The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
FRIDAY,
JULY 07, 2017
VOLUME 111, No.27
www.thevincentian.com
Right: The Best Section ‘Warmth’ from the Junior Band of the Year ‘It is what it is’, presented by Blondie Bird and Friends.
EC$1.50
Below: ‘Alien Intelligence’ – Junior King of the Bands from ‘Star Date 2525: The future is now’, produced by SVG Players International.
Left: Junior Queen of the Bands – ‘Warmth’ from ‘It is what it is’, by Blondie Bird and Friends. Below: (From left) Kristiana ‘Singing Kristy’ Christopher – Secondary Schools Calypso Monarch; Kristian ‘Lil Kris’ Christopher – Primary Schools Calypso Monarch; M’riah Young Saiah’ Robertson – Junior Soca Monarch.
FLOW Sion Hill Euphonium in celebratory mood; they dethroned Starlift to claim the coveted title of Community-based Panorama Champions. (Credit: Oris Robinson)
The Girls’ High School – 2017 Schools Panorama Champs for the 4th straight year. (Credit: Oris Robinson)
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2. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
News
Participants in the Childcare and Development course with facilitators and benefactor.
Vinsave facilitates another training programme TWENTY-ONE (21) YOUNG WOMEN assigned to preschools and day-care institutions in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, graduated from a onemonth programme of training in Childcare and
Development at the Vinsave Child Development Training Centre, on Tuesday 27/6/17. The Course, comprised of theory and practice components, was specially designed by Vinsave to equip the participants to address the social, emotional, intellectual and nutritional needs of the young child in the Child Development Centres, as well as to prepare them for further training. The Course was offered in conjunction with the Youth Affairs Department in the Ministry of National Mobilisation, and funded by the Mustique Charitable Trust. Speaking at the Graduation Ceremony, Mr. Philcol Jeffers, Youth Officer, stated that the “Youth Employment Service is about development of a young
person’s life.” He encouraged the graduates to be tactful, resourceful, inspirational, innovative and disciplined in their daily work, and to make use of every opportunity to advance themselves. He congratulated them on their successful completion of the programme, and assured them that they will be placed for another year on the YES Programme, during which time their work will be monitored by Vinsave. Other Remarks came from Mrs. Lavinia Gunn, the Administration Director of the Mustique Charitable Trust, who pledged the Trust’s support to the training and development of young people. The Course Report was presented by Mrs. Jacqueline RobinsonMassiah - Training Coordinator. Opening Remarks were delivered by Director of Vinsave, Mrs Janice Fraser.
Tennis players commit to assisting kidney patient DERON GRANT and Corey Huggins were the latest contributors to the Grassroot Tennis Club’s (GTC) support to Clara John — Smart, a kidney patient. Grant and Huggins have served St Vincent and the Grenadines well as junior players, and are presently coaching in Omar and the United States of America, respectively. Their combined generosity realised $1500, which will Deron Grant ensure that John- Smart receives one week of haemodialysis. John — Smart is a former teacher at the St Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua , whose medical condition requires her treatment to the tune of $ 6000 per month. The GTC is therefore spearheading fund raisers to ensure that John- Smart gets her treatment. This initiative began some two months ago. Another fund raising event takes place this Friday in the vicinity of Her Majesty’s Prisons in Kingstown, all in aid of John- Smart. Corey Huggins
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. 3.
News 3
„Judgement cannot be appealed,‰ lawyer declares
Kay Bacchus-Browne, one of the attorneys representing the petitioners in two election petitions before the court, was adamant that the recent decision by Justice Esco Henry cannot be appealed. by HAYDN HUGGINS WHILE PRIME MINISTER Dr. Ralph Gonsalves indicated that lawyers would be looking at the issue of whether an appeal could be filed against Justice Esco Henry’s decision to declare as valid, election petitions filed by two opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) candidates, Kay BacchusBaptiste, one of the lawyers representing the petitioners, is adamant that the judgement cannot be appealed. On Monday, while responding to a question from host Donny Collins on the morning programme on WeFm, Dr. Gonsalves said, inter alia, “The question which the lawyers will be looking at is whether it is possible to appeal this particular decision.” However, speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, Bacchus-Baptiste said emphatically, “This matter cannot be appealed because it is not a final judgement. It did not bring an end to the proceedings. That’s why the judge said that
the petitions are valid and should be heard on their merits. The Prime Minister ought to know this.” She explained that Justice Brian Cottle’s decision to strike out the petitions was appealed because it was a final decision, as it brought an end to those proceedings, the petitions having been struck out then. Bacchus-Baptiste disclosed that the petitioners’ next move is to seek disclosure of the ballots. She revealed that they have already filed a notice for an order for inspection of the election documents, including the ballots, and July 12 has been set for a court hearing on this matter.
Background
Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) candidates Lauron Baptiste and Benjamin ‘Ben’ Exeter, both unsuccessful in the North Windward and Central Leeward constituencies respectively, had on December 31, 2015, filed petitions challenging the results of the December 9, 2015 general elections. In June 2016, Justice Cottle struck out the petitions on the grounds that they were null and void, as they were not properly filed. The petitioners, also represented by Stanley ‘Stalkey’ John Q.C, appealed the decision and on March 7 this year, the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal ordered that the decision be set aside and the matter be remitted to the High Court to be heard by a different Judge expeditiously. The Appeal Court cited apparent bias on Cottle’s part. In her judgement, delivered last Friday, June 30, Justice Henry ruled that the petitions were valid, and should be heard,
but the recognizances provided were insufficient. The Court ordered that Baptiste and Exeter each deposit in the Court on or before July 7, 2017, $5,000 to make the surety sufficient. If the deposit is not made as directed and within the time specified, the petitioners shall stand dismissed. The respondents are to pay costs to the petitioners to be assessed if not agreed. Application for cost to be assessed must be filed and served on or before July 31, 2017. The respondents are the Attorney General, Supervisor of Elections, Unity Labour Party (ULP) Central Leeward candidate Sir Louis Straker, ULP North Windward candidate Montgomery Daniel, Returning Officers Winston Gaymes (Central Leeward) and Vil Davis (North Windward), and Presiding Officers Kathleen Jeffers (Central Leeward) and Veronica John (North Windward). They were represented by attorneys Anthony Astaphan SC, Grahame Bollers, Richard Williams, and Carlos James. The Judge said she was satisfied that “the petitioners have been widely prejudiced and that the respondents’ motions constitute an abuse of the Court’s process in the face of the pending notices of applications”. Justice Henry also said that, “It is clear that the respondents failed to advise themselves on the several options open to them to present and have their objections resolved in a manner which did not involve a multiplicity of proceedings on the same issues.”
Respondents’ failings On the issue of validity and insufficiency, the Judge pointed out that “resolution of this issue necessitates consideration of the circumstances under which the impugned recognizances were executed and the underpinning legislation governing provision of security for costs in election petition matters.”
Anthony Astaphan SC has opted out, for personal reasons, as the lead attorney on behalf of the respondents.
Douglas Mendes SC of Trinidad and Tobago has been named as Astaphan’s replacement.
She contended that “Little is in dispute in this regard”. She noted that “the recognizances reflect that they were signed by the petitioners and the proposed sureties in the presence of the Registrar. The text of each is reproduced in the judgement, and are evaluated against the applicable provisions of the Representation of the Peoples Act (RPA) and Election procedure Rules
(EPA)”. She, however, expressed the view that “when the law says the sureties are to be approved by the Registrar, there ought to be strict compliance with such a law.” The judge also pointed out that the respondents did not meet the strike time lines, required by law, in their motions to strike out, and the motions cannot stand.
Expression of Sympathy The Management and Staff of The Vincentian Publishing Company Ltd. Extend Deepest Sympathy to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, The Gonsalves and Francis Families On the passing of their Matriarch Theresa Francis. May her Soul be at Peace with our Heavenly Father.
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4. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
News
PM: “Judges don’t put governments in power” Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS
PRIME MINISTER Dr. Ralph governments and peoples’ Gonsalves is making it representatives in power; clear that Judges don’t put it is people who vote. He made the point during a conversation with WeFM’s Donny Collins, during a call to that radio station on Monday morning. He accused the THE MURDER Preliminary Inquiry (PI) involving opposition New the stabbing death of Real Estate agent Sharlene Democratic Party (NDP) Greaves has been further adjourned. The adjournment was effected after the accused, of wanting to carry out a Veron Primus of Vermont, made no appearance at judicial coup d’état on a the Serious Offences Court when the matter was duly elected government. scheduled to resume before Chief Magistrate According to him, Rechanne Browne, on Tuesday, June 27. people don’t like THE VINCENTIAN understands that Primus, opposition parties to who is remanded at Her Majesty Prisons, “play games and mess Kingstown, had indicated that he was not around with their prepared for Court. No date has yet been set for representatives.” the next hearing. Noting that those who When the matter continued at the Serious want to thwart the will Offences Court on May 31, the prosecution was granted an adjournment to make an application under the Witness Special Measures Act in relation to a certain witness. That is still pending. Greaves’ body was discovered at her Bijou Real A CHARGE of unlawful Estate office at Arnos Vale, November 13, 2015. assembly brought The 36-year-old Dorsetshire Hill woman had against four persons, sustained multiple stab wounds. including three women, Several witnesses have already testified for the said to have been prosecution, including the investigator Constable involved in a protest in Edmund Ollivierre. front of the Electoral Primus is conducting his own defence, while Office, Upper Bay Street, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche prosecutes. challenging the results of
Vernon Primus murder PI ongoing
of the people will pay a price at the polls, Gonsalves added, “You don’t mess with the will of the people. What these people are doing is traducing the good named of the country.” He pointed out that the International Observers all said that the December 9, 2015 general elections were free and fair, and reflected the will of the people. On the recent decision of Justice Esco Henry to declare as valid, election petitions filed by two opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) candidates, Gonsalves
expressed the view that people are left confused about the law when two judges, Justices Henry and Brian Cottle, took diametrically opposed positions on the same issue regarding the law. Cottle had earlier struck out the petitions on the basis that they were invalid. Gonsalves said he was reminding everyone that the battle was a political one, and will be sorted out politically in the interest of the Unity Labour Party, whether in 2020 or before. Elections are constitutionally due in 2020.
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves described the matter of two election petitions as a ‘political battle’.
Protesters freed of criminal charge the December 9, 2015 general elections, was dismissed this week. Violet Hannibal of Redemption Sharpes, Sheridon Davis of Arnos Vale/Sion Hill, Susanne Duncan of Georgetown and Osborne Jack of Level Gardens, all walked free from the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, after Senior Magistrate Bertie Pompey upheld a no case submission from their lawyer Israel Bruce. The four were charged with, that on January 20, 2016, did assembly together outside the precincts of the electoral office with intent to carry out a criminal purpose, to wit, “Disruption of the electoral office”, did conduct themselves in a manner as to cause persons in the neighbourhood reasonably to fear that they would commit a breach of the peace. When the prosecution rested its case, Bruce
submitted that there was no evidence whatsoever to support the charge. He noted that no civilian witnesses were called by the prosecution. Prosecutor Station Sergeant Elgin Richards did not respond to Bruce’s arguments. The four police officers who gave evidence are Sergeant Gregory Williams, Corporal Colin May, Constable Sheffique Joseph and Constable Henry Hoyte. Sergeant Williams told the Court he was instructed by Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Christopher, Superintendent of Police Kenneth John and Assistant Superintendent Clauston Francis, to take the defendants to the Central Police Station. None of these senior officers were called as witnesses. Hoyte said the matter was reported to him, he carried out investigations, and
arrested the quartet. According to Joseph, he arrested Jack for having an offensive weapon. Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, Bruce described the legislation under which his clients were charged as prehistoric and a most uncivilized piece of law, that does not belong to this century. “It needs to come off the books. It must have been passed by the colonizers to instill fear in the black slaves, to prevent them from congregating. At a time when we are asking for reparations, we have a law that is clothed in slavery”, he said. The quartet was among a number of persons who were involved in the protest and who were taken into police custody the same day, but the others were released without charges.
Protestors, who have come to be known as ‘The Front Line’, in front of the Electoral Office on January 20, 2016.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. 5.
