The Vincentian PDF-09-08-19

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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FRIDAY,

AUGUST 09, 2019

IN THIS ISSUE OF : THE VINCENTIAN

VOLUME 113, No.28

Sport againts Crime launched Page 3

www.thevincentian.com

Jamaican gets bail Page 4

EC$1.50

Kalinago Village looking bad Page 7

Clean up or else Page 16

Tribute to Sir Vincent Page 16 & 17

DOUGAN BECOMES FIRST FEMALE GG by: KENVILLE HORNE

Mrs Susan Dougan takes the oaths of office as administered by Justice Brian Cottle.

FORMER EDUCATOR AND CABINET SECRETARY Mrs Susan Dougan OBE has been sworn in officially as St. Vincent and the Grenadines first female Governor General (GG).

She was sworn in during an Installation Ceremony at Government House on Thursday, 1st August, during which she took the Oath of Office and the Oath of Allegiance as administered by Justice Brian Cottle.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves in his remarks, said that the installation of the new Governor General took place in a dignified manner. He said that he had consulted widely, including with Sir Vincent Beache, to determine whom he would recommend to the Queen.

Continued on Page 3

The Governor General and her family (from left) son Kurt, husband Hugh, daughter Kimberly and son Brent.

2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V News 3 Sport against Crime Initiative launched

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. 3.

in the country.

EC$73,000 included in the budget this Dubbed ‘Sport against year to facilitate payment of the six Crime’, the programme was coaches that have been assigned officially launched on August 1 throughout the country, and an at the Chatoyer National Park additional EC$20,000 for the purchase at Rabacca. of equipment.

The latest initiative, Some 63 hardcourts and 52 playing designed to run for an initial fields were available across the three-year period beginning country, and sportsmen and women, January 1, 2020, focuses on groups and clubs, are to be encouraged three sporting disciplines — to utilize them so as to get young cricket, football and netball people involved and away from crime. and according to Minister of A committee headed by former Tourism, Sports and Culture Member of Parliament, Clayton Burgin (L-R)Former MP Clayton Burgin and Sports Cecil Mc Kie, it has as its main and Gailene Windsor as deputy Ambassador Gailene Windsor have been objective that of engaging all chairperson, will oversee and guide the appointed Chairperson and Deputy programme.

Chairperson respectively of the Sport against Vincentians, particularly the youth, in discussions, and to get Windsor will have particular Crime Committee. them involved in sporting responsibility for the programmes activities as opposed to criminal outreach to women.

ELEVEN YEARS FOLLOWING THE activities. implementation of the ‘Pan against “We are asking for the support of The Department of Physical Crime’, the government launched a everyone, because when we are able to second similar initiative, in an attempt to Education and Sports is expected to reduce the incidence of crime, we are all better off. The communities will deal with crime and the causes of crime expand and intensify its programmes “with youth feel safer, the country will feel safer, so groups, schools, we all have to work together to make churches, clubs, this the land of the blessed,” Burgin with individuals on the block, with families, sporting associations, communities and the police,” Mc Kie said.

The amount of EC$100,000 has THE GOVERNMENT OF St Vincent been allocated to and the Grenadines is contemplating fund the first year an all-out ban on smoking (tobacco) in of the project, public places. with some The people welcomed the launch in festive mood.

Minister of Health and the

Minister of Sports Cecil Mc Kie explained the aim and purpose of the ‘Sport against Crime Initiative’. said in a brief address.

The police are expected to be an integral part of the programme, and Commissioner Colin John was on hand, in addition to referencing the experience of police officers being involved in sporting activities at the community and national levels, to ensure that “We encourage and endorse these initiatives. The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) is fully in support of this initiative, and we pledge our effort to ensuring that this initiative is fully realized and successful.” (DD)

Ban on smoking in public coming?

Dougan becomes first female GG

The newly installed Governor General making her maiden speech in which she pledged, among other things, ‘to value the constructive opinions of others’.

The Governor General takes her first Guard of Honour.

the new Governor General, and noted that Dougan had acted as Governor General with distinction in the past.

“From my knowledge of her, I feel Continued from Front Page certain that she would be an excellent Governor General, and that she would “WE HAVE AN EXCELLENT bring credit not only to her family, but GOVERNOR General in Mrs Susan to the people of St Vincent and the Dougan,” said Gonsalves, to applause. Grenadines,” said Sir Frederick.

“I have absolutely no doubt that the He thanked the Prime Minister for responsibilities laid out in the recommending him for the position of constitution, that our Governor Governor General and for providing General would fulfill those support during his 16-year tenure, and responsibilities with the highest Her Majesty for selecting him. degree of commitment and Dougan, in her maiden speech, said professionalism,” Gonsalves declared that she was extremely honoured and Former Governor General, privileged to fill the post.

Frederick Ballantyne, who resigned She thanked Her Majesty the officially as of July 31 due to health Queen for her consent and the Prime reasons, expressed congratulations to

Minister for recommending her, thus giving her the opportunity to become this country’s first female Governor General.

“I look forward to working with the government, all the members of parliament and our national institutions, in service to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” Dougan said.

She commended the former GG for his “outstanding service” to the nation, not only as Head of State but as a renowned Cardiologist.

The new GG also thanked her family and friends, who she said had been her support over the years, and made particular mention of four persons: “My father Walden Ryan, who is deceased, my elderly mother Dorothy Ryan, Sir Vincent Beache and Lady Vida Beache. Oh how I wish they could have been here today.”

And seemingly in a pledge to the nation, the lady GG said: “I will strive to carry out my duties with professional integrity, valuing the constructive opinions of others, and in so doing, make the right decisions in service to Vincentians in all walks of life.”

Mrs Dougan is married to Hugh Dougan and they have three children Kurt, Kimberly and Brent.

Environment Luke Browne made the disclosure during the debate on the Amendment of the Drug Misuse (Prevention of) Bill in Parliament, July 25.

Soon there might That Bill addresses the issue be signs like this one hung on our of smoking utility poles. marijuana in public by making provisions for an offender to be given a ticket with one month to pay the fine, that is once the offender cooperates with the law enforcement authorities.

But according to the health minister, the prohibition of smoking marijuana in public was not so because it was marijuana.

He noted that a consultant on tobacco control had paid him a visit in the days leading up to the presentation and debate of the Drug Misuse (Prevention of) Amendment Bill in Parliament.

“And one of the things on the agenda was the question of an overall ban on smoking in public places,” Browne said.

“This is an important consideration for our health,” he continued.

Within recent times, the government has been pursuing a public health campaign to deter people from using alcohol and tobacco products.

And earlier this year, as per Government’s fiscal measures, the excise tax on cigarettes moved from EC$1.55 to $2.75 per 100 sticks; and for unmanufactured tobacco and tobacco refuse, the rate increased from 6 to 10 percent, and the duty on cigars moved from 14 to 20 percent. (DD)

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4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

High Court grants Jamaican bail

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne did not think the accused, a Jamaican, ‘qualified’ for bail.

trafficking, and attempting to export the drug. He was FOUR DAYS after Chief Magistrate reportedly arrested at Argyle Rechanne Browne denied Jamaican International Airport (AIA), July national Novian Travis Vaughn 28, as he was about to board a Mullins bail on three marijuana flight for Barbados. He is said to charges, High Court Judge Brian have arrived here by plane, July Cottle has granted him bail.

25, as a visitor.

Justice Cottle upheld an In objecting to bail at the application from Mullins’ lawyer Serious Offences Court, July 29, Grant Connell last Friday, and Crown Counsel Tameka McKenzie granted the 29-year-old mechanic told the Court that Mullins was a of Kingston, Jamaica, bail in the non-national, without any sum of $20,000 with one surety, significant ties to the country. on condition that he surrender his Connell had challenged the travel documents, and report to objection, arguing that, once the the Mesopotamia Police Station.

Court was satisfied that Mullins Stop notices will also be placed would turn up for trial, and could at all ports of entry and exit. His apply the adequate surety, he next court date is September 13. should be granted bail. He Mullins is charged with requested bail at three times the possession of 30 pounds of value of the drug. He put the marijuana with intent to supply; value of the 30 pounds at $6,000, possession for the purpose of drug stating that marijuana was $200 Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

per pound. His application was refused, and he proceeded to the High Court last Friday to seek bail for his client.

Following his success at the High Court, Connell told THE VINCENTIAN, “The fact that he is a non-national does not matter.

A man is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and he is entitled to bail.

“We are in a land where marijuana is in abundance. We are making a mountain out of a mole hill. He is not alleged to have committed a heinous crime.

He is charged with possession of 30 pounds of a product that we have just granted licences to plant. Bail is granted in cases of manslaughter where there is loss of life”.

Lawyer denies applying for Ganja Licence ATTORNEY Grant Connell has denied claims that he applied for a licence to get involved in the local Medicinal Marijuana Industry.

“Some of varying degrees of influence in St. Vincent and the Grenadines may have made statements that have led others to believe that I had applied for a licence to get involved in Medicinal Marijuana Industry, but I never did,” Connell told THE VINCENTIAN, when contacted this week.

Asked whether he has any intention of applying for such a licence, the lawyer said, “I am looking on. I wish all the licence holders well. I hope they make millions, and the standard of

living skyrockets.

“Clearly, it’s now about the pocket, not principle, since a local will still spend an entire weekend at a police station, once caught with over two ounces, and a citizen charged with over two ounces will still have to wait three to six months before his case is heard, because that’s how long the drug takes to be tested, and if they are on bail, their travel could be restricted, as usually travel documents are ordered to be surrendered, as part of the bail conditions.”

Connell added that, under the existing law, cocaine and marijuana carry the same penalty, although they are Class A and Class B drugs respectively,

Attorney Grant Connell says he is “looking on’ as things take shape viz a viz the Medical marijuana business. “save and except for this new two ounces spin they have put on the law”.

Under the Amended Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act passed in Parliament last week, two ounces of marijuana or less, will not be an arrestable or detainable offence. Possession of such amounts carries a maximum penalty of $500, and does not attract a criminal record.

Prosecutor welcomes Amended Drug Act SENIOR Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche is Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche happy with has now seen what last week’s passage of the he has been practising become Amended Drugs the norm.

Peto man charged with damaging MP’s property A PETIT BORDEL man was granted $2,000 bail with one surety on Monday when he appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, on charges of damaging property belonging to Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) Vice President, and Parliamentary representative for North Leeward Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews, also a Petit Bordel man.

Edward Lavia is charged with damaging the windscreen, valued $1,500, of Patel’s motor vehicle, on August 3 at Petit Bordel.

Lavia is also charged with damaging a glass window of a house belonging to Matthews.

Lavia pleaded not guilty to both charges when he stood before Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett, and the matters were adjourned and transferred to the Chateaubelair Magistrate’s Court.

(Prevention of Misuse) Act, which among other changes, makes two ounces (56 grams) of marijuana, or less, a non-arrestable and undetainable offence.

Possession of two ounces or under, is now a ticketable offence, carries a maximum penalty of $500, and does not attract a criminal record.

Delpleche told THE VINCENTIAN that he has always been an advocate against persons being arrested and prosecuted for small amounts of marijuana, and he described the recent amendments to the Act as a step in the right direction.

The Prosecutor, who had, in many cases, in recent years, used his prosecutorial discretion in withdrawing charges for possession of very small amounts of marijuana, underscored that having a criminal record makes it difficult, almost impossible, for someone to gain employment. He is therefore happy that under the Amended Act, possession of two ounces, or less, will not attract a criminal record.

He expressed the view that if the criminalization of persons for having very small amounts of marijuana had continued, this country may have ended up with a population of convicts.

“I live in the real world. I see young people smoking weed every day”, Delpleche said.

In relation to the view expressed in some circles, that marijuana should be decriminalized or legalized across the board, the prosecutor said, “I

Jarvis claims threats to his life ATTORNEY Kay BacchusBaptiste is concerned about complaints by her client Junior Jarvis of threats against his life made by certain persons on facebook.

Jarvis, a former journalist and Public Relations Junior Jarvis is Consultant, has been charged with murder, stemming from the ready for hearing as far as his February 14, 2017 shooting death of Bank of St. Vincent and attorney is the Grenadines employee Randy concerned.

Lawrence. He is also facing charges of attempted murder, aggravated burglary, using a firearm to aid in the commission of an offence, abduction, and assault, causing bodily harm, all reportedly committed on February 14, 2017 at Arnos Vale.

Bacchus-Baptiste told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday that Jarvis told her that he had written to Commissioner of Police Colin John concerning the threats, and the matter was being investigated.

When contacted at press time Wednesday night, the top cop confirmed that he had received a document from Jarvis which he handed over to the Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), but he could not recall the contents of that document.

When contacted subsequently, Assistant Superintendent of Police Hesran Ballantyne, Second in Command of the CID, at the time in charge of the Department, confirmed that the document was handed over to the CID for investigation, but he did not disclose the nature of the information to THE VINCENTIAN. Bacchus-Baptiste said Jarvis is anxious to have his case heard, and she is ready to proceed. She had written to High Court Registrar Andrea Young earlier this year requesting that the matter be heard at the recently concluded Criminal Assizes.

