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FRIDAY,

JANUARY 09, 2015

VOLUME 109, No.02

www.thevincentian.com

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SON SURVIVES WITH PAINFUL MEMORY

by HAYDN HUGGINS

in his 50s, originally from Chateaubelair, was killed moments after his son was shot. An autopsy revealed he died as a result of multiple bullet wounds.

Police reports are that James sustained gunshot wounds by an unknown assailant, while Moore was shot in the right side of the neck during the same incident, which occurred around 11 pm, December 31.

“It was so sad to see my father die right in front my eyes. I didn’t mind if I did go if I did go instead of him, but I leave everything in God’s hands,” Moore told THE VINCENTIAN on Monday at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, where he was warded in stable condition.

Moore, along with his SHAWPHIEL MOORE would shooting at his father’s neck; but he would have grandmother, an uncle, sister and his father not have minded if his life shop at Monkey Hill, New to live with the painful lived together at Monkey was taken instead of that Montrose. memory of seeing his Hill in a house located in of his father, Elcas James, The 22-year-old Moore father shot to death. during an Old Year’s night survived a bullet to the James, a businessman the same yard in which Shawphiel Moore, pictured with his aunt, Clothilda Browne, denied he had gang connections.

James operated a shop.

Moore said that around 8 p.m. on December 31, he was in the area, a few yards from his home, ‘hanging out’ with villagers.

“Me and them don’t usually lime together, but as villagers we were there. They were going to cook, but I didn’t want to get involved in the cooking business, so I left the bloc and go by a neighbour,” Moore recalled, as he related how the drama unfolded.

He played games on laptop (computer) for a while at that neighbour’s premises, then left for home. On arrival, Moore asked his father, who was in the shop, to lend him his mobile phone, and his father told him to “hold on a while.”

Moore recalled that he was standing at the entrance to the shop when a masked man approached from the side of the building, and shot

KING BLASTS ULP FOR ‘BIGGER BIGS’ DEBACLE HOST OF THE GLOBAL HIGHLIGHTS radio programme, Luzette King, has accorded blame to the Unity Labour Party (ULP) and its leader for Leon ‘Bigger Bigs’ Samuel’s current dilemma, and has charged that there is a deliberate effort afoot to undermine black entrepreneurs.

She made the assertion during the New Democratic Party sponsored New Times

radio programme earlier this week.

King pointed to the Cabinet’s decision to revoke Samuel’s licence to mine at Rabacca as a deliberate political and economic lynching of black-owned businesses and black people in SVG. “Stalky John, Margret London, Vynette Frederick, Arnhim Eustace and his wife, ‘Nature’ (Nigel Stephenson) and Lauren Baptiste are persons

who have suffered from the lynching process,” according to King.

She said while the lynching is taking place, a political dynasty is striving. “And the persons instigating these things know what they are doing,” she said.

King took aim at a select group of persons in the ULP explaining, in the process, that she would not chastise her own. “The force of the problem is not them, it’s

the top,” she emphasised.

King said that she understood what is happening to Samuel, and promised, if he takes the matter to court, to help him name all those who went beyond the law to bring him down.

Samuel, at the time his mining licence was revoked, was providing employment for 60 persons.

The licence has since been re-issued, but

Luzette King was the feature speaker at the NDP Convention of November 2013.

Samuel’s has complained that his mining equipment has been vandalized, his resources almost depleted, making it difficult to resume operations. (KH)

Elcas James was shot to death by a masked assailant. him in the neck.

“My father got up and he say, ‘Man whey you doing the youth?’, and after I drop, he (assailant) went pass me and start to pelt off bullets in the shop and I see my daddy drop,” Moore related. The attacker fled the scene following the shooting.

Moore was taken to the hospital by friends, but his father died on the spot.

“He didn’t deserve that,” the youngster sighed, adding, “I feeling very uncomfortable, I can’t sleep but I leave everything in God’s hands.”

Moore described the relationship between him and his father as very close. “We had a little misunderstanding sometimes, but that never brought enmity between us. We worked together, we did everything together, we lived like brothers,” the youngster explained.

He has dispelled rumours that he is a gangster.

Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. 3.

News 3 No truth to passport allegations

Below: PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has assured that Iranian Hossein Zeida, who has come under the focus of the US Treasury Department, is not the holder of a St. Vincent and the Grenadines passport.

by DAYLE DA SILVA PRIME MINISTER Dr Ralph Gonsalves has denied that the Iranian identified in a report put out by the United States Department of Treasury, is a Vincentian citizen or the holder of a Vincentian passport.

Gonsalves, by way of a statement on Wednesday morning, said that he first saw the report on the internet, but felt the need to respond after he was informed that there was a report on CMC News on Tuesday night.

“The records of the Citizenship and Residency Department of the Office of the Prime Minister showed there are four Iranians by birth, who are granted citizenship of St. Vincent and the Grenadines - one in 1997 and three in 1998,” the Prime Minister said.

A report recently surfaced that the US Treasury Department was targeting the holders of Vincentian and Kittitian passports. for their support of Iranian government sanctions evasion efforts and human rights-related abusers.

One Hossein Zeidi, 49, alledgedly the holder of a Vincentian passport, was identified for materially assisting, sponsoring or providing financial, material

or technological support for the purchase or acquisition of US bank notes, by the Government of Iran.

According to Gonsalves, in 1997, the recipient was at the time a 10-year-old son of a medical practitioner employed at the Kingstown General Hospital, as it was referred to then.

The other three Vincentians of Iranian birth was a family, a father 47 years sold, mother, 43, and their 20-year-old son.

Those were the ages at the time when they received citizenship.

The Prime Minister went on further say that of the four who were granted Vincentian

citizenship, there is only one holding a valid Vincentian passport, which was issued on December 6, 2011.

“None of these Iranian born is the person who is referred to in the US Department Treasury bulletin, who it is alleged to be Iranian by birth and holds a passport for St Kitts and the allegation that he is a citizen of St Vincent and the Grenadines,” Gonsalves said.

“Our citizenship and passport record data bases reveal that the allegation that he is a citizen of St Vincent and the Grenadines is incorrect — he is not the holder of a passport of St Vincent and

the Grenadines,” he continued.

The alleged date of birth for the person in question is September 11, 1965, and Dr. Gonsalves explained that “this date of birth does not correspond with any date of birth of the four Iranian born citizens.”

The Prime Minister explained further that unlike St Kitts and other countries, this country does not grant passports under an Economic Citizenship Programme.

He pointed to the previous New Democratic Party led administration which offered such a facility, and stated that early in the ULP

Ottley Hall Inquiry in the balance Attorney General Judith JonesMorgan will advise government as per the future of the Ottley hall Commission.

judicial authorities,” the Prime Whether the Ottley Minister told news Hall Commission of persons on Monday.

Inquiry continues, will He added that one of be a determination that the issues to be looked at the Attorney General was the fact that one of (AG), Mrs. Judith Jones- the principals who gave Morgan, will have to evidence in the initial make. inquiry, Richard That is the opinion of Joachim, is dead.

Dr Ralph Gonsalves who, The uncertainty of on Monday, said that, the future of the Ottley while the AG will have to Hall inquiry surfaced come to a decision and following a ruling advise Cabinet, he handed down by the foresees problems in rePrivy Council, in favour starting the inquiry, with of Sir James Mitchell. a new commissioner.

The issue in Sir “This is all now an James’ matter was administrative process, whether the respondent, not an inquiry process Justice Ephram Georges, any longer (and) to be showed apparent bias in sent to the appropriate his conduct as

by DAYLE DA SILVA

Commissioner, and whether the report prepared by Georges was procedurally unfair because it was produced outside the respondent’s terms of reference.

“The Privy Council judgment is about one issue, whether the Commissioner was tainted with a bias so that he could no longer sit on it for Sir James to give evidence,” Dr. Gonsalves said.

The Privy Council did not rule, however, that government must discontinue the inquiry, and that there should not be another commissioner who could then ask Sir James to

come and give evidence.

In practical terms, the Prime Minister said, here was a body of evidence taken and a report produced.

That report and judgment will be studied by the AG as basis for determining whether or not she would advise further, in an administrative sense.

administration’s assumption of government, that programme was repealed.

The Prime Minister also informed that thorough searches for the name in the electronic passport database and independent investigations by Canadian Bank note, the company charged with producing Vincentian passports, were conducted.

Senator Camillo Gonsalves, this country’s Foreign Minister, has been instructed to inform the US State and Treasury Departments of these facts, Dr. Gonsalves assured.

Son survives with painful memory Continued from Front page.

“Some people are trying to say I am a gang member. I have plenty friends, but I am not a gang member, and I was not a gang member,” he insisted.

Asked why he thinks anybody would want to hurt him and his father, Moore expressed the view that it could be jealousy, “just because of the way we does move”.

He pointed out that he worked honestly as a mason, and stressed, “we don’t trouble nobody.”

James’s sister, Clothilda Browne of Chateaubelair, said she was shocked when she heard of the incident.

“Me and my brother don’t get in anything, we don’t trouble people,” she told THE VINCENTIAN. She said James had belonged to the Jehovah Witness religion for about three years prior to his death. She mentioned that James and Moore were very close, “anywhere you see him (Moore) you see his daddy”.

Moore’s mother resides in Canada.

Elcas James’s death brought the murder count for 2014 to 38.

At press time, police were continuing their investigations.

V DPP: Sex victims need help 4. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Law

disclosed, “What we are seeing emerging from the DIRECTOR of Public files that come to us is Prosecutions (DPP) Colin the complicity of parents Williams has stressed the in trying to cover up need to build proper these offences and these structures and support nasty perpetrators.” mechanisms for victims of He pointed out that sexual offences, especially one of the major young victims. challenges of the DPP’s While the DPP thinks Office for 2015 and that in recent times the beyond is to heighten reporting on such awareness and incidents has been consciousness of persons, improving, he is of the and to encourage them to view that there is need be a part of the justice to radically strengthen system. He underscored the investigative that “without witnesses, capacity, and to be far there can be no justice.” more victim sensitive.

While Williams is “People who are aware that it might not violated need a lot of be in their job help, particularly young description as victims,” Williams told prosecutors to be THE VINCENTIAN involved in certain during an interview on outreach programmes, he Wednesday. added that, “as citizens, The DPP stressed that we have got to do it.” sexual intercourse with Williams said that the minors (statutory rape) DPP’s Office has been is a serious concern, and doing community

by HAYDN HUGGINS

outreach through its ‘No witness no Justice Programme’, in which community interaction with young people was done; but he thinks that “we didn’t do as much work in 2014 as we should have”. He assured that, “We intend to put some gas on that in 2015”.

Williams also pointed to a number of booklets published by the DPP’s Office to inform, enlighten and educate persons on the importance of people’s involvement in the justice system. He mentioned, for example, the ‘Points to Prove’ booklet, a highlight of 2014. But he pointed out that, “we need not to only educate persons about reporting such incidents, and their rights, but the state needs to also build

Colin Williams, DPP, wants to see an intensified community outreach programme by his Office. proper structures and mechanisms for victims.”

Asked about the issue of bringing charges against persons who try to cover these offences, the DPP explained, “Although you can sense what has transpired, developing the proof beyond reasonable doubt is the issue. These cases are very delicate.”

MP under investigation for traffic violation

Supt. Kenneth John, head of Traffic, confirmed that the report of an MP using an unlicensed vehicle was under investigation.

by HAYDN HUGGINS The Traffic Department of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) has launched an investigation into a report that opposition parliamentarian, Nigel ‘Nature” Stephenson, was driving an unlicensed vehicle.

Head of the Traffic

Department Superintendent Kenneth John, made the confirmation during an interview with THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday.

According to Supt.

John, the report was made to the police in late December 2014, and a Registration Number of the vehicle concerned was given.

The Traffic Chief said the Department made checks, and it was discovered that the vehicle was registered in 2009, and the licence fees were outstanding.

John disclosed that, up to press time Wednesday, the vehicle had not been seen on the road. John also confirmed that checks revealed that the vehicle was still unlicensed.

Contrary to section 11 (1) (A) of the motor vehicle and Road Traffic Regulations Act Chapter 483 of 2009, “The owner of any Motor Vehicle or trailer (who) uses or

allowed to be used such vehicle or trailer without having obtained or otherwise fails or omits to obtain the relevant licence prescribed in respect of the motor vehicle or trailer, the driver and the owner of the motor vehicle are each guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not less than $250 or more than $2,000.”

It was Senator Julian Francis who, during his contribution to the debate on the 2015 Estimates, December 19, first made the revelation regarding the matter, when he indicated that he had credible evidence to show that a member of parliament had been driving an unlicensed vehicle since 2009. He has since admitted to the offence.

Stephenson successfully contested the December 13, 2010 general elections for the opposition New Democratic Party, defeating David Browne

of the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP).

Fewer convictions in 2014

by HAYDN HUGGINS DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Colin Williams has admitted that 2014 was not one of the most outstanding years on record in terms of High Court Prosecutions.

“As prosecutors, we do not secure victories or defeats, but ensure the fair administration of justice. Nevertheless, the public has an interest or passion for convictions, which is understandable, and it is in this regard why we say it is not one of our most celebrated years,” the DPP explained while speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday.

Williams noted that there were not as many convictions as in previous years.

He, however, pointed out that matters that went before the Court of Appeal were more in keeping with what the public would like to see, in terms of convictions and sentences being upheld.

Asked about the collapse of certain cases, sometimes even before they reached the jury, the DPP explained that prosecutors are obligated to prosecute, once there is sufficient evidence; but sometimes during the trial process, the evidence may not come out the way it is in the prosecution’s records, and may result in the case collapsing.

