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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 09, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.36

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

The vehicle which the deceased was driving came to a stop in a ravine off the public road.

Inset: Serano Mc Kie, 25 years old, is the latest to have died by shooting in SVG.

THIS COUNTRY has recorded its 21st homicide for the year.

Serano Mc Kie, a 25-year-old mechanic of Glen, became that statistic when, according to a police report, he was shot to death around 8:44pm last Tuesday, September 6, along the Glen-Fairhall public road.

The police report said that the deceased was driving along the referred road in motor vehicle P5901 with one passenger, 54-year-old Anthony Newbolt of Lowmans Leeward, when several gunshots were fired at the vehicle.

The motor vehicle is said to

have careened off the road, coming to a stop between a coconut tree and a concrete wall.

Serano is reported to have sustained several shots, and was found dead in the vehicle.

Newbolt sustained a single gunshot to his right leg.

Mother of Serano, Veronica Mc Kie is still trying to come to terms with her son’s tragic death when THE VINCENTIAN visited with her on Wednesday. Serano was the youngest of her four children, which seemed to make her grief even more.

She expressed sadness at the loss of her son. She recalled seeing him earlier that fateful day.

A former Calliaqua Anglican School and St. Clair Dacon Secondary School student, Serano is said to have been a skilled welder and technician.

His mother recalled trying to rekindle his interest in Church, but to no avail, it appeared.

Veronica is a member of the Baptist denomination and suffered the loss of her husband Clinton Mckie in July of 2015.

Nearly fourteen months later, Veronica is mourning another

loved one.

She, however, has found comfort among members of her church, including Bishop Bonadie.

Meanwhile, some residents of the area reported having heard two separate bursts of gunshots, Continued on Page 3.

Right: Veronica Mc Kie mother of the deceased, found comfort and support from members of her church.

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2. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

SVG to host 14th Credit Union Summit THE 14TH OECS Credit Union Summit will take place under the auspices of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Cooperative League from the 14th to 18th September at the Buccument Bay Resort, under the theme: “Strengthening OECS Credit Union Co-operation, Integration and Innovation”.

The four-day event will witness 350 credit union volunteers and practitioners from across the sub-region coming together to expand perspective, knowledge and skills on a range of issues of critical importance to the sector.

In essence, the coming together will represent some 49 credit unions throughout the OECS, that together hold EC$2.2. billion in savings and assets valued at EC2.7 billion.

On Tuesday 6th, the SVG Co-operative League Ltd, the umbrella body for credit unions in SVG and hosts of the summit, held a press

conference at the league’s headquarters in Lower Kingstown Park, to update the nation on the major event.

President of the SVG Cooperative League Ltd Dwight Lewis said that since 2003, the annual gathering has provided a unique platform for the reflection, discussion, cooperation and training on current and future financial issues, as well as major socioeconomic trends.

He said that the annual summits have provided the opportunity for industry leaders to develop a common vision for the growth and expansion of the credit union movement in the OECS. The summit will be launched with an opening ceremony at 8:30 am on Thursday 15th at the Buccument Bay Resort Conference Room, where Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves will deliver the Keynote address. The opening

ceremony will be broadcast live on radio and via the internet.

Lewis said that a team of facilitators comprising consultants from the SVG Credit Union sector will identify and synchronize the key issues arising out of all discussions, and co-ordinate the closing plenary session of the business segment, to arrive at the recommendations for the way forward in the post-summit period. The summit will culminate with operational and policy recommendations that will assist credit unions in the OECS to remain relevant, safe and competitive whilst advancing the social and economic circumstances of their members.

Lewis expressed appreciation to the Summit Organizing Committee, which comprises representatives from GECCU, the Kingstown Co-operative Credit Union,

President of the SVG Co-operative League Ltd Dwight Lewis (2nd from right) described the summit as an opportunity for industry leaders to develop a common vision for the growth and expansion of the credit union movement in the OECS. Others pictured from left Brian Alexander, Kelvin Pompey, Phyllis James and Junior Simmons.

SVG Teachers Co-operative Credit Union, SVG Police Cooperative Credit Union, and the St. Vincent Automotive Co-operative Society.

The SVG Co-operative League president also expressed thanks to all the sponsors for their generous support, including major sponsor, the Corporate Enterprise Finance Facility Ltd (CORPEFF).

Representatives from the leading credit unions here also gave brief addresses. These included Brian Alexander from the St. Vincent Automotive Co-operative Society, President of the Police Cooperative Credit Union Junior Simmons, President of GECCU Kelvin Pompey, and Philbert John on behalf of the SVG teachers Cooperative Credit Union. (KH)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. 3.

News 3 Mugger on the loose MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC are being encouraged to be cautious when they venture outdoors, following recent muggings during daylight hours.

Police on Tuesday confirmed reports of incidents that had occurred in Enhams and Queen’s Drive.

According to Superintendent of Police Ruth Jacobs, Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the modus operandi as described in both reports

are similar, in that the perpetrator lurks in nearby bushes, then attacks an unsuspecting victim.

Pastor attacked The latest incident occurred last Saturday when Phyllis RalphBrowne, a pastor at the St Mary’s Baptist Church in Fountain, was attacked by a masked man armed with a gun.

Reverend RalphBrowne gave an account of what took place on

social media, stating that she was relieved of EC$900.00 in cash while walking along the VillaFountain road last Saturday. The incident, she reported, occurred just before 10 in the morning.

The perpetrator was said to have worn a turban with extensions down the sides of his face. “His skin was oily.

He was bareback wearing only a black or navy blue short pants,” Ralph-Browne wrote in her posting.

According to the woman, the man jumped on her, placed one arm around her neck while pointing the gun towards her, and ordered her to move in the direction of some nearby bushes.

The post indicated that Ralph-Browne grabbed the weapon and after a brief struggle, they both fell to the ground where he managed to keep a tight grip on the weapon, and eventually pulled away her bag and made off.

She said that she lost

‘Strong Rum’ price up slightly THE WEEK began with price for ‘Sunset Strong Rum’. consumers not being clear on However, it has been confirmed whether or not they will be seeing that there was an increase in the any upward adjustment in the price for all products of St Vincent Distillers Ltd. Carlton ‘Teddy’ James, Coreas and Hazells Distribution Divisional Manager, told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, that there was in fact a small increase on all products manufactured by St Vincent Distillers, the first since Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves announced back in 2012 that he had imposed increases in the excise tax on alcohol and tobacco.

There was another increase announced in 2013 on alcohol; however ‘Strong Rum’ was exempted then from the proposed price hike.

According to James, St Vincent Distillers is a manufacturing company and from time to time, based on the prices of raw materials, etc., would look to increase the price of its products.

This recent price increase was

also very minimal, as per a check

by THE VINCENTIAN at some supermarkets in Kingstown. The retail price for the one litre bottle of ‘Strong Rum’ shows movement from just over EC$37 to $38, and the 750ml bottle from EC$27 to EC$28.

Director of Trade Cuthbert Knights said that he was not aware of the price increase.

He, however, explained that ‘Strong Rum’ was not a price controlled commodity.

“We don’t set the prices and it is only priced controlled commodities that are reported to us,” he said.

It was noted that although an item may not be price controlled, there is a mechanism set up to deal with the unfair pricing of goods.

According to Knights, if there are goods that the consumer believes have been unfairly priced, then the Department of Trade can intervene. (DD)

SVG counts homicide # 21 Continued from Frontpage.

Vincentians who enjoy a good shot of Sunset Very Strong Rum now have to pay $28.00 for a 750ml bottle of their favourite drink.

leading to speculation that the perpetrators or perpetrator may have made their way to where the car had come to a stop, to finish their job.

A post mortem on Serano’s body was expected to have been completed yesterday. Up to press time, Wednesday, Newbolt remained under police guard at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

There were 25 recorded murders in the state in 2015.

the quantity of cash along with some other items, including her house keys and mobile phone.

According to the female pastor, the cash with which she was making her way to Kingstown, was to be used to purchase some building materials for the church.

Precautions

Pastor Phyllis Ralph-Browne is the latest reported victim of a daylight mugging here.

SP Jacobs told THE VINCENTIAN that the matter is under investigation.

She offered some advice to members of the public, saying that they ought to try to wait for transport in areas close to their residence, or in a crowded area.

SP Jacobs also

recommended that individuals, particularly women, avoid walking along lonely routes, particularly during down hours when there is likely to have less pedestrian and or vehicular traffic on the road. (DD)

No break in cases of attacks on women A LITTLE OVER SIX MONTHS have passed, and there are still no leads or arrests made in connection to attacks on three women earlier this year.

Sarah Badnock, Josette St Hillaire and Sherisse Veira were all victims of attack by an unknown assailant.

All three attacks occurred on Monday, February 15 in the Kingstown area, with Badnock being the first person to be attacked in the vicinity of ‘Block 2000’ in Montrose.

The woman said that her attacker dragged her towards an abandoned building, and after attempting to remove her undergarments, struck her in the back of the head and fled.

St Hillaire and Veira were also beaten about their bodies and faces in separate incidents, apparently by the same attacker.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Ruth Jacobs, Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday that she was still hoping to give the case some closure, but confirmed that the status remained the same, in that the matters were still being investigated. (DD)

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4. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Motorist jailed for multiple traffic offences Aston who had been disqualified for that period for MARCOS ASHTON, a 28-year-old driving an uninsured vehicle, auto body repairman of Long had his driver’s licence Wall, Kingstown and Cane Hall, suspended for an additional was jailed on Monday for several three months for continuing to traffic offences, after Chief use the vehicle without a Magistrate Rechanne Browne policy of insurance. contended that he needs to feel Prosecutor Station Sergeant the weight for his actions.

Junior Nero of the Traffic Ashton received a number Department requested the of prison sentences, ranging additional period of from three to six months , disqualification, in accordance despite a passionate with Section 3(2) of the Motor mitigation plea from his Vehicle Insurance Third Party attorney Michelle Fife.

Risk Act, Chapter 309 of 2009.

And in fact, Ashton may Ashton was also sentenced have received a heavier to six months in prison for weight, had it not been for his driving without a policy of lawyer. insurance.

Before handing down the He also received a fourpenalties at the Serious month sentence for Offences Court, the Chief fraudulently using the Magistrate told the accused identification mark P821, and that is was a good thing that fined $500 for using an he had a lawyer to mitigate on unlicensed motor vehicle. He his behalf. was ordered to pay the fine Ashton was sentenced to forthwith or one month in three months in prison for prison. driving a motor vehicle while The sentences will run being disqualified from concurrently, which means holding or obtaining a driver’s that Ashton will serve six licence for one year. months behind bars.

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Ashton had pleaded guilty to the charges when he appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on August 31, but Magistrate Bertie Pompey transferred the matter to the Serious Offences Court for sentencing.

The facts, presented by Station Sergeant Nero, showed that on May 1, 2016, Ashton was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence for one year, for using an uninsured motor vehicle.

Around 1:30 pm on August 28, he was seen driving a motor vehicle on Lodge Village Public Road, carrying the registration plate P821, when the vehicle was registered as PJ416.

Traffic Officers on duty stopped and questioned him.

He admitted that the correct registration plates were at the Central Police Station, and that he had put on his own plates to use the vehicle.

Because Ashton was driving while his driver’s licence was suspended,

he was taken into custody.

Investigations were conducted, and he was slapped with the four charges.

In mitigation, Fife asked Marcus Ashton (centre) could well be among the first to have the court to exercise some received prison sentences for mercy and discretion. She Motor Vehicle Insurance and indicated that Ashton had Licence related offences. previously received a number of fines for similar offences, and wanted to sell family. the same vehicle to raise funds Fife requested a nonto pay those fines. custodial sentence, but asked According to Fife, her client that if a custodial sentence is was taking the vehicle to be imposed, that it be minimal. viewed for sale, when the But Magistrate Browne police stopped him at Lodge pointed out, that Ashton’s Village on August 28. antecedents showed that on She noted that Ashton still May 11, he was fined a total of intends to sell the vehicle in $2,000, for a number of similar order to pay the fines, and if offences, but to date is still he is sent to prison he would owing $1,500. not be able to do so.

In handing down the The lawyer added that penalties, Browne took the Ashton was a committed mitigating factors into family man, who fathered a consideration, but she baby, has an unemployed indicated that she also had to common-law wife, and is the take into account, the sole bread-winner of his seriousness of the charges.

Accused conman remanded on 23 charges UP TO PRESS TIME Wednesday, police were continuing investigations into several reports of monies dishonestly collected from people for registration and medicals, under the pretense of recruiting them for sailing jobs on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.

At press time, Tedroy McCree, 31, of Penniston, was facing 23 charges of deception in connection with the alleged scam.

McCree is accused of obtaining by deception, sums of money, amounting to thousands of dollars, from several persons. He is alleged to have committed the offences on different occasions between January and July this year, at various parts of the country.

Adolphus Delpleche told the court that there were several ongoing investigations in connection with about 40 other allegations of a similar nature, involving the accused.

The Prosecutor added that the police have received information that while in prison, McCree called a particular witness in the matter asking that witness to dispose of certain evidence in connection with the investigations.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne contended that while she has to take into consideration factors raised by the prosecution, she also has to consider the rights of the accused.

She remanded McCree for another week following which bail will be reconsidered.

Tedroy McCree has 23 charges to answer to but it is likely that he will have to answer to more than that number.

appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, as the Serious Offences Court did not sit for a period of time.

He pleaded not guilty to two of the charges as they were laid summarily, but he was not required to plea to the others as they were Recent remand laid indictably.

Earlier remand Magistrate Pompey He had appeared transferred all the before Magistrate Bertie McCree has been on Pompey at the remand since August 22 matters to the Serious Offences Court which Kingstown Magistrate’s after Prosecutor at the resumed on Monday.

Court on a number of Kingstown Magistrate’s McCree had no legal occasions between Court, Station Sergeant representation when he August 22 and Elgin Richards, had appeared at the Serious September 2, as police objected to bail, Offences Court on continued to increase the expressing concern that Tuesday for bail review. list of charges.

McCree may interfere Attorney Israel Bruce When he appeared at with the process of had made a previous the Serious Offences investigations into Court on Tuesday for several other reports of a appearance on his behalf in connection with the similar nature against bail review, he was case. the accused. further remanded after Senior Prosecutor McCree had initially

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. 5.

Regional Tourism Feature

Tourism challenges for Cuba WHEN JETBLUE FLIGHT 387 touched down at Abel Santamaría Airport in Santa Clara, Cuba, Wednesday 31st August, 2016, it became the first US airline to operate a commercial flight between the two countries in more than 50 years.

The flight, welcomed in Santa Clara with a water cannon salute and a celebration by Cuban officials at the airport located some 160 miles east of Havana, heralded a new era of American tourism in that Caribbean country, according to many observers.