The letter was copied to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Bacchus-Baptiste said that to date, she had not received a response from the Registrar, but a prosecutor at the DPP’s Office assured that they were trying to have the matter heard. She noted that the Assizes is currently on vacation, and she expects that Jarvis’ case along with all the other outstanding matters will soon be heard. think we have come a long way, and we are on the right track. Let us take it in stages. It is a good piece of legislation”.

Delpleche noted that, under the Dangerous Drug Act of 1937, the minimum fine for marijuana possession as small as one seed, was $1,000, and that was amended in 1988 with the passage of the Control Drug Act which gave the Court the power to reprimand and discharge, as a minimum penalty for marijuana possession.

“We have evolved, developed and grown over the years, so we have to develop our laws to suit the changing times.

“I believe that one day, there would not be a penalty, not even a ticket, for possession of small amounts of marijuana”, Delpleche said.

The Senior Prosecutor had created headlines some years ago, when he withdrew a charge for possession of a marijuana cigarette.

The defendant had pleaded not guilty to the charge, and Delpleche declared that he was not going to “fight up” with someone charged with possession of a “spliff”.

The prosecutor had also withdrawn a number of marijuana possession charges, to save young offenders from getting criminal records.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09 , 2019. 5.

Heritage

Indigenous people await Village restoration

The gathering at the Kalinago Village Site at Argyle.

(l-r) Augustine Sutherland and way forward for the gathering, “We have some John Nero restoration of the proposals we would like to put to made their THE RESTORATION of the Kalinago the government so that there could sentiments Village in Argyle is high on the agenda of site, and to hear plans for its be some sort of restoration and development as a tourist destination. the indigenous communities and known about John Nero, President of the Greiggs proper ownership of this site.” archeologists who were involved in its the lack of Garifuna Council, described the event Augustine Sutherland, one of construction. attention for the the leading Kalinago voices here, Site. as a family reunion, and said the site Persons mainly from the was significant to both communities. declared it was shameful to see the communities of Greiggs and Sandy Unfortunately, it was now in a state condition of the site.

Bay converged at the site on Monday site, and he He recalled that the government 29th July, to have a discussion on the of disrepair. But Nero told the would report same to his people. had committed to “fix the site”, after Park Ranger at the National Parks, which it would be handed over to the Rivers and Beaches Authority Erasto indigenous people to operate.

Robertson did, however, bring some He appealed for patience as they good news to the meeting, this after await indication of what “the admitting that efforts to secure government, the SVG National Trust, perimeter fencing for the site, Park and Beaches Commission and provision of washrooms and a visiting other stakeholders might have in store centre had all failed. for the site,” which was first Robertson reported that the A PROFESSOR, who out exactly as it was described to us reconstructed in 2016. government had reaffirmed its was part of the by the early French missionaries who Lawrence Nanton, Sandy Bay commitment to the restoration of the discovery and came to these islands in the 16 and 17 resident and member of the newly site, and that a tender had been formed Sandy Bay Heritage reconstruction of the centuries,” the Professor said. advertised for a contractor to handle Development Organization Kalinago Village at According to her, the village the needs as listed above and more. said that he was happy to hear Argyle, has declared comprised two large houses and (KH) about the idea of the restoration of the that today, “the site eleven small houses. is not looking very The discovery attracted the interest nice.” of the government and the Professor of International Airport Development Caribbean Company, who offered support for the Archaeology at the reconstruction of the village.

University of Leiden Reconstruction was undertaken Professor through a joint effort involving the Carine Hofman in the Netherlands Corinne Hofman University of Leiden, the St. Vincent was not made the and the Grenadines National Trust pleased with and the International Airport what she saw observation while speaking at a Development Company, and was on her recent gathering of complete by 2016. visit to the indigenous persons “This is a monument for the Kalinago Village Site at at the site in Argyle, indigenous people of St. Vincent and Argyle. last week the region. … Nowhere on the other Wednesday. islands is there a site where we have Professor Hofman decried the state been able to reconstruct and can look of the site against what she said was today at a village how it really was government’s promise to “put things 500 years ago when the Europeans together within a year.” first came to these islands and saw Recapping how the university got the life of the indigenous people. This involved in the exercise, she recalled is the only site in the Caribbean that her faculty was informed in 2009 where the houses are constructed on that work related to the construction the place where these houses were of the international airport had found …. This was the first place on uncovered an archeological site, with St. Vincent where there were evidence of indigenous settlements. meetings between the indigenous The University immediately people and the European ships that registered an interest in unearthing came here,” Professor Hofman and even reconstructing whatever stressed. they could.

“When we arrived, the Cuban and the Venezuelan companies were working here with big machines, so they scraped the whole surface, and we saw this village popping

Professor: “Kalinago Village not looking nice”

One of the ‘houses’ on the site showing signs of being in need of restorative attention.

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6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Plans on stream for 2019 Vincy Day USA

year, Lewis said the committee hosted three major events to offset the cost of holding the massive picnic: A Gospel Extravaganza on Mar. 31; Spring Bingo (Bingo Night) on May 3; and the AS THOUSANDS of Vincentians from all Annual Food Sale on Jul. 27. walks of life gear up to attend the Eighth “The reception at our events is Annual Vincy Day USA, at Heckscher normally pretty good,” Lewis said.

State Park in East Islip, Long Is., New “The bingo by far had our biggest York, the new chairman of the Brooklyn- turnout, as the hall was pretty much based organizing group says everything’s at capacity. on stream for the grand extravaganza on “Our Gospel Extravaganza was Aug. 17. favorably attended as well,” he added.

“Preparations for Vincy Day are “But given that it was a Sunday progressing well, as we speak,” said afternoon and around Easter, it didn’t Raymond O. ‘Otis’ Lewis in an have the full complement as we would exclusive VINCENTIAN interview. have liked. However, for the ones who “We’ve been having this event for did come out, they had a wonderful the past seven years, and we have a time, and expressed a desire for us to thorough check list that we reference do it again. to ensure that we have things under “Our food sale wasn’t at its normal control and in order,” added the capacity, but we did have a fair Frenches, Kingstown native. number of patrons who thoroughly Leading up to Vincy Day USA this enjoyed what we had on the menu,” he continued.

Lewis said this year’s Vincy Day USA will feature a cross section of talented Vincentian artistes, representing different genres, “be it culture, calypso, gospel, etc., etc.”

“As has been the norm, we don’t declare who will be Story and photos by Nelson A. King naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT

performing at Vincy Day, primarily to temper expectations and to avoid disappointment to all in attendance,” he said.

On the big stage last year, preeminent Vincentian gospel artiste Bridget Blucher, 2018 Ragga Soca and Road March King Fimba, and soca star Skinny Fabulous were among a number of artistes who convulsed the party crowd.

“We look to put on a great family fun day, buoyed by an entertainment segment highlighting various aspects of Vincentian culture and talent, as well activities for children of various ages and, most important, the unity and interaction of over 10,000 Vincentians from near and far having a good time,” said Lewis about this year’s expectations.

Food and drinks galore are also expected to be superfluous, as picnicgoers, over the years, have shared and feasted on mouth-watering Vincentian dishes — such as breadfruit and saltfish, blackfish, callaloo soup, pelau, souse and roasted corn — and washed them down with local drinks — mauby, ginger and sorrel beers, and Ju-C. In addition, picnic-goers, among other things, will renew acquaintances, “ole talk” and party before the huge stage on the eastern Erlene Thomas (forefront) slices end of the mammoth grounds. roast breadfruit, at the 2018 “I just want to say that Vincy Day is Vincy Day USA picnic. a day that thousands of Vincentians look forward to, because we get an opportunity to meet up with friends and family that we may not have seen in how many years,” Lewis said.

“My feelings for Vincy Day have always been of love and togetherness,” he added. “I’ve attended every Vincy Day, and, as the new chairman, it’s even more important because I want to ensure that we put together an event that is par excellence and the envy of all other Caribbean islands.

“Like the saying goes, ‘We might be

small, but we tallawah,’” continued Lewis, borrowing a common Jamaican parlance.

He said his plans for the committee and, by large extension Vincy Day USA, is “to continue and further enhance the Raymond O. ‘Otis’ Lewis, relationships that Chairman of we’ve established the Organising over the years, and Committee, try to bring about a spoke of plans greater sense of community spirit and for the day being well unity.” advanced.

“We try to bill Vincy Day as a family fun day, and we want to enhance that communal spirit even more by reaching out to other organizations and getting a sense of where we can focus and shine a light, so to speak,” Lewis said.

“And we just want everyone to come out to Heckscher State Park in Long Island on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 6: 00 p.m., and have a wonderful day, smiling, greeting in love, peace and unity,” he urged.

Getting down to a domino game at last year’s Vincy Day.

bringing together members of the Caribbean Diaspora, Diplomatic and Consular Corps and wider society.

Emancipation Day is commemorated on August 1st as a time of celebration for those in Northern Ireland commemorated the Caribbean, marking the Act of Emancipation Day through a service Abolition of Slavery passed in 1833, at Kilwarlin Moravian Church, ending the slave trade.

The Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr. Peter McReynolds with the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Walter Rader, provided the welcome, with the service conducted by Rev. Livingstone Thompson. Guest speaker was H.E. Dr Kevin Isaac, High Commissioner for St Kitts and Nevis.

The event was supported by the Consulate General (L-R): Roberta Hoey – Chair of Provincial for St. Vincent and the Elders’ Conference, Moravian Church; Grenadines, African Professor Alastair Adair – Deputy ViceCaribbean Support Chancellor, Ulster University; Deputy Lord Organisation (ACSONI) Mayor of Belfast - Cllr. Peter McReynolds; and the Association of Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Belfast - Walter Caribbean Nationals Rader; H.E. Dr Kevin Isaac, High Commissioner (ACN). (Source: Consulate for St Kitts and Nevis; Dr Christopher Stange – General for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Consul General for St. Vincent and the Northern Ireland) Grenadines; Rev. Dr. Livingstone Thompson.

Emancipation Day commemorated in North Ireland

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09 , 2019. 7.

Regional

Guyana: World’s fastest growing economy GUYANA HAS been hailed as the fastest growing economy in the world.

An article by Prableen Bajpai in NASDAQ said this is based on a projected growth rate of 16.3 percent during the four-year period 2018-2021.

“With a GDP size of $3.63 billion (2018 rank: 160), a growth rate of 4.1 percent in 2018 and 4.6 percent in 2019, Guyana’s economy is expected to grow by 33.5 percent and 22.9 percent in 2020 and 2021 respectively,” the article said.

The article added that, with a per-capita income of $5,194,

Guyana is a middle-income country and is covered by dense forest. it is home to fertile agricultural lands and abundant natural resources. gold, bauxite, sugar, rice, timber, and shrimp are among its leading exports.

“Back in 2000, the U.S. geological survey identified the Guyana-Suriname basin as the second highest resource potential among unexplored oil basins in the world. ExxonMobil (U.S.), Esso (U.S.), Hess, Repsol (Spain), Anadarko (U.S.), Total (France), Tullow Oil (UK), and CGX Energy (Canada) have been a part of exploration and drilling activities

Movie Towne - one of the more recent investments in Guyana. (Credit: newsroom.gy) over the years.

ExxonMobil Guyana has made 13 discoveries since 2015 and plans to begin producing up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day from the Liza phase 1 development in early 2020. Guyana is projected to be among the world’s largest percapita oil producers by 2025,” the article said.

Ethiopia, Rwanda, Bangladesh and India were listed among the top five fastest growing economies.

(Source: LOOP Caribbean News) One of ExxonMobil (U.S.) drilling sites in Guyana territorial waters. (Credit: Business Journal)

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8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial Democracy in retreat?

THE 2018 FREEDOM IN THE World Report recorded the 13th consecutive year of decline in global freedom. The decline, it is reported, included established democracies like the USA and authoritarian regimes like China and Russia.

The report admitted that the decline might still be shallow in terms of its impact but advanced the view that because it was consistent, it made the situation ominous, and raised the question: Is democracy in retreat?

What does all of this hold for us? Should we be interpreting the question as also asking: Is our democracy under threat?

Is it in decay?

In a flippant manner, many speak of a derailment in the ‘rights and freedoms’ of Vincentians, but stop short of translating that to mean that our democracy is under threat.

For to say that would mean that the institutions on which our democracy is founded and sustained, are themselves under threat, are decaying, and if the turbulence is not addressed, we can fall into anarchy or authoritarian rule.

Are we in this state?

Yes, there is unquestionably an air of trepidation that prevails even amidst the strong breeze of the current season. People speak of being afraid to do this for others to see, or to air certain views for fear of reprisals that they have seen others having to endure.

But the question is: Does this veil of trepidation that abounds point to a shedding of the already thin façade of democratic practice that we established since independence?

If this is the case, the thinning of the façade of democratic principles is wont, if not checked, to descend into authoritarian powers that either ban or use the system to derail opposition to the status quo, and also hold a likelihood of turning the screws on an otherwise independent media.

If our democracy is retreating, is decaying, it would mean that we are regressing or have already regressed into rampant corruption which, because it would have permeated the society and become so ‘normal’, that it would be difficult to separate it from what is honest.