When questioned about certain matters still being pursued by the DPP’s Office after main witnesses are dead or are not available, he explained that “There are other ways in seeking to get the evidence before the court.” He added that in deciding whether or not to prosecute, “we have to also maintain the balance between the accused, the victim, their families and the public.”

The DPP further explained that, whereas in 2013 Justices Frederick Bruce-Lyle and Wesley James sat simultaneously over the Assizes, 2014 commenced with only Justice Bruce-Lyle presiding, and he proceeded on leave around Easter, as he had been working very hard without taking leave.

He noted that after Bruce-Lyle went on leave, a number of judges did stints.

Williams highlighted that in 2014, some modern legislations were put into practice, such as Video Recording of Suspects in Serious Offences, and the Witness Special Measures Acts.

PM chose not ‘to play police’

by DAYLE DA SILVA PRIME MINISTER Dr Ralph Gonsalves has disclosed that he did not approach the authorities in relation to the issue involving MP for South Leeward Nigel Stephenson, because he did not want to play police.

Stephenson recently admitted to driving an unlicensed vehicle for a period of five years.

Dr. Gonsalves did assert, though, that, had it been a matter of a more serious nature, he would have gone to the police.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Gonsalves said that he was first made aware of the situation when Senator Julian Francis mentioned it during the last sitting of the House of Assembly.

According to the Prime Minister, Francis subsequently handed him a

document with all the relevant information pertaining to the case.

“I thought that it was a matter which the Leader of the Opposition should be advised, so I went and explained it to him,” Dr. Gonsalves said, adding, “He thanked me, and I have no doubt that he subsequently spoke to Mr Stephenson.”

The Prime Minister confirmed that persons had asked him why he had not gone to the police.

“Well, the point in the matter (is) in relation to a traffic offence, and given the fact that he is a member of the Parliamentary Opposition, I just thought that to have gone to the police would look as though I was playing police officer myself in this regard,” Gonsalves told members of the media.

He said that he did

Nigel ‘Nature Stephenson, MP, admitted to driving an unlicensed vehicle. not know why the Traffic Department had not picked up on the issue, and that the Commissioner of Police and Head of the Traffic Department would have to indicate why due diligence was not exercised.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. 5.

Regional

Review of CWC- FLOW merger begins

on the merits or demerits of the proposed merge.”

The public has an opportunity to participate in an online survey under the cloak of anonymity as well as to share concerns about the proposed merger of LIME and FLOW in Barbados.

Since the proposed merger was announced on The Barbados Fair Trading Commission will get the ball rolling as afar as a review of the November 6, 2014, proposed CWC and FLOW merger is concerned. there have been stern warnings from across THE PROPOSED MERGER of Cable and as FLOW in Barbados.

Wireless Communications PLc (CWC) and The official review follows a meeting the region and outside, against what is perceived as a merger that will return Columbus International Inc. enters a held on November 19 involving the telecommunications market to a period of official review in at least one representatives of the Barbados CARICOM country, where the proposal Government, regulators, including the state of monopoly.

At least one news blog, Barbados must meet with approval from relevant Fair Trading Commission, and the Underground, has called for an state authorities. official Opposition, and officials of unequivocal no vote to the merger.

The Barbados Fair Trading CWC and Columbus.

The proposed merger has also met Commission (FTC) confirmed that it It is understood that the FTC has with strong objection from Digicel, the had received an application from the invited “all service providers, telecommunications service provider two companies, seeking permission to businesses, representatives of which entered the Caribbean market merge the two entities in Barbados, consumer groups, non-governmental as the first real competitor to CWC, and that it will begin its review in organisations, residential consumers which had enjoyed a monopoly in the accordance with Section 20 (7) of the and all other parties with an interest Fair Competition Act in this matter, to CWC trades as LIME and Columbus submit their comments

English-Speaking Caribbean market for well over 100 years.

Digicel’s Chairman Denis O’Brien said, immediately after news of the proposed merger was released, that it “will lead to a very substantial lessening of competition in at least six geographic markets: Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, markets where the key impact of the proposed deal will be most keenly felt by consumers.

“This is because, Columbus / Flow is essentially being taken out completely as an existing direct competitor to Cable and Wireless in these market.”

Meeting in early December, Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) telecommunications ministers pledged to prevent any return to a monopoly in the subregion’s liberalized market that the proposed merger might represent.

Amidst all the opposition, CWC chief executive, Phil Bentley, has given a commitment to Caribbean governments and regulators that the three billion US dollar acquisition of Columbus International will not negatively impact competition in the cable and broadband markets.

More tourists for Cuba

Maduro wants respect Obama in midDecember, would freeze assets and deny visas to Venezuelan authorities responsible for violence and political detentions Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called triggered by the for “respectful relations” when he shook protests in hands with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden on Venezuela, that the sidelines of Brazilian President Dilma began on Rousseff’s swearing in.

February 4, 2014.

The bill has VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT caused further friction between Nicolas Maduro has said he the two countries. demanded respect from the They have had difficult United States during an encounter with Vice-President relations since the election of the socialist President Hugo Joe Biden in Brazil.

Mr. Maduro and Mr. Biden Chavez in 1998. Mr. Chavez died in 2013 and was met briefly after President Dilma Rousseff’s inauguration succeeded by Mr Maduro.

Venezuela and the US last ceremony in Brasilia.

“I have demanded this time had ambassadors in each other’s capitals in 2010. what we had demanded from Meanwhile some analysts the US 1,000 times before: a relationship based on respect, see Havana’s surprise move to nothing else,” said Mr Maduro. restore diplomatic relations Last month the US imposed with Washington, after half a century of hostility, as leaving sanctions on high-level Caracas, Havana’s close ally, Venezuelan officials.

The sanctions, approved by further isolated in the region.

(Source: Naharnet) both houses of the American Congress and signed by

One of the hotels in Cayo Coco that makes it an attractive destination for visitors.

6,000 rooms in 16 hotels had shown a steady increase in the number of visitors throughout the year. Visitors from Canada accounted for the increase.

And tourism officials are forecasting an ever better year in 2015. According to The wide, expansive white sands beaches of Cato Coco them renewed hotel facilities, welcomed an increase number of tourist from Canada, in higher quality services and particular. diversified range of tourism ACCORDING TO ONE six percent over 2013. products, which influences Cuban official, “We haven’t News from Cuba indicate the level of customer yet begun to benefit from the that the figure was satisfaction, position Cuba as Raul-Barack decision, but our reached with the arrival of a a preferred destination. tourism is healthy as ever.” flight from Canada, by tour Cayo Coco, with its The comment comes in the operator Sunwing, at the combination of excellent face of an official Jardines del Rey beaches and its lush flora and announcement in Cuba, that International Airport in Cayo fauna will host the that country welcomed three Coco, with 188 passengers.

International Tourism Fair in million tourists for 2014.

An tourism official in Ciego may 2015. (Source : Cuba Net This represented a growth of de Avila, Cuba, said that over News, Caribbean News Now).

V U.S. Black group to host Reparations summit 6. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Reparations Summit, the IBW said.

The Summit’s programme is expected to include: formal business sessions; a dialogue between leaders of the Caribbean Diaspora in the US and THE NEW YORK-BASED Institute of the the CARICOM Commission; meetings Black World 21st Century (IBW) said on between the newly-formed African Saturday that it will host the next American Commission and the summit of the Caribbean Community Caribbean Commission; Rallies in (CARICOM) Reparations Commission, Harlem, considered the symbolic from April 9-12, in New York.

Capital of Black America; and a The CARICOM Commission is tribute to Congressman John Conyers, chaired by Sir Hilary Beckles, ViceDean of the Congressional Black Chancellor Designate of the University Caucus and Sponsor of HR-40, the of the West Indies.

Reparations Study Bill, which he has Inspired by the creation of the introduced in the US Congress since CARICOM Commission, a National 1989.

African American Reparations The IBW noted that, at the most Commission is being established as recent Reparations Braintrust at the part of an effort to intensify the Congressional Black Caucus’s Annual Reparations movement in the US, the Legislative Conference, Sir Hilary IBW said. urged participants to declare a It said the Commission will be “Conyers Decade of Reparatory dedicated to the memory of Queen Justice.”

Mother Audley Moore, one of the “The tribute to Congressman foremost proponents of Reparations in Conyers will begin that process,” said the history of Africans in America, and the IBW, adding that there will also be a mentor to generations of Reparations special recognition of the National activists.

Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in In addition to the CARICOM and America (N’COBRA) for “decades of African American Commissions, ground-breaking work on the issue.” representatives of Reparations Dr. Ron Daniels, IBW’s African movements from Central and South American-born president, said that the America, Canada and Europe are National African American expected to participate in what is Reparations Commission (NAARC) emerging as a Pan African will develop a Reparations Programme

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net. neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT

Garifuna Summit coming in March

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY THE MONTH OF MARCH will be action-packed for Garifuna and indeed the Vincentian community as a whole, with the hosting here of an International Garifuna Summit, from March 8 to 15, 2015.

The Summit and related activities will be observed under the theme: ‘The Garifuna, a Nation Displaced Cultural Rights, Economic Survival and Reparation’, and is in fulfilment of a mandate which came out of the First International Garifuna Conference here 2012.

This gathering, however, will be held one year later than originally planned. It was postponed following the devastating floods of December 24, 2013.

Dr. Ron Daniels, IBW’s African American-born president, said that the NAARC will develop a Reparations Programme similar to the one adopted by the CARICOM Commission. similar to the 10 Point Programme that has been adopted by the CARICOM Commission.

“The first step will be to devise an Interim Programme that NAARC will take to the people in a series of town hall meetings to receive input before adopting the final program,” he said.

“The process of engaging people of African descent across the country, including young people, is incredibly important to strengthening the Reparations movement.”

The IBW said the activities for the CARICOM Reparations Commission’s visit to the US will conclude with Sir Hilary traveling to Detroit for a Reparations Rally, which will be the climax to the Tribute to Conyers.

Hosting the Reparations Summit and the formation of NAARC will mark the launch of what Daniels described as an initiative to broaden and deepen support for reparations among people of African descent and

Queen Mother Audley Moore, one of the foremost proponents of Reparations in the history of Africans in America, in whose memory the Summit will be dedicated.

people of goodwill in the US, including support for H-R 40.

“This is a modest effort which is intended to complement the sustained work that activists and organizations have been doing for years,” he said.

Vincentian-born Don Rojas, IBW’s director of communications, said observers are welcome to attend and participate in the forthcoming Reparations Summit.

“This is the kind of event that can take off and provide impetus to the growing reparations movements in the USA and across the world,” said the former press secretary for slain Grenadian Revolutionary Leader and Prime Minister Maurice Bishop.

David ‘Darkie’ Williams (extreme left) outlining plans for the Summit. Other Planning Committee members pictured are (from left) Beverly Richards, Maxine Browne and Margaret Henry-Lewis.

David ‘Darkie’ Williams, Chairman of the Garifuna Heritage Foundation, host of the Summit, outlined plans and activities during a press conference held at Peace Memorial Hall, Tuesday 6th January.

According to Williams, the lecture and workshop sessions of the Summit will be held at Peace Memorial Hall, from March 11 — 13.

The keynote address is expected to be delivered by Professor Sheila Walker, Executive Director of Afrodiaspora Inc. and a leading scholar of the global African Diaspora.

Workshop sessions are slated to highlight Garifuna Music, Spirituality, History, Food, Herbal Medicinal Practices, among other topics.

Workshop facilitators will be local as well as overseas-based experts, and

local delegates will be joined by delegates from Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and the USA. In addition to the lecture/workshop segment, a Garifuna Village will be mounted on the grounds of the Carnegie Building (Old Public Library), in Kingstown.

An exhibition spearheaded by archaeologists from the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, will highlight artefacts unearthed at Argyle, the site of the international airport.

Margaret Henry-Lewis, a member of the Summit’s Planning Committee, expressed the hope that this showpiece could be relocated to a permanent site after the Summit.

Students take the stage at Victoria

Park, Thursday March 12, in a Garifuna Cultural excursion. Dance Development Officer Maxine Browne is coordinating this segment.

Representation is expected from all the nation’s educational institutions.

Music lovers are not to be excluded.

An International Garifuna Cultural Extravaganza is on the cards for National Heroes Day, March 13, following the wreath-laying ceremony at the Obelisk at Dorsetshire Hill.

A film festival is also carded. It will feature documentaries like ‘Yurumein - Garifuna in Peril’, ‘Slave Routes: A Global Vision’ and ‘Scattered Africa: Faces and Voices of the African Diaspora’.

Williams extended an invitation to all Vincentians, young and old, to grasp the Summit as an opportunity to deepen their insight into the Garifuna heritage.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. 7.

News

ÂKeep Christ in our Christmas,Ê urges Bowman

the damage wrought by the raging waters; the WHEN THE 2014 Nine victims were Mornings festival was remembered and prayers launched at Heritage said for their surviving Square, Kingstown, relatives. It proved a November 31, a time was solemn affair. set aside in the At the 2014 Prizeprogramme of activities to giving Ceremony held at pay tribute to those who the Peace Memorial Hall had lost their lives in the on Saturday, 3rd disastrous flooding, January, Deputy following the trough Chairman of the system on 2013 Christmas National Nine Mornings Eve day.

Committee, Mr. Lennox Those gathered at the Bowam, chose the launch heard accounts of opportunity to make a

by GLORIAH…

sober but impassioned plea for participating committees to keep the Christ in Christmas for the 2015 festival.

“Christmas is a holy season,” he cautioned.

“We are fighting to keep it so!”

Bowman went on to agree with other speakers at the function who purported that “the festival is created for us.”

“It is evolving, and this makes it naturally attractive to the world.

One of the performances at the Kingstown Nine Mornings celebrations that featured worship in song.

