The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
FRIDAY,
AUGUST 04, 2017
VOLUME 111, No.31
www.thevincentian.com
EC$1.50
Magistrate Rickie Burnette has found himself as the target of a request for recusal.
December 10, 2015, the morning after the results of the December 9, 2015 CLOSE TO ONE YEAR after general elections were declared. Magistrates Bertie When the case comes up for hearing Pompey and Zoila Ellisbefore Magistrate Rickie Burnett at Browne recused the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on themselves from September 18, Bacchus-Baptiste is hearing 11 criminal expected to make oral submissions in matters involving relation to a letter she wrote to Nice Radio’s Burnett, asking him to recuse himself. proprietor Douglas In the letter, Bacchus-Baptiste ‘Dougie’ De Freitas, stated that, “The fact that my client his lawyer Kay was slapped with 11 charges some Bacchus-Baptiste is seven months after the date the seeking to have statements were allegedly made, and another recusal in the the charges paradoxically accused my case. client with ‘likely to cause fear or De Freitas is charged alarm or to disturb the public peace’, is on 11 counts of publishing being regarded as highly political by a false statements likely to very large section of the public. cause fear or alarm or to disturb Indeed, both Magistrates, Bertie the public peace. The charges were Pompey and Zoila Ellis-Browne laid in connection with statements he recused themselves from sitting on reportedly made on Nice Radio, adjudication on these matters,
by HAYDN HUGGINS
Attorney Kay Bacchus-Baptiste has been successful in having two Magistrates recuse themselves from hearing a case against her client Douglas De Freitas. Right: Douglas De Freitas is a busy man around the courts here in SVG.
Commissioner of Police Vs Douglas DeFreitas, based on the perception of ‘apparent bias’.” The letter went on to state that, “In fact, Anthony Astaphan, the wellknown lawyer who involves himself in political partisan matters in St. Vincent on behalf of the Unity Labour Party, and who represents the Government in their political matters, was on Radio, Boom FM, politically advising the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to discontinue all matters against Mr. De Freitas (my client). The fact that the DPP has not taken the very vocal and public advice of Mr. Astaphan, and has also so far, refused to give us full disclosure despite an order for full disclosure by Magistrate Bertie Pompey, underscores the public belief that these matters are highly political”. Continued on Page 3.
2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. 3.
News 3 We need to be efficient
THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES need to find a way to deal with issues relating to acts of vandalism in schools, and for the public sector to become more efficient. Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves made the comment in Parliament last Monday as he moved a motion for a Public Sector Investment Loan Bill. In his explanation of
the Bill and the purpose to which the monies would be put, Gonsalves said that government, and by extension the public sector, ought to be efficient or there will be problems. “That is why it pains me when I see inefficiency in the use of public resources,” he said. “Whether it is drugs at the hospital, electricity,
whether it is the way we waste resources in the school and the way people treat government vehicles.” He singled out drivers in the police force as being some of the worstculprits, and some students who often vandalized school furniture at the end of the school year. He then referred to a video which has been
making its rounds on Social Media, of a group of students from a local secondary school who were seen destroying furniture. One radio commentator, he said, had described the scene as one of students “dropkicking” furniture in a classroom. Gonsalves, in response, said that he was calling on the
authorities to do something about the situation. “Clearly it is something the teachers have to address, the Ministry of Education — you know this sort of thing is going on and you have to talk about them,” he said. “The parents have to talk to them because the amount of money that is
spent on furniture on an annual basis is astronomical, and when you mash them up at the end of the term, you expect me to have brand new furniture at the beginning of the term, and If I don’t, the authorities are being lambasted on talk show programmes and social media,” Gonsalves continued. (DD)
Delinquent student Another Magistrate loans not good asked to recuse himself “IF YOU DON’T PAY back the money, it means you got a scholarship without going through a competitive means for getting one, and it is not fair to those coming along who may deserve it.” So said Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves in response to the publication of names of individuals, some of whom he said were delinquent in their payments of student loans. He explained that the Student Loan Company had to publish some names in the newspaper, however not all the names published were delinquent borrowers, he said. On the other hand, some were delinquent. “It can’t be right for persons who have jobs, and you borrowed money, you have a reasonable paying job…there are some persons who worked overseas getting good salaries, there and here, and not paying student loans,” the Prime Minister said in Parliament on Monday. He further explained that in the United States for example, there were far tougher lines that are taken towards delinquent student loans.
there was a real danger or possibility of bias… Disqualification for The letter included a apparent bias is not direct quote of what discretionary; once there Bacchus-Baptiste is a real possibility of reported Astaphan to bias the Judge is have said. disqualified’”. The correspondence Bacchus-Baptiste’s added that, “We have letter was copied to DPP examined the law in Colin Williams. relation to recusal, and The lawyer told THE though I do not doubt VINCENTIAN that if your integrity to Magistrate Burnett does faithfully exercise your not recuse himself and Office, the test for the case has to be tried, apparent bias is laid she would be making an down in Blackstone application to the Court, Criminal Procedure 2001 under the law, for the that ‘the right to an ballot boxes for the North impartial tribunal is Leeward and Central protected by the rule that Leeward constituencies provides for the Judges to be disclosed to the disqualification if.. an defence, “because my examination of all the client is accused of relevant circumstances saying that they were not Continued from Front Page.
Here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, he explained that there was a liability of EC$90 million under the Student Loan programme — “and thousands of students have become professionals because of this programme.” But it could not continue to work, Gonsalves said, if it is not being replenished, because if the current trend continued, then fewer and fewer students will be able to borrow from the fund in the future. (DD)
sealed or secured, and the case for the defence is that they were not sealed or secured. The law states how the ballot boxes are to be secured.” Bacchus-Baptiste had written to the Commissioner of Police on September 9, 2016, requesting, disclosure of the ballot boxes. The letter was copied to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). However, in a letter dated September 21, 2016, the DPP responded, stating that, “ballot boxes are not part of the Crown’s case. It does not matter to me what you require in that regard. That is your responsibility, not mine. No ballot box forms party of any disclosure”.
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4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
People
Charles begins retirement Emancipation style St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) on Emancipation Day, August 1, 2017. Charles, who was on one-year pre-retirement leave, was in his usual affable self when THE VINCENTIAN contacted him via telephone on Monday, July 31. Immediately recognizing the voice of this reporter, Charles, who was at home, replied, “Boy, I glad you call me. I was sleeping and I have to go to a meeting.” But on a more serious While Commissioner of note, he added, “I feel Police Michael Charles truly emancipated to hosted a number of begin my retirement on press conference, like Emancipation Day, after this one he called on serving the Police Force July 26, 2016. and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for 36 years, something for by HAYDN HUGGINS which I have absolutely no regrets. If I had to live IMMEDIATE PAST my life all over, I will Commissioner of Police Michael Charles is into his join the Police Force again, but this time I will fourth day as a civilian, having officially gone into do it at 18.” And as he reflected on retirement from the Royal
his life and work as a police officer, he declared, “I am celebrating my retirement Emancipation style.” Charles was 21 when he joined the constabulary in 1981, and when asked, why he would join at 18, if he had to do it again, the outgoing Commissioner replied with a chuckle, “Because I would have more time as a police officer.” But Charles explained that policing is about serving people, and advised his former colleagues to build and maintain a close relationship with the public, which he described as being very critical to the fight against crime. “When crimes are reported, always keep the virtual complainants informed and updated. “The way you deal with the public is very critical in relation to good policing. Remember that one day you will have to return to civilian life.” the veteran lawman advised. As Commissioner, Charles enjoyed an excellent relation with the media. Shortly after taking up duties in that capacity, July 16, 2013, he declared an open door media policy, and told journalists at the news conference, to feel free to speak to him at any time. This policy has been continued by current Acting Commissioner of Police Renold Hadaway. Charles had also been
instrumental in making it a policy of Immediate past Commissioner the Police Force for of Police station bail to be Michael Charles granted to persons took the day of charged with his retirement – possession of 16 August 01, grams of marijuana 2017, into and under, something serious for which defence historical lawyer Grant Connell context and highly commended attired himself him, during a recent befitting of the sitting of the Serious emancipation of his African Offences Court. forebears. Charles has no immediate retirement plans, but has been relaxing, while giving advice to those who need it. “From time to time, I receive calls from persons, including serving members of the Police Force, for advice and opinions on various matters. I intend to Then outgoing Commissioner of Police Michael continue to offer my Charles (right) passes the baton of honour to service, not only to the incoming Acting Commissioner Renold Hadaway. Police Force, but also to the general public, once required,” he assured. Asked about recent statements made by three executive members of the Police Welfare Association (PWA), including chairman Sergeant Brenton Smith, Charles said, “I would prefer not to comment much on Always urging a good that, except to say relationship with the public, Michael Charles, that, while I understand that the pictured playing J’Ouvert in 2015, sought voice note was not While still the serving Commissioner of Police, to bridge the policeintended for the public Michael Charles took Sergeant Juliana Browne to civilian divide, by ear, I think the be his wife, Tuesday, July 15, 2014. encouraging his officers statements made by the to participate in cultural officers were rather ‘people’s man’, enjoys having his usual ‘lime’ at activities often unfortunate.” interacting with ordinary simple outlets, from time mistakenly reserved for Charles, regarded as a persons, and can be seen to time. for civilians.
V Eight million and more vote in Venezuela election
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. 5.
Regional
Demonstrators watch a barricade burn after clashes broke out while the Constituent Assembly is being held. (Photo Credit: VOA News)
The Venezuelan president repeated a call for dialogue with the right-wing opposition in the country, and called on them to ‘abandon violence and return to doing politics,’ Telesur reported. Sunday’s poll elected some 545 persons to the Consitituent Assembly, with 364 of those elected as constituency representatives and 181 chosen as Social sectors Venezuelans resident in Columbia protest in front representatives. of the Venezuela embassy in Bogota, July 30, 2017. Among those to be (Photo Credit: Raul Arboleda/AFP/Getty) elected are five persons from among the been peaceful with the Caracas, “Eight million indigenous people. These exception of a few in the middle of threats, were elected in a special Chavistas celebrate at the end of voting day in the isolated incidents of there were states where poll on Tuesday. Plaza Bolivar of Caracas, Venezuela, Jul. 30, 2017. violence, as opposition they crossed rivers and And even as the result (Photo Credit: EPA/Miguel Gutierrez) supporters protested and mountains, and they of the election was being staged guarimbas (street voted. …The people of digested by those home OVER EIGHT MILLION said in a post-election action, e.g. barricades) in Venezuela have given a and abroad — including people voted in televised press a bid to shut down the lesson on democracy.” the governments of the Venezuela’s National conference. election’. President Maduro USA and some South Constituent Assembly According to her, the The build-up to last thanked Latin America American countries who Election. turnout was clear Sunday’s election was and the Caribbean had condemned the vote, Over 8 million people, indication that “Peace marred by sustained countries for their ‘a feeling of excitement i.e. 41 percent of those has won. If peace has street protests by support against what he filled the crowds in the eligible to vote, did so in won, Venezuela has opposition forces, with called interventionist center of Caracas, as last Sunday’s (July 30, won.” those protests turning moves by the United citizens sang, danced and 2017) to elect a new Ms. Lucena admitted violent to the extent that States. Referring to laughed after the end of National Constituent that the day was not some 100 persons have President Donald the process to choose its Assembly in Venezuela. without its challenges for been said to have died as Trump’s promise that he delegates to the This is according to the CNE, the situation, a direct result of the would not accept the legislative body that will the president of the as charged as it was, unrest that set in results of this election, draft the new National Electoral causing the CNE to because of the protests. Maduro said, as per a Constitution,’ according Council (NEC) - Tibisay relocate some voting In fact, one candidate Telesur report, “We don’t to Telesur. Lucena who made the centers to avoid violence. for the constituent care what Trump says, Meanwhile, street announcement last Telsur, the multi-State assembly, José Félix we care about what our protests continued across Monday. funded, pan—Latin Pineda, a 39-year-old people say,” adding, Venezuela during the “Despite the violence American television lawyer, was killed in his “This election will and threats, Venezuelans network headquartered home the night before mark the future years of week, with the most recent resulting action were able to express in Caracas, reported that the vote. Prosecutors said the independence of being the revocation of themselves,” Ms. Lucena ‘the voting process has an armed group had Latin America, … Latin broken into America will begin a new house arrest conditions for two opposition leaders Mr. Pineda’s wave of struggle.” home in Ciudad Bolívar on Saturday night and shot him dead there. That and the call by the opposition for continued protests did not stop President Nicolas Maduro from declaring, in a Security Forces take protective measures after an People wait in lines to cast their vote at a polling station post-election explosive device was detonated near to where they during the Constituent Assembly election in Caracas, speech to a were stationed on Constituent Assembly Election Venezuela, July 30, 2017. (Photo Credit: Reuters) large crowd in Day, July 30, 2017. (Photo Credit: AFP.com)
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro casts his vote during the Constituent Assembly election in that country, on July 30, 2017. - Leopoldo Lopez and former Caracas Mayor Antonio Ledezma. In a statement, the Supreme Court said that Lopez and Ledezma were sent back to prison because they had violated the terms of their house arrest by making political statements, via their Twitter accounts, including calling for protests against last Sunday’s election. About 120 people have been killed in more than four months of antigovernment street protests, including at least 10 during Sunday’s vote. (Source: Telesur and other News Agencies)
Tibisay Lucena, Head of the National Electoral Council (CNE), on Monday announced that there had been an “extraordinary turnout” of more than eight million voters.
V US church honours Vincentians 6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
Diaspora
Right: Dr. Roxie Irish receives award from Dr. Soleyn.
Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT
THE VINCENTIAN’S UNITED STATES Correspondent, Dr. Nelson A. King, was among 18 members of the Caribbean community in the US who were recently honored with the Legend of Faith Award by the Brooklyn, New York-based Faith Deliverance Pentecostal Church, at the church’s inaugural award ceremony at the Sheraton La Guardia Hotel in Flushing, Queens, New York. The other honorees were: Vincentians Dr. Roxie Irish, James Cordice, Ministers Claudette Muckett and Roslyn Thorpe, Mary Abbott, and the Rev. Greta Edwards; Barbadians David McNair Douglin, Dr. Daphne Belgrave Cox, and Pastor Nigel Best and his wife, Minister Sharon Best; Jamaicans Pastor Madge Rowe and the Rev. Trevor L. Rankine; Haitians Fatima and Tatic Telcy; African American Dr. Kim Best; and Ministers Ruth Stapleton McCoy and Sylvia Davis. The nationalities of Row and Davis were unknown. “Our honorees have come from various backgrounds, and they are holding different offices — have made great accomplishments,” said the church’s Vincentian-born pastor, the Rev. Dr. Neithe Soleyn, originally from Chateaubelair, at the event on July 1. “Some are pastors, community leaders, missionaries, teachers, directors, professors, journalists, faithful members and more. “Some have touched rock bottom, but are here today,” added Rev.
Minister Claudette Muckett displays award.
A contingent of supporters from Philadelphia poses with James Cordice (3rd from left back) after honor ceremony.
of Faith Deliverance Pentecostal Church of God for the past 27 years. Minister Thorpe came to Faith Deliverance Pentecostal Church of God, as a Minister of the Gospel of Christ, from the Pentecostal of Assemblies of the West Indies. She had worked as secretary in her brother’s law firm, Stanley John, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Thorpe has worked for New York City’s Board of Education for 20 years, and is the author of two children’s books, “Ray Rays’ Amazing Dream” and “Danny New Kid in School”. Dr. King has almost four decades of journalistic experience. Besides his print and broadcast journalistic experience, he has been an Adjunct Professor in Political Science, History and Social Sciences at Brooklyn’s Medgar Evers College for almost 10 years. In addition, King, a certified Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church, has over two decades of public health experience. Dr. King, whose doctorate is in business administration, specializing in international business, holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in journalism, political science, public administration, business administration and law.
Soleyn, a former employee at Layne’s Department Store in capital Kingstown. “I highly commend all of our honorees here today for taking a stand to make the sacrifices you have made, and we have recognized you to receive the Legend of Faith Award. You have, indeed, weathered the storms in making these great achievements — touching human’s lives.” The Philadephia, Pennsylvania-based Cordice, the former president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organization of Pennsylvania (SVGOP) and coordinator of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ participation in the illustrious Penn Relays at Dr. Nelson A. King receives award from Dr. the University of Kim Best. Pennsylvania (UPENN) for the past seven years, told recent as July this year, conducted a THE VINCENTIAN after the ceremony, “It’s bitter-sweet, and I say mission there. Missionary Abbott, who worships at it with tears in my eyes. I looked at Faith Deliverance Pentecostal Church the nine persons that constituted my table of 10, and it is truly a blessing to of God, is close to finishing her Master’s degree in education. She be loved and supported! works as a Group Teacher in Brooklyn. “Then, I feel a sense of sadness, Minister Muckett, of Sion Hill, is because so many persons who have the widow of the late Rev. William helped me on this journey are no Muckett, founding pastor of Attributes longer, like Eldon Nanton, Easton of Christ Church, in the Crown Nanton, Otis Jack, Elvis Kelly and Ernest Spring,” he added. “I wish that Heights section of Brooklyn. She is a licensed Minister of the I could share this honor with them. These men help to shape me. I will use Gospel, who has been preaching and the rest of my time on this earth to do teaching God’s Word for over 30 years. She has facilitated many workshops as much good as I can in the interest of education and the well-being of our and assisted in departmental organizations within her home church, nation (St. Vincent and the and has also volunteered at Public Grenadines).” School 165 in Brooklyn. Dr. Irish, a Born-Again Christian Rev. Edwards was a pioneer for and former national netball star in St. several churches for the New Vincent and the Grenadines, is the Testament Church of God in St. founder and president of the United Vincent and Grenadines, pastoring at Vincie Cultural Group of Brooklyn (UVCGB), which she founded in 2003. McCarty Church for seven years and The UVCGB, a group of 30 persons, Lodge Village for six years before migrating to the USA in 1990. is committed to helping to meet the The Rev. Dr. Neithe Soleyn addresses In the USA, she became a member medical needs of the people of St. and minister, and serves on the Board award ceremony. Vincent and the Grenadines, and as
V Marijuana-based anti-cancer drug approved
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. 7.
Feature
And while he admits that the development took place on US soil, Dr. Lowe says he has no intention of allowing “big pharma’ to purchase the drug. His insistence comes in the face of a possible selling price range of US$15 million to $50 million for rights to the production and distribution of the drug. Instead, Dr. Lowe is hoping to make enough money — a miniscule US$3.5 million to be exact – to continue his Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness (right) research, and ready the was among the first to congratulate Dr. Lowe on drug for the retail his breakthrough. market in about two to three years’ time. JAMAICAN scientist Dr. prestigious American It is estimated that Henry Lowe is basking in Association of Cancer the annual minimum the success of continuing Research and a life sales to be derived from positive research into the member of the New York the new drug could be in medical use of marijuana. Academy of Sciences, will the region of US$250 Dr. Lowe, founder qualify for some million in the US market (2013) of Medicanja Ltd development incentives, alone, and a multiple of – described as Jamaica’s including tax credits for that figure globally. first medical cannabis some clinical testing. The intention is to company — announced at The orphan level raise the funding locally a July 12 press approval status was (in Jamaica), but Dr. conference in Jamaica, granted after Dr. Lowe Lowe is wary of the fact which was attended by had presented his that Jamaican banks Prime Minister Andrew findings at the 2017 have not been as Holness, that the US Global Health Catalyst supportive as he and Food and Drug Summit at Harvard many others had hoped Administration (FDA) Medical School in April they would have been. had granted orphan drug 2017, and his However, the scientist approval for Chrysoeriol, announcement of the has some local sentiment a cannabis-based drug approval was met with on his side to possible used to treat acute showers of boost his overtures in myeloid leukaemia, congratulations by Prime this regard, with some which was developed by Minister Holness. prominent politicians his company. But even as he offered insisting that Jamaicans Chrysoeriol joins a list congratulations to Dr. must retain ownership of of marijuana-derived Lowe, Prime Minister the research, and not drugs that are already in Holness cautioned that become simple second wide use. These include his government will users. Marinol for motion ensure compliance with On the ground, sickness, Canasol for international standards, though, the sentiment is treating glaucoma and “because cannabis and different with many an inhalation medication the (medication) that ordinary Jamaicans for treating asthma and could potentially come beseeching Dr, Lowe to Chronic Obstructive from it are still not ‘tek de $50 million and Pulmonary Disease recognised in many enjoy yo’self on de beech’. (COPD). countries, and some For his part, Dr. Lowe This level of approval countries still consider it remains committed to “gives special status to a illegal,” Emma Lewis “keeping it local” and has drug or biological product reported. called for more financial to treat a rare disease or support for scientific condition upon the No big ‘pharma’ deals research in Jamaica, request of a sponsor”, explaining that if the according to Emma Chrysoeriol was country procured even a Lewis writing on Global developed by Lowe’s fraction of the lucrative Voices on July 25, 2017. Maryland-based global pharmaceutical It also means that Dr. company, Flavocure and nutraceuticals Lowe, a member of the Biotech LLC.
The renowned Forbes Magazine is quoted as saying that the Global medical marijuana sales are projected to grow from $4.7 billion in 2016 to $13.3 billion in 2020.
industries, it would help economic growth. The doctor also used the occasion of his July 12 press conference to call on the government to take less than one per cent of the profit made by banks to stimulate research and development in the island, arguing that this would not hurt the banks.
Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA) to oversee the implementation of regulations for licences, permits and other authorisations for the cultivation, processing, distribution, sale and transportation of ganja. It also “freed up” the use of the herb for religious purposes, especially by members Jamaica takes the of the Rastafarian initiative faith. But while there has Jamaica, known the been some world over as a major producer of marijuana — liberalization as it commonly referred to as relates to the cultivation and use of marijuana in ganja — took the lead Jamaica, observers among CARICOM declare that the member states in amending its Dangerous Jamaican government is ‘taking tentative steps Drugs Act. towards embracing the What has become potentially profitable known as the Ganja nutraceutical business’ Reform Law, since the – including a closer look amendment in 2015, at medicinal marijuana, decriminalizes some creating a sense of offences, including making possession of less impatience among those than two ounces of ganja who ‘see a pot of gold at only a ‘ticketable’ offence the end of the rainbow’. All of this marijuanaand no longer a crime. related activity in The legislation Jamaica comes amidst a (amendment) also deafening silence on the created the framework issue from the rest of the for the development of legal medical marijuana, Caribbean Grouping — CARICOM. hemp and nutraceutical One writer, in industries, and for the addressing what he sees establishment of the as lethargy among
Dr. Henry Lowe has chalked up another plus for the potential marijuana offers for pharmaceutical research and development. Caribbean leaders, reminded them that there is strong evidence that marijuana can be used to effectively treat nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy, anorexia and cachexia in HIV/AIDS, chronic, especially neuropathic pain, spasticity in multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.
Sources: Global Voices, Jamaica Newspapers)
A pharmacy employee registers the sale of two bags of legal marijuana for a customer in Montevideo, Uruguay.
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8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Editorial “Oscar, this is personal,” Cyp LIBANIUS, the ancient Greek rhetorician, in his funeral oration for his sovereign and friend, the Roman Emperor Julian, helped put in the appropriate words an occasion which invokes ‘universal’ mourning over the loss of one individual whose unique life helped define his epoch. Libanius: “O thou that dost fill but a little spot of earth by thy tomb, but the whole inhabited world with admiration…. O thou that art more to be regretted by fathers than their own lost sons, by sons than their own fathers, by brothers than their own brethren.” Indeed, a little spot of earth will you, Oscar Allen, mentor, benefactor, friend and leader, fill from now on; but the admiration and appreciation of the unique life you chose to live will forever inhabit the hearts of many of my generation, and those thereafter. From what I have come to know because of you, has been in no way unique to me. For hear how hundreds on the occasion of their loss of you, their champion, ask: Who will fight for us now? Who will lead us now in the battle to reclaim our country from those who hold her prostrate and captive? The lamentation which your loss has occasioned, has not excluded your known “enemies”, that is, those on the other side of the barricades in your many crusades for the social, political and economic emancipation of Vincentians, against inequalities of all kinds, and the debilitating hold of a corrupt and oppressive few over the mass of Vincentians. What a strange phenomenon we are witnessing: a man dies, and his “enemies” are mourning, not rejoicing. Many think that the grief being expressed by your so-called “enemies” upon your death, is either fake or at best hypocritical. Most likely, however, is that the grief of these so called “enemies” is an acknowledgment on their part, that you were an original element, a man who genuinely believed in all the popular and/or unpopular causes he took on, and one who was courageous, determined and uncompromising in fighting those causes, unlike many others who pretend to be of the same stuff as you, but are of doubtful fidelity. Talking of ‘friendship’ and ‘enmity’, you taught us to love with passion, but never to be unfaithful to our principles. You were true to your friends, but truer to your principles. Many would not know the depth of your relationship with the poor, the salt of the earth, with whom you
maintained a friendship that was as deep as kinship. That friendship strengthened you as you crossed swords with those who would want to poison the chalice from which the masses drank. Truth, and the courage to speak it to both ‘friends’ and ‘enemies’, rather than to one and not to the other, was a thing dearer to your heart. In converse, other ‘activists’ accused you of playing the pacifist’s card, even when you ‘reluctantly’ assumed leadership of a political party that was a reminder of how difficult it was/is to win favour for the common good. And despite the implication and intent of the ‘activists’, you never allowed that to determine your subsequent relationship with Him — your Christ — a caring Christ — a Christ you defined as having taken a definite option in favour of the poor, oppressed and misinformed. You kept your eyes on the goal, and you never lost focus, whether by reason of ‘friendship’ or of ‘enmity’, for you lived with Christ within you, not apart from you. You led by example; you never required any sacrifice from any of us that you were not yourself willing to give. Indeed, before you required anything of us, you had yourself done it many times and more. You never said something to us in our presence, and turned round to say the contrary behind our backs. You never acted one way in the open, only to act contrarily in secret. You were not a daylight radical oppositionist, and a nighttime collaborator. You were not ruled by your belly or by ambition or by the desire for personal glory, but by well-defined and articulated principles. You sought no domination over others, but sought only that we stint not in committing ourselves to our common cause. You were always commending the littlest contributions of others to the cause, with the most grandiose of superlatives, with no expectation of acknowledgment or praise for your own inspirational role. Always with you, what you saw is what you got. So, that your so-called “enemies” are united with us in grief, is a way of acknowledging that you were not the “the-more-you-look-theless-you-see” type. You were a man of whom all, friends and ‘enemies’ alike, are unanimous in attesting there was no fakery, no guile. That was the Oscar Allen that I knew and loved. Rest in Peace, Bro.