It would also mean a rise in populist, one-man politics, akin to establishing a great leader syndrome that leads us nowhere but down.

And not to forget, but if it is that our democracy is in retreat, then the rule of law would be withering away, with one law, e.g. ignoring court orders, for the executive and another for the people who must pay for their dirty tongues.

So, if it is that our democracy is in retreat, is threatened, is decaying, we should have no illusions about what all of that would mean for the cause of freedom: for honesty, fair play accountability and transparency in the handling of national affairs; for equality before the court, i.e. not a court that drags the less fortunate to their knees while offering ‘protective custody’ to others; for the right to oppose and be respected for one’s position; for the right to social services that are basic to one’s health, education; for the right to a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work; for the people’s entitlement to ownership of their country which gave them birth and to which they have sworn allegiance.

The truth is that even if democracy is not in retreat and/or under threat, it must be constantly defended … protected.

Any sign of its movement in a direction that does not guarantee the safeguarding of the rights of all people free, that it is free of interference and/or determination by a political elite, is a sign of alarm and a call for people’s action.

And if it is that there are indications that our elections are being hollowed out as elected governments find ways to control the results while sustaining a veneer of competitive balloting, then our Democracy must be under threat.

Elections, so basic to our democracy, should not be shaped by coercion, fraud, gerrymandering or bribery. If this type of manipulation is becoming common, then there is even greater sign of alarm.

Then again, may be the Freedom in the World report has no relevance to us, eh?

“The Real Ken John”

By Dr. Richard Byron-Cox MY ADMIRATION FOR Dr. Kenneth John hasn’t wavered in more than four decades. I am one whom he drew swords against (which is clearly his favourite jeu d’esprit) that never retaliated. Au contraire, I celebrated him publicly for superlative contribution as a columnist, via his marathon, classic wine-like-mature vintage, “This Week”. In that appreciation of his majestic writing, (which in beauty, style, controversy and relevance shall remain iconic in SVG’s history for all times), I said little about his universal contribution to our Vincentian consciousness, without which nationhood cannot build. I now take a hurried-skeletal panoramic view of this human-historical signpost of important intellectual, social and political moments on our march from Adult Suffrage to this; the era of Gonsalves’ supremacy. Further, I make two confessions as to why our “first” real public intellectual is admired, respected and honoured by me, knowing his imperfections and the accusations of him being the personification of shameless political bias, so jaundiced that he hopes for an outbreak of political yellow that will return the NDP to power.

Until the advent of talk radio, go get “noticed” politics must be your profession. My present subject, having gained tertiary certification, tiptoed into the ranks. He became the farmer who sowed the seeds that sprung, The Kingstown Study Group. He then engineered the Educational Forum of the People, and stopped camouflaging with the creation of the New Democratic Freedom Movement (DFM). These organisations; chief goal was, our people discovering a sense of “somebodyness” essential to any people seeking independence and self-mastery. Truth be therefore told, Dr. John was our first politician who placed education at the centre of developing not just of a political movement; but of a truly democratic political system and polity. The great Joshua used the Labour Movement, while others used the thirst of an illiterate mass for low bawdry to become master traitors of our nation “selling we out every chance they get”, to quote De Man Age. Dr. John was one of three visionaries who saw the importance of harnessing the creative energy of our youth, and so the National Youth Council was born! Jerry Scott and the incomparable Justice Adrian Saunders were Presidents. Yours truly was once 1st VP. Another first was Dr. John’s headship of the UWI Extramural Centre, known today as the School of Continuing Studies.

Dr. John is no working-class revolutionary, as maintenance of social class heavily tinged with a petty bourgeois ethos is in his nature.

Even so, his anti-colonial credentials are confirmed by his practice. The DFM was a political vehicle committed to dismantling British yoke; and he played a key role in the defence of Junior “Spirit” Cottle after Attorney General Rawle was killed. In both instances, he took on imperialism even if he (we) weren’t cognisant. Then came the teachers’ strike! Dr. John took on the Labour government and its

colonial overlords on behalf of the strikers! His nephew (who once published during a spat between them that Uncle Kenneth was who took his hand leading him down the path of anticolonialism), was one of the “ring leaders”. But Mike Browne is not the only one Dr. John influenced in this way. From our present PM to Q.C P.R Campbell owe a debt of gratitude to him, regardless of present differences. Indeed, PR gave up his pursuit of a PHD and returned home to join the United People Movement on the urgings of Dr. John, who wanted him to be a leader. Ralph had other plans!

The Chairman of the Public Services Commissions is a sweet and sour period for Dr John. He was subjected to periodic public bashings from persons who felt that he was instrumental in preventing their promotion or getting a training opportunity. I have deadly allergies to gossip, but many are those who cognisant of my respect for him have, uninvited, filled my ear with stories of injustices suffered, thanks to what they termed his political and class bias; and family connections. Fact is, I too applied for a PhD scholarship and was called to an interview with a panel chaired by Dr. John. Having inter alia a university career littered with distinctions, a Masters, several foreign languages and impeccable recommendations were not enough. But I stuck with (St) John Chapter 8: verse 7.

And now for the revelations not from, but to John! I first heard Dr. John speak as a boy at eight. While he spoke, I loitered on the fringes of a conversation between grown men including my cousin Eddie Griffith. I asked “So he is a child doctor, an eye doctor…?”

(Paediatrician and the like were beyond my vocabulary). No, he has a PhD in History. A doctorate degree,” assured Eddie, in a tone of reverence. A light went on in my head! From that moment, becoming Dr. Richard ByronCox became my mission. Twenty-two years later, Russian Academy of Sciences adorned me!

Secondly, our friendship is no accident. This I planned in childhood and orchestrated in later years, as I needed some guidance on how an impecunious boy could get a PhD. I went to see him when 15. After 30 minutes chatting, I left with him having an expression of bemusement, I had had my one-on-one with Dr. Kenneth John!! I was on my way. A score years later, PhD completed, I regularly requested his assistance with historical facts, and finally showed up at his office declaring, “I need your advice”. As payment, I offered him lunch. “Accepted!” My plan was fully implemented.

I salute Dr. John: patriot, teacher anticolonist, mentor….Thank you for being the inspiration that allows me to inter alia lecture at Oxford, sit at decision-making tables around the world; and be servant to all humanity. Yes, you have done some good to me!

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. 9.

Letters

Poverty

Paper genocide

Mr. Editor, I was thinking one day last week about this thing we call poverty and about being poor.

Now, I remember growing up, a lot of older folks use to say, Poverty is a crime, Is a crime to be poor.

And things along those lines.

I will tell no lie, I sort of accepted that saying and believed to live in poverty, not to be able to afford one far less three meals a day; finding it hard to continue through school had to be a crime.

But you know, Mr. Editor, I no longer think so.

As a matter of fact, my thinking has changed to mean that if poverty is a crime, and a crime is an illegal act against society, then somebody or some organization must have committed a crime against this people.

Poverty therefore is a crime because it is an offence act against society. But who cause this poverty?

Are the causes more guilty than the victims?

Ask the government who likes to talk about how they got rid of abject poverty and poverty generally; but they still have to help ‘poor children’ with school books and so forth.

Poverty is a crime only because it is a criminal act committed by those who have, those who control the wealth and decision-making in our country.

THE WRITING of native American Indians, indigenous Africans and indigenous people from all over the world. They have been robbed of their history, land, resources, identity, heritage and reclassifying native people of the world and labelled them as Blacks, Whites and Mulattos by way of the U.S census, and also through vital records in birth and death certificates, including land deeds etc. These are all fraudulent documents and are accepted by society as normal but this does not mean they are real. They are all part of the Paper Genocide system that robs the indigenous people of land, resources, identity everything.

Did you know that paper genocide is when vital records offices along the east coast of the world changed the race of many American Indians, indigenous Africans and indigenous people, to coloured on birth and death certificates in order to suppress indigenous heritage?

Most people do not know that the colony that is referred to as

Desmond

‘Misprocurement’ Mr. Editor, if procurement means an acquisition or an appropriation, to mean something that you obtained, then what does the word misprocurement mean?

If what my teacher taught me is correct, the prefix ‘mis’, turns a word into the opposite meaning.

So, if procurement means appropriation, then it follows that the word misprocurement mean misappropriation.

If what I have been taught to believe is now all wrong, then It seems I have to ‘go back to school’.

Some people would like to see some of us go back to school, since they think we are not as ‘smart’ as they are. They are correct; we are not as smart as them, but we are not stupid!

Misappropriation in the English Language means embezzlement, expropriation, swindle, theft, thieving, etc.

What then does misprocurement mean?

Come on, man, some of us pass ABC and went on to School Leavings. We can tell the difference between town and country.

I Gone!!!

Government, is owned by the colonial processors, and that the revenue that is exploited from the citizens in the form of taxes, 60-80% of that goes to the owner who created the colony or corporation called the government. The politicians are fooling the public, telling them that they are independent, when the colony was not created by them. In any business, the owner of the corporation is the one who owns everything. Therefore, all humans’ stocks that are classified as citizens are just property to the corporation owners, for business and are not classified as humans.

All members of parliament, politicians, magistrates, judges, prosecutors, security forces etc. are all guilty of genocide against their own people by promoting the colony and enforcing code ordinances and statutes on the masses, as a way to extort money in the form of revenue for the slave master colony.

My point is to draw attention to the sleeping people, who are unaware

of what is taking place in this world, and who are not in the proper person.

To change the tide, make the right choice, because in this time slavery is by choice! Religion and politics are the greatest deception that keeps my people mentally enslaved and refuses to stand up for their rights.

Tonic Man

‘Jesters’ in the Court WE, THE WEST INDIES, have got to be the ‘jesters’ in the court of cricket. Put another way, we are the jokers in the pack. Whatever you prefer, the point is that the rest of the court, or the rest of the pack, is laughing off their faces at us. .

Here we are, supposedly big shots in the business but we have a fellow saying with confidence that he will continue to play for the West Indies, even as he closes in on 40 years old and has done not a thing to help the young fellows on our recent trip to England for the World Cup. Then this same man turn his back… to our faces and say he not available to play T20 against the Indians but ups and gone to Canada to play in some lower level league like some mercenary.

Yes, the world is laughing at us because Christopher Gayle , our own, has been making us the brunt of others people’s laughter for a long time now.

God forbid if Sherrit and our own Sahllow would allow this kind of behaviour to continue.

A WI fan

Vincies in the Diaspora A DOMINICAN friend residing in New York brought to my attention only last weekend, an article that appeared on an online news service in his country.

The article reported that Dominicans living in the Tri-State Area in the United States, which comprises the states of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, have

pledged their support to the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) to bring down the incumbent Dominica Labour Party.

Now, the thing that struck me, was that a group of Dominicans in the NY Diaspora had openly pledged their support for a political party back in their homeland.

For years, at least since I have been in the USA, countless groups of Vincentians have sprung

up in the NY Diaspora and the USA, wherever there is a legitimate community of Vincies.

What is interesting is that most of these groups, support one political party or the other back home, but they would like to us to think otherwise. Mind you, there are some, very few, like the Liberators in NY, who have openly declared their hand. But far too many of us hide behind the bushel when it comes to our political

allegiance. And when fingers are pointed, we get agitated and accuse the finger pointers of being “political”, when all they are doing is trying to get us to be honest.

A lot of US dollars leave here for support to each of the parties in SVG. So why are we in the USA continuing to hide behind the bushel?

Like any other group, we have a right to support a political party, and we should not be ashamed to do so.

One thing I hope and pray for, is that no group of Vincies in the USA would allow themselves to be used by a political party home to promote a programme that will put Vincies at home under further strain and put us in the Diaspora under even greater strain to support our loved ones back home.

We have kept things going back home with our remittances. We can do very little more.

Thanks for the space.

Garnet, N.Y.

V

10. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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A Titan has passed

The CDB diplomatically calls it Misprocurement: we call it misappropriation - The usual fraud and corruption perpetrated by the ULP Regime (Pt.2)

Introduction VINCENTIANS from all walks of life awoke on Monday, August 5th, 2019 to the news that one of the country’s longest serving politicians, Sir Vincent Beache, had passed on to the great beyond, just one week short of his 88th birthday. Within the ULP family, Sir Vincent will be greatly missed. He was a person who provided great leadership at a time when the NDP was on a rampage to destroy this country. Together with Ralph Gonsalves, he worked assiduously to prepare the ULP’s first elections, and then for governance in this country.

His will be mourned by Vincentians on both sides of the party political spectrum, more by ULP supporters who revered him. But there were persons within the NDP camp who respected and loved him too. This was the measure of the man, who carried no malice towards any, but instead looked for the interest of all Vincentians, even those who bore illwill against him. The truth of the matter is that he dedicated his life towards the development of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Fraud against the CDB

Rivers, who grew into an influential politician, a man who loved people, especially the poor and the working class. His handiwork is still seen across a wide range of the Vincentian landscape, and here and there, people still remember the work of Sir Vincent Beache, a true Vincentian patriot.