It is a tremendously good feeling to have it evolving, but the promotion in the villages and communities is as important as the national promotion,” he proffered.

Bowman referred to the issue of DJ’s playing music at Nine Mornings functions that is irrelevant to the season, and organisers having a ‘fight’ on their hands to have the music changed.

“If we do not fight for this,” he reiterated, “our children and grandchildren will turn up to Nine Mornings and have no sense of Christmas and Christianity!”

Bowman, though, congratulated “every community [I] visited this year”, as each one started its daily festivity with a period of worship.

“Happily, we are not giving up,” he said, “and communities are on

board.”

He made an additional plea for schools to have their own celebrations so as to sensitize the children to what Nine Mornings is all about.

On the final day of Nine Mornings celebrations in Kingstown, bar operator and Kingstown Nine Mornings sponsor, Mr. Lano Lano, publicly threw out a suggestion for a national ParangSoca competition.

At the Prize–giving ceremony, Mr. Anthony Dennie, Product Development Officer of the National Lotteries Authority, made the announcement that there will definitely be a Parang-Soca Monarch competition for Nine Mornings in 2015.

In his contributions, Minister of Tourism, Sport and Culture, Hon. Cecil McKie, cautioned that the correct

Lennox Bowman, Deputy Chairman of the National Nine Mornings Committee, has called for an improved effort by all Nine Mornings Committees, to have their programmes reflect ‘Christ in our Christmas’. parameters must be set early, so that this new thrust does not resemble the Soca Monarch competition held during the carnival season.

Minister McKie’s sentiments were echoed by some speakers contributing to the Open Forum.

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8. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. 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 Repeating our WISH LIST To usher in the New Year 2012, THE VINCENTIAN listed A NUMBER OF WISHES IT HAD FOR THAT New year.

It definitely seems that the more things change (or is it a case of appearing to change), the more things remain the same.

Needless to say, those wishes (for 2012) were far from fulfilled, and in essence, remain as relevant today as they were when they were first made.

That being the case, here is a reminder of our WISH LIST for 2012. You, our dear readers, can decide for yourselves how pertinent they are to today’s Vincentian reality.

1. Is it not right and just that we wish for a Christian heart to be poured out on those three teachers who remained unemployed, unutilized for an entire year? Is it asking too much of an expected Christian-fortified ULP government, after its leader’s visit to Bethlehem, that Elvis Daniel, Addison Thomas and Kenroy Johnson be accorded the means to support themselves and their families? Is it not a denial of their basic human right to work, when they continue to be victimized for ‘choosing the wrong’ political ticket on which to contest a general election?

2. Would it be unkind if we wished for a careful, what experts call a forensic examination of the personnel/human resource deployment in the public service, with a view to trimming all the political fat that only helps to inflate an already burgeoning public sector wage purse?

3. How can we forget the young people of North Leeward? Should we not support our own Sports Columnist, William ‘Kojah’ Anthony, and so many others, in their wish for attention to be given to correcting the misdeeds surrounding playing fields in that constituency?

Is it wrong that we wish for a change of strategy that will guarantee that constituencies represented by opposition parliamentarians receive the same level of attention, re. social services, as those represented by government parliamentarians?

4. And as we welcome the New Cocoa Initiative, no one will fault us when we wish for all to be done to protect the interest of those farmers who opt to accept the call to cultivate cocoa. The situation with respect to our agriculture, if the truth be told, holds out nothing more than a glimmer of hope, so it is important that we safeguard the interest of our farmers, who are the first, the last ones to suffer most from any ill-conceived, piecemeal approach to reviving the agricultural industry.

5. So too with our efforts to combat what some view as a spiraling crime rate in this country. Is it too much to wish that, on the heels of being provided with facilities never before experienced, all is done to assure the public that there is fairness in the dispensation of police anticrime action? That all bias, whether it be on the basis of race, class or demographics, be ruled as unacceptable within the rank and file of the Police Force?

6. Lest we forget a damning reality, we hasten to wish for a turnaround in the attitude of our males to their female companions. We wish that this attitudinal change would begin with those men whom society has cultivated as role models — success stories. That the ‘smallie culture’ would be blasted from our psyche, so as to set our women folk on paths to equal recognition and treatment, both by the state and by their males in society. The day of male dominance is overs and it is nothing short of wishful thinking by those men who would want to perpetuate an archaic male chauvinism and iron fisted rule over women.

7. All in all, we wish that this piece of the earth which we call home would be welcoming to each of us and to those who would want to share in what it has to offer. Be assured that we wish nothing but the best for the New Year, to all citizens of the place we call St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Featuring Jomo Thomas “SEVERAL YEARS AGO, Jomo Thomas had publicly proclaimed that his Peoples Movement for Change (PMC) would be prepared to face elections against the two Giants, cost it what it may. I had heard far better cocks crow that short-lived line before.

We formed in 1969, a group known as the Educational Forum of the People, with the set task of educating our people politically while fighting shy of politics itself.

We put out some marvellous pieces, like the 1972 publication in anticipation of Statehood where we made our position pellucidly clear. We took part in all sorts of rallies, marches, and demonstrations, issued petitions and pamphlets aplenty, and talked ourselves hoarse, after a manner of speaking.

Then, after about five years of preaching largely to ourselves, it occurred to us that our political culture has little respect and no room for people who do little but prattle, and have not the guts to get down to brass tacks and enlist in the political party trenches with the goal of forming Government eventually, with the mass of people the intended beneficiaries ultimately.

Our people understand that. Furthermore, they do not want any congress or movement. They want, if anything, a political PARTY that they can shout for, heckle, pinch and feel, molly-cuddle or abuse as the case might be. And a leader they can worship or vilify, or crucify.

So we all, including Eddie Griffith, Parnel Campbell, Adrian Fraser, Clem Iton, Kerwyn Morris, Arnhim Eustace, Yvonne Francis-Gibson, St Clair Leacock, and the rest, resolved to form ourselves into a political Party called the Democratic Freedom Movement, which later joined Yulimo and Arwee in the U.P.M 1979.

The Current Chairman of PMC, Oscar Allen, was chairman of the original U.P.M, then its leader after Ralph had debunked in 1982. Oscar is a fine fellow who issues papal encyclicals and preaches hair-raising sermons that seldom connect up with the grassroots. He remains clean-cut, and hygienic, even anti-septic, and would never tarnish his image over dirty political scuffles. He is at home always presiding over discussions, symposia, seminars, brain -trusts and such-like, but no further.

Historically, for better or usually for worse, the country seems wedded to the two-party system, “till death do us part”! That is the reason why Ralph had to link his M.N.U to a mainstream party, and keep the label “Party” as in ULP. After two more years of frustration, Jomo is advised to do likewise. The emergence of his congress to control Government is a No-No in this environment. It will never happen. An examination of the horns of PMC’s membership will expose them to be closeted ideologues, disguised U.L.Pites, who enjoy the flow but do not want to get their feet wet.

You will go the way of most “Third Parties” in SVG and merely add to the statistic of infant mortality rate that only showed their head to get it lopped off.

Besides, you almost gave away your position as virtually representing the lost soul of U.L.P. Indeed, Jomo is personally so biased in favour of the U.L.P that he becomes purblind to their many misdeeds which he recounts easily.

What he cannot do is suggest an alternative, either by seeking change within the U.L.P by infiltration or building a new party from scratch.

Seeking to take over the N.D.P, of which he once wrote “The Thing I Like about the N.D.P”, is a throw- away academic line.”

The foregoing is an article I penned about four years ago. At that time I was warning Jomo not to be like me, beating his head against a wall, which is how I depicted the entrenched two-party system.

I hoped then, that Jomo would consider enlisting in the NDP whose tent is mighty broad and whose leadership is democratic to a fault, and would accommodate the “independence” of Jomo, within reason.

But Jomo has joined the ULP which right now is in dire need of promising souls. Frankly, Jomo does not fit the mould of the bossism of ULP, and I wrote that his entry was a case of the fly innocently entering the parlour of the spider, we shall wait and see!

Mercifully, I think that Jomo would be spared embarrassment, in that he is unlikely to capture South Leeward, and would never make it to Parliament as a ULP member, in Government or in Opposition.

Jomo’s and the P.M.C’s problem is that they cannot believe that the U.L.P has totally degenerated into being the personal vehicle to power and wealth of Ralph Gonsalves and his entourage. Sadly, the P.M.C has trapped itself in an intellectual cul-de-sac. Someone is badly needed to bell the cat, whose ring hopefully will wake them up from their directionless sleep-walking.

Jomo Thomas Follows Kenneth John (by Alpha J. Simmons 10/5/2008) “Since 1979, Dr. Kenneth John has had a fixation on Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, even though the Comrade was then a struggling politician but evidently headed for the big time, based on the high quality of his political, academic, and professional work. Kenneth John would go to his grave fixated about Ralph. History will record the Comrade’s achievements. Ken John will barely merit a footnote.

A similar fixation has gripped Mr. Jomo Thomas.

Any article critical of him, he assumes to have been penned by Ralph. Ken John thought the same thing.

Dr. John has even repeatedly written the lie that many of Casper London’s articles are drafted by Ralph. If Jomo does not watch it, he is likely to end up as politically frustrated as Kenneth. At least Kenneth has in his favour more genuine erudition and elegance of style in writing. Both Jomo and Kenneth have allowed their vanities and their undeveloped political consciousness to get the better of them. They are thus led objectively into positions of political backwardness despite their attempted progressive gloss.

It is really sad. Jomo is still redeemable because he is younger, but father time is rushing on. He must grow up and be serious. If not, he would remain at the political margin.”

So Ralph has now “redeemed” Jomo. As to Kenneth headed for the grave, his epitaph “will barely merit a foot-note” Amen! Are readers misled as to who is the real author of this note? Alpha Simmons my foot!

V Don’t be Big decisions in 2015 fooled by

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. 9.

Letters

REGARDLESS of if the next general election is called in 2015 or 2016, 2015 is going to be a year of real political activity. If, as you like to say, the truth be told, the electioneering has already begun, with each of the major political parties already at one another’s throat.

But it seems to be that, while one party is bent on telling us why they should form government, the other is

spending time telling us why the other should not be elected. I am not satisfied that our politics has changed any bit, and I expect, sadly so, that when the real campaigning gets going, there is going to be a lot of mud-slinging. I expect that each party is going to try to dig up as much commess against the other party as it could find.

The ULP is now in

power for some 15 years.

The NDP had a straight 17 years in office. I expect that the ULP, and Dr. Gonsalves in particular, would want to do even better, and therefore, will pull out all the stops.

What we need to ask ourselves is, if after 15 years of ULP government, we are better off, and whether the NDP has the kind of team on which we can

take a chance?

There are those who will always say, ‘we know what we have, we don’t know what we will get, so why risk making a chance’. That may have some reason to it, but, it is still a chance that we will be taking, whether we vote ULP or NDP. So, this year is one during which the population, especially those who are eligible to

vote, has some serious decisions to make. Not least among these is: Do I want to continue under the ULP or do I want to make a change?

To be honest, I feel safe with whom I have, but that doesn’t mean I cannot be influenced to change.

Voter

Reclaiming our African Divinity and Legacies UNLESS WE LEARN everything there is to be known about our divine stories, we will never know the full extent of the beauty and richness of our true cultural heritage and natural identity as African.

When will we as African descendants realize our true identity and learn to forget about the Europeans mental illusions and fantasies, which have mentally

* When are we going to seriously look at plugging all those holes through which those illegal guns continue to enter the country?

Are we afraid to take action because some of those holes belong to some big men? * Why are Vincentians in the Diaspora saying that some of these Sport Ambassador awards are really political? Is it because a certain person was granted one, and a more worthy man like Rudy Boucher continues to be overlooked? And what about Stella Boyea? * Did the CDC assist Anna Laborde with her trip to South Africa? Congrats Anna! * Why are patrons saying that KFC should be renamed KDC? I wonder if the ‘D’ stands for drumsticks?

confused our people in so many ways, in so many centuries?

We are living in a new age, an age of knowledge and enlightenment, and we have a better opportunity, now more than ever before, to emancipate ourselves from any form of psychological enslavement. Knowledge is power!! And there is a lot of knowledge right now on the internet about our ancient heritage and divine culture. We can source these so as to have a better awareness of our great ancestors and the greatness of their marvellous achievements. This knowledge of our ancestors can help us to enrich and empower ourselves and grow as real Africans. We should never depend on ‘tel-lievision’ (television) to teach us what we need to know about our ancient ancestry. Remember, most of the programmes that we see on the ‘tellie-vision’ are produced and funded by the same people who once enslaved our forefathers and mothers. They use these media to train our children’s minds from a very tender age, into believing whatever they want them to believe, so they can easily manipulate them to follow their ideals and philosophies.

Ask yourselves these questions, my people: Why do you think our communities are so full of chaos? Why do you think there are so many broken homes and dysfunctional families in our society? This is no accident. Most of our people are living out the reflections of what they were taught by their

slave masters; they are too mentally blind to the reality of what is taking place.

We really need to wake up from all the lies, illusions and misconceptions of our divine people. We need to stop fooling our youths with all the foolishness that has no real content or meaning to their lives.

How much longer shall our people go on like fools being tricked by all the myths and fairy tales of the Europeans? Our children’s minds need to be free; they need to

know the truth about their natural born liberty. It is our responsibility as adults, to teach them the greatness of themselves and their true ancestry.

Reversion time is now!

Here are some names of great persons whose works are a source of liberation from mental and spiritual enslavement: John Henry Clake, Jewels Pookrum, Runoko Rashidi, Dr Yosef A. Ben ochannan, Haile Selassie I, Marcy Garvey, Dr Lali Afrika, Dr Sebi.

Movies like ‘500 Years Later and Ancient Knowledge’ can also help.

