TheVincentianPDF-09-11-2018

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 09, 2018

VOLUME 112, No.39

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

her daughter was 11:33 last Friday BURDETTA JOHNSON morning, just about said that she is now left when she was heading with just fond memories out for Kingstown to of her daughter Shania, collect her first whose body was month’s salary. discovered Sunday The 18-year-old morning, hours after she Shania would have had disappeared. turned 19 in a few Speaking at her days. According to her home in Biabou, the mother, she had woman told THE aspirations of VINCENTIAN that the last time she spoke to Continued on Page 3.

by DAYLE DASILVA

Left: Shania Johnson died just shy of her 19th birthday, never living to fulfil her ambitions.

Right: Burdetta Johnson, with her grandson – Rayshard Johnson -in arms, is already preparing for the day when she will have to tell her grandson the real truth about his mother.

MAN SHOT IN LOWMANS MOUNTAIN

did not want to be identified, said that she last saw him alive on THE GIRLFRIEND of Lennox John, a.k.a. Tuesday.

‘Percy’ of Spring, Lowmans Leeward, She asked him to collect something broke down in tears as she for her in a neighboring village and remembered the thirty plus years they he spent such a long time before he spent together. returned, and when he did, she was That relationship bore three already making her way to “ketch a children, one of whom disappeared in van.”

2007. It is believed by many persons The woman said, “When I dey up that he was killed in the Lowmans de road, I see him coming, so I tell mountain. him bring the thing give me, then I Commissioner of Police Colin go into the van. That’s the last time I John, during the launch of the RSVG saw him.”

Police Force Sexual Offences Unit, took the time to tell media personnel Hearing of John’s death that police received information that a group of men were coming from the She said that she was at home Lowmans Mountain on Wednesday when her cousin called her sometime 7th November, when they were fired after 2 pm asking if she heard what upon. The group dispersed and CoP had happened.

John said that when police visited Her cousin then proceeded to tell the scene, they discovered John’s her that John and some friends were body. coming out of the Lowmans During an interview on mountain, when someone started Wednesday with THE shooting at them.

VINCENTIAN, John’s girlfriend, who “Me na say nothing because me

by KENVILLE HORNE

know Percy could run, so me see the other man them come and me say, ‘Way Percy?’”

She said the men told her that John was in front of them and some men started to fire shots and they ran. She said she was not told if John was hurt.

The girlfriend left her house and went to buy credit so that she could call John. When she called his phone, there was no answer. She reported the matter to the Questelles Police Station and a search party was mounted.

She returned to the station sometime after and was told that the search party had reported finding a body, but did not identify it.

It was then, according to the girlfriend, that she got really

Continued on Page 3.

Right: Lennox John was reportedly in a group when an assailant(s) opened fire on them.

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2. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

RSVGPF gets Sexual Offences Unit

by KENVILLE HORNE

Staff of the Sexual Assault Unit (standing) with top ranking officers of the RSVGPF. THE ROYAL ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines Police

Force (RSVGPF) has established a Sexual

Offences Unit (SOU) dedicated to attending to caes of a sexual nature.

The Unit will investigate sexual crimes such as rape and unlawful sexual intercourse with minors.

Speaking at the formal launch of the Unit last Wednesday at the Police Conference Room in Kingstown, Commissioner of Police Colin John said, “The hierarchy of the police force saw the need to have a specialized unit dealing with sexual offences.”

“Persons who are affected by rape and other acts of indecent assault, they in most cases would be traumatized, and we saw the need to have specially trained persons to deal with them,” added Commissioner John, who went on to share that a special committee, headed by ACP Richard Browne and including Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Charles, ASP Andrews, ASP Butcher and ASP Bailey, did the spadework that gave rise to the Unit.

The Sexual Offences Unit is comprised of eight officers. It is headed by ASP Trevor Bailey and includes: Sergeant 531 Desirine Daize, Corporal 712 Nicola Williams Browne, Constable 580 Tamika Charles, Constable 808 Verna John, Constable 703 Josette Scipio Galley, Constable 599 Romancia Jordan and Constable 134 Hadley Ballantyne.

The unit will be based at the Questelles Police Station.

As it stands now, the Unit is not assigned a full time nurse or counsellor. These services will be co-opted as the need arises.

While the Unit will deal specifically with rape matters and

Commissioner of Police Colin John informed that the Unit was the result of study and recommendation by select committee. matters of unlawful sexual intercourse with minors, and sexual offences against visitors and foreigners, the Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police or the ACP in Charge of Crime can designate certain offences to be dealt with by the unit.

“The Unit will also be dealing with cold cases of rape. It will be asking those police stations where offences of rape were reported and no one arrested or apprehended, that these case files be sent to that Unit so that they can be reviewed”, the Commissioner said.

According to information provided by UNICEF, St Vincent and the Grenadines is among the top four Caribbean countries for sex offences against children.

Statistics show that for cases of sexual abuse of children under the age of 15, reported cases read as follows: 55 in 2014, 48 in 2015, 68 in 2016, and 78 in 2017.

Information also showed that the persons who are most likely to abuse children in SVG are family members, family friends, and caretakers.

Persons seeking to report cases of sexual offences can contact the unit at telephone number 456-1750.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. 3.

News 3 Looking for answers Burdetta told THE VINCENTIAN that the occupants of that vehicle becoming a certified were a YES worker and teacher. another individual, but Up to the time of her could not say who they death, Shania was were. employed at the New That ride took Shania Prospect (Simon) to Calliaqua.

Government School The day rolled on, it under the Youth was getting late, but Empowerment Service Shania had not returned.

(YES) programme.

Burdetta began to get She was quiet concerned. generally, and was not She said that she known to have any spoke with a niece who enemies or involved with informed her that she anyone. (the niece) called “They take my Shania’s phone around daughter just like that,” 4pm, and a guy the grieving woman said. answered, telling her that she was not able to Getting a ride speak to Shania because she was already dead.

The story began last By this time, other Friday morning. relatives had gathered at Burdetta said her the family home, but the daughter messaged her atmosphere was filled indicating that she was with a sense of panic. having difficulties getting a ride.

Strange phone calls She was, at that time, at the bus stop awaiting The decision was public transport. taken to go to the Biabou Burdetta said she Police, and when advised her to stop any Burdetta arrived there, mini-bus she saw coming she got a message from rather than “pick and another relative who said choose.” that they rang Shania’s Shania agreed, and a phone and asked to short while after, Shania speak to her, but was messaged her mother to told that that could not let her know that she happen as her mouth was “getting a ride.” was gagged.

Continued from Front Page.

The individual also indicated that they were going to call Burdetta, which they did, as she got to the Biabou Police.

According to Burdetta, the individual told her that he could not let Shania go until the other two men returned.

“I said like this, ‘You have a mother? You have sisters?’ I said Shania has a 10-month-old baby at home,” Burdetta said.

She would receive another message from the individual, this time she said that she was told that Shania was being held in a building in Paul’s Avenue, and that she (Burdetta) was to go for her, using the road leading to VINLEC, and not to bring any police.

She said she called back her daughter’s phone, which the perpetrator(s) was (were) using, begging for the return of her daughter.

They gave her the assurance that her daughter would be returned that very evening.

“Me say all yo sure?”

They responded in the affirmative.

That was the last she heard from the individual, and she was

never to see her daughter alive.

The discovery Burdetta said that a relative called her early on Sunday morning, telling her that there were reports that the body of a young female was discovered along the road in Akers.

It was later confirmed

by Burdetta’s son that it was in fact Shania’s body that had been discovered.

Amidst the grief, Burdetta said that a neighbour volunteered to take her to the scene.

“As soon as I saw the body, I knew it was her,” Burdetta told THE VINCENTIAN, explain that she able to do so from the bangle Shania was wearing. She had lent her daughter the bangle.

“I started to bawl. I could not even walk. It was an officer who had to come help me,” she said.

There was nothing to suggest that Shania had been sexually assaulted.

A post mortem determined that she was strangled — this according to Burdetta.

As Burdetta makes every effort to come to grips with her loss, she

The area in Akers where the body of Shania Johnson was discovered on Sunday. admits to being baffled as to what would have driven anyone to kill the second of her four children.

Shania’s son, at ten months, obviously does not understand what surrounds his mother, but Burdetta is preparing for the day when she will have to tell him what happened to his mother.

Man shot in Lowmans mountain she said and recalled that the longest time she had spent concerned because Percy was away from John is six months not accustomed staying in the when she went to England. mountain that late.

For her part, she said she The worst was to happen had tried her best to get John that night when the police to stop going to the mountain came to her home to confirm and ply his trade as a mason, that John had been shot and but to no avail. died.

Asked how she wanted John to be remembered, she said, Remembering the man “Percy like talk a lot, always ‘jokeyfy’, friendly. He is honest As expected, John’s death is and a hardworking man. I met taking a toll on his girlfriend of a van driver and he was telling 30 years. me that he never cry as much “I can’t eat, I can’t sleep,” for his brother who died, but Continued from Front Page.

he had to cry for ‘Percy’,” said the girlfriend as she broke down in tears.

Of John’s two surviving sons, one, Azia, is a Form 5 student at the JP Eustace Memorial High School, and the other a police officer in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Azia, who was informed about his father’s death by his mother, described his father as “a good father who love to read his bible, .. love football and enjoy Monday Night Wrestling (on TV).”

In a harsh tone of voice, he

added, “I can’t understand my daddy just dead so and he don’t trouble people. It is a senseless killing and it left me in a state a shock. I can’t even cry how I shock.”

Police are investigating John’s death and are treating it as homicide number 30 for the year.

Lennox ‘Percy’ John would have celebrated his 57th birthday on the November 14.

Right: Azia John remembers his father as an ardent fan of TV Wrestling.

Like any mother would, Burdetta wants justice for her daughter.

She hopes her daughter’s killer(s) is(are) apprehended soon.

Only then can she understand the motive behind her daughter’s death.

Shania Johnson was listed as homicide number 29 for the year.

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4. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

court

Chief Magistrate turns prosecution witness Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche at the Serious Offences Court, January WHILE CHIEF MAGISTRATE 29, 2018, Constable Rechanne Browne testified Orthwell ‘OB’ John told the in a matter before the Court he could not recall Kingstown Magistrate’s any exchange of dialogue Court Tuesday, that there between the two. was an exchange of Browne, who presides dialogue between the over the Serious Offences defendant, Dennis Court, and John, Richardson, and Senior attached to the Process

“Stop the ganja games,” says lawyer GRANT CONNELL, defence attorney and staunch advocate for the decriminalization of marijuana, is calling on the authorities to “stop playing games with the herb.”

Connell made the call while speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday shortly after his client, Josiah Clarke, failed to find a surety for the amount of $6,000 bail he was granted, on a marijuana possession charge.

Clarke, 27, of Spring Village, had pleaded not guilty to possession of five pounds of marijuana with intent to supply.

Attorney Grant A visibly upset Connell told Connell used his the publication, “These ganja client’s inability games that are being played in to raise bail for a SVG can have serious marijuana ramifications.

“Why should our local possession people continue to suffer like charge, to this when we are on the brink expound on the of investors coming to our inconsistencies shores, who would be in currently possession of tons of the same clouding the marijuana under the guise of ‘ganja’ issue medical marijuana? Ganja is here. ganja, don’t mek dem fool you.”

The lawyer questioned, “How could you have medical marijuana farmers on one hand, and on the other hand, filling the jails with our young people found in possession of the herb?”

Connell pointed out that the laws with respect to medical marijuana will soon be passed, but many farmers still have unanswered questions.

“When their present farms are examined by the authorities, in accordance with the law, and they descend and acquire a traditional farmers identification, which lands are they going to work, or are they going to ask for a day work?” the lawyer asked, adding, “Once we emancipate ourselves from mental slavery, therein lies the answer, and we can chart the way forward.”

During Clarke’s Court hearing, Connell pleaded with the Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne for leniency with respect to bail, stressing the age of the defendant, the present climate with regard to marijuana, and his family being of very little means to provide a surety for that amount.

If he fails, he would have to remain in prison until such time.

Clarke was not able to meet the criteria, up to press time Wednesday. He was arrested November 6, during a police action at Rose Bank.

Connell has repeatedly called for a ticketing system for persons found in possession of certain amounts of marijuana.

Department and on duty at the Serious Offences Court on the date in question, were testifying in the matter in which Richardson is charged with disrupting Judicial Proceedings.

The matter stemmed from an incident at the Serious Offences Court January 29, in which Richardson, while in the holding area, said, “Next time me go spit in she (expletive) face or pelt a chair at (expletive) she”, in reference to the Chief Magistrate.

The Chief Magistrate said that on the date in question, she was doing a matter involving Richardson, and during the course of the proceedings, the defendant and the Prosecutor were in an exchange of dialogue, as they were at different wave lengths on an issue.

The exchange escalated and the Prosecutor asked that he be removed from the Court. According to Browne, when the police came to remove him, he was agitated, expressed dissatisfaction about the Court process, and said he was not getting

justice.

The Chief Magistrate said Richardson was then escorted outside the Court “presumably”’ to the holding area.