Soon there will be six US carriers — American, Frontier, JetBlue Airways, Silver Airways, Southwest Airlines and Sun Country Airlines – offering 110 flights daily to nine Cuban cities.

As such, therefore, after

Right: Passengers disembark from JetBlue Flight 387 at the Abel Santamaria airport in the city of Santa Clara, Cuba, August 31, 2016, marking first the commercial flight between USA and Cuba since 1961.

windfall that this increase in tourist arrivals is expected to produce, observers worry about years of Canadians and Cuba’s present capacity to Europeans enjoying the accommodate the expected delights of Cuba, increase.

Americans will gradually Figures available tell get to visit (Cuba) en that Cuba presently has masse too. just about 60,000 hotel Interestingly, State rooms available to stay Department figures show over visitors. that some 91,000 people Observers, though, from the US traveled to Cuba in 2014. That figure recognize the ongoing development of the was projected to increase tourism plant in Cuba and to 150,000 in 2015 and to that country’s new 1.5 million annually preparedness to enter into thereafter.

And while Cubans look investment agreements with foreign interests, with heightened towards ensuring that this anticipation to the development continues

Tobago lays out tourism concerns WHATEVER PLANS the Peoples National Movement government of Trinidad and Tobago has for boosting the tourism sector in that twin island republic, the airport in Tobago must be upgraded, as a priority.

This was made clear by Tobago tourism stakeholders at a recent stakeholders’ forum held in that country.

Not only must the physical capacity of the airport be upgraded, but stakeholders in Tobago have called for more agreements with airlines and an improved marketing strategy to promote Tobago in particular.

All of these concerns came as Vidiah Ramkhelawan, Permanent

Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, while addressing the forum, announced implementation of a structured certification programme to build profitability in the sector.

Government, she said as reported by the Trinidad Guardian, had recognized that “tourism has potential to become a major income generator for T&T” and it (government) “plans to focus on visitor safety and security, environmental conservation and assistance to small tourist operators.”

Ramkhelawan reiterated Government’s intention to put tourism on the front burner, and admitted, according to the Guardian, that, “We are

Tobago boasts of offering homely and environmentally friendly accommodation that is typically Caribbean. (Photo Credit: enchantedwaterstobago.com)

unabated.

Cuba, too, has recognized the need to address its provision of ancillary services like WiFi and computer terminals for credit card payments.

One view is that, given Cuba’s present tourism infrastructure, demand

Cuba will be challenged to meet accommodation spaces for what is expected to be a significant increase in stay over visitor arrivals to that Caribbean country. may soon exceed supply.

However, the flip side view is that Cuba continuing controlled economy will allow for

measures to be taken to deal directly with this possible development.

(Source: Reuters and other International Media)

Birdwatchers on Grand Bahama Island in the Bahamas. Consider the island a true mecca … a place where they can see 18 of the 28 species of Bahamian birds that are not seen in the U.S., Canada, or Europe. (Photo Credit: grandbahamavacatyions.com)

Vidiah Ramkhelawan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, announced government’s aim to build profitability in the tourism sector. (Photo Credit: News.govt.tt) under no illusions about the highly competitive nature of the local and international tourism market, but we are convinced that T&T can become a major tourism player.”

She warned, however, that, “If the quality of our service and infrastructure is not up to par with what is expected internationally, visitors will go internationally.”

Several hoteliers agreed that more needed to be done to upgrade the local tourism industry, with Kenneth Patino, who owns Enchanted Waters in Tobago, saying that Government must first try to remove negative travel advisories.

“The word has to get out that it is no longer negative to travel to Tobago as a destination,” he said. (Source: Trinidad Guardian)

Inset: Dr Therese Yarde, Project Coordinator of the CARICOM Secretariat’s Sustainable Development Programme, says that the workshop was in response to interest shown by Barbados. (Photo Credit: caricom.org)

Barbados considers CMS tourism benefits BARBADOS IS BEING ENCOURAGED to signing onto the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), as a means of wooing more tourists to the island.

The CMS is by an international environmental treaty that has so far not enticed many Caribbean governments.

Now, however, an effort has begun to entice at least one Caribbean government, Barbados, to think again about the treaty.

Towards this end, officials of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), under which the CMS falls, staged a workshop, last week, at Accra Beach Resort, in conjunction with the Sustainable Development Programme of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat.

Barbados Today reported Project Coordinator of the CARICOM Secretariat’s Sustainable Development Programme Dr Therese Yarde, as saying that “Signing on to the convention could have a positive impact on ecotourism here and in the rest of the Caribbean.”

That news agency also quoted a workshop participant as saying, that on her first visit to Barbados, she swam with the sea turtles and she enjoyed that . . . “There is migratory bird watching in the Bahamas, and in Belize you can swim with sharks. These are significant tourist attractions,” she said, adding, “So if we conserve these species better, I think it can be a significant tourism attraction for the islands

of the region.”

Barbados TODAY reported UNEP’s Programme Officer for International Governance in the Division of Environmental Law and Conventions Francisco Rilla as explaining that the CMS was an important agreement involving 124 parties, but the Caribbean’s participation had been low, and that the aim of the workshop was ‘to raise awareness of the importance of the CMS, so the delegates could return to their respective countries and promote to their governments the benefits of protecting migratory species’.

Dr Yarde disclosed that Barbados was among Caribbean delegates who requested more information on the CMS so they could make informed decisions.

The hope is that other CARICOM countries would follow suit.

(Source: Barabados News Online)

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6. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Health Focus

‘Adopt Creating a culture Wyllie: measures to of wellness combat NCDs’

Health Minister calls for a culture of wellness HEALTH, WELLNESS and Environment Minister Senator Luke Browne is keen on seeing citizens here live proper lifestyles.

Browne outlined the prospect of having a healthy nation, at the launch of Caribbean Wellness Day last Tuesday, in Kingstown.

Browne, reflected on the 2007 CARICOM initiative designed to “engage the region’s people in activities that promote and sustain healthy lifestyle to stop the epidemic of noncommunicable diseases.”

“We have to create a culture of health and wellness,” Browne insisted. If Browne gets his way, there will be more physical activities in schools here. The Health, Wellness and Environment Minister lamented the insufficiency of exercise among citizens throughout the region which, he said, has encouraged the CARICOM leaders to make their intervention.

Browne stressed the need for prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases, in view of their debilitating impact on the population.

He pointed to the “risk factors,” and as for cancer, he noted that it can be prevented, “if we adopt the appropriate lifestyle.”

But the Minister is encouraged by what he said were signs that people are becoming more health conscious, as witnessed by the numbers walking on the streets on mornings or afternoons.

Browne pointed to the dietary aspect, and urged listeners to pay attention to what they ate. That projection was of particular significance in light of the theme chosen for this year’s campaign: ‘Healthy children in healthy environments’.

He boasted of a model school feeding programme,

Senator Luke Browne, Minister of Health, Wellness and Environment, wants to see more physical exercise programmes in schools.

Left: The poster used to carry the message of a healthy population and a healthy environment. and referred to his Ministry’s partnership with entrepreneurs.

Browne expressed concern with the number of children who drink carbonated drinks.

Browne was supported by a cadre of officials including Permanent Secretary Luis de Shong, and Health Educator Patsy Wylie and Harvey Farrell.

Activities to mark the commemoration climax tomorrow Saturday 10 with a Family Fun Day at Victoria Park, starting at 5 pm.

One highlight of Monday’s session was the unveiling of this year’s poster. It features Gwenael Stoddard, a Grade 3 Brighton Methodist School student. (WKA)

TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL USE, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets all increase the risk of acquiring Chronic NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs).

This was the warning coming from Chief Health Promotion Officer, Patsy Wyllie as she appealed to persons here to adopt the measures to reduce their chances of developing (NCDs).

Wyllie gave the warning and Patsy Wyllie, Chief made the appeal on Monday, Health Promotion during the launch of activities Officer, made an to mark Caribbean Wellness impassioned Day in St. Vincent and the appeal to citizens Grenadines. to practise Caribbean Wellness Day will lifestyles that be observed on Saturday mitigate against September 10, 2016, and a NCDs. series of activities under the theme “Healthy Children in Healthy Environments have been planned in the lead up to that day.

The prevalence of NCDs in SVG has been recognised by health authorities here as a major threat to the nation’s health and general well- being.

This being recognised, the Ministry of Health has mounted ongoing activities and programmes to help to combat Non-Communicable Diseases.

PAHO hosts Zika workshop THIS COUNTRY WAS EXPECTED to have representation at Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) workshop in Barbados, to train Caribbean health personnel in the clinical management of severe neurological complications related to Zika virus, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome.

The workshop was held against a backdrop of increased Godfrey Xuereb, cases of Guillain-Barré PAHO/WHO syndrome in the Caribbean. representative in “The workshop aims to build Barbados and the capacity of health Eastern professionals in the Caribbean so that they are better prepared Caribbean to detect and treat patients with countries, said Guillain-Barré Syndrome,” said the workshop was Godfrey Xuereb, PAHO/WHO all about building representative in Barbados and the capacity of Eastern Caribbean countries. health “We’ve brought experts at the professionals in highest level so that Caribbean the Caribbean. clinicians are better prepared to provide the care required for a person with a severe neurological disorder,” said Pilar Ramón Pardo, Chief of Operations for the Zika Emergency Response at PAHO/WHO. “These patients represent the most severe cases of infection Zika. They require a complex level of attention and care to prevent complications and speed their recovery,” she said.

The workshop is part of a series of training activities initiated in May this year, where health professionals from 16 Caribbean countries were oriented in the clinical management of Zika virus infection during pregnancy.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare condition in which the patient’s immune system attacks the peripheral nerves. People of all ages can be affected, but it is most common in adults and males. In 20% to 25% of cases the chest muscles are affected, making breathing difficult. The majority of those affected, even the most severely, fully recover.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. 7.

News

Government deceiving the public “That means you had about EC$9 million in grants from outside, but expenditure was EC$332 million, so without the grants from outside, for your expenditure, you would have a deficit again; and this is rated Yet again, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and as a good Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace, barring their grins, performance?” have differed on the performance of the economy of SVG. Eustace quipped.

2016, he pointed out. the government spent all According to Eustace, “You (Prime Minister) that it had. capital projects were said something about “So these things are placed under the fiscal performance, how designed to fool the category capital it has improved; but I public, and if you don’t expenditure …“that is can’t see the bring these things to the where you have projects improvement.” public, for them to for people to get work.”

He said that the understand, then you are But that fell by 25 report could not be failing them,” Eustace percent from EC$336 anything to be proud of, said. million in 2015 to because there was no During a press EC$332.8 million for the surplus to make any briefing last week, first seven months in contributions, because Gonsalves indicated that the country’s economy continued to improve.

He did extend a word of caution, though, saying that although the fiscal THE CENTRAL WATER Millers Gate, Dauphine, most vulnerable, out turn for the country AND SEWERAGE Fountain, Upper Sion especially now during for the first seven AUTHORITY (CWSA) is Hill, Ashburton, Whim, the hurricane season. months had shown an She advised persons to improvement, based on advising its customers Murray’s Village, Belair be vigilant and seek that they can expect and Queens Drive are the small size of the extra storage of water. further disruptions in among the areas where economy combined with THE VINCENTIAN the water supply, customers can expect to the continuing economic was informed that following a landslide just see periodic challenges, some CWSA’s engineers met above the Majorca interruptions in the difficulties still on Wednesday, and intake, caused by recent water supply. remained. (Stories by heavy rains.

The interruptions are according to Ryan, DD) constant monitoring of As a result, the to allow for CWSA to areas such as Majorca quality of the water has work on improving the will take place. been severely affected, quality of water, a This is to ensure that with higher than normal release issued by CWSA no further land slippage silt loads and mud stated. occurs, and if it does, getting into the system.

According to Joan then CWSA personnel And areas including Ryan, Public Relations will be in a position to Riley, Fairbain, Cane Officer (PRO) and turn off the water supply Hall, Kelbourney, Marketing Manager at Belmont, Dorsetshire CWSA, the Majorca and before it has gotten Hill, Gomea, Fairhall, Montreal intakes are the through the system and into customers’ homes.

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION, Arnhim Eustace has accused Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves of deceiving the nation regarding the economy.

Eustace said on Monday in his weekly Radio Programme, the numbers Gonsalves revealed last week Tuesday during a press briefing, did not show any signs that the economy had improved during the first seven months of the year.

Eustace explained that the prime minister said that the total revenue and grants, which included funding from other sources, was EC$336 million, up 6.7 percent, but that total current revenue — or funding generated without the inclusion of outside grants - totaled EC$327 million.

Water disruptions to continue

The water supply to some communities will continue to be affected as CWSA works to clear and clean their intakes and return them to their usual high quality state as pictured.

Oppositon Leader Arnhim Eustace says the talk about government not honouring its NIS commitment, could be more than just rumour.

Pay over NIS contributions LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION, Arnhim Eustace said that he has once again heard that the government is not paying over the National Insurance contributions for civil servants.

In fact, it was not just the government guilty of this practice, but some in the private sector as well, Eustace said.

While speaking on the New Times radio programme on Monday, the Opposition Leader said that he had been hearing some rumours.

“In fact, I not calling it rumours because I believe that there is some truth to it, because it has happened before,” Eustace said.

But it was a serious issue, he said, because the fund was what people depend on for their pension and for funeral and other benefits.

“People depend on that in their old age…,” he said.

He added that 13 percent of the population was over 65, this based on statistics that had been provided.

“So when you are not paying over the deductions that you take from people’s salary, and people become pensionable or to get any benefit, they can’t get it,” he said.

The government found itself in a similar position back in 2014 when Eustace accused the government of owing EC$23 million to the NIS, and that it had not paid over civil servants’ NIS contributions since April 2013.

A resolution was eventually passed in Parliament allowing government to raise an EC$15 million loan from the NIS Insurance Fund in order to honour the contributions owed by the government.

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8. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. 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

Overcoming the fear of failure THE TIME FOR CONGRATULATIONS and accolades has passed yet again into history, as those who were recipients of such high praise settle into new endeavours - some afield in higher places of learning, others finding new friends among classmates at their new secondary schools, and many more struggling between letting go of their parents and rushing into new surroundings as they enter ‘big’ school (primary).

And yet again, as we drift into accepting the challenges of another school year, we have ‘failed’, it appears, to offer a hand of encouragement to those who might not have been as successful at their ‘final tests’ as they would have wanted to, or from whom better was expected.

This, therefore, is a word of ‘comfort’, for whatever it is worth, to those who didn’t get into the spotlight; those who, for all intents and purposes, failed to excel.

This, too, is a special word of ‘comfort’ to our national footballers who felt for a second time, the agony of defeat at the hands of the mighty USA. Failure, it is said, is the stepping stone to success. Failure is a part of life everyone has experienced and/or will experience at some time or the other.