Curth Clifton kebratafari@yhaoo.com

numbers WHETHER or not crime is down in this little two by four country is not the point. As a matter of fact, how in the face of an increase in murders can we boast about success in fighting crime?

The fact is this country is riddled with crime: serious crime, white collar crime and even blue collar crime.

And then there is the question of how many of these crimes — serious or not — have been solved. The police should tell us the overall solution rate.

After all, telling us humble citizens that the crime rate is down means nothing if the criminals remain at large.

The police need to stop this talk about statistics, and get down to really solving crime.

I am fed up of living like a prisoner in my hard-earned home — even if the bank still owns it.

Charles Kingstown

Why block a cheaper service?

AT THE AGE of 12, I travelled to Grenada with my parents. There I saw poverty and the disadvantages the uncertified suffered.

In Grenada, I attended the St. Andrews Catholic (Primary) School where I reached the 8th standard. Then I decided to crawl out of poverty.

I saw the chance in an American publication. A company, AUDEL’s, offered law books and a course in law, and on passing an examination, you got a certificate. It was not as now when you have to go to university.

That was in 1955. I started in 1957 but had to quit in 1958. I couldn’t afford the books on a

on a chair it collapses and causes damage to that person, the owner can be sued. (The law is on the books).

During the visit of the most recent cruise ship, I was at the Belmont Lookout that looks out, and a married couple was taking shots of the Mesopotamia Valley.

The lady was wearing a shoe with heels and the husband turned to her and said, “Honey, look here, we got ourselves some money,” pointing to the holes.

Her reply was, “Honey, you promised me you changed. This trip was to celebrate”. Then he said, “Ok honey, let it slide.”

That is only the smoke, fire behind.

Locals too can take the government to court. We can share in that free money ministers getting.

teacher’s salary of $40 per month.

I also quit teaching and went into trade (carpentry).

In 1985, I saw another chance to fulfil my early dream of pursuing Paralegal Studies, advertised by I.C.S. I spoke to the Comrade in 1989, after obtaining 10 books on “The Laws of St. Vincent”. He told me no lawyer in St. Vincent will employ a Paralegal — that happens only in big countries. So I quit again.

Since that time, I have noticed that the government has Paralegals working in the DPP office - other lawyers too.

A Paralegal cannot represent you in court as a lawyer, but he can offer the public the following services much cheaper than lawyers: application for visas; writing wills; filling out court forms for certain cases; searches at the Registry; applying for birth papers; affidavits; requests for maintenance; Deed of Gift; legal letters of warning of intent.

Paralegals can file a case for you, but can’t plead it before a judge. They can be legal witnesses for you in signing documents, and can give you legal consultancy much cheaper than those ‘sharks’.

Go for it, students. It’s a start.

Taxpayer

Senior citizen

We shall pay for our neglect DO THE MINISTER of Tourism and the Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Authority visit the tourist sites in SVG? I say a big NO!! They have failed in their stewardship, and this can cause the government to pay.

Example — The Belmont Lookout: They have not used concrete columns but a wooden deck, and have already changed pieces of flooring board. This will happen yearly, because they did not water-proof the wood used; they only stained them.

Interestingly, the new ones (flooring boards) have not been stained (visit and see), and these flooring boards have, in many cases, wide openings (approx..

3/4”). If they had used a concrete floor, this would not have happened.

Now, in SVG, if one visits another’s home and while sitting

V

10. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Getting ready for the fiscal year 2015 The issue Last month, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves presented the estimates of revenue and expenditure to the House of Assembly for its approval. This is the forerunner to the 2015 Appropriation Bill which will come before the House of Assembly next Monday, where there will be the Throne Speech, to be followed by the Budget address.

It has taken weeks of planning, numerous meetings and discussions, to arrive at this juncture. The senior public servants have been meeting since October 2014, first within their ministries, and then with the Ministry of Finance and Planning, to decide on the allocation of money for the government expenditure within 2015. This exercise is governed by three critical scenarios.

The first relates to the amount of money the government will realize from its revenue sources, to meet the expenses. The second scenario relates to the funding from outside sources such as the World Bank, the European Union, the Caribbean Development Bank, either in the form of loans or grants, to fund special projects. But most important will be the third scenario, which is the outline of the economic development direction of the government in 2015.

Based on this, the public servants will fashion their estimates document for approval by Cabinet, and subsequently by the House of Assembly.

This is a serious business. The discussions sometimes could be robust, as each ministry will try to justify its programmes, and ministers seek the approval of cabinet for projects in their constituency, and so on. At the end of the exercise, one would get a comprehensive idea as to where the government has its economic emphasis during 2015.

Key aspects The Ministry of Health will get a great deal of focus in the budget this year. There has been a great deal of developmental work in this sector, and this will continue in 2015. The main activity will be construction work on the polyclinics at Mesopotamia and Buccament, along with the provision of accommodation for health officials in Sandy Bay and Union Island. An expected fourteen million dollars will be utilized under the 10th EDF programme in this regard.

2015 will also see the completion of the Modern Medical Complex in Georgetown, along with improvements to the primary health care system, the purchase of new equipment for the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, as well as the purchase of ambulances to improve the general fleet.

Road maintenance and repair will get more focus this year, as the heavy equipment from the international airport at Argyle is released for additional work. The Ministry of Transport and Works will utilize EC$87.7 million or twenty nine percent of the capital budget, and most of this will go towards roads, bridges and river defenses.

Some of the key projects include the rehabilitation of the roads in the areas of Congo Valley, Vigie and

Murray’s Road, and the river defense at Vermont and Caratal. Much of this work will be done in the dry season.

The work on these projects is designed not only to restore and repair, but to improve the resilience of the infrastructure, given the effects of climate change, and the unpredictable weather conditions.

The government wage bill will increase by around 1.4% in 2015, as the ULP administration will spend an extra three million dollars in wages, mainly to meet the costs of the 56 new positions in the central government, and to provide for salary increases for non-establish government employees.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has already lamented the fact that salaries for cooks, cleaners and other persons involved in the school feeding programmes, are traditionally too low.

This will be adjusted in 2015.

The other critical projects which are the flagship of the ULP administration, such as the Education Revolution, the international airport project, the resurgence in the agricultural sector, as well as work in the area of IT and Housing, have all been provided for in the 2015 estimates. Despite this, and in the face of the current global financial and economic crisis, the government will reduce its fiscal deficit on the current account by EC$10.7 million dollars, to EC$28.5 million.

Conclusion When Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves presents his budget next Monday, he will of course refer to his government’s foreign policy, which has resulted in many benefits for this country. He will speak about the assistance provided by the government of Ecuador, the government of Mexico, and the continued assistance from the government of the Republic of China on Taiwan. He will also speak about the assistance that will come from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to provide for some aspects of the capital programme.

He will go on to detail a number of plans and strategies that his administration will implement in 2015, all for the benefit of the people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines. As expected, the Leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace will use the same flawed and failed arguments in his response. He will say that the country is being mis-managed, despite the fact that no public servant has been laid off, and salaries are being paid on time. He is expected to refer to the same old tired argument about the ULP “mashing up” the country and the economy, despite strong evidence to the contrary. He and his disciples will throw “tantrums” and engage in negative tactics in the debate; but this will be all to no avail.

In this election year, Vincentians will be listening to every word spoken

by Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, anticipating that he will have a strong message, and a good strategy, to take the country forward in 2015.

Issues that we must not forget The Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration must be held accountable for the wrongdoings that occurred in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2014, and should be made to pay a heavy political price at the polls when the next general elections are called.

In 2014, the economy continued to decline, and unemployment increased significantly. St. Vincent and the Grenadines recorded the highest number of murders, and it would appear that corruption was institutionalized, and victimization and insults were the order of the year.

Vincentians were called ‘half decent and internet crazies’ by members of the government.

The ULP regime began to apply the pressure on Vincentians immediately as we entered 2014. Following the Christmas Eve storm of 2013, the New Democratic Party launched an appeal to supporters and friends, locally and in the Diaspora, for clothing, foodstuff and other supplies to assist those who were affected during the storm. Most of the supplies were sent from the Diaspora. The NDP then applied to the government for duty free concession, but the wicked and vindictive government refused to give the NDP duty free concession on the relief supplies. That was the first time in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the world where duties were charged for relief supplies.

The NDP then took to the airwaves and raised over $20,000 to pay for the relief supplies, which it distributed to persons who were affected. What the ULP government had actually done by refusing duty free concession to the NDP, was to punish the victims of the Christmas Eve disaster, especially those in Central Leeward, South Leeward and North Leeward.

Also in 2014, the government brought a resolution to parliament to borrow $15 million from the National Insurance Service (NIS) to pay the said NIS, for contributions that were deducted by the government from its employees but were not paid to the NIS. What a disgrace! The fact of the matter was the ULP regime had illegally used the workers’ contributions for government expenditure, at a time when the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had expressed concerns about the finances of the NIS, and in the same year the government had implemented a number of reforms to the NIS. The government increased the minimum years of service for eligibility to a full pension from 10 to 15 years, increased the retirement age from 60 to 65, and increased the contribution rate from 8 to 10 percent, in an effort to make the NIS sustainable.

Then, there was the Clare Valley fiasco where the Housing and Land Development Corporation (HLDC) and the ULP government made a deliberate decision to ignore the possible dangers of constructing houses in Clare Valley, and went full speed ahead to establish a colony, with the principal objective of strengthening their party’s chances in the next general elections. The end result was that of a collapsed house; fortunately no one was injured during the incident.

It must be known that the houses at Clare Valley were built on lands that were never used for construction.

The lands lay idle and had a vegetation of shrubs and trees which preserved the soil from the slippage due to heavy and continuous rainfall in the wet season. However, it is an established fact that two soil studies were conducted that documented the nature of soil in the area and the inappropriateness to facilitate large scale farming and construction. Those studies were conducted in 1958 and as recently as 2006, one year into the second term of the ULP. What did the government do with the information resulting from the studies? Did it not serve as a road map for possible land usage in that specific area in Clare Valley? Why did the government ignore the studies, and constructed houses in an area where the people of old had the wisdom not to construct?

Why then did those lands become attractive to the ULP government to construct a housing project?

It took the collapse of that property for government officials like headless chickens to respond. Clearly, they had confirmed what we already knew that the ULP is a reactive government and they bolted the stable in Clare Valley after the horse would have already left. But what is even more disturbing is that it was reported that government would spend $3 million to do restorative work to the houses. Why the government did not use that money to relocate the homeowners?

In addition, we saw the questionable demotion of the Minister of Transport and Works. Why was he demoted? Was it because of the cost over-run on most of government’s projects, or does it have to do with conditions for funding agencies? No reason was given for his demotion, so we were left to speculate and to ask questions. Meanwhile, when Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves laid out his plans for the construction of the Argyle International Airport; we were told that it would have been completed in 2011. That completion date was not realized. As a result, in 2014, the Argyle International Airport missed its completion date for the fourth consecutive year.

Besides all the problems of 2014, the government then deliberately placed the blame of the demise of agriculture on the December floods, when the truth is the demise of the sector began since 2002, and more so the destruction of the banana industry was as a result of the government’s inability to provide the funds to spray the bananas from the Black Sigatoka.

Can we trust Saboto Caesar and the ULP, and re-elect them to office?

It was a difficult year for Vincentians. We endured much pain and suffering due to the mismanagement of the country’s economy by the ULP regime. Leon “Bigger Biggs” Samuel’s matter still remains unresolved. And, we had lost many loved ones including Mr. Elwardo Lynch and Mr. Edgar Cruickshank. Mr. Cruickshank died in tragic circumstances. However, we anticipate a change of governance in 2015.

V The habits we form from

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. 11.

Views

childhood “In short, the habits we form from childhood make no small difference, but rather they make all the difference.” Aristotle (384–322 BC) Greek philosopher, studied under Plato, tutored Alexander the Great.

NOT MANY OF THIS column’s readers will recognize the name Jarrett J. Krosoczka. I had never heard his name until a few minutes prior to writing this article. But it is truly amazing how his life story fits so very neatly into this essay.

TED.com is one of my most frequently visited websites. I regularly go to that Internet site to learn about economics, politics, history, science, education, medical breakthroughs, and so on. It was while searching for some inspiration in relation to education (and motivating children) that I came across Jarrett’s presentation entitled “How a boy became an artist”. During the 20-minute video presentation, he shared about the loss of his mother before age five, and growing up with his paternal grandparents, and the absence of his father. However, what really fascinated me was when he described his early interest in drawing, colouring and writing.

Encouraged by his grandparents, he used this interest to begin writing children’s books while he was still a child. He is now an accomplished author and illustrator of a number of children’s picture books. Universal Studios is negotiating to create a run of movies based on his Lunch Lady series.

There is value in encouraging our children to follow their passion from a very young age. The adults in Derek Alton Walcott’s early life encouraged him to read (and later to write). He blossomed out to make St. Lucia and the rest of CARICOM proud when he obtained the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1992. He has inspired many writers throughout and beyond the region. Walcott has also influenced many writers while performing duties as a Professor of Poetry at the University of Essex in England. Or consider another outstanding St. Lucian national, Sir Arthur Lewis, whose early interest in mathematics evolved to later embrace the theories and practices of economics, and landed him the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1979. And we could think of so many other individuals, from all walks of life, who commenced their trek to great accomplishments, having “cut their eye teeth” in their homes and/or schools at a very early age.

