands and, according to Rawlins, it was sold without her prior knowledge.

“Now the person who bought the property Continued on Page 3.

Above: The two wooden structures quickly went up in flames.

Firemen could do little to prevent the total destruction of the houses.

EC$1.50

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2. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Focus on LIAT

PM: ÂOn LIAT, I will defend VincentiansÊ

PRIME MINISTER DR RALPH GONSALVES said that he will continue to defend the interest of the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines in LIAT, to ensure that the airline delivers good service.

He made the comment in a ministerial statement on LIAT, delivered at a Sitting of the House, Friday 26th October.

This statement followed on a meeting of shareholder governments held on October 19, in Barbados, at which, Dr. Gonsalves said, he had listed a number of challenges facing the airline.

“Of course, the only one reported on was the one (in which) I spoke about the illness of the crew, and then the pilots association spoke of other things,” he said.

illnesses occurred right around the time of some of the region’s festivals.

Other Challenges Some of the other challenges which impinge on LIAT’s ability to deliver a consistently good service, include the wind at the airports in Arnos Vale and Dominica — an operational challenge.

This was compounded by some weak technology systems, some being old and others manual.

Dr. Gonsalves admitted there were some challenges in the frontline, which, he agreed, needed to be addressed.

He explained that not all the front desk workers were direct employees of LIAT. They were in the case of St. Inordinate amount of ‘sickness’ Vincent, but that service was outsourced in Barbados.

According to Gonsalves, one of the And while he acknowledged that they hindrances to LIAT’s operation was (front line staff) sometimes had to work linked to crew sickness. under some difficult circumstances, he When this inference was first made conceded that the airline needed to do following the October 19 meeting in better in this regard.

Barbados, the Leeward Islands Airline “Because that is where we get a lot of Pilots Association (LIALPA) — LIAT’s anger,” he said, adding that there were Pilots’ Association — took umbrage. some issues that were outside the control But, according to information received of LIAT, such as security checks. from the airline’s management, Dr. Delays related to front line challenges Gonsalves said that the levels (of and other ground requirements had sickness) for this year equated to 13 caused further problems in countries percent of work time, and that the where the airport closed earlier than largest bundle of crew sickness was others, for example Dominica and here caused by 18 percent of the crew. in St Vincent.

He added that the management had also informed the shareholders that In defence of SVG there were, what he termed, “episodic” illnesses, and that if a graph was to be In supporting his defence of the drawn it would indicate that the bulk of Vincentian interest in LIAT, and

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (inset) has declared that he is all about safeguarding the interest of and on behalf Vincentians, as far as their share in and service from the airline are concerned.

Vincentians’ demand for improved services, the Prime Minister said that he was asked for some of the residual monies, or part of the initial USD 300,000, by the then Chief Executive Officer David Evans, who would later resign from that position.

The Prime Minister told the House that he was not prepared to make any payment until he got answers on some issues which included: some short term contracts that were awarded to individuals; the status of the sale of the final Dash 8 aircraft; some information on the reduced headcount; further information on a decision made at an earlier Shareholders meeting on the enhancement of the hub in Barbados; and a response to the demand for improved service to St Vincent.

Dr. Gonsalves said that he had to wait on the resignation of Evans to get his answers, and lauded Isaac Solomon, this country’s representative on LIAT’s Board of Directors, who, he said, advised him (Gonsalves) and indicated to him that he needed to get the responses to those questions. It was then, he said, that he got involved.

Whether or not any residual amount) of money was paid, the Prime Minister did not say.

The Prime Minister did, in a September 14 meeting with Acting CEO/LIAT Ms. Julie Reiffer-Jones, declare that his government was not prepared to inject any further funds into the airline, until it improved its services to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. (DD)

LIATÊs Acting CEO under fire However, this disclosure has come under attack by the Leeward Islands Flight Attendant Association (LIFAA), which represents Flight Attendants employed with LIAT. LIFAA countered when, in a statement early this week, it contested LIAT management’s count of the number of crew members it employs.

“LIAT does not have 76 Cabin Crew members, and we are surprised that even Ms. Julie Reifer-Jones, something as simple as Acting Executive knowing how many Crew Director/LIAT, has found Members the Company herself at the whipping has is unknown to Management. Our last end of her Flight count puts Cabin Crew at Attendants’ whip.

56 operational members,” the statement read.

REGIONAL AIRLINE LIAT There are another 12 on employs 104 pilots and 76 extended leave due to cabin crew. This is the injuries sustained on the prevailing situation job, or on maternity leave, according to Acting Executive Director/LIAT, Ms. the statement continued.

In prefacing its dispute Julie Reifer-Jones.

about the number of crew members employed, the LIFAA has said that it had kept quiet on certain matters, but given that the company “has brought some of these matters pertaining to our members to the public, we are left with no other choice but to respond.”

LIAT has fewer planes which, it appears, led to several crew members being made redundant, against what is said to be the “strong advice of the LIFAA”. The airline currently operates nine ATR aircraft.

“At that time, they claimed they had more crew than was needed.

Fast forward a few short months, where after taking the decision to make redundant several trained and experienced crew members, LIAT is in a panic mode and has begun hiring new crew

members to replace and even add to those already made redundant,” the LIFAA statement said.

LIAT does indeed have less crew because they have fewer planes, LIFAA noted, but the schedule has not been adjusted to achieve maximum efficiency. Currently, due to poor scheduling, if two cabin crew were unable to make it to work on any given day, there will be several LIAT had assured, in October, that it had sufficient cancellations.

The association said crew to cooperate its flight schedule. it will “not stand by have sufficient crew to challenges thrown up by and allow management to issues related to staff and manage its daily flight use its cabin crew as staffing, LIAT has schedule. In a press scapegoats, in order to recorded 261 cancelled statement then, Reiferhide from the public, its flights and 564 delayed Jones assured that the ineffective management flights, this according to company had sufficient and incompetence in crew to operate its current Chairman of the Group of airline operations.”

Shareholder Governments, schedule.

On October 29, 2016, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of St. So far for the year, for LIAT management refuted Vincent and the reasons including a claim that it did not Grenadines.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. 3.

News 3 Committee to review state funerals A COMMITTEE has been set up under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary Kattian Barnwell, to look at the issue of the granting of state funerals.

Rationalizing the need for the Committee, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said at last Friday’s sitting of Parliament, that there have been some inconsistencies in the past with regard to who was granted a state funeral.

He acknowledged that it was too early to determine what recommendations will be made, following the review

process.

The present situation makes provisions for the granting of a state funeral to State officials, including the sitting current and former Governors General and Prime Ministers, members of parliament and other officials in extraordinary cases, e.g. when an individual is of such acclaimed status that the community may feel that the individual deserves a state funeral.

Gonsalves added that there were instances in the past when state funerals were granted to individuals but ought not

to have been.

“But that error, having been made, does not mean that that error should be compounded,” Gonsalves said.

According to Gonsalves, when the former Attorney General of Barbados, Frederick Smith died in July this year, a state funeral was not granted.

He explained that in the case of a state funeral, the state takes care of expenses, this in concert with the relatives of the deceased. (DD)

Parliamentary Representative for Central Kingstown St Clair Leacock drew attention to the incompleteness of the photographs of parliamentarians displayed in the House.

House stuck in time Kattian Barnwell, Cabinet Secretary, will head the Committee set up to review who should be awarded state funerals.

Search and rescue, fuel storage in order Kingstown, St Clair Leacock at last Friday’s meeting of the House.

Gonsalves had one day earlier, at the Independence Day parade, announced that the opening of the airport was Prime Minister Dr. Ralph “imminent,” assured Gonsalves responding to a the House that he question put by Oppostion had received all the MP St. Clair Leacock, about facts, and that the work at the International search and rescue Airport. component, including the sea THE SEARCH AND RESCUE component, were in order. components and the fuel He also said that work storage facility at the on the fuel storage was international airport are in completed, with all the order. equipment required for So said Prime Minister the operational phase of Dr Ralph Gonsalves who the facility already in the was responding to a country. question posed by the A scheduled testing and Parliamentary commissioning of the Representative for Central equipment were expected

to be conducted by Rubis on November 14th, he said, when an aircraft will be refueled.

“However, there is still some work to do on the pipeline and the buoys for the docking of the fuel tankers,” Gonsalves told the House.

He added that all the pipes from the storage facility to the pump station at Mount Pleasant had already been installed and pressure tested, and that work was expected to resume to complete the installation of the remaining section of the pipeline at Stubbs Bay; the sub-sea line and the buoys in the sea.

Work is expected to be completed within a twomonth period, Gonsalves said, however the remaining work on the pipelines and buoys is not

expected to affect the ability for aircraft to be fueled, he said. (DD)

WHILE THE MEMBERS of the opposition have taken issue with stepping into Parliament, the Opposition Parliamentary Representative for Central Kingstown St Clair Leacock has taken issue with the photographs on display in the House of Assembly.

Leacock told Speaker of the House Jomo Thomas last Friday, during a Sitting of the House, the time had come for some initiatives to be taken with respect to this matter.

“I don’t know if it’s yourself or the leader of government, but you look around here and it’s as if the clock stopped at the last generation of Parliamentarians,” Leacock said.

He went on further to say that there were other housekeeping issues that needed to be addressed, but that in the meantime, somebody needed to take the initiative to ensure that there are photographs of current serving Parliamentarians on display.

(DD)

Woman denies setting fire Everybody know dat when I leave here, I wait for my son and would come home and me are not friends, so it is causing a late in the evening.” lot of problems,” Rawlins told THE Meanwhile, Delano Simmons VINCENTIAN. confirmed that he was at his mother’s She went on further to say that she house, a short distance away, when the was aware of her rights and that if she fire started. His girlfriend and son were was paying for the land, then the house away. would have to move.

Seeing that his house was being “I told him (landlord) that I am not threatened, he moved quickly to save moving because I know my rights. I some items but was able to remove only never tell nobody I goin’ bun down no a television set, which he said is house — all my things inside de house,” probably damaged. the woman said.

He assessed that he had lost She said that she was currently everything, including clothes, personal unemployed and that she had no reason documents and some personal savings to burn down the structure, knowing (money). that she was not in a position to “Everything gone, me have nuttin,” he purchase material to re-build. said. adding that he will have to resort “People speculating. I have proof that to moving in with his mother until I was down de road dis morning. further notice. (DD) Continued from Front Page.

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4. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Probe involving radio host ongoing Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS AT PRESS TIME Wednesday, police were continuing their investigations into a report of unlawful sexual intercourse against Igal Adams, host of the Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) sponsored programme ‘New Times’, aired on Nice Radio.

The 63-year-old Green Hill resident is reported to have had sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13 on three occasions, two in 2013 and one in October 2014.

The alleged victim was reported to be between 11 and 12 years old at the time of the alleged incidents. She is said to be now 14.

The girl’s mother had made the report for her daughter, to the police, on October 21 this year.

An investigation was launched during which Adams was taken up for questioning last Friday and was released the following day, without charges, pending further investigations.

Adams has since decided to discontinue as host of the ‘New Times’ programme pending the outcome of the investigations.

Section 124 of the Criminal Code, Chapter 171 of the laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, revised edition 2009, states that, “Any man who has sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13 is guilty of an offence and is liable to imprisonment for life”.

A legal source told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday that it is not unusual for someone to be taken up for questioning during an investigation, and released without charges, pending further investigations.

The source also stated that, “There is no time limit for reporting offences of unlawful sexual intercourse.

Persons are well within their right to make such reports whenever they feel comfortable to do so. The law makes provisions for that.”

The source added that it is not unusual for such reports to be investigated several years after the offence

A 51-YEAR-OLD PARK HILL farmer received multiple prison sentences on Wednesday, after pleading guilty to firearm and ammunition possession, and the cultivation and possession of marijuana.

Brian Andy Dabreo was sentenced to three years in prison for possession of a home-made shotgun; eight months for possessing one round of 12 gauge ammunition without licence; ten months for cultivating 44 marijuana plants, and six months for possession of 440 grams of marijuana with intent to supply.

The sentences, handed down by Magistrate Bertie Pompey at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, will run concurrently, meaning that Dabreo will serve three years behind bars.

Police Court Clerk Constable Shamrock Pierre had earlier told the Court that last Sunday around 8:50 p.m, officers from the Colonaire Police Station were on mobile patrol in the Park Hill area, when they spotted Dabreo waking along the public road with a shotgun.

Constable 881 Cadero Gaymes, who was among the party, approached the Igal Adams has removed himself as host of the NDP defendant, identified himself as a police New Times Radio programme, until the police complete officer and questioned him in relation to their investigation. (Photo Credit: NICE Radio) the shotgun. Dabreo replied, “Officer is mine and is hunt me does use if for hunt.” allegedly occurred, and for persons to be charged and PC Gaymes took the shotgun from him, taken to Court. and when he examined it, found one round Speaking on Nice Radio Monday, Adams denied the of 12 gauge ammunition in the breach. allegations made against him.

Dabreo was arrested and taken to the Colonaire Police Station, where the gun and ammunition were lodged.

Gaymes obtained a search warrant, and investigations, since back to Antigua and handed the following day the Royal SVG him over to the authorities went to Dabreo’s Park there.

Police Force Hill home. He was obtained a warrant THE VINCENTIAN shown the warrant understands that the Antiguan to arrest the officer, and a search was officer was not arrested prior to had turned up information that the his return to Antigua, nor did conducted, during the state (SVG) pay his passage. officer had been which a quantity of When contacted on Tuesday, sighted in at least marijuana was found two locations here, Commissioner of Police Renold in a pot. and .that the Hadaway told said that he When cautioned, preferred not to comment on the undertaking to Dabreo said, “Officer apprehend the issue at that moment. dat ah me smoke.” accused was in full However, later that day, a The search of his train, with an foreign source, in premises continued, appropriately communication with this and on the western ranked officer publication, indicated that Wendell Robinson, Commissioner of Police side of his yard, the appointed to head information had surfaced that police uprooted 44 in Antigua and Barbuda, is still being the operation.

Vincentian Attorney Grant marijuana plants. fingered for suspension by the opposition The story Connell had facilitated the When the officers UPP in that country. headlined, ‘Hunt on process involving the officer’s pointed out the for alleged Sexual return to Antigua.

The issue had taken on offence to Dabreo and Predator’ was carried on the When contacted on national proportions in cautioned him, he Wednesday, Connell stated, “He back page of THE Antigua/Barbuda, with the replied, “Ah me grow (officer) returned to Antigua on VINCENTIAN October 21, opposition United Progressive dem fo me smoke.”