Yet, even as we accept those sentiments, we must accept that the ‘mother of all barriers’ to success, and one of the biggest fears in life, is fear of failure, and that is the major factor that holds back people from realizing their full potential and achieving their goals.

Fear of failure oftentimes sets a person in a comfort zone — of doing just the minimum and restricting one’s forward movement.

Admittedly, defeat/failure is not easy to accept. It leaves a person bitter, miserable, and can lead to depression. Little wonder, therefore, that persons play it safe by remaining in their comfort zones — a case of being safe rather than sorry.

But playing it safe can be inhibiting; it pushes a person into mediocrity; it prevents a person from tapping into his/her true potential.

But wake up! Isn’t failure simple a matter of perspective? Failure is not the opposite of success, it is the stepping stone to success. It is, as someone said somewhere in time, one of the ‘pathways to attainment.’

Stick a pin! Successful people also make mistakes. They also fail, but they remain steadfast in the face of defeat. They overcome their fear of failure, and quickly learn from their mistakes.

Examples of this steadfastness abound: Michael Jordan, basketballer extraordinaire, was cut from the school basketball team; Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, was fired from his own company; Malcom Marshall, one of the most feared fast bowlers, was pummeled in his first test match.

Did failure keep any of these great people down? Far from that.

Failure evoked a new spirit, a determination in them to strive to achieve their goals of becoming the best at what they did.

It follows, and to repeat, that overcoming fear of failure is a major factor toward the achievement of goals.

It is instructive to consider that successful people are not the most intelligent, most gifted or blessed. Rather, they are simply ordinary people who view failures as ‘sleeping policemen’ on the road to success.

Their success is founded on a skill of learning from their mistakes and are willing to move out of their comfort zones and take calculated risks.

All in all, though, the wise will say that there is no guarantee that you will succeed. The wiser, though, will say, ‘If you don’t try, you are sure to fail.’

The fear of failure should not hold anyone back from achieving his/her goals. The bottom line remains that the key to success is not avoiding failure, but to overcome the fear of failure.

Success is always at the end of the rainbow of effort.

On my lap of honour FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS, particularly the last year and a half, I was riddled with a succession of ailments that rendered me incapable of making a truly positive contribution to our continuing political debate.

So I skirted the scene somewhat, while I took stock of myself in every way, including my relation with the one and only.

I think that I am fit enough to clamber back on board to continue the struggle for our liberation, despite a lingering of defective eye-sight. But the mental vision is clear: I go for the big picture which captures a grand future. But before taking a plunge, I present some interesting autobiographical tid-bits.

Today, September 9th, 2016, marks the fifty-fifth (55th) anniversary of my marriage. It has not been a life-long honeymoon as wished for at its birth, but experienced its fair share of ups and downs. Its survival indicates that it was and is blessed.

A matter of history re my Anglican connections. I was married at the Cathedral exactly one week after Lorna Anderson, my playmate and neighbour, had tied the knot with Caudric DeBique, my contemporary: but they both have gone to the great beyond.

At my wedding were three devout Anglicans, Leroy “Pokes” Mulraine, Annelle Paynter (later Thomas) and my bride’s fellow Barclay’s Bank employee, John Horne. They all witnessed the surrender of my freedom!

So I paid them thus: Leroy, along with Castine Quashie, was made Godfather of my son Andrew, and John of my son Adrian. And I became godfather to Annelle’s first daughter, Alana.

To draw tight the knot with Anglicanism, I might add that Dr. Carlos Mulraine (deceased) had been godfather to Andrea, my first daughter; and Tony’s two godfathers, Dr. Errol King and Mr. Winston Baptiste, are both dead.

Our children area known to repay their godparents with sound advice. Typically, I recall John asking his 4 year-old god-son, Adrian, what he might give him as a Christmas present. Adrian snapped back: “Uncle John. I want a camera. but I know you cannot afford one”! That led John into the lucrative camera business with Fast Foto!

On wrapping up, I have to mention my son-in-law David Robin, who has been the chief beneficiary of my marriage by himself taking my daughter Andrea as bride, and producing a daughter Nasia, all three totally committed to Christianity via Anglicanism.

Arnhim and The ULP I find it difficult to understand Ralph and his followers’ attitude towards Arnhim Eustace. They say that he is too old for leadership of he NDP. Too stale, in that he has been: a losing leader five times; too conservative when the times call for new thinking; totally lacking in charisma, which for them is a desired attribute of leaders in developing nations.

As against that sort of criticism, one must be reminded that democratically, we run a two- party State. The ULP Government wants to stay in power, so logically they should be pleased that the Opposition Party continues foolishly to stick with Eustace, with guaranteed failure that ensures virtually their running governmental affairs in perpetuity or, as Joshua used to put it “embalming themselves in power”.

But no: the ULP are saying that the country needs a change of Opposition Leader. One NDP vice-president St. Clair Leacock has repeatedly held that the current political state virtually demands Eustace’s continued leadership.

Ralph has earlier said the nastiest things of Leacock, whom he vowed to have electorally removed as a people’s representative.

Similarly, Dr. Friday, the other VicePresident of the party, is much disliked by the Government for having in a couple instances, turned down their invitation to treat. In fact, Dr. Friday is satisfied with Arnhim’s leadership.

So is Ferdinand, who had refused an offer from Ralph to serve as hatchet man in the beheading of Leacock in Central Kingstown, and rewarded Deputy Leader of the ULP. Patel is just a yam-digger, Linton voluntarily out of contention, and Cummings too aggressive (righteous indignation) to lead in anything, according to the bible of the ULP. So Eustace deservedly will continue, to lead the NDP into a victory for which he has fought so hard, and may well be in sight.

Dr. Gonsalves badly needs a period of quiet in which he might hone his gifts and properly prepare his people for the next round of his dynasty.

The problem of a successor to Ralph is intractable: Straker, Saboto, Camillo, Luke or Jomo. The questions as to when and who is properly left to the ULP to answer.

The ULP must similarly leave the NDP to solve its own business. Not barge in like some meddlesome-Matty.

V Combating crime in SVG

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. 9.

Letters

MR. EDITOR, there has been no lack of suggestions as far as what we should do to combat crime in our small country.

The thing is, though, that the crimes committed here have become ‘big time crime’; so in that sense,

we are no longer small.

Undoubtedly, we have seen a rise in violent crime over the last decade or so.

Sociologists tell us that where crime is low, there are certain conditions that exist.

Playing and missing NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME, our Prime Minister put his foot in his mouth about the opening of the airport. This time it had to do with his big time promise that we would welcome the USA football team at the new and spanking Argyle International Airport.

I don’t know who advised him, whether it was the newly qualified engineer Dr. Rudy Matthias or the Airport Board of Cronies, but whoever it was, the Prime Minister has to watch who he listening to, or else his foot will stick in his mouth.

Regardless of what people want to say, it is our right to remind the PM when he makes a fool of us. He needs to come clean and clear on the opening of the airport that is now in construction for eight long years. Worse, as it continues to be constructed, it seems we have to borrow more and more, since the so called Coalition of the Willing ain’t so willing anymore.

And this fooling around about who coming and who not coming has to stop. I am a simple man, but I don’t think any right-minded airline would commit itself to fly into Argyle before they see proof that the airport is given a clearance certificate by those who matter — in other words, that it is safe to land and take-off there.

So before the Prime Minister play and miss again, he should take stock of what we are up against, come to us with a clear head, tell us the whole truth about the airport, and forget the politics.

These include, according to those who know: employment and sporting activities to engage the youths; organized regular police patrols; swift justice; and a healthy business/commercial environment.

I know there will never be zero unemployment, but the reality is that the unemployment situation in SVG is alarming.

That ‘the devil will always find work for idle hands to do’ is relevant today as it was when my mother pounded that lesson into my thick skull. Our young unemployed people are, therefore, open to the attractions of a fast buck

offered by the criminals.

We need to address quickly ways in which we can get our young people employed in meaningful employment.

Can’t we encourage businesses to employ and train youths, and give them (businesses) tax breaks in return when they do?

Is it too much to ask for a return to a true local government structure that will work to ensure that activities for sport, music, drama, etc., are conducted in communities throughout the state?

As far as policing is concerned, we need to have scheduled patrols in every community, and

stop simply reacting as stations regularly do, to reports of crime. The mice will always come out to play if they know the cat is not coming around their jurisdiction.

Our prisons continue to be overloaded. The number of repeat offenders continue to be a concern. That is why our prisons must be structured so that they become real centres of rehabilitation.

These are just a few suggestions to add to the long list, as we move towards returning SVG to a safe and harmonious country.

A. Stevens

Free up the ‘weed’ I SEE WHERE Antigua & Barbuda has given notice that it intends to move towards decriminalising the possession of small quantities of marijuana.

If that is the case, then that country will be following what Jamaica has already done.

This is a good move, since what it does is that it removes a criminal record from around the necks of many of our young people especially, who are convicted for possessing small quantities of marijuana.

Mind you, I don’t know what our

government is waiting on, when we already have a Senior Court Prosecutor going on record as saying that he will not waste the court’s time nor government money by prosecuting anyone for a small amount of marijuana.

Not on his watch, the Prosecutor said.

And by the way, while I am at it. Vincentians, if they didn’t know before, must wake up to the reality that a lot of Vincentians — old, middle aged and young people

alike, as well as upper, middle and lower ranked public and private sector workers— smoke marijuana. As a matter of fact, I would go as far and say that the middleaged smokers might just outnumber the young smokers.

We don’t have to wait on this CARICOM Commission on Marijuana to tell us what we should do now.

Free up the ‘weed’ a little bit, man.

Garnet, N. Y

Motivating our The tap dancing continues footballers Charles

SO THE GREAT TAP DANCE on “Integrity Legislation” continues.

There is this reason, and that excuse, and this equivocation offered–all to forestall, delay, or eliminate the possibility of transparency. Keep the people in the dark, at least until the end of the hereditary rule (Camillo, Storm, etc.). It worked in Haiti, why not in an equally ignorant, fundamentalist oriented country like here? You don’t have to fool everyone, just the people that already support you. No popular insurrection against “Anti-Bullying” because the man in power’s supporters don’t use the internet, and they are against those

that do as “the elitist”, i.e. the educated and informed.

The opposition is not the NDP! The opposition is every independent thinking person on the island, who suffers because of the failed economy, bad roads, business closures, low wages, lack of opportunities either as an entrepreneur, or an educated employee who simply wants to better himself. This is a dead-end country, an autocracy leading itself into a Haitistyled dictatorship. Deal with it as best you can. It’s your future.

MR, EDITOR, I understand from reliable sources that somebody promised to give a $1,000 to each of our footballers who scored a goal against the USA. Well, everybody knows the story: We failed to score even one goal against the USA in our own backyard. It seems not only the promise of a payday was enough to motivate our players.

So the question, Mr. Editor, remains: How can we motivate our footballers? I want to suggest that the first thing we should do is ensure that our national players have jobs, so that they can fend for themselves and their families, and when they go out to play, they don’t have to think about how hard life is off the field.

Hugo Football Follower

* Grenada paid out over EC1 million in prize money within a week or so of their carnival closing.

What is the reason(s) why we have to wait for a good two months or so for the same payment here? * Do Statutory Board Members still have to contribute something to the party in power? * Anybody brave enough to give another prediction for the opening of the Argyle Airport?

Can we hear from a real expert and not somebody with a political axe to grind? * Which magistrate here has the record for recusing himself or herself from cases? * Is there a separate registration for pleasure craft (sea) here? As a matter of fact, are pleasure craft actually registered here?

V

10. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

SVGÊs economy.....holding SVGÊs Economic Performance its own Introduction There was a time in the life of the parliament of St. Vincent and the Grenadines when the leader of the opposition NDP, Arnhim Eustace, would pose several questions to the Prime Minister of this country, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, in relation to the state of the country’s finances. The questions from Eustace will all begin with the statement “Will the Prime Minister please state what is the fiscal outturn up to the period May 2014 etc. etc.” From time to time, he would ask about the national debt.

Over the last 10 months of so, Arnhim Eustace has lost interest in the financial state of the country. First of all, he has not been attending the meetings of the House of Assembly on a regular basis, opting to stay away as a mark of protest over the 2015 elections.

Secondly, he has lost interest in the answers to the questions, since they do not support the NDP’s thesis that the country is in shambles, the government is broke, and that the country is rudderless.

In response to all of this, Prime Minister Gonsalves has decided to provide Vincentians with the information, related to the fiscal outturn, either as a statement in Parliament, or at a media conference.

His latest revelation in terms of the fiscal information was made at a media conference on August 30th, 2016.

Persons who have been following the progress of the ULP administration over the last fifteen years, will acknowledge that this is indeed a creditable performance overall. Given the current global economic crisis and its sluggish recovery, the challenges of BAICO and CLICO, the environmental challenges and the fallout from the banana regime, Dr. Gonsalves has kept an even hand on the tiller.

Increase productivity

One general appeal was made by the Prime Minister to the public servants in the country. He asked them to improve and then to increase their productivity so that the services provided to the general public will be enhanced. The State has provided some $160 million dollars so far this year, in terms of the compensation package for public servants. Yet there are a number of areas that require improvement, although a large percentage of public servants are performing.

Additionally, the government has worked assiduously to keep prices down. This can be seen in the level of inflation in the country. There has been no inflation between last year and this year. For example, the all items index for the month of July 2016 recorded a score of 106.3, as compared the score of 106.4 registered for the month of June The fiscal situation 2015. The point to point inflation over the last several years have been zero.

The Prime Minister revealed that the This means that commodity prices, fiscal situation for the first seven including those for food items, has been months of the year had shown some relatively stable, a factor that will improvement, an indication that the impact the cost of living in the country. government is managing the finances of the government in a sensible manner, Investment opportunities given the difficult circumstances that exist. For example, total revenue and The Prime Minister also provided grants for the period under review information on the state of several showed an increase of 6.7 percent, investment projects being undertaken moving from $314 million in 2015, to in the country. Among these are the Mt. $336 million in 2016.