Professions, careers, vocations, and a variety of technical skills can emerge during childhood. But we must not neglect the responsibility that we also have to encourage the “softer skills” that will lead to and sustain success in later years. Good manners and behaviours must be taught early in life. Our children must see these lived out in our homes, schools, churches, sports clubs, and anywhere else that they will congregate. We must ensure that we encourage them to embrace the principles that will keep them and our society strong. They must appreciate the value of honesty, integrity,

fairness, empathy, kindness, and so on. These habits that they form from childhood will do them well in later years. But habits will not form automatically. We have to encourage their formation. They may know what to do and how to do it ... but they may regularly fall short with securing the desire, the will, the motivation to form the habit. That is where the adults come in. We have a tremendous responsibility and privilege to be the winds beneath their wings. In doing so, we can encourage athletic skills that children may think unattainable. We can instil that sense of accomplishment and capability in our children ... regardless of the limitations they may initially perceive themselves to have.

Grace Murray Hopper (1906-1992), the American computer scientist and United States Navy Rear Admiral, readily comes to mind as another example of how interests and habits developed in childhood could lead to great discoveries, inventions, and accomplishments in adult life. Her interest in dismantling and reassembling clocks in her childhood seemed to have placed her in good stead to work on assembling and reassembling computers in her adult life. She was one of the first programmers of the Harvard Mark I computer, and conceptualized the idea of machine-independent programming languages.

Some time ago, I came across some mind-boggling medical research that was conducted by teenager Jack Thomas Andraka of Maryland, USA. Jack’s uncle had been diagnosed as having late stage pancreatic cancer, and subsequently succumbed to the painful, dreaded disease. This traumatic experienced propelled Jack to do Internet searches and a series of experiments in his high school science laboratory. He later approached professors of medicine at neighbouring universities, and eventually, was able to discover a new, rapid, and inexpensive method to detect the increase of a protein that indicates the presence of pancreatic, ovarian, and lung cancer during early stages when there is a higher possibility of a cure. Wow! A teenage, not yet having a university degree, was able to do that, having followed his passion.

Henry Graham Greene (1904-1991), the English novelist, advocated that “There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in.” It therefore, behoves us to be ever vigilant for those moments when the “eureka experience” could emerge in the lives of our children ... and their passion for greatness is ignited. Will we (you and I) look at our children differently now, realising that they can be another Jarrett, Derek, Arthur, Grace, or Jack just waiting to excel? Those positive habits that they form in childhood can propel them to greatness in any and every field of endeavour.

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

What will the New Year bring?

VINCENTIANS ENTERED THE 2015 with great expectations. The year that passed was a very difficult one that must have pulled on our collective heart strings and our psychological fibres.

It was the year when we tried to rebuild from the December 2013 floods in which nature descended on us like a thunderbolt. In swift fashion, it caused more than $330 million worth of damage, and took 12 precious lives.

It was a year in which political tribalism got to a new low, as was reflected in the performance, inactivity or lack of leadership on the part of opposition supporters and leaders, in the holy place of worship, at the funeral service for the caustic Elwardo Lynch.

2014 will also be remembered as the year when SVG broke its homicide record, with 38 killings of mainly young men through deadly gunshots.

Many presumed that most of these killings were turf war, or settling of grudges induced by the illegal drug trade. Vincentians can only hope that these killings represent the end game among those intent on making their living through illicit means.

The year that passed also brought to the fore, construction mediocrity, when a home at a government sponsored housing development collapsed. The sad development created panic among residents and a field day for pundits and opposition talking heads, who were, opposed and afraid of the governments heralded housing plan to offer young professionals, civil servants and other residents a chance to own low and middle income homes. Politics trumped the people’s need.

The government took full responsibility for the problem, and has committed more than $3 million to repairs homes and to the further development of the infrastructure.

With the repairs and rehab work in full swing, some home owners have made public expressions that they feel much safer. The only discernible weakness in the government’s forthright and fulsome response is that the persons who were overseers when the home collapsed, remain enthroned as if nothing happened.

Another huge talking point last year was the disclosure that moneys were missing at the Registry. When it was disclosed that the Registrar resigned and left the country, some said it was a government conspiracy, and that she will never be brought to justice. When the former Registrar returned to the state and was charged, many of those voices were muted. When she pled guilty and was sentenced, many citizens felt she got off lightly; but the high octane political noise was mostly muted or lost much of its sting.

The year came to an end under tragic circumstances, with a tragic incident at Clare Valley. An unlicensed, uninsured vehicle ran into a meeting of the political opposition.

As fate would have it, Edgar Cruickshank, a longtime stalwart of the ULP, who had vocally expressed his displeasure with the ULP choice of candidate in South Leeward, was tragically killed. At least 8 other persons were injured, among them a youngman with two broken legs.

There were a lot of wild statements and accusations about what actually happened. Some politicians were beyond themselves, claiming that Mr. Cruickshank was targeted and executed. Some said that the

opposition was being targeted with political violence. No one persuasively answered why will the ULP risk reelection by unleashing political violence, in a parliamentary democracy where periodic elections determine who holds the reins of power.

The absolute worst statement on this incident came from The NEWS newspaper which editorialized surprise that the opposition had not taken to the streets, because in other parts of the world, the country would have been shut down. All this vitriol and bile before an investigation, and at a time when nerves were still raw.

There has not been such irresponsible misuse of an editorialist pen in my memory.

The tragic occurrences of 2014 definitely bring into focus the need for psychological assistance, care and attention for people who endure tragic and nerve racking experiences.

Amidst all of these difficulties, we have to add the difficult economic and financial situation of a large section of our population. These difficulties were brought on by the fall out and contraction resulting from the world economic crisis. This has meant that less persons have the wherewithal to visit our shores at a time when our economy is increasingly service oriented. Grants and foreign direct investment have dwindled, and traditional friends are less inclined to assist.

The year 2013 was not all hopeless.

The bottling of the popular Ju-C returned under new ownership and operation, and now employs 41 workers.

Gas stations, a plastics collection company and other small businesses rebranded and/or reopened and hired new staff.

Then there was the effort of the government to rebuild after the December 2014 floods. More than 120 homes were built to assist persons whose homes were either damaged or destroyed. This building boom created real economic activity, as scores of persons gained employment. Building material were purchased in abundance and used for the reconstruction effort.

The work on bridges and roads and the repairs to the water works of the country also allowed for a significant trickle-down effect in the economy.

These huge spendings made life a little more bearable for many families.

Government has raised close to $300 million in assistance from friendly countries. These moneys are to be used to rebuild the country after the flood of 2013 which destroyed more than 17 percent of our Gross National Product (GDP). It means that construction will be a major driver in the economic performance of the country in 2015.

The last year was one of tragedy and resilience, perseverance and optimism. 2015 offers hope and transition, development and transformation. Amidst all the difficulties, it’s a good time to be alive in SVG. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to wefirst@aol.com

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12. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Argyle airport runway – mountain of mud in the middle and poverty.

Vincentians have been made to suffer under the economic delusion that tourism and the Argyle Airport will bring prosperity. Well, they will not.

Having an airport does not guarantee prosperity. Barbados has had an international airport since 1938 and tourism for over 60 years; yet Barbados laid-off 3,000 government workers in 2013, and rolled out yet another national poverty alleviation programme a few years previous.

We have been lied to time and time again, being told that Argyle airport will be finished in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. One need only look at the muddy mess at Argyle, to know that it will not be finished in 2015, It will be at least four more years before this mess in the middle of the 2016, 2017, 2018 or 2019.

Argyle runway can be sorted out.

The Yambou River is yet to be SVG needs change to save the culverted; there is a mountain of mud northern end of the runway is just mud and is being washed away by the economy and create thousands of new in the middle of the runway area; the sea; and, the cliff at Peruvian Vale jobs for our people. It is clear that the village impedes final approach to the mountain of mud at Argyle will not runway, and will need to be knocked resemble an airport before the year down and cleared away (See more 2020. It is a joke to suggest planes will photos taken in December 2014 on land at Argyle when the runway has a SVG Green Party facebook page). river running through it.

After that, the runway will need to A Green government will put the be compacted properly over a number needs of Vincentians first, not tourists, of years, otherwise it will simply break and immediately abort the Argyle up under the weight of 400 tonne airport fiasco. It is unfair to make our jumbo jets and 590 tonne Airbus people wait another 4 years for jobs planes. and cheaper electricity and water.

Over 700 million dollars have been They have been waiting since 2006 for wasted at Argyle, and the result has jobs and prosperity, but the ULP been a muddy disaster. Both the regime has failed them. financially incompetent ULP and NDP Vote Green Party to abort Argyle, regimes seem intent on wasting and instead, create a strong economy millions of dollars more on Argyle. The and thousands of new jobs.

SVG economy is at real risk of SVG Green Party collapsing, because so much money www.svggreenparty.org has been wasted at Argyle.

Plane will need to jump over this Yambou River mud island.

IF ANYONE tells you that aircrafts will land at Argyle in 2015, then that person is lying to you. The middle of the Argyle airport runway is a river and a muddy wasteland. The Argyle airport will take at least 4 more years, and even then, it will not be a functioning airport.

Since 2006, we have been bombarded with the ULP regime’s nonsense about how the Argyle airport will boost the economy. But the reality is Argyle has been a curse to our country. Throughout SVG, towns, villages and communities have been starved of jobs and money, all for the sake of building the Argyle airport for tourists.

From Fancy to Fitz Hughes, Union Island and beyond, the needs of Vincentians have been ignored.

Hospitals have fallen to ruin, the economy is virtually dead, and the country is littered with tombs that once used to be flourishing businesses.

The consequence has been high unemployment, high crime, destitution

ÂMigrant community has duty to helpÊ THE UK-BASED Caribbean migrant community has “ a duty to support vulnerable Caribbean states,” in their efforts to recover from disasters such as the devastating floods of Christmas Eve 2013 which wreaked havoc in St Vincent and neighbouring states.

So said Mr Clintel Rose, Chairman and co-founder of the Caribbean Peoples Foundation as he addressed a fund-raising dinner in High Wycombe, UK, to mark the first anniversary of the floods.

The CPF was formed with the aim of bringing together Caribbean people in the UK diaspora, to provide assistance in the event of disasters such as those of December 2013. It aims to work with OECS countries in the first instance, given their record in regional integration, but to extend the outreach to include all CARICOM countries and the other non-English

speaking Caribbean states.

The dinner was attended by hundreds of Caribbean migrants, among them, High Wycombe Mayor Khalil Ahmed, the Member of Parliament for the area, Steve Baker and representatives from the various Caribbean High Commissions in the UK. One of these, Vincentian Ms Doris Charles, who holds the post of Minister Counsellor at her country’s High Commission, thanked the CPF for its efforts “to alleviate the rather difficult and challenging times in our home countries.” She called for observance of a minute’s silence in honour of those who died and suffered as a result of the floods.

CPF Chairman Rose, originally from Stoney Ground in the Kingstown area, said that it was important for

The Executive of the Caribbean Peoples Foundation. Chairman Clintel Rose is pictured second from left. the migrant community to assist, since “we can’t depend on government to do everything for us.” He said that the Caribbean is struggling and does not “have the resources to effectively recover from this kind of devastation.”

It is therefore, the duty of those in the diaspora to help.

“Collectively we can make a huge difference in making sure that our home countries prepare for and recover from disasters”, Mr Rose told the gathering. He also urged that they strive to overcome insularity, but rather place emphasis on their Caribbean identity as “one people.”

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. 13.

V Warren is Karaoke King: 14. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

Aunty G assists worthy cause

James Lenny Warren singing his way to the top of the SWTS Karaoke Christmas Edition.

Right: Michael Charles, Commissioner of Police, an ardent supporter of the karaoke circuit here, was on hand to give a guest performance.

JAMES LENNY WARREN is the King of Singing With The Stars (SWTS) Karaoke.

He laid claim to the title when he breezed past seven other competitors in the finals of the SWTS 2014 Christmas Edition, held at Huffles Ranch, Brighton, December 28.

In what SWTS originator and co-ordinator Georgietha ‘Aunty G’ Nanton said was “a night of clean and heart-warming entertainment in front of a satisfactory crowd,” Warren easily convinced the judges, Roland Sardine, Jeffery ‘Snuffy’ Martin and Kenelm Beache, and won the hearts of his audience, with a smooth, almost flawless performance.

He beat Michael Warren, Savannah John, Dane Jack, Lovitia Boyea, Portia Ross-Da Silva, Felecia Davy and Fitz Rica Ollivierre, and took home the SWTS trophy; $500.00 in cash; a food basket, compliments K&L Auto Customs

Brokerage Agency; two cases of Hairoun Beer provided by the St Vincent Brewery Ltd.; a photo shoot from Crown Photography, and a hair style session from Line-up Beauty .

Bringing a special spark to the evening’s programme were guest artistes Keith Baptiste, Vivi Soul, Little Melanie & N Myra Richards, Mr & Mrs May and the indomitable Karaoke specialist, Commissioner of Police Michael Charles.

“What more can I say,” quipped ‘Aunty G’ when contacted. “It’s hard work, but I enjoy getting it all together.

The satisfaction comes from seeing the pleased faces of the audiences, and knowing that there are hundreds of persons out there, waiting to become part of the Singing With The Stars Karaoke caravan.”

Donation to worthy cause And in a related event, the Aunty G’s Charitable Children Organization (AGCCO) recently made a donation to another worthy case here.

From funds generated from the 2014 Annual AGCCO Christmas fund-raising event

Georgietha ‘Aunty G’ Nanton, founder of AGCCO (right) hands over donation to Kristin Lewis in the presence of his mother, Patrina Lewis (left). held on December 6, 2014, at the Chili Playing Field in Georgetown, (see page 17 of THE VINCENTIAN of December 12, 2014), $1,000.00 was donated to 18-year-old Kristin Josh Lewis, a student of the Student Support facility in Frenches.

Kristin suffers from renal failure, and receives hemodialysis treatment twice a week at Health Solution Inc.

The donation will go towards offsetting costs for this treatment.