2016. his own volition, and had Party calling for Commissioner The shotgun was The father of the alleged booked his passage before of Police, Vincentian born tested and found to be victim is reported to have said Independence. There was a Wendell Robinson, to be in working condition. in his report, filed on September suspended from his post, reason for his delay in St. Dabreo told the 28, that the alleged perpetrator pending an investigation into Vincent.”, but gave no further Court that he used was known to the family, and details. whether or not there was police the gun to hunt Commissioner Hadaway had had been visiting their home for complicity in the officer fleeing manicou. several months. confirmed on October 19, that to his homeland.

Officer returns to Antigua A VINCENTIAN national serving in the Royal Police Force of Antigua/Barbuda and who was wanted in that country, returned there this week from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, without being arrested by the local constabulary.

The officer was wanted in Antigua/Barbuda in connection with a sexual molestation allegation, made against him by a minor.

As reported in the last two issues of THE VINCENTIAN, he had fled Antigua, supposedly by air, to his native land.

The local constabulary, acting on receipt of an arrest warrant from their counterparts in Antigua, mounted a search for the officer.

THE VINCENTIAN was reliably informed this week that the officer was in communication with a local lawyer who accompanied him to the Central Police Station on Monday, and then to the E.T. Joshua Airport along with a local police officer.

The officer then escorted him

Farmer gets multiple sentences

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. 5.

Regional

Put your money where your mouth is they’re not putting any money in LIAT. “You’re happy to stick your straw through the fence and enjoy the benefit but not putting anything in. There are people who disagree with me but I believe very strongly that if you were to look at countries in the OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) they would probably collapse if they didn’t have LIAT servicing them. It’s one of those things we have Richard Sealey, to look at, but I can tell Barbados Minister of it will not continue like Tourism, International this forever,” Sealey said Travel, made an appeal in further fingering for more Caribbean LIAT’s critics.

Government investment That said, Sealey in LIAT. made a direct appeal to those detractors, calling THOSE Caribbean on them, once again to governments/countries consider investing in who find it convenient to LIAT. spout criticism of regional Barbados is the airline LIAT, but resist airline’s largest efforts to have them invest shareholder with a 49.5 in the airline, have been per cent share. Antigua chided for their & Barbuda has a 13 per selfishness. cent share, with St Richard Sealey, Vincent and the Barbados Minister of Grenadines having Tourism, International approximately 12 per Travel, said, inter alia, cent, and Dominica less during an address at a than 10 per cent.

Sandals Press According to Sealey, Conference in Barbados LIAT is “even more last week Friday, that it difficult to run than CAL was unfortunate that (Caribbean Airlines) or some of the countries Air Jamaica or any of that have not been those airlines.” putting money in LIAT, Minister Sealey but who have been very reaffirmed that LIAT is vocal in the manner they projected to lose EC$9 go about announcing that

million this year, having lost $EC56 million in 2015, and is operating with an accumulated deficit of up to EC$344 million. “These are very large numbers,” Sealey stressed.

He added: “The Barbados Government and even Antigua, St

Vincent, and LIAT’s fleet base was tipped for relocation to Dominica, the Barbados, with the island being designated as the hub four major shareholders, they for four of the airline’s new ATR aircraft, leaving just two each in Antigua and Trinidad. are really disproportionately carrying the load for the countries with some 700 disclosed that LIAT had flights per week. made a request for rest of the Caribbean.”

A recent meeting of additional input of EC$5 he said. million to keep it LIAT currently has 10 the Shareholder Governments of LIAT operational. aircraft servicing 18

St. Kitts/Nevis cracks down on ‘illegals’ SOME 100 nationals of Cuba, Jamaica, Venezuela, Sunday Services of at least one the Dominican Republic and the USA were rounded Church in the community. up by police, in an operation in the communities of “The law is the law is the East Basseterre, capital of the Federation of St. law. As a genuine effort is Kitts and Nevis. being made now to uphold the The Saturday 22nd October operation came in law, violations of our laws will response to ongoing concerns brought to the not be tolerated,” said Dr. attention of the police, by residents of the Harris in further justification communities. for the action.

Some 29 of those picked were still in police Dr. Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of St. custody up to late last week.

Kitts/Nevis, is prepared to ensure that the law Addressing the issue, Prime Minister Dr. takes its rightful toll on those who run amok of it.

Timothy Harris said, according to an official government release, “The individuals in question have overstayed and have been in violation of our Immigration Laws, in some cases as early as 2010. That is where the documentation leads us. Some of these persons had only been granted provisional entry to attend funerals, weddings, or visit sick relatives. That is what they came purportedly to do, and they refused to voluntarily leave the country or seek extensions from the appropriate authorities.”

Dr. Harris affirmed that the police action had come in response to the public’s growing concerns.

Those concerns, according to the Prime Minister, related to violation of the Noise Act, lewd behaviour, traffic congestion, suspected illegal actions carried out in bars; Basseterre, capital of St.Kitts/Nevis, is getting some fights and general chaos well into the morning hours, which have even disturbed attention as far as disturbing social trends are concerned.

Zouks new owner in trouble JUST ABOUT a week since there was a lavish announcement of the purchase of the Zouks franchise of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), grey clouds appear ready to dump some rain on that party.

Last week, the CPL was all over itself as it announced that the Zouks franchise had been purchased by Mr. Jignesh ‘Jay’ Pandya of Royal Sports Club, based in Philadelphia.

By last weekend, there was a deafening silence when news broke, according to St. Luca Online News, that Pandya, “is currently facing charges of fraud and operating a ponzi scheme in the US.” The charge of fraud was, according to St. Lucia Online News, brought to the US courts by plaintiff Jagdish Patel against Pandya and another co-accused.

Jignesh (Jay) Pandya of the Pennsylvania-based sports development company, Global Sports Ventures, LLC, new owner of the Hero CPL St. Lucia Zouks, is in a stick of bother.

to Pandya because of his recent (September 29) acquisition of exclusive licensing rights for a Franchised T20 Professional Cricket League, by the United States of America Cricket Association.

There has been, up to press time Wednesday, no reaction to this recent development by the Hero CPL administration.

Further information that has come to hand, said that the legal issue stemmed from an alleged financial fraud that has elements of a ponzi scheme.

Pandya is said to be the founder of the Rohan Group of companies, ‘a real estate venture with over 100 combined commercial and retail properties that employs in excess of 1,200 people’.

In welcoming the purchase of Zouks, Mr. Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of the Hero CPL, said then: “Today is a landmark day for the Zouks franchise, and indeed for the Hero CPL, and is further evidence of the growing stature of the biggest party in sport both in the Caribbean and internationally.”

It appears that the The Zouks, led by Darren Sammy, had its best season in the 2016 CPL Hero CPL was attracted season.

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6. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

COSAGO honours 2 at NY Independence gala and the Grenadines Nurses Association of New York, and a COSAGO executive, was instrumental in getting Eugene to bestow the proclamations.

THE BROOKLYN, NEW YORK-BASED umbrella Vincentian In addition, COSAGO and its president group in the United States, Council of St. Vincent and Laverne McDowald-Thompson received the Grenadines Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO) on citations, from Brooklyn Borough Sunday, honoured two community stalwarts, as it President Eric Adams, which were read by wrapped up the nation’s 37th Independence COSAGO executive Ancilla Friday, who is Anniversary celebrations in the Big Apple. also public relations officer of the Registered Nurse Judith Lewis, of Bequia, and Brooklyn-based Club St. Vincent, Inc., Honoree RN Judith Lewis (2nd from right) in the company of retired public school teacher Olson Thomas, of one of the leading cultural and (L-R): Ardon Tannis - COSAGO Vice President, Laverne Mc Georgetown, were honored before some 400 patrons educational Vincentian groups in the Dowald-Thompson - COSAGO President; RN Celia Bramble at a gala luncheon at Grand Prospect Hall in United States. and New York Counsel General Howie Prince.

Brooklyn. The event was organised in collaboration with the New York Consulate General.

Judith Lewis “And so, coming to this country, I try to help as The honorees also received a New York City many as I could,” continued Lewis, who, for the past Proclamation from Brooklyn Councilman Dr. “It’s an honor, and I feel very humble to receive 16 years, has volunteered twice weekly, as an adult Mathieu Eugene, the Haitian-born representative this prestigious award,” said Lewis, an Associate literacy instructor, at the Brooklyn Public Library. for the 40th City Council District, which covers Professor in the Department of Nursing at her alma Lewis is also very active in many professional Flatbush and East Flatbush, among other sections, mater, Medgar Evers College. “You don’t need a organizations, including the Omega Chi Chapter in Brooklyn. Registered Nurse Celia Bramble, a speech; you can speak off the cuff, like Donald (Brooklyn) Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority and the St. former president of the Brooklyn-based St. Vincent Trump [the US Republican Presidential Vincent and the Grenadines Nurses Association of Candidate].”

New York.

While patrons still roared about her reference to Trump, Lewis said: Olson Thomas “I will cherish this award, especially [coming] from St. Vincent and the Thomas, whose teaching career in St. Vincent and Grenadines.” the Grenadines culminated in 1971, as principal of She said she grew up in Bequia, Union Methodist School in South Central renowned for its community Windward, said he was “thrilled” to receive the spiritedness, where her mother also award. instilled in her that sense of pride He said he shared the award with members of the and value.

Brooklyn-based SVG Humanitarian Organization, of which he is president. These included Earl Bailey, who introduced him; Allie James and Erlene Peters.

Honoree Olson Thomas (2nd from “I’m very proud of my country because of what I right) with (L-R): Ardon Tannis have done,” said Thomas, a retired Math specialist COSAGO Vice President, Earl with New York City Department of Education, Bailey of the SVG Humanitarian Organization, Laverne McDowald- whose enthusiasm for culture is described as “exemplary.”

Thompson, COSAGO President As a songwriter, his list of songs includes: and New York Counsel General “Welcome to St. Vincent and the Grenadines;” “Love Howie Prince.

One Another;” “Banana Man;” and “Stand Up for What is Right.”

Thomas, who is also a poet, was the founding member of the now defunct Dulce Melos Orchestra, of Georgetown.

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

Other Addresses New Counsel General Howie Prince challenged cultural and sports ambassadors in the Diaspora to “step up their game,” putting on the spot two such ambassadors present — Cyril N. “Scorcher” Thomas and Stanley “Luxie” Morris — to state “what it means to be an ambassador.”

Joining Prince on the elevated platform, Thomas, a calypsonian, briefly recapped his role as a former national goal keeper in football (soccer) and exDeputy New York Counsel General, among other things, adding: “What more can a man be?”

Morris — who was captain of the national soccer team, coach of the national youth soccer team and assistant manager of the national soccer team in 1981, among other things — said his life-long dream was “to serve St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“It was never about me,” he said. “I have served, and will continue to serve.”

Popular Vincentian DJs SupaEyes and EZ Sounds provided pulsating soca and reggae vibes, as nationals took to the dance floor.

The gala Independence Anniversary Luncheon was preceded last Friday by a free Cultural Showcase at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn.

Last Sunday, nationals congregated at an Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving at St. Mark’s Episcopal (Anglican) Church on Union Street in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. 7.

Education

The urn (centre on table) containing the cremated remains of Cadaver Stephen.

Right: Jamin Graham, presents commemorative plaque to Dr. Linda Adkinson - Dean of Trinity School of Medicine.

Cadaver Stephen laid to rest

cadavers used at Trinity to Dean Dr. Linda Adkinson, everyone would have been convinced that her words rang true when she said, “This is THE DONATING of vital Furthermore, when Dr. Happy Stephen’s plaque!” organs for the purpose of Frances Jack-Edwards, The words of scripture saving or prolonging life is Dean of Students rose to chosen from Psalm 90, an action that many give actual words of and 1 Corinthians 15: 50persons still do not appreciation for the gift 58 allowed for an comprehend. that Cadaver Stephen had appropriate juncture for Notwithstanding, body or given to Trinity, she the words of the featured anatomical donation, is an began with, “As I speaker. In his Homily, act of phenomenal prepared this speech, I Reverend Dr. George proportion, and it reflected on Stephen’s life Frederick addressed the guarantees that medical and what sort of person he topic, ‘The Choices We students and/or would have been to do Make’. He told the researchers interacting such a selfless act of audience that the choice with these cadavers, come donating his body to the between life and death to either understand the medical field. I realized was given by God, who workings of the human body he would have been: a also endowed mankind or make advancements in father, a husband, a with the capacity to make Science. brother and a friend to the choice. He called Cadaver Stephen many; a caring person death an enemy while exemplified these ideals. whose life would have stating that life was to be Even in death, he chose to touched others in embraced. He went on to serve life. He had joined indescribable ways.” show the characteristics of the Department of She then spoke of the life and death from a Anatomical Science at benefits derived by the Biblical perspective, Trinity University School students as a result of stating that death has of Medicine in February, Stephen’s ‘presence’ in been abolished in Christ’s 2014 and, as his cremated their medical career. “I life and does not have the remains were about to be would like you to pause final say. Life, on the laid to rest, a service of and reflect on the other hand, is temporary appreciation was held in knowledge of Anatomy but becomes eternal after commemoration of his gift you will carry with you to death. “Stephen,” he of life. This was held at heal patients and to intimated, “has the school’s campus on continue Stephen’s legacy temporarily gone on. He Friday, 28th October, of touching the lives, in had made choices when he 2016. whichever community you was alive, and these are In fitting tributes of may go back to,” she what will matter when life appreciation, the Trinity solemnly expressed, becomes eternal.”

Security Choir, comprising “Reflect on the importance With the service a group of security of giving respect to concluded, Stephen’s officers, sang the touching cadavers, as well as remains were taken to the song, ‘Across the Bridge’; taking time out to give Kingstown cemetery while a member of the thanks for their where his interment Christian Dental and contribution to our lives.” ensued. The atmosphere Medical Association gave And after President of became one of heartfelt an inspiring rendition of the Student Government thanksgiving as members ‘Great is Thy Association, Jamin of faculty and staff sang Faithfulness’, Graham, had presented a lustily to complete the act accompanying herself on plaque commemorating of giving appreciation to guitar.

Stephen’s place among Cadaver Stephen.

A Security Officer of Trinity School of Medicine lays a wreath on Stephen’s grave.

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8. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial Why Young - Gangs- Parents THE RECENT SPATE of deadly shooting incidents across the state, brought into focus the extent to which gangs and the rivalry that exists among them, are at the centre of this (mis)behaviour.

If we accept that much of what has happened here as far as fatal shootings are concerned, has much to do with gang rivalry, then it is incumbent on us to go beyond the work of law enforcement agencies, and dig deeper into some core causes.

As parents, teachers, school administrators and, dare we say, mentors, it’s important we have as much insight/understanding as to why young people today might be interested in joining gangs. This understanding will better equip us to speak to our children, to the young ones whose care falls within our responsibility.

Take it or leave it, our economy and the opportunities it offers will never absorb all the human capital that abound here.

