THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 06-09-19

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 06, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.32

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

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2. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

LetÊs go global CARNIVAL Development Corporation’s chairman Ricky Adams is appealing to Soca artistes and song writers here to couch their

lyrics in ways that will penetrate the international arena.

Adams described this year’s carnival as

“successful.”

He noted expansion in Rural Carnival activities, and indicated that they can be used as a “feeder system” into the product.

Adams took pride that his institution finished the Junior segments earlier than before.

The Calypsonian’s Association was commended for being “better organised,” and the chairman vowed that the Calypso Queen competition “will continue.”

Adams is hoping that Carnival Mas Bands will overcome hurdles surrounding making their production profitable. The Cultural Minister Cecil Mc Kie also expressed satisfaction with the direction in which Vincy Mas is headed. He can be seen presenting trophy to Calypso Monarch 2019, Shaunelle Mc Kenzie here.

programme for the 2020 Vincy Mas is yet to be finalised, but at least one person has already indicated her intention of being at the Pan Lime in Victoria Park during the Steel and Glitter showpiece.

Evo 4.0, the event that replaced the Miss Carival extravaganza, continues to overwhelm Adams. That has been staged at the Cruise Ship Terminal since its introduction 2017.

Financial matters are occupying Adams’ attention. Components have been calling for increased prize money, Adams disclosed, and he is appealing to government, and sponsors for additional input so as to balance out the records.

Adams boasted of a more than $600,000 payment in prizes this year. There is a changing face on the prize list, Adams noted. He pointed to images like Shaunelle Mc Kenxzie, a first time Calypso monarch, Derron ‘Magikal’ Rouse, a new Soca Monarch; Rondy ‘Luta’ Mc Intosh, into the Road March script; Lynx Mas band, Band of the Year winner for the first time, and My Imagination, who captured the Section of the Bands title for the first time.

Vincentian cultural artistes continue to impress, and Adams pointed to successful ventures by Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper, and alluded to the writing skills of: JamesyP, Gamal ‘Skinny Fabulous’ Doyle, Shertz ‘Problem Child’ James, and ‘Fimba’ Jardine.

National Lotteries Authority chairman Murray Bullock compared the difference in contribution to the CDC in 2001 to what obtains presently, and

CDC’s Chairman Ricky Adams lauded a successful Vincy Mas 2019. Here he presents a trophy to Kingsley Collis of Metrocint High Voltage Mas Productions.

Murray Bullock, National Authorities Chairman presents trophy to Derron ‘Majikal’ Rouse. The organisation has been an unwavering supporter of Vincy Mas throughout the years. highlighted that as an indication of the current regime’s “commitment to culture.”

In 2019, $2.5M was injected through the offices of the NLA, and that did not cater for money used from the Consolidated Fund, as well as the value of the Victoria Park, and use of electricity.

Culture Minister Cecil McKie is pleased with the mushrooming of the Vincentian cultural landscape, and outlined that Vincentian mas’ men are in demand throughout the Caribbean and beyond.

McKie noted increased arrivals to the Vincentian cultural festival and attributed the opening of the Argyle International Airport as a contributing factor.

He underlined a growing trend, and pointed to the trend as an indicator as to how packages can be planned.

McKie echoed his call for the sale of more items to sell to persons when they come here.

He is hoping that efforts could be made to assess the ‘impact” carnival has on the nation’s economy.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. 3.

News 3 No land

Minister Saboto Caesar NO LAND HAS BEEN GRANTED to foreigners for the use of the cultivation of medical marijuana.

This assurance was given by Agriculture Minister Saboto Caesar

at the August 22 Sitting of Parliament, who said that while this was so, foreign investors and investment was an important component of the medical cannabis

industry.

He told fellow Parliamentarians that unique relationships needed to be forged with individuals overseas to ensure the requisite capital injections needed to build the industry.

A few investors have already secured lands, however, through the purchase or lease of private lands.

Both of these arrangements do require an alien’s land owners licence.

And the investment through the purchase of lands thus far has resulted in ‘tremendous’ contributions to the economy.

According to Caesar, Cabinet approved investors have secured or are in the process of securing just over 150 acres of land.

The information provided was part of the response given by the Agriculture Minister to a question from the

Parliamentary Representative for North Leeward, Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews, and which was read out by the Leader of the Opposition Dr Godwin Friday, to indicate the number of land made available to traditional cultivators of cannabis and investors.

But Caesar responded, saying that there was a presumption that those involved in the illicit production of cannabis did not have access to land.

“That is a presumption I would like to rebut,” he said.

Caesar went on to indicate that of the 162 traditional cultivator applications received, 88 have stated that they have their own land.

Another sub-sector was currently in the process of negotiating with relatives and other private sector land owners for written consent to use available land for them to

Legal action GOVERNMENT INTENDS to take legal action against Seafarers Shipyard Group Ltd over moneys owed for rent of the facilities at the Ottley Hall Marina and Shipyard, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said at the August 22 Sitting of Parliament, in response to a question posed by Leader of the Opposition, Dr Godwin Friday, to state Ottley Hall Marina the amount collected in rent thus far that the relation to Seafarers Shipyard company had paid a total of EC$30,000 in the current year up Group Ltd.,” the Prime Minister said in a ministerial statement. to the end of July.

Earlier this year, the Leader of “This is far less that the the Opposition asked a similar EC$86,400 which became due in question, to which the Prime July 2019,” Gonsalves told Minister responded that the said Parliament. company was behind in rent and And as a consequence, the other contractual obligations. outstanding amount owed had At that Meeting of the House, risen to EC$262,000, despite parts Gonsalves indicated that the of the facility being let out to company paid money in 2016 various tenants. amounting to EC$86,940, nothing “In the light of the failure of in 2017, and EC$140,000 in 2018 Seafarers Shipyard Group Ltd to meet its contractual obligation at which was then EC$205,600 short. the Ottley Hall Marina and “Clearly, this state of affairs Shipyard, Government has taken cannot continue for any longer,” certain decisions in relation to this, and has instructed its lawyer he said.

According to Gonsalves, there to take certain positions in had been a lot of forbearance

because the owners of the company were a group of local investors.

“You are trying to see if they can get it going, but clearly they have serious problems,” he added.

No details of the intended legal action were disclosed, with Gonsalves explaining that he did not want to say anything that might have compromised any legal action on the part of the lessors.

The idea was to encourage and assist local investors; however they were unable to make the requisite payments, and as a general principle, Government needed to ensure that there was no misuse or abuse of state property.(DD)

cultivate.

There are 41 applicants who have indicated that they do not have land, and the Minister pointed out that 62 percent of that figure were applicants from North Leeward.

Caesar continued, saying that the Ministry responsible for land had reported that 16 persons have applied for a lease,

or rent for purposes of supporting their application.

And the Medicinal Cannabis Authority’s Board made a presentation to Cabinet and received approval, in principle, for the set-up of a medical cannabis land bank where persons from the private sector can make their land available for use. (DD)

Settlements and legal action for policy holders of failed insurance companies PAYMENTS IN THE SEPTEMBER 2019 British American Insurance Company Ltd {BAICO) settlements are well underway.

To date approximately 30% of the settlement value allocated to the SVG jurisdiction has been paid out.

Policyholders who have not yet received payments are encouraged to collect cheques or make alternative arrangements for payment as soon as possible.

The appeal was made by Brian Glasgow, Judicial Manager of British American Insurance Company (SVG) Ltd. He advised that settlements of 4% of investment or deposit values are being made in this distribution. “As at this point, we are now able to offer policyholders a total of 14% of their policy value”.

Payments and further information can be obtained from the offices of KPMG, First Floor, NIS Building, Kingstown.

Glasgow, speaking at a meeting of The British American and CLICO Policy Holders - BACOL, took the opportunity to urge policy holders to give their support to BACOL’s work.

BACOL has retained a legal team which is currently preparing an action to be brought before the Caribbean Court of Justice in its original jurisdiction. The action will be seeking redress for policy holders in the Eastern Caribbean who were discriminated against on the basis of nationality.

This refers specifically to the rate of settlement paid to policyholders of the Eastern Caribbean which amounted to significantly less than that paid to policy holders in Trinidad and Tobago.

The meeting, held in St.Vincent and the Grenadines on Wednesday September 4th 2019, was chaired by Dr Patrick Antoine, Chairman of the group, and was addressed by Queen’s Counsel Mr. Simon Davenport (Head of 3 Hare Court Chambers in London, England) and Senior Counsel Dr. Kenny Anthony (Former Prime Minister of St. Lucia), both members of BACOL’s high powered legal team.

BACOL was formed in Grenada in 2013 with the main objective of recovering policyholder’s investments from the failed British American and CLICO Insurance Company, their subsidiaries and affiliates. BACOL has since been extended to include membership from Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in addition to the original membership of Grenada.

BACOL, with a current membership of over 1000 is conducting a series of meetings throughout the Eastern Caribbean during the month of September, 2019.

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4. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

„Leave peopleÊs children alone‰, Prosecutor warns

cannot intimidate people’s children. People must live in comfort and not in fear”, Delpleche said.

SENIOR Prosecutor Adolphus “Leave the people’s children alone”, he added, in a Delpleche has issued a stern loud and emotional manner. warning to those who like to Yearwood, who was unrepresented, was interfere with children. sentenced to nine months in prison, despite his plea His comments came as he for leniency. recommended a custodial “I beg you please, I will not come back in front of sentence for 42-year-old you”, he pleaded, and blamed alcohol for his action.

Osbourne Yearwood who The Court had heard that around 12:45 p.m pleaded guilty to assault with August 22, Yearwood confronted and threatened the intent to wound by hurling child while she was on her way to a shop at Calder. stones at a 14-year-old girl.

She got scared, ran back home and asked her aunt The Senior Prosecutor to accompany her to the shop. expressed the view that On their way, the defendant was met standing in Yearwood operated as a bully the main road. He again began to curse the child to the child, and the Court and threw two stones at her, in the presence of her must send a strong message. aunt and other persons.

“We have to stop it, and The child had to make evasive moves to prevent stop it forcefully. He the stones from striking her.

(Yearwood) must know that we Yearwood had nineteen (19) previous convictions.

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Adolphus Delpleche

Bail granted in stabbing incident WOUNDING with intent, accused Kristoff Huggins, 27-year-old labourer of Belair was granted $7,000 bail when he appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Monday.

Huggins was initially denied bail when he was taken before the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court August 19, charged with wounding 28-year-old Michael Glasgow of Kelbourney with intent.

Glasgow, a vendor, was stabbed twice in the right side of his back during an incident at Bedford Street, Kingstown, August 24.

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett had denied the defendant bail after Prosecutor Curlene Samuel informed the Court that Glasgow was warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital with serious injuries, and there was a possibility of the charge being upgraded.

However, when Huggins made his appearance before the Serious Offences Court on Monday, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne granted him bail after Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche informed the Court that Glasgow was discharged from the hospital, and he had no objection to bail.

Huggins was granted $7,000 bail with one surety, on condition that he surrender his travel documents and report to the Calliaqua Police Station on Mondays and Thursdays. Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit, and he is not to leave the state without the permission of the Serious Offences Court or a higher court.

The matter was adjourned to November 18.

Scapegoat youth spared prison sentence Supermarket burglar protects her buyer BJ Garrick, 18 years old of Campden Park, was spared a custodial sentence on Wednesday for possession of 12,710 grams of marijuana with intent to supply, after Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne took into account that he was charged with two older men, hence the likelihood of him being exploited because of his youth.

Browne had reserved her decision after hearing the facts on Tuesday at the Serious Offences Court.

Garrick was fined $13,000, of which he was ordered to pay $5,000 forthwith or four months in prison. He was ordered to pay the balance by October 4 or eight months in prison.

Garrick was jointly charged with Vincent Edwards, 36, and Okeno Edwards 28, both of Petit Bordel.

However, while Garrick pleaded not guilty, the others maintained their innocence, and the prosecution withdrew the charges against them.

Officers from the Rapid Response Unit on mobile patrol of the leeward side of the country, intercepted men in a white Nissan car coming from the direction of Spring Village around 2:30 p.m.

August 24. Vincent Edwards was the driver.

The facts revealed that the police identified themselves, informed them of their duties, and asked if they had anything in the vehicle to reveal.

Vincent pointed to Okeno, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, and said, “He have some weed in the back of the car”.

All three were asked

to exit the vehicle, and a search of the trunk revealed a bag with two taped packages containing marijuana.

Vincent again pointed to Okeno and said, “Is his weed”. Okeno said nothing.

Garrick said, “Is a ride dey gey me. Me ain’t know nothing bout dat”.

The men were then taken into custody, and, interestingly, Garrick informed the police that the marijuana was his.

He told the Court that his mother was not working, and he helped to take care of his 11year-old sister. He said his mother had seven children, ages ranging from 11 to 27, when Browne questioned him.

When the Magistrate asked him, why the 27year-old not taking care of the 11-year-old, the boy replied, “because he has his own children to

mine”.

The Magistrate seemed puzzled by the boy’s story.

“You see the quantity.

I ain’t thinking about fine at all”, she told him.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche said, “The defendant has no previous record.

However, the quantum is my concern, and I don’t think he has any means of paying a fine”.

The Magistrate then adjourned the matter to the following day for sentencing.

However, when the matter was called on Wednesday, Browne highlighted a number of mitigating factors. She expressed the view that his involvement was due to pressure and intimidation by the others. She said there was a total reversal of what transpired in the vehicle to what Garrick said at the police station.

“You were the scapegoat”, she told him, THREE MEN who were denied bail cellular phone valued EC$1,000. as she highlighted the when they appeared at the Kingstown The two were also charged with issue of vulnerability.

Magistrate’s Court August 19 on entering Morgan’s home, as a Browne also charges of robbery and aggravated trespasser, and at the time, had in considered Garrick’s burglary, were granted bail when they their possession a weapon of offence, were brought before the Serious to wit, a gun. youthfulness, the issue of Offences Court on Monday.

The offences were reportedly rehabilitation, the fact Shamol Williams, 16, and Jovanny committed in the early morning hours that he had no previous Stephens, 17, both of Diamond, are of July 26 at the Diamond Housing convictions, and that he charged with robbing retired school Scheme where Morgan was residing. pleaded guilty at the first teacher Jeff Morgan of EC$500 in available opportunity.

Continued on Page 21. cash, a laptop valued EC$3,000 and a

Three granted bail on robbery charges

MESHALANNIE Simmonette, a 25-year-old Edinboro woman who recently broke into the CK Greaves Sunrise Supermarket at Arnos Vale and stole drinks and cigarettes to the tune of $608.81 may have received a lighter penalty, had she revealed to whom she sold the items.

But the well-known character on the streets of Kingstown chose to ‘hold her belly’ and protect her buyer, even after Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne indicated that it would go in her favour, if she revealed what she did with the items.

But all the woman revealed, under persistent questioning by the Chief Magistrate and Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche, was that she sold three bottles of Henessy for more than EC$100.

When repeatedly asked to whom, she remained silent.