Wynne/Peter’s Hope project that will At the same time, expenditure see the construction of forty villas of showed a small decrease of just about different sizes, along with a hotel. This one percent, moving from $336 million project is far advanced, and is ready for in 2015, to $332 million in 2016. implementation in the not too distant Interestingly, the current revenue future. Work on the projects on the increased from $298.6 million in 2015, Grenadine island of Canouan, both in to $305.9 million in 2016. This was due the north and the south, continues in part to an increase in the apace. compensation package for government For the first time, the government is employees, as well as payments to the revealing that there is a possible NIS as employers’ contributions. As can investor for the construction of a be seen since March 2001, the marina in Union Island, and a government has been meeting its significant regional investor out of monthly commitments to public Jamaica, who wants to invest in the servants on a regular basis. This also area of fisheries. There is more in the applies to the salaries of the opposition pipeline, including the geothermal members of parliament. The capital project, which the NDP is opposing. expenditure also showed a decrease of All these projects represent the $9 million. enterprise strategy of the ULP One item of good news was that administration, in the search for there was a small surplus in the overall investors who will bring jobs to the balance, from a deficit of $21.6 million country, and will increase the level of at the end of July 2015, to the small economic activity and growth in the figure overall of $3.36 million this year. State. Resource-challenged states like This is an indication of the success of St. Vincent and the Grenadines have to the strategy of the ULP administration, be very creative in the way they handle of being enterprising, while at the same economic growth and development, time being prudent. In the words of the while at the same time meeting the Prime Minister: “So as you see, the fiscal demands of the administrative story is an improvement for last year at mechanism. In this regard, the ULP is this time; but we are not dealing with a doing a commendable job. That’s why wealthy country, so you are going to the voters of this country re-elected the have cash flow challenges ULP for a record fourth consecutive nevertheless.” term in office.

THE FIGURES PRESENTED by Dr. Gonsalves at his press conference last week did not show an improvement in this country’s economy. Dr. Gonsalves, once again, demonstrated his incompetence in economics and financial matters.

He claimed that the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines showed much improvement during the first seven (7) months of this year, when compared to last year. To support his proposition, he declared that: total revenue and grants had increased by 6.7% to $336 million over that of 2015; total recurrent revenue was $327.7 million, expenditure was $332.8 million, which was a 1% decline over the comparable period of last year; and there was a decrease in Capital Expenditure from $38 million to $27 million.

Dr Gonsalves, who holds the position of Minister of Finance, told Vincentians that the figures showed an improvement in the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The figures did not show any improvement.

He did not do any economic analysis; he did simple addition and subtraction and wanted Vincentians to believe that things were improving.

Does Dr. Gonsalves know that the growth of an economy is contingent on four (4) basic factors? These factors are: consumption, which means whether people have money to spend and whether they are spending it locally, on goods and services; investment, which can be private sector investment or government investment in businesses and projects; government, which relates to the government’s fiscal situation — revenues from taxes, expenditure on salaries and so on; and the balance of imports and exports which in our case is negative, since we import many times more than we export, and which has gotten even worse over the past 15 years, since banana exports have gone from $30 million dollars to zero. These factors determine whether an economy is doing well or not.

Dr Gonsalves took a subset of one of the four factors and used it to represent economic growth. Any first year college student, who did that in their economics exam, would get zero.

Gonsalves does not know anything about economics and management. He continues to mismanage the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. All Gonsalves does best is talk, talk, talk; while most Vincentians are suffering.

The poor and the working class are struggling to send their children to school, to pay their electricity and water bills, and the unemployment list gets longer.

The economy has not improved, Dr.Gonsalves, because you do not know what to do to improve it, and in fact, you have been a dismal economic failure as the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of this country, for the past 15 years. You have destroyed the agricultural sector. This ridiculous statement that you made last week has proven this and much more.

Vincentians, Dr. Gonsalves is at the end of his years on the job, a job, which by his own words, he does not even understand. The time has come for him to go. However, don’t despair. Don’t give up hope. We in the New Democratic Party, when we take the reins of government, we will turn this country around and you will see economic development; you will see progress, led by a party and a leader who know what they are talking about.

So, we are asking you to stand with

us at this time, work with us, and help us. Together, we will prevail. We shall overcome this blight on our land. St Vincent and the Grenadines will rise again.

Sports The New Democratic Party (NDP) congratulates Vincy Heat on their recent performance in the game against the USA, although they did not win. A number of factors have been aired as having contributed to the poor performance of the team. These include woefully inadequate facilities, inadequate preparation and an inexperienced professional coaching team.

The poor performance of Vincy Heat is a wider problem of sport development in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the ULP regime must take the blame for the declining performance of our athletes in the various sporting disciplines.

Decades ago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines had established itself as a force to be reckoned with in sports. We were regionally and world rated in football and in netball. We were producing West Indies team cricketers.

We were sending track and field athletes out in increasing numbers on athlete scholarships and to international competitions. However, over the past 10 or so years, our standing has declined drastically, as a result of neglect and lack of proper vision for sports development. This is evident in the steady deterioration of playing facilities across the length and breadth of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the fading away of interest in various forms of organized sporting events.

The NDP recognizes the importance of sports to our people and our country, and we further recognize that early achievements in sports are a means for some to achieve higher education and better livelihoods. Therefore, the NDP will immediately, upon taking office, work relentlessly to ensure that sports has a place of prominence on the development agenda, and pay greater attention to the development of the nation’s most popular sport, football.

As a result, the NDP will reorganize the National Sport Council (NSC). The NSC has become something of a political football, much to the detriment of the national sport development process. In addition, the NSC has been narrowly focused on cricket in recent years. A NDP government will convene a special committee to redesign and redevelop its organization and diversify its focus, ensuring that the NSC is managed by appropriately qualified personnel who will lead and work in the interest of all stakeholders.

We will also implement a framework for upgrading and management of sports facilities at constituency and community level, build a national stadium, build a national indoor sports complex, provide sport scholarships, and ensure proper funding of sports in SVG for training and associated activities.

The ULP administration has failed to develop sports. Under the NDP government, sports will rise again.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. 11.

Views

Drifting from the truth

“The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those that speak it.” - George Orwell (1903-1950) - Eric Arthur Blair, who used the pen name George Orwell, was an English novelist, essayist, journalist, and critic. and seem to place fire in their bosom.

However, it is insufficient to be RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS have a duty and mere spectators and analysts. As privilege to demonstrate and preserve enlightened and God-fearing people the truth. A society that drifts from the we have to be more responsible than truth is destined to fragment and that. We must stand up and speak disintegrate. We must forever be on out about such evils wherever and guard to proclaim truth and expose lies whenever they abound. God expects and dishonesties, regardless of who the this of us. God demands this of us. perpetrators are – be they members of For too long, we have been a passive the clergy, leaders in business, eloquent people allowing the evils to take root; politicians, or “the common man”. refusing to condemn and uproot them Societies remain strong when protected when they emerge from the dark side. and preserved by those who will For too long, we have incorrectly selflessly call a spade a spade. assumed that someone else will see or Societies will be moored to decency and hear and take corrective action. For integrity when her citizens live righteous too long, we have cowered and cringed lives and expose the deep crevices of when we were expected to stand up, those who advocate a dark life. We can speak out, and be counted. For too be assured that the further a society long, we have yearned for release drifts from the truth, the more it will when, in fact, our hands and our hate those who speak and advocate it. voices were destined to provide the Standing up for justice and relief that we desire. For too long we integrity is often challenging. incorrectly assumed that ours were Individuals who advance such causes the sole eyes observing or the lone will anticipate that they will become voice crying in the wilderness. There the targets of those who sing from a are so many like-minded concerned different song sheet — who advance citizens in every society just waiting the views of dishonesty to get ahead for that movement of someone else to and/or secure their power base. Many usher in the positive changes that we such individuals appear to flourish need in society. Individuals who will materially by engaging in activities host and/or call in on radio and that landed them on the dark side. It television programmes to unearth the then seems as though, to preserve truth and condemn the forces of evil. their ill-gotten gains, they must Concerned and responsible citizens vehemently protect their power and who will expose societal wrongs via positions by whatever means possible the radio, Facebook, Twitter, and — even if it means contaminating and other Internet sites. They stand tall compromising others, who then and shine bright even if the dark blindly fight their battles. The sewers societal forces seek to cut their legs of societal evil then deepen, even as from beneath them. Newspaper the spewers and perpetrators of evil columnists and journalists also have a multiply. On such occasions, society major role to play in this regard. appears to drift from the truth as it These individuals are summoned to advocates calling good evil and evil the battle front to champion causes good. These Demons of the Dark for truth and purity. Society expects Side, compromised as they are, speak it. Society demands. The greater the out and persecute those who advocate darkness, and the more the likelihood righteousness and truth. The battles that society is drifting to the dark rage and the carnage multiplies — but side, the greater the responsibility to we are assured that eventually truth craft words that sound a clarion call will win out. When the final chapters that rallies responsible citizens to the are written, the heroes will be those trenches to protect what is decent and who stood (sometimes alone) for honest. justice and integrity — never drifting We will be naïve if we were to from the truth or buckling under the assume that our Caribbean societies pressures to compromise their are immune to the evil forces that are principles. seeking to unravel our cultures. We The foregoing may appear to be will be naïve to conclude that societies taken from a novel. The descriptions that appear to be drifting from the may seem to be fictional. However, a truth will be able to self-correct deeper look may reveal that the themselves. No, this is far from the preceding paragraph describes a truth. The “drift” often takes place in society in a developed country or that small, incremental steps of of an emerging economy like ours. compromise and complacency and, The truth is that such situations are before we know it, the society is universal. The George Orwell spiralling downward to that deep introductory quotation is accurate, chasm of chaos, corruption, and regardless of where in the world we degradation. These are the end live. Our blessed Caribbean region is results of societies that drift from the not exempted from the lot. We, too, truth. The clarion call sounds loud can identify segments of our today for you and me, for all of us, to Caribbean civilization where such commit and recommit to stand up and uncivilized behaviours occur and speak out for truth and justice and, in abound. They seem to flourish in the doing so, we create positive traction halls of wealth and power, just as that anchors society to noble deeds easily as they do among the the poor and keep us from drifting from the and ignorant who, in an effort to truth. improve their standard of living, distort truth and embrace a subSend comments, criticisms & culture of dishonesty in order to suggestions to “make ends meet”. In doing so, they julesferdinand@gmail.com unravel the moral fabric of society

Life and death EVERYONE GETS A CLEAR feeling that they are getting on in age. The realization strikes that we have lived more years than we have left. But the real key that your clock is ticking louder is when you notice that you know many of the people who are dying.

There was a time when young people rarely died except in a freak accident, a drowning, car wreck or poisoning following a sour love affair that brought on psychological collapse.

Today, young people are dying faster but mainly because of their connection with the trade in illicit guns and drugs. But as a rule, the young bury their parents. Most of the people I went to primary school with are still alive, and we are all past 50.

I thought about death and dying because so many people I know are dying. This is difficult. I don’t like going to hospitals, but if persons I am close to are there, I feel compelled to go.

And so it went. I visited with my colleague Olin Dennie at the Down State Medical Center, and the following morning, he was gone.

When I left his bedside, I felt as though we were going to lose him. I got the distinct impression that there was little else medical science could do for him, especially after the attending nurse deadpanned that he had not been responsive for some time.

A strange thing has been happening to me. I feel drawn to persons with whom I am not even close. Better yet, the experience of drawing closer is so often quite rewarding. A few months ago, I attended the funeral of the mother of Nigel Stephenson, my parliamentary colleague.

It was one of the most uplifting funerals I ever attended. Everyone knows that funeral attendance is more out of duty and custom rather than interest. This funeral was worth every second. My cousin, pastor Alexander, preached an uplifting sermon. But it was the high quality singing that won this funeral its high marks.

I have always said that I don’t like funerals. This view was cemented in 2003 when my sister’s son died at the tender age of 26 years from kidney failure. I did not cry; I bawled. In fact, I hope that I will never cry like that

again.

But politics intruded in my life and I attended more funerals in the last 3 years than I attended in my first 50.

People expect you to attend the funeral of their departed loved ones.

And if you are a public figure, your absence is taken personally. So you disregard your cultural traditions and idioms to your chagrin.

Illness and death beg these questions: Why is the truth reduced to whispers at hospitals, churches and funerals? Why do we not tell the whole truth about the dead? Would it not be better if we were to tell the truth and shame the devil and those who do devilish things?

My mom is 85 now. She has been ill for a long time. I have watched her surrender to the whim and fancy of her oncologist who once told her to continue doing whatever she was doing. She was juicing and he was administering ‘medicine’ that’s killing off good and bad cells.

She lives alone. Strong as an ox.

She sees better than I see, and hears better than I hear. But nature is unforgiving and biology is inexorable.

Mom ain’t as strong as she used to be.

And then there is ‘little Zenzili’ with her own issues that doctors seem unable to decipher. Yet she continues as though she has no worry in the world. One cannot say from her demeanor that she is resigned to her faith. She does not see faith in that way. For her faith is life and love and laughter and then more life. Bless her.

Oh wait, there is me. Always preaching about health and healthy living. A health tip here and a friendly advice there. No meat, plenty exercise, lots of water, and disregard for the vices of the world. I ain’t doing this and I am not doing that, only to hear my mom say ‘but you will still die.’ To which I say ‘I do not plan to die’.

He who is made in the imagine and likeness of God can rise to the consciousness of God and therefore escape death. It was Ho Chi Minh that said, ‘Death is not real, once one has done his life’s work well.’

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

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12. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

No Crown Lands for foreigners IN THE THIRD WEEK of August 2016, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was on SVGTV telling the people of SVG that 23 acres of lands at Mount Wynne, in Central Leeward, was to be sold to Canadians to build expensive homes and a hotel.

There was some talk thereafter that the 23 acres were in fact being sold to Israelis, and that the Canadians were serving as proxy on behalf of the real purchasers.

Selling Crown Lands to foreigners is a serious threat to SVG’s sovereignty and our children’s future. Our people are being pushed out of their own country.

We already have enclaves of rich foreigners in Mustique and Canouan.

We do not need an enclave of rich Israelis or whoever in Mount Wynne or wherever in SVG. If these lands have to be sold at all, they should be sold to Vincentians in SVG or the Vincentian diaspora.

We have already seen from the enclaves of rich foreigners in Mustique and Canouan, that these foreigners do not genuinely integrate into our society.

Rather than contribute directly to the national treasury, they prefer to perpetuate the charity bowl syndrome.

Instead of contributing in an ongoing manner to the long-term educational and economic empowerment of poor people, to help them escape from poverty, they provide short-term, low-paid jobs such as cleaner and grass cutters, to subjugate our people and keep them in poverty.

Mr Ivan O’Neal, who has a BSc Hons degree in Accounting and Finance from Oxford Brookes University, England, is deeply concerned with Gonsalves’ incompetent behaviour as the SVG Minister of Finance. No financial justification is given for the sale of Crown Lands, but more seriously, no effort is made to collect adequate taxes from those who enjoy our lands and the use of our resources, e.g. our marine resources.

There is no prior consultation with, nor approval by, the people of SVG, with regard to the sale of Crown Lands. Selling off hundreds of acres of SVG Crown Lands to foreigners is an act of financial madness, and it is mashing up SVG.

Mr Ivan O’Neal calls out Gonsalves for his gross incompetence.