There will be a number of young people who will fall through the cracks. They remain impressionable after secondary and even tertiary education, and are, as a result, set up to be easy prey for those who are on the daily lookout for recruits to do their dirty work.

Many of our young people, who have not been absorbed by the mainstream or formal economy, feel they have little choice, creating a situation in which there will always be a percentage who cannot see any other way to ‘improvement’.

That vulnerable percentage are those who live in disappointment, even in fear, on a daily basis, and see joining a gang - the boys on the block - as a solution to their predicament.

That is why parents owe it to our children to provide for them a safe, loving and stable home environment. Therein lies the challenge.

How many of our working parents can afford a stable, safe and loving home environment? The daily challenges of eking out a living so as to care for self and a family, bring to bear on that home environment the frustration that the breadwinners encounter in their daily trudge to earn a living.

The fact that opportunity is still not spread equally across the land speaks to many homes continuing to be breeding grounds for ripe and ready commodities on which gangs prey.

Many of those households who struggle through their daily existence, including those who live from pay cheque to pay cheque, send their children, unconsciously so, to find refuge among their friends.

Once among their friends, it is not too long before this camaraderie is accepted as a form of protection — a safety net of sorts — even an opportunity for improvement.

Not least among the magnetic appeal, is the gangs’ appeal of making fast money. But moreso than not, gangs are involved in activities that are either criminal as a means to make money.

Young people may be offered more money for delivering a package or being a lookout, than their parents can earn in a week.

Before too long, they take to wearing certain colours, certain styles of clothes/fashion, and even modify their body language to suit the trends and give themselves a certain identity. They may even wear distinctive hairstyles and take to using gang terminology and adopt a whole new lexicon.

If a parent notices any of these indicators, it is a signal that the child is interested in a gang or has already joined one.

But, moreover, parents fail their children big time when they ignore the wider responsibility of seeing that the neighbourhood is a safe place for their children. Parents must work with law enforcement — providing information to help keep the neighbourhood safe.

Parents have to be hard of heart sometimes, and allow their children to face the consequences of their illegal behaviour,if that is the only recourse. Protecting children from the law does not make them responsible.

Merry-go-round turns misery-go-round THE LATEST TACTIC of P.M Gonsalves is to set the country up on another wild-goose chase of noble citizens, who had failed for more than a decade, to come up with a slate of “National Heroes” that are worth their salt.

In fact, the selection committee had done a full day’s work, but the PM feared that Cato was likely to be left out of the ratings, and that the honouring of Cato was crucial to the future hope of the ULP. Many of Ralph’s former cohorts, led by Jomo Thomas, just cannot bear even the mention of Cato. Truth is that I had warned Jomo about entering the ULP like cockroach joining foul party; but he was adamant the ULP was closer to his heart.

Now, Jomo’s star is clearly in the ascendant, exciting times are clearly ahead.

But to get back to the idea of honouring lesser than National Heroes, dead or alive, is thought with Adrian Fraser’s help harping this line for a long-time, claiming that it would in fact facilitate the selection process to ‘National Heroes” if fairly organised and operate, so to speak as a clearing house for the bigger occasion.

This new turn of events took place at Leopold “Sleepy” Anthony’s funeral, for whatever reasons. As a senior citizen who loves his country, I will support the following persons as deserving of the badge.

In North Leeward, apart from “Sleepy”, Alphonso Dennie who is now blind like a bat, but still with a vision as clear as the sunrise; George Thomas of the elder folk can be considered. Leroy “Pokes” Mulraine has been overlooked often enough, and going back to the 1930s, Webster Clarke, Barbadian-born, did make a sterling contribution.

Truth is, I fully compliment and endorse our four “Leaders of Thought” chosen by Rudolph Baynes, (1950s), and too briefly appeared on children’s exercise books: namely, Webster Clarke, Darnley Williams, Wilberforce Prescod and the elder Duncan Daisley.

C.W Prescod has a school named after him, but his illustrious son, Pat Prescod of the Kingstown Chorale, ought to be so honoured as well; so too the three sons of Darnley Williams- Frank, Henry and Moulton for public services.

As to Mr. Daisley, the Carapan School built on former lands of his, should be renamed; Dacon does not deserve that accolade. There is another positive dimension to Daisley, in that he virtually hosted a chapter of the Garveyite Movement, as was Hugh Mulzac who

actually captained a ship of the Black Star Line. Mulzac was legally shut out, for whatever reasons, from contention for the National Heroes Award!

Duncan Daisley’s granddaughter, Mrs Viola John at 90-odd , would convince persons that age is just a number! She merits an award somewhere near the top as was given to Monica Dacon. And Ralph badly needs to rehabilitate Yvonne FrancisGibson, ailing in her later 80s. His party had stripped her of the lowly JP insignia; the woman was president of the Teachers Union for which she was jailed over a weekend; headed the Women’s Desk; ran twice successfully for West St George and was Minister of Education. The SVTU continues to shower her with praise, church groups and sympathetic people visit her with hymn-singing and prayers, but governmental notice and some tangible gratitude are largely missing. She is condemned for life for committing the original sin of leaving the Labour Party for NDP. Which is to say, that the ULP High Command has limits to engaging in any meritorious system. They understand one thing: a one-party, travelling one road, following one ideology.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. 9.

Letters

Thank you THE NATIONAL BOARD of the ISCCF wishes to express our gratitude to you for publishing our AGM Advertisement free of cost. We greatly appreciate this support given to the movement.

The opening session of our AGM begins at 2pm on Saturday 5th November, at the New Testament Church of God at Wilson Hill.

Any further assistance you can give regarding publicising our AGM would be greatly appreciated.

David Peniston (Board Chairman)

Mardi Gras on the street SINCE LAST YEAR, I understand that the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) was considering making a big change in carnival here. I don’t know why the change was not introduced, but I hope that the suggestion is not forgotten, and I would urge the new Chairman, Mr. Ricardo Adams, to bring it back on the agenda fast.

I understand that there was a suggestion that there be no mas competition in Victoria Park for Mardi Gras (Carnival Tuesday). As we know, the CDC has been complaining about how empty the Park is on Mardi Gras , but they still have all the expenses to pay,

Politicians to blame EVERY TIME I turn on the radio and I hear our politicians spouting their rhetoric, I get sick. If it continues in that vein, 2015 would be the last year I cast an X in a general election in my country.

It appears to me that regardless of what is proposed, it is going to be opposed. The opposition refuses to cooperate with the government, and the government thinks the opposition has nothing constructive to offer. Ideally, our democracy calls for a coming together in the interest of what is good for the country as a whole; but the lessons of modern politics here teach us the exact opposite.

In my opinion, the politicians have caused untold damage, socially and financially. When in government, they spend as they please, and generally, they abuse the privileges of their office as members of parliament. All we get are holy than thou platitudes about our money should be spent, but very little if any on how we can make some (money) for ourselves.

As a friend of mine said, all the politicians know is how ‘to big ‘ themselves.

Gordon

Those guns!!!

including big prize money for the bands. I understand that a suggestion was made that we judge the Mas Bands on the street, with a special spot in Kingstown being selected as the judging point.

You know, Mr. Editor, I am a diehard mas lover — and an ole time masman - and I will always have a soft spot for having Mas in the Park. You see, I come from the days when presenting mas was like drama. Bands used to take time to make sure that masqueraders not only showed off their costumes, but that they had a message to give.

Every band, from historical, original, fancy to the cowboy and military bands, was about mas and

SHOOTING a 10-year old! Allegations of child molestation! What are we coming to?

I have no doubt, Mr. Editor, that our society has lost its moral values, and that we have lost any regard for human life.

Sorry if I sound like a ‘doomster’, but when I look around and see what is being promoted as our culture, it is shocking, and I wonder where we went wrong.

Even without a real answer to that question, I believe that we are where we are because we have lost our values of integrity, selflessness, trustworthiness, and honesty.

How do we fix it? By promoting good values and attitudes, and we all have to be on board with that effort — politicians,

MONK Waldron

Paddy Corea

UpTown Competition that is already judged on the road, so this will not be anything new.

The other thing, Mr. Editor, this will be a big change, and I suppose mas people would want to be the ones to make the final decision. But, isn’t it fair that the CDC Mas Man should do something Kingstown about getting the views of the people who play mas and the people like me who still want to come to town to see the bands parade? I am disappointed that the suggestion about moving the Mas Band competition from the Park is not something that is discussed in public. This should not be some secret discussion. Carnival and Mas is all about our culture. Every man who

We have lost our values

WHILE I am all for taking the illegal guns off the street, I think we also have to address a deeper issue.

To me, we must ask ourselves: How are these guns getting into SVG? When we can find out the exact answer(s) to that question, then we are on our way to curbing if JUST ABOUT to depart SVG after a short not getting rid of the problem. visit, only to leave with the news that we In the meantime, I agree that have lost a Vinci sports legend and a Vinci there are ‘too many illegal guns’ music icon within a forty-eight hour period. out there, and we must do ELTON ANDERSON, revered for his something about it. Lawyer track and field exploits, and the great piano Connell (in last week’s man LESLIE (MONK) WALDRON have left VINCENTIAN) made a suggestion us. that the authorities should My association was moreso with MONK, consider. After all, a former who, like his namesake Thelonious Monk, Commissioner of Police tried an was a different kind of pianist … No C. F, amnesty and, if I am correct, only and G here. one gun was turned in. Maybe Back in the early 80s, I had the pleasure Connell’s suggestion, if tried, to jam with him at Ken Boyea’s home in might bring in more. We will only Prospect. It was delightful. I especially know if we try. remember our attack on Duke Ellington’s And while I am at it, I am of SATIN DOLL. the opinion that these guns might MONK was a pretty piano player with just be coming in by legitimate very colourful chords. I know, he had a means, under cover of other daughter. I would hope that someone who things. I don’t know this for a might know of her whereabouts would fact, but what I see being offered ensure that she is informed. as certain concessions, makes me MONK was blind for quite a few years. stop and wonder.

Charles

entertainment. These days, it’s all about who could get to the front of the stage to ‘wine’ down the place. Half of the time, the mas is not properly displayed.

I have to say that sitting in Victoria Park these days for what they call Mardi Gras, waiting and waiting for the bands to pass across the stage, is too much of a strain on my patience.

And I tell you, it’s even worse when you have to put up with some Bands that shouldn’t even be allowed in the competition. And on top of that, I have to pay to go in the Park. So you see, it’s a case of paying to suffer.

Time that we stop this suffering, man! Judge the bands on the road.

After all, there is an

wants to have a say should be allowed to have his say.

What about a radio programme where the lines are open to the public? Let’s get an idea about how people feel about this suggestion.

Over to you Mr. New Chairman.

In the meantime, I say, let’s try the Mas on the Road thing for 2017.

church leaders, teachers, union leaders, included.

Sometime ago in your newspaper (October 14, 2016) I read about the effort to revive the Inter School and College Christian Fellowship. I

recall when I was at school, how active and helpful this organization was in addressing the challenges facing youth.

This effort should be encouraged and supported by the

Ministry of Education.

Rawle Roberts Editor’s Note: refer to letter captioned ‘Thank you’ on this page.

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10. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Excerpts from the 37th Anniversary of Independence Address delivered by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves

Introduction THERE WERE SEVERAL important announcements made by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, as he addressed the nation at the parade to mark the 37th Anniversary of Independence. We present a selection from that address.

Appointment of temporary clerks etc.

First, the 110 persons who are employed as temporary clerks, some for several years, in the public service will be employed with permanent status from January 01, 2017. This will provide them with the requisite job security and attendant benefits as public servants.

Second, on the basis of the 2016 CSEC and CAPE examinations, 629 students who achieved the requisite standard will shortly receive a cash grant of $500 each. So, too, would students who passed the Associate Degree programme at the required level at the SVG Community College. This is a continuation of the initiative of our government.

Third, on the basis of the 2016 CAPE examinations, our government has awarded 16 scholarships, exhibitions, and bursaries for university-level study.

Of these, eight are National Scholarships, fully-funded for 5 years of study; five are National Exhibitions, fully-funded for 3 years of study; and three are Bursaries valued at $60,000 each for 3-year university programmes.

These awards cost in excess of $5 million in the aggregate. Additionally, for the 2017-2018 academic year, the government will grant 70 tuition scholarships to deserving applicants for university study; further, it will continue to finance the economic cost for all eligible students at the University of the West Indies; and the state-owned Student Loan Company will continue to grant annually economicallydisadvantaged student loans amounting to in excess of $4 million to eligible and deserving applicants. All of this, combined with other university scholarships negotiated with friendly overseas governments and supportive institutions, continue to place St. Vincent and the Grenadines on track to have one university graduate per household, on an average, by 2030.

is the internationally-proclaimed Year of Mercy by people of faith, and we ought to exercise it appropriately to these young persons and others.

Sixth, the annual duty-free concession for Christmas barrels will commence on Monday, November 14, 2016, and run to December 31, 2016.

Last year, there were some 18,000 such barrels.

Seventh, shortly, additional persons will be recruited for the Police Force, the Fire Service, and the Coast Guard.

Recognition for outstanding Vincentians Eighth, I turn to the further recognition of those of our citizens, at home and abroad, who have made sterling contributions in the fields of sports, culture, education, health, public service, business, and community service. Early in the New Year 2017, our government will announce the naming of various facilities in honour of our distinguished citizens, particularly those who have gone to the great beyond. We must remember them as part of our exercise of nation-building and the further ennoblement of our Caribbean civilisation. Announcements, too, will be made for a few additional sporting and cultural ambassadors.

And my last announcement today concerns Haiti. I have instructed the Director General of Finance and Planning to transfer an initial US $50,000 to assist the Haitian government in its relief efforts consequent upon the recent devastation wrought by Hurricane Matthew. The Haitians are our Caribbean brothers and sisters whom we love dearly. They are in our prayers.

Fellow-Vincentians, within a few weeks, I will present to Parliament the Estimates for Revenue and Expenditure for the year 2017. Thereafter I will deliver my Budget 2017 in the debate on the Appropriation Bill. Please listen out for our government’s continued programmes and some fresh initiatives.

Fellow-Vincentians, as I conclude, I reiterate that today is a day for Registered Nurses and Nursing Assistants reflection of ourselves and our history; Fourth, the relevant authorities in to think carefully about our past, our government, will shortly announce the present, and our future which is the 100 or so successful applicants in the aggregate for the coveted places, for the only time, that it is ours to desecrate.

We must truly get to know better new academic year, in the Registered ourselves and our history; to listen more Nursing and Nursing Assistant to our parents and grand-parents; to programmes. The students in the shape a whole son and a whole daughter Registered Nursing programme will out of the compromises which history continue to receive not only a free education but also a monthly stipend of and contemporary circumstances have $1,000.00. I have been advised that St. made us.