“He was quite aggressive. He was saying he can’t get justice in this (expletive) Court and he has to get his justice,” Browne said, adding that she later learnt from the officers of certain threats he had made towards her.

Under crossexamination by Richardson, who was unpresented, Browne said the proceedings had to be stopped to facilitate his exit from the Court.

When Richardson asked if she heard him repeatedly asking her to recuse herself from the matter at hand, at the time, Browne said that he did mention that on a previous occasion. She told Richardson, “You were really aggressive, but nothing was uttered in the Court to me.”

However, PC John told the Court that around 12:30 p.m. on the date in question, he was on duty at the Serious Offences Court when Richardson entered the dock, and

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne found herself in the witness stand and at variance with another witness. was further remanded.

“When the Chief Magistrate told him to step down, he told her, ‘You dey pon stewpidness, and if been one a yuh family you would a let dem go’, John recounted.

Responding to questions from Prosecutor Curlene Samuel, John said, “Delpleche had reason to speak to him (Richardson), but I cannot recall any exchange of words between them.”

John said he was instructed to remove Richardson from the Court, adding, “When he was being removed from the Court, he was aggressive, but when he reached in the corridor, he said, ‘OB’ I never disrespect you’,” and calmed down.

John said he placed Richardson in the holding cell and returned to the Court.

Sergeant 490 Shawn Chandler and Constable

744 Othniel Prescott stated in their testimonies that while in the holding area, Richardson used the aforementioned threatening remarks in reference to the Chief Magistrate.

But Richardson, in his defence, denied that he used any threatening words or expletives, saying that he only kept repeating that he wanted the Chief Magistrate to recuse herself from the matter at hand, because she was the virtual complainant in another matter in which he was charged with using threatening language against her, March 2017.

He said he later applied to the High Court through which he had all his matters transferred to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

The trial has been adjourned to next Tuesday, November 13 to accommodate two defense witnesses.

Lawyer in the witness stand ATTORNEY Israel Bruce was summoned to the witness stand in a matter at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, after an allegation against him, which he denied, surfaced during the evidence of a police officer.

Constable 744 Othniel Prescott, assigned to guard duty for Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, had told the Court that Bruce said the defendant, Dennis Richardson, had the absolute right to “express himself”, shortly after Richardson had shouted threatening remarks in reference to the Chief Magistrate, while being kept at the holding area of the Serious Offences Court, January 29 this year.

Richardson, a Redemption Sharpes resident, was being tried at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court Tuesday for disrupting Judicial proceedings.

In reference to the Chief Magistrate, he is alleged to have said, “Next time I go spit in she (expletive) face or pelt a chair at (expletive) she”.

Prescott said he was on duty at the Serious Offences Court around

12:35 pm. on the date in Attorney Israel question, and was present when Bruce found Richardson used those remarks himself in the in a loud manner. unfamiliar role He said Constable 490 Shawn of answering Chandler asked Richardson to from the refrain from using such words, witness stand. but the defendant ignored him and said, “Officer, all yuh go ha when he to kill me”. heard a It was at this stage, according commotion. to Prescott, that Bruce said, “The “At the time, the person defendant has all right to express standing in the box (Richardson) himself”. was among others in the holding Prescott said Richardson area. He was very vocal. I also repeated the words, and Chandler recalled there were police officers again spoke to him. engaging the defendant. I heard As a result of Prescott’s the defendant say, ‘I don’t want statement, Bruce, who turned up she to do my case because dey in the Court during the course of done charge me and say dat me the trial on Tuesday, was threaten she’,” Bruce explained. summoned to the stand by Senior The lawyer said he voluntarily Magistrate Rickie Burnett. drew the attention of the The lawyer denied that he was defendant and asked him to calm present when the defendant down. He then indicated to the allegedly used those remarks. police officers who were engaging He told the Court he could not him, that what Richardson was remember the date or time when saying made sense. the incident occurred, but he Continued on Page 13. recalled leaving the precincts of the Serious Offences Court, and was at the bottom of the stairway, More Court Stories on page 13.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09 , 2018. 5.

Regional

No more ‘De Fosto’

CALYPSONIAN WINSTON SCARBOROUGH, ‘The Original De Fosto Himself’, passed away at 10 am on Friday 2nd November, at his Morvant home, just three days after the Trinidad and Tobago calypso fraternity had said farewell to Winston ‘Shadow’ Bailey.

He was 64 and had been battling heart disease, and was hospitalized several times in recent months.

Unconfirmed reports said that he died of ‘heart failure’.

Interestingly, ‘De Fosto’ was one of a list of calypsonians who performed at the burial service for ‘Shadow’ and, according to National Carnival Commission (NCC) and fellow calypsonian Winston “Gypsy” Peters, he was his usual self.

‘Gypsy’ told the T&T press on hearing of ‘De Fosto’s’ passing, “I spoke to Winston up to last night (Thursday), for more than an hour. He told me that he was feeling good. I asked him to write some music for

me. He told me he would do so next week…I am in shock; utter shock. I haven’t even gotten over Shadow as yet, and now Winston gone too.”

Winston ‘The Original De Fosto Himself’ Scarborough, the story goes, was abandoned as a child. He grew up in the Tacarigua Orphanage.

It was there, from all indications, that his musical talent was discovered and nurtured.

He made his calypso debut in 1976 with one entitled, ‘Chicks Come Out to Play’.

Over the years, he became a prolific composer for himself and many others.

Like his mentor Awlyn ‘Lord Kitchener’ Roberts, he had a penchant for composing for the steelbands, one such composition being ‘Four for Lara’, which he cowrote with the late Dennis ‘Merchant’ Williams-Franklyn, and was played by 1995 National Panorama Champions Amoco Renegades.

Winston Scarborough, ‘The Original De Fosto Himself’, performing at the open air burial service for ‘Shadow’.

(Credit: Curtis Chase) Other Panorama hits written by ‘De Fosto’ include ‘Firestorm’ and ‘Pan Lamentation’, which helped Trinidad All Stars win the titles in 2002 and 2007, respectively, and ‘Pandora’ and ‘War’ which helped Exodus Steel Orchestra score back-to-back victories in 2003 and 2004.

Continued on Page 6.

V Man wants harassment to end 6. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

KEYON WILLIAMS says that he just wants the mother of his 1-year-old son to respect the decision handed down by the Court, and to leave him alone.

Williams complained that since the Court granted him custody of the former couple’s child, the

mother, with the assistance of other individuals, has been harassing him.

He said that he was even pulled out of a van and beaten.

Williams was granted custody by the Family Court in July 2017.

This after the infant’s mother was deemed unfit to care for the child.

According to Williams, the evidence showed that the conditions under which his son was living during the time he was in his mom’s care, were deplorable.

He said that when he got custody of his son, he was overcome by eczema and at 5 months, weighed just a little over 7 pounds.

The infant, said Williams, was even left abandoned during the opening ceremony for the Argyle International Airport, February 2017.

Williams said that the child’s mother moved to Canouan, where her boyfriend was working, and took their son with her.

The romance between Williams and the mother of his child started in April 2015, but went downhill not too long after.

According to Williams, the woman was involved with another man, which

is why he demanded a paternity test which determined that he (Williams) was the father of her child.

The couple then became embroiled in a custody battle, and based on evidence, the Court ruled in favour of Williams.

But then the harassment started.

He said the last incident occurred earlier this week when he was accosted and threatened by the woman.

“She said that she will kill the two of us,” Williams said.

Numerous reports to the police have been made since the harassment started, but nothing has been done.

The man said that he

Keyon Williams clearly showing signs of having received a beating. He just wants to be left alone. has not been able to work following the beating he received.

That alleged attack occurred in the presence of the infant, Williams said.

All he says he wants is to move on and keep providing for his son, and for the harassment and threats to cease. He just wants to be left alone.

(DD)

The Custody Order issued by the Court in favour of Williams.

No more ‘De Fosto’ Continued from Page 5.

‘De Fosto’ never won the National Calypso Monarch, but came second in 2000 (‘Pan Forevermore’) and 2007 (‘One More Kitchener’),

and third in 2010 (‘A Palace State of Mind’.

In a typical calypsostyle, ‘Gypsy’ quipped, “The fraternity is that much poorer again. We used to joke about the name Winston being the

most popular name in the fraternity, and we have now lost two in quick succession. I am thinking of changing my name to James.”

(Trinidad Guardian, Loop News, others)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09 , 2018. 7.

News

Taiwan continues to assist SVG students Left: Ambassador H.E. Calvin Ho said that he and his colleagues will be looking to get a better understanding of the needs of the students.

TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-SIX students on Tuesday, Nov. 06, received financial assistance, compliments the government and people of the Republic of China on Taiwan, at a ceremony held at the Methodist Church Hall.

This year, some 794 students are expected to benefit from the scholarship programme which got started back in 1998, and was set up to assist needy and at-risk students with their education expenses.

Ambassador H.E Calvin Ho, said that since then, some US$2.1 million have been allocated by his government to the scholarship programme, with the annual allocation increasing in 2017 to US$200,000 from US$100,000.

He explained that in the coming weeks, he and his colleagues would be visiting schools in the rural areas, to get a better understanding of

the environment and the needs of the students.

H.E Ho said that “this scholarship ceremony,” follows the departure of 20 students who are now in Taiwan pursuing Bachelor degrees.

Against that backdrop, he encouraged the students present to apply for a scholarship, once they have successfully completed their primary, secondary and tertiary level education.

Ambassador Ho also encouraged this year’s scholarship recipients to work hard.

In thanking Taiwan for its continued goodwill, Minister of Education, St Clair Prince said that the programme has

benefitted many students over the years.

“The contribution has allowed for many students to attend school on a regular basis and aid in their development,” Prince said.

Prince assured that the government was continuing to invest in education, and Taiwan has been contributing significantly to this effort at all levels of the education system and its needs.

Similar handing over ceremonies will be held in Georgetown, Barrouallie, Bequia, and Marriaqua and at the Community College, over the next two weeks. (DD)

Parents, teachers and students packed the Methodist Church Hall for last Tuesday’s scholarship presentation ceremony.

Vinsave salutes the late Millicent Iton VINSAVE has learnt of the passing of Mrs. Millicent Iton, the first Director of the Organization.

She was a stalwart of Early Childhood Education in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and in the region.

Mrs. Iton oversaw the transition of Vinsave from the British Save the Children Fund, The Canadian Save the Children Fund (Cansave) to what it is today, Vinsave.

Her tremendous contribution to Vinsave is marked by the number of lives she touched through Early Childhood Care and Development.

The Daycare and Preschool Centers, the Sponsorship Programmes, which

assisted numerous families and children, to the establishment of a regional training institution at Vinsave, are all testimonies of her legacy.

Her contribution on the many committees and Boards, including the Pre-school Services Committee, now the National Council on Early Childhood Education, and the Children’s Welfare Fund Committee, impacted the development of the Early Childhood Sector and the nation as a whole, in lasting and positive ways.

Vinsave regards Mrs. Iton as pivotal to its development as an Institution which focuses on the development of people, more so children

Millicent Iton and their family and friends.

Vinsave offers condolences to her family on behalf of the Early Childhood Sector.

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8. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. 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

Of Teachers’ Solidarity Month and Democracy HAS ANYONE EVER STOPPED to consider that this thing we call democracy, the thing we hold so sacred, that for which we say our fore parents fought and died, is inherently inefficient?

As much as we revel in the ‘fiveseconds-in-a-polling-booth’ right to elect those we would want to lead us, these same men and women we call leaders are tempted each day, to avoid if not circumvent the collectivedecision messiness of parliament.

Deep down, those who carry the mantle of government must be quietly cursing the gods that this democracy which we hold dear, obligates them to involve their adversaries as equal partners in discussion and decisionmaking, when at the end of the day, the final decision is but a mere formality.

That temptation to avoid the messiness of collective decisionmaking, could well be the driver of authoritarianism, disguised by the evident dynamism and charisma of a political leader.

Soon, but subtly, that political leader, in consolidating power, begins to weaken the courts, the trade unions, genuine non-governmental organisations, and even the media, bastions of democracy.

There are those who would hasten to say that the rise of the Internet/social is yet another tool to be used in protecting this democracy.

Rightfully so, the Internet’s massive connectivity is tailor-made for the free exchange of ideas on which democratic rule is based, and recent history has shown social media and the Internet have enabled democratic revolution.

And that is enough reason for governments (to want) to take control/regulate the use of the internet/social media.

More and more governments are becoming agile and effective in using these tools to safeguard their ends and, they say, the stability of the state.

Then, there is the disorienting speed of change that has engulfed our democracy. That could well provide another opening for authoritarian leaders, who tout their ability to respond rapidly to shifting events.

That can give the advantage to one strong voice over the kinds of deliberative committees that are a mainstay of democratically elected governments’ decision-making.

All of this takes us back to earlier

musings: Somehow there is a picture being painted that democracy might hardly seem the most efficient response to disorder.

But does anyone seriously think we are headed toward authoritarian control of our politics or single-party rule?