Gonsalves is a financial catastrophe. The SVG 1979 constitutionally-appointed Director of Audit failed him on the audit of public accounts for 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Gonsalves killed the National Commercial Bank in 2008 with a massive overdraft of EC$185million dollars. In 2007, he overspent by EC$63million without the prior approval of the SVG House of Assembly.

Gonsalves is not a university

graduate in Accounting and Finance.

Selling hundreds of acres of SVG’s Crown Lands to foreigners without prior permission from the people, without public debate and consultation, and without any financial justification, is craziness.

We must urgently ban the sale of SVG’s Crown Lands to foreigners, and stop the increase of enclaves of rich foreigners.

Peanuts from foreigners’ charity bowl will not bring our people out of poverty. Gonsalves is incompetent and a liability to our country.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org Find us on Facebook and Twitter

That other virus- “The Zoukha-Zougha” FOR SOME TIME now, SVG and the rest of the region have been plagued by several debilitating illnesses foisted on us by the small-bodied, but yet eminently dangerous endowed mosquito, which wreaks havoc among the management of “Mother Earth”. The names Zika and Chikungunya were on the lips of many Vincentians, and the expression, “I had the virus” was common to explain one not having been seen or heard from, for some time.

A few days ago, we engaged the mighty USA at football at our premier sporting stadium at Arnos Vale, which we had upgraded significantly at a cost of over fifty million dollars, to accommodate a second level WORLD CUP cricket match.

Vincentians were appreciative, and the large turn out to witness the game, suggested that the money was thought to have been well spent.

In recent years however, the general atmosphere of neglect and indifference is strikingly noticed. To me, it is solid testimony of the presence and rampancy of that other “virus” the “ZoukhaZougha virus”, which affects the behaviour of a society so that the leadership becomes morally decrepit to such a degree, that they now treat with disdain the very citizens whom they

had spent fifty million dollars on the Arnos Vale Playing Field, had just a few years ago every citizen would have been keen on seeing begged for the job to evidence of serious govern. commitment by all those Concerned citizens are now being dismissed agencies and individuals, who were as having views of little charged with the merit, and reminded of responsibility to ensure their status of being that the area is properly “persons of straw”, and protected and of “a learned maintained. helplessness”. Former One should not have dependable and to feel that one has to trustworthy allies in the impress it on the Prime carving out of the Minister himself, that pathways to glory and the situation where power, are now publicly derelict vehicles are declared to be “witless allowed to be parked dutty dog”, when they along the vital roadway venture to express to our national stadium, varying opinions. They is a very poignant seem to be targets for reflection on the quality deprivation and of governance in incarceration at the particular, and on the slightest quiver of maturity of our society indiscretion.

These are some of the in general. I am mindful of the fact, that the visit observations that strike of a high profile me, the thoughts that government team, tug me, even as I including Prime wonder how it is, that The Football Federation, Minister Dr. Gonsalves, in response to The National Sports complaints from Council, The Police Department, The Traffic residents of Arnos Vale of all might long loud, and Fire Fighting boisterous, amplified Departments, The Health and Environment music and smoke, did not seemingly address Department, The the concerns of the Tourism Department residents. and the representative If the intelligentsia, of the Constituency of by their reticence, are West St George, have implying that we are not been able to use powerless and impotent, their authority and influence, to address the and we should therefore disgraceful proliferation resign ourselves to this crippling stagnancy, of abandoned and semithen it would be abandoned vehicles, interfering with the free reasonable to say that Vincentians are flow of traffic to and decidedly affected by from the Arnos Vale that other virus — “The Playing Field. Was that Zoukha-Zougha virus”. not the reason for the We need to isolate building of the new that vector now! bridge? One had expected that after we LeRoy Providence

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. 13.

News

SVG chocolate to hit supermarket shelves Vincentian Chocolate – ‘The Best In The World’ – will soon be available at retail outlets.

Andrew Hadley, Managing Director of the St. Vincent Cocoa Company, is encouraged by the contribution the cocoa industry can make to the earning capacity of the agriculture sector here.

The Vincentian Chocolate is made from the finest Vincentian cocoa beans.

ANDREW HADLEY, Managing Director of the St. Vincent Cocoa Company, has no doubt about the quality chocolate bar his enterprise produces.

“It’s the best in the world,” Hadley assured last Tuesday.

He was speaking at the Cruise Ship Berth in capital city Kingstown where the company’s offices are currently located, but which will be by month end relocated to new premises on Murray’s Road, obliquely opposite the Ministry of Agriculture.

The chocolate production unit will also be relocated to the new headquarters from its current operational base in North Union.

Hadley, Vincentian born, spent ten years in the British Army before returning home.

A nature lover, Hadley launched his landscaping services following his return home after his military sojourn, but he found the lure of cocoa cultivation too alluring to resist.

Hadley takes a practical approach to most matters, and it is inevitable that he grows cocoa on lands owned by his family.

Vincentians will get a chance to prove if Hadley’s statement has any merit, come September 23, when the St. Vincent Cocoa Company launches its 80-gram chocolate bar, with promotional displays at a number of supermarkets and at Heritage Square.

The Managing Director assured that all rules and regulations as they pertain to quality and standards have been complied with, and he is confident that the product will stand the test of time.

Hadley looks forward to the brand establishing its own credentials. He is taking a gradual approach to the venture, and will monitor how the market unfolds, and adjust accordingly.

“There’s got to be a demand,” Hadley projected.

In a broader sense, the St. Vincent Cocoa Company is spearheading the

revitalisation of the cocoa industry here.

The effort is encouraged by the demand for cocoa, the fact that it is fashionable and holds many health benefits, Hadley posited.

He notes that response to the reintroduction of the crop has been slow, and cites a prevailing lack of interest in farming as being the major challenge.

Notwithstanding, Hadley is confident that there is

potential in the industry, and the St. Vincent Cocoa Company has embarked on measures aimed at increasing the acreage under cultivation.

The effort is gaining impetus from a number of farmers whom he described as having “the courage and conviction to make the industry an integral part of a rejuvenated agricultural industry in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Interested farmers can arrange to have their plots

planted with cocoa, or take advantage of the company’s Farm Service, including leasing their land or becoming contract farmers.

The Managing Director pledged his and the company’s commitment to farmers from seedlings to harvesting, with a guaranteed price of $150 per pound for wet beans. “It (cocoa cultivation) takes time, effort and dedication,” Hadley disclosed, but it is worth it.

(WKA)

V Vincies Âjump for educationÊ at NY Carnival 14. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora Feature

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT

IT HAS BEEN YEARS since a Vincentian float participated in the gigantic, annual West Indian American Carnival Parade on Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway.

So Monday, Labor Day in America, was, patently welcoming, as the Brooklyn-based Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center, whose president and chief executive officer is Calliaqua native Vaughan Toney, got Vincentians and other Caribbean nationals to participate in “Jump for Education,” with full graduation attire — caps and gowns.

“I think the Friends of Crown “Jump for Education:” Vaughan Heights does a lot for the Vincy Toney, President and CEO of Friends community,” said Jacintha Ballantyne, of Crown Heights Educational Center, a leading mas personality in SVG and atop truck. a member of the management team of

Jacintha Ballantyne (3rd from left) with Ricardo “Puzzle” Grant (right) and other masqueraders “Jump for Education.” the SVG Players International Mas Band.

Nearby, one of the founders of SVG Players, Ricardo ‘Puzzle’ Grant, lauded Toney’s extraordinary step.

“I feel it’s a bold and important initiative Friends of Crown Heights took, especially to bring the Vincentian community together, because we’ve been absent from the Parkway for a while,” he also told THE VINCENTIAN. Grant has been in his own right a major contributor to a Vincentian presence on the parkway, having, over the years, assisted the lone Vincentian mas band in Brooklyn, Mas Productions Unlimited, in its production.

In recent years, Mas Productions Unlimited, produced by Sion Hill native Wesley Millington, has only been participating in the Junior Carnival, which precedes the Labor Day event, on Saturday, because of lack of funding.

“I’m elated in all honesty, because this is a wonderful initiative to see a Vincentian band on the Parkway — to market St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” said Earl ‘Caba’ Bennett, president of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Calypsonians Association.

“It’s always good to see Vincentians together,” he added. “This is the rebirth of Vincies on the Parkway.”

With the dearth of Vincentian bands on the Parkway, nationals sought out other Caribbean bands, primarily Trinidadian, who, clearly, dominates the annual festivity.

Revelers “Jump for Education.”

Patrice Blugh, of Cane End in the Marriaqua Valley, played for the second year with Kaios International.

“It’s a good experience,” said Blugh, who earlier this year played with Nelson Bloc in Vincy Mas. “You get to be with everybody from the same culture, listen to the same music and have fun.”

For at least the second successive year, revelers, masqueraders and millions of spectators enjoyed the West Indian American Day Carnival Parade in picture perfect weather, on the sprawling Eastern Parkway.

With a high of 82 degrees — with gentle breeze and no rain, as forecast — it was unequivocally the perfect weather for the explosion of the sight, sounds, pageantry, artistry and everything else West Indian.

The cornucopia of colors and the potpourri of West Indian dishes that wafted through the air brought the best out of West Indians, including over 3 million onlookers who converged for the 49th annual extravaganza.

The massive parade culminated five days of carnival that began on Thursday, as the organizers, the Brooklyn-based West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), kicked off the annual spectacle, with ‘Reggae Unda Di Stars’, featuring world-famous reggae entertainers — including Third World, Luciano, Christopher Martin and Romain Virgo.

Continued on Page 15.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. 15.

Diaspora Feature

PM says Walters not singled out for recall

Kingdom, will leave office in a year’s time.

Gonsalves also noted that the current Counsel General to Canada, Fitzgerald Huggins, DESPITE AGITATION in some succeeded E. Bernard John, quarters in New York, Prime and that I. Rhonda King, the Minister, Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves Ambassador to the United says ex-New York Counsel Nations, took over from General Selmon Walters was not Camillo Gonsalves, who singled out for recall. became Foreign Affairs “It’s what we’re trying to Minister and was elected, for make sure that we have fresh the first time, in general faces everywhere,” said Dr. elections in St. Vincent and the Gonsalves in an exclusive Grenadines last December. interview Tuesday morning.

“Now, it’s time for Selmon “These are people [diplomats], (Walters) to go,” the Vincentian who have been around in leader said. “It’s not a excess of four to five years. The commentary on any particular position of ambassador, in individual.” some countries, does not exceed Gonsalves said his Unity five years. We want to ensure Labor Party (ULP) that we have fresh faces.” administration has “found a Last month, the Vincentian good replacement” in Howie prime minister recalled Prince, the former head of the Walters, who had been Counsel National Emergency General in New York for five Management Organization years, as well as two other (NEMO). overseas diplomats — “Howie Prince knows how to Ambassadors to Cuba and work with people,” he said. “It’s Venezuela, Dexter Rose and difficult to find a person to Andreas Wickham, work with the community. respectively.

“He (Prince) has a good Gonsalves, who was on a temperament,” he added. “I brief visit to New York, noted think people in New York will that La Celia Prince, the like Howie Prince.” former Ambassador to the Deputy Prime Minister and United States and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sir Organization of American Louis Straker told THE States (OAS) departed office VINCENTIAN last month that last year to assume a top Prince possesses “outstanding” position with the Washington- managerial skills and based OAS. experience, adding that Prince He confirmed that Cenio “will be good for the country.”

Lewis, the long-standing High Walters’ departure comes Commissioner to the United about 2 ½ years after a major

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT

scandal erupted at the New York Consulate General involving Walters’ then deputy, Edson Augustus, a former Seventh-day Adventist Church pastor, who was recalled on Feb. 5, 2014, because of what the government said were “activities outside the scope of his employment and inimical to interests of the Consulate General and the Government and people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.”

In the wake of the scandal, Opposition Leader, Arnhim Eustace, called on the government to overhaul the New York Consulate General and to recall Walters, saying that the alleged “scandal” had taken place on his watch..

But, even with Augustus’ long departure, Vincentians, in some quarters in the Big Apple, have reportedly been displeased with Walters’ performance.

Some also said he was “heavy-handed” in dealing with Augustus’ successor, Chateaubelair-born Sehon Marshall, who, himself, had received a “hot baptism” prior to his appointment for condescendingly referring, on local radio, as a talk show host, to some nationals in New York as, among other things, “dog walkers.”

Subsequently, at a town hall meeting at the Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center, Walters announced,

Selmon Walters had been the focus of much concern among Vincentians residing in New York, especially as it related to his management of the affairs of the Consulate there. and new Government Left: Prime Minister Dr. Ralph minister Camillo Gonsalves, in response to concerns Gonsalves, confirmed about Walters’ style and that Marshall was performance, told a gathering in New transferred to the St. York that he does not place heavy Vincent and the Grenadines’ Mission to emphasis on mere complaints. the United Nations. attaché.

But, even with vehement Sir Louis had said last criticism levelled at Walters’ month that Bernadette tenure, Prime Minister Gonsalves said he does not Ambrose-Black, current head of place heavy emphasis on mere SVG Invest, will take up that complaints, adding that they new position. must be based strongly on The prime minister said facts.

New York is the hub for trade “I like to get solid and investment activities, information about somebody adding that there are several performing,” he said. trade opportunities that could “I will have a lot of expectations of him,” he added, be explored among global diplomats at the United alluding to Prince.

Nations.

Gonsalves confirmed that Arnhim Eustace, leader of Prince will be working without the main opposition New a deputy.

Democratic Party (NDP), had “We not so much need a deputy,” he said. “We need an told THE VINCENTIAN that, administrative person. We if his party gains power, it need to have somebody would appoint trade attachés grounded in the office.” at the New York Consulate The prime minister also General, saying that trade confirmed that his investment is the way to go in administration will be aiding the country’s economic appointing a new trade development.

Vincies ‘jump for education’ at NY Carnival Continued from Page 14.

On Friday, WIADCA’s annual ‘Stay in School Concert’ and College

Masquerader “Jump for Education.”

Fair took place, at 11:00 a.m., followed by the ‘Brass Fest Concert’, with headliners KES The Band, Roy Cape All Stars, Outta Limitz, Farmer Nappy, Blaxx, Ricardo Drue, Lyrikal, Skinny Fabulous and more.

On Saturday, the Junior Carnival and Steelband Panorama competition was conducted.

Sunday night’s Dimanche Gras showcased the “creative talents of dozens of costume designers, as they presented scores of breathtaking costumes competing for King and Queen of the Bands, Individuals and Characters,” WIADCA said.

It said the “best in Calypso music” was on hand, with

performances by David Rudder, Natasha Wilson, Gryner, Boodoosingh Tassa Drummers and Something Positive traditional carnival characters.