In this process, renewals and Vincent and the Grenadines is the only rebirths are not only possible, but country in CARICOM with such a necessary and desirable. As we learn generous provision, a special initiative of our ULP government. You may recall from our past, we must not remain that last year, the positions for Nursing stuck in it; we take the present as we find it and make our future better from Assistants were made pensionable for all our possibilities and strengths, the first time ever. despite our limitations and weaknesses.

All these, and other compelling We must discern truth from facts, and initiatives for the youths, the elderly, let the real world validate the truth. farmers, the working people, will We must not merely build continue to be honoured and monuments of the Right Excellent implemented despite the economic Joseph Chatoyer, our extraordinary challenges, with which we are National Hero, and other exceptional confronted. personalities in our patrimony; their heroic deeds and teachings are better Early release from prison Fifth, in another week or two, after a remembered not in marble, stone or bronze but in our hearts and minds, review is completed by the competent recognising always that despite their authorities, I intend to advise His greatness, that they are mortals with Excellency the Governor General to limitations and weaknesses. order the release of some young men And so, today, we renew individually and women who are serving terms of and collectively our quest to uplift imprisonment for relatively minor ourselves and our nation further. It is offences. I consider that in all the circumstances that these young persons our duty to act in furtherance of this ought to be given a second chance. This noble quest.

Justice in St. Vincent and the Grenadines Statement by the Hon. Arnhim Eustace on the matter related to Igal Adams AS YOU MAY BE AWARE by now, Mr Igal Adams, who normally hosts the New Times programme, was detained over the weekend in connection with an alleged sexual misconduct case.

The fact of the matter as it stands now is that after being detained by the police for nearly 48 hours, Mr Adams was released without any charge being laid against him. The police have said that the investigations are continuing. And so, we all await the outcome of the promised ongoing investigations.

It is important that there be a thorough, but speedy investigation in this matter, as the continuation of any unnecessary lingering air of suspicion will do no justice to any of the parties involved. Mr. Adams has declared his intention to vigorously fight to clear his name, and we understand and appreciate that he will dedicate his time and his efforts in that regard, in the coming period.

He indicated a while ago that he will step down as Radio Host until this matter is settled. We make no judgement on Mr Adams’ guilt; indeed, at this time there is not even a charge laid against him. He is entitled to the presumption of innocence, until a charge is laid against him and it is heard in a court.

Allegations of this nature are always traumatic. The alleged victim suffers the pain, fear, shame and trauma associated with the alleged event and its aftermath. Families are affected. Those accused have their lives disrupted until the allegations can be fairly dealt with in a court of law. This very seriousness demands a commensurate response from all concerned that is just, fair and impartial, and it is in this context that I wish to comment on the larger matter here: the fundamental question about the fairness and impartiality of the justice system in this country.

A few weeks ago in Brooklyn, New York, a Vincentian citizen, Ms Miranda Wood, stood up in a town hall meeting and, in front of dozens of witnesses, accused Dr Ralph Gonsalves of sexually assaulting her when she was a minor. Ms Wood’s allegation of sexual assault is only the most recent of several allegations of sexual assault and rape that have been publicly made against Dr Gonsalves.

In January 2008, a female police officer on security detail at the prime minister’s residence, alleged that Dr Gonsalves raped her on the compound, in the early hours of one morning. A Canadian human rights lawyer alleges that she was sexually assaulted in January 2003 by Dr Gonsalves in the prime minister’s office, which she was visiting on business.

It is a matter of public record that the latter two allegations were actually filed as court cases by the alleged victims. And it is also a matter of public record that these cases were quickly dismissed by this country’s Director of Public Prosecutions, before they could actually be heard in a court of law.

It is also a matter of public record

that, despite the fact that there is no statute of limitations on rape or sexual assault in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Gonsalves was never, at any time, ever requested or required by the police to present himself for questioning. Indeed, at the time, Dr Gonsalves was the minister with responsibility for the entire apparatus of the police, national security and justice, and was therefore, in a situation of a pure conflict of interest, from which he ought to have stepped aside. Any decent leadership, concerned with justice, fair play and impartiality, would have demanded nothing less.

In relation to that particular matter, Jomo Thomas, who is now the Speaker of the House, is on record as saying that, if he Jomo Thomas, or anyone else for that matter, had been accused of sexual assault, the police would have taken him away, and he wondered if justice has two faces in St Vincent and the Grenadines. If an ordinary Vincentian had been accused a few weeks ago, as Dr Gonsalves was accused, the matter would have been followed up by the police, and that Vincentian might very well be where Mr Adams is today, in the custody of the authorities. The lesson for all of us in these matters, is that justice must not only be done, but appear to be done, no matter who is involved.

We, therefore, must use this latest development to open up a fresh debate about the dispensation of justice in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and what is seen by many ordinary Vincentians as the corruption of the system by undue political interference.

Statement by Igal Adams Its public knowledge now that I was arrested on Friday the 28th October 2016, over an allegation of having unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl below the age of fifteen. It is also public knowledge that I was released Saturday night 29th October 2016, without charge, pending further investigation. I, Igal Adams, want to state categorically that I deny any and all allegations brought against me.

Those allegations are false and unfounded.

I have looked at the position the NDP took when a police officer accused the then Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of rape. When Dr. Gonsalves was charged, Mr. Eustace demanded that Gonsalves should step aside until the matter is dealt with.

As one who was in agreement with that position, and still is, I as a Christian and an individual who believe in fair play, do take this decision to stand down as host of the NDP New Times Programme, until the police have completed their investigation. I am, therefore, calling on the police to at least try to conclude the investigation as speedily and complete.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. 11.

Views

The multipotentialities

“At IDEO, we’ve found that some of our most valuable Cross-Pollinators are what we call ‘T-shaped’ individuals. That is, they enjoy a breadth of knowledge in many fields, but they also have depth in at least one area of expertise.” - Tom Kelly (1955), author of “The Ten Faces of Innovation”.

EMILIE WAPNICK, an artist and writer, describes a Multipontialite as a person with many interests and passions. Some researchers also describe such individuals as renaissance persons, scanners, polymaths, and multipods.

Multipontialites tend to be individuals who are multi-talented; they have highly developed skills in a number of areas.

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) has been identified as one of the world’s most popular and accomplished multipotentialites. This Italian polymath was an accomplished mathematician, engineer, geologist, historian, painter, sculpture, architect, scientist, astronomer, botanist, writer, and inventor.

Leonardo may be most famous for his work as an artist. However, history records that he spent a significant amount of his time exploring the sciences and designing a number of inventions. Though the first helicopter was not built until the 1940s, it was believed that the sketches drawn by Leonardo da Vinci, approximately three centuries earlier, influenced the design and creation of this modern day flying machine.

Italy was also the home of another world-famous multipotentialite, Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (1475-1564). Michaelangelo was a sculptor, painter, architect, and poet of the High Renaissance.

He exerted an unmatched influence on the development of Western art, and has been described as one of the greatest artists of all time. Many of his sculptures, architecture, and paintings have gained and retained world fame. Like Leonardo Da Vinci, Michaelangelo demonstrated a versatility of interests and skills. He especially developed a unique way of combining his art, sculptures, and architecture. This is evidenced by his influence on the layout and construction of the Laurentian Library, the complex at the ancient Capitoline Hill, and his design of St. Peter’s Basilica.

As can be expected, multipotentialites are fast learners and tend to move from one interest to the next quite seamlessly. Many appear to comfortably immerse themselves in the process for relatively long periods as they extract the “pearls of wisdom” from the particular exercise. They tend to have a knack for being able to synthesize ideas. In addition, they often possess the unique ability to combine a variety of disciplines and experiences to create and sustain new ideas. Such an approach, in turn, allows them to be very adaptable — versatility is one of their hallmarks.

The way we socialize our children will continue to play a major role in relation to whether we influence the development of citizens who are multipotentialites — developing talents in many areas. Our encouraging them to pursue a variety of passions will go a long way to developing their varied skills.

Modern research in child development confirms that this is especially important during their formative years.

Early childhood development programmes can greatly influence the creation of multipotentialites.

Children have a natural inclination to explore and develop multiple talents.

Sometimes, curriculum planners and organisers incorrectly assume that the children will suffer from “overload” if we expose them to too many areas of interest during their formative years.

However, modern researchers now conclude that their “tiny brains” have the capacity to engage in many more activities than previously thought possible. In addition, it is now known that their motor and cognitive development can be significantly expanded if the proper stimuli are provided during those critical early years. Viewing the Steve Harvey interview with Luis Esquivel, the fiveyear-old math wizard, brings this point forcefully home (http://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/ meet-luis-5-year-old-math-wiz-littlebig-shots-n558626). We are baffled to discover that this “tiny tot” can do the square number of 162 in a matter of seconds - providing the answer of 26,244 before Steve Harvey could confirm the correct answer using his calculator. While it is true that genetics will play a role in such capabilities, we must not discredit the importance of the environmental influences — the exposure and the encouragement; the coaching to excel.

Based on the foregoing, we can appreciate the fact that our children have the capacity for learning a variety of topics. In a world that is forever pushing for more innovation, we need to be encouraging our citizens to pursue multiple interests and to see how they can create synergies among these pursuits. Such an approach can drive innovation.

Tom Kelly, in his book entitled “The Ten Faces of Innovation”, advocates that such multi-talented individuals, working in teams of equally gifted persons with diverse interest, push the boundaries of technology. He describes them as Cross-Pollinators and T-shaped individuals; they have a breadth of knowledge even as they specialize in key functional areas.

Such individuals do not develop these traits, behaviours, or skills by chance.

They must be socialized to be that way. We, you and I, have a major responsibility to champion such behaviours. The child who has a knack for Mathematics, must also be encouraged to embrace music, athletics, agriculture, drama, dance, and so on. In doing so, we can create our homegrown multipotentialites; individuals (boys and girls) with the potential to become a modern day Leonardo or Michaelangelo; multipotentialites whose insights and creativity can have a positive influence on our world and theirs.

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

Our politics is becoming a bloodsport ‘WE NEED THE SELF-CONFIDENCE to admit that at best, we possess only a partial understanding of the truth, which can be enlarged by refining our views in light of new arguments, new circumstances and new insights. But this requires us to listen to others, to weigh their arguments with care, and maybe even to learn from them.’

Peter Wehner, a senior fellow at the Ethics and Policy Center.

In the old days, public life was regarded as the crown of a career, and to the young it was the worthiest ambition. Politics was regarded as the greatest and most honorable adventure.

Apart from those who are actively involved in politics, we may be hardpressed to find citizens who hold public officials and politicians in high esteem.

Most elected officials put their own interests ahead of the country’s interest. As a result, many citizens have total contempt for the political elite.

Much of these negative feelings are justified. Politicians rarely offer solutions to the problems facing the country. There’s also their hypocrisy as well as the triviality and rhetorical wasteland that characterize much of public discourse. But voters are complicit in this problem, because we choose the people who represent us.

Repairing our politics begins with understanding the nature of the political enterprise. Our bitter mistrust of politics is partly because of our failure to come to terms with its realities and limits.

The historian, Wilfred M. Mc Clay cautions against cynicism and idealism. Our disappointments, he argues, arise from ‘our excessive expectations.’ “We assume we are better people than we seem to be, and we assume that our politics should therefore be an endlessly uplifting pursuit, full of joy and inspiration, rather than endless wrangling, empty rhetoric and petty self-interest.”

Politics is less than perfect because we are less than perfect. Therefore, we need a dose of modesty. Politics is not an exact science, where clear premises and deductive reasoning can lead to exact answers. There are truths to be discovered, but they are complex and many-sided. The best way to get to them is by engaging contrary ideas as a dialogue, rather than an argument to be won.

In the hyper-partisan, political pressure cooker called SVG, politics is all too often portrayed as a struggle between good and evil. These times demand that we step back, think more, talk less and embrace light over heat.

The tribes must be placed on a diet of reason and schooled in the dangers of red meat.

Some of us may remember when it was impossible to talk about politics at a polite dinner party because you would probably have a fight. Today, people talk about politics at a dinner party because most of the people there probably agree with each other. It’s maddeningly sad because our leaders don’t offer public rebuke to their most toxic attack dogs.

Once we listen only to echo chambers which reinforce what we believe, we may never comprehend the opinions of others. The more distant our opponents are, the more likely we are to dismiss and dehumanize them.

There’s no common ground, no acknowledgment that those who hold different views from us might have a

legitimate point, an understandable grievance, a reasonable concern.

Politics then becomes blood sport.

How do we break free from this partisan factionalism? The 16th century French writer Michel de Montaigne offers a possible answer. “I embark upon discussion and argument with great ease and liberty,” he writes in “On the Art of Conversation.” “Since opinions do not find in me a ready soil to thrust and spread their roots into, no premise shocks me, no belief hurts me, no matter how opposite to my own they may be.”

“Whenever we meet opposition, we do not look to see if it is just, but how we can get out of it. Instead of welcoming arms, we stretch out our claws…When I am contradicted, it arouses my attention, not my wrath. I move toward the man who contradicts me: he is instructing me. The cause of truth ought to be common to both of us.”

Our low regard for politics, especially the brand we don’t support, is leading us to undervalue the craft of governing, to lose sight of the idea that there is anything at all that ought to be common to us, never mind truth.

We are attracted to political novices and demagogues who have the answers to everything and the solution to nothing.

Our democratic belief that anyone can be a political leader, feeds into the anti-democratic belief that we should look to one person or party to quickly and easily save us. No one, alone, can fix our problems, and in our system of government, a one man, know it all approach is a prescription for catastrophe. We must not let our confusion about and contempt for politics blind us to the possibility that politicians can advance the common good. Those who benefitted from ULP efforts in housing and education do not share either our contempt or cynicism.

Therefore, politics is about making our institutions work better, helping people’s lives at the margins, giving men and women the room to make the most of their talents and skills. It’s about making our schools better and our communities safer. The people who give up on politics and who reflexively denigrate those who are practitioners of it, are doing a disservice to our country. Skepticism is a fine human trait; caustic cynicism is useless.

We need to think of political activity as a type of moral activity. We must not claim the ability to settle every problem or to make every sad heart glad, but strive to help some way in nearly everything. If we do so with commitment and vigor, we can prevent great injustices that pass for political discourse in this land.

Thinking about politics as a moral activity may seem unimaginable during this malicious and degrading political period. But doing so, in a realistic and sober way, is the first step toward repairing our shattered political culture, and restoring politics to the pride of place it deserves in our national life. Our challenge is to invent a new kind of politics.

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

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12. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

IADC Directors Fees 42 cents a day?

ACCORDING the International Airport Development Company (IADC) Limited Financial Statement for year ended December 31, 2010, the Directors’ Fees for 2010 were EC$2,565 and EC$2,132 for 2009. It is very hard to believe that this financial statement is true!