That sorry day can be avoided, once the media remains strong and determined to tell the truth, and the courts remain rigorously independent.

And democracy will prevail not because of individual leaders, but because it is better than authoritarianism at meeting the challenges of governing. Human nature abhors a boss, and politically, democracy serves as a safety valve.

And in this milieu sit our teachers who will mark another Solidarity Month.

They are essential custodians, even if they don’t want to accept it. They are positioned to use their discretion to mould a mindset that will not willly nilly accept as fact what certain persons in authority proffer, or when they propagate division and hate.

Not very many teachers, it seems, have come to the realisation that they have a professional and ethical responsibility that outweighs sometime the authority of their employer, and that that employer may abdicate democracy and human rights in favour of ‘holding their own’.

Teachers must take their mandate from society as much as from what the state requires of them. It follows, therefore, that schools have a sacred duty to shape those who carry the future in their book bags (a la Dr. Eric Williams). This responsibility might mean standing up, even correcting certain norms that are ill-disposed to encouraging fair play and justice for all.

Teachers must be role models for their students, yes. But, teachers must also be active agents of democracy, and always mindful that their quest should also be one of encouraging critical thinking.

Youth people must be taught and encouraged to question respectfully, and without violating the rights of others.

The next generation must be nurtured with the food of courage to challenge practices and measures that are undemocratic, even if those measures are encouraged by the State.

Round the Mulberry Bush with talk of Integrity Legislation THE POLITICIANS have lost me on what should have been a straight, one-way road to integrity legislation.

The history is really interesting.

I believe that it was the Democratic Freedom Movement which first touted the idea of integrity legislation. The DFM was formed in 1974, the year that the two mainstream parties came together — Labour and PPP- and we looked to integrity legislation as providing a brake on the practice of official corruption or, at least, slowing it down.

We seemed to set great store by a “declaration of assets” and other such protective gear.

By 1979 on the approach to Independence, we joined up with Yulimo and Arwee to form the UPM. Yulimo had earlier published their views on Independence, in which they again warned of official corruption, a factor which was taken on board the National Independence Committee.

Yulimo had spelt out the situation as clear as daylight. They had held, “that corruption, utilization of public office for private gain and downright stealing by public officers and ministers of government have generally been admitted to be prevalent in St. Vincent. Yet no constitutional provisions exist to provide a framework for effective legislation in this area. Moreover, the legislation which exists is timid in its approach and inadequate to deal with the cancer of corruption in Government”.

It needs to be added that Parnel Campbell, Ralph Gonsalves and Renwick Rose were the joint leaders of the original UPM. Ralph, then a lecturer in politics at the Cave Hill campus, has been credited with the piece on Integrity legislation submitted by Yulimo.

When the NDP, which contained an element of the erstwhile D.FMites, won the election of 1984, they were very strong on the question of legislation.

As a matter of grave urgency, James Mitchell, the incoming Prime Minister, within two months of winning elections in July, on the 18th September 1984, appointed a committee on legal and constitutional reform, inter alia, “to make recommendations for members of

Parliament”.

The committee was significant, owing to their knowledge as well as their own integrity. They were Sir Rupert John Chairman (first Deputyleader of the Labour Party) Parnel Campbell secretary; H.H Williams, GCH Thomas and Yvonne Francis Gibson who was the only representative of the ruling NDP! The Committee reported on the 3rd February 1986, a year and a half after its appointment. Its views were encapsulated in a single paragraph: “The Committee was pleased to note that consideration regarding integrity had been given a very high place in the terms of reference. The Committee feels very strongly that Integrity in the public sector is by no means a mere decorative ingredient for beautifying an administration. It is rather a necessary foundation if the superstructure of a truly democratic, efficient, honourable, trustworthy and respected government is to be erected.

The Committee maintains that in public life, Integrity is the cornerstone of public order, justice, opportunity for general progress and general prosperity. Accordingly, it is the view of the Committee that in the absence of integrity in the public sector, the society must be afflicted with corruption, disorder, oppression in its many forms and, of course authoritarianism in government”.

No more was heard of this report, it is believed, until it was taken down from the shelves and published twelve and a half years later, in Searchlight on the 18th September 1998, after the elections of that year which the NDP barely won.

Smelling blood, the ULP tried to rush an Integrity bill through the House, but had had it slapped down by the Governing NDP who declared that they had more efficient and comprehensive legislation soon to table. But the road block revolution and social turmoil upset this timetable leading up to the 2001 election which the ULP won handsomely.

Continued on Page 26.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. 9.

Letters

No Sandals for SVG

MR. EDITOR, how come we can’t attract Sandals to SVG? I mean, we have some of the most beautiful and romantic islands (Grenadines) in the Caribbean but somehow Mr. Sandals — Butch Stewart — has passed us over and has made multi-milliondollar investments in neighbouring Grenada and St. Lucia.

I recall that there was once talk of Butch Stewart investing here .. in the Grenadines I think. Whatever became of that? Did the politics run the Jamaican off?

In the meantime, we prefer to go to bed with what Ivan O’Neal likes to call the ‘white immigrants’ and people like David Ames and William Wise (remember him?) who take us for a ride.

Seems our Government prefers the Trinis (Massy, Clico, etc.) more than the Jamaicans. I wonder why.

Arnold

* Why all the fuss, all of a sudden, about Justice Saunders contesting a general election in SVG? * Is it true that approximately 100 used vehicles come into this country every month? Is government collecting all the duty on these vehicles? * Are any government people involved in the selling of marijuana seeds for use in the cultivation of marijuana for the medical marijuana business? * Are there doctors attached to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and other District Medical Clinics who refer patients they see at public clinics to their private practices?

At-risk youth among us I KNOW THERE are many who will think I am being ludicrous, but I thought the Prime Minister’s ‘appeal’ to our youth to have fallen short of reality.

The situation (in present-day SVG), as assessed by the Prime Minister, was one in which young people had no reason (need?) to get involved in criminal activities’; how, instead, they should be making use of the opportunities that have been made available to them. Those are statements that we expect any leader of any country to make. After all, no leader wants to be embarrassed by the situation over which he wields influence.

The situation as I see it, is that the number of young people involving themselves in criminal activities — whether as perpetrators or victims - has increased.

I am disappointed that the Prime Minister did not admit that there are still a large number of atrisk young people out there. These are the ones who are more than likely the ones to be enticed into a world of crime, simply because they appear aimless as a result of issues they might be facing.

Sure, some might argue that all young people are at risk, but the ones to whom I refer are those young people who have several things working against them: poverty, dysfunctional family, poor community resources, adverse childhood experiences and unstable school environment.

These are the young people whose future is dim and who will have problems making the transition into adulthood, but are open to a false sense of adulthood by rushing into crime.

So, while the Prime Minister might have done what we expect of him — appeal for better judgment among our youth — he must not lead anyone into thinking that the situation is all a garden of roses from which a rose can be easily plucked.

There are young people here facing a number of problems, and no amount of ‘Education Revolution’ can ever be a panacea for the problems they face.

TB

Reaching out to ‘Pokes’ MY SYMPATHY goes out to my friend Leroy ‘Pokes’ Mulraine and family.

Leroy and I were classmates at the then Troumaca Government School. Our friendship never died.

I happen to know Yvonne ‘Tamba’ Garraway while I lived at Rockies and attended the Grammar School. Yvonne lived at Frenches close to Billinghurst.

When Leroy married Yvonne, our friendship became stronger.

Yvonne, may your soul R.I.P. ‘Pokes’, be strong, and may God bless you and family.

Ormond ‘Bully’ Robertson

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10. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Solid progress continues amidst challenges

We must embrace a better way

Excerpts from the 2018 Independence address: Part Two

(Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s presentation at the Town Hall Meeting in New York) Pt. 2

Introduction THERE ARE those among us who are addicted to the malaise of learned helplessness and paralyzed by contrived recitals of lamentations. Most of our people subscribe not to any of these anti-developmental impulses or maladies. Rather, we elaborate and pursue a compelling developmental narrative stuffed with sensible policies and practical, programmatic details.

Moreover, overwhelmingly, our people, with good reason and inspired experience, believe that our Lord’s compassion faileth not; morning by morning new mercies we see; all that we need His hand hath provided; great is His faithfulness. We thus apply our heart to wisdom, utilize our knowledge, embrace understanding, and work productively. This has been the tried and tested formula for good and successful living from time immemorial.

It is a formula that has served well both Jews and Gentiles! We remember and thank our forebears and their leaders for their contribution in building a platform upon which we further build and advance.

major game-changing endeavours of the state sector are: the consolidating and expanding of the Education, Health, and Housing Revolutions; the expanding of renewable energy (improving efficiency at hydro-electric plants ($20 million), starting-up of the Geothermal Project (US$ 100 million), and building-out solar installations); advancing practical plans to construct a modern cargo port (US $145 million), and the City at Arnos Vale including the anchor project of the Acute Referral Hospital (US $50 million); and construction of satellite warehouses for NEMO. In the meantime, substantial and vital infrastructure work on roads, bridges, sea and river defences, is ongoing in order to strengthen our country’s resilience against climate change. Indeed, between 2010 and 2017, our country has suffered loss and damage in the sum of EC $700 million or in excess of one-third of our country’s Gross Domestic Product due to storms, excessive rainfall, landslides, raging seas and rivers.

The weather patterns arising from Successful Policies and climate change are now unfamiliar in Programmes time, type, and seasonality; Currently, a bundle of policies and unprecedented in frequency and programmes of our government is intensity; and thus urgent beyond delivering much success, and promises measure. Both the pre-existing to yield even more in the future. The condition of countries like St. Vincent historic Argyle International Airport and the Grenadines and the (AIA) which began operations on immediacy of climate change have February 14, 2017, has occasioned an given rise, most assuredly, to the increase in passengers-by-air; many-sided concept of “Small State successful direct non-stop connections Exceptionalism” as a category in the have been established between Argyle global political economy which and New York and Toronto, deserves an especial carve-out and respectively by CAL and Air Canada. recognition beyond the traditional On December 15th this year American rubric, hitherto, of “special and Airlines begin their non-stop flight differential” treatment. from Argyle to Miami; and other international carriers and Climate Change destinations are in the offing. The At a global level, climate change doomsday pessimists have been has, in part, redefined the issues proven wrong yet again and again touching on peace and security. New about AIA. global security challenges, beyond Meanwhile the existing hotel stock those with which the world has been is expanding; and new hotels and traditionally occupied, have come to apartments are currently being built the fore. Non-state actors, for or are shortly to be built. The Resort example, have launched activities at Adams Bay, Bequia is about to be antithetical to peace and security; and opened. The Buccament Bay Resort states, not only so-called rogue states, has finally been sorted out with new have branched off into, or permitted, investors who are soon to take over activities which undermine global ownership. The Black Sands Resort peace and security. The at Peter’s Hope is under construction. circumstances are thus propitious for The Mandarin Canouan Resort is in a small-island state to seek a role at operation; and the Government has the United Nations’ Security Council secured low-cost funding to construct as a non-permanent member. a 250-room brand-named hotel at Mt. Accordingly, St. Vincent and the Wynne and a 90-room airport hotel at Grenadines is poised to become the Diamond. The cruise and yachting smallest country ever to sit on the visitors are dramatically on the rise; Security Council, representing the 33member states of GRULAC (the and the top-of-the-line Glossy Bay Group of Latin America and the Marina in Canouan is about to enter Caribbean) for the years 2020 and its first full year of operation.

2021; the elections at the General Current expanded initiatives in fishing, agriculture (cocoa, coffee, root Assembly of the United Nations take place in June 2019. Our election to crops, and vegetables), the Security Council would represent manufacturing, and the proposed medical cannabis industry, offer solid an extraordinary historical moment for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, prospects for real economic growth all small states, and all humanity. and job-creation.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines stand in solidarity with all who suffer Game Changing Endeavours from the scourge of climate change.

As the private and cooperative Last week, our Cabinet approved the sectors, including the credit unions, sum of US$40,000 as a mark of our continue to play a most significant solidarity with the people of Trinidad role in our country’s development, current initiatives by the state sector and Tobago consequent on the terrible floods which have recently afflicted facilitate and fuel further them. developmental advance. Among the

Accountability WE HAVE raised the issue of accountability, or lack thereof by this government, many times. Our calls for accountability have been met with scorn and contempt by Dr. Gonsalves and his colleagues. In fact, Dr. Gonsalves actually said publicly that he has “no moral responsibility” to abide by the requirements of the Constitution regarding accountability. So, he has abandoned and denied his responsibility to the nation’s Constitution and to its people.

But, on the issue of accountability, we must all agree with what I have said repeatedly before, that is, “In a modern democratic society, public funds cannot be spent in the dark.

The law does not allow it.” Section 68 of the Constitution of St. Vincent and the Grenadines says, “All revenues or other moneys raised or received by Saint Vincent (not being revenues or other moneys that are payable, by or under any law for the time being in force in Saint Vincent, into some other fund established for a specific purpose) shall be paid into and form a Consolidated Fund.”