Simmonette was sentenced to three months in prison after pleading guilty earlier to burglaring the supermarket around 2:20 a.m August 25 and stealing three bottles of Henessy, two cartons of cigarette, two tins of Heineken beer and one bottle of Magnum wine. None of the items were recovered.

Footage of Simmonette who is said to frequent the car park of the building, was picked up on CCTV camera entering the building and removing the items.

This was after the alarm system of the supermarket was triggered around 2:56 a.m. that day, and the Manager as well as the police were alerted. They responded and visited the scene, and a glass to the southern side of the building was met smashed. No one was found in the building, but a copy of the footage was made out and handed over to the investigator.

Simmonette was subsequently arrested and charged.

Before handing down the penalty, the Chief Magistrate stressed the serious nature of the offence, and highlighted that a major aggravating factor was the blatant disregard for the property of someone else. She also noted that the woman had serious previous convictions, including offences of firearm possession and damage to property.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06 , 2019. 5.

News

Quality music

Road March Winner Rondy ‘Luta’ McIntosh.

RONDY ‘Luta’ McIntosh has no particular format towards retaining the Road March title.

“I am just doing quality music.”

That’s what he outlined at Murray’s Heights Hotel last Tuesday evening. Luta was among a throng of cultural providers rewarded for their contribution to this year’s Vincy Mas. Regarded as one of this country’s most distinguished entertainers, Luta has been around musical circles since the late 1980 s. He appeared when the group ‘Signal’ made its mark.

He took part in competitions, but has been away from the rough and tumble within recent years.

His consistency on the Soca arena has been noted, but he never received any accolade to attest to his pedigree.

This year appears as a defining moment for him.

He copped this year’s Road March title with ‘Leggo t’ing.’

He beamed with delight “to finally capture the Road March title, and to receive the prize in front of an appreciative audience.”

“It gives you momentum to keep going and achieving and making a contribution to national culture,” Luta added.

Asked what broke the jinx, Luta responded: “The people gravitated towards the song.”

He is not planning to rest on any laurels, and projects: “I still put my best into the music.

People will decide if that’s what they want,” the 2019 Road March King declared. He admitted that he had been on tour over the past six weeks to places like the United Kingdom, USA, Canada

and Trinidad and Tobago.

He admitted entertaining “sold out’ events, because as he highlighted: the number was a hit. It was recorded at Davon ‘Bassic’ Cato’s studio here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and produced by Brendon Stewart.

Luta complimented the DJs, Mas bands, Radio stations for propelling the song’s success.

Luta was followed on the Road March list by Derron ‘Magical’ Rouse whose “Bloody Hell Crazy” took second, while Vilroy ‘Tuffa’ Jack with ‘Liver’ placed third.

Tuffa and Magikal also featured on the Soca Monarch list, with Magical Number 1, and Jack third. Second place went to Delroy Fireman Hooper, and fourth position was taken by Zavique ‘Caspa G’ Morris who did the number ‘Rum diaries.’

CDC honours Tropical Shipping supports cultural icons International Coastal Cleanup

TWO VINCENTIANS who quit the cultural stage earlier this year, have been honoured for their contribution. They are John Horne and Edgar Adams.

Trophies have been named in their memory, and the first recipients received the awards last Tuesday.

My Imagination Mas Band was the first to handle the John Horne Challenge Trophy. They took the Section of the John Horne Bands title with ‘Angel of the morning’ from their presentation ‘Watch out for this.’

Jennilee Glasgow copped the Edgar Adams Challenge Trophy for the Individuals of the Year award. Her costume entitled: ‘Sporobrachus Giganticus,’ from ‘Wonders of Nature,’ is SVG Players International Mas Band 2019 presentation.

Horne, an entrenched Vincentian Mas man, established his foothold from early 1950s and continued to the very end. He is credited with the formation of the group Bridge Boys which served as a platform for this country’s cultural expression.

Adams has become known as perhaps this country’s most versatile writer and historian.

His appetite for research and ability in a variety of fields underlined his philosophical and patriotic fervour.

They both created realms of treasure in their lives and manner of living.

Edgar Adams

ON FRIDAY 30th August, Tropical Shipping made a contribution to the Central Water & Sewerage Authority by donating 400 Poly Bags to assist with the International Coastal Cleanup, scheduled for September 21st, 2019 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Cedric McIntyre, Island Manager Tropical Shipping, stated that it is a privilege for Tropical Shipping to be involved with the International Coastal Cleanup with the donation of the bags.

Issues of the environment form part of the mandate of the L-R: Maxine Howard – Sales Manager – Tropical Shipping; Joan Ryan company’s corporate Public Relations and Marketing Manager – CWSA, Cedric McIntyre – Island social responsibility, Manager – Tropical Shipping and Rae-Anne McDowall – Public Relations which includes cleanup of Assistant – CWSA. our beaches and Authority, expressed her thanks coastlines. on behalf of the CWSA and the McIntyre is hoping that this local organising agency CYEN. annual event which will occur in Annually, the CWSA partners over 100 countries on the 21st September, will attract volunteers with groups and individuals nationally to assist with the for the same common goal of removal of various forms of trash cleaning up the beaches and coastal lines; which is part of our from rivers and coast lines tourism product and by extension throughout the state. The bags donated would go a long way contributing to healthy marine and reef life in St. Vincent & The towards assisting with the removal of trash from the Grenadines. beaches. The bags are sturdy and Ms. Joan Ryan, Public Relations and Marketing Manager can be reused if handled properly. for the Central Water & Sewerage Thank you, Tropical Shipping.

V Vincies Âjump for educationÊ in NY Carnival 6. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Saturday, portraying “Sanctuary: A Habitat for Birds.”

“Living creatures and their conservation and preservation should be a matter of concern and interest,” said veteran band leader Wesley Millington, of Sion Hill, Kingstown.

He said the three-section band comprised: Fire Bird, Bird of Paradise and Golden Eagle.

“Our aim is to introduce the next generation of masqueraders to carnival,” Millington said. “Thus, we try to encourage the kids to have fun and enjoy the festival.”

He said the aim of Mas Productions Unlimited — founded by the late, veteran Vincentian mas man Neusam “Sam” DeBique in 1992 — is geared towards “maintaining a Vincentian presence in Brooklyn Carnival and Revelers with Friends of Crown Heights jump for education. promoting Vincentian culture in general.”

Story and photos by “Shelly” Dublin. “It’s a good thing to As he played with Friends of Crown NELSON A. KING promote Vincy culture.

Heights on Labor Day, Old Montrose, naking@verizon.net; “We’re one of the leading countries Kingstown native Terrance “Terry” kingnaking210@yahoo.com when it comes to carnival in the Edwards said the band was “out early” US CORRESPONDENT Caribbean,” Lowe added, jumping to and that “the rain purged” the parade.

Timba’s “Mind Yo Funky Business” But despite the treacherous FOR THE THIRD SUCCESSIVE year, blaring from huge speakers mounted weather, he said “everybody was masqueraders and revelers with the atop a flatbed truck. enjoying” the carnival parade.

Friends of Crown Heights Educational Brooklyn residents Betty Trent, Further down the parade route, Centers in Brooklyn, New York jumped for of Arnos Vale, and Carlita Jack, of Patrick Gill, of Calliaqua, hoisted a education, underscoring the theme of Frenches, Kingstown, jumped nearby.

Phillmore Lowe, of Rose Place, large Vincentian flag. the band as it participated in the 52nd “I’m enjoying it,” Trent shouted.

“I do this every year for the past 25 Kingstown, and Odinga “Shelly” West Indian American Day Carnival “I’m jumping for education.”

Dublin, of New Montrose, Kingstown, years,” he said. “I feel good, great. I Parade on Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway Jack said: “I feel great.” team up with Friends of Crown enjoy doing this.” on Labor Day, Monday.

Heights Band.

Aspiring recording artiste Chake The extravaganza capped four Donning T-shirts emblazoned with Bess, of Edinboro, Kingstown, who nights of spectacular pre-parade Indian American Day Carnival the theme “Jump for Education,” carries the sobriquet “Urbalist”, posed shows, organized by the BrooklynParade. masqueraders, primarily Vincentians, with 5-year-old Hunter Nanton. based West Indian American Day “This is the largest parade in New ensured that they were part and “I look forward to this moment Carnival Association (WIADCA).

York City,” the former candidate for parcel of the grand extravaganza, even every year as a proud West Indian,” The shows comprised: Reggae, Afro the 40th Council District in Brooklyn as heavy thundershowers poured down Bess said. “The rain this morning — Beats, Soca…Unda Di Stars with told THE VINCENTIAN under the on the parade.

God just showed us how much he headliners Ding Dong and Wayne pre-parade breakfast tent, as rain “I was here last year and the year blessed us.”

Wonder (Thurs., Aug. 29); Brassfest, poured down heavily, for two before,” said Phillmore Lowe, of Rose Shamara Smith, a Chateaubelair featuring Kes, Patrice Roberts, Farmer uninterrupted hours, at the beginning Place, Kingstown, posing with New native, who designed her own costume, Nappy and Skinny Fabulous (Fri., of the parade. “A lot of people don’t Montrose, Kingstown native Odinga played with her sister-in-law Alredaa Aug. 30); Steelpan Panorama, understand the amount of money the Charway, of Ghana. featuring more than 10 steel parade generates for New York City.

“It’s fun,” said Smith, participating orchestras (Sat., Aug. 31); and “It’s a cultural affair,” added Toney in the parade for the second successive Dimanche Gras, featuring, Calypso about the parade. “There’s no other year. “Only one life to live — you have Rose, GBM Nutron, Tallpree and cultural affair like this one in the US.” to enjoy every moment.”

Lavaman; Ava George, of Calliaqua, a longKings and standing employee with New York Queens of the City’s Department of Environmental Bands, Protection (DEP), played with Carmen Individual and McMillan, of Chateaubelair.

Ole Mas “I’m feeling great with me Costume ‘famalaylay’,” said George, stressing presentations; family for emphasis. and Panorama McMillan said she, too, was “feeling 2019 winners great and having a lot of fun.”

— all on Sun., Brothers Earlande “Cappy” Lewis Sept 1. and Keith Lewis said they could not Joel Toney, miss the parade. a former St. “For the last three years, it was Vincent and fun,” Keith said. “The Vincy Band is the good. Friends of Crown Heights Band Grenadines is the Vincy Band. There’s no other Ambassador to band.” the United Actually, there’s another Vincy Nations, noted band, Mas Productions Unlimited. But Chateaubelair native Shamara Smith (right) with Ghananian Patrick Gill, of Calliaqua, displays the the it only participates in the Junior Vincentian flag on the parkway. He’s uniqueness of Alfreda Charway display costumes in Friends of Crown Carnival, which took place on Heights Educational Centers’ band. been doing so for 25 years. the West

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06 , 2019. 7.

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8. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial CARIFESTA- more emphasis on Arts and Culture needed FROM ALL REPORTS SO FAR, it appears that the Vincentian delegation which represented our country at the Caribbean’s premier arts festival, CARIFESTA, which concluded recently in Trinidad and Tobago, made a good impression there. The delegation was a mixed one with dancers, the usual soca component, and even local entrepreneurs and artisans displaying their talents and products. It was especially heartening to note the inclusion of the group from Union Island performing their traditional “Big Drum” dance.

CARIFESTA is a major showcase for Caribbean culture, the tremendous potential of which seems not yet to be fully appreciated or utilized by the region. It is unique in the broad range of arts and cultural expressions that it manifests. We have carnivals throughout the region, trade shows and exhibitions, tourism gatherings and so on, but only CARIFESTA encompasses all of these.

In spite of this, the investment, whether financial, material or human, in this culturally rich event, pales in comparison with that expended on carnival for instance. Yet, it is potentially much more impactful than all the Carnivals put together. One major issue for the Caribbean community of nations must be how to attract private sector investment in and funding for this Festival. In addition, there is need to widen social sector involvement, especially that of the youth. We are a long way from the ideal when CARIFESTA becomes a household word throughout the region, when countries eagerly prepare in advance for each one, and when citizens of the Caribbean look forward to CARIFESTA with eager anticipation.

CARIFESTA can also become a major tourism attraction for the region, a medium to stamp our rich cultural history and artistic talents on the world stage. Our arts and craft, culinary delights and the fantastic talents of our people can all find expression in what can be a fusion of all we have to offer. It will not come easily and calls for both vision and political will on the part of the governments and people of the region.

Within it, there is huge opportunity not just for the development of the arts and craft, but crucially both an opportunity to engender national pride as well as to foster regional identity. CARIFESTA

is a graphic manifestation of what we have in common throughout the region, cutting across linguistic, territorial and ethnic barriers. In each of our territories, the aim should be to so implant the spirit of CARIFESTA among us all that we will all, be looking forward to the next one and that our artistes will all be striving for excellence so as to gain selection to represent their country.

Additionally, there should be the clamour from the populace as a whole for live media coverage of the main events.

These will not be achieved overnight, to be sure, but we must set the goals and work towards them.

After each CARIFESTA, we should reflect on and analyze our performances. Did we place emphasis in the right direction? Was the composition of the delegation selected, the optimum one for the occasion?

Indeed, there is not public knowledge of the basis on which selection to represent our country is made. Do we have a clear policy in this regard and criteria for selection?

Clarity on these matters will avoid the feeling, from one festival to another, that certain areas of the arts are not adequately represented. There have been grumblings about not enough emphasis being placed on traditional aspects of our culture, and not enough exposure and promotion of indigenous cultural expressions and art forms.

One critical area to be addressed is that of the facilities which will best facilitate the development of the arts, the enabling environment as it is called. This was poignantly raised by the leader of the dance contingent to CARIFESTA, Ms. Maxine Browne, who made an appeal for a proper Centre for the Performing Arts. This has been a manifesto promise of our two political parties over the past 35 years. Neither of them has been able to accomplish this, to the great disappointment of our artistes.

We have to find the means, the will, to seek funding for such a venture. It cannot be left up to government alone, nor hoping for some “friendly government” to cough up the sums needed. What about a national effort, including our people in the diaspora?

CARIFESTA has brought all these issues into focus. As we laud the performances of our delegation, we must be prepared to address these fundamental underlying matters.

Farewell to Sir Vincent for the fourth time (October 2005)

he must be identified with the backwardness of Labour ON THE 16TH Governments including the SEPTEMBER 2005, ban on “prohibited” Gerald Primus of THE literature, ban on VINCENTIAN newspaper progressive West Indians, emergency bade the fourth farewell to Sir Vincent powers act, the “dread bills” and the Beache. emasculation of the Teachers’ Union.

Vincent won his first seat in December Beache was made to feel uncomfortable 1974 and lost in July 1989, an unbroken in a Labour Party dominated by half-aperiod of 15 years. Then the period 1989 - dozen lawyers — Milton Cato, Hudson 1994, five years when he was out of the Tannis, St. Clair Dacon, Grafton Isaacs, House, must be discounted. Add the Arthur Williams, and Arthur Woods, original 15 years to 11 years -1994 to compounded by the later entry of Donald present day and we get 26 years all told.