IADC has 14 directors. Therefore, according to this financial statement, each director was paid about EC$183 in 2010, which is about 50 cents a day. In 2009, according to this financial statement, the directors were paid EC$152 each, which is about 42 cents a day.

It is hard to believe that the IADC financial statement is a true reflection of IADC’s financial circumstances. It seems like there is a blatant understating of the cost of construction of the unusable Argyle airport. Is IADC trying to fool the

people with its financial reports?

The Leader of SVG Green Party, Mr Ivan O’Neal, who has a BSc (Hons.) in Accounting and Finance from Oxford Brookes University, believes that the IADC financial statement for 2010 misleads the public about the actual cost of construction of the unusable Argyle airport.

An external audit of IADC’s Financial Statements is urgently needed, so that the public can see the true cost of the Argyle airport.

There is something dubious going on with the financial statements of IADC. No photocopying is allowed of the IADC financial statements for 2011, 2012 and 2013. Also, the IADC financial statements for 2014 and 2015 are mysteriously not available for public scrutiny. Why are these

AT TIMES, my imagination takes me in a helicopter circling over SVG. What I see are twelve summary pools, each about seventy-five metres long and fifty metres wide, each with a section for children, a section for adult swimming, another section for low and high springboard diving, and buildings for clothing change and storage, all situated in the most convenient spaces of the constituencies of SVG. My imagination would also let me see a bridge connecting our mainland with the Grenadine island of Bequia. Many Vincentians would tell me to keep on dreaming and tell them some more. So, I’ll go on.

My imagination would let me feel like I am landing at the Argyle International Airport for the first time. On my way out of the terminal, on the surrounding hillside, I would see a HarleyDavidson motorcycle dealership, a Daimler — Benz and Ford car dealerships and an Indigo

bookstore.

I would also see clothing companies like Marcus Norman, American Eagle, Urban Behavior, Le Chateau, the Gap, Club Monaco, Benettons, Zara, Macys and Holt Refrew, clothing stores. Where else is my imagination going to take me? I would also see on the hillside, Apple, and Samsung dealerships.

Health and Wellness Vincentians are used to going to the beaches here on the mainland, but are there any good ones? The Grenadines, however, are full of them, but to get there, you’ll have to fly down or use the ferry service. So what’s going to happen if we are yearning for beautiful swimming areas?

Just like the resource centres fit the Education Revolution, so can the swimming pools fit the Health and Wellness Revolution which is still evolving.

We have been paying a lot of attention to playing fields for football and

financial statements being hidden from the public?

Another example of hard to believe figures in the financial statement is IADC’s utilities costs. For 2010, IADC paid EC$4,593 for utilities, which is about EC$383 a month. For 2009, IADC paid EC$2,748 for utilities, which is about EC$229 a month.

IADC’s costs for water and electricity for the construction of the Argyle airport are less than many households.

SVG Green Party is making a very strong call on fellow Vincentians to pay serious attention to the lack of integrity and credibility of the ULP regime as outlined in the SVG Audit Report for 2009 and 2010, and the questionable 42 cents per day paid to the 14 IADC directors.

The 1979 constitutionally appointed SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

to Nevis. Are they serious?

Well, it’s left to be seen.

As for the one connecting our mainland to Bequia, we might say besides cricket. This in itself is a being impossible, that it healthy agenda. How would be too costly, and much would it cost our would serve no real government to construct at least twelve swimming purpose. But, there is nothing that the finest pools throughout SVG? architects and engineers People would be able to walk to these pools. They in the world cannot do when there are companies do not have to be open like Exxon — Mobile in the every day, and surely not at all hours. A few of them world. As to the cost of such a bridge, I had said can certainly be open for that cross-country and certain hours in the cross-regional lotteries evenings, so that those would save our economies. who work in the city, If CARIOM was involved Kingstown, can come in these lotteries, SVG home to the countryside would be expected to gross areas, and walk to a pool at least US$5 billion a between the hours of 5 to year, and this would 10 p.m for a swim. These provide the funds. pools would provide for a With at least US$5 healthier population, and billion a year coming into if you like, for some more SVG, a state of the arts ‘liming’. As resource bridge can be constructed centres are to the between the mainland and education revolution, so Bequia. It would be a would pools be to the bridge that would be one health and wellness of the wonders of the revolution. world. A bridge that would have 10 lanes, five going Bridging the divide and five coming, and spaces for restaurants, Now, how about the stores, a movie theatre bridge to Bequia? You and large sidewalks. We might say that this is impossible, but is it really? might say that the people in Bequia would not Recently, I have been appreciate crowds of hearing talk of St Kitts’ plans to construct a bridge Vincentians coming down there; but if I was living

My imagination

Director of Audit report: ‘Because of the significance of the matters described above, and comments mentioned otherwise in this report, I am of the opinion that the financial statements presented for audit did not in all material respects fairly represent the financial position of the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines as at 31st December 2009 and 31st December 2010’.

It is hard to believe that the IADC financial statements presented for audit fairly represent the financial position of IADC too.

SVG Green Party calls for the resignation of SVG Minister of Finance Gonsalves and the IADC directors for the ridiculous statement that the 14 Directors of IADC are paid 42 cents per day to manage the construction of the misfit Argyle airport.

tripling of private sector businesses activity, which would create an upward surge in wages and commercial activity here.

Maybe my imagination is overstating the lottery intake, but reality itself makes me estimate opportunity costs for the world, for not presently engaging in cross-regional and cross-country lotteries, to be in the trillions, maybe two or three per year.

Vincentians, if these lotteries are applied, would be able to own all the cars, motorcycles, computers, cell phones, clothing stores, and bookstores dealership which I talked about?

Boosting the economy Even at present, we can start to think about With US$5 billion owning such ventures. coming into the country As to the bridge, it every year from the could only happen with lotteries, public employees the lottery intake. The could enjoy a tripling of kind of bridge in my mind their salaries, and has never been seen personal as well as anywhere. An 8-mile business taxes may bridge, with restaurants become non-existent. and stores, over the There may not even be a Caribbean Sea, might be need to collect tolls on the asking for too much. Can bridge. Many more jobs it be done if the funds would be created were available? As for the throughout the swimming pools, these can constituencies of SVG, and be built right now. Adios! as salaries triple in the largest employment sector, Julian ‘Rockstar’ Williams this could lead to a there, I would very much appreciate seeing large crowds from our mainland.

One of the features of the bridge would be the collection of toll revenues that go toward the government’s coffers. The authorities would be in control of planning these charges.

The bridge would also serve as an attraction for cruise ship visitors. They will have an opportunity to enjoy its wonder, to seek out the services of the restaurants and stores that could be constructed along the bridge. And then, it becomes just a walk on the bridge to Kingstown or Bequia.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. 13.

News

Japan continues assistance for fishing sector

THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN, last Tuesday, officially handed over a quantity of fishing-related equipment to the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) in keeping with an effort to boost the Fisheries Sector.

The equipment, provided under the Project for the Improvement of Fisheries Equipment and Machinery in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was handed over at a ceremony held at the Calliaqua Fishing Complex.

Addressing the ceremony, Raymond Ryan, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Rural Transformation, recalled that Japan’s assistance

to the fishing industry here dates back to 1989/90 with the construction and equipping of the Kingstown Fishing Complex.

Since then, seven more complexes have been constructed with Japan’s assistance.

Ongoing assistance has continued well into 2016, with assistance for the upgrade and rehabilitation of five facilities - Owia, Calliaqua, Friendship Bay in Canouan, Paget Farm in Bequia, and Clifto,n Union Island.

Last Tuesday’s ceremony, which was highlighted by the handing over of two refrigerated trucks, was the culmination of the most recent round of assistance that included

earlier provision and installation of ice machines, chill and cool storage, rehabilitation of water harvesting facilities, and the relocation of fuel facilities at the Owia Complex.

Tetsuhiro Ike, Resident Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency/Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers in St. Lucia, said in his address, that the Government of Japan

The two refrigerated trucks – the most recent gift from Japan.

Left: Equipment that was earlier installed at the Calliaqua Fishing Complex.

was pleased to offer this technical assistance to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

He expressed the hope that a Sushi restaurant would be opened in SVG, and that people can enjoy more healthy life through fresh fish products.

Area representative and Minister of Economic Planning Camillo Gonsalves said that the upgrade of the facility at Calliaqua was a development of the community, and

Turtle hunting ban coming AS OF JANUARY 1, 2017, hunting and consuming turtles and their eggs will be prohibited.

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves made the disclosure while addressing a handingover ceremony of two refrigerated trucks by the government of Japan, to the government of SVG, last Tuesday, at Calliaqua.

Dr. Gonsalves said that the decision was in keeping with the mantra,’no extinction in our generation’, and added that there was already a project which is being devised for turtle watching.

Turtles are said to be plentiful along the ast coast stretching from Colonaire (Black Point) toBig Sand in Sandy Bay. The ban is expected to extend to four species of turtles, two of which are common in SVG waters.

In a related reference, thePrime Minister assured As of 2017, Vincentians will have to forego the taste of turtle meat. that,“We are not talking about our work to do ..... in including whaling on a banning traditional scientific bases,” said the whaling, but I just want relation to the Prime Minister. to point out that we have sustainable use of our marine resources

A special touch to last Tuesday’s programme was a Vincentian Chef preparing Sushi. expressed thanks to fisher folks who had made sacrifices so that the facility could be rehabilitated. He said that the addition of the storage facility is a huge improvement over what existed.

Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, expressed his appreciation for the assistance provided by the Government and people of Japan. He said he wants “us as a people to respect and to value the depth of the investment that has been made.”

Japanese Non-resident Ambassador to St. Vincent and the Grenadines H.E. Oitsuhiko Okada thanked those who assisted in overseeing the project. He said that Japan recognised the importance of the fishing sector to the economy of SVG, and that he was confident the equipment would enhance the

sector.

“I hope that this support and the combination of Japan technical support and grants would help the the fisheries sector to continue to offer a multitude of benefit to SVG,” said Ambassador Okada.

Ambassador Okada also pointed to the bond of cooperation that exists between the two countries, and assured that Japan appreciated SVG’s support in very important matters.

Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves said that the project is a demonstration of the continuing good relationship between St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and valued Japanese support to be around $11 million.

He said that facilities must be managed effectively, and suggested that solar systems be put in place. He thanked the Japanese Government for its support. (KH)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. 15.

14. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Vincentians display fashion creativity

b by y GL GLORIAH… ORIAH…

Ellen Ell Wilson Wil

Theresa Cyrus

were among the crowd crowd who were event. witnessing the event. individWhen asked why individuals chose to create apparel with their own personal flavor, THE VINCENTIAN was informed that because our country does not have a National Dress, they felt it their responsibility to represent their national pride with concoctions of their own.

The thing is, to mark the celebration of Independence being granted on 27th competiOctober, 1979, a competition was held in which the contestants were to have worn a dress suitable to be called our National Dress.

The winning dress was designed by Mr. Julian ‘Peling’ Pollard and worn by Ms. Petra-Ann Lewis.

This design apparently never caught on, and there are not many duplications, nation- Shara Stewart if any at all, seen at national celebrations or any other functions for that matter.

National Flag, which proved One-month-old McKenna Samson However, as our national easy to reproduce in sketches, colours evolved and conscious conscious-paintings and ultimately ness grew among Vincentians, fashion, a basis was created people began to take on the ON THURSD AY 27TH 27TH OCTOBER, for individual innovations in THURSDAY whole idea of colour. Upon the 20 16, at the Military Military Parade Parade garments, hence the phenom phenom-2016, acceptance of the current Victoria Park Park to to enon witnessed on Independ Independ-held at the Victoria commemorate the 37th 37th Anniv erence Day each year. commemorate Anniversary of St. St. Vincent and the According to Mr. Michael sary Grenadines’ Independence, a Peters, Research Officer in spect acle of ffashion ashion and colour the Ministry of Culture, in spectacle w as creat ed b the 1990s, a Committee was was created byy the majority of Vincentians and other per sons put together to look into persons issuing invitations for submissions for designs of a national dress and the eventual selection an appro appro-priate garment. “Nothing came of this,” he said, adding, “Then between 2001 and the current time, two such committees have been consti consti-tuted but nothing has come of these either.”

When asked his opinion for the inactivity, Mr. Peters’ answer was, “A lack of political will.”

The individuals at Victoria Park on Independence Day, however, clearly never considered this lapse, when they chose to become design design-ers and models of garments they chose as representative of the way they feel about their country.

Many interviewed simply said that people have their individual differences and sense of creativity, and they simply chose to showcase these with fashion carrying National Colours on Inde Inde-Pastor Errol Daniel Ajani Hinds pendence Day.

Myra Quinton and Janine Stowe

Veronica Douglas

PM calls for all hand ht handss to fig fight crime Prime Minister Dr. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, seen here taking the March Past, made a passionate plea for all law-abiding citizens to band together to combat crime here.

PRIME MINISTER RALPH GONSALVES says that all hands must be on deck and the effort must be redoubled by state, religious, political and educational institutions, as well as the community, if we are to successfully battle crime.

Speaking during the Independence Parade on Thursday 27th at Victoria Park, Dr. Gonsalves, who is also Minister of National Security, said that, “We are pained and anguished at the blight of violent crime perpetrated largely through the use and misuse of guns and bullets, by a small group of young men.”

He said that this affects not only the victims and their families, “but all of us in this small geographic space called St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” and stressed that the solution to criminal violence is not a matter only for the Government and the Police Force.

“All hands must be on deck, including centrally all the institutions of the State, the family, the schools, the churches, the media, the political parties, the non-governmental groups, and the communities. We must redouble our efforts in this battle; and we must sing from the same song sheet in doing so. This is not a subject for partisan political point-scoring,” said Gonsalves.

But even as he acknowledged the issues of crime affecting the nation, the Prime Minister said that our country remains safe; and citizen security, though challenged, is sound.

“Overwhelmingly, our people, of all ages, sex, and social condition, are law-abiding, peaceful, and good-natured. And the violent criminals are given no supportive space in our communities, save and except from a few criminally-connected persons. My government is determined to root out the small pockets of the criminally violent conduct in our midst. We are all together on this,” said the Prime Minister.

The Independence Parade saw hundreds of Vincentian turning up at Victoria Park, many attired in an array of styles all in the national A section of the crowd, said to be smaller than in previous years, at this colours. year ’s Independence Military Parade. year’s A large contingent of the diplomatic corps was also in attendance.