News
Venezuela situation creating security problem
Allen Chastanet, Prime Minister of St. Lucia, fears that continuing unrest in Venezuela poses a security threat to the Caribbean. (Credit: Facebook photo)
trafficking, arms — and this is a concern that we have,” Chastanet told reporters according to media sources in St. Lucia. While assuring St. Lucians and other Caribbean people that St. Lucia would like to see the situation in Venezuela settled, he pointed at Venezuelans themselves as having to come up with a settlement. Noting that the problem are ongoing in Venezuela, he posited that once the situation goes unchecked and conditions worsen in that South American country,
the threat to security “becomes even greater.” However he noted that as the problem continues unabated and seems to be deteriorating, the threat of security becomes even greater. In reference to at least one effort afoot at addressing the impasses between the Nicolas Maduro-led government and opposition forces, Chastanet observed, ““There is a group of three ex-presidents as well as the Vatican — we are encouraging both the opposition and also the government to meet and continue the dialogue that had begun,”
THE CURRENT SITUATION in Venezuela is creating a security problem for St. Lucia and some of the countries of the Southern Caribbean. This is the assertion of Prime Minister of St. Lucia, Allen Chastanet. Mr. Chastanet made the comment to reporters last week Monday, during a pre-cabinet interview. “There seems to be an Protests against the government in Venezuela increase in money have turned violent. (Credit: macleans.ca) laundering, drug
according to St. Lucia Online news. The opposition has held firm to the position that they will not engage in any dialogue until its leader and other political prisoners are freed from jail. And on the issue of outside interference, the Prime Minister asked, “Is it left by itself to resolve or do we believe that we have to have outside influence?” CARICOM finds itself in a rather ’unfortunate position, since some of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states which have benefitted from PETROCARIBE and ALBA, may not be perceived as ‘neutral arbitrators’ by the opposition, Chastanent said as reported by St. Lucia Online News. Chastanet declared that as a result, it would be difficult to find people who would be acceptable to both sides in Venezuela. He admitted that there were differing views within CARICOM, with some believing that there should be absolutely no interference, while others believe there have been some egregious
the Prime Minister told reporters. He noted that there are people calling for elections in Venezuela — a matter which Chastanet felt has to be determined internally. (Source: St. Lucia Online News)
The Antiguan Carnival is described as a celebration of music and dance held annually from the end of July to the first Tuesday in August. (Credit: Antigua Carnival 2017 Facebook page)
More money for Wadadli Carnival
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA is celebrating the 60th anniversary of their Waddali Carnival (Summer Festival) this year. And that country’s government is ensuring that it provides funding to ensure that the occasion is a gala one. The Antigua Observer reported in its edition of two weekends ago, that the Festival Commission, tasked with organising the annual Summer Paul ‘Chet’ Greene, Festival, will get an Minister of Culture in additional EC$700,000, Antigua and Barbuda, to its already allocated made a strong case for subvention of EC$1.7 additional funding to his million, towards this Cabinet colleagues. effect. The 60th anniversary (Credit: ABS TV/Radio) activities are estimated to cost some EC$7.2 million Reporting on the Cabinet Meeting which approved the additional funding, Information Minister Melford Nicholas said, according to the Observer, “I believe in the detailed presentation The 25th meeting of the CARICOM Regional that the Minister (Minister of Culture Paul ‘Chet’ Cultural Committee at the Caribbean Community in Greene) made yesterday, based on a number of session. (Credit: caricom.org) initiatives they wanted to undertake, there was acceptance of some of the additional programmes time when the region, He said a feature of and some rejection in a number of other instances.” and in particular host the event will be an The list of initiatives included: the return of Jam Barbados, were ‘in the expanded marketplace Pond popularised by Antigua and Barbuda’s height of preparations for with a buyers’ shopping premiere band ‘Burning Flames’; the publication of CARIFESTA X111, mall at the CARIFESTA a commemorative magazine; increased build-up to scheduled for 17-27 XIII Grand Market at the festival around St John’s beginning from the of August 2017 in the Lloyd Erskine 1st July; improved lighting of capital St John’s; Barbados’. Sandiford Centre. increased participation of children in all areas of “We (Barbados) are CARIFESTA was first Children’s Carnival; a Jubilee Banquet honouring very committed to held in Guyana in 1972. the forerunners of Carnival; creation of an realising the ideals for The main purpose of this Emancipation (cultural) Village; and erection of a which the Festival was event, which was a Carnival Wall of Fame. created: to showcase the mandate of the ANTIGUA CARNIVAL 2017 officially begins on excellence of Caribbean CARICOM heads, ‘is to arts and culture; to foster celebrate the arts, foster Friday 28th July 2017 and climaxes on Tuesday 8th August. a vision of Caribbean a vision of Caribbean Antigua and Barbuda is the first Englishintegration and unity; unity while advancing speaking Caribbean island that changed from a Preand to provide real Caribbean culture Lenten carnival to a July-August (Summer) festival. opportunities for artistic regionally and It was originally fixed to coincide with August 1, and cultural development internationally’. (Source: which marks Emancipation Day across the caricom.org) in our region.” Lashley Commonwealth Caribbean. told his colleagues.
‘Invest in the cultural industries’ in Georgetown, Guyana, 21-23 June 2017. And Lashley warned that if this ‘redirection’ did not takes place, then the region was likely to miss out on an opportunity for further economic expansion and development. The Barbadian Minister challenged his colleagues into figuring Stephen Lashley, out whether funding that Minister of Culture in was going to some Barbados, made a traditional sectors was strong call for more bringing in the returns. investment in the If not, this funding could cultural industries of be diverted to the CARICOM member cultural industries, he countries. (Credit: deduced. gisbarbados) Lashley’s assessment came two years and more REGIONAL after a CARICOM heads GOVERNMENTS need of government position at to redirect some of their their twenty-sixth interresources to the cultural sessional meeting in The industries. Bahamas in February This was the message 2015, in which they from Stephen Lashley, ‘recognised that cultural Minister of Culture, and creative industries Sports and Youth in represented a sector with Barbados, to his great potential to CARICOM colleagues, as contribute to the he addressed the twenty- economic development of fifth meeting of the the region.’ Regional Cultural In fact, Lashley Committee at the reminded the meeting Caribbean Community that Ministers of Culture (CARICOM) Secretariat were deliberating at a
actions taken by the current government that need to be resolved. ” St. Lucia clearly sides with democracy. We believe that closing down of the Congress was wrong and the assembly and would like to see that reinstated,”
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6. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
Diaspora/Health
CDI conducts medical mission to SVG
The CDI team outside the clinic in Chateaubelair. Stories by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking@210@yahoo.co m
US CORRESPONDENT
THE BROOKLYN, New Yorkbased Caribbean Diabetes Initiative, Inc. (CDI) has described as “very successful, fulfilling” its recent medical mission to St. Vincent and the
the May 30-Jun. 4 mission was “a reminder of the magnificent God we serve, who has guided us along the way in acquiring the tools necessary to reach the people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.” Carrington, who works at the expansive Kings County Hospital Center in Brooklyn, said the Diabetes/Hypertension Care Program in St. Vincent and the Grenadines was conducted in partnership with the Diabetes and Hypertension AssociationSVG (St. Vincent and the Grenadines). Seventeen CDI volunteers — 14 adults and three children — participated in the Grenadines. CDI president Kisha L. mission. “Our host, the SVG Carrington, a Tobago-born Diabetes and Family Nurse Hypertensive Association, Practitioner, told THE members of the SVG VINCENTIAN, in an Retired Nurses exclusive interview, that Association, along with the nurses at each of the clinics, received us, and we worked tirelessly to ensure that each day went smoothly,” Carrington said. “The team’s (SVG) pharmacist, foot specialist and nutritionist worked hand-in-hand, making the collaboration all the more successful,” she added. “I can assure you, none was disappointed.” Some 338 patients altogether were screened in Chateaubelair, Stubbs and Biabou. One hundred and ninety-one (191) of those screened received treatment. With the claim that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is renowned as “the amputation capital of the Caribbean,” the CDI president said the team, therefore, “knew that there was a need for intervention before the point of losing a limb. “Unfortunately, many patients referred for podiatry screening did require intervention by a vascular surgeon. However, all lacked the know-how of [protecting and inspecting] their feet,” she said. “Needless to say, our educational presentations were priceless and highly valued by all,” she added, “We understand that there are limitations in access to specific resources, like an endocrinologist, podiatrist
Dr. Lisel Hope, MD, MPH, FACE, Endocrinologist and Founder of CDI, providing treatment in Biabou.
Patients waiting for treatment at the Stubbs Polyclinic. and ophthalmologist, but statistics within the knowledge is power,” she country is vital. We hope said. “If people can better to continue partnering understand what living with the Ministry [of with diabetes really Health] to develop their means, our hope is that focus on wellness, they will feel empowered research and statistics.” to do better and, Besides Carrington, the ultimately, that can be CDI volunteers to SVG saving a limb.” were: Diamond Knights She continued, “If there (college student); Shirley are so many amputations Francis (Licensed taking place, then that Practical Nurse); Folayemi says a lot about the Akinbolaji (Pre-Med number of diabetics — student); Carol Priestley their understanding of (Registered Nurse); how to protect and inspect Suzanne Forde (Certified their feet and also the Physician Assistant); stage at which they may endocrinologists Samy be when diagnosed.” McFarlane and Lisel The team’s findings Hope; Hope’s husband and were “not far off,” stating daughter, Dain and that, “in fact, most of the Danielle, respectively; people we encountered, Catherine Williams who were diabetics, (Patient Care Associate, seemed clueless about the native Vincentian); little things they could do Yolande Carrington to protect their feet. (Registered Nurse, Kisha An educational Carrington’s mother); conference on Jun. 4, at Yvette Davson (Public the Knowledge Institute, Health Educator); Gregory was “an intense, Luma information-filled day” for (pediatrician/Emergency/I nurses, doctors and other nternal Medicine); Ashaki health care-related Nehisi (events coordinator personnel. and Kisha Carrington’s “By the end of our trip, daughter); and Kisha it was clear that more is Carrington’s sons, Kye needed,” Carrington and Seth Shaw. added. “As successful as our mission was in giving to the people of St. Vincent [and the Grenadines], sustainability within the country remains a concern,” she lamented. “Research is the premise upon which treatment Kisha Carrington, MSN, FNP-BC, is derived, and one-on-one discussions with a we understand patient after the Community that acquiring Lecture at Stubbs.
V Sion Hill on top
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. 7.
Young Steel
FLOW SION HILL EUPHONIUM Steel Orchestra took out the sparks from perennial rivals Starlift Steel Orchestra, to win the Community Bands category of the 2017 Junior Panorama competition. In a disappointing show of only three orchestras, Symphonix took the third spot. Twelve points separated the three: with Sion Hill 247, Starlift 242 and Symphonix 235. Sion Hill rendered XA-Dus’ Baila Sanka, arranged by Tilal Webb. Starlift played ‘The
Winningest’, composed and arranged by Kingsley “Hero’ Roberts, in commemoration of Starlift’s 50th Anniversary celebrated this year. Starlift entered as defending champions, and expectations were high for another accolade. Symphonix played James ‘James P’ Morgan’s ‘Siyabonga’, arranged by Jomorro Francis. President of the Youlou Pan Movement Onika Morgan was despondent with the number of bands on
Symphonic Steel Orchestra was buoyant and far from being disgraced. show. She projected on plans for a return to heightened numbers. Morgan was pleased with the two new bands ‘in the school based
FLOW Sion Hill Euphonium, comprised of a number of aspect with under 10 players, played their way to another victory. Marriaqua Primary and Sandy Bay Secondary making their debuts. (WKA)
GHS comes forth programme at the institution some 29 years ago, introduced by The Marriaqua Primary School had then Headmistress an air of enjoyment about their performance. Norma Keizer, the mother of Bowman. In the early years, Llewellyn served as both arranger and tuner, but through the course of time passed on the The Girls’ arranger’s baton to High School Pompey. played with Bowman determination recounted having, at and times during her consistency, tenure, to borrow to earn a tenor pans so as to record 4th accommodate the consecutive students. victory among In her assessment, Pompey’s handling of School Steel this year’s song was Orchestras. “the best arrangement he ever THE GIRLS’ did.” HIGH SCHOOL She is “very proud Steel Orchestra Bethel High School continues to make of the girls,” and is moved to their hoping that “we keep progress under ace arranger Kingsley fourth up the consistency.” ‘Hero’ Roberts. consecutive Bethel High School-based School, comprised of Their 42 players Steel Orchestra Panorama 27 players, rendered exhibited an enthusiasm title last Sunday at Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus’ which echoed throughout Victoria Park, with a ‘Forty years’ as arranged their rendition, eventually pulsating rendition of the by Kingsley ‘Hero’ amassing a winning total Blaksand/Johnny Rebel Roberts, and placed second of 239 points. number, ‘Move it’. with 196 points. Andrea Bowman, Marriaqua Primary Headmistress of School, with a rendition of the 106-year-old institution, exuded Shernelle ‘Skarpyon’ Williams’ ‘Never forget’, pride with the accomplishment of took the third position with 189 points. Sandy her students. It was nostalgic Bay Secondary School played St. Claire ‘Mitch’ for Bowman. She Lewis’ ‘Soca Highway’, and paid compliments to arranger Johnny filled the fourth spot with Pompey who, along 167 points. Seven bands were with Francis ‘Pess’ There was a steadiness about originally advertised as Llewellyn — pan the Sandy Bay Secondary tuner — had begun participants in this year’s School that agurs well for the pan competition for the steelband future. schools. (WKA)
Starlift Steel Orchestra’s Juniors could not bring home the bacon in their 50th Anniversary year.
