THE VINCENTIAN 08-03-19

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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FRIDAY,

MARCH 08, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.10

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has had the uncomfortable task of ‘steering’ the airline through some turbulent skies.

Gaston Browne has become the ‘town crier’ calling for more territories to ‘fly with LIAT’.

Dr. Timothy Harris sought to see what emergency treatment he could extend.

Dr. Keith Rowley sounded the alarm but stopped short of offering any real (cash) assistance.

Kerrie Symmonds said upfront his bank was struggling to return to solvency.

Julie Reifer-Jones, in true CEO style, declared, ”Don’t worry, we’ll remain airborne.”

Captain Carl Burke called out Dr. Gonsalves for having not kept a promise.

See story on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V News 3 LIAT needs more $$$$$

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. 3.

REGIONAL AIRLINE LIAT is looking for another bailout.

The word following the completion of the 30th InterSessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) held in St. Kitts and Nevis 26-27, February 2019, was that the airline needed an immediate infusion of some US$5m, to keep it in the skies.

Indications were, according to Dr. Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and reported by LOOP News, that the airline only had enough cash to function for the next 10 days, and faced a shut down if CARICOM did not intervene.

Dr. Rowley posited that LIAT shareholders needed to act with urgency in order to keep the airline afloat.

As it stands, LIAT’s financial woes are exacerbated by its significant debt to the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), which the

maintained.

Discussions with regional Governments Staying in the air are underway and are intended to put in place new arrangements to Whatever the challenges that currently provide a basis for sharing the burden impact LIAT, the amongst all the countries airline’s CEO, Jennifer Reifer-Jones, assured the currently benefitting from LIAT’s services, shareholders and the Reiffer-Jones said. region, that LIAT will continue to fly across the region.

New investors She noted, according to LOOP News, that the In light of this, there airline “continues to have been fresh calls for operate to destinations more Caribbean where there has been no countries to consider support from investing in LIAT. governments and The Daily Observer of authorities,” so as to Antigua reported that ensure that critical country’s Prime Minister, connectivity is Gston Browne as saying

need of a cash injection, immediately. And that has been addressed by at least one major shareholder, Barbados, through its Minister of Tourism Kerrie Symmonds, who sent a warning shot that Barbados won’t be the lone ATM machine for the cash-strapped airline.

Symmonds told last weekend’s Sunday Sun newspaper, “From last year, it was clear that LIAT required radical restructuring of their operations, and that their situation was one which needed immediate attention. Between October last year and now, there have been limited improvements.”

Notwithstanding the above, Prime Minister Browne’s recent call might just have fallen on TO SAY THAT WINSTON got underway on February 11. that he did not have a French at least one listening ear.

He was expected to give GAYMES or the other electoral passport.

The St Kitts and Nevis evidence via video link, but the officers did not come to give “This is the same type of case Government indicated trial ended and he was not called we are dealing with,” he said. evidence, amounts to nothing, if last Monday that it by either the petitioners or nothing was brought forward by In the end, Skerritt never is looking into the respondents to give oral evidence. appeared in court, and the court the petitioners. possibility of providing Mendes said to Justice Stanley So said Senior Counsel Douglas ruled that if no evidence was some kind of assistance John that there was a sworn Mendes while delivering oral produced, then the case amounts to the struggling airline. affidavit, which was exhibited by closing arguments in the 2015 to nothing.

WINN FM reported general election petitions hearing Benjamin Exeter, the New “So to say that Gaymes or the Prime Minister Dr. Democratic Party’s Central on Wednesday, when the issue of other officers did not come to give Timothy Harris as saying Winston Gaymes not being called Leeward candidate in the 2015 evidence amounts to nothing,” that his Cabinet was general elections and one of the to give evidence was raised.

Mendes said. expected to meet that two petitioners.

Three other persons - Grady He continued, saying that it very Monday with LIAT The Senior Counsel argued that King, Kendal Osment and Cheryl was not possible for the court to officials. there was a similar case in Hoyte — fell into a similar give a judgment on an undefended Dominica when that country’s St Kitts and Nevis is situation.

Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerritt claim. not a LIAT shareholder, Gaymes was a Returning “The absence of the response of however, the airline has was challenged ahead of the 2009 Officer in the Central Leeward something does not mean guilt of general elections, on the grounds regular flights to and constituency during the 2015 something. The petitioners must that he was a French national from the federation.

General Election, and his name still present the case,” Mendes surfaced on a number of occasions bearing a French passport.

(See related story on said.

According to Mendes, Skerritt Independent audit during the week-long trial which Page 19) (DD) never swore an affidavit to say shareholders now are required to address.

No testimony, no problem

a move is now afoot to encourage the governments of St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Grenada and Guyana to come on board and purchase shares within LIAT. According to PM Browne, who reports said was peeved by Dr. Rowley’s comment about ‘10 day’, all the existing shareholder governments have committed to the restructuring of LIAT, to include issues affecting staff, performance of management and to building a healthier culture within LIAT. This might be so, but it does not remove the fact that the airline is in

But the carousal did stop there. President of the Leeward Islands Pilots Association (Lialpa) Carl Burke entered the fray, telling WINN FM that advice offered to one shareholder government years ago should have been heeded and is still relevant.

Burke says it is not too late to undertake the independent audit suggestion Lialpa made to Vincentian Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves in 2009.

“The airline obviously has issues, we believe that the airline is hemorrhaging, we don’t want to start pointing to areas where we believe the hemorrhaging is taking place. We have asked Dr Gonsalves, and he made a promise to us in 2009 that he would get an independent forensic audit done in the airline, that has not been done up to this point,” Burke said.

Currently, Barbados is LIAT’s major shareholder with 49.5 percent, Antigua and Barbuda 13 percent, St. Vincent 12 percent, and Dominica with less than 10 percent.

T&T, once a major shareholder, has a one per cent share in LIAT. The question remains: Where is the bailout cash going to come from this time around?

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4. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Law

ÂGanja price not finalizedÊ Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

ATTORNEY Ronald Marks, one of the two principals in the company registered as ‘Vincy Leaf’, has made it clear that no price has yet been established for strains of marijuana that would be made available to the Medicinal Marijuana Market.

During the past week, allegations have surfaced that this company is offering US$50 per pound. But according to Marks, there was no offer.

He told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday that President of the Cannabis Revival Committee (CRC), Junior ‘Spirit’ Cottle, had mentioned in a recent news release that the CRC had received information that certain investors were offering as low as US$50 per pound, and have been recruiting some Vincentian nationals to act as agents to get the growers to accept lower than the unofficial EC$300 minimum.

Marks, however, pointed out, “We have not yet arrived at an established price. That is still open to negotiations.”

He explained that the company used the US$50 figure, to do a calculation to show the farmers what income they could make per acre.

Marks said that the company, whose two major directors are himself and Anthony Ramasar of Trinidad and

Tobago, has been granted, through the Ministry of Agriculture, a research and development licence to test the different strains to determine which are more suitable for the Medicinal Cannabis Industry, and a team of scientists would be coming in from Canada and the United States to conduct the testing.

This, he said, is in preparation for the company’s move to export the extracted oils to the Canadian market, to be used in the production of Medicinal Marijuana.

Marks said that after the testing is done, “we would have real information as to how we could set the price.”

He also revealed that the price during the Amnesty Period, not yet in effect, will depend on the quality of the different strains.

A Cannabis Cultivation (Amnesty) Bill, 2018 grants amnesty for a period of up to a year to persons engaged in the cultivation of cannabis, who would have been otherwise liable to criminal prosecution for certain offences and other proceedings under the Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act.) The lawyer espoused that the prices which would be paid to the farmers in the Medicinal Marijuana Industry cannot be based on the prices that are or were paid on the black market.

He also highlighted that Recreational Marijuana is fundamentally different from Medicinal Marijuana. Recreational Marijuana strains, he informed, would attract ten times the price of Medicinal Marijuana.

According to Marks, “You cannot look for recreational prices on a medicinal market.”

He is advising farmers to get involved in Medicinal Marijuana and make some income now, with a view to invest in Recreational Marijuana

when it comes on stream.

He is anticipating Recreational Marijuana, in a legal framework, within two years, the latest.

Ronald Marks is one of the first local professionals to have declared his active involvement in the Medicinal Cannabis drive here.

‘Spirit’: No ad hoc pricing for ganja PRESIDENT of the Cannabis Revival Committee (CRC) Junior ‘Spirit’ Cottle says the CRC is using the EC$300 per pound minimum for cannabis, as the initial take off in price as it relates to the Medicinal Marijuana Industry, soon to come on-stream here.

“It does not mean that this cannot be changed, but it has to be done after consultation with other growers,” Cottle told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday.

The CRC chief had stated in a recent news release that his organization had received information that certain investors have been recruiting some Vincentian nationals to act as agents, to get growers to accept lower than the unofficial EC$300 minimum, and, in some cases, as low as US$50 (approx. EC$134.00) per pound was being offered to growers.

“We cannot arrive at an ad hoc price. It has to be guided by our expenses as well as theirs (investors), and there has to be consultation with other growers,” Cottle told the publication.

He pointed out that perhaps when everything is summed up, including expenses and profit, the results could be used as a guide for a negotiable price; but as it stands currently, the CRC would be using the EC$300 minimum as

Junior ‘Spirit’ Cottle, a benchmark.

President of the Taking his concern Cannabis Revival further, Cottle, maintained that given the circumstances Committee, says his organization will be and peculiarities of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, holding out initially for EC$300.00 per there should be more pound for their benefits for the traditional product. growers in the Medicinal hands of the local Marijuana Industry than growers, and pushers who would with Recreational Marijuana. not be able to compete.

He explained that the Cottle said that, with Medicinal Recreational Market, within a legal framework, will make Marijuana, the traditional money, based on the size of the growers could form cooperatives, population, and the tourism and enter contractual agreements industry among other factors. He with the investors. He added that noted that in places like they could also use the Amnesty, California, Canada and Jamaica, not yet in effect, to generate some the populations and the tourism income to get into the Medicinal product are large.

Industry.

He added that, even if this In relation to the price issue, country generates income from Cottle made it clear that it has Recreational Marijuana, if placed nothing to do with government. within the legal framework, only a “It is a situation in which some handful of people would benefit, investors are just out to bleed as certain requirements and growers, and some of our people standards have to be adhered to. are very scrupulous.

Currently, the persons who “We would not remain quiet operate the illegal Recreational and allow this to happen. We have Market do so without those suffered too long for that. What requirements.

The CRC chief also pointed out we want to make clear is that we would not get emotional. We want that Recreational smokers go for the best strains, and the seeds for to be calculative, objective and those strains are very expensive, reasonable, and come to a position which means that those who could where both investors and afford them will dominate the traditional farmers feel equally local market, taking it out of the satisfied,” Cottle underscored.

Lawyer laments defiance of Court Order

Attorney Shirlan Barnwell is not letting what she sees as an act of ‘flying in the face of the court’, go unattended.

SHIRLAN BARWELL, lawyer for political activist Luzette King, has lamented the refusal of the state to comply with a court order to disclose witness statements and other relevant material, in the case in which King was charged with causing inconvenience to

the public in exercise of common rights.

The case which was before the Court since January 7, 2016, was withdrawn at the Mesopotamia Magistrate’s Court last Friday, March 1.

But Barnwell told THE VINCENTIAN on Monday that, up to the time of the withdrawal, the prosecution had not complied with an order for disclosure, issued

by Magistrate Bertie Pompey since April 2017.

In relation to that order, then Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Colin Williams had filed an appeal, but that appeal was dismissed July last year, and the matter which had been adjourned indefinitely was rescheduled.

Barnwell said that she had gone to the Mesopotamia Magistrate’s Court last

Friday, prepared to make an application for the matter to be struck out for “want of Prosecution”, but when the case was called, Prosecutor Curlene Samuel told the Court that the Prosecution was withdrawing the charge.

Barnwell stressed the important duty of the Prosecution to disclosure, in her conversation with THE VINCENTIAN on Monday.

“I think this matter has been outstanding for too long, and when a Court issues an order, there is something called rule of law. When the Court directs the prosecution to do something, the Prosecution has a duty to comply. Further, the Prosecution has an important duty to disclosure and this was not done,” Barwell asserted.

She noted that an accused

person cannot have a proper defence if his/her lawyer does not know the case against them.

Background At a hearing April 24, 2017, at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, then DPP Colin Williams, in response to Pompey’s order, which was made on a previous date, said, “The law is quite clear. It is for the Prosecution to decide what they are going to disclose. The decision as to whether or not any material is to be disclosed, is left to the Prosecution. We have no material to disclose, and we are ready to proceed,” Attorney Israel Bruce, who was at the time representing King, admitted that certain statements were disclosed, and the defence was not

asking for anything additional, but for those same documents, as defence lawyers in the case had since changed.

But the DPP pointed out that the Prosecution had already provided whatever material it had, even though it was not obliged to do so. He added that disclose is made to a party and not lawyers.

After hearing both sides, Pompey ruled that in the interest of Justice, he would maintain his order.

It was then that Williams indicated that he would be seeking a ruling from the Appeal Court on the issue.

King’s arrest stemmed from an incident in Kingstown, March 6, 2016.

When THE VINCENTIAN asked Barnwell, “What was the next step?”, she replied, “That has not been discussed.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 08 , 2019. 5.

Regional

Bunji Garlin, Skinny Fabulous and Machel Montano. (Photo Credit: LoopTT)

Famalay wins Road March ON JANUARY 10, ‘Famalay’ became the number one selling song from the Caribbean globally on the iTunes Reggae Top 100 chart.

Today, ‘Famalay’ is holding on to the number five spot which is indicative of the support for the Soca track. While breaking the news on January 10 via his social media channels, Skinny Fabulous addressed the fact that the placement occurred on a Reggae chart.

“I know this also will provoke the discussion about SOCA not having its own established genre, but until that day comes when we win the good fight for Soca recognition, let's celebrate this #1 on the Reggae Chart or any other chart worldwide for that matter.”