Laughter is therapy THE TIMES ARE troublous; one is not sure as to what is happening in our country. So, for the next month or so we shall provide columns that can be considered easier to bear. We begin with laughter as therapy. We had a Magistrate - Mr Carl Collymore a Vincentian who worked before in the legal field of Guyana. He was full of jokes. He told us once a litigant appeared before him and when asked his name, he said, “Me name Fred but everybody does call me Fred Fredfoh short.” Our own Oswald Jack was Chief Magistrate for a number of years. He was also a devoted Methodist full of Christian inhibition which he passed on to the Court, in this way. When for example, we had to deal with indecent language cases, he read the charges as follow, “On such and such a day in the public square you were heard to say quite loudly”- and then he would pause for the police prosecutor, Cecil Scott to interject with the indecent words, “Haul you Arse” or ‘F*** You” as the case may be. But Scott actually shouted the words as if they were directed at the magistrate himself, who would continue dutifully with the rest of the charge. This hilarious scene never failed to produce loud laughter in the public gallery. There was of course a Chief Magistrate - Cecil Rawl of Dominican descent - who was our Chief for a considerable period. He stuttered badly. So when a witness Gibson from Gomea, came before him to give evidence, he decided to make his part straight. He stammered the following words, “I want you to know that I does stamma, so when you hear me stuttering is not you ah jeering.” ‘Gatty Bogoloops’ appeared before Mr Rawle for disorderly conduct and indecent language. When the charges were read, ‘Gatty’ did not quite understand it, so she put her hand over her eyes in characteristic fashion, and enquired, “Ah way de ‘f’ yo ah say?” Rawle simply ordered Gatty out of the Court House and out of sight, without having heard the cuss-word case. In a case before Justice Satrohan Singh, Dennis London appeared as a witness. After Dennis had sworn “to speak the Truth”, Justice Singh asked Dennis in a clearly affected solemn tone. “Before you go further, bearing in mind that you have sworn to speak the truth, why are you
called ‘Prick?” Dennis was floored, mentioned incoherences, and the Court plunged into uproarious laughter. Forty years ago, St. Vincent experienced a lot of petty theft. Not the white collar trysts. They say ‘thief from thief make God laugh’. So the unemployed often raided law offices, especially during the lunch break, to steal small office items such as staplers, pen, markers, etc. Apparently the law office of Hughes was a regular haunt for these scoundrels. One day, Margaret Ferrari related to me the circumstances of one such raid: the thief caught red-handed. Margaret vented her rage on the culprit in words. Among other things she had claimed the thieves had made a habit of hitting her office when the usual workers were thought to be out at lunchwhereupon the thief sympathised with her, saying how sorry he was, and had he known of the frequency of her invasions, he certainly would have plied his nefarious trade elsewhere! Which reminds me of my own plight. Several occasions, a neighbour of a parcel of land complained to us that a thief raided our grafted mango trees, and bagged the fruits before departing. Following a report one Sunday, I called the police at Calliaqua, whom I drove up to the spot, to note that the thief had already left with his sack of fruits. We followed his trail and caught up with him in the process of selling the mangoes to well-known traffickers. I was furious, especially as the thief did occasional work for me. I thanked the police and told them not to make an arrest, and that they could take the mangoes in appreciation for their troubles. Would you believe that Dane (the thief) suggested, “Mr. John, I wake up early, had to climb the trees, bagged the mangoes, and walk about two miles to arrange sale of them. I think you should give me about twenty dollars for all my troubles.” If you think that bad, dig this one in the 1980s. I was in conversation with the female manager of the building expansion by the Canouan Tourist Company. I enquired how Continued on Page 17.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. 9.
Letters
Dealing with our problems NOTWITHSTANDING the progress SVG might have made over the last seventeen years or so, no right-thinking Vincentians would dispute that we are currently facing some difficult times. The problems are many, but two that spring to mind are crime and health. This is not an apology on behalf of the government, but it must be that the government
is finding it difficult to sort through these two issues. I am of the humble opinion that, while it is important to address the issues in an immediate manner, this could well mean that we are plastering the sore and not truly treating it. A government is not only responsible for dealing with the immediate, but it must show that it has the
ability to look ahead. Short term ‘solutions’ often result in greater problems — it’s like digging a hole to fill a hole. Government must begin to involve the widest possible crosssection of people, experts in and out of government — all the stakeholders as we like to say — in coming up with a medium to long term plan to address these
THERE IS A marvellous verbal portrait of a virtuous woman that is found in Proverbs 31 commencing at verse 10 and ending at verse 31. The smooth flow of the narrative is interrupted by a pertinent and searching question - a question which requires serious consideration. The question is this: ‘Who can find a virtuous woman? Her price is far above rubies’. That is, in terms of her worth and importance, she is inestimable or above price. The question does not suggest that such a woman is non-existent, but that such a woman is rare or hard to find or not common — and that she is more valuable than rubies. The descriptive power and beauty of the language make the narrative amazingly delightful and sobering when meditated upon..
What are some of the demonstrated virtues or qualities of such a woman like your mother — Mother Theresa Francis? (1) Such a person is hardworking and productive (2) She is a wise entrepreneur or businesswoman (3) She manages her time well in order to maximise her productivity and usefulness. She is a woman of lofty dignity and she is debonair (4) She is a good organiser — methodical and meticulous in her operations (5) Compassionate — always seeking to identify the needs of others in order to find solutions for them. (6) Respects others worthy of respect, and encourages others to be worthy of respect.
(7) She is generous — and is always willing to share her time, talent and treasure as a demonstration of her love. (8) Gives good advice that will promote the welfare of others, that will lead to a life of worship and obedience to the Almighty, so that one may seek to do what will give priority to the things of God, so that one may enjoy life and live it more abundantly. Hers was a quality life of triumph and persistence. After all, your mother has given birth to the greatest Prime Minister in the Commonwealth and arguably one of the greatest heads of State anywhere on this globe. What a woman! These are qualities that lead to a life of honour, a life that will elicit praise and promote
two issues in particular. If it doesn’t, it will always remain on the back foot when the ball is zeroing at their head. We need to admit that we are facing problems of crime and an inadequate health service, and get down to addressing them with some serious… and stop playing politics with the issues. Harry S.
Mother Theresa Francis
Walking on Wet Tiles IT IS IMPORTANT that, whenever we see anything amiss in our environment and surroundings where it puts the public at risk, we bring it to the fore. And those of us who are able to speak for the less privileged and to reach the higher-ups with our means and influence, should also avail ourselves of that opportunity to make a difference. Upon my visit to the Financial Complex last week, I became very much aware of the tiles that are placed on the ground floor, especially those at the entrance of the Complex. The matter concerns the tiles, specifically those at the entrance of the Financial Complex and generally all the tiles on the ground floor, which are exposed to rain and water, and which, as a result, pose a very serious risk to the public’s health and safety, as they are forced to walk on those wet tiles to go about their business. There is no question that one has to walk carefully and gingerly on those tiles when they are wet. And even so, they risk falling and causing severe bodily harm.
Editor’s Note: Perhaps the authorities could take a lead from what has obtained at the ‘new’ Customs and Excise building (entrance to the port), where a similarly threatening model used on the floor of the walkway to the entrances, had to be uprooted and replaced, albeit, only after a citizen slipped, fell and lost consciousness.
THANKS to Mrs. Andrea Bowman for all that she has done at our beloved Girls’ High School (GHS) and beyond. As she retires from the school, we want to wish her all the best in the future. We love her and are so very proud of her and what she has accomplished during her thirteen-year tenure at the helm. Mrs. Bowman started on pre-retirement leave from this iconic institution on July 14, 2017. Always readily approachable, it has been so very easy to communicate with her over the years. She has been a commendable steward in maintaining strong values, high standards and loyalty to the school. Good job. Here’s an acrostic prayer for ANDREA (A)lmighty God and Father, we thank you for Andrea (N)ow we pray that as she goes forward, you (D)eliver unto her love, joy and peace in her (R)etirement from GHS, and continue to guide her (E)ach and every day (A)lways and forever. Amen. Cheryl Phills King
personal development and worth and lead to enjoyment and satisfaction in life — Proverbs 31 extols the qualities of the life of a noble woman. (9) In the training of her children, your mother was guided by Proverbs 22:6 and was excellent in the execution of the elements of training. Young men and women can learn from this noble woman. By fearing God, they can live wisely and righteously. This is the message of the Proverbs.
I witnessed with my own two eyes two persons coming up the steps onto the wet tiles, as it had just rained, and one of them slipped and had to be held R. Theodore L.V. Browne by the other person to escape a fall. I have, therefore, made it my business to sound the alarm and to raise the red flag on those smooth tiles on the ground floor of the Financial Complex. I am calling on the relevant authorities to look into this matter and address this serious problem by having those tiles removed and replaced with rough surface tiles for the safety of all. Mr. Vincentian Citizen
Girls’ High School - Thanks, Mrs. Andrea Bowman
CONDOLENCES The National Council of Women of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (NCWSVG) joins with the nation in expressing sincere condolences to the family and friends of Oscar Allen. While we share in the grief of having lost someone we consider a kindred spirit, we are encouraged by the life of sterling contribution he lived. His life was the epitome of humility which endeared him to the many lives he touched. This nation is better off for having had Oscar live and work among its people. May he forever rest in peace. Beverly Richards President NCWSVG
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Moving forward together with our youth THE PUBLISHING of students’ names who are experiencing difficulties in repaying their student loans is a deliberate attempt by the Unity Labour Party (ULP) regime to name, shame and humiliate, young, bright, talented and ambitious Vincentians. The New Democratic Party (NDP) condemns such a despicable act, and promises to work closely with the youth of our nation, to provide them with the opportunities, support and facilities they need to succeed as they help build a new St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In 1994, the NDP introduced the student loan programme, an initiative for which it was commended. The programme was implemented to assist children of the poor and
this in mind, the new NDP will organize targeted incentive programmes to working class to access they repay their student Information Technology encourage our youth in university education, loans when they are sector alone, in our first the many areas of nonwho, upon completion of unemployed? The ULP year in office. academic achievements. their studies, were regime has failed to Moreover, we will Furthermore, the NDP expected to contribute to provide the jobs for the increase and diversify will implement and the economic and social youth — jobs promised the scholarship promote a wide-ranging development of the since 2001. programme. The existing suite of awards for youth country. Now, some What it, the ULP has scholarship programme achievement. We will students have completed done instead, is to will be improved to offer encourage youth their studies but are not pursue policies that have a wider variety of achievement in all areas given the opportunity to damaged the economic opportunities for young by promoting a widecontribute to national prospects of the country people to access higher ranging suite of national, development. Instead, and have provided not a education, in properly regional and they are humiliated by field of dreams, but a accredited universities international awards, an uncaring regime. reality of rising and colleges worldwide. that will inspire and It is embarrassing, as unemployment, Scholarships will be motivate our youth. we celebrate hopelessness and apathy sourced to encourage These will include: the Emancipation Day, to see among our young people. young persons into nonNational Environmental children of the poor and The NDP has a better traditional areas of study Youth Award - a new working class being way. We see the talent and expertise, e.g. in national awards subjected to such and energy of the culture, music and programme that will humiliating treatment. country’s youth as sports. We will also recognize young people While we agree that pivotal in the effort to design and implement across St. Vincent and student loans should be move our beloved country non-academic incentive the Grenadines for repaid, we must examine forward. We are programmes for youth. projects and activities the cause or causes why committed to provide The NDP believes that that demonstrate their these students have jobs for our youth. In young people in St commitment to the defaulted on their loans. our 2015 manifesto, we Vincent and the environment; the Youth The underlying factor is stated that we would Grenadines must be Minister’s Positive Image that the students are have provided at least encouraged to believe in Awards - a programme unemployed. How can five hundred jobs in the their self-worth. With that will be run by the minister responsible for youth, to recognize the many young people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines who are working towards promoting a more - PT 13 positive image of young people, within their instructions from the father speak that he everything. schools and communities; H. POWER: He (YahShua) Jesus Christ. will give witness to the International Award (Jn 16:13). He will represents power, so as Those functions are as for Youth - an testify of Christ he enters your life you follows: internationally-sponsored (Jn 15:26). become empowered. He A. COMFORTER: award for young people E. PROPHET: He will gives you the power to Any situation that between the ages of 14 to also function in the live righteously, holy, seems to be more than 25 years; the office of the Prophet, and in an impactful you can bear, that Wavemakers - a showing you things that manner. overwhelms you, that programme to be will come to pass, things He helps you to live a saddens you, the Holy administered through yet future, your future. life of commitment, and Spirit will be there to the Youth Department He will not glorify dedication to God and provide comfort. Like a that will celebrate the Himself, but will glorify the Kingdom of Heaven mother soothing her innovative and creative (Acts1:8). baby, he will soothe your Christ, for all the excellence of young One may ask: Why pain, embrace you in his information he receives people who have done about you, your life, then do so many people loving arms, and rock something fantastic to your destiny, He struggle with sin, and you until you are change their lives and receives from Christ and live below their comforted. the lives of others. potential? Is it because B. Spirit OF TRUTH: shows it to you, in The NDP will also dreams, visions, and they are not submitted The Holy Spirit is also work to rehabilitate and prophecies (Jn 16:14). to God, so Satan and his the Spirit of truth (Jn reintegrate young F. REMINDER: He is demons have the “legal” 14:6) tells us that Jesus offenders into society. An also a reminder. He right to make their lives is the truth, and Jn unfortunate mistake reminds you of all the miserable(James 4:7)? 14:17 that the Holy made by a young person promises that Jesus Once you are not Spirit is the Spirit of should not be a sentence submitted, you will have Jesus. It is He, the Holy made to you. He reminds you that you zero resistance, but once that condemns him or Spirit who will lead you you are, the Holy Spirit her to a life of into all truth (Jn 16:13). are not your own, that you were bought with a gives you the power to hopelessness. Under a C. REPROVER: The price (C 6:20). He will live above sin; he gives new programme to be Holy Spirit is also the bring the word (Bible) the power to dream, developed by the NDP, reprover (Jn15:8). He back to your memory have visions, and young offenders will be warns the world of sin (Jn 14:26). prophesize (Acts 2:17). offered second chances and impending G. TEACHER: He is a So don’t be afraid to through targeted Judgement, but also teacher, and so he will surrender your lives to programmes of technical encourages teach you “all things”, Jesus Christ; it will be and vocational training, righteousness. all that you will ever the best decision that counselling and D. WITNESS: He is need to know in order to you will ever make. rehabilitation. Also, in also a witness. He will live a victorious, tackling the problem of not speak of Himself, overcoming, triumphant Negus Bynoe street children at the but whatever he hears life. He will teach you source, the NDP will
Colonisation and GodÊs plan for building his kingdom MANY PERSONS would just love to surrender their lives to Christ, but are scared that they will not be able to keep their commitment to him, and so “backslide”. My dear beloved friends, don’t be afraid to place your precious lives in God’s hands, because that same God, once you exercise faith in His Son, will be able to keep you from the power of sin, the penalty of sin, and ultimately from the very presence of sin. (Rom 6:14). Indeed, He who began that good work in you, will be able to complete it (Phil 1:6). Actually, keeping you saved is not so much your concern; rather it is the concern of the Holy Spirit. Your duty is to submit to God (Yahweh), and be obedient to His instructions (Jn 14:23). He will send the Holy Spirit to reside in your spirit, and he it is who will be responsible for keeping you saved (Jn 14:17). The Holy Spirit has specific duties to perform, as per
work to improve the ability of the Social Welfare Division, Liberty Lodge and the Family Court system to identify and intervene to assist children and youth who are at risk. Increased support for youth will come through the Social and Spiritual Redemption Charter. Through the Charter, every properly constituted youth organisation (Girl Guides, Boys Brigade, etc) will be given financial and other material support, and will be able to be more effective at diverting the energies of youth into productive areas. In addition, the NDP will spearhead the formation of youth committees to be attached to each ministry. These committees will be the human interface for the two-way exchange of information between the ministry and the youth, and will ensure that the ideas, opinions and viewpoints of our young people are incorporated into policy-making. Furthermore, the NDP will encourage and support the formation of a Youth Parliament, where young people with an interest in politics can develop their understanding of the practices and methods of the parliamentary system. The mentorship and career guidance programme will also be established with a view to bonding university students to giving back through lectures and mentoring at all secondary schools, upon completion of their studies. A programme will also be dedicated to encouraging and hosting annual, youth-inspired arts and cultural events, such as a Vincy poets festival and a hip-hop, dancehall, soca, calypso and rap festivals/competitions. The NDP understands the challenges that confront the youth, and is committed to provide the opportunities for them, which will improve their wellbeing and livelihood, and make St. Vincent and the Grenadines a better place.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. 11.