The Petro Caribe scheme is a case in point. It was started by Chavez in 2005. The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines collected hundreds of millions of dollars and spent it without legal authority. It was only in 2016 the Petrocaribe (Special Fund) Act was introduced and passed in parliament to govern the money legally. It was made retroactive. Why is it so important that there be accountability? That we not just take the word of the Prime Minister and other members of cabinet?

A lack of accountability in public spending breeds corruption in high places; promotes economic inequality, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer; fosters economic stagnation and imposes unnecessary taxes and other costs on citizens. In short, a lack of public accountability works well for undemocratic ruling elite, but harms the ordinary people in the country. We must, therefore, always insist on public accountability, for any government; whether it is ULP or any other.

I have acknowledged the problem and will put measures in place to fix it. Dr. Gonsalves, on the other hand, refuses to admit that they have done anything wrong, and therefore will continue to disregard the requirements and procedure of the constitution and other laws in relation to financial accountability.

money to fight effects of climate change. The longer you stay, the more you pay. And remember, they have done this even though the ECCB figures show that the number of stay over visitors has declined a lot over the past ten years. Why tax an industry that has been in decline?

Government only does this when it wants to discourage certain types of behavior, like drinking or smoking.

Why would the government want to discourage tourism? Or don’t they see the connection?

The Government says it is going to build a 250-room hotel at Mt. Wynne with US$50 borrowed from Taiwan.

That will add over EC$130m to the already high national debt (EC$1.6billion). It worries me that we are not able to attract private investment to build this hotel or to reopen the Buccament Bay Resort.

The stay over tourist numbers will not increase appreciably, nor will AIA attract international carriers until there is increased hotel capacity on the mainland! Buccament Bay was touted as such as investment, but it was done not as an investment but as a scheme to take investors’ money without giving what was promised.

The ULP government facilitated that.

Conclusion

My friends, we cannot continue to operate in our country as if anything goes. We can and must do better.

Some of the problems I have outlined here can be fixed merely by following the law and procedures established there under. Other problems require us as Vincentians to change our expectations of government, of political leaders and of one another. In short, we must raise our game! We must believe that we can do better, and act accordingly. We can’t keep doing the same thing that got us to where we are, and expect conditions to improve.

For too long and far too often, we accept that St. Vincent and the Grenadines cannot lead in the right areas; we seem to accept that we will not measure up to our Caribbean neighbour in economic growth. We lead in homicides, rape and economic decline. Let us turn that around so that St. Vincent and the Grenadines can be a shining light in the Caribbean and the World; an example, not to be ridiculed but to be emulated.

I believe we can do it. I want you and the rest of our people to believe it too, and as I said at the outset to work together to get it done.

Development and improvement are Tourism not automatic. They require conscious In 2006 there were 97,432 stay over and persistent effort by all of us. You, our Diaspora, are playing a vital role visitors; by 2016 the number had declined to 75,395. In other words, we to make things better in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I urge you to do had lost over 22,000 of such visitors! more. We need you. I don’t just mean Instead of increasing the number of people in our hotels and guest houses, that you must send home more money we lost over 22,000. Do you know how or barrels to your loved ones or many jobs were lost as a result? Even favorite charities. That plays it part.

But I am urging you to look for other in 2018, after a year of operation of AIA, the number of stay over visitors ways to contribute to our development. Seek out investment is down.

Despite this poor performance, the opportunities yourselves or with other partners to create businesses in St. ULP government has imposed an $8 Vincent and the Grenadines. As we room per night tax on all hotels and make SVG work for all Vincentians. guesthouses; apparently to raise

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. 11.

Views

Beautiful although battered, The ego is the devil bruised, and broken

“If you live long enough, you’ll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you’ll be a better person. It’s how you handle adversity, not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit.”

- William J. Clinton (Born 1946) – 42nd President of the United States of America weak points. They may be assessed as “strong” in that they have forged (1993-2001). excellent strategic moves to create and SEVERAL YEARS AGO, one of my treasured sustain competitive advantages for their respective firms. However, there may ceramic flower pots broke as I sought to be character flaws that emerge to change the soil that it contained. The exercise was intended to provide the plant become their “Achilles heel”. This thought is inserted here to remind us that it housed with a boost of nutrients. that amidst the strengths, there are After the accident, I contemplated weaknesses. Conversely, amidst the whether I should throw away the five brokenness, there is beauty. pieces that previously made up this The Old Testament records of King wonderful work of art. However, the David come readily to mind. He also mental debate did not last long. I readily concluded that I could find a way to mend did a tremendous amount of good for his the pieces, knowing that it will never look people. However, at one of his weaker moments, he fell prey to the temptation the same again, but that it could still be to engage in an adulterous lifestyle. functional and still considered beautiful This later resulted in him orchestrating (to me). That flower pot still sits on our a murder to cover up his infractions. porch, and appears to be as beautiful as Although mentally, emotionally, and the day when I first purchased it. I am spiritually battered and bruised by this reminded that sometimes events will experience, he was able to emerge from occur in our lives that appear to batter, that dark place to live an exemplary bruise, or break us but, despite the life. His writings in the Psalms, adversity and the setback, we are still beautiful and valuable individuals. We still inspired by God, continue to motivate and encourage millions around the have so much worth and, in our own way, world today. From his brokenness, are so very beautiful. there emerged beauty.

We are imperfect beings. We make The New Testament record of the mistakes. Sometimes those lapses in judgement and foibles may result in our apostle Peter also appears to encourage and strengthen us. He walked with our carrying around very heavy loads of Lord Jesus Christ for three years and guilt and shame. On other occasions, observed His many miracles. He individuals may orchestrate activities against us that seem to suck the winds listened to His teachings and had been told that he, Peter, would be the rock from our sails; deflating us for a moment. And there are those moments upon which the church would be built.

And yet, when Jesus was betrayed by when illnesses and accidents visit Judas, arrested, and taken away to be uninvited and unannounced. In all of these situations, we can feel physically, tried, Peter denied that he knew Jesus. emotionally, and/or spiritually battered, At his weak moment he panicked. In his fear he cowered and cringed. But bruised, and broken. However, we can Peter’s “prologue” following this event gain courage when we reflect that we serves to remind us that beautiful are not alone. Others have gone that road before … and survived. And so can things can still happen after moments we when we keep hope alive and remind of indiscretion and failure. He repented of his error of judgement, rekindled his ourselves that we are still beautiful in commitment to his mission and calling, our own special way and have so much and went about preaching the gospel, to offer.

President William “Bill” Clinton, the the good news, about the salvation that is possible through faith in Jesus 42nd President of the United States of America, admittedly did a lot of good for Christ. He may have failed that particular test but he was not a failure. his people and country while he held He rose from a battering experience to that office. He will be forever re-emerge to build beautiful lives remembered for presiding over the through his faith and commitment. longest period of peacetime economic Anita Krizzan provides useful words expansion in the United States of of encouragement for those who may be America. When President Clinton left seeking to cope with life’s varied office in 2001, he was known to have challenges, disappointment, and had the highest approval rating of any setbacks — situations that appear to president of the United States of batter, bruise, and break. She reminds America since the second World War. His Clinton Foundation now engages in us to, “Dance on broken glass, build many worthwhile activities to alleviate castles with shattered dreams and wear your tears like precious pearls. Proud. the suffering of poor people around the Strong. Unshakable.” We remind world. However, his name will be forever associated with the 1998 Monica ourselves that the glass is half full (not half empty). We focus on what we still Lewinsky affair. His reputation was have left and not what we have lost. tarnished. But he was (and still is We strengthen our resolve, being loved) by many around the world who assured that regardless of the pain and recognise (but do not excuse) his sorrow caused by the battering, the humanness and his ability to rebound bruises, and the brokenness, we do have after such a publicly scourging and the ability to rebound and to allow the humiliating revelation. inner beauty of our character to shine My good friend and former Chief Executive Officer of Neal & Massy (now through. rebranded Massy), Jesus Pazos, recently Send comments, criticisms & shared some wonderful insights about suggestions to leaders and leadership. He noted that julesferdinand@gmail.com very often, strong leaders have strong

LAST TUESDAY was a sad day for the people of Antigua, Grenada and the rest of the Caribbean. For the 4th time in less than a decade, the political class led our people over a cliff on an issue that is so basic, so vital to our forward development that future generations will look back and scratch their heads at our stupidity.

Sometime as elementary as adopting our own court should be as elementary as learning to walk. Sadly, the political class, 6 decades since we started the march towards political independence in the Caribbean, has not yet learned to think. Well, at least think about the nation, the people, about anything but their own political advancement, electoral advantage, their personal place in history.

And please, all of us with any sense of decency must stop repeating the trope that the people have spoken.

Issues like a decision to end colonial bondage and move toward independence, a court of law, are natural and healthy as bathing. So when people go to the polls and vote to remain part of a system, despite the incessant call of those who organized it as part of their colonial adventure of conquest, to depart, we know that something is wrong with our leaders.

National leaders are supposed to lead the people and nation. Leaders are required to lift us up rather than pull us down and hold us back.

Leaders are expected to do the ‘intellectual heavy lifting’ for the population, especially their supporters who look up to them for guidance and direction. So often these so called leaders fail our people and then with a straight face declare that the people have spoken. Nonsense!

Have we yet learned about sacrifice and compromise? Do we know what it means to stand with determined selflessness? Ebenezer Joshua, cocksure of blind loyalty among his supporters, declared that if he put up a broom stick as a candidate, the people will vote for it. During the last elections, a lady I canvassed for a vote told me not to bother talking to her because even if ‘Ralph put up a lizard as candidate she will be vote the star.’

Joshua was king in the 1950s and 60s, and the lady who will vote however she is directed by her political leader is still alive.

We can be certain that the vast majority of those who voted yes to the acceptance of the Caribbean Court of Justice in Antigua and Grenada, did so primarily because Gaston Browne and Keith Mitchell either led or were perceived to have led the campaign for Grenada and Antigua to move away from the Privy Council. Similarly, those who voted No took their cue from opposition leaders. The same thing happened in 2009 when we squandered our chance to vastly improve our constitution. Leaders with an eye to elections and politics, personal aggrandisement and egos, larger than the countries they rule, stood in the way of meaningful change.

Therefore, we are impatient with the talk that the people have spoken.

We must all refrain from those banal excuses, and admit that our leaders are failures. They continuously confuse and conflate what’s good for them with what is best for the nation and people.

UWI Professor Tennyson Joseph spoke for all of us when he said ‘The Caribbean faces a historical problem with referenda, due to the hijacking of our politics by party politics. Unless the 2 or 3 parties can coalesce around a common issue, all our referenda will be split along party lines. This is particularly difficult where two thirds majorities are required. Unless our parties mature enough to rise above scoring cheap political points and make common cause around large issues like the CCJ, removing colonial relics like the queen as head of state, we will continue to experience the sad cases of seeing serious issues hijacked by petty politics and voters being misguided by petty leaders during referenda.’

Gaston Browne and Keith Mitchell won handsomely in recent elections.

Yet they could not mobilize sufficient support to reach the steep 67 percent threshold required for the passage of the referendum. In 2009, the opposition in SVG was able to block the passage of the revised constitution. Yet, a year later the NDP, high on the referendum success, went down to their third consecutive defeat in national elections.

Where do we go from here? For centuries, the Privy Council was the highest court in the colonial Caribbean. It is still with us even though the march to independence began in 1962 when Jamaica and Trinidad blazed the freedom trail.

Why then do leaders argue that the opposition is asking for more time or more discussion and education and claim they can’t wait, they must go forward now? Seriously, what is the haste? Why not wait another year and try to hammer out a compromise?

Let us go back to our constitutional effort in 2009. Our leaders proposed a constitution that strengthened the role opposition leader, made the government more accountable, reduced the powers of the prime minister, made provisions for a human rights protection and an ombudsman, offered more rights to Vincentians living abroad, possibility to move away from the queen as head of state and for our own final court.

Yet we threw that all away. It is true that the opposition played obstructionist politics, but it is equally true that the governing party was too consumed with its own power to compromise for the greater good.

What if it had given in to opposition demands to change the wording in the preamble regarding the primacy of God as well as taken on the opposition idea about compensation for private property compulsorily acquired by government?

What if it had declared that to free the constitutional process of all notions of electoral calculation, the referendum will be held after the 2010 elections?

Some other foolish, anti national idea might have been raised as an excuse. However, some issues are so important and fundamental to our advancement, that politics has no right to be in the mix. But the ego is the devil. Last Tuesday, our political class failed us once again.

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

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12. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Knowledge is success WITH A CIVIL SERVICE career spanning 40 years from 1959, Ngiam Tong Dow declares that what lies behind Singapore’s spectacular achievements from 1959 onward, is Singapore’s relentless pursuit of knowledge as the critical lever for development. Singapore is the forerunner of knowledge-based economies in this new millennium.

In contrast, in SVG, the

ULP regime has a relentless pursuit of begging. The difference in the two countries’ strategy and policy is stark.

The period in Singapore from 1959 to 1979 was called “survival-driven education”.

Singapore was faced with a growing population and a growing unemployment rate.

It shifted towards an exportoriented industrialisation.