“We are pleased, once again, to be able to assist with the needs of a young person. The AGCCO is what it says it is, a Charitable, non-profit organization. We are always on the lookout for causes to assist,” said AGCCO founder Georgietha ‘Aunty G’ Nanton.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. 15.

Arts

Vincy dancers take Youth Fest 2014 by storm

THE VINCENTIAN DANCE GROUP BreakStorm Crew out-performed four other competitors at the December 21st Caribbean Youth Fest, to walk away with the title of Dance Champs for 2014.

The 11th Annual Youth Fest, for the second successive year, facilitated the participation of singers and dancers from St. Vincent and Grenadines.

Three teenagers, three in their twenties, and one dance group, along with a contingent of supporters, travelled from St. Vincent to Vieux Fort, St. Lucia, on December 21st on the M V GEM Star, to showcase Vincy Youth talent.

Thirty-three young singers, aged 8 to 29, competed in three categories for the title of YOUTH STAR 2014, which carried a cash prize of $5,000 and a LIME sponsored text.

In the teens category, Vincentians Shaniah Webb, Tevon Richards and Javid Rouse came up against St. Lucians Jarvin Octave, Whitney Abysique, Suan Beausoliel, Asher Small, Prisca Amedee, Kertage Joseph, Alicia Bernard, Shan Lucien, Kirby Mathurin, Kaitlyn Charlery, Levonn Sealy and Chester Auguste for the $1,000 first prize and $500 second prize. In what proved to be a very competitive arena, Kirby Mathurin and Rae & Mainiac (Kaitlyn Charlery & Levonn Sealy) narrowly surpassed the other performers for first and

second place respectively.

The winner, Tisha Peter, and 1st runner-up Robert Rene in the Twenties category earned $2,000 and $1,000 respectively as they out-performed Vincentians Brian Maloney, Zamfir Adams and Noveecha Toney, and St. Lucians Asa Joseph, Randel Martial, Eleza Samuel, Alex Klien, , Adrian Klien, Kenton St Ville, Gerald Dumerville and Tessa George.

The judges had a difficult task in awarding the title of Youth Star 2014 to Tisha Peter, as mere fractions separated the scores of the top performers.

Dance groups The Amadis Dancers, S.A.K, Genuine 86, and CAM Dancers from St. Lucia were blown away by the dazzling and hypnotic performance by BreakStorm Crew of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The Vincentian dancers earned themselves bragging rights and the winner’s prize of $1,000.

Youth Fest 2014 also featured the model group N Vogue, comedy team 718 Drama Crew, the St. Lucy Steel, DYP with Derek Yarde and a slate of other artistes, ending the show with a real Caribbean Fete well “worth it”.

Discussions are well advanced on the possibility of hosting Caribbean Youth Fest 2015 Finals in St. Vincent & The Grenadines.

(Contributed)

BreakStorm blowing away the competition in St. Lucia.

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16. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Business

The Spectacle Shoppe launches 1-hour service for glasses

the-art equipment found in large-scale production facilities; in some cases, it’s even more advanced.”

This means that The Spectacle Shoppe is now producing prescription spectacle lenses (including multifocal lenses) from start to finish on-site, instead of having to send overseas, another first for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

All of this is complemented by a full time, experienced, resident A 1-HOUR Service for glasses is available for the Optometrist on staff, first time in SVG. allowing the services to include not just services THE SPECTACLE SHOPPE has taken from comprehensive eye (visual acuity) another step in fulfilling its motto, examination to actual spectacles, but ‘Revolutionizing Eye Care in SVG!’ also screening for glaucoma, cataracts The eye care delivery service, established in 1982 by the late Rawle and diabetic retinopathy.

“The Spectacle Shoppe views this Sutherland, has launched this new and exciting service as part of our country’s first ever 1-HOUR SERVICE underlying commitment to customer for Glasses.

“We have recognized our customers’ satisfaction and industry innovation,” Management said, adding, “Our increasing desire for a quick leadership in the industry has allowed turnaround on prescription glasses, us to invest in this technology, and in and have responded in a timely and turn, provide our customers with high cost effective manner,” Management quality lenses that are ready for pickexplained.

The ground-breaking service comes up in one hour.”

Established clients and potential on the heels of recent remodeling of the Spectacle Shoppe, located at White clients are reminded that an interactive website allows them to Chapel, Mckie’s Hill that has further book eye exam appointments online enhanced the client-friendly and browse high definition images of atmosphere for which it has become eyewear styles. known, with a new soothing interior design and the added services of a full body massage chair and a Wi-Fi facility.

In addition, the procurement and commissioning of new, modern, state of the art laboratory equipment means that The Spectacle Shoppe has been upgraded from an on-site lens finishing lab, to a full-scale lens- making lab.

Management of The Spectacle Shoppe assured, “The equipment found in A new and upgraded looks awaits customers of our lab is the same state-of- the Spectacle Shoppe.

Some of the laboratory equipment that bring The Spectacle Shoppe on par with international service providers.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. 17.

News

ÂSatan is not going to deter us,Ê declares Dean McIntosh

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY THE VERY REVEREND PATRICK MCINTOSH, Dean of St. George’s (Anglican) Cathedral, is continuing to worship at the Anglican Church of the Ascension at Sion Hill, despite a fire that destroyed the altar at that Church.

In fact, Dean McIntosh led a service at the Church on Sunday 4th January, 2015, one day after the fire.

McIntosh is perplexed by the wanton act, and reminded that “we use it (Church) for the glory of God,” as “a place where people could go and pray.”

The Dean was obviously appalled at the burning of the Altar, but declared: “We are not allowing Satan to think that he has the power to deter us from the act of worship.”

McIntosh acknowledged that we have to live in the reality of the times, but that “we have to commend everything to God.” The Anglican leader, in pondering on the reasons which led to the incident, pointed to the faculties which persons are born with, and queried why some do not make the connection between their being and the Creator.

He pointed to the tendency of selfdenial on which some persons thrive, and surmised that individuals had strayed away from Christ.

Worshippers at the Church were not deterred. They turned up for worship the day after the fire. (Credit: Jerry George’s Facebook page) Left: The charred remains of the altar at the Anglican Church of the Ascension at Sion Hill. (Credit: Jerry George’s Facebook page)

“One of the problems facing the world is that people are moving away from God,” McIntosh indicated.

He chastised the institution for their lack of real community outreach, even though he outlined that the Church paid attention to occupants at the Thompson’s Home and Mental Health Centre, every month.

“We have not gone into strong missionary thrust,” he pointed out.

In reiterating the movement away from the Church, Dean McIntosh cited the tendency towards the “instantaneous way of life.”

The trend of “immediate satisfaction” has overtaken the spirits, according to McIntosh.

He admonished those worshippers who attend Church on Sundays but during the week, contribute to the destruction of the environment, and chastised the Church for not playing a leading role in keeping the surroundings clean.

He noted that the “highest expression of any act of worship is thanking God.” For McIntosh, people need to focus

on the birth, death and resurrection of Christ, and he en--couraged citizens to surrender themselves to the Almighty.

Even in the turmoil, McIntosh sees it as an opportunity for the Church to take a new approach to getting people to respond.

“We have been exclusive instead of inclusive,” McIntosh outlined.

The Dean offered forgiveness for the person who carried out the act, even as he admitted that the Church “cannot remove itself from the blame.”

He is hoping that the person who carried out the act “would come around to recognise what they did.”

Reactions to the fire at the Sion Hill Brian ‘Kangaroo’ Rogers – Mason:

Brian ‘Kangaroo’ Rogers

“It’s a disgrace to tamper Adrian ‘Kaka’ Thompson – Shopkeeper: with God’s Temple.”

Adrian ‘Kaka’ Thompson

Wesley ‘Dodo’ Richards

“It has to be an ISIS. You messing around a

Allan Alexander

The Very Reverend Patrick McIntosh, Dean of St. George’s (Anglican) Cathedral, says the Church cannot remove itself from the blame for the incident that took place.

Wesley ‘Dodo’ Richards – Block maker: “They don’t have any right to do that.”

Church?”

Allan Alexander – Handyman: “I don’t like what go on.

If I catch the man I execute him, because God hah too much work to do. They can’t go in the Church and do that.

Nathaniel John

Nathaniel John Cart man: “That is very bad. I don’t like that. That is God Church. People go there and praise their God. That is an abomination.

Only the Almighty knows. The person will blight until they die.

V National Parks engage youths 18. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Heritage

and especially to children between the ages of four and fourteen years.

THE NATIONAL PARKS, Rivers and The Scavenger Hunt functions Beaches Authority has come up with a under the theme: Getting to Know the very exciting activity to engage children, Gardens. while at the same time bringing After two trial runs of the Hunt knowledge and awareness about the Saturday 27th December, 2014 and Botanical Gardens.

Saturday 3rd January, 2015 - the According to the activity Authority is set to put a full-scale coordinator, Ms. Aqueila Rose, the Scavenger Hunt into action.

Authority has introduced the In each of these trials, conducted in Botanical Gardens Scavenger/Treasure three different age groups, each child Hunt. It is geared to entire families was given a worksheet, a pencil and a collection bag.

They followed several trails, with the assistance of ‘tour guides’, in search of answers to questions on their worksheets.

Each child was allowed a total of three lifelines or clues to help in arriving at the answers.

During the Hunt, which Jahizzy Soleyn Tariq Samuel Raheem Bruton.

by GLORIAH…

allowed an average of forty minutes for each trail, the children learned the local and scientific names of plants, ‘Hunters’ getting their instructions from co-ordinator their origins and Ms. Aqueila Rose, before setting off on their hunt. uses.

Upon completion, came to the Scavenger Hunt because I the children were allowed to choose won last week and I wanted to win their own prizes from the treasure this week again. I learnt about new chest of gifts. Local stories were also trees like the many palms in the read to them.

Gardens, and also about the canon ball tree. It looked scary at first but the Children’s Responses flowers smell so sweet. This Scavenger Hunt is something I would Some of the children took the time encourage others to take part in. I am to share their opinions with THE not quite done, so I am going to finish VINCENTIAN: up.”

TARIQ SAMUEL. 12 years. Villa.

“I came last week and I enjoyed it so much that I came back today.

What I like most is the mystery and the searching. They help me to learn about the plants and the culture, and better my understanding of the Botanical Gardens. I never knew it was Captain Bligh who brought the breadfruit plant here. I also learnt a lot about new trees, and would recommend this Scavenger Hunt to other children. It was good use of my time. I got prizes and had fun every time.”

RAHEEM BRUTON. 13 years.

Villa.“I am enjoying myself a lot. I

JAHIZZY SOLEYN. 12 years.

Kingstown Park.

“I finished first today, so I am the winner. Last week I came in last but this week I put in more effort. I like the Hunt because it tells me so much about the Gardens. I even learnt that the Gardens has a tree that looks like an elephant’s foot, and I did not know about the Curator’s House. What I like is that there are many plants with names on them so you can tell which is which. I will tell my friends about it because it is fun and exciting.”

A grand Scavenger/Treasure Hunt is planned for Easter this year.

Children and their parents, and families are invited to participate.

LIME gives ‘Coverage’ to Students TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROVIDER LIME has provided additional ‘coverage’ to primary school students across St Vincent and the Grenadines.

This week, students in primary schools in and around Kingstown received LIME branded textbook covers, to keep their books in top condition for the current school term and beyond.

The students, along with the teachers and head Students of the Dorsetshire Hill Government teachers who have already School display the LIME textbook cover. received the covers, expressed their gratitude to LIME for perhaps for resale by the parents of the students. the gesture.

“We know that (purchasing) Schools receiving the colourful textbooks can be a financial burden to covers this week include the parents, and that children would not Kingstown Preparatory School, always keep these books in good Dorsetshire Hill Government School, condition. So whatever we at LIME Sion Hill Primary School and the can do to make life easier for the Kingstown Anglican School. students and their parents, we will do Veronique Williams, LIME Marketing Assistant, says it is hoped it,” Williams said.

Up to 5000 of the covers are to be that the gesture, though small, would distributed to the schools. go a long way in helping to preserve the textbooks for future use, or

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. 19.

News

NLA ÂPay DayÊ for three

by KENVILLE HORNE

THREE PERSONS WERE on Tuesday presented with their first cheques, after winning in the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) Christmas Promotion, dubbed ‘Pay Day’.

Taking first prize was THE VINCENTIAN newspaper’s Proof Reader, Leroy Mulraine of Kingstown Park. Mulraine won EC$1,500.00 for each month for the rest of 2015.

Second prize of EC$1,000.00 per month went to businessman Desmond Hillocks of Paul’s Avenue, and Osmond Delpeche, a businessman of Gibson Corner, took the third prize of EC$500 for each month.

Mulraine, like the other winners, has been playing the various games of NLA since its inception in 1984.

According to Mulraine, a retired Deputy Chief Education Officer and former Deputy Headmaster at the St.Vincent Grammar School, he has never won anything substantial from NLA, so when he received the call, he was surprised but elated. “I was happy that Lady Luck had smiled on me and I was going into the New Year with a welcomed gift, compliments the NLA.” He expressed thanks to the NLA and wished them continued success in their “tremendous contributions not only to Sports and Culture throughout SVG, but to various other fields, like education and health.”

In addition to putting his winnings towards “a few personal commitments,” Mulraine said he will also “earmark a portion for minor repairs to my residence, which is one of the oldest buildings still standing in Kingstown.”

He appealed to the general public to give their full support to the NLA towards the social, education and health advancement in SVG. Hillocks said that he was the first

Leroy Mulraine (left), first prize winner in the NLA Pay Day promo, accepts his first cheque from McGregor Sealey, General Manager of the NLA. prize winner in the NLA 2013 Christmas promotion, winning a hamper in the process. He is anticipating winning again when the next promotion is held.