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The HAT of Good Governance and One thing is certain. Freedom ain’t free. Leadership
“Democracy must be built through open societies that share information. When there is information, there is enlightenment. When there is debate, there are solutions. When there is no sharing of power, no rule of law, no accountability, there is abuse, corruption, subjugation and indignation.” Atifete Jahjaga (Born 20 April 1975) is a Kosovar politician who served as the fourth President of Kosovo. She was the first female President of the Republic of Kosovo, the first non-partisan candidate, and the youngest female head of state to be elected to the top office. THE FINANCIAL CRISIS of 2008 resulted in a flurry of research projects at business schools and financial institutions. Business and financial experts sought to analyse the reasons for the dramatic financial collapse and, more importantly, sought to put the necessary precautions in place to avoid a repeat of such financial calamities. Many of these research papers pointed to the absence of good governance at the board and management levels of several institutions. The McKinsey Global Survey Results (MGSR) entitled “Governance Since the Economic Crisis” referred to several surveys and reports that highlighted the danger of having the position of Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) residing in the same individual. They stressed the danger of this especially in relation to the management of financial institutions. The MGSR also referred to the European Commission working paper of June 2010 entitled “The Financial Crisis: Inquiry Report” and the US Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission of January 2011. The latter had surveyed 545 family-owned businesses, 334 privately owned firms, and 330 publicly owned companies located in various regions, industries, and of varying sizes. The research was heavily skewed to ascertain, among other things, how well board directors performed their fiduciary duties. The results were quite revealing. The survey sought to discover how much time board members spent on different activities, how well they understand the difficulties/challenges their companies face, and what factors they considered to be most effective in improving board performance. The findings confirmed that, while some board members understood the high demands placed on the importance in relation to their oversight role, many felt ill equipped to perform these tasks. Some felt that they lacked the requisite expertise. Others admitted that they were unable to commit the time needed to perform their tasks well. They concluded that the most effective remedies would be to spend more time overall on board work, improve the mix of skills or background on the board, and have tougher and more constructive boardroom discussion. It would be interesting to conduct a similar survey among the private and public enterprises throughout the Caribbean. This writer is convinced that such a survey will confirm that many of our establishments lack adequate monitoring mechanisms and/or board members who will seek to hold the leadership and management of such enterprises accountable. Mark Rosenman published a most interesting article entitled “Dishonesty by People in Positions of Trust is Eroding Public Confidence” in The Chronicle of Philanthropy on 3 March 2014. Roseman noted that “The growing scale of self-serving and dishonest action in both public and private institutions is severely testing the trust and confidence of Americans. Nonprofit organizations, government agencies, the courts, corrections systems, corporations, and political leaders have all seen more abuses of
“If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.” Malcolm X
money and power these days than in decades.” While his comments are specific to America, we readily discover that the same applies to many of our Caribbean nations. David Jessop, a consultant to the Caribbean Council, writing in the Daily Express on Tuesday 18 July 2017 (page 13) noted that “No one reasonable would suggest that the cultures of the public and private sectors are interchangeable as there are important and justifiable functional differences between the two. However, best practice in publicly funded multilateral institutions elsewhere in the developing and developed world suggests that the time has passed when efficiency and accountability can be ignored.” His statement is pregnant with wisdom. He reminds us that efficiency and accountability must be demanded from our leaders in the public and private sectors. The absence of these will lead to inefficiencies and corruption. Honesty, accountability, and transparency (HAT) are considered critical components for good governance and democratic leadership. This applies to our leaders in business, the church, non-government organisations, and government. Democracy demands it. Wisdom lifts her voice and cries out for it. These behaviours/attributes keep societies strong. Individuals who accept positions on boards need to understand the important role that they must play in relation to their oversight responsibilities in general and their insistence on honesty, accountability, and transparency throughout the enterprise. They must ensure that the HAT of governance is evident. Based on the foregoing, the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines must understand why its citizens are demanding accountability and transparency in relation to the monies spent on the construction on the Argyle International Airport. There is no acceptable reason for refusing to account for the monies involved. The government boasts that this is the largest ever government expenditure in the nation’s history. The citizens need to know how much grant money was received, how much loan funds were secured, and so on. In addition, the people need to know how the monies were spent. As the government boasts about this large project, it should also affix its HAT of governance to the boasting. The people demand honesty, accountability, and transparency. The people also remind the members of the Board of Directors of the Argyle International Airport project that they must act at all times in the enterprise’s interest, ensuring that the organisation’s resources are used in a reasonable, appropriate, and legally accountable manner. They, along with the government, will be held accountable for the funds dispersed. As the government of this blessed land boasts of its fostering of democracy and the construction of a Caribbean civilization, the law-abiding and peaceful citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines remind its leaders of Atifete Jahjaga’s opening quotation that “Democracy must be built through open societies that share information. When there is information, there is enlightenment. When there is debate, there are solutions. When there is no sharing of power, no rule of law, no accountability, there is abuse, corruption, subjugation and indignation.” Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
TWO IMPORTANT EVENTS passed in the last few days. The elections for the Constituent Assembly in Venezuela and the 179 anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in the English speaking Caribbean. Both events represent the fight for emancipation, the hurdles and setbacks that confront a people as well as offer important insights into what is necessary if the needs of the people are to be satisfied. We had the distinct honour to travel to Caracas to witness the voting for the Constituent Assembly. Following a full month of campaigning, the people went to the polls last Sunday. The opposition elected to boycott the polls and told its supports not to participate. We did not travel all over Venezuela, and therefore cannot verify the final count of about 8.1 million voters. We travelled to and observed 3 stations in Caracas. We passed long lines of voters waiting to cast their vote at other stations. We were told by many persons that they waited hours to vote. At least, man told us he waited for five hours. We spent about 2 hours at a polling station and watched as hundreds of people waited patiently to vote. On Sunday afternoon, we visited a stadium where persons from opposition controlled areas were given the opportunity to vote. Thousands came and cast their ballots. They said as president Maduro said ‘they were voting for peace and development.’ We saw no coercion of voters by government forces. We saw an orderly effort to ensure that everyone who wanted to vote, got an opportunity to vote. We spoke to numerous election officials. We discern a depth of concern for the future of Venezuela and sincerity about the effort they were administering. We know that the western developed countries and the major media houses have had nothing good to say about the revolutionary process that was started by President Chavez following his election in 1999. We know that the major media have supported and helped to popularize the agenda of the opposition forces. We also know that the American governments led by Bush, Obama and Trump have pumped millions of dollars into Venezuela in an effort to destabilize the country and eventually retard, disrupt, distort, deform and/or overthrow the Bolivarian Revolution. We believe in the leadership of the Bolivarian Revolution because they have proven themselves to be fair and to play by the rules. Most importantly, there is absolutely no credible evidence that they are cheats. Here is the proof. Since President Chavez first won in 1999, there have been 21 opportunities for the Venezuelan people to cast their franchise in a free, fair and transparent manner. Last Sunday was no exception. In 2002, traitorous and treasonous elements in the Venezuelan military kidnapped President Chavez and declared that the government was overthrown. The US and other major western governments immediately backed the plotters and supported their illegal and unconstitutional act. The people flocked to the street in righteous indignation, and the Coup failed. The government did not execute a single one of the coup plotters. Therefore, these countries and their media houses have to morally degenerate and ethically
challeng to lecture anyone about democracy and the rule of law. On December 2, 2007, President Chavez called for a referendum, and the people voted against it. The electoral commission announced that the referendum had been defeated and the Bolivarian Government accepted the result. In 2015, the opposition overwhelmingly won the parliamentary elections, and the government accepted defeat. Following the opposition victory in the 2015 elections, some of its leaders declared that they will use the constitution to call for a constituent assembly. Some said that they will work to remove President Maduro in 6 months. Others moved to block all of the government’s effort to bring much needed assistance and benefits to the people. It was in this context that the government decided to use the sections 347, 348 and 349 of the 1999 constitution to call the vote for the constituent assembly which will give it a chance to speak directly to the people. The work and decisions of the constituent assembly must be ratified by referendum. This government has been most conciliatory. It has invited or accepted offers aimed at mediating the crisis from all quarters ranging from the Catholic Pope to Caricom and other groupings in Latin America. The opposition has refused. It wanted to bring forward the presidential elections which are constitutionally due in 2018. They failed in their referendum effort then attempted to convince world opinion that the Bolivarian Government was opposed to the referendum. In fact, it was the opposition that tried to shortcircuit the democratic process. The crisis in Venezuela is not over by a long stretch. The dark forces of domination and exploitation have their eyes on Venezuela’s enormous oil resources. The imperial strategy of making vulnerable economies ‘scream’ is in full effect. The instruments of imperial domination, IMF, World Bank as well as the rating agencies like Moody’s, Fitch, Standard and Poors are in cue issuing one negative report after the other on Venezuela. Just as in Chile before the 1973 military coup, or in Jamaica under Michael Manley, these forces organize death squads to murder, intimidate and drive fear into the minds of the people. They created artificial shortages by paying store and shop owners to close or hoard food and other necessities. They pay bus drivers to refuse to transport and deliver basic necessities. They spread false reports like that of BBC which said that over the last year, Venezuelans lost on average 20 pounds. The thousands of people we saw across Caracas or on television did not look as if they were either hungry or starving. The western media continue to engage in a steady coverage of negative reporting. They create tension and division among the forces fighting for the up-liftment of the people. This in turn creates disunity, and causes the people to question their leaders. Nah mek dem tek yo mind this time. Support the Venezuelan people in their fight for peace and democracy. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com
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Inequality causing Ârivers of bloodÊ in SVG FINANCIAL inequality and poverty is causing ‘rivers of blood’ in SVG. Black people are killing black people out of desperation and gross economic hardship. In 2016, there were about 44 brutal murders in SVG, the 8th highest murder rate per capita in the world. Our people cannot cope with the financial pressure of the almost dead SVG economy. Gonsalves’ discriminatory tax system is extremely regressive and very dangerous. It takes a proportionally greater amount of money from the indigenous black population on lower incomes. It punishes poor households as they must pay up to about 50% of their income on taxes of various kinds, including income tax, property tax, water and electricity taxes and VAT. Meanwhile, the super-rich and Taiwan fishers pay no tax. The superrich of Mustique and Canouan get away with not paying about EC$500 million of tax and customs duties, and
Taiwan gets away with not paying about EC$2.7 billion in fish tax. This is an ugly insult to the sacrifices made on behalf of SVG by the Honourable Chief Joseph Chatoyer and E. T. Joshua. Many of the poorer black population in SVG are helpless, and this financial inequality is the core factor stoking blood to run in our country. Many of the poorer black population live in destitution and squalor, because of high levels of unemployment and poverty. The danger with the regressive tax system is that it favours super-rich white migrants in SVG, who get vastly richer day by day. They buy up large amounts of land and property, and are taking over our country. In the long term, our children and grandchildren will be pushed out of their own country and have nowhere to live. Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal strongly contends that the use of the regressive and discriminatory tax
rich of Mustique and Canouan pay EC$500 million in tax and customs duties and Taiwan pay about EC$2.7 system in SVG is a social time billion in fish tax annually. bomb. SVG needs a modern economy A similar situation caused a major focused on exports. We need factories, riot in Indonesia in 1963, in which a tuna fishing and canning industry, thousands of migrants were killed and fresh drinking water exports, agrotheir property destroyed. processing and new infrastructure A similar situation developed in Fiji such as a science and technology in 1987, in which migrants took university and hospitals. This would control of the country, and this led to a create thousands of new jobs and bring military coup and social unrest, and poor households out of poverty. Fiji being restored to indigenous The tax burden on the indigenous Fijians. black population and the financial In order to play down the blood inequality between super-rich white running in SVG and the migrants and the poorer black discriminatory tax system, a report on population, is an example of economic SVGBC television on 26/07/17, claimed genocide, as it is causing so many that SVG is the first country in the brutal murders. SVG needs change OECS to deal with hunger at now to stop the ‘rivers of blood’. government cabinet level. In order to stop the ‘rivers of blood’ SVG Green Party in SVG, the regressive and www.svggreenparty.org discriminatory tax system must be https://twitter.com/svggreenparty abolished immediately. https://www.facebook.com/SVGA Green government would change Green-Party-154937087877631/ the tax system and make the super-
Three wisemen on Star F.M. - Snagg, Belmar, Browne — a very rare and unique national gem. RECENTLY, Star Radio (98.3FM) The joy they shared in the studio was a high point in the history of resulted from the great pleasure they ‘talk radio’. That was a night all enjoyed in the democratic delivery of listeners will never forget. On that compassionate service — a pleasure occasion, the programme “U.L.P. which was infectious as it escaped Speaks”, was in the nature of an from the walls of the studio of Star enjoyable, nutritious, mental feast FM and generated ecstatic delight in when three of the most articulate and the expressions of callers who were knowledgeable men in this State — overcome by a deep and emotional Edwin Snagg, Herman Belmar and sense of gratitude and appreciation Luke Browne teamed up and took to for the demonstrated love and the airways to outline the massive passionate concerns of the and revolutionary developments in Government for the welfare of the State of Saint Vincent and the Vincentians. The developments were Grenadines, under the Unity Labour mental, financial, infrastructural, Party. What a magnificent and world economical, material, personal, class team! Those on the opposite physical, spiritual, medical, social side are like an engine without spark and sentimental. plug — no ignition at all from them. The N.D.P. engine is dead. N.D.P. is Refreshing and inspirating more desperately in need of a new spark plug than of an obsolete new Oh how refreshing and inspiring leader without ignition capacity. The were the presentations of those three new leader has not given life to the wisemen who follow the Star– N.D.P — the new leader does not amount to a resurrection of the dead. Snagg, Belmar and Browne! What a contrast they posed to the often dull, To entertain ideas to the contrary lame, shallow, hollow, semi-illiterate would be a fundamental and ungrammatical diatribe from the misconception in the face of current N.D.P. without any traceable mental reality. input! No wonder that party is so rapidly disappearing and will soon Conveyors of hope lack a national presence. It was like The U.L.P. men were clear, elegant the dense darkness of the N.D.P. and factual in their pronouncements giving way to the bright and energising presence of the U.L.P. that night. In every respect, they Keep up the good work, gentlemen. were expert and effective You made the distinction between communicators on public display. night- the N.D.P and day- the U.L.P They made us proud, motivated and grateful. What a valuable lesson for very clear, unmistakeable and our young people! These men were in unforgettable — so it is not regrettable how we voted. What a essence conveyors of hope. What a disaster it would have been, if we had stunning national performance put voted otherwise! The star continues on by Snagg, Belmar and Browne who always performs way above and to shine more brightly with every passing day. Whatsoever we do shall beyond his age with a facile and fluent mastery of multiple disciplines prosper. R. Theodore L.V. Browne
V FLOW expands scholarship programme
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. 13.