His Legacy

Sir Vincent Beache left a rich legacy which most Vincentians will treasure. Perhaps the most important legacy that he left, is the role he played in the formation of the Unity Labour Party, and its ascent to governance in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In 1994, a group of nationals called the “Concerned Citizens” felt that there was a need for cooperation between the Labour Party and the Movement for National Unity, to combat the NDP in the general election slated for February 1994.

Early days in politics Both political leaders, Vincent Beache and Ralph Gonsalves agreed Sir Vincent’s political career got to this strategy, and won three seats going in earnest in 1972, when he in the general election. Sir Vincent contested the constituency of North then became the Leader of the Central Windward, on the ticket of the St. Vincent Labour Party. But his Opposition, and following a series of preparation for this process started a meetings and discussions, guided the process which created the founding of long time before, through a life of community service, attention to detail, the Unity Labour Party. Sir Vincent Beache was the first leader of the and a love for the common man. He ULP. was not successful in his first outing Following the elections in 1998, in at the polls, but this was a learning what most people felt was his greatest lesson for him. And he really learnt political move, Sir Vincent Beache from this defeat. gave up the leadership of the ULP, In 1974, Sir Vincent captured the and supported a younger and more seat of North Central Windward for vibrant politician, in Ralph Gonsalves. the first time, and went on to retain The rest is history. With the support the seat in 1979 and 1984. Readers will remember the election agreement of Vincent Beache, Gonsalves led the ULP to victory over the NDP, by a between the Labour Party and the MNU for the 1994 general election. As margin of 12 to 3. Thereafter, Sir Vincent Beache played a critical role part of that agreement, Sir Vincent in the first ULP administration, agreed not to contest the North particularly when it came to matters Central Windward constituency, and of national security and the public to move south to contest the South service.

Windward seat. This was indeed a Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves daring move, and it showed some of will attest to the important advice his political genius.

It meant that there was a two-way tendered by Sir Vincent during his fight in North Central Windward, and tenure as a government minister, and then as a consultant to the ULP Dr. Ralph Gonsalves captured that administration. seat. At the same time, the political prowess of Sir Vincent Beache was more than good enough for the NDP’s Conclusion Alfred Bynoe in South Windward. He Sometime this month, Vincentians went on to retain that seat in 1998 will gather to say farewell to this and then in 2001, retiring from the magnificent son of the soil, who made political scene in 2005.

As it turns out, Sir Vincent Beache such an outstanding contribution to the development of St.Vincent and the established two sets of political Grenadines. The list is long, but we families in the State, first his cannot forget the Mt. Bentinck Sugar supporters in North Central Factory, the Diamond Dairy Windward, who still loved him even Enterprise, the Drive-in at Diamond, as they gave their support to Dr. the construction of the Argyle Ralph Gonsalves, and then his International Airport, and the modern supporters in South Windward who prison at Belle Isle, as projects that became his second political family in 1994. But Sir Vincent loved the people he touched.

Here was a man who set out to of St.Vincent and the Grenadines, make a difference in the lives of even those who hated him. Many stories have been told of persons who Vincentians, to ensure that they did not like him for one reason or the received the best that life had to offer.

We will never forget him, and we will other, but who visited him for protect his legacy. assistance, and was accommodated.

Sleep on in peace, Sir Vincent!

Here was a young man from South

(Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s Press Statement) THE BANK IS headed by a Board of Governors, which is the highest policymaking body of CDB. All of the powers of CDB are in the hands of the Board of Governors. The Board of Governors delegates oversight of Bank operations to the Board of Directors, which is chaired by the President of the Bank.

You will note the reference above to “good governance”. About that particular subject, the CDB says that the bank “strives to ensure that its processes, practices and systems conform with, and adhere to applicable corporate governance standards.”

And as a result of its strict adherence to international standards of good governance, the CDB enjoys top of the line ratings on the international financial markets: “CDB is rated Aa1, Stable with Moody’s; AA+, Stable with Standard and Poor’s; and AA+, Stable with Fitch.”

Indeed, the CDB is one of the most highly regarded institutions in the entire region, possibly the world, and justifiably so.

Finally, in relation to the CDB’s governance, you should note (from the CDB’s website), that Camillo Gonsalves, who was elevated to the position of Minister of Finance in SVG by his father, Ralph Gonsalves, is one of the CDB’s Governors. As Minister of Finance, Camillo Gonsalves sits on the CDB’s Board of Governors; at the highest decision-making level in the CDB. Ralph was the on the CDB’s Board of Governors, for the previous 15 years or so prior to Camillo, when he was Finance Minister.

I make the point about Ralph and Camillo being at the highest decisionmaking levels of the CDB for the past 18 years, to put the matter into context. As members of the CDB’s Board of Governors, these two men were responsible for ensuring that, across the Caribbean, the CDB performed in accordance with the highest principles, standards and practices of good governance, as the CDB’s mandate says. That obligation comes with the position.

I invite you to check the CDB’s website, to see all of this for yourself.

And I want Vincentians to reflect on this fact, because when you look at that in context of what Ralph is doing now, it demonstrates exactly what is happening here. I want to emphasize that the CDB did not take its decision to declare misprocurement lightly. It is not a small matter when the CDB declares misprocurement on a project being executed by one of the ministries of a borrowing member country and calls back for its money.

The action taken by the CDB has greatly displeased Ralph, whose son, as Minister of Finance of SVG, is on the CDB’s Board of Governors, its highest decision-making body. Ralph has made his displeasure public and he is using all sorts of tortured explanations and deflection to make it look like the CDB is somehow at fault or in error here. The CDB, however, has stood its ground, because they

have a responsibility to act in the interest of the bank and the public.

This is enshrined in their charter and their mission. But what we see, very clearly here, is that Ralph Gonsalves has absolutely no concern for the public interest, and no intention of being guided by the CDB’s best practices and good example.

What is Ralph Gonsalves’ interest?

Let’s go to the heart of the process. On a properly organized public project where rules and ethics are being observed, several things must happen.

First, there is a minimum number of bidders allowed, normally three. The reason for this is obvious; you don’t want a situation where only one company is allowed to bid for a large contract, because that encourages corruption. You need an element of competition, to protect the public interest.

Remember, this is not Ralph Gonsalves spending his own personal money on his estate. He is spending public money. Our money! The money provided to this government by the CDB under the terminated funding arrangement must be repaid, one way or the other, and this is done by taxing you the people… all of us. The Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance and Minister of Transport and Works can’t just decide to spend your money however they like.

But, that’s exactly the problem!

Let’s get back to the process. After the bids are submitted, they must be evaluated. The bid evaluation or tender evaluation is based on technical and financial factors and the evaluation process results in a ranked list of bidders. The bidder who achieves the best overall score in the evaluation is invited to negotiate a contract. So, when the evaluation is complete, there is a ranking of bidders: Number 1, number 2, 3 and so on. If for any reason the number 1 evaluated bidder is removed from contention, the second-ranked bidder is invited to negotiate to perform the project.

The intervention of the CDB in this project in question (Yarabaqua River defense work) was decisive: it essentially removed the number 1 ranked bidder from contention; even though this happened after the contract was awarded. In this case, an ethical government interested in doing the right thing would have simply invited the next evaluated bidder, whoever that was, to come in and negotiate for a contract to carry on the works. There is no need for any “long tendering process” at this point, as Gonsalves has claimed. The tendering process has already taken place and it would be an automatic process. That is, it would be an automatic process if the people in charge are interested in following the rules, to move to the next evaluated bidder.

Any government having any interest in ethics, good governance or the public interest would have done this! But the behavior of Ralph Gonsalves in this matter confirms the fact that he has no intention of following any rules, laws or code of ethics.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. 11.

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The CTC Relationship Formula

“Honest communication is built on truth and integrity and upon respect of the one for the other.” Benjamin E. Mays (1894-1984) - American Baptist minister and civil rights leader who is credited with laying the intellectual foundations of the Civil Rights essential ingredient in effective Movement. communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.”

READERS WILL BE understandably As we seek to maintain strong curious to discover what the CTC relationships, it is so very important acronym identified in this essay’s title that we learn to trust the other represents. It is a condensation that participants in the relationship if the this writer regularly uses to describe the bonds are to remain and tighten. importance of and the relationship However, we must understand and between communication, trust, and appreciate that to trust is commitment. There is good reason to synonymous with being vulnerable. believe that when communication is We do expose ourselves to being hurt clear and regular, it will encourage the when we yield to trusting another. creation and sustaining of trust. That There is no guarantee that the trust, in turn, is likely to foster relationship will flourish and that our commitment. This is as true in relation efforts and commitment will result in to intimate relationships as it is to there being “happiness ever after”. workplace associations. Conversely, the But even when there have been absence of effective communication can instances of our being hurt in a quite easily create distrust and relationship, we must seek to avoid misunderstandings. Such thoughts, if becoming suspicious and distrusting left to fester, can result in broken of everyone else. We can learn to and/or festering relationships. Indeed, appreciate the fact that this fragile communication builds trust, and trust thing called trust is relatively easy to engenders commitment. break, easy to lose, and one of the Relationships matter! They are hardest things to regain. But it is important! This is true within our often not beyond repair if we are homes as it is in the workplace, our prepared to work at it … and be neighbourhoods, the church, and vulnerable (exposed). wherever people congregate.

Trust can be rebuilt. It may take a Relationships are likely to be relatively long time. We may proceed better/stronger when there is regular with much greater caution. However, and clear communication. Trust and wisdom must prevail. We should not mutual respect are more likely to be naive. We must develop that keen flourish under such conditions. The spirit of discernment. There are some converse is also true: the absence of personality traits that have hardened communication can result in the and appear permanent. Shelly Long, deterioration of relationships. the American actress and comedian, Mistrust and disrespect may reminds us that, “Not everyone can be subsequently erupt, thereby further trusted. I think we all have to be very disrupting and contaminating the selective about the people we trust.” rapport.

While we understand and appreciate That link between communication, that people can change, we need to trust, and commitment, is much more seek to be as objective as we can when significant than we may initially contemplating the rekindling of trust. realise. Dr. Stephen Covey reminds A critical assessment of situations us that, “When the trust account is and individuals should precede the high, communication is easy, instant, trust-reconstruction process, noting and effective.” When we trust that trust takes years to build, someone, we are likely to be prepared seconds to break, and forever to to be vulnerable enough to share our repair. As one writer puts it, thoughts and experiences with them. “Breaking someone’s trust is like However, trust can often appear to so crumpling up a perfect piece of paper. easily vanish. This is sometimes the You can smooth it over but it’s never case when we perceive that we have going to be the same again.” been betrayed. Additionally, the There will be times when we are family member, friend, or co-worker hurt, betrayed, and/or abandoned by may have done or said something that those we had trusted to be there for resulted in our physical or emotional us. We would like to be comforted in hurt. On occasions like these, the the thought that our family members, trust could vaporise and friends, church members, and cocommunication significantly reduced workers will be there for us during or cease altogether. It is at times like the good times and the bad; in these, that we may be tempted to sickness and in health; whether we become cynical, and may even vow are rich or poor; and so on. But this never to trust or communicate like is not always the case. As a matter of this again — especially with the fact, we may even hasten to say that individual(s) concerned. The this is usually not the case. So many commitment to the relationship may leave. They move on so readily when appear to dismantle, and we realise conditions appear to be unfavourable. that there is indeed a link, a However, we must commit to keeping relationship, between communication, our part of the CTC agenda going. trust, and commitment.

Regardless of the situation, we will Trust is such a critical ingredient communicate, trust, and commit to in building and sustaining creating and sustaining better relationships. Scott Weiss reminds us relationships. that “Trust leads to approachability and open communications.” Dr. Send comments, criticisms & Stephen R. Covey, referred to in the suggestions to previous paragraph, reminds us that julesferdinand@gmail.com “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most

Emancipation, the Queen and Crime “Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill it, or betray it.” Frantz Fanon.

ROBERT MILTON CATO, the Leader of the St. Vincent Labour Party, once described a group of budding Vincentian progressives as ‘Damn Foolish Men’, a vulgarization of the group’s name, Democratic Freedom Movement (DFM). That was in 1972. Today, a half century on, this label aptly fits some so-called progressives who now support the Unity Labour Party. In an attempt to defend the indefensible, they have exposed their buffoonery, political nakedness and ideological bankruptcy.

This may seem harsh commentary, but no less accurate.

A little history is in order. August 1st, 2019 marked the 186th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation passed by the British Parliament in 1833. As a youngster, progressive organizations like Black Liberation Action Committee (BLAC) led by Renwick Rose, and Organization for Black Cultural Awareness (OBCA) of Jim Maloney and now legendary calypsonian, Patches, organized marches and rallies to commemorate this very important day. These were the Black Power days. Consciousness was high among a vanguard contingent and growing among the people.

In the last 2 decades, particularly after the ULP of Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves took over the country, civil society, whose leadership was coopted, went in sharp decline. The government’s Department of Culture spearheaded most of the important activities: Black History Month in February, National Heroes Month in March, African Liberation Month in May, and Emancipation Day activities in August.

For a while, this worked well, but as government support waned, civil society, now dependent on the government initiative and support, remains paralyzed. A rebirth of civil society with an emphasis on independence from the political class is urgently needed.