Education thus shifted

towards an industrialisationoriented mode, with a greater focus on university, and technical and vocational education.

The period in SVG from to 2001 to 2018 can be called ‘begging, high poverty and high unemployment’. SVG has a growing population and enormously high poverty and unemployment rates. Our economy has gone down severely and investment in education — our children — has decreased dramatically.

In its first 9 years of selfrule, Singapore spent an average of 23.34% of its national budget on education, amounts increasing from $S60 million in 1959 to $S135 million in 1967. They knew they had to educate the people to achieve economic success.

They knew that knowledge meant success.

In contrast, from 2001 to 2018, the ULP regime has been starving our children of proper investment in education and schools. The table shows that ULP regime Capital Expenditure on education for this period has

been an average of 3.87% of the national budget.

Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, very strongly contends that the ULP regime’s Capital Expenditure on education for 2001 to 2018 is shockingly low, and a gross insult to the children and families of SVG. We must invest hundreds of millions of dollars more in our children’s education.

When addressing CARICOM leaders in 2015, President Barack Obama said, ‘If you look at some of the most successful countries in the world, they are actually pretty small countries like Singapore — for example. On paper, it looks like they have no assets and yet, if you go to Singapore, it has one of the highest standards of living in the world. What it is that Singapore did that might be replicable? One of the most important things they did is that they made a massive investment in their people and, if you have got a highly skilled [and] highly educated workforce — if you set up rules of law and governance that are

transparent and non-corrupt, then you can attract actually a lot of service industries…’.

SVG is a small country.

Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA has been saying for over 15 years that the most important things we need to do is make massive investments in our people, so that we have a highly skilled and highly educated workforce; and we need better rules of law and governance that are transparent and non-corrupt.

Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons) MSc, MBA, lived in Singapore with his wife and three children from 1963 to 1965, and believes that high investment in education in SVG will attract a lot of service industries and foreign investment. This will then create mass employment, and hugely reduce crime and poverty in SVG. Knowledge is the critical lever for development in SVG. Knowledge is success.

SVG Green Party

Centenary of the 11th November, 1918 Armistice IN ST VINCENT and the Grenadines there are three memorials honouring persons who fell in war: The Cenotaph- locally known as ‘The Iron Man’, the Peace Memorial Hall and the Obelisk at Dorsetshire Hill. The first was to commemorate those who fought and died in World War One; the second to commemorate the peace that ended World War Two: and the third, the Obelisk, erected in 1985 to commemorate Paramount Chief, Joseph Chatoyer who led the resistance to the British conquest of St Vincent.

It must also be noted that every November, on the Sunday closest to the 11th (known as Remembrance Day), there is a national service and laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph to mark the anniversary of the Armistice Day. On 14th March, another wreath laying ceremony takes place at the Obelisk at Dorsetshire Hill.

The national landmarks - the World War Memorials- are known to most Vincentians, but many of us still perceive the

World Wars as something which happened in Europe, involving Europeans far away and really nothing to do with us. We may even have questioned the need for these memorials in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The occasion of the Centenary of the 1918 Armistice is the perfect opportunity to look at the importance of the Cenotaph- ‘The Iron Man’.

All around the World, but especially in Europe, activities and events are being held to mark the Centenary of the 1918, 11th November Armistice. One such activity is known as “The empty chair project ‘Assembly’ to commemorate Armistice day 2018”. Every country that sent men and women to fight in World War One, was asked to contribute a wooden chair to symbolize the absence of those who died in the war. This numbered 125 countries, including many Caribbean countries which, as part of the British Empire (now known as the Commonwealth), were asked to recruit for the war effort.

The First World War began on 28th July, 1914 and ended on 11th November, 1918. In 1915 a new regiment made up of black Caribbean volunteers who in Britain were grouped together in the British West Indies Regiment.

Of those recruited in England, men from Trinidad and St Vincent served in ‘C Company’.

When more men were needed, another draft was made from the Caribbean, with several islands sending recruits Jamaica sent the greatest number. In September 1915 and in December 1916 after being recruited and given limited training, two contingents left from St Vincent. In total 15,600 men from the Caribbean served in this regiment between 1915 and 1921.

In 1925, the Administrator announced that there would be services held to commemorate Armistice Day in St Vincent and the other neighbouring territories. In St Vincent, on 11th November 1925, the unveiling of a War Memorial- The Cenotaph- took place. It was a bronze statue of a soldier, in uniform,

The Cenotaph – The Iron man’ – in its original location. (Photo Credit: Albert ‘Jus’ Edwards) holding a rifle, standing at ease, mounted on a granite pedestal. The Cenotaph was at that time placed in a triangular area in the vicinity of the Market Place and the Court House. The names of the sixty-one men from St Vincent who died in World War One are engraved around the pedestal, and the names of the four Vincentians who died in World War Two were later added.

(The Cenotaph was moved from its original location to Bay Street, on the other side of the market in the late 1990s).

Every year since 1925, a Remembrance Day Ceremony with the laying of the wreaths at the base of what has become affectionately known to Vincentians as ’The Iron Man’, is held in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Those who fought in the First World

War, especially those who died, deserved to be remembered and honoured; and they, their families and friends and Vincentians as a whole, have earned the right to be part of any commemoration and celebration of the Centenary of the 11th November, 1918 Armistice.

(Prepared by National Treasures of St Vincent and the Grenadines)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09 , 2018. 13.

Court

Mespo man charged with woman’s murder TWENTY-YEAR-OLD DESRON ROBERTS was taken before the Serious Offences Court on Monday, charged with the recent murder of a Mesopotamia woman.

The Cane End man is charged with the murder of 30-year-old domestic, Rodesha Bailey.

Roberts was not required to plea

when he faced Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, and was remanded. A Desron Roberts – murder accused.

Fugitive caught, charged with attempted murder LARA CARTER, an Ottley Hall man who was on the run for several weeks and was held recently in South Rivers, has had a charge of attempted murder slapped on him.

Carter is charged with the attempted murder of Venesia Baptiste, also of Ottley Hall.

He is expected to return to Court next Monday for bail review.

Carter was not required to plea when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on Monday.

He was unrepresented.

In objecting to bail, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche said Carter was on the run and a wanted bulletin was issued for him.

The Prosecutor added that it was

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Lara Carter had evaded arrest since October 12. based on information received, that the police went to South Rivers and got him.

Delpleche also stressed the fear expressed by the complainant.

Carter was denied bail at this stage and remanded until next Monday.

Baptiste was reportedly shot in her legs during an incident at Ottley Hall on October 12.

Driver eventually charged A MAGUM man has been charged in connection with the October 14, 2019 motor vehicle accident at Langley Park, which left two teenaged boys dead.

Bazzroy Brackin, 19-year-old

The state of the pick-up after it hit a truck and ran into a wall.

labourer, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Bertie Pompey on Monday charged with, being the driver of motor vehicle TK696, caused the deaths of Clevique Huggins, 15, and Delroy Baptiste, 17, both of Magum, by dangerous driving.

It is alleged that the boys were in the cargo pan of the Toyota Pickup when it struck a truck, TQ553 and then crashed into a retaining wall.

Seven others — ages 14 to 25 - were injured.

Brackin was not required to plea, and Pompey granted bail in the sum of $25,000 with one surety and reporting conditions.

The matter was transferred to the Serious Offences Court where Brackin made an appearance on Monday, and a February 12 Preliminary Inquiry date was set.

Attorney Grant Connell is presenting Brackin.

Lawyer in the witness stand Prosecutor Curlene Samuel, Bruce conceded that some expletives were Bruce explained that he was used by the defendant, but in referring to the defendant’s responding to a question from proclamation that he did not want the Magistrate Burnett, he said he was Chief Magistrate to hear the matter not present when the words in at hand, because he had another question were allegedly used, and if matter in which he was charged with he had heard the defendant using using threatening language in such words, he would have told him reference to her, March 2017. that it was improper and impolite to Under cross-examination by do so.

Continued from Page 4.

Preliminary Inquiry (PI) is slated for February 11, 2019.

Bailey’s body was discovered about

3:50 a.m. October 26 at Sayers, Mesopotamia, with multiple stab wounds.

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14. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports Feature

Lennox John Academy graduates thirteen

THIRTEEN OF THIS COUNTRY’S YOUNG CRICKETERS are better skilled, on completion of a stint at the Lennox John Cricket Academy.

The Academy closed another phase of its development programme last weekend, at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex.

Addressing the closing, Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of the SVG Cricket Association, under whose auspices the Academy operates, congratulated the participants for having completed the progamme.

He indicated that, while the cricketing aspect of the participants’ development

was addressed, there will be an increased focus on their academic needs.

“The education background is what differentiates us from the other players on the international stage so, at this earliest stage, we have to make sure our athletes perform well in school and on the cricket field. We are at the stage where we can’t accept anything different,” Shallow told the gathering.

He assured that “In the New Year, more emphasis will be placed on performances in school,” and called on the parents and teachers to assist in this effort.

Plans are Academy graduates with Lennox John afoot, (foreground), SVGCA President Dr. Kishore Shallow Shallow (middle row right) and Academy added, to Coach Cleton Burnette (middle row left). expand the programme so that look at cricket as a full time more young people can be job. accommodated.

He referred to the SVG’s “We will be looking to recent selectees to the West restructure next year, and the Indies senior teams - Obed intention is to have three McCoy, Keswick Williams different Zones… so we are and Sunil Ambris - and urged finding different ways in the young players to strive to which we can improve and emulate what these players involve more players to move have achieved. cricket forward,” he said.

Lennox John, past Addressing the ‘graduates’ administrator of local and directly, Dr. Shallow stressed regional cricket, and in whose that players now have more than enough motivation to Continued on Page 15.

SVGCA President Dr. Kishore Shallow alluded to expanding the programme in the New Year.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. 15.

Sports Feature

Lennox John Academy graduates thirteen

hope that, “the Academy itself will be sustainable and continue and not (become) something that dies out.”

He assured, though, that “I have every confidence in the persons who organize and who are involved to keep it going, and wish it every success.”

John also pointed to cricket as “an alternate occupation outside being a doctor, lawyer, if you think of it, and once you have the talent and the skills, you must try to develop into the best player you can be.”

Kodi Grant, Most Disciplined Participant, receives Those receiving his award from Lennox John. special recognition on completion of this Continued from Page 14. phase were: Ojay Matthews - Best Batsman; Jenelia Glasgow - Most honour the Academy is named, was Improved Fielder; Reshawn Lewis particularly happy to see the turnout Most Improved Wicket-keeper, of the parents in support of their Solomon Bascombe - Most Improved children.

Bowler, and Kodi Grant - Most He recommitted his support, saying, Disciplined Player.

“It’s always been a pleasure to be part The Lennox John National Cricket of the Academy,” and expressed the Academy was formally launched on

Saturday, March 4, 2017, with the intention of identifying young, talented cricketers (male and female), especially from among the schools, and to work with them so that they can become better cricketers and mature persons.

Each rotation at the Academy runs for nine months until November.

Reshawn Lewis - Most Improved Wicket-keeper.

Sessions are held every Saturday.

The business/activities of the Academy are co-ordinated by Cleton Burnette. The coaching staff comprises Irvin Warrican (head coach), Bertram Stapleton, Alston Bobb, and Samantha Lynch.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Jenelia Glasgow - Most Improved Fielder.

Below: Solomon Bascombe - Most Improved Bowler.

Ojay Matthews - Best Batsman.

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16. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Education

GECCU trains Teachers

Frederick Stephenson, Minister with responsibility for Cooperatives, referenced Credit Unions as having made significant contribution to upgrading its members’ standard of living.

Lennox Bowman, CEO/GECCU, underscored the need for education on matters of finance and money.

a GECCU-sponsored Teacher Guide Training Programme.

The session, held at Frenches House in Kingstown, brought together thirty-one teachers from the schools in which GECCU sponsors the Schools Thrift Programme.

Bowman highlighted the need for educating young people on matters of financing. He also stressed the urgency of helping citizens to learn to appreciate the value of money. His call is predicated on what he has seen.

The CEO anticipates that the Teachers will return to their classrooms with renewed enthusiasm, and that more children would become part of the GECCU network.

Clarence Harry, Chairperson of the Education Committee (GECCU), in his welcome remarks, described the Teacher Guides as “pivotal” to the progress of the School’s Thrift Programme.

Harry looked at the event as an opportunity for teachers to “recharge and retool”, and cited it as an ideal platform to ensure growth in the cooperative sphere.

GECCU steadies the ship

Patterson Homer, Acting Registrar of Cooperatives, praised IT IS WITH OVERWHELMING GECCU for living up to the Credit Union PRIDE that the General principles.

Employees Cooperative “I feel good,” Homer Credit Union (GECCU) declared, especially in promotes itself as the light of the fact that ‘Education’ Credit Union. members of his And GECCU’s Chief Department were part of Executive Officer the day’s exercise.

Lennox Bowman echoed Homer dubbed the the sentiment last Tuesday at the opening of School’s Co-operative Thrift Programme as one

of the fastest growing subsectors, with $1.2 M in savings. And GECCU is the guardian of a portion of that money. He expects that the saving from the Schools Cooperative will increase to $1.6M. When the School Corp Agri-business needed support, “GECCU came to the rescue,” according to Homer.