When Skinny, real name Gamal Doyle, began creating the now threeway hit collaboration between Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin and himself, the intention was for it to be a single.

He was in search of a specific sound, one that would allow him to create a track that would be a representation of various aspects of the Caribbean and its genres.

While working with the music which reached his ears by way of International Stephen from Dominican producer Dada Lawrence, the lyrics he initially penned were done with no one in mind. It was during the process of recording the demo that the idea of a collaboration came to mind.

Immediately, the Vincentian artist and songwriter began creating hooks with both Machel and Bunji in mind.

His inspiration came from the way

Vincentian singer/songwriter Gamal Doyle aka Skinny Fabulous penned the popular song 'Famalay'. (Photo Credit: LoopTT) the natives in St Vincent and the Grenadines fete in crews and cliques.

“When you go to a fete with a crew, everyone has everyone’s back; whether with drinks, food, bathroom breaks, and you begin to form a bond like family.”

Skinny believes strongly that we are all family when addressing our regional and cultural similarities. The song addresses the need for us to be deliberately blind to colour, race, ethnicity and social status. It also urges you to eliminate the fear of hugging, jumping up and partying with the person next to you. Bunji reiterated this in his own verse which he penned, which says that family is not defined by bloodline.

Skinny is no stranger to the entertainment circuit, and has been consistently creating some of the most enjoyed music for both himself and other performers.

For Trinidad and Tobago’s 2019 Carnival, the artist has released three other contributions; Happy, Pick Your Position (with Motto) and Bipolar. (LoopTT)

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6. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Fisheries

Jamaican eyes on SVG conch

THE JAMAICAN Government has announced an imminent ban on that country’s conch industry, placing it on the brink of collapse.

According to an article published in the Jamaica Gleaner of Feb. 24, the ban took effect on March 1 and is expected to run until January 31, 2020.

The basis for this action was the discovery that conch was being overfished, and that the situation was so bad that the one-year ban may not be enough to replenish supplies to service the annual US$600 million industry for that country.

A similar situation also exists in The Bahamas where conch supplies have fallen drastically due to overfishing, loose regulations and lax law enforcement.

Calliaqua.

That facility was expected to provide 40 permanent jobs, and committed itself to purchase $20 million in lobster, fish and conch annually.

This, according to Gonsalves, was a “game-changing” market expansion with positive implications on lives and livelihoods.

But the question remains: What about the impact on the environment and the ability to sustain the conch industry over time here in SVG?

SVG Conch stock

Back in 2013, a survey was conducted, primarily in the Southern Grenadines, by Martha Prada and Robert Glazer from the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute, Jamaica – SVG conch to determine the state of the connection local conch supply.

According to the study, over This situation referenced this the past 30 years in particular, country’s 2019 Budget and even dating back to the presentation, during which 1960s, the overall harvesting of Minister of Finance Camillo conch had showed marked Gonsalves announced that a increase, and there were signs Jamaican company - Rainforest that the conch resources were Seafoods was expected to begin being depleted because construction here of a US$3.5m fishermen were being forced to seafood processing facility at dive deeper.

This, the report advanced, was driven by increased market demand, the result of increasing resident populations and a developing tourism industry; and fishing for conch in previously unexploited waters.

Protective measures Recognising that the conch population was threatened, a number of agencies worked successfully to encourage a series of treaties and agreements to ensure the sustainable use and trade of the queen conch, the species that is common to the Caribbean sea.

“At the regional level, several organizations are promoting regional management of the queen conch resources; namely, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism Secretariat (CRFM), Caribbean Fisheries Management Council (CFMC), FAO, and several universities and scientific institutions,” the study stated.

The document further indicated that Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are the largest producers of queen conch, and that in countries such as St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines, the

industry is targeted by a limited group of divers who defy regulations and harvest conch during the closed season.

Results indicated that the queen conch populations were dominated by juveniles in the relatively shallow area and adults in deeper, exposed areas.

The queen conch is common to the Caribbean sea and fetches a good price.

including extending enforcement and surveillance in order to allow for the juvenile Encouragement conch to mature and reproduce; it was also recommended that a However, there was some programme be developed to optimistic news in that the monitor conch landings across survey discovered that the the entire Southern Grenadines. normal size distribution of the In this respect, it is also local stocks, the relatively high recommended that special zones juvenile conch density, and the for conch recovery should be expected presence of established within the existing reproductive individuals at protected areas,” the document deeper sites, all suggested that stated. the population may be All of this attracts foreign recovering. interest as per the Jamaicans This may be due to a reduction in the fishing pressure who have enjoyed the benefits of a multi-million dollar conch and to the formalization of the trade.

Tobago Cays Marine Park in A new question abounds: 2006, especially at sites between How long can we sustain the the eastern side of Mayreau, Jamaican demand, as that and the Western side of the country’s traditional traders in Tobago Cays including conch seek to recover lost Horseshoe Reef, as protected ground (market) because of areas. depleting stocks in their There were some country? (DD) recommendations made

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 08 , 2019. 7.

Court

Lawyer seeks release of ‘Blacka’s’ money Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

detained by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

US$5,620 and UP TO PRESS time EC$2,200 were seized Thursday, Attorney Grant from the Connell was in the process Chateaubelair/Rillan Hill of making an application man during a police to the Court on behalf of search of his person his client Andy ‘Blacka’ February 25, and were Bennett, for the release of handed over to the FIU his money which has been for further

investigations.

The search had also turned up 47 grams of marijuana, but Bennett pleaded guilty to possession of the herb with intent to supply, when taken before the Serious Offences Court on February 26, and was reprimanded and

discharged.

In relation to the money, Connell confirmed to THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday that, following an ex parte hearing Friday, March 1, he was served with Court documents stating that the money was detained

CoronerÊs Inquest into police shooting A CORONER’S INQUEST will be held to determine the circumstances surrounding the police shooting of 20-year-old Alvan Browne of Ottley Hall last Tuesday.

Commissioner of Police Colin John gave the assurance while speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday.

Police reports are that Browne, who was wanted in connection with a

series of offences, shot at police officers when they went to a house at Ottley Hall to apprehend him.

The police returned fire resulting in the youngster being shot. He was rushed to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The incident occurred about one week after 26year-old Attiba Bess appeared at the Serious Offences Court charged with unlawfully

discharging a firearm at two police officers, on patrol at Ottley Hall.

Reports in that matter Colin John, indicated that on Commissioner of February 19, Bess shot Police, said that the twice at the officers who circumstances were chasing him in an surrounding the recent attempt to apprehend police shooting of a him. The police returned young man, will go fire, nobody was hurt, before a Coroner’s and Bess made good his Inquest. escape. He handed himself over to the police was granted $10,000 bail and was taken to Court on February 25. He was with one surety.

Ottley Hall has been not required to plea, and regarded as a (crime) hot spot, and a mobile police station has been stationed there for several years.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner has expressed condolences to Browne’s family and friends. He told THE VINCENTIAN that while shooting is a last resort of the police, the law gives any citizen the right to use reasonable forced in protection of themselves and their property.

for an initial three months, during which time the FIU would continue their investigations.

Connell said that ex parte applications in matters of this nature are very unfair to the accused.

“In general, it is very unfair to the accused who can prove at the first hearing the origin of this money and the intended use of it.

Actions of this nature can put someone on the breadline. It is ridiculous,” Connell said.

He pointed out that, in a recent matter that came before the Court, involving in excess of US$80,000, the accused and his counsel were made aware of the ex parte hearing, and turned up in Court, and the money was released after a crucial issue arose, and was drawn to the Court’s attention.

Connell expressed the view that the Proceeds of Crime Act, under which these proceedings are conducted, is harsh, especially in this economic climate. He noted that the majority of these matters which come before the Court involve monies below

Andy ‘Blacka’ Bennett, through his lawyer, claimed that the money seized was the earnings from the sale of his produce (crops and animals).

EC$4,000. According tohim, “Most of the persons caught in this web are from the low income bracket, and 99 percent of ex parte hearings for the detention of monies have been granted.”

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8. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

A ‘Bigger’ kick when you down WHY IS IT THAT when you’re really down and out, it is people whom you see as ‘friends,’ as well as people you don’t know, or don’t know well at all, who take shots at you, set up roadblocks in a pathway to your revival?

It is often the person with very low self-esteem who is likely to find comfort in knowing that someone (else) is worse off than he is.

We see this more often than not in ‘friends’ who encourage us to do better, something good, because they ‘want only the best for us’.

That’s all well and good, until you start to do better than them or even their friends and ‘associates’. Before you blink, they turn to cautioning and discouraging you; warning you that you are heading into uncharted seas where the waves are way above your head and mastering the current is way beyond your capacity.

All this is to dissuade you; to steer you away from a path to success which they find elusive to themselves. In fact, they quietly pray for your failure so that you remain ‘a subject’ as they move to comfort you, stopping short of saying, “I told you so.”

Hypocrites!!!

When you are up, it appears that the people who would intentionally kick you when you are down, are few and far between. This is not so when you are down and God forbid, out.

But those who kick you when you are down, realize and revel in the knowledge that your ability to influence or affect the lives of other people decreases, e.g. influence over persons whom you perhaps once employed.

Also, when you down and out, you become insignificant to the point of becoming invisible to the rest of society, or that’s what your detractors wish upon you.

The lessons of the above abound in the recent ‘travails’ of a man among us whom we call ‘Bigger Bigs’ — a home-grown and educated entrepreneur who defied the odds and rose above and beyond the moneyed class and political elite’s wildest imaginations.

His success must have been the envy of those who considered

themselves ‘better off’ and more worthy, like the pigs who consider themselves ‘more equal’ than other pigs.

Unquestionably, ‘Bigger Bigs has, in recent time, suffered a string of ‘induced bad luck’ and personal attacks piled one on top of the other, which weigh heavily from head to foot.

Every time, it seemed, he saw the light of glimmering hope, the result of his faith and fortitude, there were brazen attempts to shatter them.

Yet, ‘Bigger Bigs’ stands apart from the average soul.

Down and even as the armory of state sought to kick him further down, was he, even in his state of contemplation, unable to influence others? Did he mope and fall into depression? Did he withdraw from friends and colleagues? Did he withdraw from active social circles? Did he bow under the aggressive attempts to make him invisible to society, out of sight, out of mind?

Did Bigger Bigs not answer his detractors and those who would kick him while he is down, that he understood perfectly that, if you are not reminding your people of your existence, the effect of your existence loses relevancy, except for the occasional story or nostalgic fable which you may have played a part in, in the past?

What his detractors did not expect was that even as they kicked him and he was down, that he would find ways to reactivate his livelihood and his life. He did not fade into nothingness. He found respectable and honourable ways to remind us that he ‘is still here’.

In so doing, not only did we take notice of him, but those who stood ready to inflict another kick also noticed him, forcing them to retreat into ‘cabinet’ to devise ‘new ways’ to fulfill their intention to ‘teach him a lesson’.

To his detractors, who must now be wallowing in a state of self-pity, as their devious ways are laid bare, he must be an amazing person, with a unique sense of purpose, with a passion for life and living.

The ‘state against Bigger Bigs saga’ has thrown up some interesting, ongoing lessons of life’s best and worst.

Urgently needed: Our own history THIS COLUMN had earlier noted that we had no history written from our national standpoint, by our own people. In fact, our story had been fine printed as foot notes to European Imperial History.

Naturally, the colonialists put their special spin on their interpretation which generally painted our people in a negative light that, in turn, we ourselves came to believe for the most part. The results have been a crippling inferiority complex, a poor national self-image and a schizophrenic society.

As an African proverb put it: “If the lions had their historians, tales of hunting would not glorify the hunter”.

True historical research indicated that Christopher Columbus never set foot on Vincentian soil and, indeed, was not in this part of the world in 1498.

Yet we still celebrate 22nd January as so-called Discovery Day. In 1973, a government dared to abolish the holiday, to its peril. The natives would have none of that!

Furthermore, the whole concept of discovery is ethnocentric. How could our country be said to have been “discovered,” when it was occupied by the Garifuna people? They had their own social organisation, a hierarchy head by a paramount chief, practised a rude democracy, and was guided by its own religious system.

Obviously, Carib society did not present the sophisticated human machinery that obtained in Europe, but it was a viable culture that generated its own socially cohesive unit.

In their search for riches, the European predators plundered not only the Carib lands, but destroyed thriving societies among the Incas in Peru and the Aztecs of Mexico, as well. And insult was added to injury, with the pirates later achieving that status of national heroes for having brought us within the orbit of western civilisation.

To justify the rape and the pillage, native peoples were described as cannibals and heathens, and their leaders like the military genius Joseph Chatoyer, as cruel and beastly. To demonstrate British superiority, a final scene in the Carib Wars was even contrived to show Chatoyer bested by Major Alexander Leith in handin-hand duel.

At base, the contention was over the ownership of land. At the end of the wars, these islands were divided up and tumbled like pawns in a game of chest so that St Vincent became British by the Treaty of Paris in 1763 following the seven years war, and settlement was confirmed by the Treaty of Versailles following the

American Independence War 1783.

Huge chunks of territory belonging to the Caribs who practised shifting agriculture as well as hunting and fished, were granted to old generals for their feats in Europe. The Caribs put up stout resistance but were defeated by superior military hardware.

With the land-rush came settlers who soon moved from peasant crops to the growing of sugar, the profits of which helped to fuel the Industrial Revolution in England. But sugar called for a new type of social organisation inherent in a pyramidal plantocratic system that demanded a plentiful supply of cheap labour.

Hence the resort to African slaves, the notorious Middle Passage, and the terror on the estates which decimated a people and all but destroyed a culture. European historians told little of the heroism of the slaves who threw themselves overboard during the crossing and sometimes committed family suicides on the estates rather than submit to the human indignities; of the plot of rebellions which kept “Massa” constantly on tenterhooks.