Matters came to a head this Emancipation Day. A level of confusion took centre stage. The Government decided to install Mrs. Susan Dougan, a fine, decent and dignified woman, as the new representative of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Apart from the fanfare that accompanied Mrs Dougan being the first female to be nominated to this post here, this swearing-in ceremony would not have caused a stir.

Sadly however, as Mrs. Dougan was sworn in, our Police band blared out ‘God Save the Queen.’

This was on Emancipation Day… Not the day before, nor the day after, or any other day… This was the date which marked the day on which enslaved Africans were pronounced legally free.

Clearly, no one could square this circle except for those who think that anything government does, no matter how thoughtless, ridiculous or contradictory, must be met with total and complete support. There seems to be a mindless section of our citizenry which is evidently convinced that any shade with the government demonstrates a break in the ranks, a virtual end of civilization moment.

PM Gonsalves should disabuse them of this silly notion.

So, they went on an idle campaign to prove the unprovable; to justify the unjustifiable. “The queen is our queen too; if we did not want Queen Elizabeth, a ceremonial figure with little or no legal and constitutional relevance, we should have voted yes for the revised constitution in 2009; we are only giving Vincentians what they voted for and desired,” they argued vainly.

Everyone knows that this is nonsense on steroids. But they persist, and then with a straight face embrace the description “progressives” For starters, why would those who claim to be the advanced, progressive contingent of our people, submerge and

reduce themselves to the so-called “backward masses?” They must know that at best, to install the Queen’s representative on Emancipation Day is bad policy and bad practice. Such an act is an affront to our ancestors who fought and won their freedom almost two centuries ago. They know that the people of our country are owed an apology; an admission that this was, at a minimum, an oversight grounded in administrative convenience.

To listen to radio and visit social media and hear the excuses and justifications for the installment of the representative of slavery and colonialism, backwardness and oppression of our people on the same day we celebrate our formal and legal emancipation from our British enslavers is painful. Oscar Allen’s wise words are apropos “if you know better, do better; be more and do more.”

As sister Ideisha Jackson, in an honourable and valiant defence of our ancestors’ dignity and valor, the respect and education of this generation, told the host of the WeFM ‘Issue at Hand’ programme last Sunday: “I did not even think I would have to defend this.”

The confusion around the place of Emancipation Day in our calendar is clear proof that we have long ways to go in order to achieve true and lasting freedom.

Sadly, some of those whom the ancestors have ordered into the front ranks as opinion makers and leaders, have demonstrated on this issue that they have neither the political and ideological clarity or commitment that will help our people build up the consciousness so critical for the next stage of struggle. Or is it plain dishonesty?

The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court took its vacation last Friday and will reconvene on September 18, 2019.

At the closing of the Assizes, it was disclosed that there are 109 persons sitting in prisons awaiting trial. This number accounts for 25 percent of all persons behind prison walls.

Many of these persons are young, first time offenders, who, as Don Mitchell, former Justice of Appeal on the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court said, may not even be sentenced to prison when the matters are finally disposed of. Justice Mitchell made this comment in a report about the state and condition of our prisons in 2001. Very little has changed since then, even though our country sports another correctional facility at Belle Isle.

There are persons who have not even been tried for alleged crimes committed in 2005! Some of these detainees are no longer brought to the court to have their matters case managed. They are simply warehoused among convicted murderers, rapists and other hardened and violent prisoners.

We have a repeat offenders’ rate of 53 percent. Over 200 of the 400 inmates have been there at least twice. This is hardly surprising, because rehabilitation is not a priority.

Deterrence and retribution take pride of place as law and order trump human rights concerns.

Interestingly, there are two civil court judges which evidences that society cherishes property and business rights over liberty of citizens, especially of those at the bottom of our societal ladder.

For starters, we can attempt to turn this sad situation around by appointing a second judge whose task will be to speedily bring to trial all those on remand.

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

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12. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Usage & ÂAbusageÊ of SVGÊs Indigenous population

USAGE - Subordinate Employment, i.e. the black, poor and powerless indigenous population cook the food, serve the food, wash the plates, make up the beds, cut the lawns and be the security guards for the superrich in Mustique and Canouan.

‘ABUSAGE’: According to Vincentian-born Retired British Royal Air Force Engineer Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA and Leader of SVG Green Party, there is sufficiently abuse of Tax and Customs duty exemptions in The Mustique Act No 48 of 2002 that speak to a possible crime against humanity. i.e. of the black, poor and powerless indigenous population.

THE VINCENTIAN newspaper of Friday 26 April 2019, reported PM Gonsalves as making a public statement in the presence of former Prime Minister Sir James Mitchell, that the Mustique Agreement is a unique one. It is obvious, the Mustique Agreement is a unique one, since it is tax and customs duty exemptions given to the superrich of Mustique, that are paying the wages for subordinate employment of black, poor and powerless indigenous population working in Mustique.

And, a similar regime obtains in

Canouan.

Is it not a crime against humanity for the ULP regime to provide labour for the superrich of Mustique, since by granting tax and custom duty exemptions, those black, poor and powerless indigenous Vincentians are technically being paid by SVG Treasury?

The Green Party and its Leader strongly contend that there is absolutely no net benefit to the black, poor and powerless indigenous population of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines nor to the Saint Vincent Treasury under the Mustique Act No 48 of 2002, and call for its abolition.

The Green Party leader also contends that the practice is such that tax and customs duty exemptions are usually confined to infant industry start-ups, not for millionaires and billionaires in Mustique and Canouan.

The Governor General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines signed Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Freedom of Information Act in 2003.

To date, however, the SVG Freedom of Information Act has not been proclaimed nor gazetted by the ULP Government, so as to make it law and permit questions to be asked in relation to what is taking effect in

Mustique and Canouan.

According to Retired British Royal Air Force Engineer Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, who was awarded The British Royal Air Force CERTIFICATE OF MERIT on 17 August 1989 in recognition of his initiative and inventiveness towards the improvement of the engineering services of the Royal Air Force while serving in Strike Command.

The superrich in Mustique and Canouan are very clever in engineering the takeover of ownership of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, by not paying tax and customs duty, and therefore, running the Treasury dry.

So much so, the highly incompetent and grossly useless ULP Regime is

forced to sell hundreds of acres of land in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to white foreigners. That money used to buy land, should have been paid in tax to SVG Treasury. To continue in this vein, over time, our grandchildren and great grandchildren will have no ownership of SVG. PM Gonsalves failed the Constitutional Audit of Public Accounts for three consecutive years 2008, 2009 and 2010, killed the NCB with a massive Bank Overdraft of EC$185 million Yet the superrich in Mustique and Canouan received all their tax and customs duty exemptions for 2008, 2009 and 2010 (Source Audit Report = Researched Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA) The Mustique Act No 48 of 2002 will be abolished.

SVG Green Party

The silent threat of plastics IMAGINE there being more plastic than fish in the ocean. Researchers have predicted that unless we change our behaviour, this tragic situation would come true by 2050. Synthetic plastics, those made from fossil fuels, were first invented in early 1900s, and by the 1960s they were in popular use.

Plastics are strong, flexible and durable, and their usefulness and convenience in various applications, such as food storage, fishing equipment, medical supplies and building materials, has resultekd in their widespread use in products worldwide.

In just over 100 years, plastic items and particles have severely polluted our oceans, and have become a global threat to our fish and wildlife. In fact, the United Nations declared plastic pollution as being on a similar scale of environmental threat as climate change.

Nowadays, plastic materials can be found in waters from the Arctic to the Antarctic, along the shores of the remotest islands, in the deepest parts of the ocean, and even inside the human digestive system. All of the plastics ever created, are still around today, given the amount of time they

Plastics strewed in an area in the Grenadines (Photo Credit: Kate Charles/Juliana Coffey) take to decompose. A single water bottle may take 400 years to decompose, a straw up to 200 years, while a disposable diaper may take up to 500 years. Fishing line can take up to 600 years, which means that those nets and lines lost in the sea can continue to catch marine life for several centuries.

Many marine species around the world are now known to interact with plastic pollution in a manner that is harmful to them. Fish and wildlife can become entangled in plastics and even mistake them for food, ultimately leading to injury and death. All turtle species have been found with plastics in their guts. Researchers find more and more birds using plastic to build nests, raising their young in a dangerous bed of litter that can entangle the chicks. Seabirds are particularly susceptible to the effects of plastic pollution. Over 200 species of seabirds worldwide have been found to be harmed by plastics in the ocean.

The Grenadines archipelago is not immune to this plastic invasion. Although Cont’d on page 20

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09 , 2019. 13.

V BBO assists ten students 14. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Community

TEN STUDENTS WHO GRADUATED from the Layou Government School at the end of the last school term, were recipients of support from the Layou-based Becket Benefit Organisation (BBO).

The ten were among the top fifteen Layou Government School performers in the 2019 CPEA exam, but the top five had already been guaranteed awards from the school.

During a presentation ceremony held on Saturday 3rd August at the Louis Straker Resource Centre, Layou, Treasurer of BBO Wendy Simmons and retired senior qualified teacher Mrs offering thanks and Stella Quow, explained that this year’s appreciation for the recipients were chosen based on their assistance rendered academic performance and not necessarily by the BBO.

on need, as had been the sole criterion in the past.

Ms Wendy Simmons, a parent of one of the recipients of a BBO award, thanked the organization for their support, and urged the continuance of like activities in Layou.

Founder and inspiration of the group Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus urged the children to be disciplined, focused, diligent, and to place priority value on their school work.

The BBO was formalized in January 2015 with the mission of engendering ‘...love, peace and unity within the community of Layou,’ through, ‘…assisting, guiding and supporting the community in concerns related to

BBO Award recipients, parents, BBO members and school officials at a recent handing-over ceremony.

health, education, sport, culture and the environment, and to assist in times of disaster.

Funds to drive and fulfil its mission are derived from the organisation’s own fundraising efforts.

BBO member Vernon Mc Dowald urged persons to pay attention to the Layou Notice Board as well follow the media — mainstream and social - for news on upcoming events.

The next BBO activity is planned to coincide with this year’s Independence celebrations — October. (CD)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09 , 2019. 15.

News

MyApp Summer School concludes

Keisha Gurley, Consumer and Public Relations Manager NTRC. INFORMATION/TECHNOLOGY HAS generated billions of dollars in revenue and, considering that the average student spends an average of two and a half hours using mobile phone applications each day, this makes for a very lucrative industry.

And it was with this in mind that the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) came up with the MyApp Summer Programme, to provide opportunities to enhance the technological skills of the younger population.

Robotics – a first time This year’s edition — the fifth — involved 20 students, ages 13 to 18 from the Marriaqua community, and was held from July 15 — August 2 at

the Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia.

During that time, participants were introduced to basic software programming and robotics.

Cyron Cyrus, Software Engineer with the NTRC and lecturer, explained that participants were taught the concept of basic programming through the use of a micro-bit computer The exposure to robotic was a near area and was facilitated by Khamisi Bascombe (NTRC Intern) and Eustasha Walter, Public Relations Officer (PRO) at the NTRC. Cyrus explained that students received hands on experience building robots and worked together to programme them to undertake various tasks.

Addressing the impact the whole experience could have on the country’s economy, Cyrus cited the USD 92.1 billion being spent on mobile apps, some used every day in phones, and speculated that “there is not a single reason why some of that money could not have ended up here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Sponsors re-commit The MyApp Summer Programme is made possible through sponsorship from telecommunications providers Digicel and FLOW, as well as two private entities — Mikey’s Roast City and JMK Auto Parts.

Fanta Williams, Digicel’s Country Manager, said mobile app development was “robust and dynamic” and was constantly changing the world every day, bringing mobile apps such as

l-r) Fanta Williams (Country Manager Digicel St Vincent), Apollo Knights (Director NTRC St Vincent), Wayne Hull (FLOW Country Manager), Cyron Cyrus (NTRC Software Engineer/Instructor MyApp Summer Programme) and Runel Primus (2019 Valedictorian NTRC MyApp Summer Programme).

A section of the participants in the 2019 MyApp Summer Programme.

WhatsApp or through various games “So, the application world is our new existence. What does that mean for you as young people?” she asked.

According to Williams, while telecommunications companies provide the connectivity and that allows individuals to be creative, there is the need for content that looks, speaks and looks local.

She commended the NTRC for the initiative, saying that Digicel intends to continue being a partner because they recognized the important work.

Wayne Hull, Country Manager of FLOW, also commended the NTRC and especially noted the effort to share the knowledge of I/T in rural communities.

“This is really, really important,” Hull said.

The region was slightly behind in

terms of technological advances, but Hull commended the NTRC for ensuring that the knowledge is being shared.

“I am excited about these programmes and that is why we at FLOW are a part of it. We like to see the investment in the young people.

And see the investment in the knowledge being shared across the country,” said FLOW’s Country Manager.

Course Valedictorian Cane End resident Runel Primus, fifteen-year-old fourth form student of the Girls’ High School, acknowledged that she was not initially enthused about spending her summer sitting in an IT class.

After two weeks, she admitted, there might just have been a change of mind as far as a future career path is concerned. (DD)

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16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Tribute

Sir Vincent Beache: A real Vincentian

the polls (15 seats) in the May 16, 1989 general elections.