Nurses and Girl Guides, added to the spectacle. They paraded A military parade featuring various uniformed organiza organiza-inside Victoria Park before heading onto the streets for a tions, including officers from the different branches of the march around Kingstown. (KH) Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Cadet Force,

oung YYoung o oun offenders for early release AN UNDISCLOSED number of young men currently serving prison sentences for minor offences, could see an early release than expect expect-ed.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, in his address at the Military Parade to mark the 37th Anniversary of Independence, October 27, 2016, made the disclosure, saying that in the next few weeks, after an evaluation that is underway is completed by the competent authorities, he will advise the Governor General to order the release of some young men and women who are serving time for minor offenses.

“This is the internationally proclaim Year of Mercy by Persons of Faith, and we ought to exercise it appropriately to deal with young persons and others,” said the Prime Minister, after he had referenced to persons deserving a second chance. (KH)

A contingent contingen of the Special Services Unit (SSU) of the Royal SVG Police Force, on parade at V ictoria Park.

Victoria

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16. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Ferdinand launches second book WE ARE ALL ENCOURAGED to maximize our potential for the good of ourselves and society, but one can only do so by making personal changes.

And this is what the second publication authored by Dr Julian ‘Jules’ Ferdinand, University Lecturer, Business Consultant, Author and recently Politician, attempts to do.

The publication, ‘The Journey — Destined for Greatness’, was officially launched here in St Vincent and the Grenadines on Monday, October 24, at Frenches House, Kingstown, following a launch in Trinidad and Tobago a week earlier.

Laverne Velox, General Manager Dr. Jules Ferdinand introducing his at the St Vincent Cooperative Bank, second publication to an audience at in her review of the collection of 51 Frenches House last week Monday, October 24. essays, described it as an “encyclopedia or guide to making a country a better place, by changing “This book could not have been the mindset of its citizens to penned by a better person. He e is understand that there is more,” someone I hold in great esteem, and adding, “The essays speak to adopting here you get to understand Jules the best practices and adjusting attitudes man, a stickler for detail, and a to effect positive change in people.” researcher extraordinaire.”

He pleads with members of society Daughter Sabrina Ferdinand, and to work assiduously to achieve a editor, spoke briefly saying that the society where people live in harmony, book inspires its readers to reach the and he includes the teachings light, but in doing so, to extract life’s contained in the Holy Bible, Velox maximum benefits along the way. noted.

It is a great read for persons of all According to Velox, as she read the ages, as it adds insight and educates, book, she reflected on each of the she said. essays individually, as it evoked many Ferdinand’s first book entitled ‘Be emotions.

Inspired’ was published in 2009. (DD)

Vincentian Designer launches new line VINCENTIAN DESIGNER Kimya Glasgow has expanded her design business to include a line of throw cushion covers, under the label ‘Kimya Glasgow HOME’.

The collection includes limited Gold Polka Dot Brocade cushion covers in small, medium and large; hand-painted and screenprinted natural cotton canvas. “They all work together and separately,” says Ms Glasgow.

The covers include a series called ‘Doll Faces’, each exuding its own mood and positive thoughts.

Glasgow has named the dolls: ‘Namaste’ — a Hindu greeting of peace; ‘C’est La Vie’ a French way of saying “That’s life”; s life” or “throw it over your shoulders” or “nothing you can do about it”; and ‘No Worries’ - ” a Caribbean Doll Face.

There is also the first in a series of Garifunainspired choices, with petroglyphs in metallic hues. “We chose neutral tones that can work in almost any room, or be

Designer Kimya Glasgow views her throw cushion coversas art pieces to be collected.

used as inspiration for designing a room around.

“The philosophy is that this is a different way to show patriotism and identify as Vincentians.

Wearing flag colours is not the only way we can identify as Vincentian. We can more include indigenous motifs that we can wear, and live with, as part of our daily lives,” Glasgow explains.

According to Ms Glasgow, “Even though we are a tiny business, we are more than a clothing company. We are a growing Caribbean lifestyle brand, applying our Caribbean aesthetic to

shopping, décor, entertainment and more.”

And for Glasgow, “It started with my love of interior design as one of my creative outlets. Throw cushions add polish to a room and complete a look. We view them more as art pieces to be collected and added to a room as an accent, as opposed to trying to match and colour co-ordinate it to everything.”

Cushion Covers are retailed through the Kimya Glasgow store at the Cruise ship Terminal, known for its 100% Caribbean and Vincentian selection.

V Mozary Lee laid to rest

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. 17.

Tribute

always had a grin on his face.”

MOZARY LEE, the 10She recalled that he month-old infant who was rarely cried, and loved to shot in a hail of bullets at play with his older his parents’ home in Glen, brother and sister — Friday 7th October, was rolling around on the bed laid to rest, Sunday 23 or sometimes playing October at Glen. from the little blue The Glen Christian rocking chair that his Church was the venue father had bought for for the service where the him. small white coffin with “There is no easy way gold handles, for me to say goodbye. symbolizing the purity We can’t dwell on the and value of the life of sadness, or keep on its content, Mozary, lay. asking the question, The throngs of ‘Why?’. We will never mourners in attendance find a reason why such a indicated the extents, of smart, cheerful and grief and impact beautiful child was taken Mozary’s death had had from our lives at the age on his family, friends of of ten months. Instead, the family, and the wider we should focus on how community. happy he made us when There was obvious he was in our lives,” outpouring of grief.

Zonelle concluded.

Mazary’s mother, ShellyPastor Nealy Roberts Ann Durham, was delivered the message, overcome with emotion, bringing hope and having at times to be comfort to those who had held by family and come to mourn Mozary’s friends or made to sit, passing, with, “Mozary is her arm still in a cast safe in the arms of Jesus showing the extent of the Christ, and I can say bullet wounds that she that confidently and had received in the boldly.” shooting.

He urged those in Father, popular autoattendance to serve audio technician par Christ because God has excellence, Mozart given us time to do ‘Pargy’ Lee, fought the exactly what He has emotions as he made a planned for our lives, but concerted effort to maintain his composure. cautioned that “the bigger issue is whether Zonelle Baptiste, we are using our time to Mozary’s aunt, in do our own will or the delivering the Eulogy, described the deceased time to do His will.” as “a bundle of joy who According to Pastor

by KENVILLE HORNE

The small white coffin signifying the purity and innocence of Mozary Lee.

Zonelle Baptiste described her nephew Mozary as a bundle of joy.

Roberts, “We have only two options: to spend it (life) temporarily enjoying ourselves on earth and die; or to invest your life on earth today and go to an eternity where you will be happy and free from all fears and all harm.”

Mozary was laid to rest at the Golden Grove Cemetery.

A section of those who had come out to mourn the passing of the infant.

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18. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

New FOI Bill to come THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT of 2003 was not proclaimed in anticipation of harmonized legislation.

Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Economic Planning, Sustainable Development, Industry, Information and Labour, explained that they were anticipating harmonized legislation with the rest of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) member states, however, this was supplanted by the CARICOM project known as HIPCAR, whose full slate of legislation is in the process of being enacted here.

According to Gonsalves, this was in keeping with a statement made during the presentation of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure earlier this year, when government made known its intention to pass a new Act. He made the comments in response to Opposition Senator Marcia Barnwell’s question about the delay in the operationalization of the piece of legislation.

The law went through the stages in

the House in 2003, and was assented to by the Governor General but was never formally operationalized.

The Act, Chapter 367 of 2003, was drafted in accordance with model legislation from the Commonwealth Secretariat, Gonsalves said.

However, before the Ministry of Legal Affairs was able to dedicate the relevant resources in order to finalize the regulatory framework for the proper functioning of the Act, the OECS published a draft harmonized Freedom of Information Bill in mid2004.

The draft Bill was prepared by the OECS Legislative Drafting Facility in collaboration with the Centre for Policy Alternatives and the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative Commission of Pakistan.

A decision was then taken to await the finalization of this OECS harmonized legislation, while beginning the work towards ascertaining structures required to accompany the laws.

Deliberations ended at the OECS level, and to date Antigua and Barbuda is the only country to have passed and implemented the harmonized OECS legislation. Other member states including St Vincent and Minister of Information Opposition Senator Marcia Grenadines have Camillo Gonsalves Barnwell posed the question not. assured that the Freedom with respect to the delay in Gonsalves, of Information Act will be operationalizing the Freedom however, explained included in a suite of of Information Act that was that the likely related legislation that is passed and assented to here reason this did not expected to be in full in 2003. occur was the train by year end. emergence of the European Union received a substantially revised final funded project throughout African, version of the suite of legislation, Caribbean and Pacific Countries (ACP) which included Acts such as the grouping to harmonize ICT policies, Cybercrime and Freedom of legislation and regulatory procedures. Information Bills.

The project, HIPCAR, was launched “Our ministry is committed to in Grenada in 2008 and following that implementing this entire suite of meeting, it was agreed that the project legislation, which includes the would produce a suite of ICT related Freedom of Information Act,” legislation for the eventual adoption Gonsalves said, adding that he hoped across all 15 states. to have this process well in train by The Ministry of Legal Affairs the end of this year. (DD)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. 19.

News

Vincentian dies in vehicular crash “THE REALITY is sinking in – it is not a dream, and that is something that the family is having a difficult time coming to terms with.”

The words of Milcash Hoflund, sister of Ichal ‘Tafari’ Mockett, a Vincentian police officer in Anguilla, who died in a vehicular crash last Sunday.

Hoflund told THE VINCENTIAN that her brother was the driver and sole occupant in the vehicle at the time of the accident.

He was not the owner of the vehicle.

Ichal ‘Tafari’ Mockett was said to be a Mockett, who (once) pivotal force in served in the Special Services Unit in the Royal keeping Vincentians in Anguilla together.

SVG Police Force, was attached to the Drugs and Firearms Task Force of the Royal Anguilla Police Force, was said to be off duty.

He reportedly was attending a function when he left to return to his home for ‘something’, with all intention of returning. It was during his return to the function when, according to Hoflund, he lost

control of the vehicle, and slammed into a utility pole along the Sandy Ground Main Road, around 6:40pm.

He succumbed to the injuries he sustained, at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, hours after the accident.

According to Hoflund, she received a phone call from a friend in Canada who told her about the death of her 36-year-old brother.

“I was angry,” she said.

The former Georgetown resident was described as a selfless man.

She admitted that she had no idea how well liked her brother was, but came to realize this when, on his passing, she began receiving messages from people whom he would have worked with, and other people.

“He was the glue that kept the Vincentian contingent (in Anguilla) together,” Hoflund said.

“He touched everyone in Anguilla,” she continued.

She admits to having one regret. Ichal last visited his homeland in July, during Vincy Mas The Chief of Police in Anguilla, Paul Morrison, festivities, and she said that due to commitments at work, she was not able to spend pinning a wreath on the utility pole into which the as much time as she would have liked with him. vehicle slammed.

The family was planning a reunion in brother, the times shared when they were young, December: “I guess it will take place sooner rather growing up in the village of Caratal, Georgetown. than later,” she said.

(DD) For now, she clings on to the memories of her

NICE Radio owner defends Adams DOUGLAS DE FREITAS, Proprietor and Manager of NICE Radio, has come out in full support of former talk show host Igal Adams, amidst the allegations levelled against him (Adams) about a relationship with a minor.

Adams was arrested last Friday, October 28 and released 24 hours later, as police investigate allegations that he had sexual relations on two occasions, with a female under the age of 13, back in 2013.

But, according to De Freitas, allegations of rape were brought against Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, and he was never taken to court: “and he is still doing the business of the government and the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.”

He said that if the investigation led to a plausible case against Adams, then he (Adams) would have to answer to those charges.

“But until the police charge him, I am not supporting anybody with anything against Igal at this moment and time. I want it to be understood, yes he was arrested, he was interviewed and was released without being charged…but we are doing business,” De Freitas said.

“Igal is a poor, ordinary man and he will get licks from left, right and centre, all because of the hypocrisy,” he continued.

Meanwhile, Douglas De Freitas has Adams made an needled the system of justice official statement here as being inconsistent. on Monday indicating that he allegations, saying that was going to step down they were “false and as host of the New Times unfounded”, and that as programme, until the a Christian and a police had completed believer in fair play, he their investigations. took the decision to step He denied the down. (DD)

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20. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Get tested. Be honest Dear George, I AM IN A SERIOUS situation and it is causing me not to sleep. I have a boyfriend who loves me very much, but to be truthful, he has not been satisfying me sexually.

I mentioned it to him once or twice, but he thinks I should be satisfied with his performances.

Unknowing to him of course, I started an affair with one of his buddies who I knew was well endowed, since his girlfriend would brag about how good he was.

We have been sexually involved for more than five months. Now, I am hearing a rumour that he is HIV positive.

In conversations with his girlfriend, I learned that she too had been hearing the rumour. I pushed her to get tested, and lo and behold, she was HIV positive. I had not been having protected sex with this guy, and I am very

scared that I might be infected.

I do not want to tell my boyfriend any of this because I could lose him. I am between a rock and a hard place and I need answers. I need to sleep!

Worried Dear Worried, The hard truth is you will only get some ease mentally after you get

Tit for tat in the bed Dear George,

yourself tested and settle your status once and for all.

I assume you are still in a sexual relationship with your boyfriend. If so, you owe it to him to share this information, and to cease all sexual relations until you know

your status.

Also, it will be a good idea to get some supportive counselling so that you can be properly guided as to how to handle this unfortunate burden.

George

House of disrepute are doing. It is sickening what they are doing, and it is not a good example for my own sixteen-year-old daughter, I HAVE BEEN sadly observing my who has mentioned what she has been neighbour and her two daughters prostituting themselves. They operate seeing going on in that house. What can I do to arrest this situation? their home like a real whorehouse, with men coming and going left, right Concerned and centre.

I confronted the mother on how she could allow her daughters to sell their Dear Concerned, bodies like that, and she insulted me, Maybe you will need to seek legal telling me to mind my own business.

Her daughters left secondary school advice as to what action you can take in order to have this situation last year, and it is terrible what they addressed. I am going to assume there are laws governing prostitution, etc, and this is where getting legal information can be useful.

It is not advisable to physically confront your neighbour, as this can prompt possible altercation. As far as your own daughter is concerned, remind her how necessary it is to maintain her dignity, and never to resort to selling her body, no matter how economically difficult it becomes.

Dear George,

George

MY BOSS HAS been messing with my wife. I found this out through a very good source.

My source set me up to catch them in the act. I went to the location and, sure enough, there they were. I took pictures and even recorded the sounds they were making. I was in the next room.

It was emotionally painful for me to hear my wife`s carrying on, but I held my peace until the ordeal was over and done with.

I immediately went to this man`s house and shared the recordings with his wife. I was not ready for what she did next. She looked at me and asked if I would like to take some revenge. I asked her how, and she suggested we do exactly what her husband and my wife did. She dragged me into her bedroom and we had the time of our lives.

As agreed, she had taped, our act, and before I left her, she sent a copy to her husband’s phone.