Browne and Stanley “Stalky” John — once It has become necessary to give Sir said by Cato to constitute “the strongest Vincent’s year a boost to his figures by 9 Government in the world!” years, merely to make it equal to Sir Vincent was unfairly kept away from James Mitchell’s record of 35 years, 1966 headship of the Labour Party in 1985 to 2001 minus the eight months or so he following Cato’s resignation. To Hudson was kept in the wilderness immediately Tannis fell the accolade, though unlike following upon his initial loss of the Beache, he had been defeated in the 1984 Grenadines seat in 1979. elections. It took Hudson’s tragic death in So, based on years of service alone, Sir 1986 to pave the way for Beache to James is ahead 35 years to 26 years. In receive his just entitlement as “dead left”. quality of service, Sir James was Premier Followed the electoral debacle in which 1972 to1974, and Prime Minister from Labour was completely routed, in 1989, 1984 to 2000. Sir Vincent, as this column the NDP winning all fifteen seats. For a noted before, was “the best Prime time, Beache understandably lost the Minister we never had”. leadership to Stanley John, only to regain In addition, Sir Vincent’s service fell it during talks involving a Labour-MNU below three other political giants get together in 1994. In the cloak-andLatham, Joshua and Cato, in ascending dagger politics of the time, the ULP order. Not to mention Sir James at head emerged with Vincent and Ralph as of the heap.

Leader and Deputy-Leader.

First, Levi Latham served for 26 During the 1980s and early 1990s, unbroken years, from 1953 to 1979 and there had been no love lost between held ministries, like Vincent did.

Beache and Gonsalves, both of whom Second came Joshua with a run from contested for the North Central 1951 to 1979 — 28 straight years. He is St. Windward seat. During the exchanges, Vincent’s first Chief Minister.

Gonsalves among other things, remarked Finally, there is R.M Cato, Beache’s that Beache was a coconut bat fit only to boss, who served from 1961 to 1984 and play beach cricket. had been the country’s first Prime As the negotiations progressed Minister. To Mr. Cato’s 23 service must satisfactorily, Gonsalves discovered be added a period of two or three years Beache to be a Superstar! But after which he spent in the regional West suffering a shock defeat — 7 to 8 at the Indies Federation, a combined total of 26 hands of the governing NDP in 1998, years.

Beache had to concede the leadership to So, on any proper count, Sir Vincent Gonsalves.

Beache would occupy a fifth spot.

Some Pundits hold that the changed In office, Vincent did moderately well circumstances brought out the worst in without being spectacular. He could claim Beache who did his utmost to render the to have brought back the sugar industry, country ungovernable. He helped create but even Ralph Gonsalves had declared the conditions that led to early elections the Old Forest Park machines to be “a and the return of Gonsalves whom cross between a sieve and an old coffee Beache held as the Nemesis of Beache’s grinder,” and understood Mitchell’s own shame. abandonment of the project on economic If his son Glen does make it at all, he grounds. urged to follow the example of the preIf we are to associate Beache with 1984 Beache, humble, decent and progressive projects of the Labour Party- hardworking. But something tells this and there were quite a few, then equally writer that is crying for the moon.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. 9.

Letters

Squalor in Stoney Ground OVER THE YEARS, we the residents of Stoney Ground have prided ourselves on the aesthetics of our community. What started as a modest experiment in low income housing by the Joshua administration in the early 1960s, has transformed itself into a manicured suburban neighborhood complete with a school, shopping center and medical facilities.

Our concerns are analogous to those of

other residential communities; the safety of our family and property, the cleanliness of our environment, economic prosperity through employment, and access to essential services.

Recently, we have been invaded by an individual of the swine persuasion, who it appears is destined to reduce our community into the unenviable position of public

squalor. Our once pristine riverside area is now inundated with wrecked vehicle parts, discarded pallets, smelly toxic garbage and an infestation of the rodent brotherhood.

This shanty town is being constructed in full view of the authorities, with its loud cacophonous noises and retail activities of a seemingly nefarious nature. These actions are manifested daily and

continue well into the night.

We hereby call on the authorities to rid us of this pied piper, and restore our community back to its former propriety.

Voltaire

The functions of the Kingdom THE KINGDOM of God, the true gospel of Jesus “The time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is at hand…..” Mark 1:15 What time was fulfilled? Dan. 2:44. “And in the days of these Kingdoms (Russia, USA, EU/UK) shall the God of heaven set up a Kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the Kingdom shall never be left to other people, but it shall brake in pieces and consume all these

Kingdoms, and it shall stand forever”.

What is a Kingdom and what is the Kingdom of God? A Kingdom is a government. A Kingdom or government is dual: 1. A king, leader/ruler, ruling over people subject or citizens; territory, laws and an administrating system to administrate the state.

2. A family-ruling family e.g. central committee, congress,

House of Lords, or Commons, cabinet etc.

The Kingdom of Israel was made up of the children of family of Israel. In the case of the Kingdom of God/heaven this is made up of bornagain people from every tribe, race, language, religion, class and nationality. (Rev. 5:9-10).

The function of a Kingdom/government The three main functions in a Kingdom/government:

Renewal at 40 I WAS TRULY moved when I read about the launch of the ‘Renewal at 40 Programme’ which, according to the Prime Minister and as reported by THE VINCENTIAN of Fri. 26th July, 2019, was going to comprise a series of activities beginning with the launch and lasting until the end of October 2020.

What surprised me, though, was that the Minister of Finance, in his contribution at the launch, said that the activities will include things like repairing/upgrading primary and secondary schools, and constructing footpaths in villages. All of this was in keeping with the ‘Renewal at 40’ intention, “to refresh the country,” according to the Minister of Finance.

Also, the Sports Against Crime’ programme was also included as part of the ‘Renewal at 40’ activities.

I honestly thought, as I implied before, that this ‘Renewal at 40’ thing was going to be, as the PM said, a “period of reflection”, and activities that would roll out without any political bias and in a true spirit of nationhood and togetherness.

Once again, I am disappointed that the party I supported way back in 2001 is again being hypocritical about its ‘talk’ of togetherness and nationhood.

The activities that have already begun as part of the ‘Renewal at 40 Progamme’ like school repairs and building footpaths, are what we expect

a government to do on an ongoing basis. After all, that is why we pay taxes on an ongoing basis, which if we fail to do, we shall be prosecuted.

It is still early in the ‘Year of Renewal,’ but the way things have kicked off, the year seems to be heading down the same partisan road that characterized Homecoming celebrations a few years ago. No offence meant to the few people who were genuine about their effort then, but that celebration ended up being yet another big party, for which we paid handsomely.

Mr. Editor, I am worried that if we continue down this road of playing with our sense of nationhood, that our grandchildren may be a lost people.

With ensuring a true sense of nationhood, one that understands not only how a people must live with itself but it must live with the rest of the world, we should make the ‘Year of Renewal’ one that pays attention to things like climate change, inequality and class domination, societal decay, our national work ethic, our bureaucracy (economic and political organisations), external shocks and natural disasters, bad luck, and unforeseen developments.

Let’s be different about ‘Renewal at 40’. As much as we reflect on where we have come, we must keep focused on where we are going.

Raymond A ULP Supporter hanging on

1. Legislative — the function of making, altering, repealing and amending laws. This function is carried out by a legislature or legislative council.

2. Executive — the function of policy making enforcing and administrating the laws of the state.

3. Judicial — the function of interpreting or explaining the laws.

This is the function of the law Court of Justice.

This function is carried out by judges and magistrates.

Law pre-suppose all governments or Kingdom. Under slavery, the law permitted human to be the property of the same kind. Under capitalism, the law permits a worker to sell his labour power to the capitalist. Under socialism, your work for cooperatives and the state, etc.

Yeshua (Jesus) makes it plain that he did not come to do away with the laws, but to make them work for the good of all.

(Matt. 5:17, Luke 22:2430) If you are a Christian leader and you didn’t know that the teaching of Jesus is about government, stop praying ‘thy Kingdom come’. Or, get to know now.

Christian Democrat

Where has evangelism gone?

DO WE AS believers or church bodies have evangelism at heart? I have seen over the past few years, that many assemblies or religious bodies in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have gone dormant with evangelism.

In my opinion, all believers should do some evangelism, but many who claim to have this gift or position are in the four walls of the church building waiting to go on the pulpit. I’m not claiming that they should not go, because they might have a report to bring back to their base, or to someone who is responsible for their whereabouts.

The evangelists’ place is in the communities, home, workplaces or on the streets. An evangelist who was zealous in his position was Phillip, who travelled all over the world to win souls for Christ.

As believers in Christ, we must use diverse approaches in addressing each individual if we hope to effectively reach the world with a compassionate message.

The first step is to change the way we interact with people, the way we conduct ourselves, and our deportment are also very important. In order to have knowledge of the word of God, we must also have wisdom, love, hope, faith, and guidance of the Holy Spirit, which will lead, not our own ego.

At this very moment, communities need the body of Christ to unlock their conditions. The early church had an impact on communities by their united way of life, and as such, they will always be remembered for their hard work. What the communities will remember us for is division, conflict, greed, and disunity. These distractions make us lose our purpose. We need unity that will bring people together to unlock our nation for Christ.

Bishop Ezekiel Creese Faith Word Ministries

Sir Vincent: A man of grace AS VINCENTIANS of all works of life commiserate with the family of the late Sir Vincent, I am sure that Lady Vida and the rest of his family would be greatly heartened in the realization that their loss is genuinely shared

by Vincentians whose lives he authentically touched in so many ways. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has lost a man of great grace. He brought into his politics and social relationships an infectious demeanor that made him lovable.

Indeed, it was this affable disposition which won him the esteem of all sectors of our community.

Sir Vincent was a humble man. His had an unaffected humility which is one of the hallmarks of a great man. He was a reasonable man, courteous, upright, honorable and considerate, always

ready to lend a listening ear. He was a devoted man who worked hard and whose dedication to serve his people whether through politics or otherwise went far beyond the call of duty.

He, at an age when most people would have retired, undertook, solely from a sense of public duty and responsibility, the various offices he held.

His life is beautifully summed up by the wellknown quotation from Shakespeare’s tragedy Julius Caesar: “his life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up and say to all the world, this was a man”!

We should all thank God for the life of Sir Vincent. I am most grateful for the time spent with him.

Sir Vincent, your race has been well-run, your work well done.

Kirk M. DaSilva

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10. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Democracy and freedom of the media under the ULP

(Reprinted from May 2017)

Introduction THE 2017 FREEDOM HOUSE REPORT is out and can be viewed at www.freedomhouse.org. Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization which examines democracy, political freedom and human rights in the world. Freedom House has said that media freedom is at its lowest level in the last thirteen years. In fact, Freedom House says that only thirteen percent of international countries can be termed as being free, with forty percent being described as partly free, and the remaining 45 percent as being not free.

This is an interesting development from this reputable global organization which conducts research and advocacy. Freedom House ranks St. Vincent and the Grenadines among the thirteen percent of countries which are free. Of course, there will be people in the opposition New Democratic Party who will say otherwise. They will claim that media freedom in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is under attack by the ULP administration, that people are afraid to speak out for fear of being victimized, and that the ULP influences the Court. All these are unfounded charges and are completely false.

and the Grenadines are free and fair, as certified by international observer groups, including the Commonwealth and the Organisation of American States, the OAS. Naturally, having lost four in a row, the opposition NDP will find all kinds of things to say about the conduct of the polls, including the ridiculous statement that the ULP stole the elections in 2010 and 2015. As is their right, they have gone to the courts with their petition, to seek a determination in relation to the 2015 election, and so we await the decision of the courts.

The local media

The three newspapers, lone television station and the eight radio stations with active talk show programmes in the morning, all operate without any influence or interference from the ULP administration. There is one radio station which has dedicated its programming to removing the ULP administration from office. That station has been sued several times for allowing its operators to make defamatory statements about Prime Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Minister the Court has adjudicated over these scores matters.

Vincentians have been able to voice Freedom House gives the country their critical comments about the an aggregate score of 91 out of one government, subject to issues related hundred. On a scale of one to seven, slander. Prime Minister Gonsalves with one being the highest and seven to has routinely called radio stations to the lowest, the country scored a one about issues related to out of seven for civil liberties, one out converse national development. The of seven for political rights, and one government will be robust in defense out of seven for press freedom. of its programmes and policies, Countries and territories with a especially in the face of critical rating of 1 enjoy a wide range of which are false and untrue, political rights, including free and fair comments but there is no victimization. elections. Candidates who are elected Recently, a radio station broadcast actually rule, political parties are a comment in relation to the security competitive, the opposition plays an at the Argyle International important role and enjoys real power, operations Airport, claiming that the airport had and the interests of minority groups failed certain security tests conducted are well represented in politics and by the US based Transportation and government.

Safety Administration, the TSA. This From the scores, only three was a total lie and a fabrication of the countries, Barbados with 97, worst kind. The ULP administration Dominica with 95 and St. Lucia with was robust in its response, to set the 92 are ahead of St.Vincent and the matter straight and to correct the Grenadines. In fact SVG is ahead of false information. That radio station countries like Trinidad and Tobago, has since made a public apology.

Italy, Japan and France. All this information is available from the Conclusion Freedom House website, and can be accessed by all and sundry.

Outside of Freedom House, other And so, the question which must be international organizations have rated asked is: Do these scores mirror what St. Vincent and the Grenadines is happening on the ground in highly, in this or that field, for the St.Vincent and the Grenadines? The excellent work being done by the ULP answer to this question is For example, the undoubtedly yes. Civil rights and civil administration. organization, Transparency liberties are guaranteed by the International which is based in constitution, and the ULP Germany, has given the country high administration has been, and is marks in its 2016 report, in relation to committed to ensuring the highest corruption, and the ease with which quality of justice, maintaining and business can be conducted here. promoting law and order, and Vincentians should be proud of the bolstering to the fullest, the safety fact that the ULP administration is and security of our citizens. performing admirably in Indeed, there are certain watchdog government,sothat among other institutions in the country which positive things, it has been able to operate to ensure that the rights of attract very favourable ratings from citizens are maintained. These include international organizations.

The ULP the trade union movement, and the is indeed the party of Human Rights Association. The latter administration choice for all Vincentians, having been organization, when functional, and tested in some of the most operates as a quasi-opposition entity, tried challenging circumstances, and its without any interference from the leadership has made an immense government. difference for the better.

General elections in St. Vincent

The Canouan Secondary School THE CANOUAN SECONDARY SCHOOL is now a reality. The doors were opened on Monday 2nd September, 2019 after years of struggle and hardship. The battle was real and the economic costs were astronomical for many parents. The beginning of the 2019 -2020 academic year was undoubtedly a joyous, momentous and historic occasion for the students, parents and the community of Canouan. The parents of the children of Canouan must be commended for their perseverance towards this venture. Indeed, it was a beautiful day.

What is noticeable is the credit the government is taking for the construction of the secondary school.

