THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 09-10-20

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09,

2020

VOLUME 114, No.41

Health situation under control Page 3

www.thevincentian.com

TVET goes inclusive Page 7

Louis BoucherReferee Page 15

EC$1.50

Footballers’ fitness assessed Page 22

Rivers overflow Page 28

Vector Unit workers continue to use handheld fogging machines from pick-ups.

This is to be replaced by mounted truck foggers.

Right: BRAGSA has moved in since the outbreak, to clear the mouth of the North River at Rose Place.

The application of larvicides will hopefully control the breeding of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits the virus that causes Dengue Fever.

by DAYLE DA SILVA UP TO TUESDAY of this week, there were 655 recorded cases of Dengue Fever in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

This figure was confirmed

by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves while speaking on his regular Wednesday morning slot on state-owned NBC radio.

The figure is a marked increase since September 29

when the Ministry of Health confirmed that there were 514 confirmed laboratory cases.

To date, there have been five deaths attributed to Dengue.

A sixth person previously listed as having succumbed to the disease, is now listed as having died from other causes though that person did have dengue fever.

And though this has not been confirmed by the

Ministry of Health, citizens accepted that there is an even spread of cases of the fever between men and women, as purported by the Prime Minister.

The majority of cases, 64.58%, continues to be centred in the Kingstown, Pembroke and Calliaqua Health Districts, with Calliaqua, as alluded to by the Prime Minister, accounting for the most recent

marked increase.

A Ministry of health release noted that the majority of persons affected, 69.47%, is in the 25 and under age group, with 52.98% being in the 0-15 year age group.

The Prime Minister assured an increased number of doctors, nurses and beds have been assigned to deal with the surge and the expected increased demands on the health care system.

But even as the Prime Minister was keeping the nation informed on Wednesday, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment had officially rolled out, at a press briefing on October 2, what it described as a comprehensive Dengue Response Project, for which Cabinet had approved a sum of EC1.6 million.

Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020. 3.

News 3 Health situation under control?

EVEN WITH THE HIGH INCIDENCE of Dengue Fever cases here, there has been no need, to date, to make use of the Isolation Centre at Argyle to ward severe cases of the disease.

So said Minister of Health Luke Browne during a press briefing on October 2.

The facility, which can accommodate up to 25 persons, was constructed this year at a cost of EC$1.55 million, to deal primarily with persons infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19).

To date, there has been not been any severe case of Covid-9 recorded here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the facility considered as an additional location at which Dengue Fever patients could be warded and treated.

According to Browne, reports he has received indicate that three quarters of all admissions at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital

Minister of Health Luke Browne (inset) confirmed that nop need has arisen to date for use of the Isolation Centre at Argyle (left).

(MCMH) were related to Dengue, and the health officials had already increased the number of beds at that institution.

The health minister further contended that the Ministry’s response to the latest outbreak of Dengue ought not to be characterized as reactionary.

“The truth is that we have been doing work for some time; we have been doing work since July,” he said.

Browne explained that health officials have been using the experience from previous outbreaks of Dengue Fever and other related diseases such as Chikungunya, to

get a sense of the preliminary steps that needed to be taken.

“And we took those preliminary steps,” he said.

Browne said that health officials now had a clearer sense of what was needed as they were living through the experience.

having had the experience of the actual outbreak going on, we have been taking steps to escalate our response.”

“This is not a case where we have not been “We are rolling out our doing anything and we response in tandem with have not been proactive the best guidance that is in our response at all,” available. So, while at Browne said. (DD) this juncture, while

Dengue Fever cases climbing: MOH responding

Early warning…no budget cut

Continued from Front Page.

outbreak in 2020.

“The scientists in the Ministry of Health didn’t have to wait on CARPHA to know that we will be up with an attack of Dengue. Our last outbreak was in 2012… these things happen generally in cycles.

So what CARPHA told them in 2019 is something that the Ministry of health should have known already,” said Cummings.

“What is their response? We reduced the allocation for the department that deals with the vector borne diseases,” said the MP. However, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, while not Daniel Cummings evoked a addressing the issue of a ‘distant response to one of two concerns early warning’, debunked he raised.

Cummings claim that there was a reduction in the allocation to the SPEAKING AT A NEW Vector Control Unit.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) Speaking on the ‘Issue at Hand’ press conference on Wednesday interactive programme on WEFM 30th September, Parliamentary last Sunday, PM Gonsalves said Representative for West that his government had budgeted Kingstown and the NDP’s Shadow EC$5.2 million for Environmental Minister for Health Daniel Management and Protection Cummings, said that the Unity Services under which the Vector Labour Party government had Control Unit falls, in 2020. had early indication from the He said further that in 2019 Caribbean Public Health Agency the government budgeted (CARPHA) that there could EC$5.173 million and in 2018, possibly be a Dengue Fever

Some EC$1 million of that was dedicated to an Integrated Vector Control component, slated to run from October 2020 to January 2021.

Speaking at the press briefing, Health Minister Luke Browne explained that that component included the ramping up of fogging across the country, and surveillance at all major ports of entry.

This exercise would necessitate the procurement of additional fogging machines and related supplies, including a mounted truck fogger.

“Right now, they are using handheld fogging machines which are mounted on pickups,” Browne said.

The first component also covers the acquisition of vehicles to be deployed in the fields, and for the ministry to take on board additional temporary workers to operate the fogging machines.

Presently there were two teams of four workers each using two pick-ups.

According to Browne, it was anticipated that this number will increase to 24 fogging teams to be deployed over 12 districts.

In addition to the ramping up of fogging activities, there will be the application of larvicides.

“So, we are looking at the elimination of adult mosquitoes, but we also have to do something about the breeding of mosquitoes,” the Health Minister said.

This will, therefore, include the cleaning of rivers, streams and drains, an exercise which BRAGSA has already begun in the Kingstown and Calliaquq districts, the Minister said.

The other component of the project relates to risk communication and health promotion, to wit, the production and distribution of health education materials on Dengue Fever and mosquito breeding sites.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was unfaltering in refuting Cummings’ claim of a cut in allocation to the Vector Control Unit.

EC$5.7 million was budgeted, however, he explained that he had to sign a Special Warrant for an increase that year.

“The bulk of this money was not to the Insect/Vector Control Programme” the PM admitted. “It was to sanitation…. $640,000 which was spent on eighty-three workers … 13 weeks by $50,000 a week,” he added. (KH)

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4. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Quarantine violators penalized from September 12 to September 17, but she left the approved facility on MARIA JAMES, a 54-year-old female of September 16.

Evesham, was the latest person, up to Dr. Duncan reported the matter to press time Wednesday, to be penalized the Calliaqua Police Station and the for breaching the quarantine protocols defendant was subsequently taken into put in place for the COVID-19 pandemic. custody. She admitted to the offence James was fined $1,000 forthwith or when cautioned and interviewed.

14 days in prison for contravening an When asked if she had anything to order made by Health Officer, Dr. say, James, who was unrepresented, Roger Duncan, requiring her to told the Court that after she did the quarantine herself from others. final test, a lady at the facility told her The charge was laid under Section she could leave early the next day, but 27, Subsection Y, Chapter 300 of the according to James the persons who Public Health Act. James paid the were to collect her could not have fine. made it on September 17, so she left The woman had pleaded guilty the night before. when she appeared before Senior “I am just asking for a little mercy Magistrate Rickie Burnett at the because I really love St. Vincent,” she Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on pleaded.

Wednesday.

But Dr. Duncan who was asked by In presenting the facts, Court Clerk, the Court to show up, as his assistance Corporal David Wright told the Court may be required, explained that the that on September 12, 2020, James, a Health Authorities, including himself, Vincentian national residing in the had told James that she was not to United States, arrived here on an leave until the following day.

American Airline flight around 1:30 James told the Court she did not p.m. on September 12. socialize with anyone while she was at In keeping with this country’s the approved facility, but some persons COVID-19 protocols, James was there were drinking and interacting. required to quarantine for five days in But the Senior Magistrate told her an approved facility, and a further that was an issue for the Health nine days at her home. authorities.

As per the five days, James was James said she had returned to her supposed to be quarantine at the homeland for a family get together, in Butter Cup Cottage at Arnos Vale memory of her brother who died in Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

October last Tedecia year.

Williams Burnett said should that based on consider the amendment herself lucky that was with her 3recently made month in parliament, a suspended person could be sentence. fined and confined for this offence, but he opted not to fine and confine James.

A person could be fined up to $2,000 and confined for six months for each day he breaks the quarantine.

While James was sitting in the Court room after the penalty was handed down, she shouted to this reporter, “Don’t put me name in the paper, me ain’t thief nothing”.

More violators The penalty handed to James came on the heels of two other penalties handed down at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court last week, on persons breaching the quarantine protocols.

Tedecia Williams of Layou, who committed the offence on September 19, was sentenced to three months imprisonment, but that sentence was suspended for one year. She had

arrived here Ivan Burgin had from Tortola. no problem Ivan Burgin, a paying his fine. resident of Fountain, who is also a citizen of the United States, was fined $500 forthwith or 14 days in prison. He paid the fine.

Burgin had committed the offence on September 13.

Burgin and Williams had also pleaded guilty to the charges.

However, Jamal Martin of Fairbane Pasture, who had also appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court last week, pleaded not guilty to a similar offence allegedly committed between August 29 and September 11, and was granted $2,000 bail with one surety.

He returns to Court on October 16.

Sentencing could be difficult at times SENTENCING in some theft cases could be difficult at times.

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett made the admission at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday before sentencing Randy Marshall of Sion Hill, for the theft of $31.60.

Marshall, who pleaded guilty, had brought to Court the money to Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett mused over the difficulties involved in arriving at sentences for matters of theft.

compensate the virtual complainant, Muriel Cox of Queen’s Drive.

But the Senior Magistrate expressed the view that though the Court orders compensation from time to time for victims of theft, he did not think it was right for persons to steal from others, and walk away from the Court with just having to pay back the money.

“I dislike the idea of stealing and the Court tells you to pay back the

money. That is the wrong message to send to the public at large. …

I have done it (order compensation), but it is not the right message.

He (defendant) is there, and he is armed with the amount of money he stole from her,” the Senior Magistrate reflected.

“So you go into somebody’s place, steal their money, and when you come to Court, the Court ask you to pay back the money. That is not right,” he reiterated emphatically.

But Burnett acknowledged that there was another side to the issue. He pointed out that the virtual complainant may want compensation, for the loss suffered.

But, he reasoned, if the defendant was sent to prison he may not be in a position to pay the compensation.

Burnett ordered that Marshall compensate the woman in the sum of $31.56 forthwith or one month in prison.

Marshall was also bonded for one year in the sum of $1,500 with an alternative of six months in prison.

Journalists take notes to ensure they tell an accurate story.

Journalists here to do their jobs THE JOURNALISTS are here to do their jobs.

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett issued this reminder at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, just after sentencing Randy Marshall of Sion Hill for theft.

Marshall was bonded and ordered to pay compensation after pleading guilty to the theft of $31.60.

However, before Marshall left the dock, the Senior Magistrate told him, “The journalists are here to do their job, and when they publish this, it does not stay in the Court room. The whole world is going to read about it.”

Burnett has repeatedly stressed the important role that journalists play, and he has also warned defendants on several occasions that when they break the law and are taken to Court, the story could be read worldwide.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020. 5.

Diasora

Thomas Ezekiel Barbour passes at 93 “During these final years, he remained a great source of laughter and happiness to us all,” added Hills, an evangelist at the Abundant Life Christian Church, on Church Avenue in Brooklyn, owned by Vincentian Pastor Alwyn Craigg, an erstwhile Methodist local preacher, elementary school teacher, and police officer in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.

“He would often tell stories of the earlier days of his romance with ‘Mamalyn’ and their lives on the estates,” continued Hills, referring to the Land Settlement Estate in Richmond Vale and Belle Isle Estate — both in North Leeward — where Barbour worked, first as a laborer and, subsequently, as a foreman.

Barbour’s widow, Emmeline, née Nash, 100, affectionately called “Mamalyn”, also worked on both estates.

Thomas Ezekiel Barbour, (1927 – 2020) “He was a hard worker and really loved

by NELSON A. KING his job,” Hills said. “He had very fond naking@verizon.net memories of his days working at the US CORRESPONDENT estates and often reminisced about the good times he had.

THOMAS EZEKIEL BARBOUR, the “Even when his memories began to grandfather of a prominent Vincentian fail, his memories of times spent at the community activist and lawyer in New estates remained and would always York, died on Sept. 24, in Jamaica, bring a smile to his face,” she added.