Vincentians can look forward to home grown chickens for Christmas through the Agri-Business initiative, and Homer attributed this measure to GECCU’s consistency in support.

Next October marks forty years since the creation of the Cooperative Department, and Homer anticipates that the commemoration will be observed in style.

Credit Unions’ contribution Minister Frederick Stephenson, under whose Ministry the Department of Cooperatives falls, commended the teachers for the “challenge” they face in counting the coins.

He acknowledged the need for continuous training.

Stephenson pointed to the role of parents in helping to inculcate good traits in their children.

He referenced savings as “an important aspect in the child’s life.”

The Minister is happy that the idea of saving has been embraced at the Pre-Schools.

This country lies second in the Caribbean as it relates to penetration among the population, and Stephenson wants to see this country attain the number one position.

Teachers can help to

achieve that task, Stephenson pointed out.

Stephenson pledged his government’s support to the Credit Union sector “in every aspect”, for he sees it as “an important industry to the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

According to him, Credit Unions have played critical roles in upgrading the lives of members. He noted that many of the houses built and occupied by the nation’s population were as a result of Credit Unions. Vehicles, lands,

university education, and productivity were enhanced through the cooperative movement, Stephenson indicated.

“Credit Unions must be commended,” Stephenson considered.

Alron Harry, GECCU 2011 scholar, showed his gratitude to the organisation and provided a cultural component with a rendition on pan of Gerard ‘Rasum’ Shallow’s ‘Perseverance’. (WKA)

Patterson Homer, Registrar of Co-operatives (Ag) was high in praise of GECCU’s support for and work with School Co-operative Thrift Programme.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. 17.

News

ECCO announces royalty payments ROYALTY PAYMENTS to members of the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organization for Music Rights (ECC), for the last rotation, commenced last Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

This comes three months after the agreed date. However, there have been no reports of discontent among ECCO’s

members, since management explained that the delay was related to the financial verification process, without which the payment process cannot be realized.

ECCO’s Chairman, Martin James had high praise for the office staff who, he said, “burned the

midnight oil in processing the payments after having received confirmation of the financial position just last week”.

The financial affairs of ECCO came under focused scrutiny over the last year or so. The sitting CEO, Steve Etienne, was sent on leave in October 2017 so

SVGCC congratulates top CAPE performers Mathematics Unit 2.

Last year, seven (7) Vincentian students made it into the CAPE Merit lists: Ms. Abigail Scott ranked 2nd for the CAPE Biology Unit 2, 3rd for Chemistry Unit 2 THE ST. VINCENT and and 9th for Pure the Grenadines Mathematics Unit 2.

Community College For Geography Unit 2, (SVGCC) wishes to Ms. Thandi Myers and congratulate all our Mr. Daree Myers students on the May/June ranked 4th and 6th 2018 CAPE sittings. respectively.

For 2018, some of our In Physical Education students performed and Sport Unit 2, 3rd, extremely well and are 4th, 7th, and 9th places ranked in the top ten (10) went to Ms. Cherice in the region.

Gerard Porter was ranked Roberts, Ms. Glenda In Green Engineering 1st for Pure Mathematics Harry, Mr. Akinde Unit 1, Ms. Jevonique Samuel, and Ms. Unit 2.

Edwards and Ms. Sachi Shaniqua La Borde Sutherland ranked 5th respectively. and 8th respectively.

Additionally, the SVGCC especially Mr. Gerard Porter was ranked 1st for commends the students of Green Pure Mathematics Unit 2.

Engineering Unit 1, as the subject was We thank the students, parents and first introduced at the beginning of the lecturers for their hard work in the 2017/2018 school year. academic year 2017-2018. Special The St. Vincent and the Grenadines mention must be made of the following Community College takes this lecturers whose students have achieved opportunity to wish the students all the the above rankings in the mentioned best in their future endeavours. subject areas: Mr. Allanson Cruickshank Nothing limits Excellence!

-Green Engineering Unit 1, and Mrs. The complete lists can be found at Dawn Scott and Mr. Wayne Young -Pure https://www.cxc.org/merit-lists/ Editor’s Note: The following is a News Release from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, and carried in its entirety.

Dermatologists meet in SVG THE TWENTYSEVENTH Annual Meeting and Conference of the Caribbean Dermatology Association (CDA) got going here last Wednesday, November 7, at the Beachcombers Hotel, Villa.

Over sixty doctors from a dozen and more Caribbean territories were expected to participate in the proceedings that were scheduled to close tomorrow, November 10.

Dr. Lenoir DaconAnderson, Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, speaking about the Conference, said, “The scientific programme is academically stimulating, incorporating aspects of both medical and cosmetic dermatology.”

The conference’s keynote address, the Lois La Grenade Lecture, was

delivered by Prof. Lynne Goldberg, Professor of Dermatology and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Director of the Hair Clinic, Boston Medical Center.

Prof. Goldberg has expertise in the clinical and histopathological evaluation of alopecia, and runs the Hair Clinic at Boston Medical Center. Her talk focused on Alopecia, or Hair Loss, in ethnic skin.

Vincentian doctors were specially invited to participate in a conference symposium, scheduled for last Thursday, specifically to update them on the management of common conditions of the skin and hair.

The Caribbean Dermatology Association, whose Secretariat is located in Kingston, Jamaica, is a

Prof. Lynne Goldberg, Professor of Dermatology, delivered the keynote lecture at this year’s CAD Conference. professional society of Dermatologists and doctors with an interest in Dermatology. The annual meeting of the CDA is held in a different Caribbean territory each year, and is open to all medical professionals.

as to allow the Board of Directors to begin a detailed review of ECCO’s operations, to include its financial affairs.

Etienne was eventually dismissed.

The Board of Directors and the new CEO, Mr. Davis Joseph, are confident that they have put the misgivings of the past behind them, and pledged to improve communication with members, as well as to

make greater effort to obtain more benefits for them.

The ECCO Secretariat continues to be located in St. Lucia where it has been from inception.

Right: Martin James, ECCO Chairman, has recommitted his Board and Secretariat to working to ensure maximum benefit for its members.

18. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. 19.

News

CED targets another batch of BARTEC students CLOSE TO FORTY (40) students of the Barrouallie Technical Institute (BARTEC) will this month undergo entrepreneurial and business development training in a four-day Youth Business and Entrepreneurship Training (YOUBET) Seminar.

YOUBET was developed by the Centre for Enterprise Development Inc. (CED) as part of its focus on empowering youths in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The goal of YOUBET is to expose young people to entrepreneurial and business education, as a means of encouraging them to seek alternative avenues for employment creation and income generation. The programme also seeks to nurture the spirit of entrepreneurship.

Scheduled to take place during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2018, the seminar will run from November 12-15 at the Barrouallie Technical Institute. The students are pursuing studies in Data Operations, Food and Drinks, Food Preparation, and Garment Production at BARTEC. The YOUBET seminar will be held under the theme, “Unlocking the Entrepreneurial Potential of Youth”. It will be facilitated by Business Consultant Mrs. Marlyn Richards, who will introduce and expose students to information that will help them to identify business opportunities, requirements for starting a business and business planning. Topics will include Planning Your Small Business and Identifying Business Opportunities, Marketing, Record Keeping, Costing and Pricing, and Preparing a Business Plan.

Last November, CED conducted its first YOUBET seminar at the institution, which saw forty-three (43) youths participating.

According to CED Training

Coordinator, Miss In this Keisha Phillips, the November YOUBET seminar has 2017 photo, helped some of the students of BARTEC past students the Barrouallie to take the brave step Technical into the world of Institute are business. engrossed in activities at the CED YOUBET Seminar.

“The first batch of students who benefitted from our YOUBET programme at the Barrouallie Technical Institute were able to use the knowledge and skills that they gathered from the training and explore in creating various products, which they displayed and sampled at their Career Fair on June 12th this year. They were further encouraged by the public’s response, and have expressed the desire to seriously get into business. Hence, several of these past students are now receiving business counselling and advice and guidance from our technical team here at CED to help them to start their respective businesses,” Miss Phillips explains.

“Last month we also trained some of these youths in “Preparing for Trade Shows”, as they were invited by Invest SVG to showcase at the Everything Vincy + Expo. So we are heartened to see that our YOUBET programme is making the sort of impact that it was designed to, and we’re looking forward to another successful seminar this month.”

The YOUBET programme targets unemployed youth, youth who own businesses or who may wish to start businesses. Schools, groups and organizations that may be interested in having the YOUBET seminar delivered to them can contact CED at 451-2235 or cedsvg@gmail.com.

(Submitted by CED)

Schools Drama begin on Monday MONDAY 12th November marks the opening of the 2018 edition of the Secondary Schools Drama Festival.

The Festival, a collaboration between the Department of Culture and the Ministry of Education, gets going at 3:30 pm at the Peace Memorial Hall.

A release from the Department of Culture said that ten schools have registered: St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua, St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, Troumaca Ontario Secondary, Dr. JP Eustace Memorial Secondary, West St. George Secondary, St. Clair Dacon Secondary, Adelphi Secondary, Intermediate High School, Bishop’s College Kingstown and Petit Bordel Secondary.

The Preliminary round begins on Monday 12th November, following addresses from representatives of the Ministries of Culture and Education,

The Secondary Schools Drama Festival has been known to be highly competitive and entertaining. and will run until Friday 23rd November.

The Finals will be held on Wednesday, November, 28th starting at 3:30 pm at the Peace Memorial Hall.

November is declared ‘Drama Month’ in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

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20. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

A lifestyle choice Dear George, I ALWAYS thought my friend was heterosexual, but I recently found out she is bisexual.

I met her in a compromising position with another female and she begged me not to tell her boyfriend. I know her boyfriend but he is not my friend. Do you think I should tell him? I don’t think he would be a happy camper if he knows her movements.

Unfair Dear Unfair, Frankly speaking, I don’t think you

should make it your business to be an informer to someone who is not your friend. What you can do is to tell your friend she ought not to play those types of games with other people’s emotions. Is she wants to be ‘Bi’, then declare it to the people to whom she attaches herself, and let them decide if to accept her and her lifestyle choices.

George

No explanation needed decision and did not push too hard. It so happened I HAVE HAD my eyes on that she left the State about 6 months ago, and this girl for some time now I’m hearing she is now. Every time I ask engaged to be married. her about starting a relationship with me, she All my efforts to contact backs off, with the stern her have failed and I’m left feeling really hurt. warning that she is not Don’t you think she owes ready for a serious me an explanation? relationship as yet, and that she wants to further Ditched her education before having a man in her life.

Dear Ditched, I respected her

Dear George,

No, she does not owe you an explanation. I will admit that it is unfortunate for you not to get that chance to be in her life, but that’s life. It could have been that what you took to the table was not enough to convince her that you were the man for her.

She has moved on and so should you.

George

I might do something crazy Dear George

Dear In A Dark Place,

THE WIFE of a friend of mine accidentally sent a text message to my phone which was meant for my husband. She was thanking him for a great night they had at a hotel in the Grenadines. George, I am still shaking. She even sent pictures of them doing unthinkable things together.

I just want to talk to you before I start acting crazy. It is my intention to show these pictures to her husband and let her experience the pain I’m experiencing now.

I don’t want counselling! I want out of this sad excuse of a marriage. I have forgiven my husband enough times already for cheating.

He is a serial cheater and I want to castrate him myself. Please help me, George. I am in deep pain and very angry and confused.

You said you don’t need counselling, but I do think you need to speak to someone professionally to help you deal with your emotions and pain. After counselling, you can decide on the future of your marriage.

Do not do anything rash while you are in this dark place. Discuss the matter with your counsellor and be guided accordingly. One thing for sure is, you will not get rid of your pain by inflicting pain on someone else.

In A Dark Place,

George

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Be sure that the person you're drawn to is not already involved. Double check your work and be sure that your boss is in a good mood before you do your presentation. Make plans to meet again in the near future. Concentrate on work.

Libra (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) You will have to control the way you feel.

Don't be too quick to respond to a plea for help. You will be able to get along well with colleagues. Don't let your emotions interfere with moneymaking deals.

Taurus (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Get busy trying to make more money.

You can make career moves that will bring you a much higher income. Try to stay calm and understand both sides of the situation. Visit friends who have not been well.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) You will be accident prone if you aren't careful this week. You will be emotional with regard to your personal life. Your intuition will be right on. Follow your feelings in matters pertaining to financial investments.

Gemini (May 22‐June 21) Invite people home to discuss your plans for group fundraising events and outings. Opportunities for partnerships are present; but get every detail in writing. Social events may lead to a romantic interlude. Make decisions about your professional objectives.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Your ability to dazzle others with your unique and innovative ideas will attract attention. You'll have great insight. Take care of the needs or responsibilities of elders. Your ability to add a sophisticated touch will help you capture the look you're after.

Cancer (June 22‐July 22) Don't hold back; go with the flow and take a bit of a chance. Your flair for dramatic appeal will unleash itself at social functions. Don't make mountains out of molehills if you want to avoid conflict.