Education
THIRTY-TWO YEARS AGo, under an agreement engineered by the Commercial Technical and Allied Workers Union (CTAWU), children of workers at Cable and Wireless, the then sole telecommunications service provider here, began receiving assistance towards their secondary education. Cable and Wireless has since given way to FLOW, but the programme of assistance continues. In fact, the programme has expanded to include children of customers of the service. This year, two additional scholarships have been awarded, and the value of each has been increased to $1400 a year for the first three years, and to $1600 annually from Form Four through to Tertiary level education. This year’s awardees are Ziel Cain, Naeem Greenidge, and Chavez Hull, whose parents are employed with FLOW, along with Adrian Frederick,
Romar Miller, and Sade Regisford who satisfied the requirements as children of customers. Addressing the Awards Ceremony held last Wednesday, August 2, at the Frenches House, FLOW’s Country Manager Wayne Hull described his company’s involvement in the students’ career as a “substantial investment.” He cautioned recipients to keep up with academic excellence so as to retain the benefits. Hull highlighted the importance of the Internet service, and if any scholarship holder does not have access to the Internet, Hull is pledging to have something worked out on their behalf. Senior Education Officer Dixton Findlay welcomed FLOW’s partnership with the Education Ministry, and commended the telecommunications company for their willingness to invest in education. He urged the awardees to be
Bunpan makes 2017 Educational Awards ON WEDNESDAY 19th July, 2017, the Marriaqua United Friendly Society (Bunpan) made its 46th Scholarship Award since the programme started in 1985. J-Neen Toney, a former pupil of the Kingstown Preparatory School who placed 13th for girls and 20th overall in this year’s Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA), was adjudged winner of the 2017 Bunpan Scholarship Award. She will receive fourteen hundred dollars ($1400) per year over seven (7) years, and the cost of fees for external examinations as she pursues her school programme. J-Neen, the daughter of Mr. Staff Member Mrs. Lazarine Hector Cephus Toney and Ms Sheryl presents the award to scholarship Thomas of Carriere, will begin her winner J-Neen Toney. Parents Cephus secondary school education in Toney and Sheryl Thomas look on. September at the St. Vincent Girls’ High School. The Award Ceremony heard remarks received by the audience who showed from Bunpan’s President Rickie Burnett their appreciation in rounds of applause. The society also presented one-off who gave general information on the bursaries of one hundred dollars ($100) society, and provided encouragement to to each of nineteen (19) other students the gathering comprised of pupils and who passed CPEA. their parents/ guardians and other The ceremony also included lively supporters of the society. entertainment provided by singers The motivational speaker was Mrs. Anelia Williams and Brianca Matthias. Olivia Da Silva who delivered an The Society, through its Trustee excellent address from the background of a retired senior educator and a Christian Garvin Jackson and Manager Margaret Clarke wished the students and their parent. She emphasized the necessary parents success in their educational and crucial role of parents in the moral journey in the years ahead. and educational guidance of their (Contributed) children. Her address was very well
Scholarship and bursary recipients with FLOW’s Country Manager – Wayne Hull (extreme right) and Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager -Nikala Williams. disciplined, diligent and “make sure that you manage your time properly.” And while he acknowledged the value of Internet facilities, Findlay advised users not to waste time on social media. “Use it to make you a better person,”
Findlay outlined. The Senior Education Officer also implored parents to guide their children so that they learn to take care of resources available to them.
KCCU keeping up the momentum SIX STUDENTS benefitted big time from increased allowances offered by the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union (KCCU). Ashlyn Francis, Gabriella Hillocks and Nicholas John received scholarships based on their performances in the recent Some of the 2017 recipients of the KCCU Education Caribbean Assistance Programme that is now in its 22nd year of Primary Exit operation. Assessment, and three other be afraid of failing. “In students, Daequan Lynch, KCCU scholarship failing there are a donations. This year, Lyndisha Cruickshank thousand lessons,” he however, she said, was and Karen Providence, indicated. whose parents are KCCU characterised by an The gathering also increase - four to six- in members, have had their secondary education taken the number of scholarship heard from Chante recipients, and an increase Melville-Francis who can care of by the KCCU. be considered a product of in the value ($1,000) of Additionally, two KCCU. bursaries were provided to each scholarship award. She received a KCCU Sheddie Conliffe, Head Vonique Samuel and academic scholarship and Ciara Richards. of Science at the Thomas after five years at the Some sixty other Saunders Secondary Girls’ High School, students received a School, delivered the secured a two-year contribution from KCCU feature address at the extension to facilitate her to assist with their annual Kingstown secondary education. Cooperative Credit Union tertiary education. She worked at the Addressing the Annual Scholarship awards. Kingstown branch of the KCCU Scholarship He reminded the Awards Ceremony on students that even though KCCU from 2014 to 15, Thursday 27th July at the the CPEA was finished, it and is currently pursuing studies towards securing a Peace Memorial Hall, was not the end of the Bachelor of Law degree, Kingstown, Marcelle road, and encouraged made possible through a Alexander, Chief them to, “Keep the same Executive Officer acting, effort and enthusiasm,” … student loan from KCCU. “KCCU has always traced the KCCU from its since, “You are at a cross been there encouraging beginning April 12, 1958. road.” me. And I am sure it is She referred to ‘this Even when there are ceremony’ as being the disappointments, Conliffe not going to change,” 22nd consecutive year of urged the awardees to not Melville-Francis declared.
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14. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
Community
Clinics receive supplies from Brooklyn group by GLORIAH...
Members of the United Vincy Cultural Club with Consul General Howie Prince (extreme left), SNO Cecile James-Samuel (3rd from left front) and Secretary of the Dental Clinic, Natisha Franklyn (4th from left front). Dr. Roxie Irish, President of UVCG is (pictured 3rd from right).
LED BY ITS PRESIDENT, Dr. Roxie Irish, and in the presence of SVG Consul General to the United States of America, Mr. Howie Prince, some seven members of United Vincy Cultural Group (UVCG) of Brooklyn, USA, handed over quantities of medical and dental supplies to clinics here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The handovers took place during the week beginning on Thursday, 20th July. The benevolent mission began at the Buccament Medical and Dental Clinic, during which Consul General Prince and other members of the UVCGB made remarks.
Remarks In his remarks, the Consul General likened the group to those whom the Bible talked about who gave a glass of water to the thirty, made a visit to the prisoner, and reached out to the sick. “That is exactly what is happening today,” he said, “people who see the need to do the mission right.” He expressed his delight in being associated with the group who has made it their mission to do something meaningful that would touch the lives of their brothers and sisters. “We may hear on the radio that SVG needs medical supplies, therefore, this comes at the opportune time. When you are in need and someone hands you what you need, that’s a friend indeed,” he went on to state. He alluded to being humbled by being “on the ground” during such an occasion; to actually see how a ‘drive’ in the United States translates into donations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He concluded by commending the UVCG for “doing the Lord’s mission”. Secretary of the group, Lilius Hamblin, a former nurse in SVG, spoke of her alarm to see the supplies thrown away in New York where she worked, and reported on her enthusiasm to join the group to assist in procuring some of the
supplies, for a cause which was into its 36th handover to clinics here. “We try our best to get the supplies. Whatever you ask for, we try to supply it,” she explained. A quantity of items was then presented to Senior Nursing Officer, Community Nursing Service, Cecile JamesSamuel, who received same on behalf of the Buccament Health Centre. The dental supplies were received by secretary of the Dental Clinic, Natisha Franklyn.
Words of thanks SNO Cecile JamesSamuel, in accepting the donation, extended a hearty ‘thank you’ to Dr. Irish and her team. “I hope that we can move forward with the trust that has been established, so that the people of Buccament could continue to benefit from your contribution towards healthcare,” she acclaimed. Natisha Franklyn echoed similar sentiments when she said, “We thank you for your consideration for having us in mind. We are much thankful because many have been coming here and we find ways to help them, but today has been a breakthrough for us, and we want to say, thank you.”
Other donations Similar donations were made to the Calder and Diamonds Health Centres (Monday, 24th) and the Lewis Punnett Home (Tuesday, 25th). Two clothes drives were conducted at Georgetown on Wednesday 26th and in Barrouallie on Thursday 27th. According to one member of the mission team, the group leaves SVG (Monday 31st) further resolved in its drive to fill the void for the provision of medical and dental supplies to our clinics here. This will continue in 2018, with an ongoing drive and group visit to SVG in 2019.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. 15.
News
Oscar remembered
BRO. OSCAR ALLEN was remembered at the Emancipation Breakfast, Prayer and Cultural activity, held at the Green Bay Moravian Church, St. John’s Antigua. The Emancipation activities in Antigua are organized annually by that country’s Reparations Commission. Sis Ingrid O’Marde read a poem penned by Bro Oscar, and offered prayers for the fallen Caribbean Hero. Plans are afoot to hold a special memorial service for Oscar here in SVG. Those whose lives he touched in indelible fashion, especially during his years of labour in the cause of advancing the concept of the New Caribbean Church, are taking the lead in this regard.
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16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
News
Suspense lingers as victim remains critical
Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS RUDOLF ANDREWS, 34year-old pest technician of Campden Park, was remanded on Monday after being charged in connection with an incident at Union Island, which left 72-year-old Lawrence Alexander hospitalized in critical condition. Andrews was not required to plead to unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm to Alexander with intent, when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. Alexander, retired fisherman of Union Island, was reportedly struck in his head with a stool at a Bar in the Southern Grenadine
island on July 25. In objecting to bail, Prosecutor Station Sergeant Elgin Richards
informed the Court that Alexander was warded in the Intensive Care Union of the Milton Cato
Memorial Hospital with an injury, and the only mobile part of his body since was his neck.
Browne remanded Andrews until August 7, at which time the Court will have a medical
update on the victim’s condition, and the issue of bail will be reviewed. THE VINCENTIAN understands that Attorney Samantha Robertson is representing Andrews, but lawyer Ronald Marks held papers in Court for her in relation to the case, as she was engaged in another matter before the High Court.
Man falls asleep with cocaine CALVERT FARRELL had fallen asleep, apparently with his next cocaine ‘hit’, when Constable Nigel John nabbed him at Port Elizabeth, Bequia last Sunday, July 30. Farrell pleaded guilty to possession of 0.11 of a gram of cocaine when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. The Court heard that around 2 a.m. on the date in question, PC John was on patrol duty along the Port Elizabeth public road, when he saw Farrell sleeping opposite the vegetable market with a bag next to him. The lawman woke him, identified
himself as a police officer, and asked Farrell if the bag belonged to him. The defendant replied in the affirmative, and the officer requested a search, to which Farrell consented. A search of the bag revealed a match box with a single aluminum foil wrapping containing the cocaine. When cautioned and questioned, Farrell told the officer, “John, ah my coke; give me a chance please.” But there was no chance for Farrell, as he was arrested, charged and subsequently taken before the Serious Offences Court, where he was sentenced to three months in prison.
This is what one gram of cocaine looks like. Imagine what 0.11 gram would look like.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. 17.