What we got instead was the picture of the childlike, comical field-hand, who behaved like a clown whenever Massa surprised their private sessions in the clearings where they planned revolt; of the lazy and irresponsible labourer who shirked and malingered in full consciousness that when he worked, others reaped.

Of course, the greatest rationalisation came by way of the hypocrites who claimed that they carried out a divine duty of Christianizing and civilizing the slaves who had come from “the Dark Continent”.

History was turned upside down without a mention of the great West African civilizations of the past in Ghana and Songhai, the University of Timbuktu, the Benn bronzes of Nigeria, and the rest.

In the end, slavery was abolished for many economic reasons, together with threat of overthrow coming from below, but the British revelled in their display of humanitarianism. As Eric Williams said: “they gloried as if they had engaged in the atrocities of slavery to create opportunities for the claim of having abandoned it!” or words to that effect.

To this day, the great slave traders and pirates who were lionised in the history books, have been passed down as our national heroes.

Continued on Page 22.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. 9.

Letters

That Canada Farm Programme SOMEONE NEEDS to set the record straight about what is going on with the Canada Farm Programme.

Everybody wants to blame the lady who just took over the programme, saying that she has the programme in a mess.

That is NOT true!

What they are not saying is that two people used to work on the programme. Both of them were away from work for several weeks.

While they were away from work, nobody at Labour Department was doing any of the work to help the farm workers fill out their work permit applications, etc.

Everything was just left there.

I understand that the lady who was in charge of the programme asked to come off the programme, but she didn’t ask just so. Why are they not saying why she asked to come off?

After the head up there had a meeting with her, she told them ‘tek she off’. What was the meeting about?

That is where the real truth lies. Why ask to come off after the meeting and not before?

Something is in the mortar besides the pestle and she knows it, people in the office know it and

God knows it. Were the ‘high’ authorities looking into her handling of the programme? Was she involved in any corruption? Was that what the meeting was about? There are lots of question marks.

The lady who has recently taken over the programme is not new to the programme like what some people are saying.

She managed the programme before. As a matter of fact, when she was in charge of the programme, she used to supervise the one who just came off.

Ms. Williams is quite

competent at her job. She just took over the programme about a week ago and is hustling to catch up on a backlog of work that has been left undone for weeks upon weeks. She alone is trying to do the job of two people, as neither of the two people who were on the programme is on it anymore. People are not talking about that.

How could the Head of the Labour Department allow the farm workers work to just sit there for weeks and not have somebody attend to it?

And why doesn’t Ms Williams have someone

ONE OF THE AREAS of highlight of the Ministry of Tourism’s Communications Unit, on their visits to schools, is to define who is a tourist. They explain to children that citizens of a country could try to visit within their own country, and the importance of tourism to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This may well be a part of the

Police training also.

With the emphasis placed on the Tourism Industry and the attempt to spread the idea of domestic tourism, it is distasteful and an affront on domestic tourism when decent citizens are accosted when entering the Cruise Ship Terminal, when a cruise ship is in port, and to be cautioned about “harassing tourists”.

What for the purposes of the safeguarding of the tourism product constitutes “harassment”? Please define “harassment”. Is it due to the fact that some tourists dress to maximize the benefit to themselves of our sea, sun and sand, that this is worrying to the Ministry of Tourism and to the Constabulary? Are those in charge of port related matters on board in this “harassment concern” matter? It must be noted that when a ship is in port the ambience at the port is

lifted, and many a “domestic tourist” are happy to take in the steel pan music and treat themselves to a drink.

Other Vincentians too, apart from caring about the temporary heightened ambience, may have genuine secular business in that vicinity.

It must be remembered that our “Cruise Season” is just what it implies - a season and not an eternal process and therefore, short lived; a few months from October to April with gaps in between. The question that begs to be answered therefore, is: From where is the support going to come for the potentially struggling shops at the Cruise Ship Terminal during the “off season”?

If the powers that be are aware of measures that are to be taken due to some existing “intelligence”, let them carry out such

procedures in an informed and intelligent manner and not “harass” decent law-abiding citizens. Do your homework and act as persons trained to dignify your profession.

There is always room for improvement; bad and distasteful habits do not have to perpetually follow us. Let us develop our product by foremostly giving “domestic tourism” its foundation place.

We cannot truly welcome visitors to our shores if we are yet to dignify and embrace our own!!!

to help her? It’s a lot of work for her alone to do.

I repeat: She just took over the programme about a week ago. People expect her to do two people’s work in one week, work that was left to pile up for more than 5 weeks.

People have no conscience.

Anonymous

Bigger BigsÊ arrest Domestic Tourism under attack in SVG confusing me

* When is some personal development agency going to organise a training session in ‘good manners’ for some doctors here?

Is not only people working in stores who need customer (client) relations training, you know? * Are spot (unannounced) checks made at state-run institutions (including the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital)? * Has the Ministry of Education forfeited its authority over certain school activities, or is it that education officials couldn’t give a hoot about the conduct and safety of our children? * Will another National Hero be announced this National Heroes Day?

G. John

Sometimes we may give ourselves the impression that we have earned a clean profit by achieving power, fame, wealth or status.

However, this success may have come at the expense of our families, our health, or even by lying to customers, cheating in our deals, or by running over others to advance ourselves.

In these things and

Basil M

LIAT, Lord help us!

I WOKE ON Monday morning to news that our favourite airline LIAT was looking for some US$5 million to keep it in the skies.

Losing everything ‘FOR WHAT does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?’

Luke 9:25.

Jesus challenges us to examine the bottom line of our lives. Each of us will give a final account of how we spent our lives, and He makes it clear that we can be highly successful from a human point of view and yet end up spiritually impoverished.

FROM WHAT I understand, Leon ‘Bigger Bigs Samuel had two charges filed against him. For purposes of space, I will combine the charges as I understand them to be: “Did willfully obstruct (i) Alrick Williams of Cane Garden a Surveyor employed by the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (charge one), and (ii) obstruct Garnet James of Diamond a Surveyor’s assistant employed by the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (charge two), in the execution of their duty while conducting a Public Survey, contrary to Sec 20 of Chapter 370/09”.

What I cannot understand is how come a surveyor, unless he is acting on a court order, simply waltz on to somebody’s land — private property - and say that he had come to conduct a survey of the man’s land?

Secondly, how come a squad of police officers can enter a man’s private property with warrant and/or real cause, and in the face of that, say they are arresting the man, and not tell him on what grounds he is being arrested?

I must be stupid or something, but all of the above just doesn’t make sense to me.

Could somebody please enlighten me?

others, we may have drifted away or have run away from God, leaving Him out of our lives. We may deceive ourselves into thinking that we have gained it all, whereas in actuality, we may have ultimately lost everything.

Quality, not quantity; lives are important.

Bishop Ezekiel Creese Faith Word Ministries

Lord, when is this thing going to stop? Isn’t it our PM who through the years kept saying how it was important for the region that “we keep LIAT in the skies”? And every time he said that, we forked out more money or backed loans to make that happen?

What is he going to say now? Is he going to repeat the mantra about LIAT and the skies? Is he simply going to call on his cash cows, NIS and Lotto, to contribute to this US$5 million?

We have got to stop some time keeping an old and tired horse in the race. Time to make some serious decisions regarding LIAT, even if

it hurts all of us Antigua especially, since that country stands to lose the most if LIAT went belly up.

And by the way, is it true that the Heads of Government have agreed to ‘slap on’ another tax to the airline tickets.. something about a tax for some security something?

Lord help us with this LIAT business! Can’t we find some private investor to help us out?

Then again, that investor would want some guarantee that he could make a return on his investment. Can LIAT promise him that?

Charles, Edinboro

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10. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Solid progress continues amidst challenges

The NDP and women

Excerpts from the 2019 Budget Address: Part Five

TODAY, Friday 8th March, is celebrated as International Women’s Day. The New Democratic Party (NDP) salutes our women for the tremendous progress they have made over the years. However, there are areas that are cause for concern. When it was in office, the NDP played a critical role in the advancement of women’s agenda, and will continue to do so when it returns to office.

During the former NDP administration, a number of achievements were accomplished. For instance, the Department of Women’s Affairs was created. Its mandate was to address issues of discrimination, covert and otherwise, against Vincentian women. There was a minister with responsibility for women’s affairs and the non-formal sector of education, in the person of the pioneering Yvonne FrancisGibson.

The mechanism served as both policy advisor and implementer to the government on gender and development issues, and it worked in very close collaboration with the National Council of Women. Not only did it work in very close collaboration with the national organization for women, but both a subvention and office were provided for the organization through the government agency.

One aspect of the mechanism was the National Commission for Gender Equity and Equality, which cushioned the work of the mechanism by providing guidance and support since it constituted representatives from private, public and NGO sectors. An amended draft national policy on women was developed, as well as a domestic violence policy. Those policies, which were drafted in 2000, were supposed to have been tabled before Parliament in 2001, the first year of the first Unity Labour Party administration. To date, there is still no adopted policy on women or domestic violence.

Under successive NDP administrations, the CARICOM model was adhered to, with the enactment at the local level of legislation based on that model. Under the NDP, Women’s Affairs was part of an interministerial committee that worked to develop and implement programmes for education, youth, sports — which promoted efficiency, transparency, good governance, and got rid of duplication and streamlined human and financial resources.

Today, however, every department works in isolation. The role of government is to get out of women’s way; refer to the excellent example set by the NDP administrations from 1984 to 2001, when Government cleared the obstacle of unequal pay through the passage of the Equal Pay Act. Also during that period, the NDP administration attempted to level the playing field through land ownership quotas. Women raised their status by taking advantage of the 38% women’s ownership quota in the distribution of lands at Orange Hill and the provision of 8%-interest mortgages to women at the National Commercial Bank.

Another obstacle to women which the NDP removed under the direction of women, was the Coutts Agreement, which required women teachers to resign upon pregnancy.

Under the NDP, for the first time, married women could file income tax independently. It was the NDP that introduced the tax-free allowance, which today stands at $18,000 per annum. Under the NDP, NGOs wrote their proposals and sought funding directly from funding agencies. Now it is all done through the government and therefore blocked, mishandled

Introduction Job Creation, Poverty Reduction & Social Protection

Fund, as well as longstanding staterun internships, like the Support for The 2019 Budget is a jobs budget.

Separate and apart from the hundreds of Training and Education (SET) programme and the Youth new posts created for additional Empowerment Service (YES) teachers, nurses and police officers, among others, this Budget is a catalyst programme, continue to provide for solid increases in employment across valuable experience for those just entering the job market. multiple sectors. Creating job opportunities and facilitating the Jobs Abroad generation of quality employment remain at the heart of our The Government of Saint Vincent transformative economic agenda.

The latest labour market statistics and the Grenadines also continues its from the National Insurance Services efforts to facilitate Vincentians who — which invariably reflect movements seek jobs beyond our borders. in the wider job market — project that Regionally, we have been instrumental at the CARICOM level the number of active insured employees increased by 1,523 persons in expanding the categories of Skilled from 2017 to 2018. This 4% growth in Community Nationals who enjoy the right to seek employment in any active insured employees was driven CARICOM country, and the by expansion in the Accommodation, elimination of the need for work and Construction, and Wholesale residence permits. Correspondingly, subsectors. Annual insurable wages also increased by 7.8% to $21,653 — a we were also instrumental in the adoption of the Protocol on Contingent $1,575 rise in 2018.

Rights, which will cover the rights of Job and wage growth are expected to accelerate in the coming years. Our persons moving to another country as skilled nationals, as well as their diverse and unprecedented spouses and dependents of those who investments in infrastructure will move to another country. necessitate a large and sustained Our Ministries of Foreign Affairs, hiring boom in the construction sector: The US$100 million geothermal plant Tourism and Agriculture have also construction in North Windward, the facilitated growing opportunities for employment in the British military US$50 million hotel construction at and health sectors, the cruise industry Mt. Wynne, the US$10 million hotel and the Canadian farm work project at Diamond, the US$145 programme. Vincentians are proudly million port construction project in taking their skills to the world, and Kingstown, the US$34 million in the Government is a strong partner in secondary and feeder road furthering the aspirations of the construction and the US$5 million in village footpaths. Cumulatively, these modern, global Vincy worker. For those at home, we continue our projects far exceed the value of the commitment to ensure and enhance construction work involved in the the opportunities for decent, safe and Argyle International Airport. well-paying jobs. Last year, we continued to establish the New employees administrative framework of the Occupational Safety and Health When completed, the hotels, port, apparatus, and reduced taxes to and geothermal plant will require ensure that Vincentian workers keep new, well-trained employees with more of the money they earn. Last diverse skill sets. Private sector year’s tax initiatives, which cut investments in the fishing sector, income taxes and raised the threshold facilitated by the Government, will for taxable income, amounted to an spur growth in food processing and effective salary increase, albeit fishing. The Rainforest Seafoods modest, for every single formallyproject alone, promises to directly employed Vincentian with an annual inject $20 million annually into the income of $18,000 or more. hands of local fisherfolk. Other private sector investments that are in Salary increase advanced stages of development also promise to be large employers of This year marks another step in Vincentians. This include the our quest to materially improve the refurbishment and reopening of the lives of Vincentian workers. The 2019 Buccament Bay Resort; the Budget contains the assurances of accelerated construction of the Black salary increases for public sector Sands Resort at Peter’s Hope; the which, in the aggregate, will expanded operations and build-out of workers, total 4.5% between today and this the Glossy Bay Marina in Canouan; date next year. In consultation with and the opening of the Clear Harbor the responsible and responsive call centre in Kingstown. leadership of various labour unions, Similarly, the new medicinal we forged an agreement for the cannabis industry promises to following salary enhancement generate employment throughout the package: 1%, retroactive from 1 July, cultivation and processing value 2018; 1.5%, effective 1 January, 2019; chains. The completion of physical 2%, effective 1 January, 2020. works in the Caribbean Regional As such, public sector workers Communications Infrastructure begin this year with a 2.5% increase Program (CARCIP) project — discussed over the salary they started with in elsewhere in this Budget Speech — will 2018, not including the usual lay the basis for cheaper, faster, more increments. These increases will cost reliable broadband Internet services $6.94 million in 2019, inclusive of throughout Saint Vincent and the pensions and NIS contributions. Next Grenadines, which will contribute in year, public sector workers will start 2020 with a salary 4.5% over the 2018 myriad ways to attracting new baseline. As a labour Government, we employment opportunities. will continue to partner with The CARCIP project also provides Vincentian workers to enhance their training and funding for entrepreneurs that utilise technology working conditions, minimum wages, in their business models. CARCIP also salaries and tax obligations within the bounds of prudence and our own provides for ICT training that has economic circumstances. This is a reached hundreds of Vincentians. time-honoured and oft proven pledge Additionally, various training and on which the workers of Saint Vincent employment placement programmes and the Grenadines can rely. facilitated by the Zero Hunger Trust

and/or stymied by this administration.