Delpeche disclosed that he would be using his winnings towards offsetting expenses associated with medical attention he has to seek overseas.

Product Development Officer at NLA, Anthony Dennie, lauded the winners for their support of the NLA through its 30 years, to date.

NLA General Manager McGregor Sealey expressed a sincere thanks to the players and staff of NLA, especially since, as he said, “without whose support the company would not have expanded their sponsorship not only to sports and culture, but also to health and education.”

The Pay Day Draw was held on December 31st, 2014.

Digicel gives to Guadalupe Home THE CATHOLIC INSTITUTION, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Home in Mesopotamia, received a much welcomed visit on Wednesday, January 7th from Digicel.

The visiting delegation, led by Marketing Manager Juno DeRoche, made a donation of foodstuff to the home, which caters to teenage girls at risk.

Administrator at the home, Salene Dopwell, said that the home, which has a capacity to house 16 girls currently houses Our Lady of Guadalupe Home 13, was grateful for the Administrator, Salene Dopwell (2nd from donation. left), accepts a donation from Digicel “I am happy, overwhelmed, staffers. because this (donation) has They attend various schools and are come at a good time. We are trying to involved in anger management, put the home on the map so we can counselling and personal care get help, so I thank Digicel very much programmes. for their generous contribution, and DeRoche commented that “We we hope they can continue to support (Digicel) are glad that we can donate us and also recommend us to others.” to this institution, as we realize that Girls, ages 12 to 18 years, are here, they are making an effort to recommended for care at the Home improve the lives of these girls who through the courts and the Social have been through one struggle or the Services Department of Government. other.”

(From Left): Osmond Delpeche, Leroy Mulraine, McGregor Sealey, Desmond Hillocks and Anthony Dennie put the crown on another successful NLA Christmas promotion.

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20. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

My husband is a sex animal Dear George,

Dear Disappointed, I HAVE NOT slept a single night since I married this man who I thought would have made me a great husband. The nights when he kept me up all night literally forcing me to have sex with him were nightmares. I have spoken to him about it, but his rersponse is that since I am his wife, he has the legal right to have sex with me, whenever and wherever, and if I don’t like it, then I am free to leave.

George, this man is an animal, and I never had any indication of this kind of behaviour before marrying him. I am not happy, and it does not look like he is going to change his animalistic behaviour any time soon. We have been married for one month.

Disappointed

You should let your husband know that you did not sign up for that kind of treatment or behavior, and his understanding of sex within a marriage does not mesh with yours. He should also be aware that it is possible for charges of rape to be made against him. For

this, you need to get legal advice.

Your husband said it plainly, i.e. if you don’t like it, then you are free to leave. It is now up to you to take him up at his word. But I would advise that you chalk this one up as an error in judgement, and salvage what you can before the rest of your life

is wasted.

Of course, there is always the option of counselling. If you see the need to continue being with him, and are willing to give him a chance to change, then that will be your decision to make.

George

Thanks for the advice Dear George,

want to tell couples out there that when all seems lost, they should get the necessary advice from the right people.

Thanks again, George!

LET ME THANK YOU for all the good advice that you gave me. I have just celebrated my 2nd anniversary with my Happy Couple husband, and we now have a baby boy. He is still going to counselling, Dear Happy Couple, off and on, but more on Glad to hear you are than off. We are doing much better, and we just doing great. Keep the

DonÊt trust your relatives Dear George, MY HUSBAND confessed to me that he has been sleeping with two of my sisters and also my aunt, who is 30 years older than I am. He is 32 and I am 27 years old. He said that it had been hanging on his mind and he could not sleep, knowing that he was that unfaithful to me. He expects me to continue being with him because he confessed and begged me to forgive him.

The thing is, one of my sisters is pregnant and she has been telling me that the child was for a man whom she met overseas. The whole thing is a real mess, and I am at a loss. I do not want to confront anyone over this; I just want out, and to get as far away from these people as I can.

I am writing this letter to warn all women not to trust their relatives with their man. Without going into details, I must say here that I was a bit too trusting and naïve, and look what it got me.

Mad W. Dear Mad W,

communication between you two always open, and remember that even when you feel like it, it is always best to give your spouse the benefit of the doubt, until you get tangible evidence.

Continue the counselling until told otherwise. I wish you the best for the future.

A confession does not in any way guarantee a continuation, and while you can forgive him, it does not mean you have to remain with him. You can trust your relatives with your husband, but you cannot control his desires and actions. He has to know that he has committed to you and should remain committed. He also has to learn that there are consequences to his actions, and he has a lot of growing up to do.

Get yourself some much needed counselling to help you through this maize of confusion and disappointment.

George

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You need to fulfill your needs and pre sent your talents. Focus your efforts on details, and keep to yourself in order to finish your work. They won't pay you back and you'll be upset. Escapist tendencies will result in a poor reputation and a lack of confidence.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Try to make arrangements with close friends or relatives to spend a few days away. Don't try to hide your true feelings from your mate. Emotionally, things may not run so smoothly. You can finish projects early, which will bring you praise from superiors.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Your position may be in question if you haven't been pulling your weight. You may find that your plans will cost a little more than you had expected. Travel should be on your mind. Get involved in a competitive sport that will bring the challenges you thrive on.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You will find that money could slip through your fingers. Think twice before you agree to take on any new projects.

Opportunities for travel and socializing are evident. Don't be too quick to respond to a plea for help.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Compromise will be necessary. Don't hold yourself back because you think you're too old. Romantic relationships should stabilize. Don't hold back.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You will be extremely sensual; take precautions and don't take any risks.

You'll be dropping friends for no apparent reason. You will attract new love interests. The emotional state of peers may cause a problem for you.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Be sure to sidestep those who are

eccentric or unpredictable. Don't bother complaining, do the work yourself. You need to make your lover feel wanted, not like a piece of the furniture.

Involvement in groups will be favorable.

Business partnerships will prove lucrative.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Health problems may prevail if you haven't been getting enough rest. You can win if you're open and up front with your boss. You need an energetic outlet that will help you dissipate your anxiety.

Children may be on your mind.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Make sure that all your legal papers are in proper order. Don't second guess yourself, just go to it. Self-improvement projects will payoff in more ways than one. Get back into a routine that promises a better looking, more aware individual.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Payoff all your debts before you go out and celebrate. You can ask for favors and get sound advice from close friends or relatives. Group endeavors will provide you with entertainment. Put your efforts into making constructive improvements to your environment and to your state of mind.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) You must look into your options. Your emotions may get the better of you. Do not invest in joint ventures. You need to get down to basics with regard to yourself.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Consider starting a small business on the side. Look for a marketable gimmick. You may have difficulty trying to get your mate to understand your position. You should be raising your self esteem and confidence in order to promote your work. Help those incapable of taking care of their personal affairs.

ACROSS

41. Informal message 1.Dashboard 42. Threeabbr. hanky film 4. Science rms.

45. Scurried 8. Reward a 48. Mideast performer nation 12. Victory letter 49. Estrada of 13. __ code “CHiPs” 14. Heavenly 50. Greek letter headwear 51. Crooned 15. Cul-de-__ 52. “JAG” 16. Golden-touch spin-off Master 53. Society gal (2 wds.)

18. Mind DOWN 20. Carrie Fisher’s dad 1.Campers’ 21. Lathers Vehicles 23. Flower (abbr.) holder 2. Pod item 25. Hunter and 3. Car repairer Holm 4. Huron and 26. Strutted Erie 29. Cycle start 5. Lacking 30. Cascades humidity 31. Naught 6. Actor Stiller 33. Zodiac sign 7. Droop 35. Edible, 8. Reproved tropical 9. Alan of Tuber “Shane” 36. Rosary unit 10. Jai __ 37. Margarita 11. Attitude fruits 17. Small high 38. Mom’s __ pie plateaus

19. “Oz” aunt et al.

21. Like a bodybuilder 22. Crew necessities 23. True 24. Singer __ Guthrie 26. Mama’s man 27. Captivated 28. Disastrous 30. Unchained 32. Part of L.A. 34. Elliptical 35. Meadows of “SNL”

37. Roof problems 38. Fifi’s friends 39. Chile’s neighbour 40. Project 41. 2002, to

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. 21.

Brutus 43. “__ and Stimpy” 44. Rainbow shape 46. Gobbled up 47. Seize suddenly

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22. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

TV licence irrelevant

WHAT HAS BEEN A $100.00 licence fee payable at the purchase of a television receiver (set) may just become a thing of the past.

When the licence was introduced, it was intended to be a stipulated annual fee, and funds so collected were passed over to the then lone television station, SVGTV, to facilitate airing of Government programmes (first GIS and then API produced).

Efforts to collect the The relevance of the licence (fee) for television annual fee all but petered sets could come under review, according to the out through the years, and Prime Minister. according to Prime Today, there are three local Minister and Minister of Finance Dr television stations.

Ralph Gonsalves, when asked about “In Britain there is a payment for the relevance of the fee in modern the BBC, but they are required to times, the payment of the $100 fee carry some kind of programmes,” the may be a matter that will need to be Prime Minister explained. revisited.

He, however, noted that the According to Gonsalves, the fee was payment of the fee was something that relevant when there was a situation needed to be looked at in order to where one television station was in determine if it was justifiable or not. operation — or in effect a monopoly.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. 23.

Dr. Carl Ollivierre: Determined to assist

by DAYLE DA SILVA

BROTHERS CARL AND MICHAEL ‘LORD HAVE MERCY’ OLLIVIERRE are on a quest to concretise a vision they have for athletes in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

That vision is to launch their ‘Adopt an Athlete’ programme, founded on a drive to solicit funds from companies, corporations and individuals to assist up and coming local talent.

“I think we have a good chance of getting it off the ground,” Carl Ollivierre, MD, FACS told THE VINCENTIAN during his last visit home.

Discussions are in the infantile stage, he admitted, but the responses so far have been good.

“A lot of people are willing to help, [we] just need to identify clearly where the funds are going to,” he said.

Going beyond the big break

Carl Ollivierre is a product of an academic scholarship he secured as an athlete during his schooling years.

He received a track and field scholarship back in 1977, and pursued studies at the University of Puerto Rico.

From there he went to Washington D.C. to medical school.

His specialities are Orthopaedic Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, and he has been practising in Florida, USA, where he resides, for about 22 years.

Ollivierre admits that he probably got lucky in obtaining that break.

He participated at the CARIFTA games and was spotted by a Barbadian scout — also an acquaintance of (his) brother, Michael.

“I was motivated enough to recognise that the luck could only get me so far, I had to work hard,” he said, even as

St Vincent from as far back as the 1970s. I have seen two separate plans for a track and a stadium over the years, yet the first soil has not been turned to build a track — that’s problem number one,” Ollivierre said.

The other inhibiting factor existed among coaches and coaching.

“A lot of coaches have been satisfied to produce State of local track and a team that wins school field sports. Too many coaches are settling for Ollivierre was frank mediocrity,” he cited. about his disappointment His brother has been with the direction local at the centre of criticism athletics had taken. recently. According to One of the the young Ollivierre, observations he made rather than embracing was that other countries his brother’s success within the OECS had internationally, there surpassed SVG in seemed to be a lot of athletics — Grenada, for fighting and bickering example, having while the athletes suffer. produced an Olympic “I have seen teams Gold Medallist — Kirani travel with officials long James. before an athlete has “I think the number qualified for the event one reason is facilities and that is a shame. It and equipment. We have seems to me that been talking about sometimes the emphasis putting down a track in is on officials and he said that he “understands the importance of getting that big break,” something he wishes for other young Vincentians.

“But they need to be encouraged — they have to believe that there is a future beyond just looking good at a high school or junior high school level,” Ollivierre insisted.

personal benefits at the expense of the athletes,” he reasoned.

But there is a lot of raw talent, he conceded.

He said that he had the opportunity to speak with some of the athletes who attended one of his brother’s coaching clinics.

“These are people catching buses from as far as South Rivers, Park Hill, Georgetown, Troumaca, to come to the Arnos Vale playing field to practise. We have to find a way to keep that spirit going,” he urged.

And there are lots of resources available out there for talented, academically sound students, Ollivierre said.

He admitted that the performance of the individual athletes would determine the longevity and sustainability of the programme.

“Fortunately, track is a sport that you can actually measure clear success,” he said.

And in spite of the many elements that may discourage an individual,

Dr. Carl Ollivierre is bent on creating opportunities for those athletes who match their athletic prowess with academic suitability. he said that he is encouraged to make changes.

“I have seen the talent first hand since I have been here — we know athletically they will make it, they have the raw tools, we just need to put it together in a package,” Ollivierre said.

Lodge Village School gets Tennis boost THE SVG TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIATION (SVGTTA) continues its drive to spread the sport among the young people of the state.

Its most recent demonstration of this commitment came last Tuesday, January 6, 2014, when a presentation of one table tennis board, four rackets and a quantity of balls were handed over to Lodge Village Government School.

In officially handing over the equipment to the school’s Acting Principal, Mrs. Cassandra Barrow, President

of the SVGTTA, Tyrone Jack, explained that “this placement/donation forms part of the Association’s plan in working with the Ministry of Education and the Division of Physical Education and Sport, in spreading and developing the sport throughout the country.”

Jack also disclosed that his Association, along with the Division of Sports, was actively involved in coaching and guidance programmes in a number of primary and secondary schools.

Lodge Village Government

School will now be added to this list.

Principal Barrow acknowledged the kind assistance of the SVGTTA, and committed to supporting the programme.

Principal (Ag) Cassandra Barrow (3rd from left) accepts donation from SVGTTA President Tyrone Jack, in the company of coach Joseph Carrington (2nd from left), Director of Sports (Ag) Mr. Woodrow Williams (3rd from right) Class Teacher Mrs. Anita Daniel (2nd from right) and coach Deighton King.