Queens. He was 93.

Hills said Barbour was known as “a Curlina Hills — formerly Edwards, very good fighter (boxer) due to his secretary of the Brooklyn, New Yorkimmense physical strength, and he based Chateaubelair Development loved watching wrestling, boxing and Organization (CDO) and financial trustee of the Brooklyn-based Council cricket.

“He often bragged about how he of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, U.S.A. Inc. (COSAGO), competed in many fighting contests in many parts of St. Vincent and the the umbrella Vincentian group in the Grenadines, and won,” she added, United States — told THE VINCENTIAN over the weekend that stating that his boxing skills earned him the nickname “Big Sam”. her beloved grandfather was afflicted In addition, Hills said her with Alzheimer’s disease in recent grandfather was “a good sportsman”, years, which “took a toll on him.” and loved playing dominos and card She said Barbour, who was games competitively. affectionately called “Tampoo,” was She said Barbour loved spending born in the town of Barrouallie in time “hanging out with his friends, Central Leeward but lived most of his playing dominos and card games at his adult life in Spring Village in North favorite hangout spot”, Clive’s Shop in Leeward.

Charles Village, Spring Village.

He migrated to New York in 2006 “Because of his infectious and “lived out the rest of his days with personality, some of his best his wife and family” in Jamaica, Queens, said Hills — also legal advisor friendships were formed at Clive’s Shop,” Hills said. “On any given day, if of the Brooklyn-based Caribbean he was not at home, you could find American Cultural Committee Barbour ‘liming’ at Clive’s Shop, or, as (CACC), which organizes Caribbean he would say, ‘down by Narty’. pageants in New York, headed by “He sang many songs for us, many Paul’s Avenue native Yvonne Peters — of which revolved around the love he about her grandfather.

had for his wife and his children,” she added. “Even, in recent years, when his battle with Alzheimer’s took a toll on him, he never forgot his dear wife and the times they spent together.

“He was always creating catchy tunes to classic calypso rhythms, and many of his songs were of his personal life experiences,” Hills continued. “His grandchildren were captivated sitting around him, listening to his stories.

Often, he engaged his grandchildren in dancing competitions, paying the winner a quarter.”

Hills said that her granddad was born on Feb. 14, 1927, to Clara and James Barbour, in “Bottle and Glass”, Barrouallie, and was the youngest of 10 children.

She said Barbour was 17 when he moved to Spring Village, where he met Emmeline.

Together, they raised 10 children: Adina “Coolie” (who predeceased Barbour); Doreen “Mayo”; Alaska Edwards (Hills’ father, a former officer in the Royal St. Vincent and the

Grenadines Police Force); Owen, Alrick, Alton, Rita, Joseph, Jana, and adopted daughter Cecille “Del”.

Hills said Barbour also had three children with Elaine Stephen — Anoria, Aword and Railton — in a previous relationship.

“He loved all of his children tremendously,” she said. “He was an extremely good husband, father and provider. He always made sure there was food in the house and money on the table. He was very kind and loved to share with family, friends and neighbors.

“He leaves a very great legacy of love, strength and faithfulness,” Hills added. “His memory will live on in our hearts forever. May your amazing soul rest in eternal peace!”

Funeral service for Thomas Ezekiel Barbour was expected to take place on Thursday, Oct. 8, at Celestial/Hosten Funeral Services, 2200 Clarendon Rd., Brooklyn.

Interment takes place on Oct. 25 at St. Mark’s Cemetery in Spring Village.

V NYPD features SVG-born officer 6. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

People

THE NEW YORK Police Department (NYPD) has highlighted the work of a Vincentian female officer among its ranks.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines-born Police Officer Mandisha Hamilton, who migrated to the United States in 1996 when she was only 13 years-old, was recognized with a featured article that was shared on the NYPD’s social media platform on Thursday 1st.

Hamilton grew up with her two sisters in Brooklyn, and still lives in the borough to this day, with her dog, Missy.

The article noted that during her time in high school, she played a multitude of It’s all about business as Mandisha Hamilton takes her place in an sports, including tennis, Honour Guard. bowling, and even miniature “A friend of mine told me about a job opportunity golf, but her real passion was handball. with the NYPD as a traffic agent. I didn’t know In an interview for the NYPD article, Mandisha much about it, but decided to sign up. And they traced her entry and service today as a female cop called me, and here I am today. in New York.

“At first, I was out there, on my feet, looking for illegally parked cars,

Mandisha Hamilton moved up the ranks of the NYPD beginning her service as a traffic agent (cop) before becoming a full-fledged police officer.

but in five years, I became a tow-truck driver. It is a tough job that requires both mental and physical strength. I worked by the motto ‘Keep the traffic moving.’ But I really wanted to become a police officer, and I became one in 2013,” Hamilton said.

In the same year that she became a full-fledged police officer she was called upon to serve in an Honour Guard.

“I have worked at many different events, but still have vivid memories of my first job as a member of the Honor Guard. It was Medal Day at One Police Plaza,” said Hamilton.

An Honor Guard in the USA is usually military in nature, appointed to receive or guard a head of state or other dignitaries, the fallen in war, or to attend at state ceremonials, especially funerals.

“Being a pallbearer is very emotional. It’s humbling. Going to funerals is always heartbreaking. But I feel it’s important for us to be there, and many times, families of fallen officers will thank us. Sometimes, people say it’s good to see a female pallbearer. It is tremendously important to me,” said the officer on how much she treasures her role.

“When I walk parades, I feel proud Taking time out for small talk with and greeting — thousands of resident of the Big Apple is important to Mandisha. people are looking at us — we represent the entire Police Department. Whenever I have the chance, I interact with public — whether it’s just a small talk, or a handshake, or even a smile — it can all make a difference,” said Officer Hamilton on what it means to serve.

The Vincentian-born cop has been hailed as an outstanding officer who serves with distinction.

V TVET goes inclusive Education

THREE HEARING impaired students who are currently enrolled in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme were celebrated during International Week of the Deaf and International Day of Sign Languages, Wednesday 23rd, September.

The students are accommodated in the mainstream programme under the Youth and Adult Training for Employment (YATE) programme, funded by the World Bank under the Human Development and Service Delivery (HDSD) Project, and implemented by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Sustainable Development and Information Technology, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of National Mobilisation, Social Development, Family Services, Persons with Disabilities and Youth Speaking at the September 23 ceremony, Maureen Webb, Coordinator of YATE, explained that the programme focuses on three areas: building the capacity of teachers to effectively teach within the classroom; reviewing the regulation as it relates to social programs; improving the labour landscape.

As far as the last is concerned, the programme offers 1000 persons who did not complete secondary school, an opportunity to acquire skills in readiness to join the job market.

While the programme did not specify that disabled persons should be included, it did speak to youths at risks. It was in that light that disabled students were included, thereby making the progrramme an inclusive one, Webb said.

Kenroy Questelles, Director of the National Qualification Department in the Ministry of Education, told the gathering that “by doing this, we are fulfilling the TVEX policies in SVG to have inclusion within the programme.”

For him, having three hearing impaired students included in the mainstream was very commendable, and offered them an opportunity to learn and eventually gain employment.

Permanent Secretary in the

The three who can be considered the pioneers of the move to include hearing impaired students in a mainstream education programme.

Ministry of Mobilization Nerissa Gittens McMillan said that the programme fulfills Government’s obligation, having signed on to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 29th October, 2010, which called on us to accept that persons with disabilities should be treated just as anybody else in society. “… The more confident they (disabled) become, the better able they are to respond to any sort of situation in the society,” she said in reference to how their inclusion in the TVET progrramme could help.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Myccle Burke said, inter alia, “This programme is a demonstration that nothing is impossible, and you can accomplish the impossible if we are committed, if we are brave and if we are open… Education helps you to do so.”

Jessica Bess, YATE Instructor in the Commercial Food Preparation Course, said that the three hearing impaired students in her class “have been getting along well with the other students.”

“I want to ensure that the three special need students are successful.

My aim is that there will be no dropouts and all the students will complete the program and graduate and be able to get a job,” said the Yate instructor.

The special programme, which began on the September 7, runs for twelve weeks. (KH)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020. 7.

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8. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020. 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

There’s no escaping criticism CRITICISM COMES with the job; in fact, it comes with every job, politics included.

The issue in this crazy season of our quinquennial general elections, is the extent to which our politicians go in their criticism of others, and encourage their ‘followers’ to do likewise.

Are we not prone to applauding elected officials and those aspiring to become elected officials when they call their opponents uninformed on the issues, and personally mock them by misrepresenting their record or labeling them with unflattering adjectives?

And then the barrage of slips and slops set in as persons on whom aim is focused, fire back with little thought for the fact that critics are mere conduits whose purpose is to get a rise out of you, to provoke you into losing reason, and trap you into the same sordid mess.

Our politics has been founded, for the better part, on personal attacks against anybody and everybody who dare to disagree with us. Some of those attacks have been outrageous, referring to otherwise innocent bystanders as ‘dirty dogs’ and ‘ungrateful’.

We heap shame on President Donald Trump for indulging in this type of behavior on a daily basis, but fail to take the speck out of our own eye.

Why do you think there is a growing indifference to our politics? Because people are finding it difficult coming to grips with politics that is coloured by negative attacks and counterattacks.

Behavioural analysts, who work with top executive and persons in high political office, advise their clients to never personalize criticism, even when being personally attacked.

That is easier said than done, but there is no reason why we should not at least make a try.

To do so is to begin to carve a new sense to our politics which, rather that repelling young persons would attract then; would convince them that our

politics ought to be a debate of real life and real need issues.

This is not to say that our politics should sugar coat the wrongs we know are perpetuated by our elected officials and aspirants so to be.

When matters of immorality are left unattended, they become the normal that characterizes our politics.

To (begin) to criticize, to highlight this type of behavior would hopefully begin a new normal. But even this is no foregone conclusion for the question of immoral acts is likely to unearth responses of a similar nature, and the tit for tat goes merrily along its way.

So let’s see what obtains here in the face of criticism: Who among our politicians have remained calm, cool and collected in the face of criticism?

How many of our political leaders have been guilty of careless words that may haunt them for years?

How many of our leaders understand that criticism is part of the job description, politics included?

If our leaders accept the fact that a lot of the criticism is aimed at those in positions of authority, why do they react with frustration and bile?

How many of our politicians don’t get bitter in the face of criticism?

How many of them in (mis)responding, allow their critics to define who they are and derail what they are trying to accomplish?

How many before responding take some time to think through the criticism?

Since no one is above reproach, regardless of how gifted a person might think he/she is, how many of our leaders accept that the criticism will be directed at them?

How many of them accept that rising above the criticism and objectively analysing its truthfulness, earn the respect of those whose support they solicit?

Criticism? Die if you do, die if you don’t!

Yvonne Francis-Gibson proclaimed as a National Hero (First published Friday 10th August, 2018) ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO when it seemed almost certain that Yvonne had been breathing her last , I told myself that if she should depart before me who also has his boarding pass in hand, then I would surely recommend to the authorities that she be named a National Hero.

On the day that she was to be buried, at about 11am, I called Nice Radio’s New Times Program and published my sacred thoughts via Bert Francois, the announcer at the time. I was thrilled when I heard the same call made by the SVUT past President Oswald Robinson, to rapturous applause. I congratulate the seconder of my motion which had been made publicly about five hours before.

I have made the business of seeking national heroes an urgent cause of my own.

In March 2002, I sent the ULP Government through the Minister of Education and Culture, Mike Browne, a list of four persons who I thought merited the accolade of National Hero in addition to our proclaimed Hero, Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer. They were Captain Hugh Mulzac, George Mc Intosh, Ebenezer Joshua and I later added on further evidence and research, Parmenos Eustace.

I was under misapprehension that I stood alone pushing the claim of Hugh Mulzac, so I was most pleased to learn in August 2018 that the NYC had also plugged for Hugh Mulzac. My nose swelled with pride, recalling that I was among three persons who helped to form the NYC of which I had been official patron.

For sixteen years plus, the ULP has footdragged and pussy-footed over the decision of a formal declaration on naming a slate of National Heroes, as they have already danced around the mulberry bush over electoral commitments with regard to say, Cross Country Road, Integrity Legislation, limitation of two terms to any PM, accountability, national stadium, more specifically the Prime Minister has slept on the vexed question of national awards and symbols, taken back solemn pledge to reappoint dismissed teacher saying that his solemn word was not to be taken seriously, it was only “aspirational”.

The PM declared that it was under his leadership of the UPM that Yvonne cut her political teeth. Not true!!! Yvonne was indeed a member of the DFM which threw in its lot in the UPM, but the leadership

nominated by me and seconded by her was Renwick Rose.