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8. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. 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 Beyond the 40th Anniversary CARNIVAL in St. Vincent and the Grenadines did not begin in 1977. With all that is happening for the grand 40th Anniversary of Vincy Mas, we just might be sending the wrong message to a generation of people who have grown up on what could be loosely referred to as our modern carnival. Yes, celebrate the achievements of the last 40 years of what is considered our premier cultural festival, but not, and never, at the expense of what gave meaning and foundation to the change in 1977; a change that removed us from the overwhelming shadow of Trinidad and Tobago’s Pre-Lenten carnival, and aligned us with the likes of Antigua’s Summer Carnival that had been occasioned as far back as 1957. Interestingly, Antigua’s change to an August 1 festival from a Christmas Festival, was as much in celebration of the emancipation of slavery in the then British colonies (including Antigua), as it was in the hope of inspiring increased tourism in that country. Amidst the growth of that country’s carnival, Antiguans have maintained a heightened appreciation of their African ancestry (e.g. the retention of an old African-style game called Warri; a flourishing ‘traditional calypso art form), and has gained much from its investment in tourism (some would say reliance). So, as we celebrate 40 years of our June-July carnival, it would be a disservice to the younger generation, those who we would like to believe will set the stage for a ‘new era’ in our carnival, not to ensure that they are aware of and appreciate the cultural roots of the carnival that they are wont to rewrite, if so allowed. It is, as has been articulated down the ages, important to know about one’s history and culture. One of the most important things as we move to construct a path to the future is hearing about our history, our language and our roots; because getting to know oneself means starting to discover new things, but not at the expense of the tried and tested norms and expressions of the past. And discovering new things, founded on the knowledge of the old, sets a person on a path to realizing who he/she really is. Instructing about our history and culture in its broadest sense, is to realize that this country has a rich history, a rich culture, more than what is made manifest today. Knowing our history and culture helps us construct our identity and build a sense of pride in being an integral part of the nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It gives us an opportunity to speak in one language and to have one vision about our future. We must ask ourselves: What will we do after the revelry that has fashioned the celebration of ing 40 years of Vincy Mas? To simply leave what we have done out to dry, is perhaps the biggest sin we can commit against one another. We must take responsibility for the next generation. We must take responsibility not just to educate ourselves, but to organize ourselves in making our own history and future. This experience — of the 40th Anniversary of our premier cultural festival - must be used as a guide to the future path of genuine cultural identity, what makes us different, what informs our cultural expressions as one people, not as a divided people with each little social group holding on to something that is culturally ‘foreign’ to another (group). If the 40th Anniversary of Vincy Mas can’t set us on that path - then we perhaps have failed to use this grand occasion to re-impress if not educate about where we have truly come from, what are our origins, what is our culture. To have failed in this regard, is to open us to continually losing the unique elements of our culture as we ‘integrate’ too much, without sound footing, into mainstream society here or elsewhere. In the end, who are you if you don’t know anything about where you come from, about your origins, your family, your language, your own culture…. your own Carnival?
Carnival: The baby and the bath water (First published in 1978 and republished in 1991) I WAS VERY disturbed during the Carnival Festivities to learn that there were Vincentians who were actually praying that something should happen to cause the abolition of what they regard as Pagan rites. Whatever its origins, Carnival today is not a Pagan festival. Just as Christmas, celebrated on the twenty- fifth of December, is not for that reason a Pagan festival. In fact, Carnival has evolved to be our National Cultural Festival. It is the very soul of the nation. There is nothing inherently devilish or satanic about it. A nation’s culture gives it confidence and resilience to survive even in the absence of military capability and material well-being. That is why Colonial masters always tried to attack the host culture, to deculturate the natives, and make them over in the distorted image of the conqueror. The African drum was a banned instrument in our colonial setting. And Carnival went through hell before its social acceptance in the mid twentieth century, only to attract a new onslaught from the forces of religious fundamentalism today. Calypsos had to fight a royal battle for their fair share of airplay. For a time they could not be heard in Lent, for forty days beginning on the day after Shrove Tuesday. And even when Becket came out with the classic “Sing Me Noel,” there were the bigoted Pharisees who thought that calypso was the wrong medium for anything sacred. I totally agree with Roman Catholic Priest Father Rennison Howell who strongly recommends carnival as spiritual sustenance to the nation, stressing its positive aspect and seeking ways and means of dealing with its negative side. That is what we all have to do. Accept the essential goodness of carnival, but trim off the evil which has grown around it. In other words, strive always to keep the citadel intact though you may at time have to surrender or change up the out-works. Insofar as the Queen Shows help to instill a sense of confidence in our young women, they ought to be encouraged. In particular the national dress concept and the performance of talent have everything to commend them. But the parade in swimsuits is a glorified cattle-mart which advertise our girls as sex symbols, and ought to be discontinued. On the other hand, the trend back to their displaying of costumes is a move in the right direction. Mas brings out the creative genius of our people. And I take the point that some place must be found where the better production of each year might be preserved for posterity. The Steel Pan has arrived. It is neither religious nor anti-social to beat pan these days. It is now even taught in schools-
Bishop’s Collegehas done much to popularise the art, while the Roman Catholics threaten to go one better- a full steel orchestra for church services! Kaiso energizes and animates carnival. It is now an ancient art full of picong and subtleties that often exploit the double edge of language. Of course there is also the “ribaldry” and “smut” and the abuse of artistic license that descends to the vulgar. Our job is to see how best we can encourage the former and limit the control of the latter. Finally, Carnival is about people in the mass- the spectators and revellers. If it is true that crowd behaviour works along the line of weakest resistance to settle on the lowest common denominator, then we have to be extremely careful with carnival crowds. Street-bars must be strictly controlled. Drinking and eating in public places must be subjected to the strict application of the laws of public health. Excesses and extremes of conduct must be socially frowned upon even where they do not actually collide with the law. The ten-day extravaganza is not only too long; it is also a lie. Be realistic and cut the time in half, to five days. Set up a permanent Carnival Committee. Decentralise the activities to take in at least four non-urban centres-two Windward and one each in Leeward and the Grenadines. And reintroduce the traditional callaloo featuring nuggets of our folk culture. Despite the late start, prophecies of doom, willing saboteurs, Carnival 1991 was one of the best ever. That tells its own story. You can’t stop the carnival. But you can improve it once you ensure that in your clean-up act you don’t throw out the baby with the bath-water” That was the situation twenty-six years ago as I saw it. Today the main problem has been politicisation of Carnival, like everything else. The calypsonians have put up stout resistance. We are to join the general carnival defence forces, to ensure all-round success. I have grown too old and wise to suggest champions among the three components. In Carnival, all the competitors and all the revellers are all winners, tourists included. There remains one major criticism of the “40 years”. Our Carnival was not born in 1977, but in the dim recesses of the 18th century. So the latest Advertisement represents a disfigurement of our history and a disservice to our forbears. The next thing you know, Ralph will exploit our laxity and recklessness over historical dates by proclaiming that our “real carnival” history began in 2003 when the Carnival Development Committee was ULPied in the interest of our national good.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. 9.
Letters
Starting with the children Flooding in I WOULD BE LYING if I did not say that there is concern here in SVG about the spiralling crime. Mind you, it seems that the criminals are turning their guns on one another. Even if that is so, we should not close our eyes and say, ‘let them take out one another’. The point is that while all the shooting deaths might not relate directly to most of us, it is the
other spiralling forms of crime that threaten all of us. House-breakings, robberies on the road, breaking into vehicles, drug pushing, all of these are crimes that affect all of us. All I hear, though, is people calling for the Prime Minister and the Commissioner of Police to do something about the crime situation. Sure, that is what we
pay them to do; but crime is bigger than the PM and the COP. Criminal minds develop from early, and while I will admit that there is still inequality in opportunities for our young people, we as parents have to ensure that we do the best we can in raising our children, by teaching them the values that make good citizens.
Parenting is a hard task these days, but if we want to stem the crime here, we have to start with our children. Robert Hall
My bigger worries IT’S CARNIVAL time again and I’ll have to do my best to bear with the loud music that comes with the season. I can hardly escape that ‘noise’ because, as of this year, I am now locked between two venues for those soca fetes. You see, Mr. Editor, I live smack in between the old E. T. Joshua Airport and the Arnos Vale Sports Complex. But you know, Sir, while that noise is hard on my ears, and causes me to lose sleep, I am worried more by some others things that are prone to happen at this time of the year. The police have been
on air encouraging us law-abiding citizens to be careful about how we go about our business and how we protect our homes, especially during the carnival season. Now, that is what worries me. At my age, I now worry about whether or not I locked my doors before I went to Kingstown. I worry about whether or not I am keeping an eye out for strangers in my community, and if I see one what I must do. I worry about whether I am truly aware about what’s happening in my neighbourhood. I worry about whether I am doing enough to keep my
family safe, even if it’s only my wife and I now. I worry about whether there is going to be another murder and if that murder would affect me directly. I worry also about the state of affairs in my country and whether the politicians would see the folly of their ways and how these have divided this country. You see, Mr. Editor, the noise from the fetes is not the only reason I lose sleep at this time of the year. Maybe if I stop worrying so much, life would be better in my twilight years. Then again, as things go now,
Unfair action by the police I WAS FRONT STAGE at the recent Cheaters Paradise fete on March 13th. Around 4 o’clock, I felt sleepy and decided to go in the stands. While on my way, a female approached me and started arguing. I did not have any confrontation with any individual that night, so I dismissed it as a drunken person. Not more than 45 secs passed when another female approached me aggressively and proceeded to slap me. Someone in the crowd placed their hands on me, and told me not to react because she was a police officer. My knowledge of the law told me that I could not touch her because immediately, it would be an assault charge. So I asked her if it was because she was a police officer that she thought she could go around slapping people. She slapped me again. It was at this point that a young CID plain clothes officer came, showed me his badge, and asked me to leave the scene. I did ask him whether he was going to do something about the police woman. He did nothing, so I decided to find the highest rank officer on the park. I explained what happened and that I needed help in identifying a female officer. The officer became irate after hearing the nature of my complaint. He told me he was busy and he did not have time for that. I walked back to the place of the incident because I knew I had to make
sure I remember the officer’s face. There I saw two black squad and another female uniform officer, the CID officer, plus the officer who struck me. I understood then why she felt so bold. I said to her that this was not the last time she would hear about the incident since I was going to file a report. She came and struck me in my face a third time. I went looking again to see if any officer would assist in helping me, but none was willing to listen. When I looked around to where they were, I saw the CID officer and the lady who had assaulted me dancing. I left, knowing I could identify all officers on the scene. The next day, Wednesday, March 15, I went to the Central Police Station to report the incident. When I was waiting to make the report, the assailant approached me, and said the reason why she slapped me was because I tried to dance with her sister, and I must go and report that. I have filed my report, and while some officers have been helpful, others, it seemed, have used their authority to stagnate the case. You are supposed to protect and serve civilians and not help criminals. The police preach non-violence methods, but in a case such as this, where one person’s civil rights have been infringed so blatantly, what do you think this encourages? N.G
who really cares about those of us who are in our twilight years? Retiree from Arnos Vale
Arnos Vale WELL, WELL WELL! Arnos Vale flood again, and it will flood again. I am sure other people have noticed that these days, it ain’t take a storm or heavy rains to cause flooding in Arnos Vale, the main highway into Kingstown. Government after government have seen this area become the first place to flood out, even when it’s just a drizzle. Yet, none has been able to find a solution. I am a simple human being, and it would seem to me that we might just be talking about closing the gate after the dog done run out and bite your neighbour, if we try to do something now. But, we have to do something now. I want to suggest that we stop all the building in the hillside of Arnos Vale. I wonder if there is anybody else who can remember when the Arnos Vale area never used to flood so easily? If you remember, you will agree that that was before they gave permission to build all those big houses on the hillside. I say: Stop all the building on them hills now!!! It might be too late to close the gate, but we can still call back the dog and chain it up. Anybody else tired about this situation? Bret
Response to ‘If I was the PM” I WAS AMUSED, to say the least, by a letter you carried in last week’s issue. That letter was from a person who shared with us some things he would undertake if he became Prime Minister. While I agree with most of what he said, I was a little taken aback by one of his “would dos’. That one had to do with putting all the police officers in green or black, and letting them go in the known crime spots which, he claims, everybody knows about. I get the writer’s point, but would hope that it doesn’t go any further than the print in your paper. I want to share two warnings in this regard. If we set the police on the residents of a community we think harbour criminals or those we believe are likely to commit crimes, those elements will simple ‘ups’ and relocate to another community, thereby spreading the crime even further and perhaps into areas where it never existed before. And when those criminal elements ‘migrate’, it opens the law-abiding citizens who remain to take the heat. There is every likelihood that those law-abiding
persons could then turn against the police. The other warning has to do with the chance that the police can become abusive to a community that it judges to be a crime spot. The innocent could easily end up paying for the guilty, and the police could simply become unconcerned, and
unleash a show of force which could end up out of control. I thank the writer for raising some concerns that seem to have been ignored by this administration, but I also want to warn that person about taking it ‘a little too far’. Thomas, R
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10. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
Views
Sale/purchase of shares in BOSVG Victory for the New Democratic Party
IN NOVEMBER 2010, the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (BOSVG) sold 51 percent of its shares in the whollyowned State financial institution, then known as the National Commercial Bank (NCB), to the St. Lucia-based Financial Services Group, the Eastern Caribbean Financial Holdings Limited (ECFH). The ECFH owned, and still owns, the Bank of St. Lucia Limited (BOSL). The ECFH itself is owned by a number of shareholders including the Government of St. Lucia, a commercial bank in Trinidad and Tobago, and several other stakeholders, public and private, among which is the National Insurance Services of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. At the time of the sale of 51 percent of the NCB’s shares to ECFH, the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines announced its public policy of the further divestment of its shareholding in the successor bank which was named the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (BOSVG). As a consequence of this policy, as at June 30, 2017, the shareholding in BOSVG was as follows: ECFH, 51 percent; NIS of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 20 percent; a number of private shareholders, 18 percent; and the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 12 percent. The sale of 51 percent of NCB’s shares to ECFH meant that the ECFH group comprised the two leading indigenous financial institutions in St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, namely Bank of St. Lucia and Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The strategic aim of this linkage of indigenous institutions was to act as a catalyst to amalgamate and consolidate the indigenous financial institutions of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) within a single financial space of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Indeed, part of this strategic quest was to pursue the amalgamation of the BOSVG and BOSL as one indigenous (ECCU) commercial bank as a precursor to further consolidation of indigenous financial institution in the ECCU. This strategic quest was within the frame of the settled public policy of the Monetary Council of the ECCU. The process towards the full amalgamation of the two Banks (BOSVG and BOSL) gathered momentum in mid-2015 and was well advanced, close to full implementation, in the third quarter of 2016. In the moving dynamic of this process, the ECFH Group, however, paused to revisit the appropriateness of the strategy for the St. Lucia entity having regard to its extant particular circumstances. As a result of this reappraisal by ECFH, decisions were reached on both sides, in St. Lucia and in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which determined that the immediate future of the respective institutions (BOSL and BOSVG) would be better served if each pursued stand-alone strategies which focussed on their respective priorities and objectives currently, thus deferring the amalgamation plan at this juncture. Buy-back of 31% of BOSVG The upshot of this is that the governments of St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with the blessing of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, mutually agreed that the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines would re-purchase 31 percent of the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines from the 51 percent shares of the ECFH. This in effect reduces ECFH’s holding in the BOSVG to 20 percent and increases the shareholding of the GOSVG to 43 percent. On June 30, 2017, as Prime
(Excerpts of Press Statement by Dr. the Honourable Godwin Friday, President of the NDP) Minister and Minister of Finance, I signed the Sale/Purchase Agreement to buy back this 31 percent shareholding in BOSVG from ECFH. The agreed price for the buy-back is EC $32.3 million. Within the next few days the transaction is expected to be formally completed. Accordingly, the Board of Directors of the BOSVG would be reconstituted and refreshed. Business at BOSVG, of course, continues as normal. We expect that two senior executives of the BOSVG who had been seconded to BOSL will return to us in the not-too-distant future. Over the next two or so years it is the intention of the GOSVG and the other shareholders in BOSVG, namely, ECFH, NIS of SVG, and the private shareholders, to reform and build further the BOSVG to greater heights of prosperity and solidity. It is the aim too, of the GOSVG to make certain that it secures a good return on its investment and, most importantly, to strengthen the financial system in SVG and the ECCU. In accordance with our established public policy, the GOSVG recommits to divest, in the medium-term, a significant portion of its shareholding to other individuals and corporate partners in the region. On Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at my request and direction, members of the team of Advisors to the GOSVG on this transaction met with the Honourable Leader of the Opposition and some of his parliamentary colleagues, including the immediate past leader of the Opposition, to inform them of the facts and circumstances of the buy-back of the shares of BOSVG and the strategic way forward. A similar exercise had been done in 2010 when we sold the 51 percent. These members of my Advisory Team (André Iton, Consultant; Maurice Edwards, Director General of Finance and Planning; Edmond Jackson, Budget Director; and Stewart Haynes, Executive Director of the NIS) briefed me subsequently on this meeting last week with the Leader of the Opposition and this delegation. I thank these professional, and patriots, and others, including Sir Errol Allen, Chairman of the Board of Directors of BOSVG, three professional Bankers (Derry Williams, Bennie Stapleton, and Bernard Hamilton), and Lennox Bowman, Chairman of the Board of the NIS. I thank my Cabinet colleagues for their support and guidance in this venture. I record, too, my appreciation and thanks to the Prime Minister of St. Lucia, the Honourable Allen Chastanet, and the Chairman of the Board of the ECFH and the BOSL, André Chastanet. I assure all Vincentians and other nationals of the member-states of the ECCU that the buy-back of BOSVG shares by the GOSVG does not represent a reversal of the amalgamation strategy earlier outlined. Indeed both Prime Minister Chastanet and André Chastanet of BOSL are also committed to the amalgamation and consolidation of the indigenous banking sector as the rational and desirable approach to ensuring its stability and sustainability. I feel sure that it will all materialise at the appropriate time and under the right circumstances. Accordingly, we in the GOSVG and the BOSVG are pleased that ECFH is retaining a 20 percent share of BOSVG, and thus as role in our bank. The BOSVG looks forward to protecting further the interests of all its depositors, customers, and shareholders. This is our solemn responsibility.