Today, there is a Gender Affairs Division with staff and allocation under the Estimates, but which appears to have no on-going programmes. Issues are treated on an ad hoc basis. For example, the anniversaries of the CEDAW Convention and International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women are cause to host events; but there is no sustained programme of activities or interventions by the Division, so nothing happens.

Although there is more staff at the Division, the capacity and output are far from adequate.

By building upon its past successes, secured through women’s direction of women’s affairs, the NDP will get out of women’s way by: 1. Reforming sections of the police force by: (a). Training all police officers, especially in district police stations, to address domestic violence and rape allegations; (b).Making it mandatory that all allegations of abuse be recorded and acted upon; (c).

Providing CID and district police stations with templates for the interview, advice to and follow up of domestic violence and sexual violence complaints; and (d). Requiring the presence of a female officer at all times at all stations, to receive or be physically present at the receipt of complaints of sexual violence.

2. Revising and broadening the police training manual to include training for all police recruits in domestic violence and human trafficking.

3. Implementing the mandatory use of rape kits in medical examinations of rape victims at all district clinics and hospitals.

4. Reviewing the functioning of the Family Court and all legislation connected with domestic violence and violence against women to, among other things, increase the power of the Family Court to include the imposition of criminal sanctions for domestic abuse.

5. Passing legislation to criminalize sexual harassment and to make it illegal for a husband to rape his wife, and amending existing legislation by removing the requirement for the victim to bring evidence to sustain a criminal charge against men who commit statutory rape.

6. Making mandatory the reporting by all medical personnel of births to minors at hospitals and clinics or wheresoever that birth may take place.

7. Implementing the collection of data relative to domestic violence, and violence against women nationally including its dissemination to the public.

8. Instituting and enforcing a code of conduct within the public service at all levels, that provides for protocol on reporting sexual offences including sexual harassment in the workplace.

Respect for the women and girls in our society MUST be a part of how this government conducts itself. We must set the example.

9. Implementing the Social and Spiritual Redemption Charter to provide women and children with proactive opportunities at the community level; and 10. Making API, public and informal education programmes, and public social media programmes available to NGOs and social stakeholders.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. 11.

Views

Rationalizing wrong

“There’s never been an act done since the beginning, from a kid stealing candy to a dictator committing genocide, that the person doing it didn’t think he was fully justified. That’s a mental trick called rationalizing, and it’s done the human race more harm than anything else you can name.” Leigh Douglass Brackett (1915-1978), American writer, particularly of science fiction.

She was also a screenwriter, known for her work on such films as Rio Bravo, The Long Goodbye and The Empire Strikes Back.

WE ARE OFTEN SADDENED BY REPORTS in the local, regional, and international media, when we discover individuals and institutions that seek to make wrong look right and right look wrong. A quick browse of the headlines reveals a multitude of high profile scandals. We are appalled by reports of individuals who appear to be “decent and upstanding”, but engage in sexual misconduct, theft, bribery, and other wrongdoing. Our disgust appears to be magnified when such individuals seek to justify their misdeeds. This is especially so when the perpetrators encourage young persons to be their “companions in crime”; tarnishing their reputation and setting them on a course of misery and guilt. We read and view reports of business, government, and church leaders who orchestrate and implement elaborate financial improprieties. We are sickened to discover leading athletes who take performance enhancing drugs, superstars who cheat on their marriage partners; politicians who lie to get votes or “tamper with electoral boundaries” to enhance the likelihood of their winning at the polls.

All, in their own way, rationalising wrongdoing for personal gain.

Amy Morin, a psychotherapist, keynote speaker, and the author of the bestselling book entitled “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do” wrote an article entitled “Study Says Cheating May Help You Get Ahead, But You’ll Lose More In The End”. It provides useful words of caution for those who may be tempted to rationalise wrongdoing. Her blog, published on May 7, 2016, highlights that there are always opportunities to cheat in business and in life. She further notes that, for some, cheating feels like the best way to get ahead.

Morin then provides some very interesting data in relation to lying, cheating, and stealing. Although the information was generated from a focus on the American society, it provides useful insights in relation to human behavior, and could quite easily be reflecting a similar “moral plague” that appears to be creating havoc in some segments of Caribbean society.

She refers to studies that were conducted by Professor Dan Ariely of Duke University, who noted that “the vast majority of people tend to cheat a little when they think it will help them get ahead”. The article then proceeds to provide the following data: • Business students: In almost every study about students who cheat in college, business students come out

on top. Surveys show 56% of MBA candidates admit to cheating at least once (compared to 47% of graduate students in other disciplines). About one-third of MBA students say they’ve cheated three or more times in the past year.

• Marriage: Forty-one percent of married people admit to physical or emotional stress indefinitely. A whopping 74% of men say they’d cheat if they knew they’d never get caught and 68% of women said the same.

• Taxes: Seventy-nine percent of Americans say it’s morally wrong to cheat on their taxes. Yet, it’s estimated that over 1.6 million individuals cheat on their taxes each year.”

In the said article, Amy Morin asserts that “Most people are tempted to cheat when they think their behavior isn’t likely to hurt anyone.

So inflating an insurance claim for a few extra dollars or exaggerating about your experience on a resume to increase your chances of landing a job might not seem like a big deal. But studies show dishonest behavior can take a toll on your well-being.”

There will always be those among us who will seek to make wrong appear right and right appear wrong.

It seems as if today, more than ever, there is a concerted effort to remove blame from those who perpetrate or encourage dishonesty and/or immorality. However, we are encouraged by the thoughts shared by Craig D. Lounsborough, an American professional councilor, when he says, “Someone once said that ‘the end justifies the means’. And as I think about that, I’m not certain that any kind of ‘means’ that are justified will take me to any kind of ‘end’ that I want to be at in the first place.”

We are encouraged by the examples of honest citizens who, although provided with opportunities to cheat and steal, retain a strong moral compass and are prepared to walk the moral highroad. They know that some onlookers may describe them as foolish and chide them for “not wanting to get ahead in life”.

However, they know, that while cheating may create a mirage in relation to seeming to get ahead, the consequences could be devastating.

They prefer to march to a different drum and to achieve success in a manner that is considered fair and square. They dispel and diffuse all temptations to be immoral and dishonest. Their values remain as constant as the northern star regardless of the enticements.

Notwithstanding the magnitude of the desire for someone or something, we must forever focus on achieving these by honest means and to avoid the temptations of rationalising wrong.

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

Sankofa SVG THE WORD SANKOFA comes from the language spoken by the Akan people of Ivory Coast, West Africa. Sankofa literally means to go back and get what was taken. And so we say Sankofa SVG! Ghana has declared 2019 ‘The year of the right of return.’ And here at home the government has proclaimed 2019, our 40th anniversary of independence, as Renewal forty. Sankofa!

In 1979, the world was in an uproar.

SVG was no exception. The struggle against colonialism and for independence was at an all time high.

The non Aligned Movement met in Algiers, Algeria and listened to one of Fidel Castro’s most celebrated speeches.

There was a call for a new world information and economic order to free the newly independent countries, including St Vincent, from the shackles of colonialism, and to warn against oppressive tactics of neo-colonialism and Imperialism.

It is funny how the world changes. A few years ago, I met a brother who in the hick of the struggle in the 70s and 80s. He was taken aback by my descriptive use of the word imperialism.

His instinctive retort was whether ‘that language still dey in.’ Sankofa.

We got our independence under a cloud. The governing Labour Party of Milton Cato was dismissive of civil society’s call for democratic participation and buy in to the independence process. The National Independence Committee, led by the Respected Barrister Henry Williams and including such luminaries as Renwick Rose, Ralph Gonsalves, Mike Browne, Kenneth John, Parnel Campbell and others, were dismissed as ‘nincompoops.’ But there was criticism and resistance to these smears. The struggle for more democracy took up steam in response to the Labour government’s stiff-neckedness. We say sankofa.

St Vincent was also to witness an armed rebellion led by Bumba Charles of Union Island. Bumba, evidently encouraged by the success of the Grenada revolution, which triumphed in March of 1979, seized the island and demanded its independence. His armed action was spurned by the abject neglect of the Grenadines by the Cato administration. Today, our people slave in the Grenadines and struggle to get paid. Sankofa!

In 1979, the Youlou United Liberation Movement (YULIMO), led by Renwick Rose, Caspar London and Ralph Gonsalves, kept the ruling classes in check through public meetings, cultural rallies and newspapers Freedom and Justice. The motto for most enlightened nationalists, progressives and revolutionaries was ‘Genuine Independence, People’s Ownership and Control.’ Today, we proudly proclaim that we are men of practical affairs. Sankofa! The United People’s Movement (the upful party) shocked the status quo to its core and won 14 percent of the votes.

There was an active and vibrant civil society with strong and organized youth, sport and cultural organizations in most villages. This was the period when Vincy Heat got to the pinnacle of Caribbean football. The trade unions, especially the Teachers Union were in the vanguard of the struggle. The National Youth Council was the training ground for distinguished politician Jerry Scott and legal luminary Adrian Saunders, who both served as president. The NYC played an important role in bringing our youthful

population together.

Today there are few active and organized community organizations; the NYC is defunct. Israel Bruce and Curtis King may be the last cadre of Vincentian politicians who would have benefited from NYC training. What a shame! Sankofa!

At the birth of independence, there was a volcanic ferment of ideas about everything. Nothing was settled, holy grails were toppling, and those who arrogantly thought they had all of the answers to our people’s problems, were vigorously interrogated. Before you spoke, you had to know rather than believe, unlike today where the cell phone and social media transformed everyone into an ‘expert.’ Sankofa!

Currently, everything has changed.

While change is constant and inevitable, the sad reality is that everything has changed for the worse. We made one step forward in regaining our independence from Britain, but two steps back.

There is no intellectual ferment. In fact, there is a conscious effort to dump down the people and to exploit their fears and concerns, especially their religious sensibilities. Whereas at our nation’s birth there was a demand for answers to the most pressing problems of the day, today the emphasis is the advancement of the ego, personal wealth and fame. Community is frowned on unless it is a bastion of support for the political elite. And even then, benign neglect is the rule. The central preoccupation of the elite is either the maintenance of power or the assumption to power. We are now all men and women of practical affairs.

Nothing bold, nothing innovative, just enough to keep our jobs, pay our bills, and more importantly win favours with the people at the next election cycle.

For the nation to survive and become a striving, participatory democracy, for the nation to become truly peoplecentred, we have to acknowledge that although some basic things have been done in the last 40 years, nothing truly transformational has taken place.

With all of our boast and bluster, we have a stubbornly consolidated, well entrenched 1 percent that is unwilling to give a little so that those at the bottom of society can live better lives.

As it stands now, too many of our people spend their entire working lives preparing to live. Poverty remains at 30 percent, unemployment is intractably high, while sickness, ill health and disease plague families with little wherewithal to access proper food, nutrition and adequate health care.

Even with these problems, the market-place of ideas which flourished at independence 40 years ago, is all but closed. The public domain becomes dangerous for anyone who utters a single thought that reflects the slightest shade with the economic, educational, religious and political establishment.

Such a person risks being ostracized and demonized. The new litmus test is not where you stand as regard political hygiene and economic justice, but your alignment with the status quo.

Our 40th anniversary will not presage a revival unless we actively cultivate an ethos of criticism and self criticism. Let 2019 be the year we shout Sankofa and seriously commit to go back and get what was taken from us.

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

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12. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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Massive trade deficits show ULP regime is incompetent

mainly the ULP regime’s economic set up of SVG that is causing the massive trade deficits and the loss of 800 million dollars a year — and the knockACCORDING to Warrant Officer Ivan A trade deficit means that a country on negative consequences of low sales year to foreign countries.

O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader of must rely on borrowing money to make for businesses, high unemployment People and businesses all over the SVG Green Party, the big trade deficits up the difference. We see this in SVG, and low economic activity. This country complain about ‘no money are a significant warning to our country as the government is highly indebted, economic strategy is damaging our circulating in the country’. The trade children’s future. and the international community, that with a debt to GDP (Gross Domestic deficits show clearly why this is the The SVG economy is getting worse the ULP regime is incompetent, and the case, as every year, 800 million dollars Product) ratio of about 70 per cent or year by year and putting a lot of SVG economy is in serious trouble. more. of Vincentians money go abroad. The pressure on poor families. Many A trade deficit exists when a Having a trade deficit often means ULP regime has set up the SVG country spends more money annually government needs to run a surplus on cannot feed their children and send economy so that Vincentians’ money them to school. The ULP regime is an on imports than it receives from its the financial/capital account. This supports foreign businesses much economic disaster. exports. The table shows the trade means foreigners have an increasing more than Vincentian businesses.