It would appear as if the government did everything for secondary education on the island to become a reality. The people of Canouan know otherwise. We are grateful to the investors on the island who played a significant role in the construction of the school. The future of the island’s youth should now be brighter and much improved. Certainly, the youths on the island are now in the position to work at “new fantastic points of view” and “pursue new horizons”, as summarised in the song made popular

by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle.

It is the quest of the New Democratic Party to build on the strong foundation and further strengthen our proud legacy as we continue to make education and training the highest priority to provide better opportunities for all.

The Honourable Terrance Ollivierre and the Canouan Island community must take the credit for the construction of the secondary school.

When the Honourable Terrance Ollivierre was elected in 2001 as the parliamentary representative for the Southern Grenadines, the first project he placed on his agenda was the construction of a secondary school for Canouan. He discussed it with the residents of Canouan and they all agreed that there was a need for secondary education to enhance students’ successful outcomes.

From 2001, to this year, Mr. Ollivierre has been advocating for secondary education in Canouan.

Almost every Sitting of a new parliament and every budgetary debate, by way of questions on or by his cries and his pleas, the introduction of secondary education on the island has always been his mantra. At one occasion in the parliament, he shed tears trying to convince the government that a secondary school was needed on the island.

The ULP government was not convinced of the need of a secondary school on the island. We recall that the numbers games and other reasons were given in objection to secondary education in Canouan. Edwin Snagg in the 2003 budgetary debate puts it this way, “There’s a thrust in Education in the Grenadines that is phenomenal. You see this Secondary School that I just spoke about; it’s amazing and it’s a bright thought, and it’s a progressive thought and I indicated that recently how progressive such a thought is; that when you could think about the construction of a secondary school and you think about it within the circumstances that it must exist, and in which it must function; that it must be useful to the citizens, so you make sure that there are dormitories to

facilitate the people who come from Mayreau and those who come from Canouan of which the Honourable Member for the Southern Grenadines is always talking about a secondary school in Canouan — for a classroom, or less than a classroom, but we could take them to Union Island and they can be housed in Union Island, because there would be a dormitory provided for the purpose”. It wasn’t phenomenal to introduce secondary education on the island of Canouan for him and his government.

On the 16th April, 2003, the Parliamentary Representative of the Southern Grenadines posed the following question to the then Minister of education. ‘Given the financial constraints, accommodation and various other problems faced by the people of Canouan with respect to the growing number of students seeking secondary education from that Grenadine Island: ‘Would the Minister please indicate whether Government is considering alleviating this problem by providing secondary education in Canouan’.

The Minister in response to the question; alluded to that of quality and the need to improve performance.

He said, “A number of things have been done, Mr. Speaker, to improve the quality of the education at the Canouan School, and we are looking forward to improved performance by the students of that institution.” The concluding paragraph of the minister’s answer was really telling, as to the intention of his government. He stated, “So in concluding, Mr. Speaker, the issue is really not one of providing secondary education, but upgrading what we have and taking on board the difficulties encountered by students in accommodation etc. the establishment of dormitories and other related facilities at the brand new modern Union Island Secondary School.”

After years of neglect and empty promises, the voices of children supported by a community bellowed across the media, “No more promises, we need our own secondary school”.

Indeed, the voices of desperate children, parents and community as they highlighted their plight and need. They recognized the fact that millions of dollars was collected from the sale of scarce lands on the island but none was invested in their future.

Representative Ollivierre and the people of the Canouan Island community did not give up but persevered. Through the years, they kept fighting on, agitating relentlessly, for they knew as put so eloquently by Gerard ‘Razum’ Shallow in his calypso ‘Perseverance’, “That every good seed you sow brings a fruit wherever you plant it. Perseverance and strength go together, triumph in all its reigns follow after.” There is a sense of gratitude and thankfulness to all those involved in this success story. Indeed, a special heartfelt appreciation and gratefulness to the developers for a dream come true. The time is now to make sure we get the quality education we need to improve our island community and community as we bear the fruits necessary for growth and development.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. 11.

Views

Beyond the call of duty

“Going far beyond that call of duty, doing more than others expect, this is what excellence is all about! And it comes from striving, maintaining the highest standards, looking after the smallest detail, and going the extra mile. Excellence means doing your very best. In everything! In every way.” - Jack Johnson – American singer and songwriter.

MANY WORKPLACES and service clubs are blessed by having individuals who are prepared to exert maximum effort and energy. They pay attention to detail and appear to be forever focused on meeting and surpassing customer expectation. These valuable individuals seem to be always ready to go beyond the call of duty. We are inspired; they avoid the temptation to be clockwatchers or energy savers (as it related to conserving their energy). However, there are some workplaces that appear to be challenged by individuals who are prepared to “live light and weigh heavy”.

In other words, they may be quite happy doing very little or nothing, but basking in the glory when the true workers (and worshipers in relation to church membership) create and sustain success.

Many managers, leaders, and supervisors pay particular attention to those individuals who (often without being prompted) will see things to be done and do them. These are individuals who avoid merely focusing on their job requirements as per their job descriptions. In the workplace, they make themselves available to be members of the Health and Safety Committee or the Sports Club. They often seek no recognition, and it does not matter whether they receive praise for their voluntary service. They know that it is not what they get from going beyond the call of duty, but what they become by doing so. They become bigger in so many ways. By giving of themselves, they grow in competence and stature.

We commend those who, even in unionized companies, stretch themselves above and beyond their Those individuals who go beyond the call of duty are often the ones who get promoted. John Maxwell, in his 2005 publication entitled “The 360 Degree Leader” (ISBN-13: 9781400203598) observes that employees who perform their duties with great efficiency are often poised to relieve their leaders and managers of some of their workload and, in doing so, elevate themselves to leadership positions too.

They provide ample evidence of their ability to manage and lead at the more advanced level. They avoid being clock-watchers or job description followers. They give more than is required. They perform tasks beyond the expectations of others.

They become icons of success. They are beacons of inspiration. They exude a spirit of excellence … and they inspire those around them.

We commend those workplaces and organisations where it is common practice for individuals to go beyond the call of duty. The culture within those institutions empower participants to look beyond the confines of their job descriptions and terms of engagement/employment to

see tasks that need to be done … and do them. Such cultures do not emerge overnight. Such cultures will not develop automatically. Tori Amos, the American singer and song-writer, reminds us that “Getting people to go above and beyond the call of duty can be achieved, but only if you, the artist, are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty yourself.” Leaders and managers must live the behaviours that they expect to be portrayed. This positive work culture can be created and sustained, but the leadership must demonstrate such behaviours if they are to become part of the cultural DNA of the enterprise. As Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948) reminds us, “You must be the change that we wish to see in the world.”

The default setting within too many organisations is for workers to just do enough to avoid being fired.

The individuals who are employed in such institutions are likely to be demotivated, bored, and unhappy.

Joy is created and sustained when we develop a sense of accomplishment for the efforts that we have exerted. This is just as true for those who are employed in the government service, as it is for those who work in the private sector and non-government organisations. That sense of satisfaction creates a natural high. It ignites positive feelings for work well done.

There are some places of employment where the culture may be such that employees are pressured to perform at their minimum (and to not go beyond the call of duty). This may be the case where the enterprise is unionized and the regressive union leaders encourage the exertion of minimum effort and, in their own negative way, encourage poor performance and low productivity.

We are thankful that many of the modern day trade unions do not fit this description. Responsible trade union leaders and shop stewards realize that their benefits and continued employment often depend on how best they can reduce cost and improve efficiencies. They work hand-in-hand with the management and leadership of the enterprise to create and sustain competitive advantage by giving of their best.

They inspire members to better their best efforts and to look for opportunities where they can reduce cost and improve performances. They encourage excellence in service delivery and, in many cases, encourage co-workers to excel at all that is noble. These are the heroes and heroines that go far beyond the call of duty, doing more than others expect. They live and advocate excellence, noting that excellence often means doing your very best (even when no one is looking). They inspire us. We join them in going beyond the call of duty.

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

West Indies in World Cricket “What do they know of cricket who only cricket knows?’” CLR James, Beyond the Boundary.

“THE INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COUNCIL should do everything possible to ensure that West Indies cricket is revived.” Ian Chappell, former Australian cricket captain.

The sad state of West Indies cricket is troubling. Not only to those of us who grew up in the Caribbean or came of age when the mighty West Indies of Greenidge and Haynes, Richards and Lloyd, Kallicharran and Gomes, Richardson and Dujon, Roberts and Holding, Marshall and Garner, conquered and dominated the cricketing arenas for a decade and a half. No team before or after has been so intimidating and dominating.

For Caribbean people, for Black people wherever they resided, the triumph and supremacy of a bunch of young black professionals, particularly when they forced the former colonial masters and their ilk in England, Australia and New Zealand to scream, complain and surrender, even as they bent the rules of the game to blunt the West Indies’ effectiveness, was nothing short of poetic justice.

During the high tide of West Indies cricket, the team was playing for pride and respect; for independence, against apartheid and oppression. This is why Caribbean people were so hurt and felt so betrayed when a bunch of renegade players signed contracts to play in South Africa as ‘honorary Whites.’ This is why Vivian Richards, apart from his legendary greatness as a batsman, captain and player, is so revered for his refusal to sign a blank cheque to play in racist South Africa.

At least from the 1960s fight to get a Black captain, cricket was seen as more than just a game. The maroon WI Cap was more than headgear. Then we looked beyond the boundary, to matters of race, class and manhood. We knew that to win was to gain respect and reputation; there was no money in the game then. It was only after the Kerry Packer World Series that cricket became financially attractive. In those days, Richards stroked the ball to the boundary, tapped his Red, Black and Green wrist band, sneered at the bowler and said ‘Black power.”

Before we dominated the game of cricket, we were known as ‘calypso cricketers,’ a merry-go-lucky bunch. We entertained, but lacked the stamp of consistency and prolonged success. The moment we mastered the art of professionalism and success, our cricketers were labeled ‘marauders’ and worse. Couple Black with dominance and success, and you have the perfect menace. Sadly, today we are again reduced to calypso cricketers, laughingstock really, because our team cannot even entertain. Five-day games end in three; T20s end after 15, and one-day games are completed within 35 overs.

What has gone wrong? Sorry to disappoint, but it is not the usual suspects: administrators, selection panel or players. Their roles are marginal to the demise. The problem lies in the way cricket has been marketed and the manner in which the spoils have been distributed. As entertainment and results took precedence over fight, determination and survival, One-day cricket, and then T20 cricket gained dominance. Cricket was reduced to 6s, 4s, runs, wickets, winners, losers, instant gratification. Test Cricket is said to be too long and boring.

What has this done to West Indies

Cricket? Michael Holding tells the story that when the West Indies lost its first game in World Series Cricket, Kerry Packer demanded excellence and success, or he would end the sponsorship. The players took the threat to heart, went on a fitness, training and practice regime that built WI cricket , into the fiercest fighting and most successful machine ever assembled in cricket.

With the emergence, emphasis and predominance of limited overs cricket, WI cricketers reverted to old habits: lack or insufficient attention to personal fitness, training and practice.

In a T20 match, 45 runs can turn a game. Sixty by a middle order player may win it. Not so in a test match.

There is not enough scheduling of the long version of the game. Test cricket is demonized and marketed as a dying specie. Consequently, our cricketers no longer follow the mantra ‘Bat long.’ The popularity of ‘Casino cricket’ in the Indian Players League (IPL), where mediocre players can instantly become millionaires, adds to our cricketing woes. No one cares to play for the West Indies.

The Ashes series between Australia and England, and the Test series between India and Australia, offer ample proof that test cricket is the ultimate test of the mettle of athletes. It is marketable, entertaining, and popular, and can remain successful.

People will pay to go see good, competitive test cricket.

A WI revival in cricket will only come when we create the conditions to build a determined fighting team in the test arena. Our batsmen dominated because they seldom gave their wickets away.

Currently, we have skilled players, but cricket, with all of its scientific innovations, has gone past skill. Our players need to add technique.

They have to look at tapes of themselves and opponents, and study them, correct weaknesses and build on strengths. Most of all, they have to learn to occupy the crease for long periods. This will only come through practice. Science has determined that a professional needs at least 10,000 hours of practice to be successful and remain successful. The swing to the hills mentality which is prevalent among our cricketers must be discouraged. The great Everton Weekes scored 4,455 test runs, averaged 58.62 and struck ONLY one six.

We need to create wickets that will encourage our bowlers. Don Bradman asked why would a cricketer want to be a bowler. Well, he may want to be one if the wickets offer encouragement rather than batsmen’s paradises.

Finally, high level sports and performances is a developed society affair. Sadly, the ICC is dominated by India, Australia and England. Over 75 percent of the money generated by international cricket is divvied up between these three countries. This lack of financing to fund cricketing programs, build academies, train young cricketers in the fine art of scientific training, physical and mental development may partly explain why WI is competitive in Under-15 and Under-19 cricket world rankings where raw talent is evident, but players flounder and fail to emerge into test and international prominence.

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

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12. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Second open letter to UN Secretary General, Presidents of UN Security Council, IMF, World Bank, CDB and Sunday Times

6th September, 2019 Dear Senior Officials, THE millionaires and billionaires of Mustique and Canouan and Taiwan are committing acts of financial genocide against the black poor and powerless indigenous population in SVG. Taiwan owes the SVG Treasury an estimated EC$54 billion in Fish Tax for the period of 2001 to 2018.

According to Vincentian-born, Retired British Royal Air Force Engineer Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader of SVG Green Party, the Mustique Act NO 48 OF 2002 gives tax and customs exemptions of hundreds of millions of dollars annually to the millionaires and billionaires of Mustique and Canouan, islands in SVG. The millionaires and billionaires of Mustique and Canouan are engineering the takeover of SVG by not paying their fair share of tax and Customs Duties. They are running the SVG Treasury dry, forcing the poor and powerless black population into further poverty and destitution.

Table 1 shows sale of crown lands in SVG. We will lose our country to the super rich in Mustique and in Canouan through the sale of Crown Lands.

The hopeless, useless and grossly incompetent ULP Regime is digging a hole to fill a hole,

borrowing large sums of money to pay Public Debt, rather than impose Tax and Customs Duties on the superrich of Mustique and Canouan, and Fish Tax

on Taiwan.

The evidence is substantial. The 1979 SVG Constitutionally Appointed Director of Audit has failed the ULP government in the audit of government finances regulated by the provisions of Section 75 (2) of the Constitution of SVG and the Audit Act 2005, for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010.

The Leader of SVG Green Party, very strongly contends that the Mustique Act No 48 of 2002 is in breach of the SVG Constitution, Section 13, which states ‘No law shall make any provision that is discriminatory either of itself or in its effect’.

We request that the United Nations Security Council urgently send an envoy to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to conduct on-site investigations, in relation to financial genocide against the black poor and powerless indigenous population of SVG. Yours Faithfully Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA - Leader of SVG Green Party CC: Her Excellency, The Governor General of SVG Cabinet Secretary of ULP Regime Hon Attorney General of SVG His Excellency The President of Singapore Her Excellency The President of Taiwan

Is Dyslexia hiding in your Classroom?

with strong sight words, strong IQ, but the “wheels fall off the bus” when reading expectations greatly increase.