LAST FRIDAY, June 30, 2017, in the High Court in Kingstown, Justice Henry delivered her judgment in the petitions filed by Benjamin Exeter and Lauron Baptiste. The petitions challenged the December 2015 general election results in Central Leeward and North Windward constituencies. The Respondents (i.e. Sir Louis Straker, Montgomery Daniel, the Supervisor of Elections, the Attorney General et al.) sought to have the petitions struck out before they could be heard on their merits. The court denied the motions to strike out the petitions, and cleared the way for the petitions to be heard on their merits. . I do not intend to go into the judgment in detail here. That I leave to the legal team to do in a different forum. I will merely summarize. Our Petitioners’ legal team opposed the Respondents’ motion (to strike out) on several grounds. However, the Court made its decision on two of the grounds. One was that the Respondents motion to strike out the petitions was an abuse of the process of the Court, and the other was that the motion to strike out the petitions was filed out of time. The abuse of process ground was founded on the fact that the Respondents had two similar proceedings before the Court at the same time: an application to strike out the petitions that had been filed prematurely before Justice Cottle and was never dismissed or withdrawn and; motion to strike out the petitions that was filed subsequently to be heard by Justice Cottle at the trial of the petitions in open Court. Justice Henry found that the Respondents abused the Court’s process: (i) by invoking the wrong procedure initially when they first sought to strike out the petitions; (ii)by having an application and a motion to strike out the petitions on the same grounds existing before the Court at the same time; and (iii) by failing and/or refusing to withdraw the first application when Justice Cottle ruled that it was premature or at any time subsequently. The second ground upon which Justice Henry denied the motions to strike out was that the motions were filed out of time (i.e. too late) and therefore could not proceed. The Respondents had argued that the petitions were rendered invalid by the absence of the sureties’ names in the undertaking portion of the recognisances. By law, if the recognisances are invalid, the petitions are void and objection can be raised on that basis at any time during the proceedings. The Petitioners argued that the absence of the sureties’ names in the undertaking portion of the recognisances meant that the security was insufficient, not invalid. This is a critical distinction. By law if the security is insufficient, it can be remedied. However, the court is only moved to order the correction if objection is made by the Respondents within a specified 10-day timeframe. In this case, the application to strike out the petitions was brought almost 3 weeks after the date within which it could have been made. Therefore, it was filed too late and
could not proceed. In sum, the Court ordered that: :the petition is not invalid, the recognizance provided by the petitioners is insufficient, the petitioners must each deposit with the Court on or before July 7, 2017 the sum of $5000.00; after the money is deposited as required the registrar in consultation with the parties must fix a date for hearing of the petitions, and the Respondent must pay costs to the petitioners. What does this all mean? As you would have seen from the rapturous celebrations by our supporters in the streets of Kingstown and at Democrat House, our party’s headquarters, this judgment was a big victory for the NDP. It means that the determined efforts by the Respondents and ULP and its propagandists to prevent the petitions from having a full hearing in court have failed. The wheels of justice are turning in favour of the Petitioners and for having the petitions determined in a way that people can see and hear the evidence in support of the petitions. It started in St. Lucia earlier this year when on March 7, 2017 the Court of Appeal granted our petitioners’ appeal and reinstated the petitions. The Court of Appeal sent the matter back to the High Court to be heard by a different judge. That Judge has now ruled in favour of the petitioners once more, and we are very hopeful will do so again when the cases are finally determined on their merits. The judgment is in favour of democracy and lifts the spirit of our people. This is good for democracy. This is good for good governance. But most importantly this is good for our own humanity. It is good because it reaffirms that our political rights and the will of the people are greater than mere legal technicality. We believe that the general elections of December 9th, 2015 were not free and fair. After a year and a half; too long a wait. we the people now have the opportunity to have the Court determine finally the result of the General Elections of December 2015! The evidence will be there for all to see and the Court will finally determine the outcome of the vote in central leeward and north windward and by extension the outcome of the general elections. But, as I have said before, there is a political solution to this crisis. Let us go back to the people in fresh elections and clear the air once and for all, decisively. Fresh election is what the people want; what they demand. The Prime Minister must listen to the people! Those persons who administered the 2015 general elections will be held accountable, in that their actions and statements will be scrutinized by the Court and a determination will be made as whether they acted in accordance with the law. It is the position of the petitioners that they did not. Accountability in general elections is vital. My responsibility is to represent the interests of all Vincentians and ensure that the government answers to the people.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. 11.
Views
Clean, clear and clutter-free
“Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world.” George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) Irish playwright, critic and polemicist whose influence on Western theatre, culture and politics extended from the 1880s to his death and beyond. SEVERAL YEARS AGO, a Christian women’s group invited me to share some insights at their weekend retreat. They had asked me to prepare a onehour talk entitled “Clean and Clutterfree”. I considered it a great honour and privilege to have been invited to address so important a gathering during a time when they had “pulled away from the world” to reflect on where they were spiritually and emotionally. The expectation was that after the objective and critical introspection (looking into self, they would be better positioned to head toward the future with greater focus, confidence, and commitment. We all need to do that from time to time. Sometimes we can become so spiritually and emotionally toxic that we need to find a way to “detox our lives”, a purification of our thoughts, so that we can develop better selves and make a more positive contribution to our respective families and communities. As children, we looked forward to the long school vacation. As destiny would have it, these periods away from school often coincided with the mango season. We would feast on the Julie/Grafted mangoes that were available in our neghbourhood (especially the yards occupied by the Vanloo and John families). We would often venture much further to enjoy the Paulover mangoes that were obtainable a few minutes’ walk from where we lived. However, as the school vacation period neared its end we dreaded the “cleansing process” that awaited. Our parents and guardians made sure that we all had a good “wash out” before we headed back to the school activities. Items like Castor Oil, Brook lax, Chenopod, and Epson Salts appeared. The Castor Oil was especially dreaded. We would taste this feared laxative each time we belched for up to twelve hours following our forceful swallowing of the purge. We were told that, although unpleasant at the time, it was necessary to “clean the system”. Our parents and guardians wanted to make sure that our internal systems were clean, clear, and clutterfree as we headed back to school. The thoughts captured in the two preceding paragraphs recently returned to me when I went to my clothes cupboard in search of a shirt to wear to the 70th birthday cocktail that a dear friend had invited me to. As I shifted the hangers from side to side in search of a suitable shirt’ I realized that I will never again wear many of the clothes in my cupboard. Some were now too small. Others were faded. And yet, they were taking up valuable space in the cupboard. Interestingly enough, there are some shirts that were never or seldom worn. Clothes that I must now move out’ with the hope that they will add value to some individual or charity. This reality prompted me to consider, to reflect, on the number of things that I may have stored up “on
Classics of Calypso
Reprinted from June 25th, 2010
the inside of me” that are just taking up valuable space in my life and possibly hindering my progression in several ways. As I pondered’ I challenged myself to examine what I needed to do to have a life that is clean, clear, and clutter-free — clearing out some thoughts and some things that will make room for a new and improved me. Many of this column’s readers can identify with struggle, abandonment, rejection, betrayal, and failure. Sometimes we can look back at bitter experiences’ and momentarily relive the hurts. It is like the experience described earlier in this essay when we referred to having taken the Castor Oil and tasting it each time we belch hours later. Some of these memories can be like demons that return to haunt each time we remember the experience. However, deep reflection on these traumatic experiences can hold us back. This is especially so if/when the thoughts trigger feelings of resentment and the desire for revenge. Regardless of the situation and the extent of the trauma, we need to develop coping mechanisms that enable us to look beyond “the perpetrator” to a more prosperous present and future. Those stumbling blocks are now stepping stones. We have to make them such. We rise above and beyond them. We will not forget them completely but we will not allow them to imprison us. We break free to live clean, clear, and clutter-free lives. Lives that will encourage and inspire those around us. Lives that will reflect a purity of thought and a cleanliness of action. We think, act, and live lives that demonstrate that we do justice, we show mercy, and we walk humbly with our God. This is what the Lord requires of us. This is what He requires of me. We conclude this week’s essay by revisiting the wealth of thought that is captured by the George Bernard Shaw quotation that was used to introduce this essay, “Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world.” This is considered to be such a timely reminder that we are indeed the guardians of our thoughts … and that those thoughts influence how we see the world and our lives. Invariably, this is the same window through which others see us. With all its drudgery and broken dreams, this is still a beautiful world. With all the setbacks and disappointments, we are still beautiful people on the inside. Not perfect — but beautiful anyway. Let us commit to developing those habits that will forever push us in the direction of being the best and purest that we can possibly be. Forgiving others and forgiving self for the foibles and infractions that occurred. Committed to being clean, clear, and clutter-free. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
THE CALYPSO SEMI-FINAL was of very high quality. Come July 4th, Carnival Sunday night, the reigning monarch JoyC Crease will be seriously challenged by Sulle Caesar, Struggler Richards, Tajoe Francis, Soharo Hackshaw, Lexi Joseph, Scakes Alleyne, Ipa Constance, Patches Knights, Brother Ebony Joseph and Bosault Daniel. I am flabbergasted that Black Messenger did not get the judges favour. His song had melody, strong and pertinent lyrics and was well delivered. Our calypsonians, whom veteran Trinidadian kaisonian, Valentino called the true opposition, are continuing a glorious tradition. Their sting has been diminished by the slow death of the calypso tent, the rise of its breakaway cousin Soca, and the emergence of talk radio; but the power of a well constructed and rendered social commentary will forever be cherished, celebrated and remembered. Calypso classics are timeless; they stand their own in any age. The Man Age’s ‘This Society needs a Spectacles’ and ‘We got a country to Build’; Sulle’s ‘Reparation’ and ‘Permanent Carnival’; Vibrating Scakes’ ‘Our Nation is Born’, and Rasum’s ‘Perseverance’, are not only uplifting, they are the raw material upon which we can build a national consciousness. It is unfortunate that for the carnival season and the months before and after, we choose the rough fast beat of soca that develops only our feet and waistline, as opposed to commentary of calypso which speaks to our minds and challenges our consciences. This lofty tradition is continued this year. What follows are snippets of calypsos that might make some people vex, but are sure to be long remembered. Patches asks, “Where all the good people gone?’, while Defoe wants to save our youth by ‘Bringing back the old time rule’. Exposer smells trouble lurking and warns “Shut your mouth!”. Zion I, the bad john calypsonian of last year, who people encouraged to ‘Sing leh we hear’, believes that this country could develop and patriotically tells nationals, ‘Let us try’. Just as last year when a student calypsonian demanded that people ‘Leave Ralphie alone’, Sonny Banks praises the government’s achievements and says, ‘Thank you’ to the PM and his ULP administration. I-Reality chides his fellow kaisonians for singing only anti government songs under the guise of social commentary. Vibrating Scakes’ ‘Amnesia’ is conceptually brilliant albeit poorly crafted. ‘Amnesia’ speaks of a man who loves women from across the land and has his way with many. He runs rampant wreaking havoc until he runs into ‘Amnesia’. Scakes predicts ‘Amnesia’ will do for you. Scakes warns that this man who loves to have his way with anything, everything and anyone loves to sue. In true double entendre fashion one wonders if it’s Amnesia, the woman, or the literal failure to reflect and remember that threatens to do in the prowler. Unfortunately, in rendition ‘Amnesia’ sounds more like a cuss out in the mold of Age’s ‘Ms Penniston’ of 1979. Watch out for Soharo Hackshaw who predicts a ULP wipe out in the
next elections. He says humpty dumpty is about to fall and neither ‘cocobay nor coconut bat’ could put humpty together again. With such predictions months away from the next elections, we ought to heed Ipa’s call, ‘This country needs a healing’. One thing is for sure, if we are not in tune with our culture and folklore, some of the lyrics will fly over our heads. For me, the best songs of the season are Sulle’s ‘Congratulations are in order’, Lexi’s ‘Red Rat’ and Black Messenger’s ‘Bitter Sweet’. These are vintage songs destined for the calypso Hall of Fame for their lyrical content, melody and rendition. Here is Sulle at his Lyrical best: Congratulations are in order Thumbs down, No is the answer You successfully curtailed we sovereignty You successfully hampered we liberty... You made your mark emphatically On the dark side On the back side On the wrong side of history Ah know a-ready it was not ULP Ah know a-ready it was not SVG Definitely is not the economy So it must be Mr. Eustace and the NDP And if you think Sulle is classic, listen to the crafty Lexi in red rats: Cocobay tek bait and jump from e tree Crawling over Red Rat gate suicidally Ba-dang-bang, Now yo hear the shout King Red Rat ha cocobay in e mouth Red rats eating up young chicks Killing out black rats And dem oversized Red Rats now raping cat Red rats climb and jump over the church gate Dem Red rats even mek Job lose e faith Finally, Black Messenger, the veteran with more than 35 years in the calypso business chides us for being fickle: We voting yes, we voting no Up to now we don’t know what we want fo sure When all is said and done It was bitter/sweet Jumping up and down Celebrating we own defeat Voted yes, voted no And it benefited no one fo sure. Voted yes voted no We don’t know what we voted for Yes we are an independent nation But up to now we don’t have we own constitution. Carnival Sunday night promises to be a night to remember. Miss these griots and blame yourself. I could hear Saluche saying you got to clap for dat.
Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to wefirst@gmail.com
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12. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
Views
Petition ruling on 30/06/17: A step towards fairness and democracy in SVG
gets a fair hearing. The SVG 1979 Constitution Section 8, subsection (8) demands fair hearings for all. SVG needs to establish an independent electoral commission, as in the UK, to oversee elections and regulate political finance. See www.electoralcommission.org.uk. THE HIGH COURT ruling by the 2015. This matter has been dragged from handling the NDP election An electoral commission would also Honourable Justice Henry on 30 June out for far too long, and for almost 2 petitions, given his perceived bias, as take action when the election rules are 2017 in SVG, that the NDP petitions years, we have had a government highlighted by the Court of Appeal? If broken. relating to the SVG General Elections on whose legitimacy is in doubt. not, this could erode the public’s It is important that SVG has free 9 December 2015 for the constituencies There should be a law stating that confidence in the judiciary. and fair elections, and that we can of North Windward and Central Leeward election petitions are heard within a A judge must avoid all impropriety have confidence in the electoral will be heard, is a blessing for our certain number of days, as in other and appearance of impropriety. This system. We need to correct the country. countries, such as 90 days, for prohibition applies to both professional weaknesses of our present electoral It is a step towards creating real example. There are people in and personal conduct. Therefore, a system, to prevent further instances of fairness and democracy in SVG. parliament still clutching onto their judge should disqualify himself or what happened on 9 December 2015. It is important for our country that seats, because of these undetermined herself in a proceeding in which the Even if the government has the we have free and fair elections. The petitions, almost 2 years after the judge’s impartiality might reasonably constitutional power to call fresh discrepancies at the last general general election. be questioned, including, but not general elections, in this historic elections were shameful and show our Another important pillar of our limited to, instances in which the instance, the petitions must be heard country in a bad light. The judge ruled society is having a fair judicial system judge has a personal bias or prejudice. before fresh general elections are held that the government’s motion to strike - courts that are not biased. In March Given that the Court of Appeal has in SVG. out the NDP petitions is an abuse of 2017, the Court of Appeal ruled that said that Justice Cottle has shown the process. Justice Cottle showed apparent bias in apparent bias, we have to ask whether SVG Green Party It is important that the NDP favour of the ULP government, in his he is fit to be a judge in SVG and www.svggreenparty.org petitions are heard as soon as possible. decision to throw out the petitions as should be allowed to continue as a https://twitter.com/svggreenparty Almost 2 years have passed since the being improperly filed. judge in SVG. It is imperative that our https://www.facebook.com/SVGlast general elections on 09 December Will Justice Cottle recuse himself courts are unbiased, so that everyone Green-Party-154937087877631/
Beware, Travellers, Beware! popular belief, I thought the travesty might have I TRAVELLED from St. taken place during my Vincent to Barbados, en transfer at the Barbados route to Canada, by airport, thus my LIAT Flight 560 on April Attorney in Barbados 12, 2017, which left from was briefed. the Argyle International Later that evening, Airport (AIA). though, I also spoke with When I got to my final a number of friends destination, I noticed about this rather strange that the bag which I had travel experience of checked-in at the LIAT mine. One recent counter in St. Vincent Vincentian traveller to was tampered with, and the USA told me: “My several items that I had brother, search your bags personally packaged again, and you would including a bottle of find a paper that the Strong Rum destined for Argyle airport people put a friend’s Black Cake in your bag to say that were no longer in my they searched it at the bag, or missing from my Argyle International luggage. It was indeed Airport”. perplexing! I was I did search, and to astounded and terrified! my further shock, I found At first, based on a grey card in my bag by LENNOX E.A. DAISLEY
captioned “AIA Checked by Security”, with the following statements: 1. “ To protect you and your fellow passengers, the AIA Aviation security is required by law to inspect all baggage. As part of this process, some bags are opened and physically inspected. Your bag was among those selected for inspection.” 2. “ If the Aviation Officer was unable to open your bag for inspection because it was locked, the officer may have been forced to cut the locks on your bag. AIA sincerely regrets having to do this, however AIA is not liable for damage to your locks resulting from this
necessary precaution.” 3. “ We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact AIA at Tel; 1784-456-5555 / email: aiainfo@svgairport.com Is that so? That can’t be right! I was terrified to learn that my luggage could have been opened and/or searched in my absence without a warrant, and that personal stuff could be (were) removed without my permission. But most importantly, that such activities could be undertaken without my prior knowledge and in my absence. Actually, I had been at the airport
in the Departure Lounge at the AIA for the same period of time as my luggage, but I was neither contacted by AIA Security nor informed of any search or irregularity. This matter was so disconcerting that I immediately sent off a letter to the listed email address seeking clarification and information on the whereabouts of my missing items, and when could they be retrieved, or returned to me. I got no response to my first letter, so I sent a second email the following day, but am yet to receive the courtesy of an acknowledgement. I am very concerned about this strange recent development, especially as I had been a regional official who travelled frequently and extensively throughout the region and internationally for decades but never heard of, or had, any such experience. I am left to wonder whether this is now ‘normal practice’? Should C. K. Greaves or SVG’s long-established rum-distilling company be prepared for trouble? Why should the signature product of Saint Vincent and the Genadines — Strong Rum
— be on shaky ground, threatened or facing extinction? Are we seeing the outlines of a trade war against the product? The Banana industry was destroyed by sheer neglect and incompetence of the authorities! What next? By the way, does anyone really think that genuine strong rum from St. Vincent will be taken away from travellers and perhaps disposed of in any garbage-bin? The travelling public should be particularly uneasy and troubled! Apart from the “seizure” of private property, would it be far-fetched to think that foreign stuff could be placed in nonconformist persons’ luggage that might make the rest of their lives a harrowing experience between jails and courts, perhaps in a foreign country? Precedence exists! The possibilities are endless; severe floggings in the public square are prescribed in many countries; and, stoning is still sanctioned in others. Beware, travellers, especially visitors, the old adage might have relevance: “To be forewarned is to be forearmed”.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. 13.
Carnival
ÂYoung SaiahÊ takes Junior Soca title
Primary’s Omrie ‘Prince that Kristiana ‘Singing Kristy’ Omrie’ Davy who did ‘IC Christopher held. But she put proof to the pudding. ‘Singing Kristy’ sang her ‘Super Heroes’ in position number six, but couldn’t outshine ‘Young Saiah’. She had to settle for M’riah ‘Young Saiah’ second place. Robertson – first time Delisha ‘Soca D’ winner of the Junior Soca Brackin from Sandy Monarch. Bay Secondary rounded off the competition with ‘Gimme Soca,’ which gave her the third spot. Delanzo ‘Lanzo’ Lavia from the Sandy Bay Secondary was second on stage and created an ‘Accident’ which thrilled the crowd. His school mate Sakura ‘Soca Princess’ Lorraine with ‘We playing Mas’, was the second to last performer and generated energy on stage, supported by a cast of supporters. Tia ‘Singing Tia’ Wyllie of the Thomas Kristiana ‘Singing Saunders Secondary Kristy’ Christopher School was attempting a slipped one place down double. She was in the pecking order. defending the Secondary School Calypso Monarch M’RIAH ROBERTSON, title, and ventured into using the soubriquet the Soca arena with ‘De ‘Young Saiah’, etched her whole place mash up’. name in this country’s She’ll have to try again cultural records when she to add this title to her copped the 2017 Junior cabinet. Soca Monarch title at Ariel ‘Lady A-T’ Victoria Park last Tuesday. Turtin from Greiggs The West St. George Primary invited everyone Secondary School to ‘Shake yo bumpa’. student did so Richard ‘Richie Rich’ performing her ‘See we James of Belair on the road’, in position Government initiated a one. concept of alphabetically She was one of eight in tune with ‘ABC’. pretenders to the title New Prospect
Technology’ completed the list.
Delisha ‘Soca D’ Brackin took third place for North Windward.
The contestants were Vykinz, led by Junior accompanied by the band Sutherland. (WKA)
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14. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
Carnival
JUNIOR BAND OF THE YEAR:
A fourth for Blondie
competition band. Some people are in it for the business; we do this for the love of country,” he said. “We know the people and we can’t be selfish.” According to Niles, it was about producing good mas, and the team at Blondie Bird and Friends is committed to setting a higher standard. Even the judges expect a quality presentation each year; “And we will be looking to keep it that way,” Niles told THE VINCENTIAN. Looking ahead to the remaining mas competitions, Niles ‘Paradise’ – 2nd place Best Section from Blondie assured that all is calm at Bird and Friends. the camp. He did admit THEY COPPED some inconvenience THE 2017 Junior in working on larger Band of the costumes (King and Year title – the Queen of the Bands), fourth in a row given their cramped for BMC working area, but Amerijet 103.7 they remained FM Blondie Bird enthused. and Friends – After all, they but the mas boast the youngest camp is not ever King in Jelani resting on their Niles, and a Queen laurels. ‘Star Wars – The Empire Strikes Back’ – who technically In fact, they 3rd place Best Section from SVG remains undefeated see this victory Players Int’l. after taking a year as the first off in 2016 to pursue step towards maternal duties. Junior Queen category retaining their Senior But for now, it remains went to SVG Players’ Band of the Year title. work as usual — more so ‘Electro Magnetic Pulse,’ Blondie Bird and than usual, and it is only and third went to Friends, with its 2017 after they have prevailed Metrocint High Voltage presentation ‘It is what it ,with their portrayal of that they will get some is’ came out ahead of SVG ‘PPP’. much needed and Players International deserved rest, according Bird and Friends took (2nd) with their second place in the Junior to Niles. (DD) presentation ‘Star Date King of the Bands with a 2525: The future is now’. presentation ‘Somewhere Digicel Nelson Bloc, with out there’, portrayed by a presentation entitled Crey McDonald. ‘Imagine Dis,’ came in in The top two positions third position. in the ‘Best Junior’ section Rounding off the top six went to Bird and Friends positions were Xtreme FM with ‘Warmth’ and 104.3 G&T Enterprise ‘Paradise, followed by Lynx Mas Band with SVG Players ‘From the Movies’; International who took Melbourne Artisans with the third and fourth spots ‘See One See All’; and with ‘Star Wars — The Imagination Mas Band Empire Strikes Back’ and with ‘Social Media’, in ‘Star Gate — that order. The Return of ‘Somewhere out there’ – 2nd As far as the individual RA’. categories, Blondie Bird place Junior King from Blondie and Friends, with the Bird and Friends. A competition exception of the Junior Band King which was won by ‘Alien Intelligence’ from And SVG Players according to International, ruled over Garth Niles, all comers in the Junior Co-band Mas competition staged at leader, 2017 the Victoria Park last was officially Saturday. the band’s They took the fourth junior Individuals 5 to 9 years title, yet it felt category, the 10 to 15 and like it was the the Junior Queen title first a few with ‘Warmth’, played by ‘Electro Magnetic Pulse – 2nd years ago. Meesha Young. place Junior Queen from SVG “We pride Second place in the Players Int’l. ourselves as a
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. 15.