It was true that Yvonne had taken part in all preliminary talks leading to the formation of the UPM. In fact, it could be said that the cradle of the movement was her house in Clare Valley, now owned by Nelcia Robinson.

I long ago suggested that the Resource Centre at Cane Hall be named in honour of Yvonne Francis. Government named it in honour of Doris Mc Kie, the mother of the current ULP representative. The people’s reaction to Yvonne’s death in face of difficulties with the next election in sight has forced them to make an offer of an appropriate institution recommended by Yvonne’s friends. The truth is that the time of kindly gestures is past. We want the whole hog now.

The just demand is that she join the galaxy of National Heroes which must be effected and publicised (by whichever Party) on National Heroes Day 2019. Time is running out.

This writer is aware of the pain it will cause the Government to so revere an ordinary Black woman whom they had dragged through the mud.

She had been publicly humiliated, jailed, thought of as the matron of “the house of infamy”. After she had left all political activity, the ULP pursued her by unceremoniously taking away the instruments and insignia of Justice of Peace! How low can one get!

The dam of pent-up feelings for the pain and hurt which Yvonne bore with stoic strength, and Christian fortitude, all broke at her funeral on the 27th July 2018. Her body will have ridden on this wave of cascading emotion to high heavens.

Yvonne has gone to join her deceased husband, Kelvile Gibson, General Secretary of the NDP, who was harried away by treats of libel hanging over his head like the sword of Damocles. May she rest in eternal peace. And may her son, Leroy, friends and acquaintances spare a moment, now and then, to reflect in the rays of hope that Yvonne left us.

I was devastated and needed a little time to settle my body and soul somewhat before daring to put in print my thoughts of a fallen comrade.

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lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020. 9.

Views

Open Letter Reimagining our to the economy Ministry of Alternative energy Education

I WOULD like to forward an appeal to the Ministry of Education to initiate an honorary gala, to host the students who have returned such stellar distinctions in the CAPE, CSEC and CPEA examinations, the likes of which continue to boggle the mind year after year.

We must acknowledge them. We must altogether rally around the products of our own education system and bask in the glow of some of the brightest beams ever birthed from the bowels of this nation, and speak into their collective ear the encouragement and passion, the praise and the patriotic pride with which they ought to be bestowed.

They are no lesser architects. For it is they, within whose hands the shape of this nation will be molded, for your progeny and mine, for our people and posterity. They have done us proud.

Let us embrace them. Let us do more than simply cite their names and accomplishments as a news item, or shout well-intentioned congratulations and thank you from behind closed doors. But let us heap praise and inspiration upon them, if only for one brilliant evening, that the lights in the celestial constellation above us may witness with awe the pride we take in our own.

Rodcliff Noel

AS I CONSIDER my return home, I found myself reviewing VINLEC alternative energy programme, and must say I find it acceptable but not imaginative. A noble objective to help those who can afford the investment, it seems designed to exclusively help offset the customer cost of electricity.

I would like to challenge the political parties to present a plan that would make alternative energy more affordable to the ordinary citizens. This can be coupled with a commitment to reduce our carbon footprint.

With about 80% of our energy coming from fossil fuels and our rivers flow on the decline, developing an alternative energy programme to cater to domestic consumption especially, is a critical part of our future success as a nation.

Reducing our dependence on foreign oil must be a critical part of

the development plans.

An effective alternative energy program will reduce our balance of trade deficit while maintaining our energy needs for the expansion of our economy.

What can we do to incentivize the production and installation of more solar and wind energy?

1. The government can provide low interest loans to residents willing to invest in alternative energy to make the program offered by VINLEC more attractive.

2. The amount of energy allowed to be produced by the individual consumer could be increased to say 150% of average annual consumption.

3. Incentivize private investment in larger scale production by providing guaranteed power purchase contracts to investors.

4. Reduce or eliminate VAT and other import taxes on the importation of alternative energy

WHAT THIS whole calamity with CXC tells me is that the CXC is one big selfish ‘institution’ — made up of the so-called crème de la crème of Caribbean brains in education, but downright selfish.

These brains sit in their luxury in Barbados and devise their own agenda which includes setting up a highpowered computer set-up to mark and grade exams.

The papers are no longer tabled-marked by teachers. These educators have sacrificed long hours to help refine the CXC’s products, but they have been for some time now, rubbished and discarded.

So, exam papers are very likely to get lost somewhere in cyberspace or simply be victims to some computer glitz.

This is not a fair deal at all for the parents

who struggle to ensure that their children satisfy all the requirements (fees and all) for CXC, and the teachers who put in the long hours to ensure that their students are prepared.

The thing is that the way things stand, we have to put up with CXC. We are not big like Jamaica and Trinidad who might, tomorrow, say goodbye to CXC because they can afford to.

We can’t afford to say goodbye, so we have to demand, we have to make sure that CXC is structured to give our students a fair deal and not along some selfish agenda to please the so called experts who, it might be, are still trying to prove to the colonialists that they can do better than the GCE.

Bad precedent, Mr. Luke Browne CXC selfish

ON SEPTEMBER 19th 2020, our Health Minister and the ULP candidate for East Kingstown, Senator Luke Browne, did something very disturbing, when opening his campaign office.

Senator Browne was reading from a document which he said was the public service record of Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble. If he is to be believed, this is Mr. Bramble’s confidential, employeremployee file as a public servant.

What this shows, after 19 years, is how desperate the ULP has become, and how low they will go in the upcoming election.

Because they have not delivered on their promises, they can’t run on their record.

Instead, they are casting spurious assertions around, from what right thinking people would know to be confidential files.

What is concerning is; Where does this stop?

The Senator is the current Health Minister.

Should we expect people’s medical files to be read out at his or the ULP’s next meeting?

As a Minister of Health, if no one else, he should understand the importance of privacy and confidentiality. Actions like that do not set the right example and precedent. What next, and whose files will the Minister of Health access next?

This act by Minister Browne undoubtedly shows he is unfit to be the people’s choice in East Kingstown at this election.

After 19 years, it is time to do politics differently. It is time for change.

Shaquille Lewis

Name withheld by request

equipment.

5. Eliminate the annual payout of unused credit to commercial business installation, but allow those businesses to donate those credits to needy residents (senior citizens) for income tax credits.

An Alternative Energy programme is also a great way to provide a significant amount of job for our young people.

Just a few ideas which I know are by no means a fully developed

programme but can be developed upon if we are truly concerned about doing something today, to address the effects of climate change tomorrow. Trying to raise the ceiling guys.

Horatio, USA

Grand Larceny PRAEDIAL LARCENY, robbery, theft, embezzlement, pilfering, shoplifting, white collar crime, blue collar crime, cheating, fraud and bribery seem to be on the increase.

The Post Office, Government Ministry, Educational Institution, the Bank, and farmers have all fallen victims to one or more of these crimes. The thieves are becoming ingenious in their methods of operation. Whatever the dishonest engagement, they are all unnerving because they are all abominations.

The recent robbery of school teachers by persons purporting to be BRAGSA workers appears to be the latest, but the Sea Moss thief has gained notoriety in Union Island where praedial larceny has now been extended from the land to the sea.

We know him as Fetan Hutchinson. He is a senior citizen, wheel chair bound, yet he makes time to wheel his way 2 miles to the sea, to plant sea moss. It is unconscionable that able-bodied young scamps are stealing his sea moss even before they mature. Other sea moss farmers have complained about praedial larceny also.

Since Mrs. Ann Harvey and the 4H Club introduced sea moss cultivation to Union Island many years ago, a recent spike in price due to the Covid-19 pandemic has created increased demand for the product. It is believed that sea moss helps with the prevention and treatment of the Covid-19 virus. One thing for certain is that its nutritional content may boost the immune system. This is why many enterprising individuals have taken to growing the crop.

Growing Sea Moss is labour intensive. Vegetative propagation is practised. The farmer anchors a network of rope just below the surface of the sea, unto which many pieces of strings are attached.

Small pieces of sea moss are attached to the strings and will grow into an extensive bunch within 2 to 3 months when they should be harvested. In the interim, the sea moss must be cleaned from dust particles, sea weed, and any other foreign materials that may become entangled in the farm network.

Prowling about another person’s sea moss plot with bags is unacceptable behaviour. Most sea moss farmers are willing to teach and help to set up new farmers. Those who engage in theft must cease and desist with immediate effect. A call is being made for prayer warriors to pray for their repentance.

God is watching.

Anthony Stewart, PhD

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10. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

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Address by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves to the general debate of the UN General Assembly

Excerpt No. 1

Introduction Mr. President, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates and Friends, SEVENTY-FIVE years ago, our predecessors founded this noble institution as the primary international platform to promote dignity, security, and freedom for all. Crafted in the midst of seething political tensions and the immense human suffering wrought by preceding global wars, our United Nations has served as humanity’s most credible attempt at securing a peaceful and prosperous future for all nations and peoples. Yet, as we convene today against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic - the likes of which we have not experienced in over a century - the future we want and we all rightfully deserve, appears in grave jeopardy.

Amidst the rising tides of Climate Change; the scourge of desertification and land degradation, including in the Sahel; the challenges to biodiversity; the social, political and economic inequities of the global economy; and the unevenness and contradictions of a lopsided multilateral system in which the norms and rules are conveniently applied and upheld in favour of the powerful, the bellowing calls for global reform and a renewed multilateralism reverberate ever more loudly. We are indeed at an important crossroad. A well-functioning United Nations, fit for the purpose of safeguarding the bedrock principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of all states, while addressing the critical issues of our times, is urgently needed.

Mr. President,

Covid 19: The Effects COVID-19 has laid bare the indisputable fact that coordinated multilateral action to achieve the sustainable development goals is the surest pathway to global peace and security. In our increasingly interconnected and hyper-globalised world, we protect ourselves when we safeguard our neighbours. Indeed, peace and security are the ideals of a collective identity, moulded through stable relationships. The urgent challenges of our times cannot be solved by building walls, nor can they be effectively addressed by retreating to a corner of nationalistic isolationalism. We must build bridges.

And we must stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters throughout the world as we lift each other up from the feverish ashes of COVID-19. In this regard, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines pays tribute to all frontline workers and first responders - our “Capeless Heroes” - whose selfless contributions and sacrifices have kept many of us safe throughout the pandemic. We also extend our sympathies to the many families who have endured suffering throughout this ordeal. We stand with you as you honour the memories of your loved ones. We must “Keep the Faith”, and more.

science will produce a vaccine within the next few months or a year and the COVID rate of infection, hospitalisation and deaths will come down globally.

But haunting questions remain: Would the vaccine be available cheaply and universally to all peoples the world over? Or would its distribution be so skewed within, and across countries, that there is likely to arise a deafening roar that: “Only Rich Lives Matter?”

The good intentions of our United Nations and its specialised agencies such as the World Health Organisation may nibble away at the inequity of a skewed outcome, but their impacts are likely to be only marginal unless there is an enforceable, international rules-based compact between all countries and major pharmaceutical companies, to deliver universally and affordably the fruits of science and human ingenuity.

It cannot be the usual result of corporate profits ahead of people’s lives, livelihoods, social solidarity, and security.

Even if, in this instance of COVID19, the international community rises to the challenge and confirms that faith and good intentions without practical works is an illusion, would this be only an episodic response which leaves the pre-existing global order in place until the next, and inevitable, pandemic arises? This irrational dangerous cycle has to be reconfigured with a global consensus not merely to “build back better” but to build back optimally and enduringly for all of humanity’s sake.

Fundamentally, Mr. President, the old order is passing away before our very eyes as a consequence of the pandemic, but a new one is yet to come into being; indeed, there is not in place even a transition to a better, optimal, and enduring condition. We are still quarelling about inconsequential matters, insisting on too many sideshows, and casting our gaze askance away from the main events, metaphorically.

It is a truism, repeatedly ignored by powerful nations globally and ruling classes in dominant countries, that our central global challenges cannot be solved in isolation of each other or only on the terms of the powerful. Yet the old reflexes kick in, harming inevitably the strong and the weak, though not in equal measure.

So, we end up, metaphorically, with a proud man who is ignorant of that which he is most assured.

Right reason and mature reflection teach that over the past 50 years of the dominant human civilization, and its appending off-shoots, there has been an explosion of individualism and freedom engendered by a huge enlargement of personal, financial, technological, and social spaces.

Atomised individualism has been elevated as the apotheosis of progress; and social solidarity has become frayed, tattered, and diminished as a public good. So, along comes a pandemic and the atomised individual has to rely on the prudent and collective good behaviour of his neighbours to stay healthy. This circle cannot be easily squared in an individualistic, dog-eat-dog social order; and, metaphorically, all hell has broken loose.