A NEW SCHOOL year is around the corner. Many teachers will now be welcoming new students to their classrooms. Each student will present some form of a learning deficit, be it however small. We all learn in different ways and this is essential for both teachers and parents to understand. One size does not fit all.

Few teachers are trained in what dyslexia looks like in the classroom. If primary teachers do look for it, they tend to look for reversed letters or numbers. By the time students reach grade three or four, teachers have typically stopped looking for warning signs of dyslexia. By this time, children are often really good at hiding their dyslexia, making it even tougher to spot. A difficulty in reading and spelling can be hidden to a certain extent in Primary school. However, by the time the student reaches the Secondary level, his deficiencies are magnified and he could be labeled as a slow learner or having a low IQ. Not the case with Dyslexic students.

How to help students with dyslexia

differently. Many dyslexic people show strengths in areas such as reasoning and in visual and creative fields.

Older students living with undiagnosed dyslexia deal with physical struggles like headaches, vision problems, and exhaustion. They also deal in large part with emotional challenges like embarrassment, anxiety, and wanting to disappear.

Learning to identify warning signs of dyslexia in a grade 3 —Form 2 student is an ability that can literally save lives.

Here are some warning signs you won’t want to miss. A student with dyslexia: * Exhibits frustration * Expresses a dislike for reading.

Has no motivation for school * Lacks confidence within peer group * Struggles to identify or produce words that rhyme * Has trouble rapidly naming people and objects * Tends to guess at words * Is slow to learn background The British Dyslexia Association knowledge defines Dyslexia as … * Shows problems copying or taking notes A learning difference that primarily * Has a poor ability to correct affects reading, writing and skills. written work However, it doesn’t only affect these * Has difficulty understanding what skills. Dyslexia is actually about was read information processing. Dyslexic * Shows problems with math word people may have difficulty in problems processing and remembering * Uses vocabulary words incorrectly information they see and hear, which can affect learning and the acquisition Personality types that could be hiding dyslexia of literacy skills. Dyslexia can also impact on other areas such as organizational skills.

Identifying only one of these above It is important to remember that challenges in a grade 3-Form2 student there are positives to thinking may not be a reason to suspect

dyslexia, but more than one cue in the same student is cause to take notice.

Finding a student with dyslexia can be easier when you know the disguises to look for.

The following personality types may hide dyslexia: 1. The Bully picks on students who either cannot or will not defend themselves. Bullies often lack confidence, so they may be students hiding dyslexia.

2. The Class Clown appears to love attention, and makes it a goal to get laughs, but they may be hiding fear behind those laughs, fear that someone will discover their reading secret.

3. The Pot Stirrer creates drama without being in the center of attention, so that you’ll focus on someone else.

4. The Silent One is shy and/or withdrawn. This student is never in trouble, but rarely participates in classroom discussions. This student will also avoid conflict and stay clear of all drama. It can be tough for a teacher to gauge how much these students are learning.

5. The Smart Aleck is extremely sarcastic, argumentative, and confrontational. This strategy is just as effective as the Pot Stirrer because the attention is not focused on academic tasks.

6. The Socialite talks around any topic and with anyone in the room.

This hiding strategy often masks the fear of being asked to read.

7. The Unmotivated/Unorganized One is typically labeled lazy. This student appears to lack the internal drive to succeed academically, but is often completely overwhelmed.

8. The Child who is Really Smart

Once you’ve found these hidden students with dyslexia, what can you do to help them? ~Difficulty with automaticity makes connecting to new information very difficult. A multi- sensory approach helps students in grades 3-Form 2 move past anxiety and into memory building. Connecting prior knowledge to new learning can build compensating memory skills. ~When students in grades 3-Form 2 need content to learn new information, don’t let them struggle with the mechanics of reading. It holds them back from accessing information at the same speed and affects their comprehension. Human read audio books provide high quality access so that the mechanics of reading doesn’t hold them back from reaching their academic potential. ~Visual processing issues occur when the brain processes differently.

These challenges can be helped through specific brain-training activities. Matching games, puzzles, and even simple “I Spy” games can be helpful to train the brain to process more quickly. ~Dyslexics may also have difficulty remembering the order of events. This means that it might take the student longer to explain what happened, and it may appear as if the student is lying. More often than not, dyslexic students feel misunderstood and hopeless about school situations.

Inviting these students into a group where they can feel a sense of belonging is a great place to start.

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16. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Dwight ÂBingÊ Joseph Diego ‘DJ Diego’ Baptiste M I

AM DWIGHT ‘BING’ JOSEPH, and I have been in the media industry for over 20yrs. I am known for my excellent ability to interview guests live on air, especially about hard-hitting socioeconomic topics that make them sweat.

Family means everything to me! On Saturdays, I enjoy grilling with my kids. I have a weakness for ‘nice cars’. Many refer to me on air as “The

Real Badman of Radio”, and I will be anchoring the OMG morning show.

Danielle Veira ELLO ST. VINCENT, I am Danielle Veira. My love for the media began with the BOOM family several years ago. My background ranges from music to advertising and marketing to media. I’ve worked diligently over the years to earn my stripes as one of the country’s leading females in the entertainment industry. Join me on the evolution of radio as I bring you more creativity, experience and passion straight to the airwaves every weekday morning with the OMG morning show team.

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Y NAME IS DIEGO BAPTISTE. I hail from the southland; I grew up in Marabella and Vistabella, but was born in Greene Acres, San Fernando, Trinidad.

Many teens my age got carried down the wrong path when they were growing up, but I was different. I opted to play sports and become a scout; experiences which taught me discipline and helped me stay focused and on the right path.

As a scout, I represented Trinidad in three scout jamborees, playing football. I had a bright and budding sporting career which was cut short when I suffered a hip injury from a car accident.

Jockey for the past 7 years; my path beginning at age eighteen when I became the resident DJ at several popular night clubs in Trinidad.

I was influenced by artistes such as Sparrow, Lord Nelson, Brigo, Johnny King, Machel Montano, Beenie Man, General Degree, Buju Banton, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, El De Barge, and was inspired by Dee jay’s like Ishmael the Demolition, Teddy Mohammed and Clyde The Outlaw.

In addition to being a DJ, I have also had the opportunity to manage and coordinate musical events and shows at clubs, theaters and stadiums in Trinidad From one career choice and Tobago. My dream is to the other… to open a nightclub and produce music, but my I have been a Disc main focus remains

taking the listeners on the musical journey they love.

When not in studio, I like to visit family and friends, and create my own back yard limes. I am a relaxed individual who loves spending time with his girlfriend; but the most relaxing time for me is being alone in my room with music as my companion.

My motivation comes from above, and I love challenging myself to work harder.

Shevrell ‘Candy Man’ Alex ‘Alx’ Cyrus and Mc Millan Jayden Kalonda AM THE MAN FROM THE VALLEY (MESOPOTAMIA), Shevrell ‘Candy Man’ McMillan. I am no veteran to the radio and media world. I’ve been in the industry since 2006. I am a certified Television host, Master of Ceremonies, Actor, Comedian, Voice over talent for audio and visual advertisements. My accolades are many, including the award for Comedian of the year, every year in the Best of SVG competition since inception.

The Caribbean Broadcasting Union also awarded me twice for my exceptional performance in radio broadcasting, one of which saw me winning the best audio ad produced in the entire Caribbean for that year.

I am a Journalist by day and I love to travel. I enjoy spending quality time with my two beautiful daughters.

I live by the mantra posited by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.

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Jillian Cruickshank Y NAME IS JILLIAN CRUICKSHANK. I am a certified radio announcer/broadcaster with an energetic and outgoing personality.

I am a graduate of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Intermediate High School and have consistently distinguished myself in the broadcasting industry.

I am driven and familyoriented and approach every situation with a positive, fun and refreshing outlook, all while maintaining the professionalism of an experienced announcer/ radio broadcaster.

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HE TEAM OF ALX & JAYDEN consists of two 19-year-olds who happened to grow up together through being neighbors and attending the same high school. ALX being the son of one of Vincy’s finest producers, Mark Cyrus, was always influenced and inspired in music through his dads work and is pursuing that passion in university to continue the legacy. Jayden, who didn’t particularly grow up with a musical

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background, gained his motivation through listening to local radio stations and specifically following another young local sound system. He is currently studying business abroad and intends to incorporate his business knowledge with his love for music.

ALX & JAYDEN picked up on Djing around the same time in 2015, naturally becoming a team and started to build their following from then onwards, through mixtapes, which led to

bookings from 2016. The young duo has always seen this as a hobby they love and continue to pursue the craft based on passion more than anything. While they both continue to study outside of St. Vincent & The Grenadines, they do

intend to keep entertaining and building their audience through mixtapes online and most importantly on Boom 106.9 where they are truly excited to show that vibes and teamwork will always prevail no matter the distance.

Kimani ‘Millenium Tariq ‘DJ Samo’ Samuel Kydd’ Patterson Y NAME IS KIMANI PATTERSON and I am commonly known within the industry as Millenium Kydd. I was raised in the community of Rose Hall, the highest geographical peak for settlement in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I am the co-founder of local entertainment group, ‘Top — line sounds’. I was exposed to the art of music production through my father (who was also a producer at the time) at a very young age.

My appreciation for music grew during my adolescent years. It was at this point I made the decision to follow a career path of becoming a disc jockey. This year, I commemorated eighteen (18) years as a professional disc jockey.

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AM VINCENTIAN MUSICIAN AND DISC JOCKEY, TARIQ “DJ SAMO” SAMUEL. I am the Co- founder of budding sound group, ‘Platinum Jugglaz’. In 2016 I graduated from The St.Vincent Boys’ Grammar School and then from the St. Vincent Community College in 2018. My professional career as a Disc Jockey began over three (3) years ago.

At the tender age of nine (9), I realized my passion for music when I began playing the ever popular steel pan instrument; and by age eleven (11) I was already performing at various concerts across the country including the biggest National pan event,

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Panorama.

My passion for becoming a disc jockey developed at age 12 while experimenting with different tracks in a virtual disc jockey application. It was here I harnessed the knowledge of the different skill sets required to effectively fuse music. By nature, I am described as a very calm individual with a ‘fun’ and goal oriented personality.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06 , 2019. 17.

Calvin ‘DJ CJ’ Llewellyn

Desmond ‘Brown Suga’ Noel Y NAME IS DESMOND NOEL. There is a twenty (20) year long story behind the way I arrived with the sobriquet ‘Brown Suga’.

My appreciation for music extends across several genres, including: Soca, Techno, R&B, Hip Hop and my favourite — Reggae. I think it is a genre that is greatly underused by advertisers, promoters and other Disc jockeys throughout the region. I made my debut as a club-party Disc Jockey in the late 1990s. My passion has since shifted from playing music at clubs, to now across radio airwaves. Radio for me is more than a payday, but also an opportunity to influence and entertain the world through my musical selections. Apart from having a tenacity for punctuality, spontaneity is also another of my key attributes.

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Brensford ‘DJ Crazy Fire’ Brackin Y NAME IS BRENSFORD BRACKIN. Throughout St. Vincent, I am known as ‘DJ Crazy Fire’. My versatility is best exemplified through my ability to be both a hype man and disc jockey. I am competitive by nature and thrive on challenging tasks. In 2010, I was one of seven (7) finalists in the Heineken Green Synergy DJ competition. I love karaoke. My love for this form of entertainment has progressed into me becoming one of St. Vincent’s more trending karaoke hosts. The vast majority of my supporters are from North Leeward, as I reside in the community of Fitz Hughes.

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Imran ‘DJ Shady’ Gloster ELLO ST. VINCENT, I am Imran ‘DJ Shady’ Gloster from the Southern Grenadine isle of Union Island. I’ve been a professional Disc Jockey since 2011. I love all genres of music, including 90’s hip hop and soca; but my most preferred genre is Dancehall. I am a fanatic of International recording artiste, Eminem (Slim shady). In fact, it was for this reason I obtained my moniker.

My creativity in the art of music has enabled me to showcase my skills across all of the inhabited Grenadine islands. My most memorable regional disc jockey gig was in Barbados, at the University of the West Indies carnival activities. I greatly appreciated the response I received from the patrons of all races and cultures. My music has also been enjoyed across Carriacou, Grenada and St. Lucia.

It is my aim to unite different cultures through my music.

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’VE ALWAYS HAD A PASSION FOR MUSIC. My family owned a bar that was frequently visited by disc jockeys, radio announcers, proprietors of record shops and sound systems, band members, pan players, singers/artistes, and many others who were in the local music Industry.

These musical and creative stalwarts have taught me so much!

Those days at the bar exposed me to a wide catalogue of music from current hits to classics.

I grew up listening to

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the likes of ‘Ice Kid’, ‘Jude the Cool Dude’, ‘Sargeant Simmons’, ‘Black Ice’, ‘Dr. Hu’, ‘Nu Koncept’, ‘Howie T’, ‘Ishmel the Demolition Man’, ‘Chinese Laundry’, ‘Kid Capri’, ‘Funkmaster Flex’, ‘Bad B’. They were my idols on the bases of becoming a disc jockey and learning how to interpret crowd reactions based on my song selections.

I received my first gig as an opening disc jockey with my brother’s Sound System, Music Box International at the former Attic night club,

Kingstown. I honed my skills as a hobby in university where I gained my degree as a civil engineer, but music still remains my passion!

Working as a disc jockey with ‘DJ Black Ice’ and the ‘Outta Road Jugglers’ taught me the business side of the industry.

I formed my own Sound System (Emerald Sound Company) in 2010, and started dominating the local music scene, while encouraging young and upcoming Disc jockeys to also follow their dreams.

To date, Emerald Sound

Company remains one of the most requested and versatile groups of disc jockeys in St. Vincent.

I am Calvin ‘DJ CJ’ Llewellyn and I’m proud to be a part of the Boom radio evolution!

Cornelius ‘DJ Flex’ Jandell ‘DJ Laza’ Haywood Jones AM CORNELIUS ‘DJ FLEX’ JONES, and I am one of the younger and more talented Disc jockeys emerging from St. Vincent. I consider myself to be very versatile, with five (5) years experience in various creative fields including graphic designing. My music has been widely enjoyed across St. Vincent at various club events, private parties and even at another urban radio station in Kingstown. I introduce trends through the mixing of music.

My dream is to become one of the country’s top Disc Jockeys, and for this reason I practise my craft daily in an attempt to further develop my talent and sharpen my skills.

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AM JANDELL HAYWOOD, born 4th October 1997, and raised in the Rose Bank community, where my passion for music began with the steel pan. This love for steel pan and all things music played, a vital role in my now chosen career path.

I began my career as a Disc Jockey and Promoter 2015 by playing small parties and “420”, an annual event hosted by me and my team. I have also played at several local and regional concerts and events, including my very own “Cups Up” and

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“SOKAH 2.0” pool parties.