Carnival
‘Lil Kris’ does the hat trick
keeping with this year’s 40th Anniversary of Vincy Mas, and that was enough for him to retain the title. He was in buoyant mood following the crowning, for the hat trick Kristian ‘Lil Kris’ served as icing on the Christopher has left his cake. mark on the Primary Ziel ‘Singing Ziel’ Cain Schools Calypso could find no way of Monarch Competition uprooting ‘Lil Kris,’ and and he is not finished for the second straight yet. year had to be content with IT SEEMS LIKE second place. BUSINESS as The New usual as far as Prospect Kristian ‘Lil Primary School Kris’ student did the Christopher and number ‘Clean the Junior up the country’. Calypso Primary Jontiel ‘De School Man Jon-t’ competition is Burke, braved concerned. ‘Lil the Bequia Kris’ romped to Channel to his third Ziel ‘Singing Ziel’ represent that consecutive Cain had to be Grenadine isle’s Primary School satisfied with Paradise title last another 1st Primary. He Tuesday, July 4, Runner-up at Victoria position. Park. The Layou Right: Jontiel ‘De Government School student Man Jon-t’ Burke – third placed did the song ‘Celebrating 40 did not make the journey from years’, in
perhaps had the afternoon’s most difficult task, and was the most disadvantaged, being the first competitor to face the audience. By the time he had finished his number ‘Fishing Line’, the sound engineers had all about worked out the kinks. He placed third. Eight others bade for the crown. They were: Eto Gordon from Questelles Government doing ‘Playing the Mas’; Alexio ‘Little Alex’ Edwards representing Gomea Methodist whose rendition was ‘Lifestyle disease’; Zakiyah ‘Princess Zaki’ Garrick from Kingstown Government with ‘Come touch down’; Alovonell ‘Luv’ Lavia, Owia Government School, with ‘Give me love’; Kevisha Andrews from Biabou Methodist School asking ‘Where is the love?’; Kiara ‘Princess Kiara’ Hazel from Paradise Primary with ‘Grenadines’; Kailey ‘Princess Keke’ Cyrus from CW Prescod who did ‘My idol’; and Fidel ‘AJ’ Cyrus of the Kingstown Anglican School with a number ‘Never too young’.
Berquia in vain.
First Secondary School Calypso title for ‘Kristy’
Kristiana ‘Singing Kristy’ Christopher performed her National calypso Semi-Fianls number – ‘Fragmentation’ to winner’s row among her peers. KRISTIANA ‘Singing Kristy’ Christopher is the 2017 Secondary School Calypso Monarch. She captured the
Damian ‘Boney Man’ Noel tried to cop a title for the boys, but fell just slightly away from achieving the plan.
title with a song ‘Fragmentation’ at Victoria Park, Tuesday July 4. This is her first hold on a title that had eluded her in 2015 and 2016 when she placed second on both occasions. In the process, she dethroned her Dale Ann ‘Lady school mate and Dale’ Nero kept defending the North monarch Tia Windward ‘Singing Tia’ presence in the Wyllie who could top tier. not secure a top three position with a song entitle ‘I rise’. Damian ‘Boney Man’ Noel from St. Martin’s Secondary placed second with ‘De man wid d plan.’ Third position went to the Sandy Bay Secondary School representative Dale Ann ‘Lady Dale’ Nero with ‘Save Sandy Bay’. She was one of a trio of representatives of that school, the others being formed Keston ‘Man Kess’ Richardson with ‘Liars’, and Jhaved ‘E Jay’ Baptiste doing ‘Too much guns’. The other three finalists were: Ladonna ‘Singing Lala’ Free from West St. George Secondary whose rendition was ‘Violence in schools’; Abigail ‘Queen Abby’ Alexander from Bishop’s College with ‘Words of encouragement’; and the Girls’ High School’s Chachanie ‘Lady Chachanie’ Morgan who looked at ‘Climate change.’ (WKA)
16. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. 17.
Health
International Sickle Cell Day: A ParentÊs story by GLORIAH…
JUNE 19th is World Sickle Cell Day, as declared by UNESCO. In commemoration of this day, the Ministry of Health and the Environment, during the past week, has been delivering information on Sickle Cell disease (SCD), through its ‘Health Word’ and other programmes.
What really is sickle cell disease? According to www.webmd.com, “Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited blood disorder. That means it’s passed down through families. You’re born with SCD. It is not something you catch or develop later in life.” SCD affects the body’s red blood cells which contain molecules called haemoglobin. This molecule allows the red cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. A healthy person’s hemoglobin is smooth, round, and flexible, allowing them to glide easily through the bloodstream. A person with SCD has abnormally shaped haemoglobin, which form rods that clump together. This clumping causes the red cells to become rigid and curved. The sickle shape which the cells adopt gives the disease its name. The sickle cells block the flow of blood, causing terrible pain, anaemia, and other complications. A person suffering from Sickle Cell Disease is normally called a “sickler”. The child would have inherited the disease from both parents, each of whom would have had, at least, a sickle cell trait.
A parent’s story President of the SVG Sickle Cell Association
and mother of two “sicklers” - Mrs. Ann Marie Millington spoke with THE VINCENTIAN about her children’s journey, from birth to the current time. About her firstborn, she said, “It was when my daughter was about fifteen months that I noticed her fingers were swollen,” Mrs. Millington said. “They were black and blue, (so) I took her to the doctor but was told it was an allergy. Being advised to see another doctor, I did so, and immediately the problem was identified.” A period of counselling followed. “We had now to try to get through the first five years of her life,” she recollected. She said that a book, ‘The First Five Years of a Sickler”, provided tremendous assistance in her provision of care for her children. Mrs. Millington described her daughter’s illness as a very painful one during those critical five years. “She suffered several painful crises in her joints, her hands, feet and back; from lack of oxygen,” she explained, adding, “A parent has to be very vigilant, dedicated and caring. The journey entails a lot of changes that you must recognize
and act upon very quickly.” Home remedies help, but sometimes the crisis exceeds their capacity. Her second child, a boy, was also born with SCD. “No crisis showed up in my son as early because he was covered under foetal haemoglobin, but he had symptoms of a sickler,” she affirmed. By two and a half years old, however, his spleen swelled and began to fail, and his eyes became pale, the mother related. “He was hospitalized and had to have blood transfusions. The spleen was removed,” she continued. Mrs. Millington said that she has stuck with the regimen for care prescribed by the doctor, and her son has not had too many complications except when he got chikungunya and, being predisposed, got really sick, resulting in him missing an entire term of school.
Parent’s advice Both daughter and son in the Millington family are alive and well today. The daughter, now 21 years old and having completed primary and secondary education, is currently pursuing an
online Bachelor’s Degree, while she works at a local company. “As she grew, the crises were far fewer. She allowed God to play an important role in her life. She was hospitalized a number of times, but that happens,” the energized mother proffered. Her son, now 16 years old, is still in secondary school. She advises that persons who come into
contact with these children understand several things: keep them warm; keep them away from the sea — cold water causes pain; do not expose their skin to the elements; do not use supplements with iron; use naturally occurring iron from spinach, beets, broccoli, callaloo and the like, which are full of antioxidants; shift the child’s lifestyle to suit his/her disease. She encourages parents and teachers
who encounter a “droopy” child, to be alert and question him/her about how they feel. To teachers especially, she cautioned, “Keep them hydrated — let them drink their water, and don’t be too upset with their frequent requests to go to the bathroom.” Obviously, the Millington family provides the evidence that there is still a great life to be lived, even if you have Sickle Cell Disease.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. 19.
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20. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
Advice
Tit for Tat doesn’t work two scantily dressed women in my house. I MY HUSBAND recently told almost went crazy and chased them, out of my me he is no longer satisfied with one woman house. He ended up leaving with them and and needs my permission stayed away for about for him to be with other women. I asked him if he one week. He has since crawled was on drugs to be telling back into the house and me that, but he said expected me to sleep regardless, he was going with him. I had a shock. to do it anyway. I informed him that I I did not take him seriously until one day I also have decided to see other men. I had brought got home to find he and
Dear George,
a man into the house while he was away. I made it clear to him that I will see other men, once he was seeing other women. He threatened to do all sorts of things to me. In good faith, I told him that if he wants the marriage to return to normalcy, he has to recant on his decision to be with other women. He refused.
I am simply tired of this stressful relationship with this sad excuse of a man.
On the way out
He is a stinker!!!
Dear On the way out,
Dear George,
Tit for tat has never and will never bring an amicable resolution to problems such as you have described. Your husband might have decided to change the marriage contract, but sinking to his level was not the way to go. A better recourse would have been to address the reasons why he felt the need not to be with one wife. It is not too late to explore those reasons and seeking a way to salvage the marriage. Go see a marriage counselor and try to get things back on track. Introducing other people into your marriage is a dangerous precedent and ought not to be continued or encouraged. That will not take care of unresolved issues or unclog communications lines. Decide whether or not you want to save your marriage, and then take the suggested steps to do so.
MY BOYFRIEND recently moved in with me, and boy, am I getting a few surprises. This man does not brush his teeth before going to bed, neither does he want to shower. He smells to high heavens. Not for hell would he listen to me to go shower before crawling into bed. I’ve told him he will not be touching! He eats and leaves his things all over the house, and I am fed up with his nasty attitude. When you see him outside, he is well dressed, but at home he is as worthless as worthless can be. I’m sorry, but I’m not going to be the one to clean this man up. I’m outta here!
On the run Dear On the run, It is entirely your decision to be or not to be with this man. You have seen him in operation inside and outside the house, and now you are in a privileged position to dispense judgement. You have the right to choose the man of your dreams and to make sure he has the qualities you are looking for. If this man does not measure up, then it’s your decision to cut him from the roster.
George
George
A marriage divided by politics Dear George,
Dear Regrettable,
MY FRIEND suggested that I bring this problem to you, and I hope and pray you can help. My wife and I have always supported the same political party, but a while back, we found ourselves on opposing sides. Our relationship has been reduced to us sleeping in separate rooms. Her room is painted in bright yellow, and I countered that by painting my room in bright red. She uses only utensils that represent her party colors, and I’m doing the same. George, our house is bitterly divided, and neither of us is happy, but we just cannot seem to stop. Every day we are going further and further away from each other emotionally and otherwise, and I fear our once happy marriage will end bitterly.
The good news is that you have already recognized that what is happening in your marriage needs to stop, and (that) if it continues, your marriage is doomed to fail. When you took your vows on your wedding day, those did not include political parties. Time to get back to basics and the business of loving each other unconditionally and unselfishly; that includes respecting each other’s decision to do and to be involved in certain things. Yes, you can support different political parties, but never at the expense of your marriage. Both of you may have some neutral painting to do. Begin with your room. Set the example, and that may very well open the channel for much needed communication.
Regrettable
George
Leisure
(Mar. 21‐ April 20) You will have an inaccurate assessment of your status in society. Show what a dedicated person you can be. Pamper yourself for a change. Deception regarding joint finances or investments will cause upsets between family members. TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) You may be emotional and quick to judge others. Residential moves will be hectic and may be unsatisfactory. Do not expect others to do your work. Get involved in the activities of children. GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) You should be promoting your ideas. Your lover may cost you financially. If you have to deal with large institutions, be careful not to make waves. This is a great day for a family outing or just a drive. CANCER (June 22‐July 22) Arguments with children or friends may leave you steaming. You will find that friends or relatives may not understand your needs. Don't blow situations out of proportion. You can make career moves that will bring you a much higher income.
diplomacy to get your point across delicately. Don't consume more than necessary. Travel and communications will not run as smoothly as you had hoped. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Travel will be enjoyable but could be expensive. Be up front if you don't want to be embarrassed. Take that long overdue vacation if you can. You have a lot to offer. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Older family members may try to put unreasonable demands on you. Purchases will be well worth it and they will last a long time. Your tendency to overreact could get you into trouble. Make sure that new mates live up to your high standards. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) You could be emotional if you didn't take care of problems with loved ones. Get involved in sports events that will benefit your physical appearance. You need to concentrate on the areas where you can make a difference. Set the ball in motion and be relentless until you complete the project.
LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Your philanthropic contributions will bring you praise. Get some sound advice and help setting up a workable budget. Sit back. Restrictions may be difficult for you to live with, but try to do things by the book.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Be careful not to take on other people's problems. You may find yourself in a financial bind. If possible, rely on coworkers to back your objectives, and talk to superiors in order to get approval. This is a great day for a trip. You can make progress professionally.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Changes involving your domestic scene may be unpleasant. You need a job with more responsibility and a higher wage. You are ahead of your time, and trying to stay in one spot could be asking too much. You will not impress others by being foolishly generous.
PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Be careful. You may find that your quick wit and charm will help you in obtaining allies. You have to let go of your past if you wish to get out of any sentimental mood that might be hanging over your head. Stabilize your own position by locking up your savings.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) You'll have great insight. Use some
ACROSS
mountain in Crete 47. Female 1. One of the deer Channel 49. Member of Islands the clerical 4. Corpulent order 9. Let it stand 51. scolding 13. Period of 54. Toward the human life stern 14. Situated 56. Young cow away from 58. Harsh the axis squeaky 15. Fish eggs sound 16. Male swine 60. In bed 17. Penniless 62. Belonging 18. Pointed to him end 63. Soft leather 20. Exploit 64. Alkali 22. Rework 65. Skills 25. Financed 66. Pertaining 27. Monkey th to oats 28. 17 letter 12. Lukewarm of the Greek 67. Observed 19. Viper Alphabet 21. Exclamation DOWN 29. Mark left of surprise by a healed 23. Pertaining to 1.Cavalry wound Aaron sword 32. Pertaining 24. Chief 2. Gone by to sound 25. Elaborate Reproduction 3. Arrive at fabric 4. Observation 35. Adriatic 26. Person who 5. Capital of wind mends shoes Azerbaijan 29. Fem pronoun 39. Saltlike 6. Lived compounds 30. Vulgar, 40. Affected by 7. Trigono‐ ill‐bred fellow metric scabs 31. Malt function 41. Paradise beverage 8. Consume 42. Molten 33. North 10. Large material American motor 44. Public nation vehicle swimming 34. Doctrine 11. Greek pool 36. Japanese sash goddess of 37. Color 45. Highest the dawn
38. Fuss 43. Long conversation 46. Doctor 48. Idiot 49. Russian country house 50. City in central Belgium
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. 21.
52. Legend 53. Burdened 54. Extent of space 55. Grasp 57. Atmosphere 58. Dove sound 59. Relatives 61. Organ of sight
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22. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
Carnival
Eleventh hour change in calypso finalists list
Cecile ‘Lit Bit’ Murray are breathing down his neck: ‘Skarpyon’ will do ‘Mama’s lost son’, and a still undisclosed number. Glenroy ‘Sulle’ Caesar ‘Self-help’ and ‘More carnival’ Kenneth ‘Vibrating Scakes’ Alleyne - ‘Accountability’ and ‘40 years’; and Lornette ‘Fyah Empress’ Nedd - ‘Guilty as charged’ and ‘Hope is alive’. Two newcomers have stormed into the arena. Joanna Christopher stepped out from the Zamfir ‘Man Zangie’ Adams obscurity of being a back ground vocalist, to create IN 2013, Shernelle opted out of the finals for waves with her smasher ‘Skarpyon’ Williams was personal reasons, and ‘Good friends’. Her slotted into the Calypso the person next in line, second number is ‘Can’t Monarch finals when Cleopatra ‘Cloe’ we find a way?’. Ronald ‘Ron B’ Browne, an Hendrickson has filled The other debutant, originally chosen finalist, her spot. Sheena Collis, has a was forced to withdraw. The development came similar script to Joanna, ‘Skarpyon’ went to swiftly earlier this week, and her songs will be ‘No take the title that year, but the effort to wrest more’, and ‘Protect your much to the disgust of the title from Zamfir head’. some calypsonians. ‘Man Zangie’ Adams’ ‘Cloe’s’ numbers will This year, Shaunelle remained unperturbed. be ‘Chronic phone McKenzie earned an Zangie will defend addiction’ and original final spot with with ‘Enough no more,’ ‘Something must be her number ‘If these and ‘Celebrate’. wrong’. walls could talk.’ But she Four former monarchs Cecile ‘Lil Bit’ Murray’
Glenford ‘Azarah’ Charles
Kenneth ‘Vibrating Scakes’ Alleyne
Glenroy ‘Sulle’ Caesar
Lornette ‘Fya Empress’ Nedd
Cleopatra ‘Cleo’ Hendrickson is celebrating 25 years in the entertainment circles. Her inclusion to the final seems to be an apt reward. Her numbers are ‘World Peace,’ and ‘Somebody.’ Glenford ‘Azara’ Charles, whose melodies and lyrics are invariably steel band oriented, will pay tribute to Starlift Steel orchestra on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary, with a song appropriately entitled ’50 years’. He follows it up with ‘Conflict’. The other finalist is the evergreen Robert ‘Patches’ King with his ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘Unsung Heroes’. The finalists will be accompanied by the RSVG Police Force Band. The showdown is set for Victoria Park Sunday, July 9, commencing at 8:30pm. It forms part of the Dimanche Gras show which also features the King and Queen of the Bands competitions. (WKA)
Joanna Christopher
Shena Collis
Robert ‘Patches’ King
Shernelle ‘Skarpyon’ Williams
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. 23.
Mitres obstruct Maple Making some tactical changes, Mitres’ defence was able to blunt the potent Maple’s shooting, led by the indomitable Skiddy FrancisCrick. In a match that appeared at times to be one way traffic, Mitres were in high command and won the contest 70-62. Mitres, who had ended in third spot behind Maple and Twilight Trading X- Ceed in the League competition, grabbed the final piece of silverware that was for the taking. Their victory in 2017 marked the fourth consecutive title for Mitres. The last time Maple did the double was in 2013, while Mitres had a three-year run of double crowns from 2014 to 2016. Conversely, the last occasion the Division One titles were shared was in 2012, when Mitres won the League, and Maple-the Knock Out. And, whilst the 2017 Division One titles were split between Maple and Mitres, the other three divisions saw one winner each. Doubling up in Division Two was French Verandah XCeed, while OSCO Ball Warriors copped both titles in Division Three, and the Sandy Bay Secondary obliged in Division Four.
Division One Knock Out championsWestern Union Mitres. Right: Metrocint General Insurance Limited MapleDivision One League winners. WESTERN UNION MITRES had the last laugh on their arch- rivals Metrocint General Insurance Limited Maple, by taking the knock out title of the FLOW National Netball Tournament. Maple was aiming for the double, having already pouched the League
competition, but a charged Mitres outfit had other ideas last Thursday evening at the Kingstown Netball Centre.
Awards There were two team awards presented to the Buccament Secondary School
and Island Blends Maple. Most Discipline Team and Most Improved Team awards went to the Buccament Bay Secondary, which contested Division Four, with Island Blends Maple presented with the Best Dressed and Best Banner awards, which were adjudicated at the opening of the tournament on 19th March. Meanwhile, Metrocint General Insurance Limited Maple’s Suzette Jordan was listed at the Best Defending Player in the Senior category. Jordan also secured the Most Improved Player award. Another Maple’s player was awarded for her shooting prowess, as Skiddy FrancisCrick, for the countless time in her over 30 years of participation in the national netball tournament, scored the Most Goals among the Senior lot. Francis- Crick ended with a 90.65 % accuracy. Seasoned player- Nicole Sandy- Stevenson of Western Union Mitres was adjudged the Best Attacking PlayerSenior, and national Under-23 captain- Rosannia Stephens of Twilight Trading X- Ceed, the Best Midcourt Player. Best Mid- Court Player Junior went to Monell Lavia of OSCO (Owia Sports and Cultural Organization), and her team mate, Jonelle John, was the Top Goal Scorer among the Juniors, ending with an 82.56 % accuracy. The Best Attacking Player Juniors award went to Shanice Humphrey of SVG General Services Maple, and the Best Defending Player Juniors award to Shannon King.
Vincentian cycling duo contest OECS Cycling Championships VINCENTIANS - Zefal Bailey and Enroy Lewis placed ninth and twelfth respectively in the 2017 OECS Cycling Championships, which took place in Dominica under showery skies last Sunday morning . Bailey’s time was 3 hours 12 minutes 00.16 seconds and Lewis clocked 3 hours 18 minutes for his position. The race was won by Jyme Bridges of Antigua and Barbuda in 3 hours 29.30 seconds, with St Lucia’s Andrew Norbert in a close second in 3 hours 29.37 seconds. Closing out the podium finishers was
Marvin Spencer of Antigua and Barbuda, who registered 3 hours 4 minutes 49.99 seconds. The race began in Roseau and headed north to the second town of Portsmouth and back to Roseau, a total of 92 kilometres. Thirty one cyclists started the race, with 23 completing the course. The other participating countries were Anguilla, Grenada and host Dominica, which was their first taste of staging the sub- regional cycling championships. The St Vincent and the Grenadines
Skiddy Francis- Crick – Most Goals awardee for the umpteenth time. Awards were also handed out to the MVPs of each of the 26 teams which completed the tournament. And, the Most Loyal Spectator was Eddie Peters, who received tokens, compliments FLOW.
Metrocint General Insurance Limited Maple’s Suzette Jordan was the Senior Division’s Best Defending Player and Most Improved Player.
Rosannia Stephens – French Verandah X-Ceed best Mid-Court player among the Seniors.
From left : Justin Douglas (manager), Zefal Bailey, Enroy Lewis, Oral Andrews(mechanic). team was accompanied by Justin Douglas (manager) and Oral Andrews- mechanic.
Nicole Sandy- Stevenson the Best Attacking PlayerSeniors.
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24. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
SVG gains one gold in OECS Track and Field ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines earned one gold, 6 silver and 9 bronze medals at the 3rd hosting of the OECS Championships, held at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in Grenada, on the weekend. Delhonni- Nicol Samuel was the lone gold medallist for SVG. He was again first in the men’s 5000m in a time of 15 minutes 37.41 seconds, to retain the title which he won in
Tortola last year. Grabbing silver were: Linda Mc Dowall in the women’s 3000m (10 mins. 55.84 secs) and 1500m (4 mins 50.99 secs; Akani Slater in the men’s 800m (1 min 52.41 secs); Jumonne Exeter in the men’s Triple Jump ( 7.26m); and Shahalia Lynch in the women’s Triple Jump, a best leap of 11.37m. Also, the men’s 4 x 400m team of Javal Saxon, Akani Slater,
Kasique Olliver and Kemorie Shearman gained a silver, clocking 3 minutes 11.68 seconds. Kineke Alexander earned bronze in the women’s 400m (54.25 secs); so too did Kimorie Shearman in the men’s version, in a time of 48.33 seconds. Zita Vincent gained bronze in the women’s 800m (2:15.76), 1500m (4:52.56) and 3000 metres ( 11:07:37), while Kasique Olliver bronzed
in the men’s 800m (1:53.14), and Jumonne Exeter in the men’s Long Jump (7.26m). Richard Crick received a bronze in the men’s triple jump (14.89m), while the women’s 4 x 400 team of Kineke Alexander, Shantel Williams, Annecia Richards and Shahalia Lynch also combined to gain bronze in the event for St Vincent and the
Volleyball gets second sport court
Grenadines, clocking 3 minutes 53. 51 seconds. The British Virgin Islands, with 10 gold, were the overall champions, ahead of Grenada -8, St Kitts and Nevis - 4, and Antigua and Barbuda and St Lucia — 3 gold medals apiece. Dominica and Anguilla, the other participating countries, did not gain a gold medal.
Delhonni Nicol- Samuel – this country’s lone gold medallist at the 2017 OECS Championships.