But Sir Vincent’s first success at the polls dates back to 1974 when, as a candidate of the SVLP, he turned the tables on Victor Cuffy in the North Central Windward Constituency. He had lost to Cuffy in 1972 elections that gave rise to the (in)famous 6-6-1 election result.

He would lose on only one other occasion in the North Central Windward constituency, that being a 1989 loss to the NDP’s Johnathan Peters.

Peters’ victory might not have had an overwhelmingly dominant one, but that did not transfer to the national scene.

Sir Vincent returned to Parliament in 1979 beating candidates from the People’s Political Party (PPP), and the United People’s Movement (UPM).

He retained the North Central Windward constituency in the 1984 general elections, but saw his party overrun by the NDP who took nine of the 13 seats. Though not leader of the SVLP in 1984, he became Leader of the Opposition from that year and served thus until 1989.

By the time the Labour Party went into the May 16, 1989 general elections, Sir Vincent had been thrust into the leadership, following the retirement of former Prime Minister and party leader Milton Cato after the NDP’s victory in 1984, and the death of his replacement Hudson Tannis, in August 1986.

Sir Vincent endured the HIS LAST OUTING AT THE POLLS was the relinquished his original base in North bitter pill of personal and March 2001 general elections when he Central Windward so as to allow party defeat in 1989, which was one of 12 successful Unity Labour unimpeded mileage to the Movement Party (ULP) candidates. for National Unity’s (MNU) Dr. Ralph served as a source of instruction for him. He Sir Vincent Beache, a South Rivers Gonsalves, following an elections followed his instincts, and the native, captured the South-Central accommodation between the then St. Windward constituency, embracing the Vincent Labour Party (SVLP) and the genesis of a MNU-SVLP morphed. area of Spring where he lived.

MNU. The afore-referred move He had two other victories in South That direction was thrust upon the from North Central Windward Windward, 1998, and 1994, the latter political opponents of the incumbent being of some significance, for he had New Democratic Party who had swept to South Windward, returned him to parliament, and he

would serve as Leader of the Opposition, once again, from 1994 to 1999, when he vacated the leadership of the now established Unity Labour Party (ULP) — a full merger of the MNU and the SVLP. He was one of seven successful ULP candidates in the 1998 elections and would repeat that success in 2001 when the ULP took the reins of government for the first time.

Under the leadership of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Sir Vincent served as Minister of National Security and Airport Development.

Sir Vincent would depart active politics in 2005, turning his South Windward seat over to his son, who in turn would quit from politics by 2010.

The elder Beache continued after 2005 and up until 2015 to be an advisor to the Minister of National Security.

When he retired from that post, he served on a number of Statutory Boards, including being Chairman of the Housing and Land Development Corporation, and remained an advisor to Prime Minister Gonsalves.

Indeed, Sir Vincent’s reach and influence were so inescapable that he continued to impact the South Windward constituency even after his son had opted out, a decision that many thought would have sullied the ULP chances for continued success in that constituency.

Sir Vincent’s feat of being a parliamentary representative for two different constituencies remains something of a rarity in Vincentian politics. He is also unique in having served under two different leaders of government — Milton Cato and Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

He was respected for his political acumen, and his debating skills and his political wisdom has been well sought after.

Sir Vincent passed away at the age of 87, at his home last Monday morning. A state funeral is anticipated for the stalwart politician.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09 , 2019. 17.

News

The peopleÊs take on Sir Vincent Beache I knew him from the 1970s. I remembered his works as Minister of Agriculture… the exhibitions in particular.

He was committed, frank and always listened to the common man.

He was down to earth. Based on my interaction with him, he was a genuine individual and someone you could reason with on numerous topics relative to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, regardless of your status or political outlook.

SIR VINCENT BEACHE died at his home last Monday morning. The Vincentian took to the streets to solicit views on the life and legacy of the former parliamentarian.

Here is a sampling:

Carlson Ferdinand: Teacher Elmin Williams: Security Monitor

He has made a great contribution to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He would be remembered for the things he has done.

Vincent Beache was a nice guy. He helped a lot of people. It is a sad moment on this land to know that he has moved on. He was outspoken, easy going. A lot of people will miss him.

Stanley Richards: Supervisor Beache made a valuable contribution to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He was a humble man. He never blew his own trumpet. He did a lot of things for people but was not one to boast about it. His slogan was ‘I promise to do my best’.

When the sugar industry was revived in Georgetown, he helped a lot of young people to get jobs. One of the most selfless things he did was to step away from North Central Windward to give Ralph Gonsalves the space, and he went to South Windward. He was a people person.

Crystal Bacchus: Observer Sir Vincent, who has been in politics for 47 years, deserves the respect in his death. He made a lifetime contribution to the development of almost every area of Vincentian society. I pray for the family’s harmony. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

He was always down-to-earth, and fun loving. He could have connected to any age.

Betty Brewster: Office Attendant We were friends. He was the Chairman of the Housing Corporation at one time. I used to deal with him a lot. I never found a problem with him.

He was jovial and loved to dance. His death shocked me. God choose the better path for him. May his soul rest in peace.

Phil Moses: Businessman

Oliver Cupid: Chief Clerk

I knew him from since in the 70s. He has been my friend since. When I was at Heritage Square, he was there. He always looked for me. I visited him on my way to Owia last Sunday. I got a chance to touch his hand. I was surprised to hear that he died Monday. I miss a friend. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is going to miss a good man.

He made a tremendous contribution to the country. He helped a lot of poor people especially in the North Central Windward constituency. He played a vital role in the formation of the Unity Labour Party. He was its first leader. He made way for Dr Gonsalves, thereby demonstrating great wisdom. After his retirement from frontline politics, he served as an advisor.

Aubrey Burgin: Self-employed

Joy Matthews: Retired Principal He was a statesman. If I am worried about any issue, I could have spoken to him. He was a good counsellor; a gentleman as well. He contributed significantly to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. His political contribution was outstanding, from the Labour Party to the ULP.

Asbert Williams: Assistant Librarian I got to know him when I was president of the Stubbs Action Group.

He was always professional. There was no friction between us even though we had differing political views. He never kept any malice.

V ÂKiss Me FallsÊ: Clean up or else!!!

18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

PRIME MINISTER DR RALPH Gonsalves said that he has given instructions for the installation of restroom facilities and for skips to be placed at designated areas, at the area now commonly known as ‘Kiss Me Falls’.

The area which is located along Bamboo Range, on the slopes of La Soufrierre, has recently become a popular picnic spot for locals but, according to the Prime Minister, some who use the site have left it unsightly.

Dr. Gonsalves, whose comments came while speaking at the Emancipation Day function at the Chatoyer National Park at Rabacca, said that he had seen photographs of the condition of the facility, which includes a

pool where water is extracted and transported to the geothermal site, and it was in a state.

He said that there were areas such as ‘Kiss Me Falls’ and ‘River 14’ in South Rivers, among others, that were popular Prime Minister Dr. ralph Gonsalves was particularly picnic destinations, harsh on those who litter particularly on public areas designated use by the holidays.

The ‘Kiss Me Falls’ area has become a popular site in a very short “They bring their food, public. space of time. it is free to get in…but garbage, otherwise what you would not bring a plastic you will have is asked for them to put down According to Gonsalves, bag to put your chicken bone; somewhere where you will not some skips as well. those guilty of the practice you wouldn’t bring a plastic be able to go and visitors will “I am going to ask the were those who knew better. bag to put in the plastic from not be able to go,” he community to keep control of “We cannot talk about which you eat in, and you continued. that, and if you want to use it Emancipation in the sky and throw it all over the place,” He noted that he had to (restroom), you have to pay don’t talk about things which Gonsalves said. send CWSA to the area to because somebody has to clean we have to do here on earth,” “You have a responsibility. have it cleaned, and he has it,” the Prime Minister said. he advised. (DD) Walk with a bag to put your

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09 , 2019. 19.

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20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Scholarships FLOW in FLOW, THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS service provider that prides itself as being number one in the business, remains committed to assist with facilitating the education of this nation’s young people.

This commitment was reiterated by FLOW’s Country manager Wayne Hull as he addressed his company’s 2019/20 scholarship/bursary presentation last Wednesday.

Seven new students benefitted directly. Three received full time

awards valued at $1400 annually from Forms 1 to 3. They are Desvorne John, Amara Adams, and Nyles DaSouza.

One became eligible being an offspring of a Flow employee, while the other two are customers.

Four others - Samella Young, Keonza Young, Amanda Henry, and Otavio John - received one-off bursaries.

Students moving on to the Community College will get $2, 000 a year to cater for their expanding costs

in travel, transport and meals. This amount went up by $400.

Hull disclosed that $60,000 will be disbursed in the new school term, to cater for the 40 students who are on the FLOW roster.

Among those on the roster are the FLOW-sponsored Secondary Schools Public Speaking Competition - Laron Jones from St. Vincent Grammar School, Kenisha Castello of St. Joseph Convent Marriaqua, and Bishop’s College Kingstown’s Fitz-Aria Morgan.

Jolene Douglas, who is attending the Technical and Vocational Educational Division, was rewarded by FLOW, having attained the best results after Remediation in this year’s CSEC exams.

Hull instructed students “to continue to work hard over and over.”

Kay Martin-Jack, Senior Education Officer, praised FLOW for looking out for their staff and also their customers.

She noted that a “happy worker will be more productive,” while a happy customer “keeps coming back.”

She echoed Hull’s remarks and insisted that recipients “continue to excel.”

Remarks also came from Amoy Munroe whose child Jeshari Munroe is a current FLOW scholarship holder, and Keishante Smart, a 2015 FLOW scholarship recipient.

FLOW has been making the scholarship awards for 35 years.

(WKA)

The 2019 FLOW scholar/bursary recipients with FLOW Country manager Wayne Hull (left) and Kay Martin-Jack, Senior Education Officer (right)

VINLEC Education Awards 2019

Front row L-R Romeo Trimmingham, Jozailia Michael, Eddison Roberts and Alexis Malcolm (missing Fidel Jackson) - Back row: Parents with CEO Myers(2nd from right) FIVE STUDENTS HAVE BEEN granted scholarships under the St. Vincent Electricity Services Education Awards programme, beginning this academic year 2019/2020. The five children, ages eleven and twelve, received $1400 to assist financially in the upcoming school year.

VINLEC’s Education Awards programme was established in 1984 to provide financial and moral assistance to children of employees in an effort to help them

reach their greatest potential and prepare them to participate in national development.

The Company is cognizant that this investment is necessary as a well-educated workforce of tomorrow depends on accessible education today. This Education Awards programme is meritbased and the awards are granted based on the students’ performance in the local Caribbean Primary Education Assessment held in May.

Presently, the programme has 24 secondary level students and two tertiary level students, who have completed their first year at the Community College. Since 1984, a total of 217 students have benefitted from VINLEC’s initiative. This year’s recipients are Jozailia Michael, Eddison Roberts, Alexis Malcolm, Fidel Jackson and Romeo Trimmingham. (Source: VINLEC)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. 21.

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22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. 23.

People

A Vincentian joins CAFS executive VINCENTIAN Rhonelle Buntyn has been elected to the Executive team of the Caribbean Association of Forensic Sciences (CAFS).

Ms. Buntyn, who holds a Master’s Degree in Forensic Science from King’s College London, was elected to the post of Assistant Public Relations officer at CAFS’ biennial elections, held on 24th April 2019.

The other elected officers to the CAFS Executive Committee are as follows: President — Inspector Gregory Williams (Antigua and Barbuda) 1st Vice President — Ms. Fernanda Henry (St Lucia) 2nd Vice President — Mrs. Esther ThomasHodge (Anguilla) Secretary — Ms. Hillary Mullings (Jamaica) Assistant Secretary — Ms. Krystal James (Trinidad and Tobago) Treasurer — Ms. Trineita Gordon (Jamaica) Assistant Treasurer — Dr. Christine Walters (Jamaica) Public Relations Officer — Ms. Tanesha Fagan (Jamaica) Ordinary Member — Mrs. Tamika HenryFraser (Guyana) Ordinary Member — Mr. Kwensi Diaz (Trinidad and Tobago) Student Representative — Ms. Daniel Black (Jamaica) This yea, the association also introduced a team of Country Representatives, the members of which are dedicated to promoting CAFS and contributing to the growth of Forensic Science across the region. The other persons on this team are: Anguilla — Mrs. Esther Thomas-Hodge Antigua and Barbuda — Inspector Gregory Williams Barbados — Mr. Victor Eastmond Belize — Ms. Rochelle Cabral

Grenada — Detective Sergeant Valrie Dumont Guyana — Mrs. Tamika Henry-Fraser St. Kitts and Nevis — Superintendent La Toya S.J. Lake Marshall St. Lucia — Ms. Fernanda Henry Trinidad and Tobago — Ms. Krystal James and Mr. Kwensi Diaz Virgin Islands Inspector Wendell Ballantyne CAFS was founded in 2012 by Dr. Alfredo Walker and Inspector Gregory Williams. It is a not-for-profit, regional, professional organization that is dedicated to the promotion, advancement and guidance on all aspects of Forensic Science, and its inherent disciplines, in the Caribbean. It is the only Forensic Science association in the Caribbean with the objectives to promote competency, best practices, ethics and rigorous quality control in forensic casework; and to encourage collaboration between Forensic Science practitioners and the Criminal Justice Systems across the Caribbean region.