A Green government would deficits for SVG since 2014, but SVG claim on our assets. We see this in A case in point is food. Every year, modernise and re-orientate SVG’s has had trade deficits for a longer time SVG imports about 200 million dollars SVG, with the selling of crown lands economic set up and focus more on than that. and other significant loss of our land in food. The consequence: Vincentian exports. We would set up a to foreigners. farmers cannot sell their produce at manufacturing economic sector in SVG market in SVG and go home with few Economic theory suggests that and provide free education to persistent trade deficits will be dollars in their pocket. In the longuniversity and targeted skills training detrimental to a nation’s economic term, we see a significant loss of to create a vibrant, export service income for Vincentian farmers, as the outlook by negatively impacting ULP regime’s economic set up of SVG employment, growth and devaluing its sector.

Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc currency. This often means the means our money goes to farmers (hons), MSc, MBA believes that this economy is uncompetitive, and the abroad.

Since we import so much more than exchange rate relatively overvalued - a would significantly reduce the trade When a country persistently real problem for countries who cannot deficit and consequently reduce we export, domestic jobs are lost to unemployment, increase business sales experiences trade deficits, there are devalue to restore competitiveness. those abroad. This means and boost economic growth and negative consequences that can affect unemployment increases in SVG, but This is SVG exactly. activity in SVG. economic growth and stability. From One of the sad things about SVG’s decreases in the economic sectors in SVG must significantly reduce its 2014 to 2018, SVG has essentially massive and long-term trade deficits, foreign countries that our 800 million trade deficit to bring prosperity to the exported about 800 million dollars a dollar trade deficit goes to. is that they are unnecessary. It is people and businesses of SVG.

Message on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2019 Committee for the Development of Women Theme: Think equal, build smart, innovate for change TO MARK INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2019, the Committee for the Development of Women (CDW) calls to memory the Fourth World Conference on Women and the process leading to the Bejing Platform for Action in September, 1995.

The records show that “in two weeks of political debate, heated at times, representatives of 189 governments hammered out commitments that were historic in scope.

Thirty thousand nongovernmental activists attended a parallel Forum and kept the

innovate in this way, so that women can balance work, study and family pressure on, networking, areas of concern do not responsibilities. lobbying and training a apply to all countries in CDW pays tribute to global media spotlight on the same way, many Mrs. Millicent Iton, a issues affecting women. areas have not received By the time the the attention they should woman of substance conference closed, it had in the Caribbean, e.g. in whose commitment and innovative approach built produced the Beijing Education and Health. a firm foundation of Declaration and Platform Early Childhood for Action, the most Education Education, in St. Vincent progressive blueprint & The Grenadines. ever for advancing While an education VINSAVE and the Prewomen’s rights”. revolution is ongoing in School Centers not only As a defining St. Vincent and the met the developmental framework for change, Grenadines from the needs of the child, but the Platform for Action time of E. T. Joshua’s made comprehensive call for children not to be also allowed women commitments under 12 confined to the fields, but working outside the home to have safe care of critical areas of concern. attend school up to age their children.

Today, 24 years later, it 14, to other groundremains a powerful breaking actions of Health source of guidance and successive governments inspiration, and finds up to the present time, Article 89 of the resonance with the under Strategic Objective Platform for Action says Theme for this year’s 88 © there is a need to celebration of Create flexible education, that, “Women have the right to the enjoyment of International Women’s training and retraining Day. programmes for life-long the highest attainable standard of physical and While all 12 critical learning that facilitate mental health. The transitions between women’s activities at all enjoyment of this right is vital to their life and stages of their lives. well-being and their This will lead to ability to participate in ongoing acquisition by all areas of public and women and girls, of the private life”. knowledge and skills The First National required for living in, Congress of Women held contributing to and from 21st -22nd March, benefiting from their 2012, paid great communities. In a attention to this aspect of changing environment the advancement of with new challenges, women. As expressed in there is a need to

10 smart and innovative paragraphs of its Outcomes Statement, the Congress’ call to action is just as valid today. The recommendations, equally beneficial to men and women, included: ... (a) Promote a concept of health that embodies total wellness, including health of the body and the mind, and that provides for the use of traditional methods of prevention and care. (b) Provide adequate support to the mental well-being of women by ensuring access to mental health care throughout the health system, including at the community level, as a part of the practice of total wellness. (c) Ensure that women with disabilities have access to health care, including reproductive health care. (d) Support research on cancers and autoimmune deficiency diseases affecting women, men and children, and introduce health care support to assist those in need of surgery and other remedies.

The latest PAHO Report is particularly relevant. It states that

56,000 women in Latin America and the Caribbean are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and more than 28,000 die annually. Cervical Cancer can be prevented through Vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a vaccine has been available for over a decade. PAHO officials lament that this window to health is greatly under-utilized. Here is where a different type of non-text book education is necessary.

This Women’s Day, will women join the education campaign to stop Cervical Cancer?

Will they pledge to act beyond March 8 to educate on health issues towards reducing cancer’s impact?

Women’s organisations must now “Think Equal, Build Smart, and Innovate” to bring the informal educational standard of women to new levels, and lift them to an increasingly improved state of physical and mental health.

Nelcia Robinson Coordinator Committee for the Development of Women

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 08 , 2019. 13.

Tribute

Defoe calls it a day THERE IS PERHAPS something ‘spiritually poetic’ about the fact that the 2019 Lenten season dawned with the passing of veteran Vincentian born calypsonian - Noel ‘Defoe’ Castello.

Defoe was a dedicated calypsonian.

He took the art form with an utmost degree of seriousness. Whenever the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Calypsonians’ Association organised a workshop, he was one of the first to register, and there was no letting up on his punctuality and attendance. He used every occasion to sharpen his skills in composing and delivering calypso.

A heavy deep basslike voice marked his delivery style, and he rendered his compositions with a conviction that commanded listeners to pay attention. He brought the house down on many occasions, with his biting lyrics and satirical commentary.

Defoe never reaped any regal acclaim. His second place in the 2013 New Song Composition staged by the Carnival Development Corporation, was one of his better results, and he last appeared as a finalist in the National Calypso Monarch competition in 2015.

Defoe occupied his time as a Vendor in Kingstown. That decision was thrust upon him because of ill health. His health deteriorated and the amputation of one leg must have been onerous, not to mention discomforting, if he faced an audience.

Defoe’s experience in the calypso art form dates to 1983 when he gave thanks to President Ronald Reagan for his role in the demise of the Grenada Revolution. He returned in 2014 with the same theme when he paid gratitude to those who assisted in the aftermath of the 2013 Christmas Day floods here in SVG. Other numbers he composed are ‘Garifuna come home’, ‘Stop beat up’, and ‘Freedom’.

Tributes flowed from the broad spectrum of the Vincentian society to one who has distinguished himself on the cultural arena.

Dennis ‘Stepping Razor’ Williams is retired and shares a delight in the calypso field with Defoe. He looked into a deeper

aspect of Defoe’s character and declared: “If we have a world of people like Defoe, you could say we living in peace. He was tolerant and able to accept others’ views even to the extent of giving up his rights.

“Anything that Defoe sing is something that could make sense. He had a humorous approach to matters.

Defoe was a natural, a good human being.”

Oswin ‘Buddy’ Richardson is retired.

He is a cultural enthusiast and recounts having a “good relationship”

with Defoe.

“When I heard he had an amputation, it was sad to me. I bought some CD’s from him. My favourite song is ‘Garifuna come home’. His death shocked me. I came in Town to see for myself that he really gone. May he rest in peace.” (WKA) Noel ‘Defoe’ Castello found ways of reinventing himself in the calypso arena until he retired after losing a leg.

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14. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Pageantry

Sharika Rodney Miss Mustique Company Ltd.

Kircia Modeste Miss Lotto

Sylvorn Lavia Miss Metrocint General Insurance Company Ltd.

Sonia Delecia Miss FLOW

Megan Greaves Miss Vincentian Chocolate

Felicia Thomas Miss Massy Stores (SVG) Ltd.

Meet the 2019 Miss SVG contestants THE 2019 MISS SVG PAGEANT is slated for June 1, 2019. What do we know about the contestants?

And why have they decided to enter the pageant? THE VINCENTIAN spoke with the contestants to find answers to these questions and more.

SHARIKAH RODNEY

Miss Mustique Co. Ltd. Sharikah Rodney, 19 years of age, hails from the community of Greiggs. She is a Customer Service Representative at the (CIBC) First Caribbean International

Bank.

Rodney said that she always wanted to enter the pageant. “To me, it (Miss SVG) is not about just being beautiful or in the spotlight. I believe it offers a lot more, it can develop me holistically.”

She is focused on pursuing a career in Forensic Accounting.

KIRCIA MODESTE Miss Lotto Kircia Modeste , 20 years old , comes from the town of Georgetown. She is currently a student of the St. Vincent Community College where she is pursuing an Associate Degree in Primary Education.

She said that she decided to enter the pageant because it has been her childhood dream. Now that she is in she “wants to demonstrate the importance of language in early development.

“If I win the Miss SVG pageant, I will use the scholarship to pursue a Bachelor’s in Education, particularly in primary education,” said Modeste.

from that side of the island.

The 26-year-old is currently a student at the Nursing Division of the SVG Community College. She too is encouraged by the chance to win a scholarship to pursue higher education.

She is appealing to the public to support the pageant. “We all know that Vincy Mas is the hottest carnival, so I just want them (the public) to come out and see what the girls have in store because we are full of talent, beauty and intelligence.”

MEGAN GREAVES

Miss Vincentian Chocolate, Megan Greaves is a 21-year-old Finance Assistant with Digicel (SVG), and hails from Fountain.

“I choose to enter this pageant because I see it as an opportunity to voice my opinion and share my thoughts on how I would like to further develop St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” said Greaves, adding that if she won the scholarship, she would pursue studies in Business Management.

She is a first time entrant in any SYLVORN LAVIA pageant, and she admitted feeling slightly nervous. Now settled, she said, Miss Metrocint General Insurance “..It is a good experience entering this Co. Ltd is Silvorn Lavia, a 22-yearpageant. This is an empowerment old Police Officer who hails from pageant, and I think the public should Fancy, the most northern come and support all six of us.” community on mainland St. Vincent.

She is currently attached to the FELICIA THOMAS Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Miss Massy Stores (SVG) Ltd, Felicia Lavia said that she was Thomas, 23 years old, represents the district of Mesopotamia. The Senior persuaded to enter the pageant because, among the grand prizes, is Technician at Eastern Caribbean the opportunity to earn a university Bottlers Inc., confessed her love for level scholarship. pageantry, and enters the Miss SVG “I intend to pursue studies in Pageant with some experience, having Criminal Justice, and not only that, entered the Miss Heritage Pageant few but Miss SVG is a platform that can years ago.

“I have always wanted to be an empower young ladies… where you ambassador for my country and a role can showcase your talent and build your self-esteem.” model to young ladies,” said Thomas when quizzed on what motivated her to SONIA DELECIA enter the competition.

Felicia wants to pursue a Master’s Miss Flow, Sonia Delecia, comes Degree in Chemical and Materials from the South Leeward community Engineering. “I am glad for the of Campden Park, but she opportunity to enter Miss SVG and I will represents the entire Leeward make my supporters proud,” declared district, being the only contestant the self-confessed soca music lover. (KH)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 08 , 2019. 15.

News

Abu Dhabi assists SVG Special Athletes THE ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines (SVG) Special Olympics team left the state last Wednesday, on their way to Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, to participate in the 2019 World Summer Games.

The team’s participation was more than assured, when Prime Minister Some of SVG’s Special Dr. Ralph Olympians.

Gonsalves, impressed that SVG was during a recent visit to sending 37 athletes to Abu Dhabi, convinced the government there to the games, that the decision to offer support fund the airfare and was instantaneous. accommodation for the The Games are Vincentian Special scheduled to take place Olympics Athletes. from March 14 — 21st. It Speaking at a press is the first time that the conference on Tuesday Special Olympics Games February 19, the Prime will be held in the Minister said the Middle East and North Sheikh Mohammed bin support was confirmed Africa Region.

Rashid Al Maktoum, when he met with The airfare for the Ruler of the Emirate of Sheikh Mohammed bin Dubai, was impressed Rashid Al Maktoum Vice athletes amounted to $175,000 and to have that SVG was sending President and Prime had that covered was a 37 Special Olympians to Minister of the United significant contribution the Summer Games.

Arab Emirates, and towards offsetting the Ruler of the Emirate of total cost of participation the effort to raise funds Dubai, and others, who to support the team. in the Games, said one were so surprised and (KH) person associated with

A Prayer Group lends support MAJOR PIERRE ANTOINE of the Salvation Army of St Vincent and the Grenadines was even more ebullient than he usual is, when he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Prayer Group of the SVG Port Authority, for Major Pierre Antoine receives donations from Ms Roxanne what he termed Westfield of the SVG Port Authority. a “timely donation”. donation which included clothing and Last Thursday, at the SVG Port food, as well as a sum of $1,382.00.

Authority’s offices on Upper Bay Speaking on behalf of the Prayer Street, Kingstown, the group handed Group, Leopold Dopwell said that over two barrels and a sum of money there was unanimous support from all to the Major. fronts of the SVG Port Authority.

In thanking the Prayer Group,the He revealed that the group was Major made reference to Matthew 25, able to make the donations, thanks to “For I was hungry and you gave me the input from management, something to eat, I was thirsty and members of staff, the KFF you gave me something to drink, I Foundation, as well as the SVG Port was a stranger and you invited me in, Authority Sports Club.

I needed clothes and you clothed me”.

Dopwell confirmed that other Antoine’s choice of Scripture verse donations to other benevolent was well in keeping with the actual organisations are forthcoming.

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16. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Women

Case against Luzette King withdrawn THE COURT CASE against Luzette King - social activist and host of the now discontinued Global Highlights radio programme - has been withdrawn.

King was charged with ‘causing inconvenience to the public in exercise of common rights’, during a protest action in Kingstown, March 6, 2016, which challenged the result of the 2015 general election.

When King turned up at the Mesopotamia Magistrate’s Court on Friday 1st March, Prosecutor Coleen Samuel withdrew the case against her.

However, King’s legal team was expecting the case to be dismissed altogether, referencing to the possibility of the matter resurfacing.