Mr. President, The simple truth is that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a profoundly altered condition of life, living, and production. None of the awesome challenges arising from this altered condition can be solved by incrementalism or minimalist pragmatism which merely tinkers with the pre-existing global economy.

To be continued…

To be sure, human ingenuity and

Truth over lies and future over failure!

YOUNG PEOPLE in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government, and have pledged their support for the New Democratic Party (NDP). They are excited and impressed with the programmes and policies of the NDP, and are confident that Dr. Friday and the NDP will create the enabling environment so that sustainable jobs will be provided for them.

Some of these young people have appeared on the NDP platform. The following are excerpts of a Young Democrat of South-Central Windward presentation at a virtual meeting: “Constituents of South Central Windward, for nearly twenty (20) years we have been neglected. Don’t you think it is long enough? Don’t you think we deserve better in South Central Windward and St. Vincent and the Grenadines? Don’t you think it’s time for change? Don’t you think our country can progress and become one of the top countries in the Caribbean instead of being the opposite presently? Yes, we can do better! It’s time for us to let go the negative energy of the present government.

Plan to create jobs Dr. Godwin Friday, Senator Israel Bruce and the NDP have a clear plan to create jobs, jobs and more jobs to grow our economy and bring new investment to our country.

‘NDP wah sell passport, NDP will sell passport’. Have you heard that over and over? That is a lie. As a young person it puzzles me, I am sick to the core. Can we as young persons and the country on a whole believe this nonsense? Just a few questions: Did David Ames have a Vincentian passport? Yes! Was he married to a Vincentian? Was he born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines? Were his parents or grandparents Vincentians? But he got a Vincentian passport. Where did David Ames get the passport? Colonaire, Bequia, Little Tokyo, where? How much did he pay for it, $500,000, $1 million, $2 million? We don’t know. My fellow young people think about that, but NDP ‘wah sell passport’.

Let me tell you the truth, the NDP will introduce what is called the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI). With this programme, investors will show their interest to invest in our beautiful country, but of course proper and careful investigation will be done first.

It must be noted that Economic Citizenship will be offered when an individual completes the legal process to acquire citizenship in our country on account of the individual’s financial investment into St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Think about this. St. Lucia just started the CBI programme and in 2018, they collected $67 million. In 2017, Grenada earned $140 million and Antigua in 2018 earned $100 million. ‘Nah worry with them it’s just noise’. You know the term empty barrels make the most

noise, you know the rest.

Before I go any further, I must delve into my constituency and show you the plans of my own representative Hon. Senator Israel Bruce. Of course, Mr. Bruce’s first, second and third priority is creating jobs and specifically for the young people of his constituency.

Government cannot employ everybody but a government should provide the environment so persons can employ themselves. In the first five years, Senator Bruce proposes to train approximately 300 young people in a skilled area of their choice, whether it’s cosmetology, plumbing, electrician, tailoring, carpentry, masonry, auto mechanics just name a few. This training will open up doors for young persons in South Central Windward and St. Vincent and the Grenadines to create and grow their small businesses.

Training in ICT Information Technology is a rapid expanding field in South Central Windward and by extension the entire country. Hon. Senator Bruce will ensure that each community centre in the constituency has approximately ten (10) computers to facilitate training of our young people in ICT. Further, Dr. Godwin Friday and the NDP will ensure that all children have access to learning resources such as text books, computers and other relevant learning materials; establish a youth parliament so youth voices can be heard and we can be a part of the policies being made to govern this country; establish sporting scholarships for our hard-working sports men and women, so the likes of Glendon James, who plays for Israel Bruce smashers, will be able to play international cricket abroad. And our parents won’t have to worry about paying fees for CSEC — that will be paid for by the NDP government.

Now, that is a working government for the young people. I guarantee you that after NDP’s first five years in office, the unemployment rate of 46% percent will definitely fall. We will see the difference as young people.

My fellow young people, I am urging you please, don’t be caught up by the pocket change they will give you now in return for a vote. Your vote is worth more than $200, $500, $1000 wrapped up in a red t-shirt.

Young people, we were unemployed for the past four and a half years and now they want to just throw a job at us now, what is that? Please, we deserve better! Let us vote for our future. I want to be able to gain a degree or a skill. I want to be independent; I want a house; I want a nice driving vehicle. I am sure you are dreaming of those things as well.

The time is now to cut loose with Bruce; the time is now to vote Dr. Godwin Friday; the time is now to vote the New Democratic Party; the time is now to restore your freedom.

Vote for the key on election day.”

V Curbing Political Tribalism

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020. 11.

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“You can no longer see or identify yourself solely as a member of a tribe, but as a citizen of a nation of one people working toward a common purpose.” ? Idowu Koyenikan, Wealth for all Africans: How Every African Can Live the Life of Their Dreams FOR MANY OF US WHO LIVE in western societies the words “tribe” and “tribalism” would conjure up images of Africa. Today, we read books and articles about the atrocities that members of one tribe would exact on another. Our internet searches reveal numerous examples of emotionally-driven citizens who would inflict the most inhumane treatment on those who appear to be “different” – who belong to a different tribe.

This writer experienced “tribal prejudice” while a student in Birmingham, England, in the 1970s.

There was an African student who attended many of the classes that I was required to do over a one-year period.

Every attempt that I made to converse with him was rejected. It was quite obvious that he was not interested in chatting with me. As may be expected, I soon “got the message” and opted to discontinue my pursuit of developing a relationship. However, several weeks before the courses ended, the West Indian students decided to arrange a “farewell get-together” and invited the Africans to the Friday night event. The West Indians introduced ourselves and gave a brief background of our respective island territories. We then invited the Africans to engage in a similar activity and asked them to provide brief comments about their respective African nations. Following the introductions, we all enjoyed various West Indian dishes while a variety of Caribbean music played in the background. It was a most memorable occasion.

During the post-dinner period, the same African who had previously made it quite obvious that he did not want to converse with me approached extending his had in a manner that indicated he expected a handshake. His grasp was firm and his smile was warm. He apologised for his previous behaviour and hastened to explain that he previously thought that I was a Nigerian from the Hausa-Fulani tribe.

He proceed to explain that he was Nigerian and a member of the Igbo tribe. He was unapologetic when he explained that as an Igbo he would have nothing to do with the Fulani. I reflected on how sad it was that grown, educated individuals would succumb to such prejudices and, in so doing, rob themselves of opportunities for personal and communal growth. He had been socialised to despise those who were from another tribe. He was programmed to discriminate against the Fulani. But he could not be excused.

He knew better. He was responsible for his actions and his inactions.

During the 1990s there were numerous reports of the many “tribal atrocities” that were committed in Rwanda, East Africa. During a twomonth period in 1994 it was estimated that members of the Hutu tribe massacred over one million Tutsis.

Although citizens of the same Rwandan nation, they maimed and slaughtered Tutsi men, women, and children. They showed no mercy.

We may cower and cringe as we reflect on such barbarisms. We may even pause to express thanks that we

No heavy lifting in SVG ‘This system is by now intolerable: farm workers find it intolerable; labourers find it intolerable; communities find it intolerable; peoples find it intolerable.

The earth itself – our sister, Mother Earth, also finds it intolerable.’ Pope Francis

are so physically far removed from such brutalities. However, we need to reflect on the fact that many of our Caribbean countries are plagued by emotional, character, and economic massacres as some members of political parties (tribes) seek to retain or gain power.

This is uncalled for and not appreciated by many citizens. Unfortunately, the negative utterances and the “gutter politics” have the ability to rile the unsuspecting masses. In an emotionally charged state supporters can say and do things that can maim and dismember followers of opposing parties. Such utterances move the discussions away from proposed plans and policies. It ignites the powder kegs of anger and resentment — and sometimes hatred.

Such behaviours are not limited to Caribbean politics. The triggers of emotionalism and prejudices are not confined to developing nations like our own. These human tendencies to whip persons up based on prejudices also occur in developed countries. We witness such behaviours unfolding in the United States of America even as they approach their November 2020 presidential elections. This is most unfortunate and undesirable. We, civilised individuals, must constantly rebuff and rebuke those politicians and their followers who seek to gain traction by engaging in such uncivilized, undemocratic, and inhumane behaviours. We must portray and encourage more civility. Respecting those who have differing views must be one of the hallmarks of our political debates. We must advance arguments and comments more based on policies and less on personalities. To do otherwise is dangerous and destructive.

We all have the responsibility and a privilege to curb political tribalism.

Each of us, in our own way, must show the value of tolerating those with opposing political views. Our democracy would be richer, more fulsome, if/when we engage in political discussions, dialogues and debates anxious to listen to those whose views are different to our own. Such behaviours demonstrate our political maturity. Such behaviours enrich our democracy. Such behaviours curb political tribalism.

The quest for creating and sustaining greater tolerance throughout society (and especially among politicallycharged individuals) calls for some degree of humility. As we seek to curb political tribalism, we may need to educate or re-educate ourselves to be more humble. We must pause to truly and carefully listen to those of opposing views. Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn reminds us that, “It's an universal law-intolerance is the first sign of an inadequate education. An ill-educated person behaves with arrogant impatience, whereas truly profound education breeds humility.” It is not beyond us to curb political tribalism. It is not beyond us to see ourselves as one people (regardless of our differing views) working to a common purpose.

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

THE ULP CAMPAIGN slogan is ‘lift SVG Higher.’ Give it to Gonsalves and the ULP leadership. When it comes to glitz and glitter, the party can outdo Hollywood.

From its virtual meeting productions to its disregard for COVID 19 protocol motorcades, which incidentally are banned, the party can create a spectacle.

Sadly though, form often gallops ahead of substance.

A keen look behind the bombast reveals that those in service of the party and state are on the defensive.

On September 29, 2020, SVG Chief Medical Officer, Simone Keizer-Beache, smarting from the overwhelmingly angry outcry amidst the government feeble response to the Dengue Fever outbreak, which has killed 6 Vincentians, attempted to give the government a pass and blamed citizens for their plight.

“Often times it seems as if Vincentians must be clobbered over their heads before they pay attention,” Keizer-Beache said. She correctly predicted that she would “get some licks” but was willing to blame everyone or anyone but the government whose ultimate responsibility it is to keep us safe. The response by the CMO is callous and irresponsible because it blames citizens, including the families who lost loved ones, for their pain and suffering.

Last Sunday, a ‘defensive tackle’ for the government took to the airways to cheer on the government labour policies.

He blamed Vincentian workers for their abusive and exploitative predicament in the public and private sector. He took listeners back to the state of play in the 20 century, when the opposition governed the land, to justify the virtual anti-labour posture of the ‘labour’ government he dutifully serves at the expense of the workers, whom he leads as a union boss.

It is a shocking commentary on this ‘Labour’ government that it has never negotiated a collective bargaining agreement with the Public Workers Union (PSU). Gonsalves signed an agreement with the Teachers Union in 2003 and for the last 17 years has refused to negotiate in good faith towards another agreement.

This sad reality stands as ‘Exhibit A’ that this ‘labour’ Government harbours nothing but contempt for the organized workers in our country.

Take Gonsalves’ address to the United Nations. Good speech, hitting all the right notes, e.g. defence of the international law principles regarding non-interference and non-intervention in the internal affairs of sovereign independent states, especially those suffering imperial aggression like Cuba, Venezuela and Palestine. But apart from the annual platitude at the UN, how does this solidarity manifest itself here at home? Cuban and Venezuelan events get a sprinkling of party or government support with the obligatory speech by the leader. Contrast that with their enthusiastic presence at all Taiwanese events which has given us far less than the selfless Cubans and Venezuelans.

Then there is the struggle for reparatory justice. SVG, more than any other country in CARICOM, has taken to the international stage at the United Nations to ring the bell for reparations.

Sadly, however, Vincentians may be surprised to learn that that the local reparations committee has never

received a single cent in budgetary support since the committee was formed

by Gonsalves back in 2013. The government doesn’t even bother to pay the annual subscription to the Caribbean Reparations Commission.

Or take our leaders lopsided approach to the development of our country. The western portion of our nation suffers benign neglect at best.

The promised western transformation which was heralded following the 2010 elections is yet to materialize. Neither Ames nor the Buccament Bay Resort lasted as long as ‘Miss Janie fire’. By 2016, rather than aid our development, Ames fled the country, leaving behind millions in debt.