Community Feature
Address the holes before they become caves “B0-ULTAN’s HERITAGE CAVES”, the hole in the wall which protects the eastern side of the Arnos Vale Playing Field, will not in a hundred years develop to the point of matching in enchantment of the impressive HARRISON CAVES of Barbados, but they certainly are an important measure of the maturity and the dependability of the persons we here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have commissioned to administer our affairs. This hole, which the authorities have seemingly abandoned for nature to take its course on, is clearly a threat to the integrity of the playing field. A team of about twelve persons from BRAGSA, had occasion to visit the area in relation, they said, to assess river embankment enhancement. They had stood a few feet away from the hole, and they gave the impression, or rather they indicated, that they were going to return, to do the necessary remedial work. They have not yet returned, and that was about nine months ago! These BO-ULYAN’s CAVES (HERITAGE CAVES) certainly have some important lessons for us, and about us, so much so, that we ought to be asking ourselves: Why have we become so indifferent to our own welfare? Why have we been permitting persons who had not hitherto
exhibited any profound disposition to contribute to our welfare and advancement? Why have we given them such ‘free reign’ to waste our resources?” For certainly, spending fifty-four million dollars ($54M) on the sprucing up of the field in 2007, and then leaving it to deteriorate to the extent it has, is indeed a graphic testimony of Neglect, Mismanagement and Wastage. Another pertinent question is: What do people, our visitors, think of us, when they see the abandonment of our infrastructure, our iconic buildings like the Central Police Station, our public spaces like ‘Little Tokyo” and the Meat Market, the rails at the side of our road-ways and bridges, left un-repaired for years?” The neglect and mismanagement which have contributed to the formation and growth of these BO-ULYAN’s CAVES at Arnos Vale, seem to be phenomena, so pervasive and entrenched, that it would need a concerted effort of committed citizens, who are sufficiently incensed by the distinct decline, the “retrogression” which has been in evidence for an extended period in this beautiful land of ours. For too many years, our administrators have been sending the wrong
Laughter is therapy Continued on Page 22. things were going on in the tourist island. She replied that they were hampered in their projects by constant thefts, of which she related the latest. One of her company’s most trusted workers had been caught red handed with expensive building material, and was fired on the spot. About three weeks later, when the circumstances of that theft had supposedly cooled down, his mother came to plead for her son’s re-employment. When all her imprecations and pleas appeared to be making little impression, she dropped the clanger. “His last bit of stealing was to put the finishing touches to the home he was building and is now completed. Give him another chance please. He has no cause to steal again!”. My own favourite concerns my friend, ‘Do-So’ of Georgetown, a notorious fraud. Out of pocket one Sunday, ‘Do-So’ conceived a scheme of making a quick buck without sin. He deprived the Anglican Church of their tilly gas lamp after Sunday morning services. He proceeded to sell the lamp and stole back the lamp to and from four hapless citizens that Sunday. By 6pm he returned the lamp to the Anglican Church in time for its Evening Song and Praise!
signals; maybe it is the fickleness of their orientation that has served to attract the wrong people. As it has turned out, we have had more than our fair share of “smart-men”, pretending to be substantial investors, who ultimately have left us with “the smelly end of the stick”. The case of David Ames, is still painfully fresh on our minds, as we count our losses, while we ponder on the pronouncement by our distinguished Prime Minister, that Ames had left the country “legitimately”. The questions still unanswered are, (1) “Who participated in his sendoff?” and (2) “Did any of our distinguished citizens participate in, and prosper from, “The Ames’s Games”? Somewhat like the BO-ULYAN’s HERITAGE CAVES, they left a big hole in our economy. And there are several other identifiable “holes” which have sucked in significant sums, like the 1.9 million dollars of the school repair programme of 2001, the mythical “Cross-Country Road”, the “Ottley Hall Enquiry”, the Owia Fishing Complex, the Housing Schemes, the Pest and Disease Control allocations for the Banana Industry, and others. There is the opinion that these “holes” and “caves” of mismanagement, have allowed for “strategic exclusive fishing”, by privileged persons, who have, on account of this, been able to stash away very healthy reserves in “safe enclaves”. Some people seem to subscribed to the view that a thoughtful examination of our business would support the conclusion that there has been the “leaching” of close to two
hundred and fifty million dollars ($250m) from our economy within the last two decades. They are drawing attention to the very obvious and dramatic deterioration of the yet unfinished LEEWARD HIGHWAY, and inviting the compassion to the quality of road surface we the Leeward Highway enjoyed for years after the between Buccament and Chauncey. CANADIANS had They have a big point! completed the section of We the citizens have a
duty to keep our eyes on these holes before they become caves. LeRoy Providence
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18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
News
Bill approved for bank share repurchase From Backpage.
loans. The BoSVG continued to do well, The background and despite the issues with the Bank of St Lucia, Gonsalves said that Dr. Gonsalves explained that 51 discussions for the merger of both percent of the shares of the then banks got underway in 2015. National Commercial Bank (NCB) However, at a meeting in 2016, the were sold to ECFH back in 2010, St Lucian administration made the partly because it was felt that point that they wanted a third pursuant to a decision made by the financial institution to get involved in Eastern Caribbean Monetary Council the amalgamation process. for the government to pursue Unresolved, this led to another amalgamations of various banks, or to meeting involving the Vincentian and have a nexus with another bank. The St Lucian governments, decision to get rid of the shares was representatives from the Eastern hastened by the economic climate Caribbean Central Bank and the third occasioned by the 2008 global economic financial institution. meltdown. Following a derisory offer made by In order to ready the NCB for sale, the third financial company and on the government of SVG negotiated the advice of Dr. Gonsalves, the St with the Caribbean Development Bank Lucian government refused to approve (CDB) for a loan of EC$100 million, to the sale of shares of ECFH to them, be used to offset what the state and with that out of the way, a (overdraft) owed to the then bank. decision was made for the directors of The hope was, then, according to the Bank of St Lucia to reassess their Dr. Gonsalves, that the BoSVG and position, clean up the bank and then the Bank of St. Lucia, which was at some point, return to discussions on majority owned by ECFH, would have a merger between both financial formed a close nexus. However, the institutions. Bank of St Lucia fell on troubled A study at that point put the assets times, not least because its loan of BoSVG as being higher than those portfolio was being stifled by an of the Bank of St Lucia. inordinate number of non-performing The decision was then taken to go
Bank of St. Lucia experienced serious losses on its loan portfolio in 2016, that caused it to decrease its share holdings in the BoSVG.
their separate ways, and for the government to purchase 31 percent of the shares, allowing ECFH to keep 20 percent. The goal for the next two to three years, according to Dr. Gonsalves, is to further strengthen the bank, “and hopefully we will see one or more other financial
institutions in the region with whom we see we have to work with us.”
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. 19.
Education/Tribute
ISLAND SCHOLARS: Oscar Allen inspired it all by RONALD ROSE, President of Island Scholars Inc, Lawrenceville, NJ
ON MARCH 28, 1999, I heard a sermon that changed my life. I had come home to visit my mother Beryl Hadaway in New Grounds, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. As was our custom we attended Union Methodist church on Sunday. The sermon delivered by Oscar Allen that day was titled “Anonymous Service”. Oscar implored the congregation to actively serve their community and do it without fanfare or need for recognition. I was so inspired by Oscar’s message, after church I told Kenneth “Bonnie” Jackson who was seated next to me that I wanted to help the community served by the church. Later that week Kenneth Jackson informed me that there were students whose families were struggling to pay their transportation and uniform expenses. We started a program to provide a monthly stipend to high-school students from the community. The program has continued for the last 18 years, with much guidance and leadership from Oscar Allen. Many students have been helped. Over the years, we became more aware that students from the community desired to attend university and needed financial help. In 2012, we began a community program called Union Methodist Alumni & Friends Scholarship Fund which, in addition to helping high school and community college students, provided financial assistance to two university students. In 2014, in consultation with Oscar and Errol Allen, I started Island Scholars to provide tertiary education scholarships
for students from anywhere in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. On Thursday, July 27th, 2017, the day before the passing of Oscar Allen, his March 1999 sermon was still having a positive impact on the lives of students in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Island Scholars awarded a total of $23,900 US to thirteen Vincentian students. Awards ranged from $1,400 to $3,000 US. In addition, a special onetime award of $2,000 US was given to Cherise King. Twenty-seven students have now received financial support through this program. None of this would have happened were it not for Oscar Allen’s inspiring sermon in 1999. Oscar’s incredible legacy will live on forever. Island Scholars awarded scholarships to the following students: Laurice Bailey - UWI Trinidad - Biotechnology & Microbiology; Tamara Browne - UWI Open Campus - Accounting; Stevern Cupid - UWI Open Campus - Early Childhood Education; Marcella Dublin - UWI Mona - Biotechnology; Chezelle Hackshaw UWI Open Campus Education Leadership & Mgmt.; Cherise King UWI St. Augustine -
International Relations; Ramona Mc Dowall UWI - Mathematics Education; Amber-Marie Murphy - Trinity Medical School - Medicine; Keneisha Ollivierre UWI Open Campus Early Childhood Development; Aaliyah Providence - UWI Mona Computer Science; ,Kimron Shallow - UWI Open Campus CEconomics; Richard Smith - Univ. of T&T Nautical Science & Marine Ops.; Leanna Sutherland - UWI Cave Hill - Psychology; Connice Trimmingham ,University of South Florida - Economics. Scholarship recipients are eligible to have their awards renewed if they maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better and continue to ,have a financial need. Leana Sutherland received a special award ,of $2,000 US from Jacqueline Shu of California in support of her interest in performing arts and special education. I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to Sir Errol Allen, Attorney Louise Bowman, Dr. Tera Hunter, Dr. Michael Joshua, Christina Shu, Dr. La Fleur Stephens and Bert Williams for their work on the very difficult tasks of
determining the scholarship recipients and raising money to support the organization. Very special thanks to Jacqueline Shu who, like most of our donors, has no connection to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but heard about the need and sacrificed $2,000 US to support Leana Sutherland. We encourage others to support this very important program through donations. Our website is www.islandscholars.org. Donations are tax deductible if you live in the US.
Oscar Allen
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20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
Advice
A sorry three-way affair I was pregnant. I went to his house to tell him I was pregnant, and was THIS BUSINESSMAN in shocked to find him in Kingstown has been very bed with my mother. My kind to me. He paid my mother didn’t know we school fees and for my had a thing going. I exams. confronted him, and my I passed nine out of mother was annoyed that eleven subjects, and he I had invaded her invited me to his house privacy. She asked me to for a celebration party. When I got there, he was leave, and although I told her there and then the only person there. that I was pregnant for He convinced me to that sad excuse of a man, have a few drinks, even though I told him I didn’t she said I was only trying to be spiteful. drink alcohol. Then he I asked my mother invited me to dance with him, and that was when why she was sleeping with another man when he started fondling me. To be honest with you, it she was married to my father, and she said, felt good. During the “Wherever he is, he is dance, he admitted he doing the same thing.” was waiting patiently I’m crushed right now. until I was eighteen years old to touch me in My head is in a spin and I cannot count on my that way, but only if I mother to help. agreed to it. Next, he promised me lots of Shattered hopes things if I had a sexual relationship with him. I Dear Shattered hopes, agreed. We slept together a Sad situation indeed. few times until I realized Try to reach out to your
Dear George,
mother again. By now she would have time to digest what you said to her about being pregnant for this man. If that doesn’t work, find someone, such as a professional counsellor, to talk to. It is not the end of the world, and you can be guided to make responsible decisions from this point on. Your mother may have been having issues with the relationship between her and your father and kept it hidden. That, however, does not make
sleeping with someone else the correct thing to do. Both of your parents would have to deal with that part of it. You should now concentrate on you and your future. This relationship with this man cannot be the road map to a happy life. You need to step back and reset your compass. While you are at it, it won’t hurt to do a HIV test to make sure your health is intact.
George
ÂBoth ah demÊ Dear George, THERE ARE TWO women in my life, and none of them wants to leave. I told them if both of them decide to stay, I’m ok with it, but they are asking me to choose one of them. I know my choice would cause trouble, which is why I don’t want to choose.
Not sure
A ÂstudÊ for a boyfriend Dear George,
THERE ARE AT least five women in my village who are regular sexual partners for my boyfriend. In fact, they have confessed to me that he is a true “stud”, and they have no problems sharing him with me. I asked my boyfriend about it and he did not deny any of it. He said I should be honored to be with him, especially since so many women are looking to him for sexual satisfaction. He went further and said that married women “all over” are begging him to sleep with them, all because their husbands cannot perform like they used to. George, I want to leave him, but the truth is I will miss the sex and I cannot afford to do without that. He is a good man otherwise, and the best lover I’ve ever had. I do not want to share him, but at the same time I don’t want to lose him.
Undecided Dear Undecided,
Dear not sure, Only you can decide on what you want. You need to act responsibly and get these women or one of them out of your life. You cannot be with both and live peaceably. The choice is yours.
George
You cannot have it both ways without paying a price. Being with a man who sleeps around has its consequences including the risk of contracting HIV. It is you who have to decide whether this sharing of the man of your dreams is what you really want. If it is not, then you have to be clear, and communicate that to him. Your boyfriend needs to recognize you as the total package, but that too has to be part of your challenge.
George
Leisure
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Don't overspend on luxury items. Your mate will enjoy helping out. You have made an accurate assessment of the situation and have come up with ideas that will save money. Rewards, gifts, or money from investments or taxes can be expected.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Acceptance will be necessary. You will be in an overly generous mood this week. You can easily wrap up overdue personal legal matters that have caused problems for you. Problems with ear, nose, or the throat are likely.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Entertain in your home and make aesthetic enhancements that will please those who reside with you. You will have to be sure not to burn the candle at both ends. You can certainly gain popularity; however, don't do it by paying for everyone else. If you can't get away, make plans to do something special with friends or relatives.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Watch your weight gain due to water retention. Visit friends or relatives who have been confirmed. Be prepared to lose friends or alienate other people if you insist on being stub born. Your temper could be short if someone criticizes your efforts.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Get on with your life. Children may cause limitations. Don't divulge secret information. Don't blow situations out of proportion. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Don't take advantage of your expense account. You will have no problem getting along with clients. Don't let domestic problems interfere with your objectives. You may find that children are not as accepting as you have been. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Your passionate nature may make you jealous if your mate has been too busy to take care of your needs. You may have more to do with children this week; keep an open mind. Don't let situations get out of hand. Involvement with prestigious organizations will be to your advantage. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You could be blind to the defects of those you love. Deception is likely. You may find that someone you really cared for in the past has come back into your life. You could pick up valuable knowledge through conversations with experienced individuals.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Be discreet about your personal life or whereabouts. Be mysterious. If you want to make your mark, try to get involved in projects that will bring you some glory. You're eager to learn. Don't let children hold you back from doing things you enjoy. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Travel could turn out to be more exciting than you imagined. Don't put limitations on yourself. Don't jump the gun; you may find yourself getting angry at the wrong person. You may find it difficult to communicate. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You can make gains if you look at long-term investments. Your creative input will be appreciated by your boss. You have your own family to consider as well. Go after your professional goals. Try to keep your opinions to yourself. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You have a tendency to think that no one else will do things properly. Investments concerning your residence will be profitable. Talk to someone you trust in order to see the whole picture. Social functions will bring you in touch with new lovers.