A SECOND SPORT Volleyball court was laid last Saturday at the recently extended hard court facility at the Gomea Methodist School. Under the guidance of St Lucian Hevron Browne, the helping hands of members of the Volleyball squad preparing for this year’s The 2017 IT-DAT Camp will once again expose Windward Islands Schools’ participants to the fundamentals of running the Games, complemented by hurdles, among other events. some senior national players, the court was installed The sport court being laid last Saturday at the hard within a few hours. court of the Gomea Methodist School. The court, compliments IT-DAT Track and Field Academy, for the SIXTH the North, Central America from “It is a stepping stone... It is year in succession, will be staging an 8-week and Caribbean Volleyball part of our plan… What we want NORCECA, to Summer Camp at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex, Confederation (NORCECA), be placed in beginning on Wednesday 12th July, at 10am. carries an estimated cost of US $ to see is more persons playing other Volleyball and getting involved The Camp will cater mainly to youngsters 30 000.00. It is all-weather, and with this court… It is also for Volleyball between the ages of 10 and 20 years, and will synthetic surface comprised of the community to take care of it,” strongholds expose them to the principles of training, with interlocking grids. on the May said. special emphasis on sprints, hurdles and the The court adds to the first one mainland, e.g. May noted that the placing of lateral jumps. laid at the Girls’ High School in the sport court is also strategic, as at Dickson. Coaching sessions will be done by IAAF Level V March 2014. The they are endeavouring to Coach Mike Ollivierre, with inputs also coming Vice President of the St SVGVA Vice resuscitate the sport in the from motivational speakers who will address Vincent and the Grenadines crucial social issues affecting young people. President Volleyball Association- Jomadean Gomea/ Dauphine area. Activities will also include sessions in Agriculture outlined that, During the 1980s and 1990s, May, welcomed the erection of the and Horticulture. whilst the Gomea Bombers, a team emerging Vice President of new court. Launched on June 14th, 2012, the Academy aims sport court is from that the SVGVAto promote the development of Track and Field in community, was primarily for Jomadean May. SVG, by identifying talent, providing professional Volleyball, one of the coaching and seeking educational opportunities. other leading The ultimate objective is to develop an Volleyball units disciplines environment that can consistently produce can share it, adding, “The one in St Vincent professional athletes. (sport court) at the Girls’ High and the The Camp to be held daily, except for Sundays, School, is now more or less multiGrenadines. with morning sessions from 10am-1pm, afternoon RUDY’S Electrical Unique Warriors secured the May said that purpose…”. sessions from 3pm-6pm, concludes on Friday, remaining final semi-final spot in the National The provision of the sport the presence of August 11th. NLA First Division Sunday League 50 Overs courts to national Volleyball a second court Participants will be primarily members of the Cricket Competition, when they comfortably at Gomea can be associations, forms part of Academy and others by invitation. defeated Radcliffe Too by 7 wickets, last Sunday. a springboard to NORCECA’s development Radcliffe Too posted a paltry 118 from 27.4 programme. procure others I.B.A.ALLEN overs. Denison Hoyte topscored with 40. Joseph Medford with 4 for 19 and Bill Edwards 3 for 24 were Warriors’ best bowlers. Rudy’s Electrical Unique Warriors raced to 119 for 3 from 25.1 overs. Leon Samuel led with an NATIONAL opening batsman overs, thanks in great part to 63 Superstars by 5 unbeaten 37, and had good support from Rickford Walker was in sparkling from John Miller. wickets in a low Christopher Campbell 20 and Bill Edwards 20 not form in last weekend round of In another weekend match, scoring game. out. matches in the 2017 Bequia Monica Cash and Carry Port Whaleboner The three teams who had already qualified for Premier League 20/20 cricket Elizabeth Masters beat Davis Superstars made the semi finals were Smashers, Providence competition. Construction Port Elizabeth 74 for 7 from 12.1 Electronic Solution North Leeward and French Walker mauled the Friendship Masters by 4 wickets. Davis overs. Denson Verandah SVG Community College. United in a 63-ball innings of 128, Construction Port Elizabeth Hoyte took 3 for The semi-finals will feature Rudy’s Electrical to propel Sugar Reef Bequia Masters made 153 for 9 from 18 17. Fully Loaded Unique Warriors against Smashers, and French United to victory. His innings overs. Monica Cash and Carry made 75 for 3 Verandah SVG Community College versus Rickford included 10 fours and a Port Elizabeth replied with 156 from 6.3 overs Electronic Solution North Leeward. Walker phenomenal 12 sixes. for 6 from 17.1 overs. Ryan Mikron McDonlod The national cricket competition has been Sugar Reef Bequia United Richards led with an unbeaten 55, 26 and Bevon Stowe registered suspended until after the carnival celebrations. a blistering closed on 216 for 6 from 20 overs, and Joseph Francis made 52. took 2 for 30. innings of to which Freindship United In the third scheduled match, I.B.A.ALLEN 128. replied with 151 all out in 18.3 Fully Loaded beat Whaleboner I.B.A.ALLEN
IT-DAT to hold Summer Camp
Warriors secure semi-final spot
Walker smashes century In Bequia
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. 25.
Sports
SVG shares U19 cricket title: Douglas hits Double Century
Handle with care WEST INDIES would have hoped for a serieslevelling win in the fifth One Day International at Sabina Park yesterday. The home team entered the game with confidence high from an 11-run victory over India last Sunday. No one expected the West Indies to defend 189, especially when it was usual for them to falter with bigger totals to protect. Kudos to Kesrick Williams whose contribution with the ball helped to dry up the Indian machine and unsettle the order. The win had such an impact that detractors are insinuating that there might have been match fixing. If one wants to believe that India will deny themselves an opportunity to white wash the West Indies, they know little about the Indian psyche, or any squad touring the West Indies for that matter. The situation is such that the West Indies has become such an object of scorn, that a win will be scoffed at and greeted with derision. It is not just a non-West Indian who gets a treat mocking the West Indies. Fans, some loyal, have become incensed with the selectors, and have abandoned their support. If the team appears to be winning, they will adjust and pretend that they never wavered. Vincentians may be among those indifferent to the pattern of choice the administrators have effected. They will be happy that their tolerance is paying off. Williams is grafting his way into the full squad, and he is doing it fast and furious. It is as if to answer the selectors for his delayed inclusion. He will not be out of place in a West Indies Test squad. He is proving the value of being in company with people like Dale Steyn. He has shaped his approach to handle batsmen of the highest calibre. His contest with Dhoni is evidence of his maturity. Just like how Williams wriggled into the party, Sunil Ambris will have to make a carbon copy. He will adopt to the rigours of the higher demands and acquit himself as a batsman of international stature. His father didn’t just name him like that. Ambris has to live up to his name. Given the lack of quality stroke makers in the Caribbean, Ambris must ensure he fills the void. The space is there for those willing and able to cope. Dion Douglas will know that he can fit into one of those places. Douglas slammed 205 not out to steer the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Under 19 cricketers to safety in their clash against St. Lucia. That match ended in a no decision, with SVG 348 for 5 in response to St. Lucia’s 421 for 9 declared. Bowlers will not have enjoyed that encounter, but coaches will be pleased that batmen are cashing in when the occasion arises. The Vincentian footballers will have to change to adopt a more sustained form of play. There must be ways of drilling an outfit for the duties ahead. Those are plentiful. We have to find ways to coping. We can’t hope to scramble when it comes to World Cup qualifiers. There must be a deliberate construction process that is reliable. Players should be facilitated in honing their skills with reputable Clubs. That will include us having a developmental agenda that provides the platform for players to get contracts abroad. The support structure has to be entrenched at home.
ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES had to share top honours with host St. Lucia in the just concluded 2017 WINLOTT Inc. Windward Islands Under19 Cricket Tournament. This gives SVG their third consecutive hold on the title. Both teams ended on 20 points, while Dominica and Grenada finished on 8 points each in a tournament severely affected by rain. In the much anticipated Saint Lucia — SVG clash, the teams had to settle for a nodecision when play was called off, with SVG, in
reply, on 348 for 5. The innings total was due primarily to a patient and masterful double century by Dillon Douglas. Reports are that Douglas batted with excellent composure and command, remaining on 205 not out which included 19 fours and 11 sixes from 245 balls. This was his first ever career century. He received good support from his captain- Jeremy Layne, 53. Earlier, Saint Lucia made a massive 421 for 9 declared in 98 overs. Principal scores for St Lucia were Kimani
Melius with160 including 14 fours and 12 sixes — and captain Johnnel Eugene 93. Sealron Williams 4 for 144, Sealroy Williams 2 for 28 were SVG leading wicket-takers. As for the tournament’s leading performer, SVG’s fast bowler Ryan Williams was the leading wickettaker with 12 scalps, and St. Lucia’s Kimani Melius had the highest run aggregate of 250. Jeremy Edmund of Grenada was the best wicketkeeper with 4 catches and 1 stumping. Meanwhile, five Vincentians have been included in a 14-man team to represent the Windward Islands in the West Indies Under-19 tournament, scheduled for St Kitts later this year. The five players are batsmen Jeremy Layne,
Dillon Douglas posing after his unbeaten double century.
Dillion Douglas and Tijorn Pope; fast bowler Ryan Williams and leg spinner Sealron Williams. The squad, to be skippered by Johnnel Eugene of St. Lucia, also includes Johan Jeremiah (vice-captain) and Shermill Lewis of Grenada; Lee Louisy, Tahj Tavernier, Jahsean Alexander, Daniel Dupigny of Dominica; and Kimani Melius, and Wayne Edwadrs of St. Lucia. The reserves are St Lucia champion team. Donald Mc Donald and Jeron Noel of Grenada, Micah Joseph- Dominica and Craig Elisee — St. Lucia. I.B.A ALLEN St Vincent and the Grenadines champion team.
Richland Park Government tops Kiddy Cricket Quiz THE RICHLAND PARK Government, last Saturday at the Red Cross Headquarters in Kingstown, champed the quiz competition of the Scotia Bank Kiddy Cricket Programme. Represented by Synelila Shoy and Daquan Lynch, Richland Park Government tallied 96 points. With preparations from former teacher at the school- Raymond Roberts, Shoy and Lynch, were adjudged best female and best
male quizzer, respectively. With a total of 84 points, docking in second was a former winner- Pamelus Burke Primary, with the pair of Annesly Roban Jr. and Reynolly Hillocks. Completing the top three was the Paradise Primary of Bequia. Zane King and Orette Ollivierre collected 80 points, as they helped their school to the third place. The top three bettered the Langley Primary and the Questelles Government, the other two finalists that showed up. Also qualifying for the finals were the Chateaubelair Methodist, Layou Government, Calliaqua Richland Park Government’s reps- Synelila Shoy Anglican, Argyle Primary (second from left) and Daquan Lynch at right. Norman Cumberbatch of Scotia Bank is at left and and defending Raymond Roberts is third from left.
Most outstanding teacher- Philroy Connor (right), is rewarded by Norman Cumberbatch of Scotia Bank. champions- St Mary’s Roman Catholic. However, varied reasons were given for the non- appearance of the other five schools. Philroy Connor of the Langley Park Government was adjudged the most outstanding teacher. The quiz consisted of a written multi- choice segment, an oral open ended category based primarily on Cricket, and a Mathematics category also Cricket related. The Richland Park Government won the inaugural quiz competition in 2011.
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26. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
Classifieds
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 07, 2017. 27.
Classifieds
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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
F O R S A L E
FRIDAY,
JULY 07, 2017
VOLUME 111, No.27
A.I. REAL ESTATE Cane Grove 3 bedrm Property on 5,930 sq. ft. -CALL -H506 Golden Vale 3 bedrm Property on 10,000 sq. ft. - $390,000 -H546 North Union 7 bedrm Property on 7,848 sq. ft. -$650,000 -H287 (784)- 457-2087 office (784)-533-0431 whatsapp (784)-493-9431 cell (718)-807-4376 office donp@vincysurf.com www.aisvg.com facebook.com/airealestatesvg
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EC$1.50
BOSVG BACK IN VINCY HANDS Financial Holdings Ltd. (ECFH), at a cost of EC$42 million. The government retained 12%, the National Insurance Services 20%, and 18% was held by private shareholders. All that has changed as per a statement by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Ralph Gonsalves who, on Monday 3rd July, informed the nation that his government had, on June 30, 2017, signed “the Sale/Purchase Agreement to buy back 31% shareholding in BOSVG from ECFH,” at a cost of EC32.3 million. As such, therefore, the new permutation as far as share distribution in the bank was concerned would read: Government of SVG — Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister, 43%; ECFH — 20%; NIS — 20%, and described his handling of the original the remainder —in the hands of private sale of shares to ECFH as a shareholders. “masterstroke”. It was disclosed by Dr. Gonslaves that the Leader of the Opposition here THE GOVERNMENT of St. Vincent and the — Dr. Godwin Friday was apprised of Grenadines is, once again, the largest the ‘buy back’, when a team of single shareholder in the Bank of St. advisors met with him on June 28. Vincent and the Grenadines (BOSVG), Efforts by the Opposition to solicit formerly the National Commercial Bank inquiries about how the government of (NCB). St. Vincent and the Grenadines was Readers will recall that in 2010, going “to pay” for the ‘buy back’, and circumstances forced the government whether there were any mitigating of SVG to divest the then fully-stateconditions attached to the ‘buy back’ owned NCB, following the were, from reports, not met with any government’s borrowing of close to response. EC$100 million to shore up the capital When the re-ordering of share base of the bank, after, according to distribution was first effected in 2010, reports, the bank’s resources were it was reported that the sale to ECFH being strained under the weight of a was intended to serve as the “catalyst” ‘heavy’ government overdraft. to “amalgamate and consolidate the In November of that year, 51% of indigenous financial institutions of the the shares in the NCB was sold to the East Caribbean Currency Union St. Lucia based Eastern Caribbean (ECCU).”
In fact, it was envisioned that the Bank of St. Lucia (BOSL), in which the ECFH had controlling shares, and the BOSVG in which it now had controlling shares, would be amalgamated as “a precursor to further consolidation of indigenous financial institutions in the ECCU.” The pursuit of ‘amalgamation and consolidation’ remains on the agenda, Dr. Gonsalves assured. The recent ‘buy back’ comes on the heels of the ECFH 2016 Chairman’s report that all but declared a poor performance, occasioned moreso by the loss-making performance of its flagship — the BOSL. BOSVG was reported then, to have operated at a profit.
The Chairman, Andre Chastanet, said then, “Having made a significant loss provision in 2016 and reduced the level of NPLs by way of write-offs, we have set a clear path to return BOSL, and by extension ECFH, back to profitability as early as 2017.” As part of ECFH restructuring on the heels of its overall 2016 performance, its Board took a decision to sell the operations of its Offshore Bank, Bank of St. Lucia Ltd. International. ECFH sale of part of its shareholding in BOSVG could well be seen as continuing the path towards ensuring some level of profitability for the ECFH and BOSL in particular.
The Corporate Headquarters of the BOSVG, strikes an imposing presence in capital Kingstown.
Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.