With much fanfare, we were told that Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, the Jamaican hotel magnate of Sandals fame, was coming to take over the failed Buccament project. Jobs galore and opportunities for our farmers were promised. However, before the glowing headlines, intended to bamboozle the people, could fade from memory, Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves whispered that Sandals will begin construction when the pandemic abates and tourism returns to normal.

Whatever happened to the tagline ‘Build it and they will come’? Why make the announcement about Sandals coming, if Sandals isn’t coming soon?

Further, in countries with even larger tourism market - Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica and St Lucia - unemployment continues to loom large, yet our politicians go for the seductive soft sell that hotels will solve our unemployment and farming problems.

Or we could look to the Grenadines for glimpses of our commitment to heavy lifting. None are in sight. The marketing sell is that billionaires come to Canouan to escape the millionaires who over-populate Mustique.

Impressive sales pitch. But how does SVG benefit from this wealth fest?

Workers complain of racism, poor living conditions and difficulties with collecting salaries. Our leaders don’t have an appreciation for the value or worth of our national treasure. As a result, they offer up the best of everything we have for trinkets.

Mitchell gave away 2/3 of Canouan and Gonsalves is committed to selling out the rest. An unholy alliance of Government and the foreign fat cat ‘developers’ in the North and South is putting the squeeze on citizens who live in the middle. Millions of dollars were ‘promised’ to develop the town. Instead, the government guarantees that locals get the waste from the billionaires. The ground on which the Canouan primary and secondary schools stands is earmarked to be the home of the island’s sewerage plant.

As if all this is not enough, the ULP leader hammers home its record. It celebrates the fact that over 6,000 Vincentians receive some form of poor relief from the government. Gonsalves brags that twice per year more than 6,000 persons, who are otherwise unemployed, performed road cleaning chores for the lavishly enriching sum of less than $300.00 for a week of work.

If we are to lift SVG higher, someone must commit to doing some heavy lifting. Amazingly, such commitment is sorely lacking. Instead, we are served young girls under the glare of strobe lights, action, fluff, smiles and guile. All too often, we resign to settle for a power-lust dressed up in national garb.

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

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12. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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ULP regime is a shipwreck ACCORDING to Vincentian-born, retired British Royal Airforce Engineer Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, who was awarded the British Royal Air Force Prestigious “Meritorious Service Medal” in 1986 in recognition of his Exemplary Conduct, High Personal Standard and his Professional Expertise, the ULP regime is a shipwreck with no positive roadmap for economic development in SVG, that can improve the quality of life for the poor black and powerless indigenous population of SVG. Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, who has a Masters of Science in Macro Economics and Planning in Developing Countries from Bradford University, England, very strongly contends that the ULP Regime’s 20 years in power in SVG has been very negative, and in particular, not competent enough to create a fiscal surplus in the SVG

Treasury for even one year. This shows that the ULP regime is outrageously weak and hopeless at managing the economy.

The leadership of the ULP Regime is a dwarf when compared to that of Fidel Castro of Cuba and Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore. There are no white enclaves in Singapore and Cuba.

White enclaves in SVG have had a very serious negative impact on our economy and our people. It is quite obvious that the time has come to say to the migrants in Mustique and Canouan that enough is enough.

The racial divide that grants tax and customs duty exemptions to (white) migrants in Mustique and Canouan and not to the poor black and powerless indigenous population of SVG must end. We must close Mustique, as Mustique impacts negatively on our country and people.

Not easy in the USA

WELL, well, Mr. Editor, it has been some time since I last submitted anything for publishing.

I dare say, It is not because I had nothing to say, but with the advent of the Covid-19 scourge here in the USA, I had to set my priorities straight and spend time making sure they were kept in order.

As you would expect, the Covid-19 has affected some to a greater extent

than others. In my case, it meant being laid off in June and therefore trying to identify an opening here and there to keep the finance coming in and the bills paid.

It meant cutting back on expenses like the telephone, streamlining the supermarket bill (like cutting out some stuff), not making unnecessary trips by subway or bus, and

simply accepting that the disposable income pocket was getting lighter so that I could do some of the things I would normally do. It meant that there was also no usual Carnival barrel for the folks home, though I am hopeful that one or two could be ready for Christmas, God willing.

Not only are persons like me having a hard time finding regular employment, but this

Let us take a deep look at the ULP Regime. Under Gonsalves, on the world stage SVG has become a perennial helpless beggar. For the 20 years in power, the ULP regime has been digging a hole that has become too deep to fill. They have begged and borrowed so much money from other nations and outside institutions that they are not in a position to repay it.

The highly incompetent ULP Regime’s management of SVG’s Public Accounts and natural resources has been poor. The ULP Regime gives away so much revenue to the superrich of Mustique and Canouan and Taiwan, that they are forced to borrow to bail out the SVG economy.

We have to build our own Science and Technology University and our own School of Navigation. We must create a billion dollar fishing and canning industry and provide free,

becomes an even higher mountain to climb given the increased level of agitation regarding racism here. As a black man, you cannot escape being part of the Black Lives Matter movement but, and I find this hard to admit but I must say it, you almost have to keep your support unknown to others for fear that the word would get back to employers.

Yes, it’s one thing being black and standing up as a black man and demanding your rights.

It’s another thing when you do that and your own people are likely to use it against you.

That to me is the uncomfortable experience I have to bear right now - not Covid-19, not Trump but your very own.

But that aside, I also want to note that the effort to ward off Covid19 back home seems to have worked to some success. That no one has died is commendable. I have lost two co-workers to Covid and would not want to wish that for anyone.

Now I understand the dengue has erupted and caused some deaths.

I can only imagine what it’s like at home with Covid and dengue on one hand and the elections campaign on the other. I only hope that those politicians are having regard for the situation and not causing any unnecessary worries.

The election talk is for another time. Thanks for according me space.

Garnet, NY

high-quality education from Pre-School to University for the new young generation. Also, we must strengthen and modernise our economy and make it a knowledge-based, export economy with a very high rate of return.

We must adopt the Singapore model for our country to create thousands of new jobs and move into a high standard of living and quality lifestyle.

We have to export in order to grow our economy. We have to be highly educated to create new industries, and more importantly, our country urgently needs competent leadership that is highly educated in the management of Public Finances.

Give SVG Green Party the opportunity to do like Singapore and move SVG into a very high standard of living with a peaceful environment.

Dengue fever is everyone’s responsibility CONTROLLING the spread of dengue fever is everyone’s responsibility. The outbreak of this disease is indeed cause for concern. While we expect the government and those in authority to do their part in minimizing the spread, we as citizens have to play our part in preventing the spread.

Mosquitoes, we know, have always been around and I dare say they will always be around. Thus, the spread or lack thereof is dependent on us.

While the government, the Vector Control Unit along with the ministry of health are doing their part, we know that they are open for criticism.

Some of it may have merit and some may not. It is important that we leave the politics out of dealing with this dreaded disease.

The question that is: Who to blame when we throw garbage in the stream, rivers and drains?

As a result, there is blockage of the drains causing water to settle. This then becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Our failure to have our surroundings clean contributes as well to mosquitoes breeding.

The dumping of tyres and other materials can encourage breeding of mosquitoes. When this occurs, we are contributors to dengue fever by creating an environment for mosquitoes to breed.

We as citizens must play our part in minimizing the spread of this disease. We must practise cleanliness and avoid dumping and disposing of our garbage in drains, streams, rivers and even on the road. For if we fail to do the aforementioned, we will be contributing to the spread of this heinous disease.

I wonder if some of the cases where persons have died, that they waited too long to seek medical attention? And also, could it be that urgent attention was not given when they visited the health centre? I am just wondering and not ascribing blame. However, all in all, each one of us must play our part in controlling the spread. For it is a shared responsibility.

In closing, much compliments must be given to the sanitation workers who try their best to keep our towns and villages clean. This helps to reduce the spread of the disease.

Kennard King

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020. 13.

Heritage

Virtual ‘Africans Unite’ Summit set for October 10

That convention saw the adoption of the Declaration of Rights of the Negro People of the Marcus Garvey was a World, considered to be Jamaican-born black one of the world’s earliest nationalist and leader of and most comprehensive the Pan-Africanism human rights documents. movement, which With 2020 sought to unify and highlighting the connect people of continued need for the African descent fight for justice and worldwide. human rights, the Caribbean-American THIS YEAR also marks the Political Action Committee (C-PAC) will 100th anniversary of lend its voice to the Marcus Garvey bringing together 2,500 delegates ongoing struggle with the hosting of the virtual from around the world – some say they represented “Africans Unite” Summit 22 different countries - to on October 10, 2020 from 12 to 2pm on C-PAC’s deliberate on ‘The Rights website: of the Negro Peoples of caribbeanpac.org. the World’, at the The summit will have Universal Negro Improvement Association’s a vibrant and robust discussion from our first international distinguished guest convention in New York speakers Dr. Julius City.

Garvey, son of the

Jamaican national hero Marcus Garvey, Dr Baffuor Adjei Bawuah, Ghana’s ambassador to the United States of America, Dr Ife Williams, President of the African Heritage Studies Association and Jacob Ali-Wertheimer, a youth social justice activist and grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali. The panelists will focus on the issues that impact the African Diaspora, as well as charting a way forward for the future.

The summit will explore how Africans and the African Diaspora worldwide can unite for the benefit of all our people and realize Marcus Garvey’s dream.

It is free to the public.

Those who are interested can register at

https://bit.ly/33kWrv2 for this momentous and timely event.

The summit will also have video messages from heads of states and organisations around the world.

Goulda Downer, the chair of C-PAC and the brainchild behind the summit, said that she is expecting a memorable day. One that will help to further energize people from around the world to join in the movement for justice, equality, and equal rights.

US record not yet expunged Interestingly, the struggle to have Marcus Garvey’s criminal record expunged in the USA continues unabated.

In 1922, Garvey and three officials of his

Universal Dr. Julius Negro Garvey, son Improvement of the Association Marcus (UNIA) were Garvey, will charged with be among mail fraud those involving the leading Black Star discussion Line, the at the shipping Summit. company he launched in he was a victim of a 1919 to facilitate trade politically motivated between Africa and miscarriage of justice.

Africans in the The appeal was denied, Caribbean, America, and in 1927 he was Canada, and South and released from prison and Central America. deported to his native On June 23, 1923, he Jamaica. was convicted and He was conferred with sentenced to prison for the Order of the National five years, although the Hero of Jamaica in 1969, trial records show that along with Paul Bogle several improprieties and George William occurred in the Gordon, making them prosecution of the case. the first recipients of Garvey appealed his national hero status in conviction, arguing that Jamaica.

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14. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

MCT awardees get ultimatum THREE STUDENTS - Corina Arrindell, the West Indies, have an ultimatum to Akiel Matthews, and Kennica Thompson - fulfil. They must gain their degrees. pursuing studies with the University of The order was given by Camille

Six to vie for Public Speaking honour FOLLOWING presentations from sixteen students at four preliminaries held during the period 28th September — 2nd October 2020, the judges have selected six finalists to represent their respective secondary schools in this year’s Lions Club St. Vincent South/ FLOW National Secondary School Public Speaking Competition.

The finals will be held at the Kingstown Methodist Church Hall on Thursday 22nd October 2020 from 7:00 pm and the finalists are: Marika Baptiste - St. Vincent Girls’ High School (GHS); Jia Gloster - Union Island Secondary School (UISS); Stanislus Gomes- St. Vincent Grammar School (SVGS); Charity Hope - St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua (SJCM); Arianna Jardine - Mountain View Adventist Academy (MVAA); Kenally Texeira Georgetown Secondary School (GSS).

The finalists will discuss the topic:

Secondary Schools’ Public Speaking finalists (from left): Arianne Jardine (MVAA), Kenally Texeira (GSS, Stanislus Gomes (SVGS), Marika Baptiste (GHS), Charity Hope (SJCM). Jia Gloster (UISS) (inset).

“Politicians across the world are using the COVID-19 pandemic to their advantage, whilst medical officials are at their wits end trying to gain their voice.”

The finalists were scheduled to meet on Monday 5th October at 3:00pm at COMPUTEC conference room for a briefing.

The winners will receive the Lion Michael De Freitas Challenge trophy, among other prizes and scholarships.

The St. Vincent Girls High School, represented by Rishona James, took the Championship trophy in 2019. (Source: Lions Club St. Vincent South)

Lakhram, Administrative Officer of The UWI Open Campus, Kingstown, as she delivered closing remarks at the ceremony to mark the award of bursaries by the Mustique Charitable Trust, last Friday, at the Open Campus office.

“We have seen the presentation of the laptop computers. We are looking forward to seeing the presentation of the scroll,” Lakhram urged.