ACROSS 1.Kiln for drying hops 5. Widen 11. Showing unusual talent 12. Wretched 13. Make healthy 14. Riddle 15. Hero of the Odyssey 17. Vandal 18. Label 19. Having little hair 20. Baked dough 23. Trousers 24. The back of 25. Young bear 26. Donkey 27. Burrowing rodents 31. Stupid person 33. Adjoin 34. Adhere closely 35. Basic unit of heredity 36. Herdsman 37. Examination
3. Kill 4. Communications satellite 5. Nerd 6. Charged particles 7. Wreath of flowers 8. Tall slender hound 9. Uproar 10. Antelopes 16. Sorrowful 19. English DOWN mathematician 1.Island of Hawaii 2. Second son of 20. Tree limb Adam and Eve 21. Recoil
22. Christian festival 23. Tavern 25. Provide food 27. Split apart 28. Mountain
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. 21.
goat 29. Large marine food fish 30. Stalk 32. Roll of bank notes
V Free our homes; free our land 22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
Opinion
men and women who are trapped in social ills, NOTHING IN LIFE comes with the mindset that free, not even freedom. they cannot do better? For too long we have Why is it we grow up, been chained. Trained to afraid to think, speak or think that we are still act as a responsible, enslaved and the only independent man? The way of escape is to way we train our complain; to complain children will determine about these chains. the number of chains we Some have been held eliminate, or we occupy. captive physically, some In many homes, from a have been stapled to very young age, children their past, and some have are told to “shut up”. Not been locked up in their shut up because they’re mind. We are, for too being rude. Not shut up long, strangers to because the forum is emancipation. inappropriate. But shut The light of freedom is up, shut up because there, and it is in our “your thoughts are homes. invalid”, “you’re not How often do we bright enough to converse wonder why things are with us”. Shut up, the way they are? How because “you are often do we observe the nobody”. Then we expect by VAKEESHA JOHN
these children to grow up and be critical thinkers, to contribute to nationwide issues, to understand what “freedom of speech” is, and to be men and women who’d make great choices. All of a sudden, they’re adults and should be able to think, to speak, to choose, to impact a nation. In many homes, children are “independent”. They’re old enough to “go in deh book”. They’re big enough to prepare their meals. They have enough sense to “fend for themselves”. And then, we wonder why so many of us think we’re an island. We wonder why everyone feels the need to suffer
Caribbean boys and girls must have a happy, equal and uplifting experience. their own pain and not ask for help, not cry out. We see them wanting to “hustle their own dollar”, make a life for themselves, get what they need whether legally or illegally...all because “we’re independent”. In our homes, sex is just another activity. Our children are abused and we say nothing. We believe it’d get better. She/he would grow out of it. “It’s only for a time, it will get better.” When are we going to realize that the way he/she grows might just be the way he/she would stay? Why don’t we just deal with it NOW? NO, now is too early; emancipation day is coming up. “Let’s wait.” In our homes, we teach them to go to Sunday School. We tell them about God and how it is good to live for him. But
of course we can do otherwise. “We’re big.” We tell them to forgive, but we are not ready for that. “I will deal with it in my way.” But oh, don’t forget kids, always forgive. Ha! Still, in our homes, the boys are allowed to go anywhere and to be boys; forgetting that eventually they’d need to be men and they must be taught how to be a man. Our boys are allowed to roam the streets, to do “manly things”, failing to realize that the way things are, our boys are at the same risks of danger as our girls. But no, let them go. Let the girls stick around and clean the house, cook the food and “be a woman”. We still have the traditional role for women, yes in our homes. In our homes, we preach alone. We preach
that this is how you should grow, this is what you are expected to do, and forgetting that we are mirrors and our children’s future is reflected in “them”. We say one thing, yet do another. “Drinking is not for you”, but of course the parents can. “Cigarettes mash up yuh lungs”, but the parents’ lungs and liver are mature enough to survive. “Never hit a woman or allow a man to hit you”, but we show them what it’s like and how it should be done. Believe it, in our homes, there’s no love. Hug who? Chat about what? Why must I say I love you, I ain’t done make you? “Well, that’s enough.” We fail to love our children, tell them how wonderful they are, build their self-esteem. But yes, yes of course they should be loving! Why are they fighting in schools? Why do they seek attention 24/7? The love would come, they would be caring citizens, letting their light shine in our country. So, in our homes, there needs to be change. There needs to be an end to violence, hatred, depression, silence, sexual abuse and the many other things that stifle us. The rocks and beaches cannot build this country. We are the people. We have to make the difference. We have to be the ones to reach out and grab emancipation, by putting an end to everything that has kept us in bondage. Some wise men and women once said these words: “The hope of a nation depends on the character of a home.” “The ruin of a nation begins in the home of its people.” “The strength of a nation is derived from the integrity of the home.”
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. 23.
SVG last in WISG⁄ Grenada wins sixth straight
Track and Field action in the females’ 4 x100m. Right: SVG’s male Basketball MVP – Marcus Thomas receiving his award from Winlott Inc. chair- Murray Bullock. HOST ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES finished last, while Grenada pouched the CBN/ Winlott Inc. Windward Islands Schools’ Games for the sixth straight year, when the 2017 edition ended last Saturday. While St Vincent and the Grenadines did not win any of the disciplines, Grenada took charge of five titles. SVG’s best showings were second places in Football, Male Volleyball and Male Basketball, and third place in Track and Field. The host was at the back of the pack in Netball, Female Volleyball and Female Basketball. The young Vincentian footballers beat St Lucia
4-1 and Dominica 4-2, but were beaten by Grenada 3-1. In Male Volleyball, SVG handed St Lucia and Dominica 3-1 beatings, but lost to Grenada 1-3. And, in Male Basketball, the Vincentians led St Lucia 63 — 47 and Dominica 7063, but went under to Grenada 57-59. Grenada triumphed in the disciplines of Track and Field, Football, Male Volleyball, Male Basketball and Female Basketball. St. Lucia took the Netball title and Dominica the Female Volleyball. St Lucia retained their overall second
Derron RouseFootball, Male VolleyballMarcus Thomas; Male Basketball- Nicholas Lewis; Track and FieldZita Vincent, while Sherese Cyrus was the Female Basketball Awards recipient. The other Vincentian Last Saturday night at awardees were Joelisa a closing ceremony held Ollivierre — Female at the West St George Volleyball and Azuba Secondary School, the Delpesche- Netball. outstanding performers Grenada’s Claudson in each of the disciplines, Samuel was Track and along with the first, Field’s Victor Ludorum second and third place and Rochelle Etienne of teams, were awarded St Lucia- the Victrix with trophies and Ludorum. medals. The 2017 WISG ran St Vincent and the from 22nd to 29th July. Grenadines Most St Lucia will host the Valuable Players were 2018 edition.
place, while Dominica, who tied for the third spot with St Vincent and the Grenadines when the WISG were held in Grenada, maintained their spot, as the Vincentians slipped down to the bottom.
Vincentian officials told to up their game VINCENTIANS WHO OFFICIATED in the 2017 CBN/ Winlott Inc. Windward Islands Schools Games (WISG), have been told to up their game. This scolding was delivered by Anthony Benjamin of Grenada as he spoke on behalf of the other team managers, at last Saturday’s closing ceremony at the West St George Secondary School. Benjamin stated forcefully, “We are still seeing areas in officiating that were not close to even being good... And I am not saying this to criticise the officials because without the officials the games cannot run. I
saying this as a means of sensitising St Vincent (and the Grenadines) to try as much as possible next time around to get your officials ready, because to us, it seems as though you were not ready.” Benjamin referenced to a case in point in Basketball. According to him, “We had to spend too much time on it because it should have been a rule that the officials of St Vincent (and the Grenadines) and the other officials in Basketball should be aware of.” Reports are that local officials goofed in several technical areas, including the markings at the court used for
Basketball at the Keartons facility and for the Track and Field event at the Arnos Vale Playing Field. Benjamin, however, praised the Local Organising Committee, whom he applauded for listening to the managers’ day to day queries, which he said resulted in “improvements.” Meanwhile, speaking as well at the closing ceremony, chairman of Winlott Inc. Murray Bullock, reiterated the call for a standing committee, according to him so as to ensure a “smooth running” of the annual games. The Windward Islands Schools’ Games 2017
Hosni Chandler (left), the lead scorer in Football with four goals, accepts SVG second place Football trophy from Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture – Hon Ces Mc Kie.
Anthony Benjamin, speaking last Saturday on behalf of the managers of the 2017 WISG. were held here in St Vincent and the Grenadines from 22nd to 29th July. St Lucia next hosts the games in 2018.
Passing of the baton: SVG’s Kathleen Jeffers passes the baton to Dane Magloire of St Lucia- the 2018 WISG host.
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24. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
National Tennis title holders declared
the top ranked players were determined. Amarlia Benn heads AMARLIA BENN, Taj the Women’s list, with and Ariel Ryan 6-0, 6-0. was in the ascendancy 5And, Afi Lucas was Ballantyne and Afi Lucas her sister- GabrielleMeanwhile, Gabrielle 3. the open Under-12 were crowned the Female defeated Janelle Adams, second, Alexi Hall had blanked winner, perfecting four singles, Male singles and Humphrey- third and 6-1, 6-0; Alexi Humphrey Fidel Quammie 6-0, 6-0, wins from four matches. Under-12 champions Anastacia White-fourth. 6-2, 6-1; Janelle and Darrell Franklyn 6Lucas defeated respectively, when the On the Men’s side, Humphrey 6-0, 6-0; 0, 6-1; Keshann Butcher, Chester Davis 4-2,4National Tennis likewise Ariel Ryan, 6-0, 6-0, 6-0, and Kurtley 3; Angelo Morgan 4-0,4- Taj Ballantyne is seeded Championships ended last 6-0, and got past Jack also 6-0, 6-0. 1 and 4-0,4-0, as well as number one; Kyle Hall — Saturday at the National number two, Boniface Anastacia White , 6-4, 7In addition, Hall had a Afe Lucas 4-1,4-0. Tennis Centre at Villa. Ezeokele — number three 5 and Briann Nash 6-0, 6-1, 6-0 win over Aaron Following the Benn and her twin and Agostini Soleyn6-2. Weekes and also beat completion of the sister — Gabrielle were In Men’s play, Akeizo Forde 6-4, 6-1. National Championships, fourth seed. asked to slug it out in Ballantyne had stopped the final match on Darrell Franklyn, 6-1, 6Saturday. 0, and had the same win Gabrielle won the first over Akeizo Forde before set 6-3, but Amarlia blanking Boniface THE St Vincent and the participation from over Tobago, El Salvador, bounced back to take the Ezeokele 6-0, 6-0. second 7-6. Leading 4-2 Grenadines Tennis 30 countries, for the Antigua and Barbuda, Ballantyne also in the third set, Amarlia bettered Aaron Weekes Association (SVGTA) is tournament scheduled to the Netherlands, Mexico, got the win as her sister 6-1, 6-0; Fidel Quammie piecing together plans to run from 2th to Japan, Ecuador, Peru, retired hurt. 6-0, 6-0; Keshann host another 19th August, making it Spain, Norway, Curacao, Amarlia’s journey to Butcher 6-0, 6-1, and International Tennis one of the largest entries Suriname, Jamaica and the final saw her beating Agostini Soleyn 6-1, 6-1, Federation (ITF) Junior since the tournament host St Vincent and the Briann Nash 6-1, 6-0, to set up a meeting with Tennis Tournament. started here back in Grenadines. and Alexi Humphrey 6-1, Kyle Hall in the final. However, it will only 2007. Tournament Director6-4. Amarlia also The final, though, was be the Under 18s that Among the countries Anthony Boyea indicated downed Janelle anti-climatic as Hall was will be hosted at the set to participate are the that Saturday 12th and Humphrey 6-0, 6-0; forced to retire with a National Tennis Centre USA, Guatemala, the Sunday 13th are the Janelle Adams 6-0, 6-1; knee injury. Ballantyne at Villa. Last year, this United States Virgin days allocated for the country also had the Islands, India, Panama, qualifying phase. Under-14s which was the Bahamas, Bermuda, He said it is expected played at the then the Philippines, that over one hundred Buccama Resorts courts. Barbados, St Lucia, players will be in for the SVG will welcome Venezuela, Trinidad and tournament, which sees the main draw taking place from the 14th to 19th. Apart from the Boys and Girls Singles, there will also be the Doubles segment of both genders. Boyea noted that among the list of players is last year’s male winner- Blaise Bicknell, who was born in Jamaica but represents the USA. Bicknell will, later
Taj Ballantyne – Male Champion
SVGTA set to host ITF Junior Tournament
this month, feature in the junior segment of the US Open in Flushing Meadow, New York. Boyea revealed that at present the SVGTA is feverishly getting the courts and other amenities in tip top shape, towards hosting another successful tournament. The tournament will The courts at the be supervised by Colleen National Tennis Centre De Gannes of Trinidad being power washed last and Tobago. Saturday.
Amarlia Benn – Female Champion
System 3 Academy sends two to England for training TWO MEMBERS of the System 3 Sports Academy — Kevonte Clarke and Cameron Williams - will spend the month of August, training with the Chapeltown Football Youth Development Center programme in Leeds, England. While in England, the two will be under the guidance of Lutel James and the other coaching staff engaged in the Chapletown Junior Programme.
Expressing a sense of satisfaction at the two promising footballers’ opportunity, founder and head man of the System 3 Sports Academy Ian Sardine said, “The boys are excited to be given the opportunity to experience football in England… It is their dream come through. “Our expectations are modest… We want the boys to first and foremost enjoy the
Tournament DirectorAnthony Boyea.
experience… We want them to get a first- hand experience of football coaching and play games against professionally trained teams/players that they can come back and pass on to the others here”. Several businesses and individuals have chipped in to realise Clarke and Williams’ trip. Among them are the National Lotteries Authority, Subway, JG Agencies, St.
Vincent Motors, Digicel, THE VINCENTIAN, Banfield’s Service Station, LOG Enterprises, SVG General Services, and the SVG Football Federation. The two boys are accompanied by Keon Clarke, the father of Kevonte. Cameron Williams (left) and Devonte Clarke on arrival in England last Tuesday
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. 25.
