THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 10-01-20

FRIDAY,

JANUARY 10, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.02

My friend, not girlfriend Page 4

by KENVILLE HORNE THE SON OF A CANE GARDEN WOMAN, who was abused on numerous occasions allegedly at the hands of her former lover, said that some of the abuse, including the one committed on Jan. 02, could have been prevented, if only the police had acted sooner or taken their complaints more seriously.

In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, Menalek Durrant, the second of three children mothered by Monique Hutchins, the victim of the abuse, admitted that his mother was in an abusing relationship for a number of years, and despite repeated reports from her family, the police did not take the matter seriously. When

www.thevincentian.com

No shortage of candidates Page 5

he intervened to defend his mother, Durrant said, he was arrested and charged.

“My mom was with him (Kimmarley Douglas) from around 2012 to 2014. When he started to abuse her, she left him around 2015,” said Durrant, who also resides in Cane Garden not far from his mother’s residence.

But the breaking up with Douglas did not stop him from coming around and harassing his mother, Durrant disclosed.

He said that he could recall Douglas serving a 6-month sentence for an incident involving his mother,

EC$1.50

Skull to be examined Page 18

Union Island school ‘blues’ Page 7

t

Continued on Page 3.

DRAMA COULD FOLLOW HOPE’S DEATH THERE HAS SO FAR NOT BEEN an announcement of a deep investigation and possible legal proceedings instituted against health authorities here, but already there has been indication of dramatic development following the recent,

controversial death of 58-year old Pole Yard resident Arnotte Hope.

Indication of a developing drama came during an interview with lawyer Israel Bruce on Wednesday, amid concerns over Hope’s death.

Bruce, who has been

speaking on behalf of Pope’s family, said there were certain recent developments, and depending on how those “developments” evolved, there would be action taken.

He was firm that if there was any need for action to be taken, then action will be

taken. He was, however, not specific about the nature of the developments and what action could possibly be taken.

Continued on Page 3.

Arnotte Hope died following surgery at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Loads of work Page 28

2. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020. 3.

News 3 Police must act swiftly

Right: Frederick Stephenson, Minister with Responsibility for Gender Affairs want the police to respond with expediency to reports of domestic abuse.

FREDERICK STEPHENSON, the Minister with Responsibility for Gender Affairs, is calling on the police to act swiftly, whenever there are reports of domestic abuse.

Speaking at a Conference held to discuss violence in the workplace organized by the Public

Service Union on Friday 3rd , one day after a Cane Garden woman was viciously beaten with a hammer allegedly by her ex-lover, Stephenson said that whenever these matters of violence are reported to the police, the police must act swiftly and try to deal with these

situations because it was not good for the country.

“Violence against our women, violence in any form is not something we should condone, and as the Minister, I condemn the violence in St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” said Stephenson.

“I am appealing to our

men to stop the violence against our women. It is not good for the state of St. Vincent and the Grenadines when these things flash across on social media; it is not good for the family; it hurts and it hurts very deeply,” the Minister further stated.

(KH)

Owen Arthur: New LIAT Chairman OWEN ARTHUR, Prime Minister of Barbados during 1994-2008, will be the next Chairman of regional airline LIAT, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed.

Arthur replaces Dr Jean Holder, also from Barbados, who resigned last year.

“You would recognise there will be a new chairman, in fact former prime minister of Barbados Owen Arthur, he will take over as the new chairman of LIAT,” the prime minister announced.

He said Arthur is the right man for the job, given his history of fighting for LIAT. “And I have to tell you I don’t think there could be any better candidate,” Browne said.

He added that “Owen Arthur would have spent a large amount of his prime ministerial equity ensuring

the survival of LIAT, and now that it is at the crossroads again, I think that Owen is the right person to lead LIAT out of these difficulties.”

Browne said there will be personnel and other changes, but did not go into detail.

“We have come to a consensus on the way forward, so a lot of the differences that existed we’ve been able to resolve them and I believe LIAT has a very bright future ahead of it,” the prime minister reported.

He also said LIAT will be capitalised with the US$ 15 million loan Antigua obtained from the ALBA Bank as well as $5 million from Dominica “and the others will put in a few millions.”

He said the plan is to raise between 20-30 million dollars to recapitalise the

airline.

Meanwhile, the head of the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIALPA), Captain Patterson Thompson, has welcomed the appointment of former Barbados Prime Minister, Owen Arthur, as the new Chairman of the financially-strapped airline, but says he also wants him to pay more attention to the unions representing workers.

“I hope he will give all the unions… a fair hearing, listen to them and understand the issues, from both sides,” said Thompson.

“There are always three sides to any story. So he has to hear all three sides and, I hope, former Prime Minister Arthur does that,” Thompson told listeners to Observer Radio, Antigua, saying his organisation has not been

Continued from Front Page.

c

officially made aware of Arthur’s appointment to the post. (Source: Pride Magazine, Barbados Today)

Police could have prevented abuse Douglas who was armed with a knife during one of but that was the only his bouts with his mother, “I time he was incarcerated for pushed him and he fell back something in connection and burst his head, then he with his mother. ran off,” said Durrant.