Her remarks came after presentation of laptop computers to the 2020/2021 bursary awardees by Dularie Malcolm, Mustique Charitable Trust Administration Director.

Awardees are provided with 60 percent of their university expenses, in addition to a gift of a laptop.

Malcolm alluded to the 17 persons who have graduated from the UWI since the programme of assistance began in 2009, and described the collaboration with The UWI as a “wise decision.”

Deborah Dalrymple, Head of The UWI Open Campus, Kingstown, expressed appreciation to the Mustique Charitable Trust for their drive to assist persons on their academic pursuits.

Bursay recipients Kennica Thompason (left), Akiel Matthews (2nd from right) and Corina Arrindell (right) with Dularie Malcolm, Mustique Charitable Trust Administration Director.

She reminded the recipients of the journey on which they have embarked.

The UWI Head of Site spoke of plans to appoint mentors to the awardees so as to ensure a successful navigation of the courses.

Arrindell is pursuing a BSc Psychology with minor in Human Resource Management. Matthews is doing a BSc in Management Studies with emphasis on Marketing. Kennica Thompson is doing a BSc in Social Work. (WKA)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020. 15.

Tribute

Remembering Louis Boucher the referee JOHN HINDS, a practising local football referee for almost three decades, is eternally grateful to the late Louis Boucher, for his introduction to officiating, and for the ongoing encouragement to stay the course.

Boucher, who served as a local football referee, died last weekend at the age of 83.

According to Hinds, “Louis was the one who brought me in to refereeing,” and recalled that it was Boucher and the later Leroy Bailey (Sonny King) who guided him during his early years of refereeing in the 1990s.

“I was still playing with the national team and I was a chattychatty person, who would sometimes question the decisions of referees, so he (Boucher) used that to encourage to pick up refereeing,” Hinds said.

Boucher, he said, went as far as

building his first shirt to be used as a referee. Boucher was a tailor by profession.

“He was the one who gave me my first shirt that I started with... I still have it today and it is something that I will always cherish,” Hinds added.

But most of all, Hinds held Boucher in high esteem for his integrity.

“He may have made a mistake here and there, but he was never accused of cheating,” Hind asserted, noting that he, Boucher, would have refereed matches involving Avenues United, a team originating in Paul’s Avenue of which he was a life-long resident, but never showed any bias towards them.

“He was the Dickie Bird of Vincentian football,” Hinds analogised.

Known for his flamboyant mannerisms when he was officiating, the dapper Boucher had something

Louis Boucher is remembered for his integrity as a referee.

distinct when sounding his final whistle.

Persons would recall Boucher blowing the whistle, then running off the field, only to hear him give a loud, last blast sometime after.

Rohan Thomas, a member of the Sion Hill Football League, remembers Boucher for his commitment and selflessness to football officiating.

“We could have called him an hour before a match if we were in a jam, and he would have turned up,” Thomas recalled.

“Moreso, he never looked for any monetary rewards, except a cold drink at the end of the match,” Thomas said.

Boucher gave over three decades of yeoman service to football refereeing locally, and retired from active duties sometime during the late 2000.

During his tenure as a referee,

Boucher would have officiated in almost every football league on the mainland.

He was honoured by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation in 2011, for his sterling contribution to Football officiating here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

V The ÂSprangÊ is no more 16. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

People

from the two major political parties.

Several members of the cultural fraternity took to social media to pay tribute to the cultural icon after learning of his passing.

The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO), of which he was a lifetime member,sent out A scene from the 2000 Canadian film ‘A Winter Tale’ in which ‘Sprangalang’ condolences to Hall’s was featured. He is sitting second from right. (Facebook) family in a Facebook post.

THE PASSING OF OUR contrast to the passing of caused by a stroke. He ‘Sprangalang’, who OWN REGIONALLY and was 71 years old.

Trinidad and Tobago’s celebrated his birthday internationally acclaimed comedian, singer, actor, His death was marked on September 30, is comedian talk show host, cultural by a sense of national perhaps best known Lucien “Saluche” Small archivist Dennis mourning, with tributes throughout the unfortunately, became “Sprangalang” Hall, also pouring in immediately Caribbean, the Americas embroiled in a political known as ‘Sprang’, who on the announcement of and Europe, moreso for squabble as much of his died on the evening of his passing. Radio his stand-up comedy, his own making, as of those of October 2, 2020, at the stations were bombarded observational comedy, a the two major political Eric Williams Medical with sentiments from trait that earned him parties here.

Science Complex, Mount persons from all walks of spots in local film This was in stark Hope, from complications life, including members productions and commercials, as well as runs in top calypso tents, including the Calypso Revue.

His solo comedic arts apart, ‘Sprangaalang’ starred in the 2003 situation comedy ‘Lord Have Mercy!’ which was produced in Canada for Vision TV, but has also aired on Caribbean International Network and other television stations in the Caribbean in the years since it was produced.

He was also featured in the 2007 Canadian feature film ‘A Winter Tale’, written, directed and produced by Frances-Anne Solomon, as well as the stage play ‘A Man in the Bedroom’, alongside fellow Trinidadian comedian Errol Fabien in 2010.

But the Trinidad media speaks to ‘Sparngalang’ making his first public appearance on Trinidad and Tobago National Television Show Gayelle, as the character ‘Draxi’ on a segment called ‘Cultural Sprangalang’.

He also dabbled in Soca Parang and had several big hits, including ‘Bring Drinks’, ‘Grrrttt’ and ‘Poppits’, and in calypso/soca with his memorable ‘Two Chords’.

Dennis ‘Sprangalang’ Hall is said to have captured in his acts the very embodiment of who Trinbagonians truly are. (Photo Source: Caribbean Life News) His family recalled that ‘Sprangalang’ originally wanted to be a school teacher, due to his concerns over what children were being taught in schools in Trinidad and Tobago.

It would seem, from how his life unfolded, that he decided he could raise the same concerns through the performing arts, and he used satire and innuendo in much of what he did on stage, to address those concerns that drove him to wanting to be a teacher, just for that fleeting period in his life.

But perhaps the most

telling tribute paid to this Trinidadian cultural icon was paid by his former co-worker at the Talk City radio station, Gerelle Forbes. “ ‘Sprang’s’ life is everything that can be said. The man gave his entire life for this country, there is nothing again you can say about him. His living was his life for us,” she said.

Dennis ‘Sprangalang’ Hall leaves to mourn his wife Natasha ‘Sexy Suzie’ Nurse and one daughter. (Sources: Trinidad Guardian, Buzz-Caribbean, LoopNews)

In his latter days he took to sitting but lost none of his wit, guile and impact. (Photo source: buzzcaribbean)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020. 17.

News

Preschoolers getting an early feel of the steelpan.

Hero’s Pantastic Music Academy launched THE HERO’S PANTASTIC MUSIC ACADEMY has been launched. The Academy, brainchild and lifelong dream of Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts, was launched 2nd October.

Catering for persons from “3 years to 13 years”, nine preschools and two primary schools have already enrolled in the programme.

Among those preschools are: the Kingstown Methodist Pre-School; the Elizabeth Browne Child Development Center; Safe Hands; Rainbow Unique Day Care & PreSchool,; Mulberry Bush

Day Care; YWCA; Discovery PreSchool and Head Start Pre- School.

The two primary schools are the Sugar Mill Inn Academy and the St Mary’s Roman Catholic School.

A gleeful Roberts noted that the main aim of the Academy is “to teach the steel Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts, pan at the early founder and chief childhood level.”

Classes, including one instructor of the Pantastic Music and one sessions, are Academy. held at the respective schools and are now part curriculum, Roberts of the schools’ explained.

Persons wishing to be part of The Hero’s Pantastic Music Academy, can contact him at telephone number: 784455- 2006.

Preschoolers involved in steel pan related art work session.

18. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020. 19.

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20. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Time to move on Dear George, I AM IN a very toxic relationship and every time I tell myself I’m getting out, he finds a way to entice me to stay. He is extremely, abusive (physically and emotionally) and he is a serial cheater.

The latest is he attempted to put a ban on the clothes I wear. He wants me to stop wearing short skirts/pants and tops that show too much skin. His reason for this is he is protecting me from becoming a dengue victim, but I know it is because he does not want other men to look at me.

I’m not happy in the relationship even though he promises to change. I just do not believe him. Right now he is getting under my skin and I need to break free.

Feeling controlled

Dear Feeling Controlled, You have mentioned a few good reasons why you should not be in this relationship. You have admitted that it’s “toxic” and you have pointed to jealousy, physical and emotional abuse and control.

While he may have a point about it being unwise not to cover up as much as possible given the present dengue crisis, it seems his motive for doing so is propelled by his own insecurity. You are not happy in this relationship which is why it is time to move on.

George

You have been replaced Dear George,

No answers

I AM ON the mainland and my boyfriend works in Union island.

Every time I call him he would say he’ll call back “in a few minutes.” Needless to say, his few minutes would always turn out to be a couple hours or never.

He is adamant that I never call him using video call because of his “work.” There were a few times I called him and he sounded distracted and restricted. His answers were “yes” and “ no,” just short answers.

I am beginning to think he has somebody else besides me. How do I find this out?

Dear No answers, You do not have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that your guy has a replacement for your shift. Let him know you might be in his area sometime soon to discuss the state of your relationship. His response to that might give you all the reasons not to even bother making that trip.

The writing is on the wall in bold letters, but you just don’t see it. I hope you do now.

George

No sex during COVID Dear George, IMAGINE my wife telling me we can’t be intimate sexually because of this COVID19 virus! Both of us have been laid off and are at home.

George, don’t you think she is taking this COVID thing too far? I don’t know what’s going on but something is not adding up, and I’m smelling a rat.

Confused Dear Confused, This could be very well be a case of something else being in the mortar besides the pestle. A little more gentle probing should get you to the bottom of it.

Find a way to present the COVID-19 facts as far as person to person transmission is

concerned. Her response and the sooner, the will put you in a better better, position to make a judgement. There needs George to be a conversation here

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Be sure to spend time helping children with projects that are too difficult for them to accomplish alone. A new relationship can be yours if you get out with friends. Relationships will become stronger.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Your emotions are soaring and if you don't get your way, look out world. You are best not to say too much to colleagues. You have two choices; Get out on your own, or bend to your mate's whims.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Take care of any pressing health problems. It's doubtful anyone will try to stand in your way or cut you off at the pass this week. It might be best not to spend your money on luxuries this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) In-laws or older individuals may give you a bit of a hard time this week. You will find that social activities will lead you into passionate meetings. Read between the lines when signing contracts.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Get involved in philosophic groups that will enlighten you. Spend some quality time with your lover. Your irritability will lead to family squabbles. Beware of colleagues who don't have your best interests in mind.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Try not to lose your cool, and make your point known. You can make new connections through friends or relatives.

You can ask for favors and get sound advice from close friends or relatives.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Take positive action. Be discreet with private information. Pleasure trips will promote romance. Small business ventures can earn you extra cash. Travel will be favorable.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Finish off old projects before starting something new. Don't go out of your way, and don't let these unexpected guests cost you money. Don't argue with family.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You can make money if you put your mind to it. You will have to control the way you feel. Don't confide in any relatives whom you know have a tendency to meddle in other people's affairs.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Don't make a move; your confusion has caused this dilemma and you are best to back away and reassess the situation.

You're ready to take action and take over.

Try looking into new ways to make extra money.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Travel will be favorable. You can gain knowledge from dealing with foreigners.

You will be inclined to make unwise investment choices.Channel your energy wisely and you can score points with the boss.

Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You may be tired of working for someone else. You should visit a friend or relative who hasn't been feeling up to par.

Opportunities for partnerships are present; but get every detail in writing.

ACROSS 1. Thin cushion 4. Because of 7. Hard blow 10. Absent 12. Tell tall tales 13. Manicure need 14. Had existence 15. Santa employee 16. Manipulates 17. Cinematic Winslet 19. Build 20. Rooftop goo 22. “In _ words…”

25. Take in 27. Occurrences 31. Disadvantaged 32. Sheep emanation 33. Like the Sahara 35. Cigar enthusiast 37. Spry 38. Completed 40. Blast noise 41. Hold tight 45. Parmigiana meat 47. Puerto _ 48. Raw mineral 50. Can blemish 53. Finished 54. Owned by us 55. Film celebrity 56. Join closely 57. “Ahem!”