King had attended court hearing each time the matter was , but for

Friday 1st February, 2019, when she failed to turn up and was subsequently arrested as per a bench warrant issued by Magistrate Bertie Pompey.

She spent the night in a cell at the Questelles Police Station and was released the following day, after Magistrate Pompey himself turned up and revoked the warrant, citing King’s interest in the matter

and her cooperation with the police as the basis for his decision.

Speaking after last Friday’s withdrawal, King said that the fact that she was arrested on a bench warrant, only to be told now that the case was withdrawn, leaves her angry. “I am furious because it must have been something that she (the Prosecutor) was going to do the last time when she asked for a

bench warrant, while they had outstanding the order for disclosure,” said King.

She said that her attorney had planned to go to court to ask for the case to be dismissed, but by the prosecution withdrawing the case, there is a possibility of the matter could be brought back to court.

King said that during the hearing on Friday, Magistrate Pompey spent some time trying to extricate himself from what transpired with regard to the bench warrant and her spending overnight in a cell.

She said that Pompey had issues with her comment, “Pompey did not do me a favour when he went to the Questelles Police Station and revoked the bench warrant”, which she explained was a response to a related question that a journalist from another publication had asked her.

On the issue of the bench warrant, the activist said that, based on legal advice from a former Magistrate and QC, the right procedure should have been for her to be issued another summons instead of a bench warrant. “You have to bear in mind as

Luzette King, having had her charge of causing inconvenience to the public withdrawn, is yet to decide on her next move. well that they moved the case from Kingstown and I didn’t know; they changed the date for the court case and I didn’t know. It was my lawyer who checked the list and realized that I was not on the list for February 15th,” she highlighted, adding that she is still to decide on her next move.

“To me, this is abuse of power, intimidation, harassment and everything else. This is a case where they strip me naked for the world on the 6th January 2016, so I am yet to decide if I should leave the matter like this,” said King.

Mini-bus argument leads to prison sentence

by HAYDN HUGGINS WAYNE MARSHALL’S violent response to an argument in a mini-bus last Friday, March 1, landed him in prison for three months on Monday.

The 53-year-old labourer of Fountain pleaded guilty, when he appeared at Serious Offences Court, to unlawfully and maliciously wounding Hanifah Cupid, 34-year-old vendor of Belair.

The facts showed that Marshall and Cupid were travelling from Kingstown to the Fountain/Belair area when an argument ensued between them.

Cupid asked the conductor to leave her at Massy, Arnos Vale, which he did.

However, when she exited the vehicle, Marshall followed and struck her in her face. She responded by hitting him with her bag.

Marshall then pulled a knife, stabbed her in the left shoulder and ran.

Police officers in the area pursued and apprehended him. He was taken into custody and charged.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne stressed the seriousness of the injury which, according to a medical report, had to take stitches. She noted that the woman exited the bus and the defendant followed her.

Browne said there were no mitigating factors, but Marshall pleaded guilty, which would result in a one-third reduction of the notional sentence she would have imposed. He was unrepresented.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 08 , 2019. 17.

Training

Police getting interactive

the possibility of erasing the confidence of the public in the Police. He was happy with the new online programme and that the Police has carved its own niche on social media.

“We are upping our game,” Simmons declared.

His boss, Commissioner of Commissioner of Police Colin Police Colin John, John urged his officers to stressed the role recognise and accept that of communication communication is an effective as a “vital tool” in tool in the discharge of their the execution of duties. police duties. He pointed to the THIS COUNTRY’S sensitive nature of some CONSTABULARY is information, and improving its interaction reminded officers about with the public, and they such matters. will, among other means, John noted that Police sharpen their skills in this officers could be called regard through a upon at any time, and programme dubbed advised that, “We have to ‘Protect and serve’. be able to respond in an The programme, effective manner,” even described as not a as he cautioned that stereotypical production, divulging too much makes use of information could be technological trend with detrimental. cooperation from STV John pointed to online, and will be communication with presented Thursdays respect to verbal and from 8:30 pm for an non-verbal means, the hour. latter referencing Assistant deportment and “the way Superintendent of Police one carries oneself.”

Junior Simmons, Head of Body language carries the Police Complaints a big statement as far as and Public Relations John was aware, and Unit, announced the interacting with people commencement of the comes at both formal and programme when he non-formal ways. addressed the launch of a The Neighbourhood Communications Watch programmes have Workshop for Police John’s endorsement. He Officers last Tuesday. sees them as effective The ASP noted the tools in the crime daily interaction between fighting armoury, and the police and the public, echoed support for their and highlighted the proliferation. importance of The CoP acknowledges communicating the right the media’s role, and message. asserted that they can For Simmons, one “make or break” you. He negative incident bears

pointed to the need for balance by police officers when conveying information to the media.

Matters of national security must be heeded, to the extent of relaying information, John disclosed. Officers must know what, when and how to relate matters to the media.

The Commissioner also covered the issue of prejudices and stereotypes and declared that “not everyone with dreadlocks is a criminal.”

Every citizen must be dealt with on merit and that homosexuals and gays must be given the full protection of the Police, John told his subordinates.

“We are moving away from the stereo type. We have to treat everyone with respect,” he asserted and acknowledged that “though we may not promote (homosexuality), we have to be tolerant of their opinion and lifestyles.”

John took issue with Police officers who make ‘uncomplimentary” remarks about other officers on social media.

The Workshop addressed topics as per: Community/Customer Relations, Neighbourhood Watch programmes, Relationship with the Media, Prejudices and Stereotypes, Image of the Police, and Social Media: friend to foe.

It was held at the Fisheries Conference Room every Tuesday and Wednesday, and facilitated by Corleta Ollivierre and Inspector Hawkins Nanton. It was themed: New perspectives towards greater relations, reinforcing effective communications as a

Participants in the workshop included high-ranking officers.

force of change.

Seventy officers participated in the workshop.

ASP Junior Simmons and facilitator Corleta Ollivierre in an exchange during the workshop.

18. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 08 , 2019. 19.

Petitions

Election Petitions: Closing arguments given

Justice Stanley John retires to a period on study and contemplation as he prepares to hand down a verdict by March 21.

ORAL CLOSING ARGUMENTS in the Election Petitions matter ended yesterday, Thursday, following the submission of written arguments on March 1.

Justice Stanley John will now prepare for his ruling promised by March 21.

Petitioners Lead Counsel for the petitioners, Stanley ‘Stalky’ John Q.C got things underway on Wednesday.

He argued that, based on the evidence presented and witnesses cross-examined, there were a number of breaches of the rules, meaning that the conduct of the 2015 elections was not compliant with the tenets of the Representation of the People Act (RPA).

“Not only was the election not conducted in accordance with the RPA, but the results were also affected, “John said.

There were many breaches, but the most pivotal of them, according to John, was that of defective ballots, with the added concern about the absence of the official mark and initial on some of the ballots, and the unavoidable breach of the secrecy that ensued, the senior counsel explained.

He further explained that during witness

on behalf of the respondents, asserted that the petitioners had no case.

He argued that ballots in polling stations CLF and CLF1 did not have the official stamp on the ballot, but on the counterfoil.

He said that the stamp for both these polling stations were located above the ‘do not fold beyond this line’ mark on the ballot, which essentially was the counterfoil.

“The petitioners need to point this out, we did in our submissions,” the Senior Counsel said.

He further noted that the court had to make a decision to resolve the issue that polling station CLB also had markings on the counterfoil.

And there was no issue if the stamp was placed on the counterfoil, he argued. This was based on the rules and regulations of the electoral process.

Mendes further stated that, based on evidence given by Zita Barnwell, who stated clearly that she saw creases on the ballots, unlike evidence given by Chester Charles and Esla Sam who both said that they saw the presiding officer, Kathleen Jeffers adjust the ballot in such a way that suggested that she looked to see how they each voted.

But neither said how they folded the ballot, Mendes noted.

In the event that ballots do not have the official stamp and initials of the presiding officer, then the ballot has to be invalidated according to the rules.

And according to Mendes, the petitioners argued that there were 321 bad ballots in the constituency of Central Leeward, with the margin between Sir Louis Straker and Benjamin Exeter being 313.

However, if votes have become invalidated, then counts for both candidates would have to be deducted from the original figure indicating Respondents that there would be no change in the result.

However, Senior (DD) Counsel Douglas Mendes, testimony, it had been revealed that some of the ballots had the official mark while others did not.

It was explained to the court that the official mark and initials of the presiding officer were important in ensuring that the ballot issued to the voter is the ballot returned after the voter casts his/her vote.

The issue of contention, therefore, was that those ballots that did not contain the official mark ought not to have been counted.

“And if this is the case, then it must be concluded that one of the fundamental rules of the RPA was not followed, and this would have affected the results of the elections,” John said.

He further noted that the respondents failed to provide a paper trail in order to consistently and accurately verify the authenticity of the election results.

Keith Scotland, counsel representing petitioner Lauron Baptiste petition, objecting to the results for the constituency of North Windward in the 2015 general elections, argued that the first and most fundamental breach was that there was no Form 16 presented for the polling station NW1, nor was there a final count.

Cheryl Sutherland, called in to observe the proceedings as a neutral observer during the last elections, said, under cross-examination, that she did not recall seeing any Form 16s, the document used to record the preliminary and final count, and that there was no official final count.

“So, this is a neutral person coming to give evidence in the court.,,, She said that she saw no Form 16 or Form 6. No individual votes were counted…. I ask you to take her as a witness of integrity,” Scotland implored.

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20. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Rumour about my boyfriend Dear George,

SOME OF MY FRIENDS have told me that my boyfriend is HIV positive. We have been together now for one year, and judging from what I know of him so far, I cannot believe it. He is from a Christian family and he is also in the church. He is not one to run around. He has told me he would never lie to me, and so far he has not.

But I am very scared to ask him, and worse, I am scared to find out the truth, whatever the truth is.

We have had sexual intercourse more than a few times, the majority of times without protection. What if I’m HIV positive because of him? Finding that out will surely kill me, and I know it.

I have not spoken to him since. I don’t know what to say to him.

Scared stiff

Dear Scared stiff, You need to face this issue head on.

Avoiding it will do you no good.

All of this could very well be just a rumour, who knows? Tell your boyfriend what you have been hearing, and give him an opportunity to respond. If there is true love between you two and this turns out to be just a rumour, then your relationship would be the stronger for it. If the rumour turns out to be true, then there is supportive counselling and other services available to help you lead a regular life.

It won’t hurt to go and get tested.

I encourage you to still see a counsellor at this point to help you deal with the anxiety you now feel and to help you make the right decisions at this crucial moment.

George your definition of who/what is a virgin, and as far as your definition goes, she does not meet told you about her sexual the criteria. Vaginal encounters. Strange as sex, anal sex is still sex. it might sound, there are You have the right to women who still embrace move on and to keep the belief that anal sex searching for a woman does not count as sex, who meets your criteria and if they indulge in it, of a virgin. they are still virgins.

What is important is George

Anal sex is sex Dear George, I MET MY girlfriend 6 months ago and I truly believed she was the right one for me. She told me that she was a virgin and even showed me proof from her doctor to that effect. When I met her, I told her I was looking for a virgin to be my wife. I let her know that I was prepared to wait until I find such a woman.

One day as we were having a conversation around that particular topic, she revealed to me that she `kept her virginity intact by ensuring that she did not have vaginal sex, but instead would engage in anal sex, which she did with her past six boyfriends. She does not believe that anal sex is actually sex, and insists that she is still a virgin.

I was shocked by that revelation, to say the least. I told her that as far as I am concerned, anal sex is still sex and to me, she is not a virgin and she has to go.

She is now accusing me of breaking her heart and wasting 6 months of her time. Unbelievable!

After the Fact Dear After the Fact, Enough can never be said about how important it is that there be a full scale discussion at the beginning of the relation about what is expected of both parties.

Yes, she should have

On the side sex

Dear George,

I AM MARRIED but have been seeing a guy on the side. I have told him countless times that I cannot get pregnant since my husband has had a vasectomy. He agreed to be careful. He too is married. He told me he is.

We agree to use the withdrawal method since he, like me, is allergic to condoms, and I am also allergic to the pill.

This was working fine until one day he did not, withdraw. I asked him why he did not, and he said I prevented him from doing so. He placed the blame squarely on me. Now, I’m pregnant and I do not know what to tell my husband.

I cannot live with the guilt. I do not want to wait until I begin to show before saying something to my husband, but this man does not want me to say anything to my husband because if he found out he would kill him. I told him that if I did not tell my husband, the guilt would kill me. He

accused me of being selfish. Am I being selfish, George?

Between rocks and stones Dear Between rocks and stones, You have to do what is best for you. You have played with fire and got burnt. Your husband will see the scars and would need an explanation. You have no choice but tell your husband the truth; he is going to find out you have been unfaithful anyway.

What your friend on the side does, is no concern of yours. He has to put out his own fire.

As it stands, your marriage is being put to the test, and I would strongly suggest that you find a marriage therapist to help you both negotiate the rocky road ahead. It may get worse before it gets better; you need to buckle down and commit to see it through.

I hope you learn from this experience.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) If you are not already, think about going into business for yourself. Luck is with you. Include friends and family members in your redecorating plans. Sooner or later your partner will have had enough.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Any contributions you make to organizations will enhance your reputation and bring you offers.