I went home immediately, and when my wife got home, she could not look me in the eye. I am sure she saw the tape, but what could she tell me?

To this day, we still have not spoken about her affairs. My boss has not said anything to me about being with his wife. I am still working there, and still visit his wife every now and then. I am sure my wife is still visiting him, but it is what it is.

Vengeance Dear Vengeance, Quite a very sticky situation indeed. I do not agree with the course of action you and your boss`s wife took. With the information you had on your wife, you could have confronted her directly and given her the chance to explain her actions and her intentions as far as your marriage was concerned. She may have been forthright and admit that she wants out of the marriage, or willing to make amends for the regrettable action of sleeping with your boss.

You still need to have that talk with her. Of course, you have complicated the matter by doing what you did with your boss`s wife.

Two wrongs cannot and will never make a right. End the silent war and start talking. The chips will have to fall where they may. If you need help with this, you can get in touch a marriage counsellor. The sooner this is done, the better it will be for your marriage.

George

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Someone you live with will be quite unreason able this week. A residential move may be in order. Travel will be favourable. Rely on the one you love for support and affection.

Taurus (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Enlist co‐workers in order to get the job done on time. Be careful not to get involved in other people's personal affairs. Don't push your mate if you want to keep this union going. Entertainment should include your whole family.

Gemini (May 22‐June 21) You need to distance yourself from the situation for a little while first. Don't hesitate to present your unique ideas.

Concentrate on home improvement.

Small de tails will make a difference.

Your business sense will be leading you in a direction that indicates more travel and communication.

Libra (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) It's time you let your true feelings out.

You could have trouble persuading others to accept your ideas and opinions.

Accommodate others but not before you do your own thing. Do the proper safety checks before you go out. Limitation could set in if you've been spending too much.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Those close to your heart may be difficult to reason with. If you can't trust someone, question the connection.

Problems with relatives and friends could surface. You can make money, but try not to let it slip through your fingers.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) You can help them with difficult projects.

Ignore colleagues who appear to be going in circles. You will learn a great deal about yourself if you go somewhere secluded. Don't give out any personal information that you don't want spread around.

Cancer (June 22‐July 22) Driving too fast or double parking will result in difficulties with officials. You will be relentless when it comes to getting yourself back into shape. You may experience financial loss if you don't use good judgment. Don't be too hard on yourself.

Capricorn (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Overindulgent people will cause disruptions in your life. You can make wonderful contributions to any organization that you join. Try not to be too harsh with your mate. You can take advantage of opportunities if you are quick to make a move.

Leo (July 23‐Aug 22) Your charisma will no doubt attract a lot of attention. Deception may cause disputes you can do without. Others may want to steal your thunder when they realize your ideas are pretty solid.

Depression may put a damper on your day.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) If you want to make your mark, try to get involved in projects that will bring you some glory. Avoid any erratic behaviour or it could cause isolation at home.

Problems with peers is apparent. Don't put limitations on yourself.

Virgo (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Do your job and don't ask for favours.

Problems with your mate will develop if you don't let them have their way.

Visitors may drop by unexpectedly, resulting in tension with your lover. You can come into money; however, perhaps not under the best circumstances.

Pisces (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Opportunities for travel and communication are evident. Don't be critical or overly opinionated with dislikes; it could cause disapproval and unwanted opposition. Spend some time with people who can shed some light on your personal situation. Positive connections can be made if you get involved in environmental organizations.

ACROSS 1.RMN’s predecessor 4. Knock 7. Father 11. “You __ Sixteen” 12. Lincoln and Vigoda 14. Actor Alda 15. Mrs. Gomez Addams 17. Like Tom Thumb 18. Samovars 19. Me (Fr.) 21. Travel permits 23. Bela of “Dracula” 26. Red‐coated cheese 27. Forest creature 28. California’s time (abbr.)

30. Baseball’s Magilie 31. Norman Vincent __ 32. Pack animal 33. Billy __ Kid 34. Refs’ counter‐ parts 35. Barcelona beverage

36. Egg dish 38. Aisle attendant 39. Rainy mo.

40. Mayberry boy 41. Asian land 44. Backer, as of a production 48. At rest 49. “__ Angel” 50. Detective, informally 51. Pea coverings 52. Upshot 53. Author Levin DOWN

Morse 16. Miner’s cart 20. Monster 1.Flee 21. Fly 2. Sis’s sib fisherman’s 3. Israeli city garb 4. “Casablanca” 22. Spud‐ star Claude producing 5. Rudiments state 6. Architect I.M. 23. Jumped __ 7. Barbecue area 24. Pasta 25. Magazine 8. Larter of volume “Heroes” 9. Cake baker’s 27. Black mark 29. Romanov need ruler 10. Whichever 31. Paper one ingredient 13. Gompers and 35. Tag on

damaged merchandise (2 wds.)

37. Slackens 38. Tip a barrel 40. Part of a stove 41. Gloss recipient

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. 21.

42. Ruckus 43. Like an antique 45. Born 46. Above, in verse 47. Magnavox rival

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22. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Vinsure rewards safe drivers ORNAN BROOKER has been driving for 32 years, and has a simple way of keeping safe on the road, i.e. “Take your time on the road. Drive on your hand.”

For his accident-free use of the nation’s roads, Brooker was rewarded with full premium paid on his insurance coverage, by his insurers St. Vincent Insurance Ltd. — Vinsure.

He was joined in being rewarded by Roslyn

Maule, a mother, wife, and top civil servant.

Brooker and Maule received their rewards at a brief ceremony at Vinsure’s offices, on Grenville Street, Kingstown.

Since 1999, Vinsure has been rewarding drivers who have gone 15 years without accidents, by waiving the premium on their coverage.

Brooker and Maule joined 159 others who

have been previously rewarded.

Vinsure’s manager Samuel Goodluck confessed that it was a costly undertaking, and that $110,000 had been provided since the programme’s inception.

Goodluck congratulated the recipients, and described the gesture as an extension of his company’s customer

service drive.

“It’s a good way of showing appreciation,” Goodluck added.

Maule endorsed the reward as a token of Vinsure’s safety prevention initiatives.

She echoed the sentiments uttered by Brooker as regards the approach to safety.

“Take your time. Be considerate of other road users,” Maule advised.

(L-R): Roslyn Maule, Vinsure Representative Natricia Baptiste and Ornan Brooker at Vinsure’s recent reward ceremony for safe drivers.

VINLEC’s representatives at the OHS Workshop (from left): Ms. Sheynique Sam, Mr. Anthony Patterson and Ms. Joan Millington.

VINLEC represented at OHS conference St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) was represented at the recently concluded Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Workshop/Seminar, which was held in Barbados from October 23rd-28th.

The Company was represented by Ms. Sheynique Sam - Technical Assistant, Environmental Health and Safety; Mr. Anthony Patterson - Environmental Health and Safety Officer, and Ms. Joan Millington - Manager, Internal Audit.

According to CARILEC, the primary goal of the Seminar was to showcase the latest thinking, innovation and research in occupational health and safety, and examine how the workplace can be designed so that employees are safe and companies more productive. The Seminar was interactive and featured energy leaders, occupational health and safety experts sharing ideas, experiences, skills and knowledge to improve the lives of employees. It also provided participants with an opportunity to network with their peers.

The seminar opened officially on Monday 24th October. The prior day, two meetings were held; one to discuss OHS issues in the electric utility industry, and the other was a Disaster Coordinator’s meeting.

VINLEC’s Environmental Health and Safety Officer - Mr. Patterson made a presentation at the workshop titled ‘An ergonomic analysis of VINLEC’s Vehicle Maintenance Workstation’.

Mr. Patterson outlined how the exercise was carried out, and noted that an ergonomic assessment of the factors and risks associated with the vehicle maintenance operations was carried out using a combination of standard checklists, interviews, observations and measurements.

He said that the findings of the analysis were assessed in light of best practices and recommendations provided for effective ergonomic interventions.

The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) co-hosted the event with the Barbados Light and Power Company Limited under the theme: Safety: A Value Not A Priority.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. 23.

Greaves puts spin on aborted Super-40 final

FORMER MEMBER of the Emirates International Panel of the International Cricket Council’s Umpires – Goaland Greaves, has put his spin on what transpired last Sunday at the Park Hill Playing Field, which saw the final of the Super40 cricket final ending in chaos.

The final, featuring Victors One and Team Rivals, was brought to an abrupt end when Victors One refused to continue the game, in protest against a reversed decision by presiding umpire Roger Davis, when he chose not to give Team Rivals’ batsman Roneil Jeffrey Leg Before Wicket (LBW), after originally giving him out.

Davis’ change of heart came after he had consulted with fellow umpire Cornelius Edwards, who was standing at square leg.

Reports are that Edwards had indicated to Davis that the ball had struck Jeffrey’s bat before hitting his pad.

Law 27.6 of the Laws of the Cricket as established by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) states: “Each umpire shall answer appeals on matters within his own jurisdiction. If an umpire is doubtful about any point that

the other umpire may have been in a better position to see, he shall consult the latter on this point of fact and shall then give the decision... If, after consultation, there is still doubt remaining, the decision shall be NOT OUT”.

However, Greaves said that even though the Laws of Cricket provide for the consultation by umpires, there are certain times or instances when umpires should not consult.

“Umpires should not consult for things like edging of the ball as well as for LBW decisions... An umpire should not consult for something like a run out at the end which he or she is presiding,” Greaves stated.

On the other hand, Greaves, who still officiates in local matches agreed, “Umpires can give verbal communications to one another for doubtable situations such as whether or not a ball has carried cleanly to a fielder, and matters like that.”

Whilst not admitting any erring by Davis, the experienced Greaves added that reversal of decisions should be as swift as possible,

and made only after consultation.

The length of time taken in reversing the decision was a bone of contention among players of the Victors One team, which flamed last Sunday’s walk- off and eventual abandonment of the Goaland Greaves in conversation last Sunday with final, in the 15th over Cornelius Edwards and Samuel Holder at the Park of the match.

Hill Playing Field.

The match was Roger Davis, the when the match and Miles Bascombe, were interestingly poised, umpire who with Team Rivals on reversed his LBW halted prematurely. actively involved in the match.

Butler was the other In Team Rivals’ 58/6, needing decision to Not innings, Ray Jordan batsman who was in with another 29 runs to Out. Jeffrey for Team Rivals, while had taken 3 for 16 win. Victors One had Bascombe was on the field and Norlan batted first and was representing Victors One. dismissed for 86 in 25.1 overs. Williams 2 for 17.

Two other members of the The determination of the Victors One’s batting was outcome of the match is in the executive — Samuel Holder hurt by the bowling of the and Romel Currency - entered hands of the executive of the wily Olanzo Jackson who, the venue following the on along with promising spinner- St Vincent and Grenadines field incidents.

Rasheed Fredericks, captured Cricket Association, who will The rules governing the 2 for 12, while Deron Greaves make a decision based on the Super-40 Competition make report of the two match had taken 2 for 17. provision for a match referee; officials.

The top scorer in Victors however, it is unsure if such Several members of the One‘s innings was Chrisroy was in place for last Sunday’s executive were present last John who made 24. final.

Team Rivals had suffered a Sunday at the Park Hill As far as the official result similar fate in their response, Playing Field, when the of the match is concerned, a incident took place. with Jeffrey being the sole statement released on Among them were batsman to reach double Wednesday by the SCG President- Kishore Shallow, figures. He e was 17 not out Cricket Association, stated First Vice President- Elson that ‘the finals will not be Crick, while committee members replayed, and both teams will share the first prize’.

- Deighton Butler

United Survivors take 12/12 OSCO title UNITED SURVIVORS CRICKET CLUB was crowned the inaugural winners of the General Employees Cooperative Credit Union/ Owia Sports and Cultural Organisation’s Women’s 12/12 softball cricket competition.

Their coronation came last Sunday afternoon at the Top Young Player United Survivors – Champions.

Owia Playing Arissa Henry.

Field.

Taking the most Facing Sandy Bay D Big Deal in the final, United wickets award was Survivors’ bowlers restricted their opponents to 58 Lerice Nero with 17 for 7 off the allotted 12 overs. scalps; Juliana Nero At their turn at the crease, United Survivors got scored the most runsto 59 for 2 in 9.1 overs, to earn the top prize of 203. Nero was also $1000 and the first place trophy, while Sandy Bay D adjudged the Big Deal received $ 500. competition’s Most In the third place play off which preceded the Valuable Player. final, Owia Hill Top Challengers beat Bruce Law And rewarded was Chamber’s Greggs Nar Fren Dem by seven wickets. the young player of the Nar Fren Dem — 39 all out. Owia Top competition- Arissa Challengers responded with 40 for 3, to collect the Henry of Combine third place trophy and a cash prize of $300.

Strikers. In Henry’s At the presentation ceremony which followed the four matches played, final, Sandy Bay D Big Deal’s players copped three she took 10 wickets for of the four individual awards dished out.

55 runs.

Level 1 Workshop for Basketball THE ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines Basketball Federation will be hosting a level 1 Certification Workshop scheduled to run from the 7th to 12th November 2016, at the New Montrose Basketball Facility.

Wayne Williams, President of the Basketball Federation, said the workshop forms part of a comprehensive approach to sport Wayne development, and the implementation of the Long Term Williams, Participant Development (LTDP) President of the SVGBF. Basketball model in SVG. He further stated it would also focus on the three components: train to win, train to compete and train to train.

‘The level 1 certification is like an entry level, so we are trying to get as many persons who will work and open the eyes of the feeder system, therefore the Workshop targets Team Coaches, Physical Education Teachers (Primary, Secondary and Tertiary levels), coaching staff of the Sports Department, as well as Community coaches,” Williams explained.

The event is being sponsored by Olympic Solidarity through the St Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee, and will be facilitated by Coach Nelsn Isley, FIBA top technical coach, and runs from 9am to 4pm each day.

Most runs and MVP Juliana Nero.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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24. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Fancy to be served with tennis Low scoring THE NORTH WINDWARD Connell disclosed that, community of Fancy will apart from the Tennis soon be exposed to the component, the club sport of Tennis, as the plans Football training Grassroot Tennis Club as part of its contribution (GTC) pursues its mandate to the sporting culture of of resurrecting several Fancy. hard courts and adding life “We are trying to get to their home Rollit (Seymour Waldron) communities. involved with the football Having secured aspect, since our friends written permission from at Milo are onboard, and the National Sports hopefully president of the Council and support from football academic can leaders in the Fancy match the number of community, the GTC balls that Milo donates. said it is ready to roll. “ I think they (the Head of the GTCSVG Football Federation) Grant Connell has said, can do much more to get “We can serve off by end more youths on football of month...We are fields and make use of grateful to the (National) our football heroes such Sport Council for as Rollit and past A dormant looking Fancy hard court, which is granting permission to national players, even expected to be energized by the GTC. equip the court and with a small stipend to unearth the energy in get every football field Fancy.” active on a Saturday morning”, Connell added.