Grand Marshals for the parade included: Melissa Mark-Viverito, NY City Council Speaker; Barbara Atherly, Consul General of Guyana; Keith H.L. Tony Marshall, UN Ambassador of Barbados; and Conrad Ifill, the Trinidadian-born president and chief executive officer of Brooklyn’s Conrad’s Earl “Caba” Bennett (R) and others“Jump for Bakery.

Education”

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16. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Remembering Olin Dennie: „Olin and I were black conscious,‰ says colleague

Kay Bacchus-Baptiste spoke of Dennie as having been one of those who displayed early consciousness of his African heritage. that they were also close neighbours at Harmony Hall, Prospect, for adopted African names several years. and sported afro According to her, hairstyles, to display Dennie did not disclose pride in their heritage. his health problems, not “We were black even to persons who were conscious. He (Dennie) close to him. called me ‘Kwasi’ and I “Many of us were not called him ‘Odinga’,” aware of how ill he was.

Bacchus-Baptiste We knew he was sick, recounted with a smile. but were of the She could not impression that he had remember all the sixth recuperated,” she said. formers who adopted She indicated that African names, but towards the end of July others she recalled were 2016, Dennie told her Dougal Williams who that he was going to the was called ‘Chaka’, and United States.

Glenroy Browne who “I was concerned, answered to the name because during the ‘Tswala’. conversation, I noticed President of the Bar there was a rasp in his Association and former voice.”

Minister of Culture Rene Bacchus-Baptiste Baptiste, was also a recounted, “Olin was a member of that form. person who would tell Bacchus-Baptiste you how he feels in a recalled that Dennie and very direct way, but he herself left these shores was warm, engaging and on the same flight to jovial. He was pursue law studies at the everybody’s friend. He University of the West had very strong political Indies, Cave Hill convictions, but that did Campus, Barbados, and not stop him from being later pursued studies a friend of all.” together at the Hugh Bacchus-Baptiste Wooding Law School in considered Dennie to be Trinidad and Tobago. a stalwart, and described “We remained close his death as a great loss friends throughout our to the legal fraternity. legal career”, BacchusBaptiste said, adding

Olin Dennie, Barrister-at-law, also served as a Magistrate here.

by HAYDN HUGGINS THE CLOSE FRIENDSHIP between veteran local lawyers Olin Dennie and Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, started almost half a century ago, while they were sixth form students of the St Vincent Grammar School.

Dennie, who was also a former Magistrate and Speaker of the House of Assembly in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, died on Thursday September 1, after a period of illness, following a legal career which lasted almost four decades.

Bacchus-Baptiste holds very fond memories of their friendship dating back to the Grammar School sixth form. They were only about 16 years old at the time.

The era, early 1970s, was historic, as it marked the period when the Black Consciousness Movement was sweeping through some parts of the Caribbean, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Bacchus-Baptiste recalled that Grammar School sixth formers, like many young people then,

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. 17.

News

Sion Hill Euphonium trainees count passes 800 mark WHEN THE LAST COHORT of 29 trainees of the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra graduated last Sunday at its 14th annual graduation ceremony, they pushed the number trained for the past 21 years, over the 800 mark.

This was disclosed by chair of the Sion Hill Euphonium Warren Knights as he addressed last Sunday’s ceremony which took place at the Sion Hill Village hard court.

“In 1995, our first summer training programme for beginners was introduced and has since credited the band with present membership upwards of 150 players...

Ninety-nine percent of the organisation’s present membership passed through this training programme...

During this period approximately 800 young persons were trained to play the steel pan, as part of community efforts to combat crime and violence, (and) also to create positive alternative opportunities for the youths of the Sion Hill Community”, Knights affirmed.

In acknowledging the growth and impact of the steel orchestra overtime since its formation in 1981, Knights noted, “The example we set for the new bands on the scene has prompted them to lift their standards in quality, appearances and music... Now the Sion Hill Steel Orchestra leads and others follow.”

Meanwhile, the task of imparting the rudiments of the steel pan to this year’s graduates was left to the band’s captain Tillal Webb, who was doing so for the first time in several years.

Webb, who was part of the first set of trainees back in 1995, referred to his tutelage as a “challenge,” but took joy that 21 years after, he was able to train the children of others whom he had trained in the past.

During this year’s training programme, Webb said he ensured that the graduates were exposed to a variety of musical genres.

The trainees demonstrated this when they took the stage to

Trainer of the summer programme- Tillal Webb render items such as ‘Stay with me’, ‘One moment in Time’, ‘I surrender all’ and ‘Blame it on the music” , to an audience which included invited guests, parents, guardians and wellwishers.

In addition to recognising the trainees, Sunday’s cerem ony also saw the distribution of gifts and tokens, compliments of Massy United Insurance and Flow, to 13 members of Sion Hill Euphonium, who were successful in the CPEA and CSEC 2016 exams.

Addresses were heard from East Kingstown Parliamentary

ECCO AGM set for SVG THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO) Inc. will convene here, at Frenches House, Saturday 10th September, 2016.

In addition to the traditional report from the chairman,election of directors and appointment of auditors, the AGM will also receive reports on the Organizations public relations and public awareness work, its licensing and financial status, as well as a report on writers’ development.

It is expected that the chairman, Mr. McCarthy Marie, will report that

there has been an 8% growth in membership. as well as an increase of 35% in its revenue collection, and an 86% increase in distributable revenue to local, regional and international authors of music.

All of this, inside sources say, comes as a result of the efforts of a small team of hard working and dedicated staff.

The proceedings of the meeting will be McCarthy Marie, Chairman made available of ECCO, is expected to through audio visual report of significant strides transmission to the organization has made. affiliates in Antigua & Barbuda, and St. Vincent & the Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia Grenadines.

Trainees performing ‘Stay with me’ during last Sunday’s graduation ceremony of the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra.

Representative Arnhim Eustace, Senators Luke Browne and Julian Francis, and pan

tuner/builder/tutor Francis ‘Pess’Llewellyn, who all concurred that the Sion Hill Euphonium

is fulfilling its mission to foster cohesion in its community, through the steel pan.

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18. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Two FarmersÊ Cooperatives officially launched in Greiggs

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 6 saw the launch of the Greiggs MultiFarming Cooperative Society Limited (GREMCO) and the Greiggs Rastafarian Progressive Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Limited (RASFARCO).

These two cooperatives are part of the project to Strengthen Farmers’ Organizations and to improve Fruit and Vegetable Production Technology. The project was made possible through the assistance of the International Cooperative Development Fund (ICDF of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

The launching ceremony took place on the Greiggs Cutting the ribbons tom officially open the offices of the Greiggs Multi-Farming Cooperative Society Limited (GREMCO) and playing field, and featured the Greiggs Rastafarian Progressive Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Limited (RASFARCO). addresses from the presidents of both cooperatives - Ray Stevenson. located on the ground floor of the GREMCO and RASFARCO are the Baptiste of GREMCO and Alvin Collins The feature address was delivered by Greiggs Community Centre from where two first cooperatives to move into fully of RASFARCO. Area Representative and Minister of they will carry out their day to day equipped offices under the ICDF project.

Ambassador of the Republic of China Agriculture the Hon Saboto Caesar, who business.

(Taiwan) His Excellency Baushuan Ger encouraged both Co-operatives to also addressed the gathering along with continue “their good work” moving Minister with responsibility for forward.

Cooperatives, the Hon Frederick The offices of the two cooperatives are

De Freitas cases set for Calliaqua court

DOUGLAS DE FREITAS, proprietor and manager of Nice Radio has been slapped with eleven charges relating to statements he allegedly made on December 10, 2015, one day after the general elections here.

De Freitas is charged under Section 64(1) of the Criminal Code with making statements that ‘are likely to cause fear or disturb the peace’.

When he was ordered to appear in court to plea to the charges, he did so at the Kingstown Magistrate Court presided over by Magistrate Bertie

Pompey.

However, Magistrate Pompey has since recused himself from hearing the charges against De Freitas.

There being no other court other than the Serious offences Court sitting in Kingstown, hearing in all the cases against De Freitas has been re-scheduled for Tuesday 13th September 13, at the Calliaqua Magistrate Court, presided over by Zoila Ellis-Browne, wife of former ULP parliamentarian Michael Browne.

Douglas De Freitas will have his day in a court, outside of capital Kingstown.

De Freitas pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

He is being represented by attorney Kay BacchusBaptiste.

British Army Needs Soldiers COMMONWEALTH NATIONALS may now apply for a number of specialist roles in the British Army, thanks to new rules introduced by the government.

The British Army has welcomed soldiers from Commonwealth countries for many years; however, under previous rules people could only join if they had lived in the UK for five years.

Commonwealth nationals will now be able to apply for positions including Medical Technician, Logistic Supply Specialist, Chef, Vehicle Mechanic, Metalsmith and Gunner Logistics Specialist.

General Chris Tickell, General Officer Commanding, Army Recruiting and Training Division, said: “We are delighted that key roles have been opened up to people from across the Commonwealth who are non-resident in the UK. The service given by soldiers from Commonwealth countries helps the

Armed Forces to defend the UK at home and abroad, and we look forward to welcoming more Commonwealth recruits following the introduction of the new regulations.”

A specialist commonwealth recruiter spokesperson said: “We’re looking for candidates that are physically fit, can communicate well in both written and spoken English and can self-fund travel to the UK to attend one of the Army development and selection centres. Full details of the Army recruitment and selection process can be found on the Army website at http://www.army.mod.uk.”

For more information about how people from the Commonwealth can apply for the Army without UK residency, visit http://www.army.mod.uk/join/com monwealth_joiners.aspx (Source: CaribPR Wire).

V FAIA USA makes final donation to AIA

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. 19.

News

FRIENDS OF THE ARGYLE International Airport USA (FAIA USA) has made what it says is its final contribution towards the construction of the Argyle International Airport.

FAUA-USA will from here on turn its attention to helping other projects in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

In a brief handing over ceremony on Friday

September 2, 2016, in New York, IADC’s Communications Officer Jennifer Richardson accepted that final donation, a cheque in an amount of US$10,000.00.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Chairman of the FAIA USA Mr. Alpheus Phillips said they were happy to contribute to the project, as they saw

it as necessary for the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

He said though raising the funds was not always easy, they were happy to do it knowing that it was for a worthy cause.

In noting that this

was their final contribution, he highlighted that FAIA USA had already contributed some US$45,000.00 to the construction of the airport.

Phillips said that he and many other

Vincentians were now looking forward to the operational phase of the airport.

Richardson, in

accepting the cheque, thanked the group for its moral and financial support over the years.

The party at the handing over of FAIA USA last donation to the construction of the international airport at Argyle. (Photo Credit: Desmarie Greenaway-Latham)

Three receive Lions Club South scholarships

THREE FIFTH FORM students are this year’s recipients of scholarships under the Lions Club St. Vincent South’s ongoing education and youth programme, which started some 20 years ago with donations initially to visually impaired students.

The three Joshuanna Alexander, Britney Browne and Chante Toby each received cheques in the amount of $1500.00 to assist Recipients of schools supplies (with knapsacks), their with their meals, parents and SwiftPac Manager Brenda Telemaque uniforms, (extreme right) at the handing over ceremony last week transportation and Friday. school supplies.

A release from CARIBBEAN FREIGHT supplies for the beginning of the Lions Club St. and courier service the new school term, as an Vincent South providers SwiftPac has appreciation of our youths said that donated a number of school and also to invest in the Alexander and supplies to five (5) primary Education Revolution here Browne are both school children, in keeping in SVG.” students of the St. with the company’s Speaking at a handing Vincent Girls High commitment to give back to over ceremony outside the School, while Toby communities here.

SwiftPac office located in is a student of the School supplies were Bridge House, Heritage St. Joseph’s presented to: Destiny Square, Friday 2rd Convent, Sutherland - Owia September, Manager Kingstown.

Government School; Jared Brenda Telemaque The Club’s Jackson - New Grounds explained that the education and Government School; recipients of this year’s youth programme also provides Anthony Williams - Sion assistance were selected assistance for Hill Government School; randomly from a pool of meals and Kaynecia Garraway - Clare students recommended by transportation to Valley Government School; their customers and the and Sue- Nique Edwards Social Welfare Department. other students.

Meanwhile, the Troumaca Primary School.

Telemaque also disclosed A release from the that last year, her company Club is looking forward to the company stated: “SwiftPac company offered a hosting of their has traditionally provided scholarship valued at Annual Secondary scholarships and school $500.00 to one student.

School’s Public supplies to under-privileged Parent Veda Williams Speaking children. This year, we have expressed thanks to Competition in chosen five less fortunate SwiftPac for the generous October. The children per country, donation, and another preliminaries will throughout our SwiftPac parent, Kay Ann Garraway, commence on network, (St. Kitts and assured that the donation Tuesday 4th Nevis, Barbados, Grenada, would go a long way in October, and will St. Lucia and Dominica) and supporting her child. (KH) conclude on Friday 7th October. provided essential school

SwiftPac keeps giving back

(L-R standing): Lion Secretary Tasheka Haynes - Scholarship Chair, Lion Rosita Snagg and Lion President Dr. Jose Davy, with (seated) Joshuanna Alexander (centre), Britney Browne (right) and Alexander’s mother (left).

V

20. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

What can I do?

Dear George, GEORGE, I want your advice. I like the advice you have been giving to people, but never thought I would have to write you.

I am a single mother of six children, and three of them are to begin Secondary School this new school term. I do not have the means to send them to school. I have not been able to get them their uniforms or books as yet. I have no one to help me. Their father is dead, and I am not working, and do not know when I would get a job.

It hurts me to be so useless and unable to help my children. Many nights I cry myself to sleep, and my ‘pressure’ is up as a result of my worries. I need to know what to do to get help.

Mother in need.

Dear Mother in need, The first thing you must begin to tell yourself is that you are not useless. You have a deep desire to see your children succeed, and the frustrations you feel come from not being able to do so at the moment. The fact that you have not abandoned your children says that you are a good mother.

You can call or visit the Social Welfare Department and inquire about what help is available for someone in your situation. At the same time, you can call The Marion House and speak to a counsellor there. Sometimes a counsellor can get you started and point you in a better direction. Do not lose hope, and I want you to keep me posted on your progress.

George

Caught on WhatsApp Dear George, I AM GOING TOTALLY crazy here. All I know is that I have to talk to somebody before I lose my mind and do something extremely awful.

My husband forgot his cell phone at home it began ringing and ringing until I could not stand it any longer, so I answered it. Before I could say hello, there was a female voice (which I recognised) on the other end telling him, “Hurry, baby, I`m here all naked in bed and ready and waiting for you, and the whole gang is here too.”

I did not say anything.

I hung up the phone.

Something told me to text back and ask who else was there. She not only told me who was there, but

‘whatsapped’ a pic of “the gang”. There were five other women there — all married women.