Unexpected visitors are likely. Be prepared to do your chores early. Social activity should be on your agenda this week.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) Health problems may prevail if you don't take care of them immediately. Get back down to earth and to basics. You may not be able to help, but your support will be favorable. Do not force your opinions on others the connections will be short lived.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) You can change your living arrangements. Older family members may try to make demands that are impossible for you to handle. You can evade the issue as usual by being affectionate, fun loving, and far too active for your lover to catch on.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Use your obvious talent to work with detail and you can come up with something great. You can bet that someone in a higher position is watching to see how busy you are. Sign up for courses that will help you understand yourself better.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) You could be tempted to overspend on unnecessary items. Your irritability will lead to family squabbles. Uncertainties are still prevailing. Group endeavors will provide you with entertainment.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Family may not want to get involved but an entrepreneur will. Social events may lead to a romantic interlude. Your personal life will be under the gun and you may want to avoid the questions your lover is going to want to ask you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Be careful that you aren't saddled with the responsibilities of others. You are best to avoid confrontations. Much knowledge can be obtained through the experiences you have. Invite friends over rather than spending money on lavish entertainment.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Your passionate mood will be well received by your mate. Your greatest enjoyment will come through social activities and pleasure trips. You will have problems with coworkers if you are too extreme about doing things perfectly.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Your partner may be somewhat irritable this week. They will not be in the right frame of mind to put up with tactless comments. A romantic infatuation from your past may surface if you frequent places that you both used to go.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Try to slow down, and take another look.

An older member of the family may need assistance. You will have to be careful not to let others find out about your intentions. You can avoid hassles by sticking to your work and refusing to get involved in gossip or idle chatter.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) You could find yourself left with someone's dirty laundry. A residential move may be in order. Problems with your boss could lead to unemployment.

Don't hesitate to voice your opinions at a group meeting; however, keep your thoughts to yourself at home.

ACROSS 1. Like uncooked steak 4. Thunder sound 8. Saudi citizen 12. Bar beverage 13. Courageous fellow 14. Fiddling emperor 15. Hard knock 16. Feedbag grains 17. Mexican treat 18. Inputs (data) 20. Canine appendage 22. Harvest season 24. “_ my pleasure!”

27. Geneva native 30. Senate vote 31. Animal park 32. Microscopic 33. Fish propeller 34. School signal 35. Social insect 36. Also 37. Supermarket passage 38. Honey maker 39. Golf legend Palmer 41. Stormy emotion 43. Most learned 47. Say clearly 49. Grape plant 51. Question start 52. Endanger 53. Equally balanced 54. Vast span 55. Gym pads 56. Crimson and scarlet 57. Intelligence expert DOWN 1. Quite scarce 2. Actor Ladd 3. Shed tears 4. Singing group

5. Fewest 6. Gallery showing 7. Mail‐carrying guy 8. Debate stance 9. Grasps fully 10. Circle part 11. Jeer 19. Uncomplicated 21. Unspecified number 23. Labor organization 25. Bridge fee 26. Shoe bottom 27. Dagger wound 28. Banquet quaff 29. Attention 33. Without end 34. Offers

36. Dress label 37. Foreigners 40. Possessed 42. Huge boats 44. Lamb‐bearing critters

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. 21.

45. Specialty store 46. Crooner Bennett 47. Elbow site 48. By means of 50. Common contraction

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22. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

National WomenÊs Day message

General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a United INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S Nations Day for Women’s DAY 2019 is celebrated Rights and International under the theme; “Think Peace to be observed on equal, build smart, any day of the year by innovate for change”. member states, in “On March 8th, 1975, accordance with their the first International historical and national Women’s Day was traditions. The General celebrated, during the Assembly recognized the International Women’s role of women in peace Year by the United efforts development, and Nations. In 1977, the urged an end to From the NATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN

discrimination with an increase of support for women’s full and equal participation”.

As we join with many countries around the world in celebrating International Women’s Day 2019 under the theme; “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change”. ‘Let us as women and girls recognize the achievements of our

women in the areas in which they have excelled without regard to divisions; national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and for looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await the future generations of women.

There are many social ills in our society that we need to speak up and out against. We have been faced with too many incidents of rape, sexual molestation and harassment of our girl babies and our young women, and scourge of domestic violence, and other violent acts which would cause long term emotional and

psychological effects.

The National Council of Women reminds that the age of consent is the age below which a minor is considered to be legally incompetent to consent to sexual acts.

Consequently, an adult who engages in sexual activity with a minor younger than the age of consent cannot claim that the sexual activity was consensual, and such sexual activity may be considered statutory rape. The purpose of setting an age of consent is to protect an underage person from sexual advances. Statutory Rape is a criminal act in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and should be dealt with expeditiously. Too many of these matters are thrown out, dismissed or

reduced penalties for lack of evidence.

The National Council of Women condemns Statutory Rape and other forms of sexual violence against children and women. We are calling on all relevant authorities to do ALL within our power and authority to bring justice to the victims of these crimes committed against our babies and children.

We are calling for a review of the New Domestic Violence Act 2015, a registry of sexual offenders especially those who were convicted for Statutory Rape, and for the change of the age of consent to 18 years.

Beverly Richards, President.

Urgently needed: Our own history Continued from Page 8.

If anything, the land and labour situation worsened after slavery, with the local Powers-that-be importing Portuguese from 1846 and, more significantly, Indian Indentured labour to sweat it out on the estates from whence the Blacks had fled, after 1865.

For one hundred years following emancipation, the colonialists suppressed as best they could the emergence of a black peasantry; tightly ran legislature which was totally hand-picked from among their kith and kin, 1875-1925; and controlled the minds of our forbears by the continued imposition of White values on the society.

Then, between 1895and 1920, a cluster of events, natural and human, conspired to dictate a redefinition of the social situation.

A flood, a hurricane and a volcanic eruption ravaged the country, highlighting the bankruptcy of the Estate system and the dangers of keeping the bulk of the people outside the political process.

The emergence of a black intelligentsia, the promise of the Russian revolution, the message of Marcus Garvey, and the grievances of ex-service men league provide the human element necessary to bring out a measure of social transformation.

The upshot was the formation of the first political vehicle, the representative Government Association and the introduction of the elective principle following publication of the Wood Report. It was about that time that the Iron Man was erected as a shrine for worship by Blacks whose soldier-fathers were forbidden to shoot at the white German army in World War 1, and were generally confined to doing the dirty work in the camps.

Ultimately, things were brought to ahead as a result of the worldwide recession of 1929 which compounded the misery of 100 years of colonial neglect in the islands. The masses

revolted, George Mc Intosh became their hero.

Not surprisingly, until recent times, the uprising was seen as a blot on the island’s history, and blanked out from the news.

The next milestone on our march to Independence was the introduction of Adult Suffrage in 1951, followed by grants of increments of power with a Ministerial in 1961 and Statehood in 1969.

Ebenezer Joshua emerged as tribune of the people during the early part of this period. Like Mc Intosh he was a militant trade unionist, and a fiery spokesman of the people, who concerned himself with the land question and preservation of the folk culture symbolised by the practice of shakerism.

Mc Intosh and probably Joshua should be declared National Heroes along with Chatoyer. And celebration of discovery day ought to be shifted to March 14, the date of death of both Chatoyer and Joshua in the month in which Mc Intosh opened the doors of his famous Workingmen’s Association Hall in Paul’s Lot. Happily for our national selfrespect, logistics prevented the SVLP from achieving its goal of Independence on 22nd January 1979 as planned. Instead, the ruling elite had to fall back on the month of October. But it is regrettable that Milton Cato, then the Prime Minister, could not have seized on the massed first spoke with tongues of fire. In the event, we became straight jacketed in a steel frame constitution that caters not for our hopes and aspirations. But our indoctrination over the years has ensured that we see no alternatives, far less possess the guts to implement them. Independence, Sovereignty, Nationhood, all need a relevant education as an underpin. A true history of the country is a seminal source from which the required inspiration may come.

Enjoy National Heroes Day in spite of the current setback.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. 23.

SVG takes WIFA Title

HOST ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES as of Thursday evening, had all but claimed the championship title of the 2019 Windward Islands Football Association (WIFA) Senior Men’s Football Tournament, when they edged Dominica 2-1, at the Victoria Park.

With one match to The battle of the Saints, as St Vincent and the play today, Friday, Grenadines and St Lucia go at each other last against defending Champions Grenada, Saturday night at the Victoria Park. who sits on four was deemed to have fouled Chavel points, so that even if they lose , the Cunningham. title remains here.

Cunningham got on the score sheet The host has Chaval Cunningham to thank for the title, he having scored when he breached the Barbados defence, to slot home in the 87th the two goals against Dominica, one minute. each in injury time at the end of Then on Saturday night, St Vincent regulation time in each period. and the Grenadines outlasted St When the tournament opened last Lucia, 2-1.

Thursday, St Vincent and the But the home team had to dig deep Grenadines dimmed Barbados two-nil. after falling behind St Lucia, when Cornelius Stewart scored from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute, after Malik St Prix had netted in the 49th minute.

Barbadian defender — Ramar Miller

Greiggs regains Premier Division place AFTER BEING RELEGATED from the Premier Division of the SVG Football Federation’s National Club Championships following a poor showing in the 2017 edition, Greiggs is back to the top flight.

Greiggs’ promotion came as a result of their victory over RSVG Police in a match played last Sunday Greiggs set for return to the National Football’s at the Chili Playing Field.

Premier Division.

Goals from Zidane Sam in the 28th minute and the top tier of local Football.

Trey Prince in the 79th minute, Joining Greiggs in the Premier handed Greiggs the 2-0 win in the Division of the 2019/2020 National semi- final match-up.

The win meant that they made it to Club Championships will be Awesome FC. the final of the First Division, but Awesome gained their berth with a most noteworthy a promotion to the 4-2 win on penalties over Sparta in Premier Division.

It is not the first time that Greiggs Sunday’s other semi- finals, also played at the Chili Playing Field. had to plough their way back to the Osei Thompson put Awesome ahead Premier Division.

After losing Premier Division status in the 57th minute, but Simeon Greene’s 82nd minute goal leveled the in 2010, Greiggs won the First Division title in 2014 and returned to score, and sent the match into decision by penalty kicks.

Greiggs and Awesome emerged from the quarter finals, in contrasting style.

Greiggs beat Layou 4-3 on penalties, after both drew two goals apiece in regulation time, while Awesome had a one- nil win over Volcanoes.

Greiggs and Awesome now await the date when the two will square off to determine the First Division champion.

And, RSVG Police and Sparta will Awesome to enter new territory in contest the third place play off. local football.

However, Kishawn Johnny scored from a free kick in the 72nd minute and Stewart got the go ahead in the 79th minute, to send local supporters into wild celebrations.

It was defending championsGrenada which first chalked up full three points, when they beat St Lucia in Thursday’s opening salvo.

Chad Mark’s goal in the 17th minute separated the two teams.

Dominica though inflicted a 1-0 defeat on Grenada on Saturday, with Anfernee Frederick registering the lone item in the 43rd minute.

But, unlike the first two days of the tournament, both matches on the third day finished in ties.

First up, Dominica and St Lucia played to a 1-1 tie.

St Lucia took the lead in the 33rd

St Vincent and the Grenadines’ starting XI against St Lucia. minute through Aaron Richard, but Travist Joseph equalized for Dominica, three minutes later.

In the night’s second match, Grenada and Barbados played to a goal less draw.

Today, Friday, in the first match of the double header, Barbados takes on Dominica.

Since the return of the WIFA tournament in 2013, St Vincent and the Grenadines has held the title once, when they triumphed in 2015 in St Lucia.

St Lucia won in 2014 and Grenada in 2013 and 2017.

The tournament was not held in 2016 and 2018.

Hairoun Biabou Football opens EIGHT OF THE SIXTEEN TEAMS registered to participate in the 2019 Hairoun Biabou Football League, took part in the League’s opening ceremony, held last Sunday in front of an appreciative crowd at the Biabou Playing Field.

In addition to the usual formalities, patrons were treated to two friendly/exhibition matches.

Teams line up for the opening ceremony of the In Junior action, Owia Hairoun Biabour Football league.

Under 13 ran past Biabou Under 13, 3-1, while in an exciting Senior category game, Overland FC beat Top Strikers 3-2.

Teams are expected to compete in two zones in the preliminary round.

Those registered for the 2019 Biabour Football League are: Sparta FC, 1998 Hillside Rollers, Overland FC, Glen, Top Strikers, Cane End, Young Boys United, Walvaroo, Linkerz FC, Grove Street, Cebez United, World Eleven, Lowam FC, Mozambique, Mt Grenan, and Greiggs FC who are the defending champions.

Action in the senior category exhibition match.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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24. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Chess set to make local comeback

Vice President of the World Chess Federation, and Grand Master Nigel Short, paid a visit to St Vincent and the Grenadines last weekend.

Wilkinson revealed that the purpose of the visit was mainly to rekindle the interest St Vincent and the Grenadines had in Chess.

He said that ultimately he would love to see the formation of a local body to administer Chess here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Wilkinson saw Short’s visit as an opportunity to see one of the world’s best Chess players on show, something that he hopes would give that initial boost to Chess revival here.

To show some of his prowess, Short, the only player to win tournaments on six different continents, and who was a 1993 Chess Grandmaster- Nigel Short (standing at right) engaging five World Championship finalist, Vincentian players, last Sunday at the XPert Computer Centre simultaneously engaged and Conference Room. defeated five Vincentian Chess THE GROUNDWORK for the with the visit of two high level Chess players at the XPert Computer Centre Conference Room last resurgence of the sport of Chess officials. here in St Vincent and the Ian Wilkinson, President of the Sunday.

He congratulated those who Grenadines was laid last weekend, Jamaica Chess Federation and opposed him, and encouraged them “to work hard” in their pursuits to lift their game.

Before visiting St Vincent and the Grenadines, Wilkinson and Short visited Grenada. St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda and the Cayman Islands are the other territories on the duo’s list of visitation.

James takes Keep Fit Road Race

Peter Durrant placed third as he competed in his first race for 2019.

Grenadines number one cyclist, in a time of 2 hours 10 minutes 05 seconds.

And veteran cyclist, Peter Durrant, in his Sherwyn James, first race for the 2019 making his way to the finish line, last Sunday season, was third, returning a time of 2 at the Sion Hill hours 29 minutes 5 Intersection. seconds.

SHERWYN JAMES The race, which clocked 2 hours 8 covered 34.3 miles, minutes 40 seconds to began at the SVG win last Sunday’s Keep Automotive Co-operative Fit Road Race, staged by Gas Station in the SVG Cycling Union. Kingstown, then on to James made good use Colonaire, returning for of the opportunity to star a finish at the Sion Hill at the top of the podium, Intersection. as the field was sparse.