58. Secret agent DOWN 1. Feline “hand” 2. Astonishment 3. Photography workshop 4. Swift

5. Saudi export 6. Super Bowl official 7. Ascend 8. TV’s Baldwin 9. Annoying one 11. Positive vote 13. Mammal coat 18. Walking baby 19. Sooner than, to Frost 20. Knock softly 21. Major fusses 23. Listened to 24. Gabor of “Green Acres” 26. Paid golfer 28. Scold repeatedly 29. Maternity-ward news

30. Farm structure 32. Actor Kingsley 34. Petal wetness 36. Tavern barrel 37. Cool drink 39. Each and all 41. Rooster cry 42. Breathe 43. Chilled

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020. 21.

(champagne) 44. Neither this – that 46. Commercials 48. Delighted exclamation 49. Regret 51. Short rest 52. Attempt

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22. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports Extra

National footballers get physiological assessment

Dr. Jody Nickie THE TECHNICAL STAFF of the senior St Vincent and the Grenadines Men’s Football team is in a better position to assess the capabilities of the players in the training squad.

This, after three weeks of intense screening done by USAbased Clinical Exercise Physiologist, Vincentian Dr. Jody Nickie, under the auspices of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation.

The testing/assessment process involved the players running and walking at various speeds on a treadmill, during which their heartbeat rates and other data were noted.

Nickie, in giving a rationale for the tests said, “We need to know

when someone is getting tired… If someone is getting tired, there is a point when carbon dioxide begins to flood the system and oxygen is not able to clear it out fast enough...The oxygen in there has to do multiple jobs, so we need to figure out when there is a one to one ratio .. we know that there is an imbalance”.

Nickie said that such information is vital in informing the decisions of coaches.

“Football is a position specific sport, so if you are a winger versus a defender; a defender will spend an average of two minutes resting…

Usually the wing backs are supposed to be the fittest on the field …

They are going to give you those sixty metres bursts, so we need to know what that means in terms of oxygen usage….

What the muscles look like,” Nickie added.

The Physiologist also noted that the information from the initial physiological assessment will be criticial to what programmes are designed for the players, for the next six week period.

As far as application was concerned, Nickie

said, “That next test will give us the opportunity to fine tune ..know, how many sprints we can get out of each player, so the coach knows that if you can only do fifty and you are forty-nine and you still have ten minutes to go and they put on their speedster and you are my wing back, we are in trouble.”

It is understood that at least six weeks is allowed between tests since in six weeks there will be changes in cardiorespiratory values … and muscular strength.

“Because these guys are fit, the results will be slow, but in six weeks we can effect change, as what works you can continue the programme and what does not work, you go back and find out why,” Nickie reasoned.

The information gathered from the physiological assessment of the senior men’s team will complement the already in place Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking vests, which gives real time information of the players while they are on the field.

Nickie is hopeful that other national sporting associations here in St Vincent and the

Akeem Williams getting his assessment done last Saturday at Fitness Quest.

Grenadines will go the route of football, and get that scientific information on their players, which he said would be useful for training and team selection.

Zidane Sam going through his paces last Saturday.

Site preparation work has alray begun for the Evesham Playing Field.

(Photo source: www.nbcsvg.com)

Playing Field for Evesham EVESHAM, a community within the Marriaqua constituency, will in the not too distant future, have its own playing field.

While site preparation work has already begun, the officially turning of the sod is expected to be held this Sunday, October 11, at which the Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Parliamentary Representative for Marriaqua St Clair Prince, and Evesham resident Mr. Elroy Williams will do the honours.

The Prime Minister and Mr. Prince will address the ceremony, together with Sports Minister Cecil Mc Kie and Murray Bullock, Chairman of the National Lotteries Authority which is funding the construction of the

playing field.

The ceremony will also include the unveiling of the sign for the field; this will be done by former Parliamentary Representative for Marriaqua Mrs. Girlyn Miguel and current MP Prince.

There will also be cultural performances from the Miriam Edwards Pre-School, Evesham Methodist Primary and Soca Artiste Hance John, among others.

Located adjacent to the Evesham Health Clinic, the playing field is earmarked to serve the communities of Evesham, Riley, Kelbourney, Collins, and Carriere.

Cane End and Richland Park are the existing playing fields in Marriaqua.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020. 23.

New Women T20 Champion in SVG J.G. Tigress took first turn at the crease and managed a far from challenging 83 for 7 in their allotment of 20 overs.

Their batters had little answer to Survivors’ spinners Samantha Lynch and United Survivors have returned to the top of women’s T20 Nelia cricket in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Glasgow, who grabbed A PATIENT but timely display of batting by experienced West Indies batter Cordel 3 for 13 and 3 for 16 respectively.

Jack then steadied the Survivors’ Jack helped steer United Survivors to the reply with a 43-ball 46, inclusive of 3 2020 National Lotteries Authority fours and 2 sixes, and led her team to Women T20 title.

87 for 4 in 18 overs. There was one And they claimed the title with wicket each for Vinisaha King, Isha overwhelming satisfaction when they Williams, Samantha Caine, and displaced defending champions J.G. Glendeen Turtin.

Tigress by a comfortable six wickets, In the third place play-offs, played at the Sion Hill Playing Field last the previous Saturday, September 26, Saturday.

Julius Anthony North Leeward It was, however, a low scoring Northern Girls got the better of encounter between the two power Radcliffe Girls. houses in women’s cricket here.

The Northern Girls set a victory

target of 117 for their opponents Cordel Jack after getting 116 for brought her the loss of 7 wickets experience and in a reduced skill as a batter allotment of 16 to ensure United overs. Tisheka John, Survivors’ hold at the top of the on the title. innings, top scored with 24, and Jussel Left: Julianna Jack, batting at Nero continued number 7, helped her rich vein of herself to 21. form but this Marsha Hooper took time in a losing 3 for 25 while Tracy battle.

Byron picked up 2 for 20 for Radcliffe United Survivors (batters) and J.G. Tigress Girls. were locked in a tense but low scoring game.

Radcliffe Girls looked well on their way to victory with openers Julianna Nero and Tracey Byron putting together a 90-run opening partnership.

However, when Nyasha Williams removed Nero when she had got to 54 and the score was on 90, and then removed Byron, 23, one run later, it was downhill for the Radcliffe Girls.

They descended to 108 all out in 15.1 overs, Shenel Lewis taking 4 for 20 and Nyasha Stories by I.B.A. ALLEN Willams 3 for 12 to be Radcliffe’s leading bowlers.

T20 cricket will have a new champion This means that there will be a new T20 champion, with defending champions FLOW Rivals not featuring in the semifinal equation.

Saints continued their unbeaten run with a convincing 7-wicket win over Northern Stars at Arnos Vale. Northern Stars took first knock in a contest reduced to 16 overs because of a late start and, led by 53 from opener Leshawn Lewis, got to 101 for 7 in 16 overs. Leg spinner Geron Wyllie, Dillon Douglas stroked 68 to help 3/15, was Saints’ leading Police Two put an end to any bowler. Saints were hope FLOW Rivals’ had of spirited in their reply and retaining the title. finished on 105 for 3 in 13 overs, captain Sunil GUARDIAN GENERAL Ambris leading with an SAINTS, Police Two, Victors unbeaten 45. Maxwell One and FLOW Radcliffe are Edwards took 2 for 24. through to the semi-finals of At Sion Hill, Victors One the 2020 NLA Neil Williams brushed aside North T20 Cricket Competition Windward Combine by 5 following quarterfinals wickets. North Windward victories last weekend.

Combine made 129 for 9 from

20 overs, Sealon Williams 45.

Solomon Bascombe bagged 3 for 20, Kenson Dalzell 3 for 28 and Kimson Dalzell 3 for 21.

Leading Victors One’s successful run chase, 132 for 5 in 19 overs were Donwell Hectors, 46 not out, and Atticis Browne 35. Meshack Williams took 3 for 13.

FLOW Radcliffe defeated Police One by 7 wickets. Police One labored to 90 for 8 from 17 overs, Selwick Caine accounting for 32 of that total.

Othneil Lewis, Asif Hooper and Rasheed Fredricks took 2/22, 2/12 and 2/0 respectively.

Radcliffe then eased to 101 for 3 from 13 overs - Romano Pierre 41 and Shamon Hooper 28 not out.

At Park Hill, Police Two dispensed with defending champions FLOW Rivals by 64 runs. Police. Two posted 188 for 8 from 20 overs on the backs of Dillon Douglas, 68, Rickford Walker 44 and Sylvan Spencer 24. Orlanzo Jackson took 3 for 36. Rivals

managed to get to 124 Leshawn for 8 from 20 overs.

Lewis hit 53 Deighton Butler hit in a losing 34. Keswick Williams cause for grabbed 2 for 15 and Northern Nigel Small took 2 for Stars.

35.

The semi-finals and finals will be played at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Action in the Saints versus Northern Stars.

V

24. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Fitz Hughes Government makes it three straight THE FITZ HUGHES Government School, for the third year running, won both the Male and Female titles of the Primary Schools’ category of the 2020 Annual Round D Town Road Relay staged last Sunday by Tean Athletics SVG. In winning again the Male Division, Fitz

Hughes’ Team One clocked 35 minutes 14.50 seconds, ahead of the Chateaubelair Methodist Team One’s in 36 minutes .10 seconds and third place Troumaca Primary- 38 minutes 19.10 seconds.

Fitz Hughes’ Team One claimed the Female segment when they

Fitz Hughes Government School Female team.

stopped the clock at 39 minutes 26.80 seconds.

Second was the Troumaca Primary Team One- 45 minutes 14 seconds, with Chateaubelair Methodist Team One third in a time of 50 minutes 10.50 seconds.

More success was to head to the Leeward side, as the two Secondary titles now reside there.

The Central Leeward’s Team One topped the Male Category clocking 30 minutes 39.72 seconds, dethroning last year’s winners- Petit Bordel Team One, who had to settle for second place, in 31 09.72 seconds. Troumaca Ontario’s Team Three ended third, in 31 minutes 21.16 seconds.

The Petit Bordel’s Team Two won the Female Division in 41 minutes 37.99 seconds.

Troumaca Ontario Team One was second in 42 minutes 22.13 seconds and third was the Central Leeward Team One, 42 minutes 34.43 seconds.

Open Category

Fitz Hughes Government Male team.

The Senior Male title was won by Diamonds Village, in a time of 28 minutes 08.48 seconds.

The quartet included Junior Ashton and Meschach Dublin who

Diamonds Village were part of the winning Chatoyer unit in 2019.

Trailing Diamonds Villages in second place was X- Cel Academy’s Team One, in 29 minutes 43.81 seconds. IT- DAT Academy Team One completed the top three, with a clocking of 31 minutes 29.48 seconds.

IT DAT Academy, though, retained the Female Open, stopping the clock at 39 minutes 35.28 seconds; High Performance was second in 40 minutes 01.95 seconds and third in 44 minutes 03.41 seconds was X- Ceed Sports Club Team Two. The top three places in each of the categories, were rewarded with cash prizes.

Sunday’s event consisted of four legs, with each leg starting and ending at the First Caribbean International Bank on Halifax Street.

Running a shorter route, the primary schools’ athletes from the start line, headed up James Street, then on to Bay Street , before turning on Higginson Street and back to the starting point.

The other categories turned on Sharpe Street before going on to Bay Street, then turned on Linley Street and back to

Central Leeward Secondary.

Petit Bordel Secondary. the starting point.

As in 2019, forty teams began last Sunday’s event; thirtynine completed the route.

The next event on the

local road racing calendar is the NACAC Chatoyer Endurance 10K, set for November 29, in the North Leeward area.

Simon, Bascombe progressing in St Kitts NATIONAL youth female athletes, Xaria Bascombe and La Tavia Simon, presently attending the Vertial High School in St Kitts, continue to show progress despite the challenging times occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coach Janice Bailey, who is both coach and guardian of the girls while they are in St Kitts, said she is pleased and satisfied with the progress of the girls Janice Dailey is even in trying times.

“Track and school are going coach and fine,” she said. “The girls are guardian of the now in fourth form which is a two young crucial time, preparing for athletes. external exams which take front stage… not that I am putting track on the back burner.”

She recognised that “the girls are talented and they work hard, and they realize the importance of working hard both on and off the track.”

Both girls have done well at the Caribbean

Certificate of Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC), with each getting passes in Maths and English. In fact, they got the highest levels in those subjects, Dailey informed.

They are now focused academically on preparing for the CXC CSEC exams.

Dailey is understandably pleased with these results and admits to having high hopes La Tavia Simon is for the girls both in track and using some down their academics. time to attend to With a few days off, Dailey her ‘school work’. is taking the girls through an exercise in which they will focus on what they want to get out of track.

Both set the Olympics as their ultimate goal but are focused immediately on the nationals and the CARIFTA Games.