Connell noted that the Fancy operations would be Connell stated that following the realisation of modeled on the Petit Bordel venture, where the the Fancy project, some other hard courts which are support from the community leaders was combined lying idle will come into Tennis operation as the with the GTC personnel to get Tennis going there.

GTC gives them energy.

SVGRU holds Independence Tournament THE SVG RUGBY UNION Action in organized a 7-a-side the Tournament as part of the Independent inaugural Sports and Culture Friendly Fest to mark the 37th Rugby anniversary of Independence Tournament. here.

Five teams participated, with St. Lucia- the guest — fielding both male and female teams. The other teams were from SVG : DARREN GREAVES, a right-handed SVG A, SVG B and the opening batsman from the Windward Trinity School of Medicine. district, is proving himself to be a T/20 Results in from the five specialist.

He notched up his second three matches: SVG B 28 beat figure mark in the VINLEC North Trinity 28 — 21; St Lucia Leeward Cricket Championship with 101 and SVG A played to a 21 against Peto Stars last Saturday. all tie; SVG B defeated St His first, 134, came against Rangers.

Lucia girls 30 -10; St Lucia Greaves spurred his team men outplayed Trinity 26 — Circumstance to a 43-run win over Peto 0; SVG A beat SVG B 29 Stars, when he helped his team to 235 for 19.

5 off 20 overs.

The tournament was a Peto Stars were dismissed for 192 off 17 friendly so there was no overs, with Hank Hall taking 4 for 27 to overall winner or trophies add to his 59 for Circumstance. awarded.

Shaman Hooper 74, Allison Samuel 54 An official from the and Ronique Laborde 39 sparked hopes of SVGRU said the next event an exciting victory as Peto Stars mounted would be their annual GIR a serious chase.

Festival scheduled to take Big League, 145 for 3, galloped to a place at the Arnos Vale seven-wicket win over Upsetters, 144 all Sporting Complex on out off 18.1 overs. Cuthbert Springer 82, Saturday 3rd December supported by Shangh-I John 38 served as from 9:30am. a springboard for Big League’s The men’s senior 7s overhauling of Upsetters’ total. league cup final will also Mikel Bowens 43, and Maxwell take place on the same day, Edwards 27 were the main batsmen for Kicking off at 1 pm.

weekend for Masters THERE WERE victories for P’tani, Belfongo, Stubbs, RSVG Police and Mustique in last weekend’s round of matches in the SVG Masters T20 Cricket Competition.

St.Vincent Cooperative Bank P’tani Masters defeated J G & Sons Glamorgan by 58 runs, after the latter failed to overhaul P’tani’s total of 134 for 8 in 20 overs, by laboring to 76 for 8 in their 20 overs. Top scores for P’tani were Elvis Charles with 36, Jerome “Parry” Samuel 35.

Computec Belfongo registered an 84-run win over Pastures. Arrington Burgin’s 53 helped Belfongo to 180 for 5 off 20, to which Pastures replied with 96 from 15.3 overs. Samuel Holder bagged 4 for 14 and Bradley Brooker 3 for 6 for Belfongo.

Stanley Browne’s Stubbs defeated Park Hill United by 7 wickets. Park Hill United scraped and groped to 60 off 19.4 overs, failing to negotiate Micah Joseph, 5 for 4, and Leon Samuel 2 for 8. Stubbs replied with 65 for 3 off 11.5 overs.

Christopher Campbell hit 24.

RSVG Police defeated RYB Challengers by 6 wickets. RYB Challengers made 80 off 19.1 overs, Brenton Smith took 2 for 7. RSVG Police replied with 82 for 4 off 11.2 overs. Gosnel Cupid topscored with 29.

Mustique beat Rudy’s Electrical Barrouallie by 5 wickets. Rudy’s Electrical Barrouallie was restricted to 85 for 7 off 15 overs.

Mustique raced to 86 for 5 in 11 overs.

Fixtures for this weekend: Saturday from 2 pm — Stubbs versus La Croix at Arnos Vale, and RYB Challengers against Pastures at Sion Hill; Sunday from 10am - Park Hill United face Bequia at Park Hill, and P’tani take on Marriaqua at Sion Hill. Sunday from 2pm - Sion Hill verus Rudy’s Electrical Barroualliw at Sion Hill, North East oppose JG& Sons Glamorgan at Park Hill, and RSVG Police clash with North Leeward at Buccament.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Greaves hits second ton

I.B.A.ALLEN

Action in the ongoing VINLEC North Leeward Cricket Competition.

Upsetters. Jedi John 4 for 27 was the chief wicket taker for Big League.

Desroy Samuel 2 for 39 was the best bowler for Upsetters.

Robertson Surveying Future Legends secured victory over Ajuba. Bennitton Stapleton 41 and Marcus Castello 14 both unbeaten, steered Future Legends to 83 for 3 in 8.4 overs. Reginald Jeffrey 3 for 24 threatened to disrupt Future Legends’ march. They were responding to Ajuba’s 82 for 8 off 14, who were undermined by Rajiv Roberts 4 for 15.

In an friendly match, New York Masters had a 76-run win over Coreas Hazells North Leeward Masters. New York Masters raced to 153 for 2 off ten overs. William ‘Bill’ Edwards was in blistering form with 77. Ezekiel ‘Spokes’ Williams retired on 30.

North Leeward Masters crawled to 77 for 5 off ten overs, with Herbert Williams 25 being the leading batsman. William Edwards 2 for 11 and Orlando Mofford 2 for 20 were the wicket takers for New York Masters.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. 25.

Sports

Events like these CONGRATULATIONS to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Swimming Federation for hosting the 2016 Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Swimming Championship.

This opens a new sphere of regional integration. Martinique joins the fray, broadening the horizons of not just the youngsters who will be involved, but the adults also. St. Martin and Sint Maarten add to the spectre.

180 athletes will boost any country’s tourism product, not least St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The exchange and interaction bring immense spillover and fit into a period viewed as the doldrums before the Cruise Ship season.

The Championship will be another plank in the marketing structure for the nation. The Ministry of Tourism has every reason to endorse the event.

The Federation has lived up to this country’s reputation as being the region’s most favourite hosts. How have they accomplished the feat in staging this event is an act of heroism.

Ten years ago, such an exercise would have been unthinkable. Somehow, the vision was instilled and barriers shattered which led to the renovation of hitherto underutilised facilities.

To transform that area, once in contention for an international airport, into a Swimming arena is testimony of determination.

Shrewsbury House, designated as a Prime Minister’s residence, has become another showpiece. This sporting replica opens avenues to Vincentian heritage.

There is evidence that pride as a nation is at work in putting together the OECS Swimming Championship. The rest of the community has an obligation to support the Federation in the best way they know.

We must use the occasion to heighten environmental awareness and play the role in sincere ways. We can’t be throwing litter anywhere.

The Central Water and Sewerage Authority has been commended for ensuring that the venue is kept in pristine condition.

There will be extra work for persons who will be burdened by the demands of the situation.

That will be new grounds for some persons, and the novelty may induce intolerance.

Those attached to transport and traffic, security and housekeeping duties may find demands on their services stretched. President Stephen Joachim has acknowledged that St. Vincent and the Grenadines will not emerge champion. We don’t have the numbers to accomplish that.

There will be a base set for swimmers to strengthen their game, and good performances will enhance their record.

Outside the championship, the Federation is having activities designed to surface swimming as a way of life.

We are a sample of a multi-island nation.

When others hear of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, they conjure up a primitive outlook.

Some asked me once in another territory, if one could swim around the island.

Those from the OECS will not have those thoughts. They will have an idea of what exists.

Frank Worrell alerted us as to the question of size. We lived to see Worrell’s words come to pass.

There is no ‘Small Islander’ in the current West Indies outfit. But that’s no reason for me to ridicule the team.

Caribbean people are good at planting seeds of division. We are quick to condemn and mock each other, especially if something untoward surfaces.

We overlook those elements that bind us and suppress our will to be free.

Swim president expects medals STEPHEN JOACHIM, President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Swimming Federation (SVGSF), is not expecting his contingent to win the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Swimming Championship, the 26th edition of the Championship, but he is confident of individual medals.

Joachim was frank last Tuesday when the SVGSF hosted a press briefing at the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre, situated on the south eastern end of mainland St. Vincent, where the OECS championships will be staged, from November 10 to 13.

The Swimming Federation president believes (L-R): Both Stephen Joachim, President of the that his team will get the most medals among the SVGSF, and Minister Camillo Gonsalves competing contingents. recognised the economic potential of a developed Joachim praised his executive for their swimming programme here. commitment to the task of staging the event, and looked forward to seeing “some of the best swimmers in the Caribbean on show.”

Moreover, according to Joachim, the Championship will serve as a springboard for economic activity, given the number of persons who will be here for the activity.

Minister of Social Development Camillo Gonsalves, area representative for East St. George where the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre is located, echoed the Joachim’s view, describing the OECS championship as a “potential for development, “ and citing the prospects for tourism and economic improvement Minister Gonsalves pointed to SVG becoming a power house as a Swimming The Vincentian swimmers are expected to do well as far as their medal haul is concerned. nation.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with 150 coming Nikolas Sylvester, who competed at the Rio Olympics in August, leads the SVG male contingent. from countries other than the host.

Martinique’s participation , the organisers, Other males are Gerrard Geowarsingh, Cruz expect, will enhance the level of the competition.

Halbich, Dillon Gooding, Tyrell Ragguette, Shane Medals are provided for the top three swimmers Cadogan, Aaron De Freitas, Tyrique Thomas, Tyrone Lewis, Alex Joachim, Bryson George, Kanale in each event and each age category. Each country can accumulate points based on the position of their Alleyne, Jayson Sandy, Eltonte Leonard, Tristan two best swimmers in each category and event.

Ballah, Tavonte Ford, Brandon George, Matthew Coach of the local Federation Kyle Dougan is Ballah, Javante Browne, and Vova Zhuravlov. looking forward to this championship, and sees it as Shne Joachim leads the local female contingent preparation for the Carifta Games carded for that also includes Ria Adams, Nyah Isaacs, Paige Bahamas April next year.

Cadogan, Akayla Crichton, Caitlin Polius, Tia Gun Nikalia Williams, speaking on behalf of major Munro, Mya De Freitas, Adiah sponsor FLOW, cited the staging of the OECS Phillips, Kavern DaSilva, championship as a “noteworthy accomplishment.”

Zariel Nelson, Jamie Joachim She pledged her institution’s commitment to the and Kennice Greene.

This is the first time that St. Swimming Federation. FLOW will provide streaming for the event as well as other services.

Vincent and the Grenadines Rachel Richards, representing CGM Gallagher, will be hosting a Swimming another major benefactor, commended the Championship of this magnitude. This country was Swimming Federation for their hosting of this year’s competition. selected to host the 2016 “… We applaud the tremendous efforts of the Championships after the completion of the pool facilities executive of the SVG Swimming Federation for their foresight and vision and their excellent execution of at the Shrewsbury Aquatic that vision in having a facility and the Centre (SAC). administrative resources, to leverage the hosting of About 180 competitors are one of the most prestigious and competitive sporting expected from National Team event in the region.”

Antigua/Barbuda, British Coach Kyle The Competition starts at 5 pm on Thursday, Virgin Islands, defending Dougan is using champions Grenada, St. Lucia, November 10, with the Opening ceremony expected this championship St. Martin, Sint Maarten, around 7.30 pm after the 400 meter races. On as preparation for Martinique — a first time Friday and Saturday, the Competition starts at 10 next year’s Carifta participant - and host country am and is expected to run until about 5pm. The Games.

Open Water event at Buccament Bay is scheduled for a 9:30 am start. This will feature a 5 kilometer ocean swim and a 1.5 kilometer ocean swim.

According to a release from the SVGSF, hosting the championship is estimated to cost in excess of EC$200,000.

A refurbished Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre hosts its first regional swimming championships.

26. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2016. 27.

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ANOTHER ADJOURNMENT, BUT ‘I MADD’ COULD TRAVEL

by HAYDN HUGGINS CHIEF MAGISTRATE Rechanne Browne has granted yet another adjournment in the matter involving New York based calypsonian Paul ‘I Madd’ Scrubb, despite strong

objectives from his lawyer Israel Bruce.

Scrubb, originally from Barrouallie, is facing charges of sedition and uttering threats to kill Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves and his family. He returned to the Serious Offences Court on Monday following a threemonth adjournment the prosecution was granted at Scrubb’s initial appearance in that Court, July 25.

However, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche requested another adjournment on Monday, stating that the prosecution was not ready to proceed.

Bruce strongly objected, stating that the matter was brought to Court in July this year, and the prosecution was granted a three-month adjournment then, and is now asking for another adjournment.

He noted that his client Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne granted the adjournment on the grounds that it was within the Court’s prescribed time frame.

does not live in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and has lost his job in the United States, as a result of the matter.

Bruce also told the Court that an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and that justice delayed is like justice denied.

But the Chief Magistrate granted the adjournment, contending that it is well within the Court’s prescribed time frame of six months. But she varied Scrubb’s bail Israel Bruce (left), seen with his client Paul ‘I Madd’ Scrubb, objected conditions, making strongly to the State’s request for another adjournment. it possible for him slated for January 26. his travel documents and to travel overseas.

Scrubb is charged with report to the Calliaqua Police When the 52-year-old between December 9 and 31, calypsonian, said to have been Station on Mondays and 2015, maliciously sent or Fridays. employed as an equipment uttered threats to kill, to wit, He was also ordered not to operator in the United States, initially appeared in Court, he leave the country without the “Ralph Gonsalves should be assassinated, also his whole was granted bail in the sum of expressed permission of the damn family, period; Blessed Serious Offences Court or a $25,000 with one surety, on higher Court, and stop notices love”. condition that he surrender This matter was laid were placed at all parts of entry and indictably and carries a maximum penalty of ten years exit. in prison.

However, on Monday, the Chief Scrubb is also charged with Magistrate between December 9 and 31, ordered that 2015, uttered seditious words, Scrubb’s travel to wit, “Ralph Gonsalves documents be should be assassinated, also returned to him his whole damn family period; and the other blessed love”. travel restrictions This was not laid indictably, be lifted. The but because both charges reporting reportedly arise out of the conditions were same facts and circumstances, also removed. The they would be heard together matter is now at a Preliminary Inquiry (PI).

The offence carries a When ‘ I Madd’ maximum penalty of five years Scrubb made his in prison. first appearance at Court, July 25, Both charges were laid he attracted many under the Criminal Code and supporters and stemmed from postings made curious on the social media site, onlookers. ‘facebook’.

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