My dedication to music and honing my craft have seen me emerge as a leader among my peers and within my community, and will continue to be the fuel that drives my development.

Damian ‘DJ Stiflah’ Jason ‘Galaxii by Bennet Farr’ Bess

AM DAMIAN BENNETT popularly known as ‘DJ Stiflah’. I grew up in the suburban community of Calliaqua, St. Vincent. My knack for music developed at the age of 10 where a group of boys and I established a clique referred to as the ‘Fair Hall Shottaz’ (FHS). At age 15, I produced my first track, and my music career grew henceforth.

As early as the year 2000, I mastered the art of reading WAV formats, then soon after, I began to DJ during my recreational time at Marty’s Sports Bar in Pembroke.

Over years of professionalism and friendship, my musical brother Calvin ‘DJ CJ’ Llewellyn and I created the heavy weight system; Emerald Sound Company.

Today, Emerald Sound Company is a power house across major events, private parties and other social activities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

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AM JASON BESS and I am better known by the Moniker ‘Galaxii

by Farr’. Like most of my colleagues, music has been with me all my life. My professional experience within the industry began over 17 years ago when I first appeared on the scene as soca artiste, ‘Galanaire’. As an artiste, I participated several times in the national soca monarch

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competition where I was a finalist in both Ragga and Power Soca categories.

Music has become my language of life. My diversity in talent has enabled me to also be a music producer of many genres, including Soca, R&B, Dance Hall, Hip hop and Electro.

My voice is also familiar to many as a voice over talent for radio commercial

Alex ‘DJ Redz’ Bynoe Y NAME IS ALEX BYNOE also known as ‘DJ Redz’. I have been playing music for 8 years. I am also a technician with 5 years experience. I attended the Kingstown Anglican Primary School; from there I matriculated to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Intermediate High School.

I have been living in Belair for the last decade.

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production, and even more recently, I have further expanded my creative ability to film production. In my leisure time, I love to cook and browse fashion trends.

I live by the mantra that if you can think it, you can be it!

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Adriel ‘DJ Dr King’ King

Dwayne Junior ‘Krptonite’ Alexander

ELLO, MY NAME IS ADRIEL KING aka ‘Sming’, aka ‘DJDr. King’. My zeal for music started at age 10 when I began playing the steel pan instrument. Over time, I obtained mentorship from Nu Koncep International sound group, and I eventually drifted from the steel pan but toward developing my skill set of becoming a Disc Jockey.

My DJ career officially began in 2006 with ‘DJ Sming’ as my sobriquet.

This was short lived. I soon after changed my name to ‘DJ Dr. King’. My daily work hours affected my schedule to effectively display my disc jockey talent. In 2009, I was

Y NAME IS DWAYNE JUNIOR ALEXANDER, more commonly known as Krptonite. I have over twenty (20) years experience as a disc jockey. My love for music comes from various sources, including music production. I was once a part of a sound system group called Lucrative Sounds for a few years.

More recently, I have

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obligated to put my craft on hold. I guess it is true when ‘they’ say good things come to those who wait. For the first time in ten (10) years, I am able to practise two career options simultaneously, one of course being a part of the radio evolution team at BOOM 1069 fm.

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joined the ‘Riddim Cast music’ sound group. With Riddim Cast, I get to showcase my added talent as a music producer, and Soca lovers usually enjoy my music-road -remixes for Vincy Mas annually. I am excited to be back on radio with the Boom radio evolution. This is my chance to change the way music is delivered to Grenadines and the the listeners of St. world over.

Vincent and the

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News

Digicel customers continue to win free groceries in resellers Top-Up Promotion

TOPPING UP AT YOUR COMMUNITY SHOP or minimart is now more exciting and rewarding for Digicel customers across the country, as they are now afforded the opportunity to win their grocery shopping absolutely FREE of cost in Digicel’s Top Up & Shop Promotion.

“It’s easy as 1 2 3!,” said Head of Consumer Sales & Services, Terrell Joseph. Customers are required to simply top up $10 or more at any participating shop, fill out an entry form with their names & numbers, then drop it in the Digicel Top Up & Shop Box right in that shop!

The Promotion travels from community to community, starting in Mesopotamian to Georgetown to Cumberland and more!

From September 2nd to September 13th, customers living in Georgetown and surrounding areas can Top Up and Shop at Tripple R Minimart, Quammie’s Groceries, Jimmy Rock Minimart, Casablanca Shop, Young’s Groceries, Big Lion Bar and Terri’s Shop, just to name a few for a chance to shop for FREE. Digicel’s Top Up and Shop Promotion will see hundreds in groceries being shared amongst several winners, as every participating shop will have a winner every week! That’s multiple chances to secure FREE groceries for you and the family by simply

Digicel customer dropping his form into the Top Up & Shop Box for a chance to win. spending $10 or more. “You already buy groceries from the shops, so why not top up for the chance to WIN some FREE”, stated Joseph.

This promotion also gives resellers the opportunity to not only sell more Top-up, but also allows them to get in on the action and have their shops featured weekly One of several winners with her in Digicel’s Top FREE Groceries accompanied Up and Shop

by Recharge Representative at Friday events.

Digicel- Kenneth Lynch.

Every Friday throughout the on SVG’s only islandduration of the wide LTE network for promotion will see the the best value, deals and Digicel Team in the rewards. Persons various communities wishing to switch to with music, giveaways Digicel can do so now and LIVE draws. This not only gives customers and enjoy a FREE an opportunity to win on handset with a 30-day plan, packed with 10GBs the spot, but to also of data, 1,000 talk time encourage their friends and more at 50% OFF. and family to join them

Give me a job!

HEAD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE UNION (PSU) Elroy Boucher has taken issue with a comment made by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves about the number of women employed on road clean up work.

Gonsalves, while addressing journalists on August 20, said that he is happy when he sees women among workers under the government’s road cleaning programme.

He went on to state that he knew that women would spend the money they earned over the period to provide for the needs of their children and family.

“There is no chance that that money going get gamble; there is no chance that that money going to be at a rum shop; there is no chance that that money is going to other pursuits which the Holy Father may not want to hear about,” Gonsalves said.

But Boucher questioned the longterm sustainability from such work.

“There are a lot of women working on the road, but are the jobs that they are doing sustainable? After that road work what? And he said that they are providing for their families, but is it decent work?”

Those were the questions to be asked, according to Boucher, particularly when there was an increase in the number of women working on the road.

“The government ought to be focused on providing decent, sustainable jobs for our women,” he opined.

“We as a country have to do better.

This is nothing to rejoice about, that is something for us to shed tears for,” Boucher said.

“Providing sustainable work should be the priority of the government.

That is the difficulty I have with this statement”, Boucher said. Give me a better job”. (DD)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. 21.

News

Workers unsafe says Union AFTER ALMOST two years, the Occupational Safety and Health Bill is yet to be enforced and is having a negative impact on sections of the public service.

President of the Public Service Union (PSU) Elroy Boucher said on Tuesday during a press briefing, that the executive of that trade union has been receiving complaints from among its membership of instances where the working conditions are so bad that it has the potential of having not just a negative impact on workers, but the general public as well.

Boucher said that there were complaints coming from the workers at the Central Sterilizing and Services Department at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) regarding the air conditioning unit which has not been in working order for the past nine months.

According to Boucher, workers say that they have been forced to work under extreme heat which has since forced them to resort to leaving the door open and the use an electric fan.

But under the guidelines from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), these two practices are not allowed under the guidelines out of the possibility of generating contaminants.

He said that the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of

Health was contacted, who then indicated to them that the issue was being dealt with, but nothing has been done.

“The doors to the sterilizing department must be kept closed. It has the potential of affecting the quality of sterilization,” Boucher said.

“And that has the potential to negatively impact the public. And this matter is therefore very important.”

So too Boucher said that there was an ongoing problem at the male ward at the Mental Health Facility at Glen.

First off, he said that it was overcrowded; the second issue was the broken sewerage system and no water.

The PSU’s top man said that the Union was called in for a meeting in May this year, when the situation had already risen to a crisis.

Boucher said that he observed human waste running out and into the nurses’ quarters, and workers were being told to clean up the mess or face disciplinary action rather than to fix the problem.

Some workers were forced to take sick leave because of the situation, Boucher said.

“These are not difficult problems, these just require some understanding, some empathy, and the very law itself, whether it has been enforced or not, government should be the

Zita Barnwell, Legal Counsel for the PSU. leader,” he said.

And they were calling on the ministries of health and finance to deal with the issue.

“We cannot have workers working under these conditions [and] you cannot be threatening them,” Boucher told members of the media.

A letter had also been sent to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, the PSU head said, seeking a meeting to discuss the issues and to get some indication when the OSH law will be enforced.

Zita Barnwell, Legal Counsel for the PSU, added that usually when a Bill becomes law, the government may delay the process of it being enforced until certain things are put in place.

“So, until you can put things in place, you stagger, even if it is on the books, it has no teeth,” Barnwell said.

As it currently stood, the law was not enforced, and according to Barnwell, the question ought to be asked when is the government intending to put either a part, or the entire Act into law. (DD)

Delpleche told Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne that he was no Continued from Page 4.

Villa and Arnos Vale longer objecting to bail, areas, and the accused but requested suitable The other person to be men were of interest to sureties and stringent granted bail was Michael the police in these conditions.

Richards, 21, of Calliaqua, investigations.

Williams and Stephens who is charged with Delpleche expressed were each granted robbing Brenton Pope of the view that if the men Lauders. He allegedly were granted bail, at this $10,000 bail with one surety, while Richards used a gun to rob Pope of stage, there was a high was placed on a $6,000 $20 in cash and a cellular possibility of them surety. They were offered phone at Diamond on impeding the bail with reporting August 2. Richards is also investigations. He also conditions and ordered to charged with assaulting noted that the items Pope, causing him bodily reportedly stolen, as well surrender their travel documents. harm on the same date. as the firearm/firearms They were also placed When the men allegedly used in the on daily curfew from 7 appeared at the robberies were not p.m. to 6 am, and ordered Kingstown Magistrate’s recovered. not to leave the state Court on August 19, Attorney Samantha without the permission of Senior Prosecutor Robertson, who Adolphus Delpleche represented Stephens, did the Serious Offences objected to bail on the not resist the prosecutor’s Court or a higher court.

Stop notices will be placed robbery and aggravated submissions, and Senior burglar charges which Magistrate Rickie Burnett at all ports of entry and were laid indictably. upheld the objection, and exit.

The matters involving Delpleche had pointed transferred the matters to Williams and Stephens out that investigators the Serious Offences were adjourned to were seeking to make Court.

November 25, while some headway into However, when the Richards’ matter was reports of an upsurge of youngsters appeared at adjourned to November burglaries and robberies the Serious Offences 18. in the Diamond, Brighton, Court on Monday,

Three granted bail on robbery charges

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22. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Unfair practices

Continued from Backpage. establish an efficient, transparent and effective performance appraisal and promotion regime in accordance with the regulations, and a declaration that the PSC failed to comply with regulations 15, 19 and 20.

In her ruling, Justice Esco Henry ruled that the PSC had failed to comply with the regulations in respect to promotions; it failed to observe principles of fairness, transparency and objectivity in exercising its functions under regulation 19.

And the PSC was ordered to establish and implement forthwith and maintain an efficient, transparent and effective performance appraisal and promotion regime within the public service.

Nothing has changed According to Boucher, there was a recent case where a former employee at the Ministry of Health was placed in a position in an ‘acting’ capacity for more than two years.

Boucher said that the individual said that they saw other individuals being appointed to a similar position in other Ministries, while she remained in the acting role.

“The stress of that took a toll on her, and she asked for early retirement,” Boucher said.

He further charged that none of the positions filled were ever advertised.

“So, when we are faced with these things, we have no choice but to go back to legal counsel,” the PSU President said.

He noted that as many as ten individuals have come forward with the said allegation.

According to Boucher, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves made a statement following the December 2018 ruling, saying that there was need for a modern, personal management system.

“So, he agreed with what the judge was saying,” Boucher said, adding that the Prime Minister was the Minister responsible for the Public Service; but nothing has been done except the re-appointment of the same commission.

“You can’t re-appoint the same commission and want all these things,” he continued.

Boucher said that the Prime Minister failed the public service because the morale among the service was low and the people disgruntled.

“We had no choice, we had to go back to our lawyers, and this time our lawyers…we have asked them to do all in their power to force the commission to comply with the judgment,” Boucher said.

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Cabinet approves 48 Awards for 2019

Continued from Backpage. she will receive an appropriate medal and an award of $20,000.00. The cash award has been increased for 2019 by 100 percent.

Shane Cadogan, in placing second, is awarded the sum of $10,000 in addition to his full scholarship. This is the first time that a cash award has been added to the benefits of the secondplaced academic performance.

All National Scholars have their tuition and economic cost (as per University of the West Indies benchmarks) paid by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, plus a monthly sum adequate for all living expenses (board and lodging) and associated expenses. National Scholarships cover five years’ university education.

The eight National Exhibition winners in 2019 are: Tiffany Durrant, Jonathan Gieowarsingh, Saeed Bowman, Dominic Horne, Chiarra Peniston, Shadia Williams who sat the CAPE examinations; and K-Tricia Isaacs and Miguel Gonsalves who obtained Associate Degrees from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College.

The National Exhibitions have the same benefits as the National Scholarships, but for three (3) years instead of five years.

The John Horne Memorial Scholarship is awarded for the first time to the student who best combines academic and cultural excellence, Saeed Bowman, a National Exhibition winner.

SPECIAL AWARD Mr. Ronnie Richardson has been granted a Special Award with all the benefits of a National Exhibition winner. He topped the students who obtained Associate Degrees. He obtained his qualification in Teacher Education (Secondary). He is over 21 years of age which is the maximum age, under the rules, for national scholars and national exhibition winners; he was born in 1989.

The twenty-nine (29) Bursary recipients are: Affique Ambrose, Kelisha Hackshaw, Shari Marks, Sheruel Williams, Tamara Woodley, Regena Browne, Sue-Nesha Lewis, Alyssa Sterling, Roneice Gould, Xharia Jack, Delano King, Betricia Stowe who sat the CAPE Examination, and Zawdie-Tu Graham, Vacquel Questelles, Callice Watson, Shyan Hinds, Tenille Austin, Shanelle Pierre, Lerondo Lynch, Benisha Rodney, Floyd Bailey, Tracy Robinson, Ronique Joseph, Gianluca Da Silva, Daniel Bess, Modica Bascombe, Okeisha Davy, Sheldon Frederick and Travis Henry who obtained Associate Degrees.

Bursaries are for three (3) years’ university education with an annual value of $25,000 (up from $20,000).

The Cabinet further decided that a Bill will be presented to Parliament to ensure that annually the top ten scholars will be awarded scholarships/exhibitions in the names of the distinguished persons who are listed above; so, too, the John Horne Memorial Scholarship. The Cabinet considers these deceased persons worthy of the continuing memorials. The Prime Minister’s Award will continue to top the list. Of course, it is open to Cabinet to award other memorial scholarships as the circumstances demand or admit.