The Founding

Rhonelle Buntyn has been a member of CAFGS for only one year.

Executive was established on 18th November 2015 at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus, Jamaica, and to date CAFS has expanded to nine Caribbean countries. As of November 2018, the association was recognized as a registered charity.

Source: CAFS)

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24. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Your aunt is all wrong Dear George, I WAS SURPRISED when my aunt attempted to discourage me from dating the man I took home to her. My parents are deceased and it is my aunt who raised me. She just took one look at him and declared she did not like him. But what shocked me was when she suggested I date the last guy she was dating.

I’m still trying to figure out why she would want me to take up a man she discarded for whatever reason. The man is 15 years my senior.

It came down to choice, George: Either I dated this man or get out of her house.

This is so unfair, but I’m prepared to leave if it comes down to that. I’m just worried about what our relationship would be like if I do move out.

Feeling pushed Dear Feeling pushed, It is solely your decision as regards who you want to date; your aunt does not have that right to choose for you.

She can make suggestions and give her opinion, but it is you who have that final say.

That suggestion your aunt made wrong written all over it. Once you know exactly what you want, then go after it, and you owe no explanation to anyone including your aunt.

George

Could have been worse understand why she did that to me. We argued before I left over that I VISITED my friend in very issue, and I Brooklyn, New York for maintained I should two weeks. The first have never been treated day, I got the royal like that. treatment ... breakfast, I’m never going back lunch, dinner, the works. there!

By the second day, she made it clear that I was Disappointed on my own, i.e. prepare your own meals, etc., like Dear Disappointed, everyone else in the household, and showed You are yet to explain me where to find what. how you were treated When she visited me badly by your friend. in Vincy, I did not treat Yes, she made you 3 her like that, and cannot

Dear George,

meals on your first day, but she just didn’t leave you empty-handed when she said you would have to prepare your own meals like everyone else.

She showed you where to find the ‘necessaries’. It could have been worse, had she left you in the house with nothing to eat.

It is wise, also, to have a food plan just in case you run into friends such as this one.

George

You got to be kidding!!!! secretly until she comes of age. She is willing to I MADE A VOW never to be with me, even to have sex with me, but I’m not date anyone younger than my daughter who is sure how to move. This now 20. Recently I met a is one strong temptation! young lady, my type of Human woman, but there is a problem: she is 15 years Dear Human, old.

I’m got in two minds, You have simply got to whether to wait for her to mature, or be with her be out of your mind.

Dear George,

The best way to handle this situation is to run, run and run. It is not worth getting yourself entangled with an under-aged girl and the law, and have to face some lifelong consequences thereafter.

Stick to your vow and keep looking!

George

The silent threat of plastics From page 12 thousands of tourists visit these islands each year to enjoy pristine beaches and nature, plastic pollution is extensive on our shores and is negatively affecting our fish and wildlife. The shorelines and landscapes of our uninhabited islands, home to tens of thousands of seabirds, are coated with plastics, while seabirds sometimes struggle to find nesting space amongst the debris. A study by Saint George’s University found that over 97% of fish intended for human consumption from Grenada waters, such as snapper and tuna, contained plastics. While we want to leave our children and grandchildren with certain gifts of heritage, such as

financial and food security, do we really want to leave them with a legacy of plastic pollution?

Luckily, there is hope. With many countries, including Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, beginning to put restrictions on singleuse plastics, such as plastic bags and cutlery, we are taking steps towards reducing our impact. Please do your part to reduce your use of plastics, especially single-use, and ensure that litter is disposed of properly. You can even clean up litter you find and, by doing so, help to leave a legacy of caring for our beautiful home.

Environmental Protection in the Caribbean

Leisure

ARIES (MAR. 21- APRIL 20) You can make changes to your living quarters that should please family members. Mingle with those who have similar interests, and you should be able to start something.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) Don’t be too shy to promote your own interests. Promotions will be yours if you have acted professionally in times of crisis. A female colleague may cause problems for you.

TAURUS (APR. 21- MAY 21) Partnerships could prove to be lucrative. Someone left a real mess for you to sift through. If you can’t get ahead in the company you’re with, perhaps it’s time to move on.

SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) You will get bored quickly, so make sure that you have scheduled enough activity to hold your interest. Don’t take sides if you wish to remain on good terms with both .

GEMINI (MAY 22-JUNE 21) You need to keep everyone on your domestic scene too busy to complain.

You need to reevaluate your situation.

You can gain distinction; however, it may be for the wrong reasons.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) This will not be the day to have minor surgery. Curb or cut out that bad habit you’ve been meaning to do something about. You will have the discipline to make changes you feel are necessary.

CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22) You may have more people on your domestic scene than anticipated. You can visit clients and make a big impression just by giving them some hands-on help. Go after your goals.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) You will enjoy physical activities more than you think. Control your temper by getting immersed in your work. Your temper could get the better of you if you confront personal situations.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Don’t be shy to promote your own interests. You can make financial deals, but it may be best if you’re not using your own cash. Children or friends may try to talk you into lending them money.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 21.- FEB. 19) Use your charm, but don’t sign or agree to anything. Minor accidents may occur if you don’t concentrate on what you’re doing. Try not to lose your cool, and make your point known.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) You may find that your boss is not delighted with your work lately. Things at home may be somewhat rocky. You will get bored quickly, so make sure that you have scheduled enough activity to hold your interest.

PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) You may be thinking of starting your own business. Don’t settle for less than the best. Your ability to be a self-starter will help get things done and motivate others.

ACROSS 1. Obtained 4. “That’s refreshing!”

7. Equip (with sails) 10. Declare publicly 12. Drag to court 13. Musical Turner 14. Hereditary transmitter 15. Train terminals 17. Necessity 19. Sitting over 20. Graceful tress 22. Boat-docking place 25. “Name him!”

28. Dad’s sister 30. Important test 32. Stands for paintings 34. Kenya’s locale 36. Tedious 37. Nature walk 39. Five pairs 40. Weaver’s frame 42. “Understand?”

43. Cat sound 45. Grocery memo 49. Entertainer with a routine 53. Cut with a hatchet 55. Had debts to pay 56. Humorous Arthur 57. “What’s – problem?”

58. Demolition substance: abbr.

59. Foxy 60. Sample a taste of DOWN 1. Slapstick joke 2. Food warmer 3. Vocal pitch 4. Braying mammal 5. Harvest season 6. Jumbled stack 7. Brazil resort, for short 8. Country lodge 9. Bus fuel

11. Minuscule 13. More 11-Down 16. Shirt or blouse 18. Distribute (cards) 21. Thick, as grass 23. Door leading outside 24. Battle the clock 25. Become husband and wife 26. Transport (freight) 27. Norwegian city 29. Confiscate 31. Chap 33. Ran away to 25-Down 35. Experience emotion 38. Tel Aviv’s

nation 41. Soggy soil 44. Barbecue servings 46. Cold in demeanor 47. Fired a gun 48. Guided trip

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. 25.

49. Army bed 50. “Virtue is its – reward!”

51. Encountered 52. Senate-floor negative 54. Snoop around

26. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V Barbados are CWI U19 Champions

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. 27.

Matthew Forde - MVP and most wickets 11.

Windward Islands - second placed.

Stories by: I.B.A.ALLEN BARBADOS ARE THE 2019 CWI Under 19-Champions, having played unbeaten in a rain-affected 2019 CWI Rising Stars Under-19 Cricket Tournament, which concluded here last Tuesday.

In one of the final round matches played on Tuesday at Park Hill, Barbados made light work of the Leeward islands, beating them by five wickets. Leewards were bowled out for 106 in 38 overs, to which Barbados replied with 109 for 5 from 14 overs.

Defending Champions Guyana had

Barbados – 2019 CWI U19 Cricket Champions. a nail-biting one-run victory over Trinidad and Tobago at Arnos Vale.

The Guyanese made 149 for 5, to which T&T responded with 148 from 47 overs.

The Windward Islands- Jamaica match was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

At the end of the day, Barbados had amassed 21.5 points to stay ahead of the Windward Islands with 16.8 points.

Dethroned Champions Guyana finished third with 14.6 points, followed by Trinidad and Tobago on 9 points, Jamaica on 6.6 and the Leeward Islands 4.9points.

Trophies and individual awards were handed out at a ceremony held at the Springs Estate on Tuesday evening.

Team awards apart, Barbados’ medium fast bowler Matthew Forde (l-r) Kamani Melius (highest runwas named MVP of the Tournament. getter) and Teddy Bishop from He scalped 11 victims to be the Windwards are included in the 24Tournament’s leading wicket-taker, member squad. followed by Trinidadian fast bowler Jayden Seales who took 8. of Grenada with 98.

Windward Islands captain St. Rivaldo Clarke of Barbados was the Lucian Kamani Melius scored the most best wicket-keeper with 12 catches. runs, 101, followed by Teddy Bishop Upon completion of the Tournament, a 24-member squad was selected to play three matches here, from which a CWI team will be selected to participate in the ICC Under-19 World Cup, scheduled for tournament, every match, every South Africa from 17 January to 9 session, every over.”

February, 2020.

Nero is pleased with some aspects of The squad reads: Kevlon Anderson, the umpires’ development, and is Daniel Bedford, Teddy Bishop, Revaldo confident they can get better. “I am Clarke, Mathew Comerie, Mathew pleased with the preparation of the Forde, Elroy Francis Jr, Joshua umpires before matches…. a key area James, Mbeki Joseph, Lenardo Julian, where I have seen some improvement.” Avinash Mahabirsingh, Recardo He advised the umpires that McIntosh, Kirk McKenzie, Kimani “umpiring is thinking in the moment.

Melius, Antoino Morris, Ashmead Most time we want to think in the Nedd, Revaldo Roniagan, Jayden past,but umpiring is about the Seales, Ramon Simmonds, Che future… a bowler runs in and bowls, Simmons, Sachin Singh, Kelvin so you have to quickly recover from Umroa, Zawandi White and Nyeem that delivery in preparation for the Young. next ball.”

CWI Holds Umpires Workshop LOCAL AND REGIONAL umpires converged on St. Vincent and the Grenadines last weekend for a Cricket West Indies sponsored workshop.

The workshop was held at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex Conference Room during the hosting of the CWI Rising Stars Under-19 Cricket Tournament here Peter Nero, Chairman of the West Indies Umpires Training and Examination Committee and Workshop Facilitator, told participants that, “One of the mandates from the CWI Umpires and Match Referees Sub-Committee is to conduct these workshops in all territories in the

Caribbean and the United States. The idea behind it is to bring a different prospective to the umpires. We have training in laws and playing conditions but what we try to focus on is the other developmental aspect of the umpires in preparation, match management, team work consultation and other aspects, that are not usually taught in normal workshops”.

The Workshop, he also cited, gave him “an opportunity to evaluate the umpires to see where we are, while looking at what we need to put in place, because it’s an ongoing development where we look for ways and means to get better every

Local and regional umpires at the Workshop. Peter Nero, facilitator, is standing.

CWI Youth cricket gets website THE RE-BRANDING OF CRICKET West Indies Inc. (CWI) youth programmes and Wes Indies youth cricket generally, took another step forward recently, with the launch of the new website - https://svgcricket.org/rising-starsu19-2019.

The website was launched during the CWI Under-19 Cricket Tournament staged in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, by CWI vice-president Dr. Kishore Shallow, and allowed cricket fans here, in the Caribbean and the wider world to follow the Tournament.

Match scores, statistics on which

batter has most runs, most wickets, most catches at the end of each round, other batting and bowling statistics, averages, and other relevant pieces of information were posted on the website.

Additionally, two matches in each round were video-streamed live, and live scores were available throughout the tournament.

Statistics from previous youth tournaments will also be made available on the website.

Players and officials’ photographs and ‘bios’ were also expected to be featured on the site.

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28. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

SVG last in WISG 2019 St Vincent and the Grenadines occupied the last position in the four- island Winlott Inc. /CBN Windward Islands Schools’ Games (WISG), which ended in Dominica last Sunday.

In the multi-discipline Games, which were severely affected by adverse weather conditions, SVG failed to top any discipline, with their best showings being second places in Football and Male Basketball.

The next best were third places in Track and Field and Netball.

Unfortunately, St Vincent and the Grenadines ended last in Male and Female Volleyball and Female Basketball.

Results for SVG The footballers registered two wins — 4-0 over Dominica and 3-2 over St Lucia - but were beaten 2-1 by Grenada.

In Male Basketball, SVG had a lone win, 92-74, over Dominica.

The other matches versus Grenada and St Lucia were

abandoned and deemed as draws/no result.

The Vincentians and Grenadians both ended with one win and two no results, but Grenada took the first place on goal differential.

The Female basketballers were winless, going down to Grenada 56-33, Dominica 7510 and St Lucia 43-34.

In gaining third place in Track and Field, the Vincentian athletes tallied 206 points.