When my husband returned for his phone, I showed him the message and he denied it was for him, saying the message was sent to the wrong person. When I told him I am going to show the

message to the husbands of the women, he backed down and begged me not to. Then was when he confessed to having affairs with these women.

I am going to file for a divorce. but not before I make sure the husbands of those worthless women get a copy of the message and picture.

Worries and Pain Dear Worries and Pain, It is very important that you speak with someone who can help you reorganize your thinking and help you deal with your emotions.

I am not sure what good it would do to reveal this information to the husbands of those women, so perhaps you can delay such actions until you can get to see someone.

The pain and disappointment you are now experiencing can cloud your judgement and tempt you to act out of character, which is why you need to make an appointment to see a marriage counsellor. Begin by calling The Marion House and go from there.

George

Giving in to temptation Dear George, PLEASE TELL ME if I have any recourse for this situation. My boss has asked me to sleep with him for a five hundred raise on my salary. I am not that kind of person, but I have my wedding coming up in 9 months, and I need the extra money. In fact, he is so insistent, he is willing to go as high as $1000.00 extra on my salary, with a big bonus at the time of my wedding.

I gave in to temptation and started sleeping with him. I have slept with him twice weekly for the past month, and he has not given me one cent extra. I am ashamed to have my fiancé learn about this, and my boss is threatening to show him a text message exchange between us if I stop sleeping with him. What is more serious is that I believe I might be pregnant for him, and worse, I have been hearing rumours that he is HIV Positive. What am I going to do now? I just do not know.

Confused Dear Confused,

There is only one way out of this if you are still interested in going through with the marriage: You have to come clean with your fiancé. Of course, coming clean may steer things in a totally different direction, but it is better to face those consequences now and give yourself a chance to begin with a clean slate, rather than begin a marriage on shaky and defiled grounds. Coming clean with your fiancé would take away any hold your boss may presently have over you.

At the same time, let your boss know you are through with him; that you are no longer going to lower your standards by sleeping with him for promise of more.

You may very well be without a job and a fiancé at the end of all this, but you would have regained your dignity and self-worth.

You may want to engage the services of a counsellor to help you deal with how and when to divulge this information to your fiancé, and the possible repercussions from all of this.

George

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21- April 20) You'll have great insight. Travel could be in order. You may want to make plans to take a vacation together.

Difficulties with older females in your family may turn out to be quit trivial after all.

Taurus (Apr. 21- May 21) Not everyone will be pleased with your plans. You may have a problem at work with a female co-worker. You might find that the extra cash will come in handy when an opportunity to invest comes along. You should be setting up interviews or sending out your resume this week.

Gemini (May 22-June 21) Don't spend too much on products that promise amazing cosmetic results. You will be full of energy and you need to find something constructive to do. Be aware that a female you work with may be trying to hold you back. You should get into some of those creative hobbies that you always said you wanted to do.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) You'll be tempted to spend extravagantly this week. Don't promise to deliver the goods if you aren't positive that you can meet the deadline. Sign up for courses that will help you understand yourself better.

Expect temper tantrums on the home front if you haven't been letting someone have their way.

Leo (July 23-Aug 22) Try to keep ahead of the game. You can pick up some overtime this week.

Underhandedness regarding legal matters or contracts must be counteracted. Don't try to hide your true feelings from your mate.

Virgo (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Changes at home might come fast and furious. You can help them more than they can help you. You can make positive changes in your home. You may need a good friend to lean on.

Libra (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You might find added popularity with those around you this week. You have a lot to offer. Travel opportunities must be taken advantage of. You may be upset if someone has borrowed something that belongs to you.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You'll only hurt your lover if you don't.

You may be sensitive concerning friends and their situations. Plan to do things with your faithful pet or with youngsters who have interesting hobbies. This will not be the best day to sign deals or to take care of other people's financial matters.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Be innovative. Personal alterations will be in your best interest. Travel will be fun and entertaining. Don't turn down offers that include sports activities or children.

Capricorn (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Don't involve yourself in the emotional problems of those you work with.

Upgrading at this point is not a bad plan.

You'd be wise to control your spending so your debts don't get out of hand.

Cutbacks at work will be a cause for worry.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You must not let others talk you into doing things that will probably limit you financially at a later date. Travel for business will not only bring you valuable information but also profits as well. Your philanthropic contributions will bring you praise. Be prepared to meet new lovers through colleagues.

Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Someone you work with could try to undermine you. Don't be too shy to promote your own interests. Family outings will make you feel secure and happy. Don't blow situations out of proportion.

ACROSS

for short 41. Tel _ 1. Lackland, for 42. Place for a one (abbr.) waltz 4. Flying stinger 46. Frost 8. NYC transit 47. “…sting like org. _” (2 wds.)

11. Tie- _ 48. Before JFK 12. Draft status 19. Pacino and (hyph.)

Cappo 13. Impoverished 50. Cut, in a 14. Confusion way 16. Mata _ 51. Affirmative 17. Class 18. Explains the DOWN terms 20. Gave food 1. Do sums 21. Olympic 2. Memo award letters 22. Harass 3. Attacked 23. Cape _, MA 4. Labor 24. Exhausted 5. Also 28. Spent 6. Planted (2 wds.)

7. Whittled 30. “Frasier” role down 31. Passover 8. Ghostly meal sound 32. Animation 9. Shredded unit 10. Onassis and 33. Wide street Meyers (abbr.)

13. Sleuth 34. Moreno et al.

Marlowe 36. Undercover 15. Elderly agent 19. Deadly 37. Tiresome 20. Circuit 40. Enlisted men, breaker

21. Swab 22. Pupil’s transport 23. Cabinet type 25. “_ in Blue” 26. “Green” emotion 27. Billy _ Williams 29. Obtain (from) 30. _ Plaines 32. Variety of melon 35. Big band instruments 36. Knighted man’s title

37. Scarlett’s estate 38. Villainous 39. Darkens slowly 40. Singer Campbell

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. 21.

43. Writer Wallace 44. Poem of praise 45. “Oh, give _ home…”

(2 wds.)

V

22. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

VINLEC joins discussion on renewable energy ST. VINCENT ELECTRICITY Services Limited (VINLEC) will join the regional discussion on Renewable Energy at the 2016 CARILEC Renewable Energy Conference and Trade-show, which will take place in St.Kitts from September 11th-15th.

CARILEC is an association of electric utilities, suppliers, manufacturers and other stakeholders operating in the electricity industry in the Caribbean.

VINLEC will be represented at the Conference by Senior Generation Engineer, Mr. Augustus Ambrose.

Mr. Ambrose will meet with energy leaders and experts, representing fifteen utilities, to share experiences and exchange views on issues such as smart grid development, grid stability and renewable energy penetration rates.

The conference sessions will focus on a number of key topics including island interconnection, project

financing, energy storage and grid integration. The conference will also address issues such as optimal energy mix for the region, best and most sustainable energy policies for the region, business models that will ensure energy security to fuel development and financing avenues for Small Island Developing States.

VINLEC anticipates that the information presented at the Renewable Energy Conference will be beneficial to the Company as VINLEC currently utilises renewable energy in its generation mix.

Approximately 18-20% of energy produced annually is done at the Hydro Stations.

The official Opening Ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, September 11th and will have as keynote speaker, President José María Figueres Olsen- former president of the Republic of Costa Rica. In 2012,

Augustus Ambrose, Senior Generation Engineer, VINLEC’s representative to the 2016 CARILEC Renewable Energy Conference and Tradeshow. he was appointed by Sir Richard Branson as President of the Carbon War Room. President Figueres has received numerous international awards for his work in Sustainable Development including the first recipient of the Global Prize from the World Bank’s Global Environmental Fund for leadership and efforts for the environment.

The Conference will be hosted by CARILEC in collaboration with the St. Kitts Electricity Company (SKELEC) under the theme “RE Ready…Are we REady?”

It will take place at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino.

Digicel welcomes new Country Manager AS OF MONDAY 5TH September, the operations of Digicel St. Vincent rested in the hands of a new Country Manager — British national John Davies.

Davies takes over the overall responsibility for Digicel’s St. Vincent operations from John Gidharry, who served for two years.

A release for Digicel describes Davies as having over twenty-eight (28) years experience in telecoms. He is said to have joined Digicel in January 2015 when he assumed the position of Head of Sales and Services at Digicel Caymans.

The British national is expected to impact significantly on the

commercial operations of Digicel here, given his vast experience in retail, retention and marketing, the Digicel release said.

Davies, for his part, said he was looking forward to a great John Gidharry (right) time in SVG, and committed to ensuring hands over to Digicel SVG the continued growth new Country Manager John Davies. and development of Digicel SVG. farewell, Gidharry said The new country he will forever remember manager lauded his the warmth and predecessor John hospitable nature of all Gidharry for a job well the people he met and done, including setting interacted with while the business on a very here. He commended sound footing, and the local Digicel team for ensuring that key their support over the relationships were past two years, and established and urged them to extend the maintained. same courtesies and In bidding the Digicel support to the new St. Vincent team country manager.

V Ollivierre looking ahead

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. 23.

THE COUNTRY’S national football team Vincy Heat suffered a 6-0 trashing at the hands of the United States in its World Cup Qualifier last Friday, at the Arnos Vale stadium, but Technical Director of the Vincy Heat team Keith Ollivierre said that even in defeat, he is optimistic going forward.

In terms of the way forward, the Vincy Heat Technical Director said he is planning to develop the team’s strengths and to correct its weaknesses. “We are going to focus on a core of players …. so that they can execute plans and correct some of the mistakes that we have been making for the past year and a half,” Ollivierre explained.

He emphasized that going

forward, “plenty emphasis will be placed on players 23 and under, while the overseas players will be drafted in during competitive tournaments.”

As for last Friday’s game, the Technical Director said that fitness of the team was not an issue. “We spent time doing a lot of physical training,and we were of the opinion that the guys who were coming in would be of a certain level (of fitness) because they are playing competitive football.”

Ollivierre admitted, though, that the team started out as planned, but then shot themselves in the foot. “After a little mistake here and there, we dropped our heads but then after about 10 — 15

minutes we picked it up again,” he posited.

According to Ollivierre, consistency was needed in order to be a more competitive force. “The plan was to squeeze and then counter attack, but silly mistakes cost us, and we had to fight from behind and even chase the ball from time to time,” he further noted.

He was also of the opinion that his team should have been given two goals that were disallowed.

As to the criticism about him being both Technical Director and Coach of the team, Ollivierre explained that, while it may appear that he is doing both jobs, it is not really so. “I am spearheading the team. It is

not the Technical Director who coaches the national team. It is a group of us coaching ….. . We do the plans, we look at videos, then the group executes accordingly.”

Ollivierre expressed confidence in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation and its development programme for football here.

“So, I would like to say to them (the public), just give us your support and have confidence that the process would work, but it just needs time.”

Vincy Heat went under to Guatemala 9 — 3 in their final match of this stage of Qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. (KH)

Keith Ollivierre, technical Director of SVG’s national football team, will now focus on building for the future.

SOSVG launches Kick It programme Right: Sports Director of SOSVGTerrance Davis receives cheque from representative of the Mustique Charitable Trust – Lavina Gunn.

Director of Special Olympics SVGSezevra Joseph is at left and player Nichol Delpesche at right.

John Hinds (left) conducting a session last Wednesday at the Victoria Park.

THANKS TO THE overcome challenges, and this project does all of Mustique Charitable that”.

Trust, Special Following the formalities of the ceremony, Olympics SVG cheque, representative of the Mustique Charitable members of the System Three Sports Academy (SOSVG) is able to get its Unified Football Trust — Lavina Gunn noted, “The purpose of the engaged the Special Olympians in a unified training Programme going.

Mustique Charitable Trust is to help people and session, under the guidance of local Special The Trust, on 31st August, handed over EC $ young people in vulnerable communities in St Olympics facilitator John Hinds, on the grounds of 60,000 to the Special Olympics SVG at a ceremony Vincent and the Grenadines, improve life and the Victoria Park. held at the Carnival Development Corporation’s Office, Victoria Park.

Over the next year, through a programme known as “Kick It”, Special Olympics SVG aims to unify persons with and without disabilities to play the sport of football as one team.

In explaining the THE FAMILIES OF programme, National Keith ‘Slick’ BonadieDirector for Special Clarke, Tyrone ‘Tweety’ Olympics, Sezevra Joseph, Spence and Fred identified the areas to be ‘Garrincha’ targeted as Kingstown, Trimmingham, three (3) Mesopotamia, Biabou, of this country’s fallen Georgetown, Barrouallie, Soccer Icons and Chateaubelair, Bequia and ‘Treasures of the Nation’, now have items that can Canouan. prompt their reflection on “We are looking for and preserve the rich coaches in these areas to memories of their loved help us with the Committee. The presentation took place at the NIS building on ones. programme. As you are Tuesday 6th September, 2016.

Respective family members received plaques in honour of their aware, Special Olympics is In addition to the plaques, medals to honour the three Icons loved ones, compliments the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and basically voluntary,” were awarded to the three top teams in the recently Invitational Culture; the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation; Joseph said.

Masters’ Competition, which was held this year, in honour of the the National Sports Council, and the Over-35 Masters (Football) In handing over the three referred Icons.

Soccer icons recognised

V

24. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Vincy Masters take double football titles

Youngsters FC got $500.

In awards handing out for outstanding performance in the Diamond Competition, Delroy Peters Glory in Diamond of South Rivers took the best goal keeper award; his team mate Derron In a one-sided affair in front a large Rouse was named best defender; crowd at the Diamonds Village Playing Youngsters FC’s Chavel Cunningham Field on Sunday, the younger version took the best midfielder accolade; and of Vincy Masters blanked SV United 5 the top goal scorer was Juma Gilkes of — 0 in the Diamonds Village Computec Vincy Masters. Gilkes Competition. netted 10 goals.

Shemmol Trimmingham, Juma Gilkes, Demeris Daniel, Troy Browne and Deomaji Samuel netted for Vincy Masters in their big win.

Vincy Masters gained $2000 for the win, while SV United got $1000 and third place — Vincy Masters - Masters Invitational champions Bonadie-Clarke and Fred ‘Garincha’” Trimmingham. The three passed away recently.

Computec Vincy Masters - Diamonds Village football champions.

COMPUTEC VINCY MASTERS copped two titles in two days, winning the Invitational Masters’ Competition on Saturday, and then retaining the Diamonds Village League on Sunday.

On Saturday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, Vincy Masters defeated General Hardware/Moulton Mayers Murray’s Village 2-0 in the final of the invitational competition. A goal each from Kevin Orsie and Dexter Walker did it for Vincy Masters.

Before meeting Murray’s Village in the final, Vincy Masters beat Sion Hill 3-1, while Murray’s Village overcame RSVG Police 3-0 in the semi-finals.

In the third place off, Sion Hill got the better of RSVG Police 4-3 in kicks from the penalty spot, after both teams

had played to a nil-nil draw.