Ianà Ferguson (Photo Credit: News784)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. 23.

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24. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

DonÊt give up Dear George, I AM 28 and my husband is 65. I didn’t know his real age until well into our relationship, which started when I was 19, but I married him nonetheless.

To be honest with you, the sex was good back then, and the money was flowing. Now, however, there is a huge problem. My husband is unable to satisfy me in bed, and keeps making excuses for his shortcomings. He complains about arthritis and lately his back.

I am fed up and cannot live like this any longer. I want out of this marriage. I do love him, but I am not prepared to live with a lame duck man for the rest of my life. I have told him, it is either he lets me have another man on the side and continue to be his wife, or let me go entirely.

What we have now would not work, and I need to hear from you of a better solution than the ones I have mentioned to you.

Left on dry dock

Dear Left on dry dock, What is interesting here is that you knew about the age gap but you still married him.

You said you love your husband, yet you are not willing to face up to the challenges that now confront you.

Having someone on the side is not the solution; that would only create other problems.

I advise that you see a counsellor and explore all your options. Let that love you confess to have for your husband allow you to be patient and willing to work things out. There are always other strategies to help you through this trying period in your marriage.

George

Beware of the ‘womanizers’ just laughed at me, accusing me of being malicious.

I AM HIV positive and I have since booted my have known this for boyfriend. almost a year now. My I have chosen to write boyfriend is the one who this letter so as to warn infected me. I know it is all the ‘womanizers’ out my boyfriend who there to keep their infected me because I business in their pants; was a virgin when he and to women who think met me, and I have not it is cool to mess with slept with anyone else.

To this day, he has not other women’s men, to be careful because what you owned up to his status, and when I confront him sow is what you will reap. about running around, he denies it.

But I found out about Dealing with it. three women with whom Dear Dealing with it, he has been involved. I told them one by one Thank you for your that I know about them, and that my boyfriend is letter. It is very sad to hear of these HIV positive, but they

Dear George,

developments. Your boyfriend needs to get himself tested and advise all of his sexual partners to also get tested.

If you are not seeing a counsellor, I urge you to go see one for emotional and psychological support.

There is life after HIV, and I am sure you will be informed of the many ways you can make a positive contribution in helping to sensitize others to the scourge of HIV/AIDS. The very best to you as you face the challenges ahead.

George

My neighbour is a thief Dear George, I CANNOT get peace for my neighbour who thinks that what belongs to me belongs to him.

He picks my breadfruit and reaps whatever I have planted when I not at home.

The last thing he did was to reap some pumpkins I had planted at the back of the house and had the gall to sell them at the market. I know this because another neighbour told me he saw him.

I plan to poison a few things to catch him. I hope he dies like the rat that he is when he falls into my poison trap. Please do not tell me to go to the police, because that is useless. I want him to read this letter

and apologize to me for doing what he is doing.

Fed up Dear Fed up, I do not agree with the plan of poisoning your produce to get at your neighbour. If you have solid proof that he is really the one trespassing on your property and stealing your produce, then I strongly advise that you report it to the police.

Do not take matters into your own hands. Give the system a chance to work, and hopefully you will be pleased with the outcome.

George

Leisure

ARIES (MAR. 21- APRIL 20) Keep busy and let them fume while you’re not around. You can come into money that you don’t necessarily work for. Make plans that will take you to exotic destinations.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 - OCT. 23) Don’t try to get even without having all the facts. You will have excellent ideas for changing or renovating your home. If you are not already, think about going into business for yourself.

TAURUS (APR. 21 - MAY 21) If you can put some work into home improvements, you should. Your ability to charm others will bring added popularity. Don’t let peers distract you or push their work your way.

SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) Don’t gamble unless you can afford to lose. Camping, swimming, and biking expeditions should all be considered.

Travel will be most enticing. Consider a cruise.

GEMINI (MAY 22 - JUNE 21) You could be drawn to events that concern children. Brunch, a long walk, or a quiet dinner will secure your position in the relationship.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 - DEC. 21) Be primed to use your intellect in order to get what you want. Take things slowly, especially for the sake of those you love.

Hold your temper and refrain from doing anything that might cause injury.

CANCER (JUNE 22 - JULY 22) You may be more emotional than usual.

You will have problems with coworkers if you are too extreme about doing things perfectly. You can’t do everything on your own.

LEO (JULY 23 - AUG 22) Get involved in worthwhile endeavors and meet new friends. Your creative input will be appreciated by your boss.

You will have a problem dealing with groups.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEPT. 23) Do something that will be stimulating and creative. You need to focus on yourself, not on others. You may find it difficult to communicate with someone at work. Do your own research and be prepared.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 20) Don’t make large purchases unless you have discussed your choices with your mate. Your greatest enjoyment will come through social activities and pleasure trips. A change is as good as a rest.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 - FEB. 19) Don’t hesitate to take short trips. Much knowledge can be obtained through the experiences you have. You will meet a person who may turn out to be more than just a friend.

PISCES (FEB. 20 - MAR. 20) You will be up and down emotionally.

You need to make your environment a better place, with more comforts and a better entertainment center.

ACROSS 1. Blacken on a grill 5. Horned viper 8. Disfiguring mark 12. Govern a kingdom 13. Good golf score 14. Kentucky neighbor 15. Accumulates years 16. Dark-grained bread 17. 8-Down hat fabric 18. Tijuana’s nation 20. High-calorie nutrients 22. Performs a polka 24. Exercise club 27. Soak, as tea 30. Genesis boat 31. Fit to be tied 32. Coal weights 33. School coach 34. City noted for casinos 35. Gallery contents 36. _ Vegas 37. Dollar divisions 38. “Heavens to Betsy!”

39. Advantageous 41. Dusting cloths 43. Musical plays 47. Identical or fraternal sibling 49. Easter-basket item 51. Number on a baseball team 52. Clock pointer 53. Dog’s collar ID 54. Canvas bag 55. Short-tempered 56. James Bond’s occupation 57. Max, as cake batter DOWN 1. Stuff tightly 2. Gigantic 3. Mr. Trebek of “Jeopardy!”

4. Dwells (in) 5. Kitchen smock

6. Asset 7. Likes better 8. Velvety 9. Pawns, rooks, and bishops 10. Trouble 11. Decay, as vegetation 19. Grad’s gown accessory 21. Inquire 23. Reason 25. Breathe fast 26. Major fusses 27. Doe’s mate 28. Shredded 29. Coming in 33. Droopy-eared pooches 34. Gives in 36. Carry with

effort 37. Coffee mug 40. Obscured by heavy mist 42. Warhol who created 35-Across

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. 25.

44. Urban melee 45. Opposed to 46. Forecasting pro 47. Eric _ Red 48. Chunk of gum 50. Blank space

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26. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

International Relations

Building an inclusive United Nations with Taiwan on board

Dr. Jaushieh Joseph Wu, Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs THIS JULY, President Tsai Ing-wen of the Republic of China (Taiwan) transited through New York, an icon of diversity and freedom and home to the United Nations, as a preload to her state visit to Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in the Caribbean. While meeting with the Permanent Representatives to the UN of Taiwan’s allies, President Tsai reiterated that Taiwan’s 23 million people have the right to participate in the UN system. She also emphasized that Taiwan is committed to joining hands with global partners to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to forge the world we want, and the future we need.

The SDGs form a blueprint for a better and more sustainable future, aiming to guide the world down a sustainable and resilient path with “no one left behind.” In the HighLevel Political Forum on Sustainable Development this July, UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres stressed again the pressing need to accelerate relevant actions. Likewise, he called on nations to advance the “Inclusion Imperative” because “development is not sustainable if it is not fair and inclusive.”

The principles of inclusiveness and leaving no one behind are key to realizing the SDGs. Taiwan, a full-fledged democracy, has made considerable progress in fulfilling the SDGs and has provided assistance to countries in need.

Nevertheless, it continues to be barred from participating in related meetings, mechanisms and activities due to political interference. This has seriously undermined the principle of partnership, the foundation of the

SDGs, which requires the participation of all countries, stakeholders, and peoples. Taiwan is willing and ready to share its success story and contribute further to the collective effort to achieve the SDGs. After many years of effort, Taiwan has made great strides in alleviating poverty and achieving zero hunger. Our percentage of low-income households has been reduced to 1.6 percent.

Launched in 1993, the National Health Insurance program now covers 99.8 percent of the population.

In 2018, our waste recycling rate reached 55.69 percent, our literacy rate 98.8 percent, and our infant mortality rate 4.2 per 1,000. These figures far surpass SDG standards. The government of Taiwan has further identified six major areas of interest with respect to the SDGs: smart water management, sustainable energy transformation, clean air, sustainable materials management and the circular economy, ecological conservation and green networks, and international partnerships. These areas complement the main theme of the UN HighLevel Political Forum 2018, the SDGs, and the 5Ps–people, planet, peace, prosperity, and partnership–referred to in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In recent years, Taiwan has been providing development assistance to and engaging in cooperation programs with partner countries in the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In 2018 alone, Taiwan conducted development projects in SDG areas of interest in 39 countries. We will continue to track international trends and the needs of partner countries to ensure that all operations are aligned with the SDGs. Considering Taiwan’s robust experience and contributions, it is absurd that Taiwan is barred from sharing experience and critical information that could be used to better coordinate international efforts.

The oft-cited legal basis for excluding Taiwan from the UN is Resolution 2758 (XXVI), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1971. However, the resolution does not address the issue of Taiwan’s representation in

the UN, nor does it state all, as stated in Article 1 that Taiwan is part of the of the UN Charter, will People’s Republic of China also be impaired. If the (PRC). In fact, Taiwan is not, nor has it ever been, part of the PRC. Only Taiwan’s democratically elected government can represent its 23 million people. Unfortunately, the UN continues to misuse and misinterpret the resolution to justify its wrongful exclusion and isolation of Taiwan.

International organizations are created to meet the common objectives of its members, not to serve the interests of just one member.

Article 100 of the UN Charter clearly states that “In the performance of their duties the SecretaryGeneral and the staff shall not seek or receive instructions from any government or from any other authority external to the Organization.”

Regrettably, the UN sits idly by whenever China seeks to impose its socalled “one China principle” on the UN system. The most recent example involves dozens of NGOs being denied Consultative Status by the UN Economic and Social Council simply because a reference to Taiwan in their documents contradicts China’s demands.

A truly inclusive UN would not leave anyone behind. Today, however, Taiwan passport holders are blocked from entering UN premises for public visits and meetings.

Taiwanese journalists and media outlets are also denied accreditation to cover UN meetings. These practices are unjust and discriminatory, and contravene the principle of universality upon which the UN was founded. The UN should make its actions and words congruent, and take immediate action to rectify its exclusionary practices.

This dire situation does not, and never will, intimidate Taiwan.

Taiwan is ready, willing and able to contribute. If the UN continues to yield to China’s coercion, rejecting Taiwan’s participation, it will only encourage Beijing’s callousness. Efforts to fulfill the purpose of achieving international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for

host of nations is serious about promoting inclusion and making development

sustainable for all, it should open its doors to Taiwan.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. 27.

Bequia crowns new BÊBall Champions

Hornets- Under-16 Division Champions.

THE 2019 VITA MALT new champions.

Bequia Basketball When the tournament Tournament threw up three closed last weekend,

East Blazers – First Division winners.

Hornets, East Sidaz Two and East Blazers stood tallest in their respective divisions.

Hornets secured the Under-16 Division by defeating Golden Knights two games to one.

On Friday, Golden Knights brought parity to the Under-16 Division best of three series, with a 45-40 win over Hornets, but Hornets returned on Saturday night to trash their opponents 51-24, to take the series 2-1.

It was the same sequence of events in the Second Division.

Game one went to East Sidaz Two, 53-44.

On Saturday, however, Rising Stars drew level 1-1, winning 8666, only for East Sidaz Two to edge out Rising Stars 64-63 on Sunday, and claim the title 2-1.

But it was a different case in the First Division, as East Blazers won from Raptors 2-0.

East Blazers had sent an earlier warning to the 2017 and 2018 champions by taking game one 57-50, and confidently disposed of the reigning champs 66-57 to take the title.

In 2018, Dragons

copped the Under-16 Division, Young Duke- the Second Division and Raptors- the First Division.

Awards

There were trophies presented to the top performers in the three divisions.

In the Under16 Division, Hornets’ Shamarke Frederick was the leading scorer with 77 points, East Sidaz Two- Second with Rockets’ Jolano Division champions.

Joseph having the most blocks- 30. steals was Young Duke’s Kenjay Phillips of Darren John with 37 and Golden Knights had the Rising Stars’ Augustin most assists- 11 and the Pollard had the most most steals- 25. blocks- 15.

Hawks’ Malachi Isaac Darren John of Young had the most reboundsDuke was named the 58, and was the Most Improved Player., Division’s overall MVP. with Mario Tannis being Xonte Shortte and the Overall MVP, as well Damalie Ollivierre were as MVP Of the Play Off rewarded as the Most Series.

Enthusiastic players.

The First Division saw Shamarke Fredericks East Sidaz One’s Jovian won the Play Off Series’ Derrick scoring the most MVP. points-155, with Kirstin In the Second Lampkin of Raptors- the Division, Shaquille most rebounds- 126.

Primus of Rising Stars East Blazers’ Keithroy was the most points Lavia had the most recipient, as he scored assists- 27; Rodine 126 points; Mario Tannis Hazell of Rising Stars of East Sidaz Two had the most steals- 43 and the most rebounds- 94 East Sidaz One’s Michael and Dimitri Peniston, Peniston the most blocksalso of East Sidaz Two16. the most assists- 19.

Kirstin Lampkin of Registering the most Raptors was the

Mario Tannis – Second Division double MVP.

Division’s Overall MVP, while Jermaine John of East Blazers, was the MVP of the Play Off Series.

Jovian Derrick won the award of Rookie of the Year.

One apiece TEAMS FROM THE NORTH, Windward and Leeward, shared versions of the Jules Anthony Challenge Trophy at the Park Hill Playing last Sunday.

The Windward Men replied with 98 for 5 in 14 overs, to overhaul the 97 for 8 Leeward crawled to in 20 overs.

Shamon Hooper, 20, trop scored.

Energetic ground fielding, spectacular catches on the boundary line, and miserly approach by the bowlers accounted for the strangulation.

Leeward might have been in with a sniff at 7 for 2 in the third over, and 21 for 2 in the sixth. But Canadian based Gareth Wilson and Tijourn Pope combined to seal the deal. Wilson was unfortunately run out for 46 after a 60-run stand.

Leeward picked up two other

Kacy Johnson- Player of the Match with Gwenneth Anthony. Johnson took the Jules Anthony Challenge Trophy for the North Leeward women. wickets, but Pope 29 not out ensured safe landing. Captain Urnel Thomas received the trophy for his team.

That served as a balance as the North Leeward Women had disposed

Gareth Wilson- Player of the MatchNorth Windward. of a Windward brand. Powered by a Kacy Johnson 39, Leeward squad rolled the target. Windward was dismissed for 87.