There were significant performances by female athletes: Ulanda Lewis who copped the Girls 100M and 200M; Ashanti Richards won the Girls 1500M and Zita Vincent the 800M But by far the standout performance by the Vincentians was the recordbreaking run in the Boys 4 x 100m relay. The quartet of Malik Ferdinand, Romar Stapleton, Trivis Fraser and Kishroy Williams lowered the record from 41.8 seconds to 41.6 seconds.

SVG’s third place in Netball

came as a result of one win over Grenada (35-29), one loss to Dominica (22-44) and a no result against St. Lucia.

There was no taste of victory in Volleyball for SVG. The Boys lost to Grenada and St. Lucia by 3-1 margins, and 3-2 to Dominica.

The Girls fared even worse, losing 3-0 to each of their opponents.

SVG’s MVPs (from left): Angelica John, Jay Z Ryan, St. Lucia dethrones Grenada Ja- Annique De Bique, Garett Leigertwood, Nerissa Delpesche and Nicholas At the conclusion of the Games, St. Lucia was crowned Lewis. new champions with 35 points, and one point, for the fourth thus preventing Grenada from place. making it eight straight championship titles.

SVG’s Individual Awards Grenada, though, docked in second place with 31 points SVG’s Most Valuable and Dominica followed with 27 Players in the various points. disciplines were as follows: St. Vincent and the Garet Leigertwood - Football; Grenadines trailed in fourth Nicholas Lewis - Male place with 19 points.

Basketball; Angelica John The championship title was Female Basketball; Jay- Z decided on the basis of: seven Ryan - Male Volleyball; Japoints for winning a discipline; Annique De Bique — Female five points for second place, Volleyball and Nerissa three points for third place Delpesche- Netball.

New 4 x 100M record holders (from left): Malik Ferdinand, Kishroy Williams, Trivis Fraser and Romar Stapleton.

The 2020 Windward Islands Schools’ Games is set for Grenada.

Bloom-Unlimited Summer Camp closes THE ONE-WEEK Football Youth Summer Camp, organised and conducted through the recently formed BloomUnlimited Club, came to an end July 27.

A total of 120 young male and female participants from Barrouallie, Carriere, Sion Hill and Mesopotamia, took part in the Shandel Cyrus – went it alone for the first two years but has since combined her effort with Unlimited Strikers of Barrouallie.

camp, which began July 23.

Afiya John, a member of the national senior female team and one of the coaches for the camp, was very happy with the turnout for the camp, and believed the camp served its purpose of contributing to national football development.

Participants seemed overwhelmed by the Camp, with Jamarie Ambris of Barrouallie saying, “I learned more about passing, shooting, and team formation, and I am looking forward to play for my school team, and promise to share the knowledge I gained with my teammates.”

Shinica Glasgow of Sion Hill said she learned how to control and pass the ball along with “other basic stuff, and had a lot of fun.”

The other two coaches involved in the camp were Victor McDonald and Karean Browne.

Participants and coaches involved in the 2019 Camp.

How it all began Shandel Cyrus, who spearheaded the inaugural camp in 2016, told THE VINCENTIAN that the idea behind the camp/programme, “started from 2016 when I came back from a football scholarship in Texas. … . It was the SVG Youth Soccer Club in 2016 and 2017. We didn’t have any last year but decided we should have a full camp and look to form a club.”

Jamarie And so was born a merger between Ambris is Bloom Club from Sion Hill and ready to Unlimited share the Strikers from knowledge Barrouallie, to he gained. form the BloomUnlimited Club, and the decision to organize a full camp this year.

In addition to the Camp, the Club has been able to field four teams in the Breakaway Masters competition - two under-16 teams, an under-19 and a female team — and a team in the Barrouallie Football League which opened on August 4th.

And it’s not all football for the Club. In keeping with an intention to giving back to communities through service projects, the Club was recently involved in a cleanup in Barrouallie, made possible through the Club’s Shinica Glasgow sponsor - Kyrie Foundation had fun while from North Carolina. learning so much more about the I.B.A.ALLEN sport.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. 29.

Sports

Maintaining continuity THE ACTION swings to the Chile Playing this Sunday as St. Vincent and the Grenadines takes on Trinidad and Tobago in a ‘Friendly’, designed as part of this country’s preparation for the next stage of the Nation’s League. SVG is in Group D in League B of the Concacaf set up.

That such an encounter is taking place is a signal that the next stage is being given some attention. A Vincentian outfit defied all odds and took the Windward islands championship earlier this year. They followed it with a 2: 1 win over Bonaire at the Arnos Vale Playing Field in March.

The management unit is fine-tuning preparations for the undertaking which comes to the fore September 5 in Nicaragua. The squad tackles Dominica at the Arnos Vale Playing Field Sunday September 8.

Two matches in October and a similar number in November provide the chance of moving into League A of the Nations League. Conversely, the bottom placed team is relegated to League C. And that position determines the qualifier for future editions of the Gold Cup. The championship fits into recent announcement of a Sports against Crime campaign. It is commendable that such an approach has been adopted. However, it goes beyond programming.

The coordination and cooperation of sporting bodies is necessary. The policy of persons who have represented the country at any sporting discipline either be working or at an educational institution, must be fulfilled.

There are complaints of athletes struggling between training and unemployment. There are instances where athletes have to put their jobs on the line so as to attend training. Because employers are not open, hooked or committed to the aspect of national duties.

Worthwhile facilities must be available. And it will not be a matter of putting down the structure because people clamoured for it. There must be an aspect of goodwill, so that when they are placed, the neighbourhood has a sense of ownership.

Not because the National Lottery has become the centre of gravity that everything must be determined by them. There ought to be a sense of national coordination. The facilities must be strategically placed and controlled so as to allow maximum usage.

There is also the balancing act. So that in cases where juniors are required for national duties, efforts must be made to provide for the missing school instructions. Perhaps the time has come for greater coordination with the Community College, and indeed the Centre for Continuing Studies to ensure proper communication channels.

Avenues like the recent Windward Islands Secondary Sports have their role. A number of football units are currently gaining experience for future endeavour, like footballers at male and female levels. Aspects like these are becoming the norm, for it has been seen that continuity is the best nursery.

The development of typical Caribbean societies goes on without consideration for the average product. How often have we seen the relocation of sporting bases, or systematic abandonment because of improper control or arrangements?

We have to be careful about providing the breeding ground for crime.

There are certain matters outside one’s control.

One such is weather. Evidence of that surfaced this week in the West Indies Under 19 tournament. Such was the case that spectators hardly got to see those on whom they will be relying on for a turnaround in fortunes.

But don’t tell the young cricketers that. They will be preparing for the next stage of the World Cup.

Glasgow gains Basketball Scholarship NATIONAL basketballer Dario Glasgow is set to depart here for the USA on a full basketball scholarship.

He will leave here on August 18 for College of Central Florida, Fl., and as expected, he is excited about his future.

“I am felling real good, … really excited. ….this is the best I could ever have,” he said during a break in the ongoing Playaz Academy Basketball Camp at Arnos Vale, where he is assisting.

In fact, Glasgow is a member of the Playaz Basketball team, for which he switches between the positions of point guard and shooting guard.

Dario Glasgow (left) and his coach Orlando Ferguson during a break in the ongoing Playaz Academy Basketball Camp.

“My goal is to reach the NBA… but it will depend on my mentality and determination.

The education aspect of the scholarship is important since an injury might end your career, but education stays with you for life,” said the young man who began playing basketball at the age of 10 years.

Glasgow is grateful for the assistance and support, and the effort to get the scholarship by his coach Orlando Ferguson, Director/Coach of the Playaz Basketball Academy.

Ferguson himself, is “expecting

great things from him. He has the drive, passion for the game (but) the only thing I am concerned about is the distraction in the open world, but he is a hard worker, so expect him to resist and fulfil his potential.”

I.B.A.ALLEN

KiHi DoJo Karate Camp gets going THE ANNUAL KaHi DOJO (Karate) Summer Camp began earlier this week at the club’s at Arnos Vale, and Sensei Gibson is looking forward to continue to use the sport to make a difference in the lives of the youngsters.

“We been having doing this Sensei camp for the past Gibson 13 years. One of karate the purposes of the instructor Camp is to assist

the youngsters with their exams leading to the black belt,” Sensei Gibson told this publication.

The majority of participants are from Bequia, but the camp is also open to persons from the mainland.

“This camp also serves as a motivation for children… not only to see what karate is all about physically, but that they can derive discipline and character building. We stress on discipline a lot which will help them with their school works, so it not just to enhance the physical aspect but also the mental part as well.

When a person comes to Karate

classes it’s not only about kicks, punches and self-defense but rather it’s about the development of the body and mind. That’s why the programme is never ending; it becomes a part of you,” Sensei Gibson explained.

Sensei Gibson also has his eyes focused on spreading the sport.

He is looking at opening discussions with persons in Bequia from where a number of persons have obtained black belts, and there has been generally good progress.

I.B.A.ALLEN

USA coach assists Basketball Camp PARTICIPANTS in the 2019 Playaz Academy Basketball Summer Camp are benefiting from the expertise of Mack Cleveland, a basketball coach from the United States.

Cleveland, with some 20 years of coaching experience, is excited to work with some of the young talented here, and explained: “During my stint here, I will be scouting for good players and developing good players with emphasis on the main component of basketball - the fundamentals,…. dribbling, passing and shooting.”

He added, “A lot of kids usually miss out on the fundamentals of the game, so I thought it was a great opportunity to come over here to assist the kids who are now starting to learn the fundamentals.”

Cleveland believes there many players want to move on quickly but often times miss out some important aspects of the sport.

And he reiterates, “The fundamentals are very important, ……it’s important at this age to develop, and from Mack Cleveland at the camp.

Mack Cleveland in session with a section of the camp participants. that position then their natural talent will take them further. This camp will give me an opportunity to see the good players who can move to the community colleges in the United States, to get a free college education and a college degree.”

He praised Ferguson for his effort. “I think it’s a great effort from Ferguson. He has worked hard towards having camps like this, and that’s one of the reasons I come to support, and help to produce the next SVG Basketball superstar….. Programmes like this will foster the kids’ ability and talent, keep them involved and give them something to look forward to,” the coach said.

I.B.A.ALLEN

30. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 09, 2019. 31.

Classifieds

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

AUGUST 09, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.28

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www.thevincentian.com

BAGGA MAN DIES IN ROAD ACCIDENT

EC$1.50

The police cordoned off the area where Providence’s body lay.

by KENVILLE HORNE A RESIDENT of Barrouallie is this country’s latest road fatality.

Glenroy Providence, a 41-year-old labourer of Barrouallie, also known as Gregory and Bernie, is said to have died on the spot, Tuesday 31st July, after being hit by PN-643, a green Escudo Suzuki Jeep, owned by Douglas De Freitas of Dorsetshire Hill and driven by David Williams of

Glenroy Providence died on the spot after being hit by a jeep travelling along the Keartons main road. providing him with somewhere to live and “three square meals a That was the last time she would day.” see him alive, for later into the night, Fraser said that Providence had while she was at home, she got the mental issues but was very Richmond Hill. message that Providence had been friendly.

The incident is reported to have knocked down by a vehicle, and from She confirmed that Providence happened along the Kearton’s main all appearances, had died. stayed in a small house in her yard, road at about 10:45 pm.

She rushed to the scene, and the but he “would go and he would come… worst was confirmed. Providence, When THE VINCENTIAN arrived he does go all a country side on the scene, an elderly lady could be who had been like a son to her, had sometimes, all a Belair, Layou and seen crying almost uncontrollably. died.

Questelles.”

She identified herself as Olga “A feel very sad for Gregory because Fraser recalled that on the day in Fraser, and said that Providence was he bin like me son. Me does give him question she had seen Providence for sort of a loner with no family around. three square meals when he dey Another person said Fraser was like the first time in days, and he told her around with me,” said the elderly lady he was going to bathe before the water as she held back the tears. a mother to the deceased, even got cold.

Olga Fraser was like a mother to the deceased.

Vincentian Embassy in Taiwan opened THE VINCENTIAN Embassy in the Republic of China (Taiwan) was officially opened yesterday morning Taiwan time, 9pm Wednesday SVG time.

The official opening ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, the Taiwanese Andrea Bowman – this country’s first Ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan).

population in that country, to facilitate greater private sector investment and to continue to build on the cooperation between both countries.

The opening ceremony included cultural presentations from Shaunelle McKenzie, Foreign Minister Dr Jaushieh Joseph 2019 Queen and Calypso Monarch, as Wu, and involved SVG’s Ambassador well as remarks from Peggy Carr, a to Taiwan H.E. Andrea Bowman.

Vincentian who has been living in Gonsalves led an eight-member delegation which included H.E Andrea Taiwan for a number of years and who has been of tremendous Bowman, who took up her official duties as the Vincentian Ambassador assistance to Vincentian students and their adjustment to Taiwanese in that country. culture.

According to a release from the Government of SVG, the Embassy The staff at the Embassy entails an was set up to address the needs of the ambassador, a minister counsellor, growing Vincentian student Elroy Wilson, a secretary and driver.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.