Sports
Up with the running The Ministry of Education has to engender a sporting culture in schools. The division between sports and education has to be bridged. An exercise like the Windward Islands Secondary Schools Games should be a signature event, and participation must be taken as a matter of pride. Sports at schools should be automatic, and preparing contingents to represent the country should be a matter of course. A chain of activities would continue to uncover the natural choices for the particular disciplines. Relevant sporting authorities must be encouraged to make their input to the development of their aspect. It is in everyone’s interest that our sporting talent is nurtured and harnessed so that they form a pool for the national gridlock. When those with prodigious talent are uncovered, there is nothing wrong with instilling special programmes to fast track their improvement. There must be the academic element for consideration and there is logic in balancing as much as suitable, practical and theoretical options. Deep and analytical approaches must be adopted in preparing our athletes. There is a tendency for persons to display a pattern of confrontation. There might be justification in the claim that in some instances, open delight is achieved in perpetuating such type of drama. We extend a vast amount of energy towards projecting unnecessary conflicts or trying to prove an aura of invincibility. On many occasions, we end up on a course of self-destruction, and in our quest for personal accomplishments, the youngsters whose interest we purport to uphold, end up suffering from collateral damage. Then we wonder and complain about today’s generation, when we are providing them with the tools to execute a suicide pact. That’s not the complete image. There are pockets of resistance, and there are youngsters destined to carry on the legacy of sporting brilliance that their forefathers have left them. There are also youngsters, youths, adults, middle-aged, and elders who still bear some allegiance to building a nation, and they will continue in helping to live up to their obligations. Congratulations to Grenada on retaining the 2017 Windward Islands Secondary Schools Games Championship. They have carved out a reputation in sports, and, inspired by one like Kirani James, it is natural gravitation for Grenadians to aspire to the track. There is no better was of developing a cadre of super athletes than knowing that one of your compatriots is in the top bracket of the 400 metre event. Kirani’s dethronement in the Rio Olympics signals no disgrace. The disappointment came as a consequence of a breathtaking surge by the South African record breaker. James has the capacity to rebound, and time will reveal his subsequent resurgence. Glimpses of Caribbean blitz are frequent episodes. Jamaica is in a category by itself. Bolt’s revelation that he started out as a cricketer, is testimony of the marriage in sporting skills. It is for the coaches, scouts, and those with a keen eye to discover. Other Caribbean islands have distinguished themselves. Even though our medal count may not be astounding, on a comparative basis, Caribbean athletes retain a high percentage on the podium. Not so long ago, almost the same set of players served the nation at both cricket and football. Still they were adept at other disciplines, like basketball and table tennis. The combination might be different today, for there has been the introduction of aspects like Cycling, Swimming, Squash, Tennis and VolleyBball. There is a natural affinity as far as the ball bounces. Parents need not be overly concerned if their children gravitate towards sports. Be firm on education, but don’t make sports an item on the banned list.
Bascombe, Daizell star for Victors One FAST BOWLER Kimson Daizell and batsman Miles Bascombe were in top form with ball and bat respectively, and helped Victors One gain first innings points over Guardian Saints in a NLA Premier Division national cricket tournament encounter last weekend. Daizell took ten wickets in the match, and Bascombe stroked an entertaining halfcentury. Guardian Saints, in reply to Victors One first innings total of 162 for 9 from 36 overs, were decimated, closing at an unbelievable 25 runs from 10.4 overs. The main destroyers were fast bowlers Daizell - 5 for 4, and Norlan
Williams - 5 for 19. Victors One’s first innings was built on 47 from Jadiel Chance and 32 from Christroy John. Terron Simon helped himself to 6 for 54. Batting a second time, Bascombe lit up the field with a sparkling 91 to push Victors One to 155 for 8 from 36.1 overs. Simon had three of those wickets, to record a 9wicket match haul. Guardian Saints were reeling on 62 for 7 from 27 overs when play ended. Daizell again was unplayable and picked up 5 for 11. In another Premier Division weekend match, Police Two took first innings points over Team Rivals.
L-R: Terron Simon had match figures of 9 for 92 for Saints; Miles Bascombe hit 91 and took 2 for 12 and Kimson Daizell took match figures of 10 for 15. Scores: Police Two 187 from 24.4 overs Selrick Caine 72, Andrew Thomas 55, Rolan Wilkson 4 for 48, Asif Hooper 3 for 57, Orlanzo Jackson 3 for 50; Team Rivals 128 from 41.2 overs - Dravid Williams 34 - Darius Martin 4 for 36, Kenneth Dember 4 for 54. Second innings scores:
Police Two 127 from 33. 4 overs - Desron Maloney 53, Kevin Abraham 22. Roneil Jeffery 3 for 17, Asif Hooper 3 for 33, Rasheed Frederick 2 for 9; Team Rivals 76 for 5 from 23 overs - Anson Latchman 55 not out. Kenneth Dember 3 for 15. I.B.A.ALLEN
Warriors, North Leeward in First Division Finals A NEW CHAMPION will be crowned in the NLA First Division National Sunday League 50 Overs. This after defending champions Smashers went under by 92 runs to Rudy’s Electrical Unique Warriors, in one of the semi-final encounters played at the Stubbs Playing Field last weekend. Rudy’s Electrical Unique Warriors will face Providence Electronics North Leeward in the finals. North Leeward earned their shot at the title when they beat the French Verandah SVG Community College by 3 wickets at Arnos Vale Two. Scores: Rudy’s Electrical
Unique Warriors 239 from 43.3 overs - Joelano Neil 63, Parnel Browne 41, Sylvester Vanloo 39, Christopher Campbell 24. Kezworth Lewis 4 for 29, Anthony Charles 3 for 60, Marvin Harry 2 for 42; Smashers made 147 from 28.2 overs - Kezworth Lewis 39, Ozico Williams 29, Rawdon Bentick 24. Reginell Jeffery 3 for 19, Joelano Neil 3 for 9, Joseph Medford 2 for 46. In the other semi-finals, French Verandah SVG Community College made 188 for 9 from 50 Overs - Alex Samuel 42, Romando Mars 31, Kody Horne 24, Zivon Walker 20. Javan Samuel 4 for 39, Sharman Hooper 3 for 24,
Kentish John 2 for 6; North Leeward 189 for 7 from 27.2 overs Bennetton Stapleton 58, Sherman Hooper 27, Vidal Joelano Neil Edwards 27. recorded the Jeremy only semi-final Haywood 4 for half century. 62. The finals will be played at the Sion Hill Playing Field on Sunday August 6th. I.B.A.ALLEN
Browne lights up Bequia 20/20 SHEM BROWNE hit a century to help Aussies beat Friendship United by 124 runs in the Bequia Premier 20/20 Cricket League on the weekend. The Aussies compiled 261 for 8 from 20 overs, inspired by a 50ball 105 from Browne. His innings included 6 fours and 10 sixes. Friendship United replied with 137 from 18.2 overs, Alrick Pompy top scoring with 29. Browne took ball in hand to return figures of 4 for 34. There were also weekend wins
for Whaleboner Superstars and Sugar Reef Bequia United. Superstars beat Davis Construction Port Elizabeth Masters by 8 wickets. Davis Construction Port Elizabeth Masters 129 for 9 from 19.1 overs - Ellis Lavia 26, Allon Foyle 20, Romaul Stowe 4 for 13, Andros Maloney 3 for 4; Superstars 130 for 2 from 10.1 overs. Zeeshan Hazel 60 not out, Ronel Allen 43. Bequia United won by 156 runs over Royal Challengers. Sugar Reef Bequia United 321 for 6 from 20 overs - Adinol Richards 61,
Casmos Hackshaw 52, Jenry Ollievierre 57, Jenson Shem Browne Ollivierre stroked 105 for 34 not out, Aussies. Clive Walker 2 for 61; Royal Challengers 165 for 8 from 17.5 overs - Kirton Lavia 56, Adinol Richards 3 for 41, Chelson Stowe 2 for 6. I.B.A. ALLEN
V SVGCA Inc. to make imprint on communities 26. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN
Sport Feature
St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association Inc., will be delving into other areas of community development aimed at effecting wider social transformation. This was revealed at a press conference held last Monday at the SVGCA Inc.’s offices at Arnos Vale. Outlining the objectives of the new undertaking was President of the SVGCA Inc. Kishore Shallow,
who stated, “Cricket has to play a greater role than just Cricket… We have to go beyond Cricket … We want to engage in different community projects … It doesn’t necessarily have to relate to Cricket but where we see opportunities for help.” Shallow added: “One project that we have actually identified is an ongoing project at Rose Place where they are trying to rebrand the
community, paint Nine Steps …We are actually going to make a contribution towards the purchasing of paint and help complete that project.” Shallow said that, once the project is complete, members of the Lennox John Academy will use the area for training. “That will be to encourage the other youngsters in the area to participate in sports, and
it will be good if Dyke Cato Kishore Shallow Denis Byam the other associations will while Zone B confirmed. come on board with that will be played at the Sion as well,” Shallow Hill Playing Field, Arnos Replacement of Roxell projected. Vale, Buccament and the John Petit Bordel Playing Return of Zonal Field. At last Monday’s press Under-15 competition St Vincent and the conference, it was It was also announced Grenadines will host the formally announced that Dyke Cato had replaced that the Zonal Under-15 Windward Islands Cricket Competition will Under-15 Tournament in Roxell John as a December, and Second Committee Member of return after a few years Vice President of the the Executive of the of dormancy. This competition will run from SVGCA Inc. Denis Byam, SVGCA Inc. said that the hosting of Cato, a former St 14th to 30th August. Vincent and the Eight teams are listed the Zonal Under-15 is geared at encouraging a Grenadines off- spinner, to compete. Zone A takes over after John’s better showing by the includes North resignation last June. Vincentians. Windward, South “We have not won the John did so following a Windward, Marriaqua Under-15 for a number of SVGCA Inc. executive and Central Windward, years…We are looking to decision to remove him with Zone B comprising as assistant coach of the have a good St Vincent Bequia and Kingstown Male Under-19 team for combined, a combination (and the Grenadines) the Windward Islands Under-15 team come of Central and South tournament in St Lucia. Leeward, North Leeward December,” Byam President Shallow and St George’s. While it projected. alluded to John’s A thirty-member is a male competition, replacement as being training squad will be allowances have been occasioned by “the recent selected from among made for two females to breach of the be included in each team. those on show in the confidentiality of our Zonal Competition, to Host venues are the begin preparation for the meetings and the public London Playing Field, declaration of your lack the Stubbs Playing Field Windward Islands of confidence in the tournament, Byam and Park Hill for Zone A, current executive body of the SVGCA Inc.” In welcoming Cato to the fold, Shallow quipped, “Everything happens for a reason, and I really believe that the opportunity to have somebody like Dyke Cato on board is a blessing in disguise … That is how the other nine members on the executive feel about this opportunity to replace Mr (Roxell) John… Since the appointment of Mr Dyke Cato, who enthusiastically accepted the vote of confidence from us, he has pledged his commitment to Cricket …There has been a seamless transition since.” Other members of the SVGCA Inc. executive present at the head table at last Monday’s press conference, were Assistant Secretary/Treasurer — Cleton Burnett and Committee Member — Roland Wilkinson.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 04, 2017. 27.
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W ebsite: h ps://www.sutherlandsrealestate.com h ps://www.sutherlandsrealestate.com Website: E-mail: sutherlandsr ealestate@gmail.com sutherlandsrealestate@gmail.com T e el: 1362 Tel: 1-784-498-1924 433-9362 784-498-1924 / 433-9
ROY ROHAN RICHARDS
RANDOLPH MARIAH BUTE
Kingdom Life Ministries Sunday 30th, July 2017 1:00 p.m.
Church of Christ Brighton Sunday 30th, July 2017 2:00 p.m.
OMIE MATHILDA VAUGHANS
OLIVE DICKSON
CARLITA CUMBERBATCH
Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Argyle 29th July, 2017 2:00 p.m.
Streams of Power Tabernacle Sion Hill Saturday 8th October, 2016 2:00 p.m.
Streams of Power Tabernacle Sion Hill Saturday 29th July, 2016 2:00 p.m.
F O R
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
S A L E
FRIDAY,
AUGUST 04, 2017
VOLUME 111, No.31
www.thevincentian.com
A.I. REAL ESTATE Calder Residential Property on 2,600 sq.ft. - $350,000.00 - H900 Lodge Village 4 bedrm Property on 3,756 sq. ft - $225,000.00 - H132 North Union 7 bedrm Property on 7,848 sq.ft. - $650,000.00 - H287 (784)- 457-2087 office (784)-533-0431 whatsapp (784)-493-9431 cell (718)-807-4376 office donp@vincysurf.com www.aisvg.com facebook.com/airealestatesvg
EC$1.50
BILL APPROVED FOR BANK SHARE REPURCHASE by DAYLE DA SILVA SPECULATION as to the source of financing for the repurchase by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines of an additional 31% of the shares in the Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines (BoSVG), has been put to rest. Legislators here, during a Sitting of the House of Assembly which began on Thursday 27th July, approved a Supplementary Estimates Appropriation Bill 2017 for the amount EC$35 million, part of which will go towards the repurchase of 31 percent of shares of the BoSVG. In fact, the passage of the Bill referred gave legitimacy to Government floating a three-year EC$35 million bond — at an interest rate of 6% per annum for three years to raise the funds necessary for the repurchase of the 31% of shares from BoSVG. The shares are being purchased at a cost EC$32,623,320 from St Lucian East Caribbean Financial Holding Company (ECFH), who previously held 51 shares in the BoSVG, which it purchased in 2010 for an amount of EC$42 million. That amount will cover the cost of 4,650,000 common shares and all other related fees and commissions.
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was buoyant as he detailed how responsive certain entities were to the floating of a $35 million bond issue for use in repurchasing controlling shares in BoSVG. The remainder (EC$2,376,680) of the amount approved, will go towards road rehabilitation
Response to Bonds Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, in tabling the Supplementary Estimates Appropriation Bill 2017, told the House that there has been a positive and immediate response to the bond issue. According to Dr. Gonsalves, the BoSVG has agreed the purchase of EC$13 million of the bonds;
Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
the Government Employers Co-operative Credit Union (GECCU) EC$5 million, and the National Insurance Services EC$10 million. The remaining subscription was “quickly” taken up by business people from Dominica, St. Lucia, Antigua and SVG, Dr. Gonsalves added. In fact, the bond issue proved so attractive that the NIS received an above-valued offer for purchase of EC$5 million of its share ($EC410m), but the offer was refused, Dr. Gonsalves boasted. Continued on Page 18.
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