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24. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Cricketers learn psychology of sports

Barbadian Sports Psychologist Dawn Marie Layne delivers during a session of the ‘Motivation in Sports’ seminar.

their positive attitude and the dynamics of the sessions…..it is NATIONAL CRICKETERS at the U15, U19 not what I get in Barbados. I and female categories are expected to am really happy that the St. be clearer in their minds as to how they Vincent Cricket Association must deal with obstacles and develop invited me to come here to do mental toughness, in order to achieve this,” she said with a beaming their goals of playing sport at the highest smile. level.

Layne described her They were afforded this opportunity experience in her native at a two-day seminar on ‘Motivation in Barbados and even with the Sports’, held at the Girl Guide WICB set up as one that has not Headquarters at Level Gardens, and always been that encouraging, facilitated by Barbadian Sports but she is undaunted and is psychologist, Dawn-Marie Layne. committed to getting better and Female cricketers pay earnest attention.

Layne, in a post session interview, more rounded players to highlighted the eagerness of the represent the region. off….Their main thing it seems is to participants, saying that they made ‘There were times I did some play cricket, and to them, these every effort to grasp what was being sessions with some young players sessions are just waste of time.” taught. there (Barbados), and to be honest, A former Barbados and West Indies “I was pleasantly surprised with their attitude could be a real turn

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Female A team medium pacer, Layne believes that the younger players in West Indies cricket appear not to be aware of the history and culture of the Caribbean, and therefore seem lost as to the expectations of the region. It is because of this that she feels that everything should be done to educate the young players about what motivated Sir Vivian Richards, Clive Lloyd and the great players in the past to play with so much pride.

During her presentation, she was able to use some real examples of players whose truancy stymied their progress in the game.

The beneficiary of a scholarship from the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) to study in Europe, the 26- yearold Layne has, as a priority, to pursue her PhD and to resume South Leeward team which engaged Layou her playing career. in the opening match last Sunday Last weekend’s sessions, Defending All Leeward Football championsLayou Yolande London which were highly interactive, AS A PRELUDE to the National Inter Park venue, the Layou Playing Field, the with an attempt to win the competition”, addressed a number of topics, Community League Football Keartons Playing Field and the Petit London projected. including Goal Setting, Championships, an All Leeward Bordel Playing Field are the venues for Six teams — Brighton, Stubbs, Greiggs, Motivation - Intrinsic and competition got going last Sunday the matches, with the Layou Playing Marriaqua, North East and North Extrinsic, and Self afternoon, at the Campden Park Playing Field serving as the home for the Windward will contest the All Windward Determining Theory.

Field.

Buccament team. competition.

National Female cricket Five teams , defending champions The teams will battle for a first prize The senior men’s division of the manager, Gweneth Anthony, Layou, Buccament, Barrouallie, North of $ 2000, with the runner-up guaranteed National Inter Community League applauded Layne for her Leeward and home team South Leeward, $1000. championships is set to open 8th delivery and the boldness with are contesting the competition, which Meanwhile, the All Windward February. which he addressed the issue was not held in 2014. competition gets going this Sunday at the Eighteen teams are slated to compete of lesbianism.

And when the competition began in Chili Playing Field in Georgetown. in three zones.

Layne indicated that while earnest, Layou and the host team played Chairperson of the Organising Zone A features defending champions “no one can tell anyone how to to a 1-1 draw.

Committee of the Windward set up, Barrouallie, North Leeward, East Kimron Charles opened the scoring for Yolande London, reported, “The purpose Kingstown, South East , Buccament and live their life it is wrong for individuals to try and impose South Leeward in the second half, after of the competition is to provide an avenue Bequia. he headed in, having found himself for practice games for the Windward Zone B comprises Central Kingstown, their lifestyle on others.”

Anthony is of a similar unmarked on the back post. league teams that would be participating South Leeward, Sion Hill, North East , view.

But South Leeward’s lead was shortin the National Inter League Competition North Windward, and Stubbs.

First vice-president of the lived, as Shandell Samuel restored slated for February 2015.”

West Kingstown , Greiggs, Calliaqua , parity, responding likewise with a headed “ It is our hope that with this Arnos Vale , Marriaqua, and Layou make SVGCA, Denis Byam, said the gaol. initiative, the Windward league teams up Zone C . event is part of the thrust to The Competition is being played on a would be motivated and reenergized to The winner of the national competition educate and sensitise national home and away basis. The Campden compete in this prestigious competition pockets $10 000. players.

All Leeward football gets going: Windward opens this Sunday

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. 25.

Sports

Cricket and controversy ONCE, THE WEST INDIES CRICKET TEAM played with pride. There was a consciousness which characterised the squad. Persons like Vivian Richards asserted his dignity as a Black man and gained worldwide admiration. Those guys approached the game with commitment. In those days, players were driven by a feeling of honour, not just for their country but also for oppressed peoples globally.

West Indian teams attracted support of people in foreign countries, who felt abandoned by their authorities.

West Indian players then collected meagre finances. The gains were in raising the social standing of dispossessed and marginalised fans.

Materialism has overtaken the present crop.

And the extent of the decline in regional cricket grew apparent when Denish Ramdin flashed a sign on international television trying to belittle Vivian Richards.

That Ramdin was named captain of the team speaks volumes for the disregard that we have cultivated for our heroes.

It is not surprising that a group representing the area, abandoned a tour because there were differences over finance. With issues over victimisation and discrimination still on the cards, a feeling of discord hangs over the scenario.

Regardless of the extent the West Indies Cricket Board was at fault, one would have thought that a cordial relationship should have been worked out.

Every semblance of straight thinking disappeared, and the players seemed to have enforced a stranglehold.

The West Indies Board can select whom they want to represent them. Having been belittled by players intent on disrupting cricket, the Board is forced to take a position.

Respect must be the order of the day. Dwayne Bravo and his squad which opted out of the Indian tour, abandoned some principles with their action.

Cricket in the West Indies has assumed too much of a significant role for it to be left to the whims of a few.

Cricket has become an essential adhesive, and the region must find ways of curbing any action to the contrary.

We have displayed recklessness to our approach to cricket. Moreover, we have adopted an alien tendency towards sport.

We take matters for granted and, having been emboldened by insularity, we revel in a cycle of self-destruction.

That moral compass which guided us since slavery was abolished, has malfunctioned. We have gone the full circle to the point of present suicide.

We have settled not just for mediocrity, but have lost our fortitude. There seems to be no way out of the stalemate. While we have conquered some of the factors that tended to demoralise us, we have thrown up new obstacles in our way.

Even as we suffered the effects of a bout of these despicable occurrences, we are hell-bent on contributing to our complete disintegration.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines sees itself as the bastion of regional cooperation. It is a legacy created by our historical records.

It is good to keep up the trend. The reality of the logistical discordance is before our eyes.

It took extreme circumstances for Kenroy Peters to have been drafted into the West Indies squad.

Peters stabilised a depleted attack, but his efforts were not enough to maintain his place in the final outfit.

We will have to see to what extent the selectors have been influenced by external factors, to see if Peters will be recalled.

Small island disdain is part of the West Indian psyche, as if the region together is of any significance globally. That is in terms of size and numbers. The quality of collective leadership has proven our worth before. Vincentians are genuinely humble. We contribute to the upgrade in human dignity in many facets. And this we must maintain.

New cricket selection panels named Wilkinson has given no indication of retirement from THE ST. VINCENT AND THE the sport, and GRENADINES Cricket could be taking the Association continues on field with those its path of change, with from among those the appointment of a new he is charged with senior selection panel. selecting for Former Windward national duty.

Islands and Combined The other Islands opener, Lance members of the John, who ended last panel are cricket season as chairman coach (female) following the resignation Wendell Glasgow of Eric Browne, is and former retained on the new Barbados opening Lance John will serve as an panel as an ordinary batsman now a ordinary member of the panel. member and, from all Naturalised indications, has accepted Vincentian, Arnold himself expressing to serve.

Gilkes. disappointment.

In a move that has John, along with The SVGCA said that caused the raising of a Gosnel ‘GC’ Cupid, Uriah as per the revised few eyebrows, Roland ‘Tommy’ King, Browne constitution, it has Wilkinson has been and captain Lindon established two selection elevated to chair the James selected the SVG committees, one to deal committee, in his first senior team last year. with the senior men and outing as a national They came in for heavy women, and the other, selector. criticism over some of the Junior panel, to deal Wilkinson, who only a their selections, in with the Under 15 and few months ago was an particular the omission 19 teams. active member of Team of all rounder Casmond The junior panel Rivals in the national Walters, despite scoring comprises: Windward premier division, a century and two half Islands Under 17 represented SVG and the centuries in the trials. manager, Samuel Windwards in a handful This decision was met Holder; former SVG and of matches. with outrage from many Windward Islands leg The 39-year- old quarters, with Wilkinson spinner, and national

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Wendell Glasgow is expected to bring his knowledge as an active coach to bear at this level.

Under 19 coach, Olanzo Jackson; and former SVG female cricketer, Samantha Lynch. The SVGCA said that a selector from the senior committee will chair the youth panel.

The selection committees will serve for a duration of 2 years.

Christian Youth Road Race this Sunday THE YOUTH DEPARTMENT of Triumph Covenant Ministries Kingstown will host the first ever Christian Youth Road Relay under the theme ‘Circling Our City for God’, tomorrow, Saturday 10th.

The race is part of the Department’s contribution to the Church’s Anniversary celebration, being held from Saturday, January 10 to Sunday, January 18, under the theme ‘THE RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS’.

Athletes from several churches in and around Kingstown, together with representatives from the Leeward, Windward and Marriaqua areas, are expected to participate.

The race will begin opposite the entrance to the Leeward Bus Terminal, moving through Rose Place, up to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital then on to the Leeward Highway. Racers then turn right at the NEMO Headquarters towards Block 2000, en route to Level Gardens,

down McKie’s Hill to the Girls’ of life, looking unto Jesus, the High School gap. Participants author and finisher of our faith,” then turn left on to the Richmond she said.

Hill Main Road on their way to The Youth Department hopes the Sion Hill inter-section where that the race will raise awareness they turn on to the Garden that Youth have a positive Garden route, taking them down contribution to make to the Sharpe Street, on to Bay Street development of our nation. and culminating at the starting The race begins at 8:00 a.m. point. under the guidance of the Royal Youth Pastor Miss Josielle St. Vincent and the Grenadines Primus sees the race as symbolic Police Service. in the proclamation that the city of Kingstown belongs to God and, by extension, the nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“There are many ills seeking to overtake the youth, but the encourageSeveral churches are expected to be represented in ment is to “run the race tomorrow’s Christian Road Race.

26. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015. 27.

Classifieds

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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YOUNG MAN TAKES HIS OWN LIFE www.thevincentian.com

would have ended his own Damian ‘Ashaka’ Lampkin was said to life. have exhibited signs of RELATIVES of Damian ‘Ashaka’ “When I answered the schizophrenia.

Lampkin, the man who took his phone and I heard what life on December 31, have the person say, I don’t expressed the sentiment that even know (what) — they with relatives in Park they would have liked to have A Nervous breakdown say. I fling way de phone,” the Hill and South Rivers been better informed about the woman said. and, according to Vasco, illness that had plagued the 26According to Lampkin, her She said she cried even they are now hearing year-old, for most of his life. nephew had a nervous more when she recalled that that he was showing signs Lampkin’s lifeless body was breakdown a few years ago, she had not seen her nephew that he was not doing well discovered hanging from a while residing in Tortola; he in the days leading up to the (depressed), but they did not rope in the vicinity of the Park subsequently returned to St Christmas. really know.

Hill playing field.

Vincent.

“Had I known, I would have It was the end, loved ones He recovered and went back He came around a day gone over and tried to talk to say, to a young life that had to Tortola, but had a relapse, before he died, she was told, him. When we knew it, was much potential. and upon his return, he had a but she said that she did not when the act had already Up to the time of his death, number of relapses before he see him. taken place, and it got me to preparations were being made was taken to the doctor and She described him as a think why they didn’t call to have Damian return to placed on medication, the aunt loving, cool person. anyone,” he told THE Tortola, BVI, where he resided explained.

VINCENTIAN. since he was 10.

Damian was doing well, she ‘If we had known’ He admitted to being “He was looking forward to said, until sometime recently baffled in trying to figure out going back to Tortola,” Helen when she said that he kept Uncle Vasco said that he what may have ‘triggered off’ Lampkin, aunt of the deceased indicating that he was loved his nephew very much. his nephew. man told THE VINCENTIAN. disappointed with where he “He was hardworking,” he Relatives say that Damian “I used to encourage him. said. was at his present stage in demonstrated symptoms He always say he wanted to go life.

“He would be missed, he resembling schizophrenia — a back to Tortola. I used to tell But despite his mental was my dad’s foot and hand,” mental disorder often him to relax and not to study challenges, Helen said that Vasco Lampkin continued. characterized by abnormal anything; sometimes he spoke she never expected that he The young man resided social behaviour and failure to

by DAYLE DA SILVA

EC$1.50

about his past and what he should have achieved in life. I told him that we often learn from the mistakes we make in life,” she continued.

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

recognize what is real.

“Sometimes he would react and say harsh things, then he would come and say that he was sorry,” Eurika Lampkin, cousin, said.

She confessed that she knew very little about the mental disorder, and joined other members of the family in calling upon the relevant authorities to make available, resources for educating family members on how to cope with persons suffering from disorders such as schizophrenia.

The funeral for Damian Lampkin is set for tomorrow Saturday at the Pentecostal Church in South Rivers. He is to be buried at the Park Hill cemetery.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.