The next SVG Cycling Finishing just behind Union Road event is James was Albert scheduled for Sunday Quammie, a former St 24th March.

Vincent and the

SVG to host Marathon Cruise Challenge ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES will host the sixth leg of the Eastern Caribbean Cruise Marathon Challenge.

Forty- three runners from 14 countries will arrive here Wednesday 13th March, to be part of the Marathon, which will

be held at the runway at the decommissioned ET Joshua Airport.

The visiting runners are expected to be joined by local runners in the historic event.

Trevor Bailey of Sailor’s Wilderness Tours, who is responsible for the logistics here, noted that the event is a good boost for St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Tourism, and the marketing of the country as a whole.

Bailey revealed that some of the visiting runners have racked up marathons in more than one hundred countries.

The St Vincent and the Grenadines leg is Trevor Bailey of Sailor’s Wilderness Tours.

part of a seven-day challenge on six islands, with the other marathon on board a cruise ship.

The challenge begins this Friday 8th March, with the first leg on the French territory of Guadeloupe.

The second leg takes place on the cruise ship Costa Magica, where the runners will compete on a 183m running track on the cruise ship while travelling to British Virgin Islands.

This marathon sees the runners making 233 rounds of the track which in itself is a challenge, as the ship will be moving.

Martinique will host the final leg of the Marathon.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. 25.

Sports

Vincy Heat cunning VINCY HEAT will not be turning off any pressure in their last match of the Windward Islands tournament which winds up tonight Friday, March 8 at Victoria Park. The Vincentians hit a purple patch, recording an impressive three wins to secure the title. They beat Barbados 2: 0 in the first encounter, and came from behind in a bruising bravado with St. Lucia for a 2: 1 win.

They maintained their 100 percent record with another 2: 1 victory over Dominica in Wednesday night’s dramatic battle. It was like perfect timing for the Vincentians and notably Chaval Cunningham. He converted twice in extra time of both periods.

His first signalled the half time whistle.

Dominica, who showed great adaptability, remained in the contest and found an equaliser in the 64th minute. Then Cunningham repeated his climactic cycle with that goal which took the wind out of the Dominica sail. They tried spiritedly for another equaliser, realising that it was in effect the deciding encounter.

The winner would most likely be the tournament’s champion. The Vincentians picked up an unassailable nine points. Grenada are on four points, the same as Barbados and Dominica who play tonight’s opening match.

The interest will be on who places second, and with the fourth round of the Concacaf matches soon, coaches are looking to finalise their squads.

The Vincentians have redeemed pride after their humiliation in Turks and Caicos. Newly appointed Coach Kendale Mercury will look to enhance his record.

The Vincentians take on Bonaire at Arnos Vale in the March 19 card. Bonaire does not have an imposing record, but the same thing might have been said about Turks and Caicos. So the Vincentians will not be approaching that game as a fait accompli. Lessons have been learnt.

Mercury has his eyes on the future, and he will endeavour to stamp his authority. Mercury has a foundation to count on. He was at the helm of the Under 20 squad which missed out on the World Cup to Egypt in 2009. That outfit progressed admirably until they faltered in the eliminator against Honduras.

Members of that team still make their presence felt, and present captain Cornelius Stewart must have developed a bond with Mercury then. That platform has reunited, and with Mercury having the benefit of deeper insights, he is relishing the opportunity to display his wares.

Another aspect of the Vincentian performance is the degree of national fervour they have engendered. Spectators have been more patriotic in their solidarity with the squad. There is a feeling of genuine love and support for the team.

The encouragement has taken on cultural extravaganza, with drummers, singers, dramatists all in one accord in their clamour resounding into a fervent echo.

Nature too, has been conducive to the Vincentian cause. For at the start of the tournament, Victoria Park seemed a dry, hard, and harsh outfield. But the rains provided a touch of velvet which served to cushion the outfield into a more manageable surface that Vincentians might feel more at home with. And the water added a tinge of verdure to the outfield. The rain served as relief to the population intent of their productivity.

So while last Wednesday’s game proceeded in showers, everything fell into place.

Red Force blows away Volcanoes TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO RED FORCE was simply too much for the Windwards Volcanoes, when the two teams met in a CWI Regional PCL Four-day cricket championship match at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, Feb. 28 – Mar. 03.

It was Volcanoes’ second consecutive defeat on their ‘home turf’, Arnos Vale, having gone under to Barbados Pride the previous week.

Red Force won the toss and chose to bat, and, on the back of a 221-ball innings of 106 (10 fours, 3 sixes) by Kerry Pierre, posted 307 from 101 overs. Pierre got good support from Imran Khan, better known for his leg spin, who hit 71. The pair put together a partnership of 188 to rescue Red Force from a precarious 67 for 5.

Khan’s half century set him on the way to do even more with the ball and claim victory for his side.

When the Volcanoes batted the first time, they were all out in 76

overs for Kerry Pierre 200 of the Red Roland Force was the Cato 46 only centuryand Sunil maker in the Ambris 43 match. being their main contributors. Khan was a thorn in their sides and claimed 5 for 54.

Red Force did not enforce the follow-on and declared at 244 for 8 when they batted a second time.

Denesh Ramdin 57 not out, Jeremy Solozano 42, Tion Webster 42 and Khan 39 were their leading run getters.

Kavem Hodge plugged away and returned figures of 6 for 68, bowling for Volcanoes who, set 351 for victory, fared even worse in their chase. They were all out for 161 in 58 overs, Devon Smith getting 42 to be the top scorer.

Once again, Khan proved to be their undoing, snaring 5 for 65 to

Imran Khan had a good allround finish with performance when a match he took 10 for 119 haul of 10 and made 71 and for 119.

39.

Bryan Charles supported well with 5 for 72.

As it stands, Guyana Amazon Warriors lead the 6-team points table with 136 points, with the Volcanoes in fourth on 86 points.

I.B.A.ALLEN

SVGCA recognizes SmithÊs contribution

Devon Smith receives a plaque from Dr Kishore A WEEK after Devon Windwards Shallow - President Smith was recognized by Volcanoes and of the SVGCA. his native Grenada when Trinidad Red Force show it the Grenada National last Sunday at the Arnos publicly to Stadium Players’ Vale Playing Filed, Dr. our players Pavilion was named in Kishore Shallow, that we care. his honour, the SVG President f the SVGCA, … We at the Cricket Association presented a plaque to SVG Cricket (SVGCA) has moved to Smith.

Association also recognize the In prefacing the have realized Windward Islands presentation, Dr. that Devon opening batsman.

Shallow remarked, “One has In a brief presentation of the things I believe we contributed significantly following the completion have failed to do in the to cricket not only in of the game between past is to appreciate or Grenada and Windward

Eagles in a losing cause against Combined Youth, at Sion Hill.

Scores: Combined Youths 121 off 17.2 overs - Ricky Hoyte 25, s Humphery 7 for 64 off Rawdon Bentick, 156, 9 overs; Strike was the lone Eagles 102 off 20.2 centuryovers = Ahmed Baptiste 29, Nickie maker in last Antoine took 3 for 30 weekend’s off 8.4 and Javed First Division Cordice 2 for 13 off 2 cricket. overs.

At Park Hill, Edward Conliffe/Coreas Distribution Ltd. Belfongo trashed St. Vincent Distillers Glamorgan by 10 wickets.

St Vincent Distillers Glamorgan made 74 off 21.3 overs,Rajiv Roberts taking 3 for 25 off 8 overs and Travis Cumberbatch 3 for 24 off 5.3 overs. Belfongo replied with 76 for no loss off 5.5 overs, Andre Hunte 54 not out.

Islands but in the West Indies …. and we thought that with this little token of appreciation, we would show that we appreciate his contribution and recognize his performance at the Arnos Vale Playing Field where he has scored fourteen centuries”.

Smith, who represented both the Senior and A West Indies teams, and the St Lucia Zouks and the Windwards Volcanoes in regional cricket, made his first class debut in 1989/99.

He played 208 first classes matches so far, accumulating 14, 000 runs at an average of 39.66. He has the most centuries, 37, in regional cricket, 59 half centuries, and has taken 231 catches.

His List A career started in 1999, and he has played 106 matches and scored 4,389 runs at an average of 29.85. He scored 8 centuries, 23 fifties and took 67 catches.

I.B.A.ALLEN

I.B.A.ALLEN

Bentick seals another win for Smashers SMASHERS continued their winning ways in the NLA First Division Cricket Competition when they beat French Verandah SVGCC, albeit on a faster run rate, in a last weekend encounter.

Thanks to a belligerent 156 from Rawdon Bentick and Deptor Culzac’s 55, Smashers posted a challenging 359 for 9 off 44 overs.

Ronaldo L. Frankyln took 3 for 52 off 9 overs, and Romando Mars 2 for 54 off 9 overs.

French Verandah SVGCC replied with 211 for 3 off 32 overs when rain brought the match to a premature end.

Mars hit 98 to seal a good allround performance.

At Sion Hill, Chris Humphrey bagged 7 wickets bowling for Strike Romando Mars topscored with 98 for SVGCC.

26. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 08, 2019. 27.

Classifieds

Albina King also known as Albina Browne

Here is a link death cannot sever, Love and remembrance lasts forever.

The world may change from year to year, And friends from day to day, But never will the one we love From memory pass away.

Always missed and fondly remembered by children, grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

May you continue to rest in peace.

JULIET GRANT Apostolic Faith Mission Paul Over Saturday, 2nd March, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m

LUENDA ARTMAN Bethel Gospel Assembly Georgetown Saturday, March 2nd, 2019

JOHNNEY BARNUM

OWANI HAYNES

Streams of Power Sans Souci Saturday, 2nd March, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

New Testament Church of God Wilson Hill Saturday, 2nd March, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

MARY DOROTHY BAILEY FREDRICK Church of God Park Hill Saturday 2nd March, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

SALMA ABENA TOMBI EDWARDS aka Sal-I Questelles Evangelical Church Friday, 1st March, 2019 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

MARCH 08, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.10

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www.thevincentian.com

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‘BIGGER BIGS’

ARRESTED AND CHARGED with over a dozen police officers, some wearing riot IT WAS A “KIDNAP!” This is how gear,” leading him to declare businessman Leon ‘Bigger Bigs’ that his arrest and detainment Samuel described his arrest and was “a kidnap.” detention last Friday, after he As far as he is concerned, refused to allow a government he has been the victim of surveyor, accompanied by a “political harassment, and it detail of police officers, to goes back to 2008. Because if conduct a survey of his property the issue at Rabacca was a at Rabacca. technical issue, why you have After what appeared to be to bring in that bogus an effort by a high-ranking SR&O?,” Samuel argued, police officer to have Samuel adding that the issue “with his remove himself so as to allow land and the government” access by the surveyor, and he started after he lodged the refused, his arrest was survey plan for his land at ordered.

Rabbaca in 2007.

Samuel was taken to the Samuel said that he was Georgetown Police Station, never informed that police was detained for upwards of six going to be there. “…In a a hours, according to him, situation like that, I should charged, released on $1,500.00 have been informed that the bail and ordered to appear at people want permission to the Georgetown Magistrate’s come on to my property, and Court the following Monday. then they would have to state When he appeared as the reason why,” said Samuel. instructed, he pleaded not guilty to two charges of Offer to negotiate obstructing a Senior Surveyor and his assistant from The real issue, according to conducting a public survey.

Samuel, is that his land is The matter was adjourned to located between two rivers, March 25 for hearing at the and there is a possibility that Georgetown Magistrate’s his land could expand or Court, at which time, Samuel reduce due to natural weather said, he would be represented patterns. “It is not an by attorney Jomo Thomas. everyday occurrence and the government is trying to Political harassment mislead the people. The issue is a highly technical issue. But When THE VINCENTIAN there are laws for all of it, and spoke with Samuel earlier this what I am doing is guided by week, he acknowledged that the law. The law that’s says if last Friday’s arrest resulted I buy 5 acres and it grow, it is when he refused to allow mine, is the same law that Alrick Williams, Senior Land tells me if I have 15 acres and Surveyor, to conduct a survey the river was to come down so as to establish boundaries tomorrow and take my lands, between lands belonging to all I will have in my hand is him and lands belonging to the deed,” he explained, and the Government/Ministry of quipped that the impasses was Transport and Works. a battle between himself and Samuel had challenged the “a whole state.” survey in writing.

Samuel said that he has On Friday 1st March, been dubbed “greedy” because Samuel said that the he wants to secure his surveyors showed up “along

by KENVILLE HORNE

Leon ‘Bigger Bigs’ Samuel said that he is prepared to ‘fight’ on to protect his rights.

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

property. But the truth is, that the government has not provided a road for farmers to get to their lands, leaving him with the burden of facing angry farmers who want continued access through his property.

Samuel revealed that the government paid the previous owner of the land he purchased, to allow farmers to access their lands through the property.

He said that he did not just go and lock up his property, but he wrote a letter to Julian Francis, who was then Minister of Lands, to grant him (Samuel) authority to spearhead the restoration of the (original) road which had washed away in 2013. Francis did not give his support, Samuel asserted.

“I always think about the farmers, so that is the reason why I volunteer to use my own resources along with some farmers who could have help to reinstate the road, but Julian Francis refused,” said Samuel.

“So what if I want my money for them to pass through my land. This is business and I am a business man. So they call me greedy, ‘lickrish’, but it doesn’t trouble me. What I am saying is what is mine is mine… and they are trying to circumvent the law.

The land is mine according to the law, and if the government wants to negotiate, I am willing to negotiate; but as long as they want to continue with their bullying antics and their heavy- handedness to deprive me of my property, they might be big and I might not win, but I am willing to fight,” declared Samuel, who reminded THE VINCENTIAN that he had lost millions of dollars because of the closure of his mining business.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.