Capricorn (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) You can pick up some overtime this week. You may find that depression is causing you to feel lonely and insecure.

You might just as well let others do their own thing. Social activity with friends and relatives will be most successful.

Leo (July 23‐Aug 22) You are in a high energy, get it all done, mood and you'll have little patience with those who are slacking off. Business trips will be more productive than trying to fight the red tape facing you. Be creative in your pursuits. Keep your ears open, especially to those who care about you.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Don't shy away from potential mates they want to introduce you to. You can make money through your creative efforts. You will have an inaccurate assessment of your status in society.

Involvement with prestigious organizations will be to your advantage.

Virgo (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) This is a great day for a trip. If they want help that's great, but if they try to take credit for your work, you will have to set them straight. You could have trouble persuading others to accept your ideas and opinions.

Pisces (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Use your high energy and dynamic approach to win favors from superiors.

Creative educational pursuits will pay off.

Bring work home if it will help you get caught up. Don't depend on coworkers to help; they may only hold you back.

ACROSS 1. Game of chance 5. Small harplike musical instrument 9. Attach by stitches 12. Mild oath 13. Augury 14. Biblical high priest 15. Old 16. Remain 17. Soak 18. 8th month of the Jewish calendar 20. Arrive at 22. Rope for leading an animal 25. Set on fire 26. Follows orders 27. Delights 28. Coloring material 29. Devoted follower 30. Command to a horse 33. Dull 35. Blaze 37. Abounding in lilies 40. City in SW Iran 41. Last letter of the Greek alphabet 42. Related by blood 43. Block up 44. Fresh‐water fish 46. Juniper 50. Self‐esteem 51. British nobleman 52. Yellow cheese coated with red wax 53. Not (prefix) 54. Ostrichlike bird 55. Steals from

7. Color 8. Vigor 9. Caravansary 10. Choose 11. Willow twig 19. Affirmative reply 21. Abstract being 22. Coal scuttle 23. To endure 24. Shelter 25. Electrically charged atom 27. Punch 29. Craze 30. Goad for driving DOWN cattle 31. Period of 1. New Zealand parrot history 2. Ovum 32. Even (poet) 3. Not 33. Excavate 4. Peculiarity 34. Person who 5. Pertaining to a lobe reads 6. Primordial giant in Norse myth

35. Law enforcement agency 36. Cavalryman 37. Water‐repellent cloth 38. Idealized concept of a loved one

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. 21.

39. Yellowish citrus fruit 40. Pack leader 45. Exclamation of surprise 47. Fuss 48. Tap gently 49. Printer’s measures

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22. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Tribute

Cricket fraternity loses a stalwart

by PATMOS RICHARDS

JOHN DA SILVA, a.k.a Vincent and the ‘Sonny’ Otway, a former St. Grenadines and Windward

Islands fast-medium bowler and lower order batsman, died on 25th October, 2018, in England, where he had lived for well over five decades.

Originally from Georgetown, Da Silva impressed local selectors with his fast-medium bowling and made his debut for St. Vincent in the early 1950s, playing in the then Windward Islands Corke Cup Tournament, named after P. C. Corke, the then Governor of St. Lucia.

Reputed for his clever in swing bowling, Da Silva is said to have enticed many a batsman to leave alone his ball which would be pitched outside the off-stump, only for the batsman to be left perplexed as he looked back to see either his leg stump or middle stump uprooted.

John Da Silva was also credited as a reliable lower order batsman who, according to the late Frank Thomas, captain of the 1953/54 National Cricket team on which Da Silva played, batted well in crisis situations.

Perhaps disappointed that he did not earn a call-up to the West Indies team for the 1955 tour to England after he had turned in a remarkable bowling performance for the Windwards team against the tourists in Grenada, Da Silva turned his back, so to speak, on the West Indies, and migrated to the United Kingdom.

Many of his colleagues and cricket pundits of the day thought he was deserving of a place in the 1955 West Indies team to England.

John Da Silva was 88

John Da Silva cut a dapper figure both off and on the field of cricket. years at the time of his passing, and was the father of four, including Ian Da Silva, Manager of Metrocint Insurance Co. Ltd. NB: Only Owen ‘Manning’ Jackson and Caspar Quammie of the 1953/54 team are still alive.

SVG 1953/54 cricket team: L-R back row: Owen ‘Manning’ Jackson, Duncan ‘Bumpie’ Providence, Eldon Bramble, Lance Pierre, Ardon Antrobus, John Da Silva, Ardon ‘Panna’ Daisley; (L-R middle row): Casper Quammie, Basil Dasent (Manager), Frank Thomas (Captain), F.O. Mason, Ian Neverson; L-R sitting: Vin Cuffy, Victor Adams.

V Hail SVG: EC Male Volleyball Champs

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. 23.

Tournament, the Vincentians had registered a 4/1 win/loss ratio, but more importantly, had come away with the ECVA title.

Apart from trumping the title, SVG’s Asmond Franklyn was named the Tournament’s Most Valuable Player and the Best Scorer. He had a total of 83 points.

Also, Deandre MVP and Best Scorer- Asmond Quashie, collected the Franklyn. award of Best Blocker, with 0.83 per game.

Coach’s Delight Securing the Championship title was an achievement which Coach- Eardley Martin will cherish.

Champions of ECVA- St Vincent and the Grenadines. (Standing from left) - Daryl Franklyn “First time out with the (Captain), Jahmal Small, Ewansie Peniston, Asmond Franklyn, Deandre Quashie, Jad Martin, guys, and it is a really good Eardley Martin (Coach); Stooping from left - Delshun Welcome, Travis Cmberbatch, Ronaldo feeling”, Martin admitted.

Franklyn, Devon Williams.

He said that the team had one objective — to win — and ST. VINCENT AND THE Franklyns, whose combined 10, to set up a meeting with that was achieved.

Grenadines Senior Male scoring accounted for most of Antigua and Barbuda.

Lauding the spirit of the Volleyballers are the undisputed St Vincent and the The journey to the top place team, Martin commented last champions of the Eastern Grenadines’ points: Asmond in the tournament for the Monday, “The guys were on Caribbean Volleyball.

Franklyn getting 27 points, Vincy lads began with an high spirits, because they The Vincentians confirmed inclusive of 4 aces; Ronaldo uncomplicated 3-0 ( 25-17, 25- knew that all the others were this last Sunday night at the Franklyn registering 21, and 17, 25-23) win over the British coming after them because Laborie Indoor Facility in Daryl Franklyn contributing Virgin Islands. they are number one.”

Grenada when, in a five11.

But SVG faltered in their Champing the title, meant setter, they downed Antigua This was SVG’s second five- second match and were that St Vincent and the and Barbuda 3-2, in the finals setter on the trot, as they also stunned 3-0 by host Grenada.

Grenadines booked a ticket to of the 2018 Eastern Caribbean went the distance against St In a close encounter, Grenada the Continental Volleyball Association (ECVA) Lucia in the semi-finals, on trumped 25-23, 25-23, 25-22.

Championships set for Cuba, Championship.

Saturday night.

The Vincentians were back in September 2019.

At the end of the final One of the pre- tournament on course in their next And looking ahead to Cuba, whistle, the scores read 22-25, favourites, SVG had to do it encounter, by beating St Kitts Martin projected, “It will be a 25-13, 26-24, 20 — 25, 15-12, in the hard way, against archand Nevis 25- 11, 25- 13, 25 lot of work for the Association favour of St Vincent and the rivals — St Lucia, after losing 22. (the St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). the first set. They prevailed At the end of the Grenadines Volleyball It was down to the 18-25, 13-25, 25-13, 25-16, 15-

Deandre Quashie – Top Blocker.

Association), the coaches and the players.”

St Vincent and the Grenadines debuted last year at the Continental Championships in Colorado, USA.

VINLEC North Leeward T20 into Semis ROBERTSON SURVEYING Future Legends, Kishorne Shallow Coulls Hill Rangers, Ajuba and RSVG Police booked places in the semi-finals of the VINLEC North Leeward T20 Competition, following quarterfinals victories last weekend.

Ajuba sealed their spot with an 8-wicket victory over Upsetters.

Upsetters made 111 for 8 from 20 overs - Maxwell

Edwards getting 22.

Casmond Walters took 3 for 22 for Ajuba who replied with 113 for 2 from 9 overs, with Hyron Shallow, continuing his good form with a knock of 82.

Future Legends beat Carlos James Troumaca Starlight by 5 wickets.

Starlight made 88 from 15 overs, Leshawn Lewis top scoring with 34.

Christopher Howe took 5 for 25 for Future Legends who made 91 for

5 from 15 overs, Miles Bascombe hitting 31.

Kishorne Shallow Coulls Hill Rangers beat Big League by 115 runs.

Rangers put up a handy 183 for 6 from 20 overs, Peter Morris getting 62.

There was nothing ‘big’ about Big League’s reply; they folded for 68 in 12.2 overs, with Cavey Holder, 2 for 11, and Leon Quashie, 2 for 14, sharing bowling honours for Rangers.

Defending champions

RSVG Police beat Rudy’s Electrical by a narrow 1 run. Rudy’s Electrical posted 121 from 19 overs, with Seon Sween contributing 44 not out and Kenneth Dember, 3 for 35, Romario Bibby, 3 for 26, returning leading figures for Police. Police made 122 for 9 from 19.2 overs,. Andrew Thomas 39, Mahy Bynoe 29.

Kenneth Dember 26 not out. Kenvil Sam took 5 for 26, including a hattrick.

The semi-finals will be played this Sunday at the Cumberland Playing Field, with Ajuba facing Kishorne Shallow Coulls Hill Rangers from 10:00am, followed by RSVG Police against Robertson Surveying Future Legends from 1.30pm.

I.B.A.ALLEN Hyron Shallow turned in the highest individual innings, 82, in the quarterfinals of the VINLEC North leeward 20/20 Competition.

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24. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Secondary Schools’ TT titles decided CHAMPIONSHIP titles in the 2018 Secondary Schools’ Table Tennis Tournament were decided on Wednesday 31st October, at the St Vincent Grammar School’s

Assembly Hall.

When the tables were folded and the balls tucked away, it was the St Vincent Grammar School that finished with three titles, the Girls’ High School- two, and the Troumaca Ontarioone.

The Grammar School

won the Male Singles, the Doubles and the team title.

In an all St Vincent Grammar School singles final, Akiel De Roche displaced Caleb Howard, last year’s champion 3 games to 1, winning 7 /11, 11/5, 12/10, 11/9, in a competitive title decider.

De Roche added the doubles title when he and Michel Creese defeated Caleb Howard and Andre Mitchell in a five-set decided, 9/11, 14/12, 8/11, 11/4, 11/3.

And, the Grammar School Team One, comprised of Caleb Howard, Akeil De Roche and Michel Creese, outplayed the Grammar School Team Two, comprised of Joshua Joseph, Juwan Howard and Mirac Creese, 3-0, to lift the Team title.

Caleb Howard stopped

Joseph, 7/11, 11/8, 11/5, 10/12, 11/9, while De Roche undid Juwan Howard, 11/6, 11/7, 11/9 and Michel Creese beat his brother- Mirac, 11/8, 12/10, 11/3.

De Roche was adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the Tournment.

Meanwhile, the Girls‘ High School secured the Team and Singles titles.

En route to the Team title, the Girls’ High School swished the Troumaca Ontario, 3-0: Leah Cumberbatch defeated Shanecia Delpesche 11/4, 11/3, 11/8; Kiara Hazel stopped Areka Hooper11/3, 11/7, 11/3, and Karissa Moses outlasted Swanive Victory 11/3, 9/11, 12/10, 11/3.

Cumberbatch, Primary School Singles Champion in 2015 and 2o16, copped

her first Singles title at the secondary school level, by beating 2016 champion Vedel Charles of the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, 11/6, 8/11, 11/6, 3/11, 11/9.

And, the Troumaca Ontario’s pair of Shanecia Delpesche and Areka Hooper had an 11/5, 11/8, 11/8 triumph over Zehonnah Garraway and Female Doubles winner- Areka Aliah Forde of Hooper (left), Shanecia the West St Delpesche (right).

George Secondary, to declared the Females’ take the Female Doubles. Most Valuable Player.

Cumberbatch was

Athletes in full flight ATHLETES showed good form as Team Athletics mate Marlene Richards, and SVG hosted the ET Joshua Run, utilising the third- Areka Hooper of the Troumaca Ontario decommissioned airport’s runway, last Sunday Secondary. afternoon.

The Run was Topping the Male Under15 was the St Vincent contested in three categories: Under-15, Grammar School’s Nellie Under 20, and 20 and Ambriton in 10 minutes Over.

04.56 seconds. He was followed by Jovie Charles of The Under- 15s did one lap of the run way, a the Barrouallie Secondary total of 2.6 miles, with and Samuel Mc Kie of the Troumaca Ontario in that the Under-20s doing — two, and the 20 and order.

Over- three.