The event is an appreciation of the Julius Anthony summary. He died November 16, 2018 aged 65.

If Stedroy Deane gets his wish,

Lionel Thomas accepts the Jules Anthony Challenge Trophy for the North Windward Squad. there will be a Jules Anthony Cricket Club embracing players from Windward and Leeward northern districts. Deane threw out the offer following a meeting of the teams engaged in the Challenge matches.

Deane reflected on Jules’ “vision.”

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28. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

SVG Under-21 volleyballers dock second ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES did not get over their final hump – St Lucia, and had to settle for the second spot in the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Under-21 Male Volleyball Tournament, which ended last Sunday night at the YMCA Sporting Complex in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Vincentians seemed to have had the momentum on the St Lucians, after squaring Double awardeethe match two sets Enrico Louraine apiece.

St Lucia had taken a 20 lead, with sets win 25-22, 25-21, but St Vincent and the Grenadines got their act together and took sets three and four at 25-23 and 25-19.

However, in the decisive fifth set, St Lucia ran out winners 15-9, to heart break the Vincentians for another time in four days.

When the two met in the preliminary round, it was a similar tale.

That time, though, St Vincent and the

Grenadines had won the first two sets at 25-18 and 25-23, for St Lucia to win the next two, both at 25-22. St Lucia won the fifth set 15-11.

St Vincent and the Grenadines after that defeat, put together three successive wins.

First, they beat St Kyle LiverpoolKitts and Nevis in Best Outside straight sets 25-12, 25- Hitter.

13 and 25-20, then humbled Antigua and Barbuda 25-16, 2515 and 25-13.

St Vincent and the Grenadines, thus set up a semi-final grilling against Antigua and Barbuda.

Again, the Vincentians trumped with a little fight from the host, but prevailed 1725, 25-16, 25-18, 26-24.

St Lucia, which played unbeaten in the Tournament, gets a berth at next year’s InterContinental Championships in Mexico.

And, despite not getting a chance to head to Mexico in 2020, St. Vincent and the Grenadines collected four awards at the Antigua and Barbuda outing.

SVG Under-21 volleyballers dock second in ECVA Qualifiers.

Enrico Louraine got double awards, as he was the Best Digger and Best Receiver.

Kyle Liverpool, also of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, was one of two Best Outside Hitters, and Shemor Baynes, one of two Best Middle Blockers.

Two more athletes off to St Kitts The IT-DAT Academy has again facilitated the attachment of local track and field athletes to institutions in St. Kitts.

Two athletes, Latvia Simon of the Girls’ High School and Xaria Bascombe of the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, will continue their secondary schooling in that Caribbean territory, while developing their athletic prowess under the watchful eyes and

guidance of coach Janice Daley.

The two follow in the footsteps of Shafique Maloney who completed a four-year stint (in St. Kitts) from 2013, graduated with 13 CSEC subject passes with 11 Grade Is and 2 Grade IIs, and obtained an athletic scholarship to the University of Arkansas.

Bailey, who was here working with the IT DAT Academy Summer Camp and had a firsthand

impression of the two athletes, said “I am expecting great things; they just need to think positive, believe in themselves, eat better, surround themselves with positive people.”

Both Simon and Bascombe specialize in the sprints (100m, 200m and 400m) with Simon also moving to include the hurdles.

For her part, Simon is anticipating training that will help her improve her

times. “I am happy that my family and friends support me because they feel it’s an opportunity for me to improve my life,” she said.

Bascombe is excited about the transition from here to St Kitts because she will have access to better facilities to train and compete. She added, “With the support from my family, I am prepared for the transition.”

I.B.A. ALLEN

SOSVG re-launches ‘Kick It’ programme SPECIAL Olympics SVG (SOSVG)has re-launched its ‘Kick It’ programme.

‘Kick It’, a unified football programme that involves both abled and disabled persons, was given new impetus last weekend at the National Sports Council.

Speaking at the re-launch, Sezevra Joseph, National Director of the SVGSO, Sezevra Joseph, National Director of the (SVGSO).

explained that the ‘unified approach’ is in keeping with the thrust towards minimizing the ‘stigma’ that is usually associated with disabled persons.

The programme started in 2016 but had a break last year so as to allow for concentrated preparation of the athletes who participated in the World Games.

However, this has not deterred the ‘Kick It’ programme, and Joseph expressed the view that it was on course to achieve its 2019 goals, especially given that SOSVG has been able to recruit more coaches to work in the programme.

Errol Allen, Chairman of SOSVG, is proud of what “we have accomplished, and we need

to accomplish even more….

Going forward, we will extend our reach and hopefully we will be a further success in what we are doing.”

The SVGSO is grateful for the assistance of the Mustique Errol Allen, Chairman of Charitable SOSVG. Trust, FIFA, SVGFF and Flow and all those who contributed to its success to date.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Coach Janice Daley (centre) with her cares Lativa Simon (left) and Xaria Bascombe.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. 29.

Sports

North of the border IT IS REFRESHING to know that Jules Anthony’s vibes is flowing even though he has been buried nearly a year ago.

He died Friday, November 16, 2018 and was buried November 30. Born June 30, 1953, Jules condensed a package valued more than the 65 years he owned.

From the North Leeward village of Troumaca, Jules grew up in typical rural fashion. He had education at the Troumaca Primary School. It was easy for to gravitate towards cricket. In his father’s house, etched on the Celotex that separated parts of the ground floor, would be score cards of Test matches between West Indies and England.

Cricket was the second denomination of the family worship. The playing field, crude as it was, within seconds of Jules’ residence, was an added incentive.

A holiday was greeted with anxious expectation.

The word would have gone around that one team or the other from wherever would be coming. The excitement was contagious. One recognised some activity at the field. There was no Sports Council, so those who organised the fixture had to do the preparations.

Everyone joined in, or so it seemed. For those youngsters, including Jules, it was no problem even taking a trip or two to an area known as ‘Sanning’ on the road to Belmont, where the “Tarris” was considered ideal for pitch readiness.

A lot of rolling was done, and that surface produced true conditions.

If it rained, crocus bags were found, and the water was removed in a systematic way to accommodate any window of opportunity for play.

When the match was over, the focus shifted to the after dark parade, either at the Lodge, (The Troumaca Temperance Society) building, or the school.

Later on, when Troumaca Playing Field was uprooted in the late 60s, to make way for the Troumaca Ontario Secondary School, youngsters could only reflect on cricket in the village.

The Troumaca Bay Playing Field was an alternative for residents, but they never embraced it as their own. For it was nearer to Coulls Hill. If they wanted, they could take control, and no one could question them, for it was a matter of majority rule.

Fortunately, and more precisely, more often than not, a level of cooperation existed and there was sense of neighbourliness.

Jules connected with the lone power company, a relationship that lasted some 40 years. By then, Jules’ mission had been defined. Even though he was MR North Leeward, he had that air of patriotism.

He attached himself to the Under 15 Cricket and saw the mergence of some products that surged to the top of regional cricket.

Jules adopted a well -rounded approach, and catered for the entire aspect of the human body.

He was not afraid of facing any music, for he was a trumpeter. Ne never blew his own horn, and he dealt with matters in an assured way. His gifts as a negotiator were honed during the era of the ‘Cold War.’ It is fitting that Jules’ vision has aroused curiosity. There was a passion that drove him. It radiated to his end. The final episode of the Jules Anthony story is yet to be written.

Bequia United takes Bequia T20 SUGAR Reef Bequia United are the 2019 champions of the Keegan’s Bequia T/20 Cricket Championship, following a 30-run victory over Defenders in the finals, played last Sunday at the Clive Tannis Playing Field, Port Elizabeth.

And the finals could easily have been called the Chelson Stowe and Jerry Ollivierre finals, since the two combined with both bat and ball to ensure their team’s victory.

Stowe stroked an aggressive 72 and Ollivierre contributed 40 not out in their team’s total of 258 for 8 in 20 overs. Cosmus Hackshaw was also a major contributor with 52 and Lorraine Ollivierre chipped in with 38.

Stow and Ollivierre returned with the ball in hand, and between them claimed seven Defender wickers; Stowe returning 3 for 35 and Ollivierre 4 for 46 to keep their opponents to 222 for 9 in their 20 overs. Alroy Hoyte 53, Adinol Richards 41 and Kirton

Lavia 34 were the main contributors to the Defenders’ chase.

Earlier on Sunday, South Side United defeated Friendship United by 37 runs to clinch third place in a match reduced to 17overs because of a late start. Scores: South

Sugar Reef Bequia United - Bequia T20 Champions title.

Side United 170 for 7 off 17-overs, Friendship United 133 for 8 off 17overs.

I.B.A. ALLEN

Frenches – resident receives Breakaway Masters Educational Assistance TWELVE-year-old Kemron Nanton of Frenches is this year’s recipient of the Breakaway Masters Organisation’s Educational Assistance.

Nanton was last Friday presented with $500, to assist him with his new beginning of attending secondary school.

A former student of the CW Prescod Primary School, Nanton entered the Intermediate High School, when the 2019-2020 academic year began last Monday.

Delighted to gain the nod, Nanton expressed thanks to the Breakaway Masters Organisation for the assistance.

President of the organisation Leopold Dopwell disclosed that the one- off contribution to Nanton came directly from their

coffers.

Nanton’s motherRuth Charles, who is also a member of the Breakaway Masters Organisation, expressed thanks.

“I am thankful for Breakaway Masters for the assistance, and I promise to update the organisation of his progress in his Kemron Nanton (center) gets his $500 academics and assistance from Allison Weekes- Secretary otherwise”, Charles of the Breakaway Masters Organisation. proposed.

Nanton’s mother, Ruth Charles, is at right.

The Breakaway Masters Organisation began its Educational Assistance doubled, as Deondre Richards and Programme in 2017, with Anaelia Zachery Ash were each granted Williams being the first recipient. $500, along with school supplies, Last year, 2018, the reach was compliments Digicel.

Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of the SVGCA, echoed Burnette’s sentiments, saying, “We believe that cricket is not THE SVG CRICKET ASSOCIATION (SVGCA) has, only about sports but also about holistic for the second year, offered financial assistance to development…one tangible way of demonstrating young people here, to assist with their ongoing the SVGCA’s commitment to such holistic education. development is to provide financial assistance …. .

Last Monday, at the SVGCA Secretariat at a small gesture in the grand scheme of things.”

Arnos Vale, awards were presented to: Dexter Last year, four female students of the Baynes of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School; Georgetown Technical School benefited from the Jadon Henry of the West St. George Secondary SVGCA’s assistance. “Probably next year, we can School; Chandel Crease of the Girls’ High School; increase the number to even ten,” Dr. Shallow Schey-Ann Gaymes of the Petit Bordel Secondary quipped.

School, and Jevon Richardson of the Georgetown Secondary School.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, SVGCA I.B.A. ALLEN Assistant Secretary Cleton Burnette said that the scholarship programme “is part of the SVGCA’s thrust towards the development of the young and rising generation. We are not only committed as far as cricket is concerned, but also to a holistic development, which also includes areas such as academics.”

SVGCA extends scholarships

Scholarship recipients and SVGCA officials (L-R): Samuel Holder, Secretary of SVGCA, Jadon Henry, Chandel Crease, Javon Richardson, Dexter Baynes, Schey-Ann Gaymes, and Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of SVGCA.

30. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 206 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2019. 31.

Classifieds

Is Dyslexia hiding in your classroom?

Continued from Page 12. ~Give students with dyslexia the gift of time.

The more time they have to develop coping strategies without stress, the better they will deal in the long term.

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How was that? Frustrating? Slow? What were those two sentences about? Don’t know? Why not?

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F O R

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UNFAIR PRACTICES comprehensive employee appraisal system,” Boucher explained.

He said that the trade union he presently heads wrote to the PSC on that matter and asked for the PSU to be a part of the committee set up, and they wrote inquiring about a seniority list.

Boucher however noted that they have gotten no response.

“We have written on behalf of a number of individuals who have come and complained to us about what they see going on in their ministry around them. Written on their behalf, we got no response, and for me sometimes it becomes painful when members of the union who are faced with these problems and they come to the union for a solution,” the PSU President said.

“And we feel like our back is against the wall.

Because we have gone to court. we have gotten a judgment in our favour, but it appears that

President of the PSU Elroy Boucher.

by DALE DA SILVA The Public Service Union (PSU) has indicated that there is evidence that the Public Service Commission (PSC) is again engaging in unfair practices in granting promotions and the appointment of individuals within the public service.

This despite a court ruling in December 2018 by the Eastern Caribbean High Court which deemed that the PSC had been in violation of a number of regulations as it pertained to the appointment and promotion of individuals.

A meeting is expected to be convened next week, following the return of the Chairman of the PSC, Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams and members of the PSU and legal counsel to determine if the allegations are in fact true.

President of the PSU Elroy Boucher said during a media briefing on Tuesday that since the judgment handed down in 2018 in the matter between the PSU and the PSC, they have been monitoring the activities and behavior of the PSC. “We have been monitoring it to the extent that we have been looking at the promotions that have been made; we have been looking to see if those vacancies have been filled were being advertised; we have been looking at whether they have followed the judgment of the court in implementing a

everything continues as usual.”

Case made

Back in 2016, the PSU made a case against the PSC that had failed to comply with three of the regulations governing promotions within the public service.

The PSU charged that in the discharge of the PSC’s functions, relative to promotion under Regulation 19, the PSC acted without due regard to the principles of fairness, transparency and objectivity as outlined within the regulations.

The experience of five officers was highlighted, including Agnes Llewellyn, Kejo Peters, Joel Poyer, Elroy Boucher and Conroy Daniel, and the PSU sought an order directing the PSC to implement and Continued on Page 22.

Cabinet approves 48 Awards for 2019

CABINET approved on Wednesday, September 04, 2019, forty-eight national scholarships, including: ten National Scholarships, eight National Bursaries, twenty-nine Bursaries and one Special Award, to students who sat the CAPE and Associate Degree examinations in 2019.

It is to be noted that the criteria for these awards and the recommendations came from the officials of the Ministry of Education and the Director of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, and accepted

by Cabinet.

The ten (1) National Scholars, in order of scholastic performance, for 2019 are: 1. Ianà Ferguson - Prime

Minister’s Award; 2. Shane Cadogan - Robert Milton Cato Scholarship; 3. Melissa Adams - George Augustus Mc Intosh Scholarship; 4. Christalle Wilson - Ebenezer Theodore Joshua Scholarship; 5. Rasheed Fontenelle - Dr. J.P. Eustace Scholarship; 6. Karine Sampson - Sir Vincent Beache Scholarship; 7. Jordan Lawrence-Hamlett Norma Keizer Scholarship; 8. Devron Blugh - Bertram “Timmy” Richards Scholarship; 9. Rachelle Bradshaw Yvonne Francis-Gibson Scholarship; 10. Aranique Jackson best academic performance. In Alban Henry Scholarship addition to her full scholarship, Ianà Ferguson won the coveted Prime Minister’s Award for the Continued on Page 23.

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