In the meantime, Xaria says “..things have been good so far despite COVID-19. … I am pleased with my results and everything is falling into place.”

La Tavia recognizes that “I have no time to waste

seeing that I Xaria Bascombe am preparing says ‘things have been good’ so for CXC in far.

2022. …. .

Currently my training is on pause so I use my time getting my assignments and SBS finished.”

I.B.A.ALLEN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020. 25.

Sports

Louis Boucher: A cut above the rest HE WAS a tailor for the most part of his mature stages. But that served as a take-off for journey along a productive trail.

His love for the finer touch led him into the cultural arena, and it is this aspect that he has left his greatest legacy.

Born in the area of Paul’s Avenue in the heart of capital city Kingstown, Boucher lived to carve out part of this Louis Boucher nation’s heritage.

– the footballer.

When you hear of Nelson Bloc, that is one of this country’s leading Mas Bands, the name Louis Boucher is an inevitable reference.

With his gift for finesse, Boucher transposed his artistic talents into Mas production. His ‘Floats,’ surfaced at Carnival from the year 1956 when he depicted Pax et Justicia.

That continued up to 1975 when he made his final portrayal dubbed Lord Nelson. In between those years, Boucher was consistent with images displayed at Victoria Park which have left viewers still in awe with his creativity. There was the ‘Iron Man,’ in 1957, ‘Postage stamp’: 58, ‘Statue of Shakespeare’: 59, the ‘1940 Penny’: done in 1960.

There are at least two versions of Chatoyer, as recalled by his younger brother Gordon ‘Tarya’ Boucher.

It is easy to appreciate why Tarya is such a permanent fixture on this country’s mas production line.

Other people will tell you about ‘The SVG Islands,’ ‘Christopher Columbus,’ and the ‘Wisden Trophy.’

After having displayed his athleticism as a footballer on the field of play, Boucher took off his boots and distinguished himself as a referee which saw him officiating up to the Caribbean Football Union level.

One with a quest for discipline, he became Head of this country’s Auxiliary outfit. With his range of skills condensed into one fruitful package, memories of Louis Boucher will be etched on the Vincentian landscape.

He saw the nation transform from a colonial period into Associated Statehood and Independence. Boucher stood out as a nation builder in any era. That tailoring establishment of which he was a part, is credited with laying the groundwork for solidarity among the population.

The tailoring establishment: dubbed Cyrus Emporium, occupied an outlet in Kingstown not far from where Boucher lived, and that formed the core of the early Credit Union movement.

Boucher passed away last Saturday morning.

Arrangements for his internment are being finalised, for there are relatives, who are keen to show their respects. He was the genuine Vincentian, and his closeness to the office of the Vincentian Newspaper ensured that he maintained the order of his neighbourhood.

He was an archivist, and was not afraid to highlight many of his presentations.

The Vincentian Newspaper had inklings of Boucher’s pioneering status and it is no surprise that Boucher was featured in the 2006 Vincy Carnival Magazine, published by the Vincentian newspaper.

Boucher was ahead of his time, kept up with the changes as they unfolded, but stuck to an art of deep cultural enrichment. He has inspired a generation of Mas makers and Mas lovers. The images he left us are testimony of his life ‘s works.

Dickson looks to roll out semi-pro league CARL DICKSON - President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) is determined to keep this country’s top national players at home, all year round.

The president made this commitment while delivery remarks at the opening of the 2020 Cumputec/COMSPORTS Arnos Vale Football League, September 20.

“My primary focus and the focus of the SVGFF at this point in time is to get to the point of implementation of our semi-pro league across St Vincent and the Grenadines,” Dickson said as he moved to delving into how he intends to fulfill his commitment.

“I think too many of our quality players are leaving the shores to go and play in substandard leagues and it depletes our stocks, so what we are trying to do is to invariably put in place a semi-pro league that will offer some measure of compensation and remuneration for our local players,” he added.

As it stands, the Federation is

working out the logistics, Dickson said.

He admitted that how the league unfolds could “cost me politically, because there might be some disruption in terms of how things are played out now.”

He insisted, though, that it was essential for the development of football that “we get it right at this particular moment, because when this thing is finalized and rolled out, we will be affecting about 200 players in total.”

Dickson also pointed to the league being an industry that will serve as an economic opportunity for 200 to 250 students.

“We have taken a close look at all of these needs and we recognize that our players will be better served playing here as a unit and then moving on to the next level,” he assured.

He also disclosed that the SVGFF has been the recipient of much support from CONCACAF, in terms of shaping the model that would be best suited for the Vincentian market.

Carl Dickson President of the SVG Football Federation – has his eyes focused on ushering in a semi-pro football league here.

A confident Dickson declared: “When our guys go out as national players, they are exposed to an environment to which they are not accustomed.

We have a group of young talented players and they will be better served being in a semi-pro environment where they know they have to train daily and follow instructions, be able to communicate with the media, fans, etc. So once we create that environment, the transition into international football will be seamless for them while giving them an opportunity to develop holistically.”

Richland Park football gets going A FEMALE component has been added to the 2020 edition of the Richland Park Football Competition which got going last Sunday, October 4, at the Richland Park Playing Field.

Addressing last Sunday’s opening, Geshell Peters, President of the Valley Sports Committee, under whose auspices the Competition is organized, noted,

“The inclusion of a Geshell Peters, President female component to of Valley Sports the competition is Committee, welcomed aimed at promoting the inclusion of a female component as in keeping female football in with the SVGFF mandate SVG, which is part to promote and of the overall development female mandate of the football here.

SVGFF.” She also another recognised the Competition as yet effort by the Valley Sports Committee to promote sports generally in the Marriaqua Valley.

Peters was grateful to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SCFFF) for DAVID ‘Sky’ Llewellyn, who in David ‘Sky’ allowing the football competition the past has represented SVG to take place, understandably Llewellyn is back at major regional and within certain guidelines. playing international table tennis competitive table Given the window — September, tournaments, believes once a tennis and has October — allowed by the SVGFF, player is fit, performs not given up on and with the preference for an commendably at national trials, representing October commencement, the and satisfies the criteria for SVG once again.

Richland Park Competition is selection, he/she should be scheduled to run for five weeks, given an opportunity to every player as represent St. Vincent and the ending on November 01. long as you are in the top ten, to Grenadines.

Peters assured that all Covidtry out for the squad,” Llewellyn “As I see it, if a person is fit 19 related protocols will be in said. and participated in the place during the Competition.

Llewellyn has been part of national trials and comes in SVG teams which won five OECS These include temperatures the first three out of the trials, and one Windward Islands team checks of players, technical staff that persons picks himself. As championships. and officials, and hand washing for me, I still compete and I have He is now the president of the and hand sanitizing. played the national championship Brownsvail International Table The Competition will see ten for the last two years in pain, Tennis Club, New York, which he male teams in two zones and six with a bad hip and finished in helped form 30 years ago and the semi-finals. I am fit female teams. which accommodates players again after my hip replacement from all over the world. surgery. I say open the door for Stories - I.B.A.ALLEN

ÂSkyÊ Llewellyn still competing

26. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2020. 27.

Classifieds

PI into nurse’s death ongoing MITCHEL Israel Jr, the teenage son of accused murderer Mitchel ‘Mitch’ Israel Sr., was among the prosecution witnesses to have testified so far at the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the matter in which Israel Sr. is charged with the murder of his wife, Arianna Taylor-Israel.

Taylor-Israel, a nurse by profession, was at the time of her death stationed at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Israel Sr., a former civil servant, is charged with causing the death of his wife when he shot her several times on the compound of the St. Martin’s Secondary School (SMSS), shortly after 3 pm on January 30, 2020.

Reports are that TaylorIsrael had gone there to pick up her son, Mitchel Israel Jr., who was at the time a Mitchell Israel Sr.

student of that school.

Mitchel Israel Jr. testified at the Serious Offences Court last week via skype. Several other persons have testified for the prosecution, including other students of SMSS. The accused is represented by Attorney Dr. Linton Lewis.

The matter has been adjourned for further hearing. (HH)

Professional Housekeeper for home Five (5) years plus experience

AGNES VIOLET COLLIS Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 Wilson Hill New Testament Church Of God Viewing: 12:00 noon Service: 1:00 p.m.

Interment: Kingstown

GERALDINE AVIS WILLIAMS

VELTIE MAGRIEANA HAMLETT

Sunday, October 4th, 2020 Kingdom Life Ministries Church Barrouallie Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:30 p.m.

Interment: Glebe Hill Cemetery

Saturday, 3rd October, 2020 Calliaqua Methodist Church Viewing: 1:30 p.m.

Service: 2:30 p.m.

Interment: Golden Vale Cemetery

FITZROY PARNELL RAWLINS

KAIF KORDION KESHAWN FRASER

MIRIAM ADINA ROGERS

Saturday, 3rd October, 2020 6W 3DWULFN¶V Anglican Church Barrouallie Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Glebe Hill Cemetery

Saturday, 3rd October, 2020 Bethel Gospel Assembly Georgetown Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:30 p.m.

Interment: Georgetown Cemetery

Saturday, 3rd October, 2020 Wesley-an Holiness Church Georgetown Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Georgetown Cemetery

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 09,

2020

VOLUME 114, No.41

www.thevincentian.com

HEAVY RAINS:

EC$1.50

RIVERS OVERFLOW, LANDS SLIP SEVERAL RIVERS overflowed their banks over the weekend and into Monday, as heavy showers and periods of thunderstorms raged across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

In fact, stations across mainland St.

The Overland River overflown unto the roadway, as it is known to do during periods of heightened rainfall.

Vincent reported that there was a much as 3 inches of rainfall in a 36hour period.

So much so, a flash flood warning remained in effect up to 6pm on Monday.

The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) reported that among the rivers which showed increased flows and broke their banks were the Savanah, Noel and Overland Rivers, all in the north eastern area of mainland St. Vincent where the rainfall was most severe.

In addition, land slippages (e.g. in Belmont, Belair and Georgie Cutter) and damage, albeit minimal, to property, have also been reported, primarily on mainland St. Vincent.

Resident in the Grenadines reported heavy showers, especially on Monday, causing water and mud to run down mountains and hills and on to the road- ways, effectively putting a halt to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Damage to the road system is still to be ascertained.

Meanwhile, the Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA) stepped up its appeal to the public to be prepared for what it described as “unplanned disruptions” in the water supply.

Over the past week during which

Commuters - caught on one side of a raging Noel River last Monday. the state has been experiencing hurricanetype weather (heavy rains, etc.), the CWSA said damage has been wrought on its pipelines, the result of fallen trees and land slippage.

This has necessitated a heighten period of emergency work in many areas across the mainland in particular.

The CVWSA reiterated that disrupt-ions to the water supply can occur because of adverse weather.

Some vehicles tried to ‘carve’ a route through a ‘vexed’ Savanah River.

Photo Credit: NEMO

JOSEPH CALLS FOR UNDERSTANDING PRESIDENT of Team Athletics SVG — Keith Joseph has called for members of the Track and Field fraternity to exhibit level headedness and understanding, when it comes to those who offer voluntary services to the sport.

His call came after a barrage of accusations directed at officials during a protest which was lodged over the results of the Open Female Division of last Sunday’s Round D Town Road Relay.

Reports are that the officials were accosted during High Performance’s Keith Joseph – President of Team Athletics SVG.

(Club) protest against the declared winner IT- DAT Academy Team, for what they (High Performance) claimed was an infringement at the changeover point, which also served as the start and finish points, just outside the First Caribbean International Bank.

Team Athletics SVG had instituted a “no contact” policy in light of the prevailing threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Instead of the passing of batons or pompoms from hand to hand, the changeover took place when the incoming athletes reached a special line, following which the next athlete raced off.

The protest delayed the announcement of the Open Female results, however, Joseph took to the microphone to express his disgust at those who attempted to interfere with

the race officials.

“If people will allow the process to take place, they will understand that we are fair, because it is the first time that we had introduced that particular piece of legislation, and we understand (it) would have had challenges. But instead of giving the people responsible the opportunity to apply objective analysis and fairness, they were accused of trying to fix the race,” Joseph blurted.

Still peeved, he continued: “Give the people responsible for applying the rules an opportunity to do so with fairness and with objectivity … Do not Sorenya Miller (left), Odesha Nanton (centre), two members of the IT- DAT accuse them unfairly, what they are Academy team, accepting their asked to do, while they attempting to winning from Thelma Foster. do on a voluntary basis … It is unfair for you to do that to our officials.”

Performance was second and X- Ceed Joseph made it clear that the Sports Club Team Two third in the results will stand.

Open Female category of the annual The results showed that High relay.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.