It — DAT’s Tamara Crossing the finish Woodley took the Female line first for the Female Under-20, ahead of Leanna Lovelace of the Troumaca Under-15s was Ashanti Richards of the Ontario, with Odesha John of IT-DAT, third.

Barrouallie Secondary, in a time of 12 minutes Markie Edwards of the 00.38 seconds. Second Troumaca Ontario won the was Richards’ school Male segment, ahead of Some members of the St Martin’s Secondary School Junior Football team Handal Roban of the pose with their uniform donation. Left is the school’s Principal- Wendell Male 20 St Vincent Grammar Edwards, Devron Poyer (4th from left), Idris Baptiste (4th from right) and and Over School. IT- DAT’s Pamenos Ballantyne at right.

Tamara Woodley, on champion Slyford Lampkin her way in taking the - Junior placed third.

Female Under-20.

Ashton.

Taking the Female 20 and Over was IT DAT’s Linda Mc Dowall , THE COMBINED efforts of past student as well, and who currently who clocked a time of 32 minutes students Devron Poyer, Idris Baptiste heads the school’s Sports Programme.

40.97 seconds. Keiffer Bailey of IT and US based- Jimi Jack, have put “I would like to say a hearty thank DAT was second and X Cel’s the Football programme of the St you for these uniforms,” Ballantyne Shaquiella Laborde — third.

Martin’s Secondary School in better stated.

On the Male side, Junior Ashton standing.

Ballantyne noted that the St of X Cel was first in 29 minutes Complete uniform kits for both the Martin’s Secondary School has the 52.50 seconds. He was ahead of Junior and Senior teams, along with potential to win both Junior and Josnel Ashton who ran unattached, five footballs, were handed over last Senior Divisions of the 2018 Interand third was Ryan John of ITTuesday morning during a brief Secondary School Football DAT. ceremony at the school’s library.

Competition, which is currently in Sunday’s race was a precursor to Speaking on behalf of the past progress. the NACAC Chatoyer 10K set for students, Baptiste said that they were The St Martin’s Secondary School the 18th November. happy to make the donation to the St placed second in the Senior Division This race which would crown off Martin’s Secondary School, which of the Inter- Secondary Schools’ Team Athletics SVG’s Road Racing has shaped their lives.

Football Competition last year. calendar for 2018, begins at Gordon “We just want to show our The juniors won the title though in Yard, ending at the Chateaubelair gratitude to our Alma Mater,” 2015. The school was not represented Playing Field.

Markie EdwardsBaptiste stated. in this division of the 2017 The NACAC Chatoyer 10K is winner of the Male dubbed: “The World’s Most Accepting on behalf of the school Competition.

Under-20. was Pamenos Ballantyne, a former Challenging 10K”.

Male Singles champion and MVP- Akeil De Roche.

Female champion and MVP- Leah Cumberbatch.

Past students give back

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. 25.

Sports

Learning curve THE VINCENTIAN Under-20 footballers gained valuable experience from their sojourn at the IMG Academy Bradenton, Florida. Barring an improbable configuration, the Vincentians were destined to bow out of the tournament. For only group winners progress.

Even a top quality performance against the USA last Wednesday might not be enough to see them through. Things did not go according to the script in the first encounter against Trinidad and Tobago. Fans are still brooding over the loss. One might have thought that sufficient work was done to come away with the victory, even after 90 minutes had elapsed and the Vincentians were leading 2:1.

To lose from that position was heartwrenching.

Things did not improve in the second game, and the story flipped in reverse cycle this time, with the Vincentians missing out on the chance of at least securing a draw.

Those are the factors the youngsters must overcome, and the earlier they face up to tribulations, the better will they be prepared to handle them.

A feeder programme is vital to the preservation of any sport. As long as there is a structured junior programme, there ought to be a flow of talent. That will provide the basis for the retention of a well-oiled nucleus of youths, with input from the seniors to round off a credible outfit.

A protocol has been set whereby persons who represented the nation must either be employed or at a learning institution. Ever so often, cases surface of persons complaining about not having a job after having done national duties.

The onus is on the relevant authorities to sort out the situation when they occur. Our Volleyballers, fresh from their success in the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association tournament, appealed for support for their players as they move on to a tougher stage.

The Ministry of Sports will have to deploy resources to ensure that every support needed is forthcoming in timely fashion. The lines of communication must be open to cater for unforeseen developments. Especially with a new thrust towards sports as a vehicle for social cohesion, conditions must be right for the coordination of sporting events on a national, scientific and realistic platform.

There must be a sense of national pride, and it won’t be for the sake of trying to sneak political mileage.

Everyone must be so incensed by the West Indies Cricketers that they would prefer not to be reminded. If the squad comes up with a display, the flags will fly again.

West Indian fans ride the winning wagon, and when those wheels fall off, so does the enthusiasm.

There is more at stake in West Indies cricket than what takes place on the field. Fans couldn’t care less about the potential the region possess.

We see matters through national lenses. The bigger picture hardly matters unless, for example, we host the World Cup. Maybe it is of no urgency, or the legislation may have risen to make the region an open federation, for the purpose of accommodating visitors for the Women’s T/20 World Cup. But if that was the case, it might have been discussed. Perhaps there is no attraction from such an event. But any efforts to solidify the region as a single destination ought to be embraced with open arms.

Best Midfielder- Lamont Grant (right) collects his award from President of the SVGFF- Marvin Fraser.

Top Campden Park players celebrate their take of the South Leeward Elite Football Competition.

Top Campden Park rules South L’ward Football TOP CAMPDEN PARK beat Lower Questelles 4- 3 in a penalty shootout, to champ the South Leeward Elite Football League last Saturday, at the Campden Park Playing Field.

The penalty kicks, taken in fading light, became necessary after the teams had played to a goalless draw in regulation of the competition’s deciding match.

The two got to the final, following contrasting wins in the semi- finals.

Top Campden Park had a one-nil win over Lower Campden Park, and Lower Questelles a 3-1 win in penalty kicks over Largo Height, to set up the final.

Largo Height had a one- nil win over Lower Campden Park, to take the third spot. Gabriel Kirby was the goal scorer.

Awards In the prize- giving ceremony which followed last Saturday’s final, Alex Jessop of Vermont took the competition’s Most Valuable Player accolade, and was the top goal-scorer with 11 goals.

Also going to the Vermont team, was the Best Goal-keeper Award, which was pouched by Deloni Quow.

Top Campden Park’s Kevin Wilson took the Best Defender Award, with Lower Questelles’ Lamont Grant, adjudged the Best Midfielder.

Alex Lewis of Lower

Alex Lewis of Lower Questelles (right) receives the Most Improved Player Award from Marvin Fraser- President of the SVGFF.

Questelles copped the award of Most Improved Player.

The other participating teams were Roucha Bay, Clare Valley, Rillan Hill and Top Questelles.

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26. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Views (cont’d)

Round the Mulberry Bush with talk of Integrity Legislation

Continued from Page 8.

Now the boot is on the other foot, it seems that contrary to several pronouncements, the ULP appears to be dragging its feet on the matter.

Meanwhile, some ULP supporters have expressed impatience with the slow pace of events.

It is time to “expose all the former Ministers who owe Marketing Board Supermarket, all who stole Government lands for 40 cents per square foot, all those who held monies from the Canouan developer that should be in the Treasury... We supported and are still supporting the exposure and bringing to justice of the corrupt elements,” so wrote Otto Sam, a man of words and action.

For his part, Dr. Gonsalves still appears to be keeping up pretences at sticking to his guns. When he addressed the “Formal launching of the Constitutional Review Commission” on 10th February, 2003, he noted that: “An array of legislative measures... will go to Parliament between now and the end of 2005 (headed by) the Integrity of Parliamentarian and Public Officials’ bills.”

Sir Vincent Beache had earlier promised that if the legislation had not been brought to the house within the first hundred days, “don’t look for me”, he would have left. It was not brought, and he did leave, but returned in a high-contract advisory job with the same Government.

On the surface, it looks as if politicians when in opposition hail for integrity legislation, but when they assume power, it is a horse of a different colour. Integrity legislation and company come as a humbug and inconvenience to the practitioners of the art of governance.

Whether or not our Government truly has something to hide, its own supporters should galvanise the Opposition into ensuring that such legislation is passed for the good of all. The people will one day learn that independent of their party affiliation, integrity legislation is in their own interest.

Knowing Dr. Gonsalves as I do, he is probably play-acting and grand-standing, and will suddenly introduce the legislation in his own good time, just before he again faces the polls.

Addendum: Dr. Gonsalves was able to mislead and frustrate even me with his empty promises. On three occasions in the recent past, he so manipulated the time -table of parliament, that the opposition could not even table a No-Confidence motion, could not lay the ground for Integrity Legislation; worse than that, on the last occasion, quite barefacedly with the help of Speaker Jomo Thomas, was able to entertain a governmentsponsored motion that turned the No Confidence motion upside down, and so caused bedlam to reign in the Chamber. The truth is the NDP has to wait for a few months only to defeat the government in the next general elections which blooms ahead.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2018. 27.

Classifieds

NAOMI BYNOE Apostolic Faith Church Campden Park Saturday 3rd November, 2018 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Chauncey Cemetery

CONRAD EZEKIEL GEORGE

MR. STAFFORD WELLINGTON WILLIAMS

S.D.A Church Fountain Sunday 4th November, 2018 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

Interment: Fountain Cemetery

Church of God Prophecy Biabou Saturday 3rd November, 2018 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

Interment: Biabou Cemetery

STELLA AGATHA GORDON ELMAN WHITFIELD GOULD 6W 3DWULFN¶V Anglican Church Barrouallie Saturday 3rd November, 2018 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

Bequia SDA Church Sunday 4th November, 2018 Viewing: 12:30 p.m.

Service: 1:30 p.m.

Interment: Port Elizabeth Cemetery

HERMAN RUDOLPH SUTHERLAND aka Micey Nazarene Church Arnos Vale Saturday 3rd November 2018 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 09, 2018

VOLUME 112, No.39

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EC$1.50

GRENADA/ANTIGUA SAY NO TO THE CCJ disappointing turn out of eligible voters in both countries, perhaps reflecting the importance or lack thereof the citizenry had accorded the CCJ issue.

The results were undoubtedly disappointing for both Prime Ministers - Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, and Dr. Keith Mitchell of Grenada — the two men having embarked on vigorous campaigns to sell a ‘yes’ vote, and who, on the eve of the referenda, had expressed overwhelming confidence that their people would vote ‘yea’.

“It is unlikely that my government will, in the circumstances and in the absence of political maturity and magnanimity, pursue any further constitutional reform in the near future,” PM Browne said.

Mitchell

Not long after the release of the preliminary results in Grenada, PM Mitchell declared to local media, “I am disappointed, but I am in total acceptance of the results.”

“The people have voted Browne based on what they wished to see…. I am not happy with Once the result was in, the it, but that has always been Observer newspaper reported my position when results of PM Browne as saying, “I accept elections are given,” Mitchell the result of the referendum. added.

The voice of the people is the Going forward, Dr. voice of God. We knew that Mitchell made it clear that he getting 67 percent of the votes would not, as prime minister, was an extremely daunting be initiating a third PM Dr. Keith Mitchell had tried once before PM Gaston Browne admitted, in the aftermath, task, practically unachievable referendum on the CCJ. and, in the face of a second defeat, will now that without the support of the main without the support of the main Grenadians in 2016, voted shelve the issue. opposition party, it was always going to be an opposition party.” overwhelmingly to reject uphill task.

The Observer commented seven pieces of legislation, THE PEOPLE OF GRENADA and Antigua that many who openly said they would including one relating to the and Barbuda voted in referenda last The CCJ serves as an international reject the referendum, said they CCJ, which would have reformed the Tuesday, Nov. 06, to declare whether tribunal interpreting the Revised support the CCJ, but do not think a constitution the island received when they wanted the Caribbean Court of move is necessary now, given the it attained political independence from Treaty of Chaguaramas that governs Justice (CCJ) to replace the Privy the regional integration movement, number of issues they identified as Britain 42 years ago.

Council, as their final Court of Appeal.

CARICOM. It serves as a final Court bigger and more pressing.

“I am very clear in my conscience When the polls closed and of Appeal on civil and criminal As it relates to his government’s that I did the right thing…

I firmly preliminary results announced in the matters for only four CARICOM next move, Browne said he is satisfied believe the CCJ is in fact the court early evening hours, those who had States - Barbados, Belize, Dominica that his Labour Party administration that should be dealing with our final turned out to vote in both countries, and Guyana. had done enough to bring justice to all judicial system in the region, and I had sent a loud “NO” to the proposed It is headed by Vincentian Justice at this time, and since the effort was have no doubt that history will prove change.

Adrian Saunders. me right,” Mitchell told the media.

In the case of Antigua and Barbuda, rejected, it was time to move on.

9,234 rejected the proposal to accept the CCJ, with 8,509 voters giving approval to a Bill that would have allowed for the relevant constitutional change.

In Grenada’s case, the preliminary figures released showed that the “No” vote secured 12,133, as compared to 9,846 for those supporting the CCJ. There was, from all reports, a

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