Vincy Masters received $1500, Murray’s Village $1000 and Sion Hill $500, in addition to gold, silver and bronze medals accordingly.

Vincy Masters also had the joy and satisfaction of having their players Wesley ‘Butu’ Charles and Marlon ‘Thirsty’ James claiming the MVP and Top Goal Scorer awards of the Competition.

NINE SENIOR female St The Masters Vincent and the Grenadines Competition was held volleyballers will battle this in recognition of past weekend at the YMCA indoor facility in St. John’s, Antigua, national footballers for a spot in the next round of Tyrone ‘Tweety’ Spence, Keith ‘Slick’ the World Championships

Female volleyballers in World qualifiers

Qualifiers.

Making up the team are Alicia Glasgow, Nikita Campbell, Crystal Ralph, Britney Williams, Shaquille Branker, Shannique De Shong, Bownie Allicott, Preanka Williams and Junette Young.

But while Bailey and Wilkinson none of the Female volleyballers at practice last were at the top of the players are new Tuesday at the Girls’ High School hard podium when the Union to national court. held another of its road representation, races last Sunday, staged it will be the first outing for between Argyle and Cluevann Cumberbatch, who Bridgetown, Biabou. has been appointed coach of Cycling six laps of the the team. course, Bailey clocked 2 Despite being thrown into hours 26 minutes 59 the deep end, Cumberbatch seconds to finish ahead of believes that within the team, Enroy Lewis in a time of there is enough “talent and hours 32 minutes 59 experience,” to come out on seconds. top.

Wilkinson topped again “I think we can win; that is the masters category. Doing what we are going there for,” five laps of the course, Cumberbatch said last Wilkinson won in 2 hours Tuesday during a practice Randy Wilkinson 09 minutes 54 seconds. session at the Girls High New Senior SVG female Steve Ollivierre was the School hard court.

ZEFAL BAILEY and Randy volleyball coach- Cluevann other competitor in the For St Vincent and the Wilkinson have positioned Cumberbatch. masters bracket.

His time Grenadines to advance, they themselves to be crowned was 2 hours 23 minutes 50 have to displace both 2016 senior and master Association (ECVA) zone of the seconds.

Grenada and Antigua and cyclist of the year, qualifiers.

Sunday’s event was cut Barbuda, as only one team respectively.

St Vincent and the short for the elite cyclists will get the ticket to the They lead their respective Grenadines senior men’s team owing to a well attended second round. packs as the St Vincent and made it through their phase This is so after the the Grenadines Cycling Union funeral which was held in after placing second to St Kitts Biabou, and which affected withdrawal of Montserrat moves closer to announcing and Nevis in the qualifiers the flow of traffic. from Group B of the Eastern held last month in Grenada. this year’s top riders.

Caribbean Volleyball

Bailey, Wilkinson looking towards 2016 honours

Zefal Bailey.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. 25.

Sports

It’s over THAT’S AS FAR as Road to Russia campaign goes. It was finished some time before, when our elimination was obvious. We faltered dismally through no fault of the players. They always tried their heart out, more so in the final encounter against a desperate Guatemalan outfit. The Central American excursion is never an easy undertaking, but the Vincentians adapted themselves adequately to that encounter.

In the first place, there was untold horrors even with a reduced squad getting to Guatemala.

They hardly had time to acclimatise, with the squad fully assembled about 24 hours prior to kick off.

Guatemala would have been hoping that Trinidad and Tobago with whom they had been in a showdown four days before, to take care of the USA and create an opening for them.

The script changed early in the game with Oalex Anderson notching up his second goal till then, to stun the home supporters into anxiety.

But no small islanders could dampen a Central American stadium.

The Anderson conversion was just enough to spur the Guatemalans into action. They responded in prompt fashion, so much so that by as by the half hour mark, when Anderson secured his second strike, the score read 3:2.

That added further flutters to the Guatemalans, and one could have seen the intensity they built up. And the Guatemalans players took matters into their own hands.

Anderson, and indeed a number of Vincentian players were subject to severe physical impositions by the home team. And they asserted their weight without compunction and without fear of being reprimanded by the referee.

At the same time, the Guatemalans having gotten wind of the proceeding in the USA were angry that their chance had been disappearing.

Anderson’s second goal was greeted in frigid passion by the Spanish commentators, renowned for their overwhelming outburst of energy once their favourite team converted.

The crowd was thrown into further shock, but they could not be outdone. If you think Vincentians are boisterous, one can imagine the extent to the veil of hypocrisy that hides behind the facade that passes for a friendly welcome that seemed to have been our lot.

The commentators’ voice returned to full throttle when Guatemala scored their fourth goal. The officiating was questionable. Carlos Ruiz entrenched himself as a prolific striker with his five goals which placed him among record holders.

But the referee’s leniency contributed to his and the team’s dominance. The Vincentians displayed a depth of character, and as if inspired by the return of their original motivator Cornelius Huggins, the squad unleashed a pattern of energy and determination which even though the score read 9:2 with one minute of normal time remaining, found the nets to polish the result.

9:3 may sound more as if it were a netball match, or perhaps the first quarter of a basketball encounter. That may have been the most goals a Vincentian ensemble have mustered in Central America.

That will be reason to lift our morale. The campaign may not have gone the way we would have envisaged. The onus is on the Federation to ensure they put measures in place to improve our showing in all appearances on the field.

Ballantyne, McDowall to represent SVG

Pamenos Ballantyne – still a top long distance runner.

TWO OF THIS COUNTRY’S leading middle and long distance runners, male runner Pamenos Ballantyne and female runner Linda Mc Dowall, have been selected by Team Athletics St. Vincent and the Grenadines (TASVG), to represent this country in two regional road races.

The two are registered to compete in 17th Annual Venture Credit Union 5K in Trinidad on September 18, and the NACAC/CACAC Petit Bourg 10K in Guadeloupe, slated for October 15.

Ballantyne, who will also serve as coach at the

two outings, said that his preparations are going good, and even though he hasn’t, of late, competed in as many races as he would have liked to, he is still confident he will do well.

The top runner, who is now coach of Mc Dowall, assured that she is working hard … and is in great shape.

“Linda is in good shape, and after running her personal best in Guyana, she stands a good chance of winning these races,” he said.

The Guyana outing to which Ballantyme referred was the CARICOM 10K success

Chatoyer 10K date set

THIS YEAR’S NACAC Chatoyer International Endurance 10K Road Race, dubbed ‘The world’s most challenging 10K’, is scheduled for Sunday 20th November, beginning at 3:00pm.

The race takes runners through one of the more challenging routes on the North Leeward side of mainland St. Vincent, with a start at Gordon Yard and a finish at the Chateaubelair Playing Field.

Team Athletics St. Vincent and the Grenadines (TASVG), organisers of the race, said in a release made earlier this week, that the race will be run in two categories — International and Local — and will be open to both male and females 16 years old and over, in each category.

Prize money to the tune of US$1000.00, US$700.00 and US$500.00 will be awarded to the first, second and third places respectively for both the male and Tonya Nero of female in the International Category.

Trinidad and The Local Tobago, winner Category will (female) of the award EC$400.00, 2015 Chatoyer EC$200 and Endurance 10K. EC$150 for the first, second and third places in both male and female secondary school entrants; and EC$600.00, EC$300.00 and EC$200.00 to similar places for the open entrants, who must be 20 years old and over.

Registration for all categories will close at 5:00 p.m. on Friday 4 November 2016.

Kenyan Kenneth Rotich and Trinidadian Tonya Nero won the male and female categories of the international segment of the 2015 NACAC Chatoyer Endurance 10K. Left: Kenneth Rotich of Kenya, winner (male) of the 2015 Chatoyer Endurance 10k.

Linda McDowall is currently the top female SVG middle and long distance runner in SVG. which she won on July 3, 2016.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Upsetters living it UPSETTERS CRICKET TEAM, based in Chateaubelair, lived up to their name with a 21-run win over North Stars in the Vinlec North Leeward T/20 Cricket Championship last Sunday. Upsetters reached 232 for 5 from 20 overs, powered by Cklon McKie 63 and McLean Browne 46. They shared an 86run opening stand.

Kennard Forbes 2 for 37 had the best figures for North Stars. They in turn racked up 211 for 7 when the overs ran out. Rellan McKie 64 supported by Kennard Forbes 30 and Elron Lewis 29 were among the runs for North Stars.

Maxwell Edwards 3 for 40 helped to restrict North Stars.

Sunday’s other game saw Big League, a Rose Bank based unit, securing victory over Ajuba of Spring. Ajuba scored 45 for 4 from 9 overs in a game reduced to ten overs owing to late start.

Ajuba failed to bowl their overs when asked by the umpires, and Big League were declared winners.

Saturday’s game ended in a win for defending champions Circumstance.

They were dismissed for 148 from 19.4 overs. Kesroy Debique 47, and 24 each from Hank Hall and Raymond Matthews contributed to the total.

Henry Harry 3 for 18, Nigel Small 2 for 22 and Simon Jack 2 for 24 were the wicket takers for Rose Bank.

Rose Bank were 46 for 4 off eight overs when rain intervened. Hank Hall 3 for 7 caused problems for Rose Bank.

They have to make 60 to win.

North Stars play Robertson Surveying Future Legends in tomorrow’s first game, followed by a House of Graphic Summerset/Ajuba fixture.

Sunday’s schedule sees Sharpes United against Coulls Hill Rangers, followed by Peto Stars versus Carlos James Troumaca Starlight. (WKA)

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26. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports/Classifieds

Williams living his dream KESWICK WILLIAMS is the latest Vincentian cricketer to become part of the West Indies set up, following his selection to the West Indies A team to tour Sri Lanka later next month.

Williams, a right arm fast bowler, has been selected to represent the regional side in the limited overs segment of the tour, and will join his fellow Vincentian, left arm fast bowler Delorn Johnson, who has been selected for the four-day and one day formats.

The players will join their counterparts in Barbados this coming weekend for a fitness test, which will be followed by a camp, before heading off to Sri Lanka.

Speaking to THE VINCENTIAN upon receiving the call-up, Williams recalled the moment. “I was at work, when I got the call. I felt like a weight had just been lifted off my shoulders. …. It was both a relief and a pleasure to know I am going to wear the maroon colour I always wanted to wear ever since I decided to

play cricket.”

He views his selection as a boost to his cricket and a wakeup call to young cricketers to work hard if they want to achieve more.

And as he looks to build on this opportunity, Williams said, he is looking to becoming a a rounded player. “I am not going to limit myself to just limited overs cricket; I will continue to work Keswick Williams - West hard towards Indies A fast bowler establishing myself in the longer version once As far as playing in Sri I can stay fit,” Williams Lanka is concerned, noted.

Williams said, “I will be Even as he looks back looking to bowl fast even on the challenges he has in Sri Lanka, but with the had to face, Williams believes there is still more different surfaces, I believe variation will be to achieve. an asset as it worked for “I started this journey me in the CPL. I will with lots of ups and back myself while using downs, and it is really good to see my hard work the same energy I put out in the CPL.” paying off. I am really THE VINCENTIAN happy and grateful for congratulates Keswick this opportunity. I am Williams on his just going to go out there achievement, and wishes and work hard and try to him all the best as he get on the senior team in the near future,” Williams pursues his dream. added.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 09, 2016. 27.

Classifieds

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S A L E

FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 09, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.36

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ÂSVG NOT WELL SERVED BY LIAT,Ê PM

Minister’s Office, Dr. Gonsalves had expressed the concern in a letter of response to then Chief Executive Officer of LIAT David Evans, who, in a letter dated February 17, 2016, had requested ‘a further advance of XCD$810,000 by St. Vincent and the Grenadines’.

The continuing shoddy treatment handed out to this country as a result of LIAT’s schedule, was PS Godfred Pompey again raised by Dr. has articulated, as he Gonsalves as recent as should, real instances Friday 2nd September of LIAT’s deplorable 2016, in a conversation service to citizens and with top LIAT officials, residents of this the release indicated. country.

Following up on the expressed concerns of the PRIME MINISTER DR. Prime Minister, RALPH GONSALVES is on Permanent Secretary in record as having lamented the Ministry of National as early as February this Security Mr Godfred year, that St. Vincent and Pompey dispatched a the Grenadines, one of the letter to LIAT’s legal major shareholder of the Counsel, Ms Diane regional airline LIAT, was Sutherland, in which he not well served by the reiterated the Prime schedule of that regional Minister’s concern, and airline. cited definite instances of According to a release shoddy treatment by from the Prime LIAT.

One of those instances is claimed to be a LIAT’s decision to return a flight to the E. T. Joshua airport, when that flight had emanated from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

That flight should have taken the SVG national football team to Trinidad from where they were expected to connect with COPA airlines for their onwards flight to Guatemala, where they were scheduled to fulfil their World Cup 2018 Qualifying obligations.

That initial interruption resulted in the team arriving in Guatemala a little more than 24 hours before the start of their match against that country.

According to the release, Pompey alluded to LIAT’s service to this country showing sign of deterioration since June of this year. He described this country, a major shareholder in LIAT, as “receiving the crumbs in terms of

service.”

Pompey also referenced to what appeared to the “pleasure” which LIAT officials have taken in “shifting the blame of LIAT’s poor service to his ministry and the management of E. T. Joshua airport.”

In fact, THE VINCENTIAN has irrefutable evidence that a recent evening LIAT flight scheduled to take passengers from Trinidad to St, Vincent and the Grenadines, was cancelled because, according to LIAT in Trinidad, ‘St. Vincent had cancelled the flight’.

Pompey also raised the issue of LIAT’s inconsistency, as making demands to keep the airport here open at times beyond 2:00am.

Persons who live in the vicinity of the airport attest to hearing flights arriving and leaving E. T. Joshua airport in the wee hours of the morning.

The Permanent

Secretary minced no words in his communication to LIAT’s Legal Counsel, stating unambiguously that “LIAT’s management, including Operations, is taking St. Vincent and the Grenadines for granted.”

Towards an amicable resolution to the more than disadvantaged position in which LIAT has placed this country, PS Pompey has requested an urgent meeting with LIAT’s management in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Editor’s Note: Given that this country has for decades received the ‘sticky end’ of LIAT’s schedule, and that its citizens have had to endure unnecessary inconveniences occasioned by LIAT officials’ seeming disdain for this country, it is encouraging to note the recent awakening of local government officials to this reality.

PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has intensified his demands for LIAT to improve its service to SVG.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, especially under the ULP administration, has been at the forefront of efforts to ‘keep LIAT in the skies’. In fact, we have invested in the airline at the expense of attending to other vital services to our people.

We deserve… No, we demand better! (HH/CN)

Vincentians remain dependent on LIAT as the only scheduled air carrier service to the rest of the region.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.