“When he came out, he About two months later, would come back and harass the police arrested Durrant my mother. I could and charged him for remember during a Beach wounding Douglas. The Splash at Sion Hill Bay, he grieving son related that the stabbed my mother and she police treated him like a had to be hospitalised,” hardened criminal, all for Durrant recalled. protecting his mother.

As a result, Hutchins had When he appeared in a mental breakdown.

Court, the young man was released on $2,000 bail.

A lost opportunity This whole affair caused him to lose an opportunity to join The abuse, though, the British military. continued, and Durrant The charge against him admitted that in June 2018, was dismissed without a he got fed up, so much so trial. that when he confronted Despite the abuse, his Continued from Front Page.

Drama could follow Hope’s death

mother continued in a relationship with Douglas.

Durrant realized he had to be cautious about the extent to which he could intervne, given his arrest, etc.

“But I am telling you. My Dad called the CID on many occasions, but they never came… and the funny thing is when I moved to protect my mother against him, they (police) locked me up and charge me,” said the son.

Durrant is at a loss over why Douglas was not arrested after the report that he had broken his mother’s arms. “They waited until an even worse abuse reached in the media, to do something. That is really wrong; the system in St. Vincent really messed

up,” Durrant posited.

“The police has to accept some of the blame because they left it to come to this.

If they had acted differently and faster, this wouldn’t have happened. If they had locked him up before, it wouldn’t have reached to this,” said Durrant.

He said his mom is doing a bit better; the swelling in her face is going down, and she has already done some surgery on her mouth.

Meanwhile, Anika Hutchins, who lives in Canada, told THE VINCENTIAN that she would like to get her mother out of St. Vincent as soon as possible, especially in light of the fact that Douglas has threatened to see her (mother) dead.

Asked for confirmation that Hope was stitched up after the surgery, with a surgical instrument still inside him, as alleged, Bruce said he was “not going to be engaged in confirming or not confirming” that allegation.

He did say, however, that according to an autopsy report, Hope is said to have died of hypovolemia, resulting from the gunshots.

Bruce said he was waiting on a report from medical authorities to see whether anything about the instrument would be mentioned.

Asked if a complaint was made about the instrument, Bruce replied: “I don’t know of a complaint, but I know of imagery.”

He noted that there was imagery of an instrument published in the media and alleged to be that left inside Hope following the surgery.

He, however, said while there was imagery published they were not seen attached to Hope.

Last week, there were published images of a pair of forceps in a transparent bag and what appeared to be an x-ray image of an instrument inside a human body.

Bruce reiterated Wednesday that he was awaiting a formal report from the authorities.

Hope was shot in the groin in his yard on Friday 27th December, 2019. Following surgery, he remained at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital until he died on Sunday 29th December.

In an interview last week, Bruce stated: “The circumstances of the death are being looked at. And, once we get past the stage of dealing with the body… and the family has resolved the issue of laying the remains to rest, if there are other matters to be addressed, we will address them in a timely fashion.”

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4. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

„My friend, not girlfriend,‰ says ÂSilkyÊ

you carried her (Dowers) to your STAR GARAGE PROPRIETOR Bertille ‘Silky’ Da home”? Connell KEMMARLEY Silva, a man in his late 80s, has admitted that questioned.

DOUGLAS, a Cane he took his Nigerian employee Eunice Dowers “Several times,” the Eunice Dowers Garden man who is to his home on several occasions, but denied businessman replied. accused of breaking a having an intimate relationship with her.

“Then you demanded that she come woman’s hands by The businessman also admitted taking every day?” the lawyer continued. beating her, was her to other venues, but that there was “I never did,” DaSilva answered. denied bail when he nothing unusual about that.

“How many times she came to your appeared at the Da Silva was responding to questions house?” Connell inquired.

Kingstown under cross-examination by Attorney “I can’t recall,” DaSilva said.

Magistrate’s Court on Grant Connell, who is representing Dowers When asked whether he had complained Monday. in a criminal matter. about Dowers getting too fat, he paused for Douglas is charged She is facing 55 charges in connection a while; but when Chief Magistrate with unlawfully and with allegedly fraudulently using a credit Rechanne Browne repeated the question, maliciously inflicting card issued to DaSilva, to obtain certain Da Silva said, “Never did.” grievous harm on services, stealing from DaSilva and Da Silva said Dowers was his friend, not Monique Hutchins also converting criminal property. his girlfriend, and when she was evicted of Cane Garden.

The woman is alleged to have relieved from where she was living, she always The incident the businessman of thousands of dollars wanted something and he helped her. reportedly occurred on through a number of illegal transactions He admitted that Dowers cooked when December 8, 2019. between 2018 and January 31, 2019 while she came to his house, but not for him. He Prosecutor Curlene she was employed with Star Garage. said Dowers ate like ‘a cattle’.

Samuel strongly So far, Da Silva is the only witness to In his evidence in-chief, Da Silva said he objected to bail, stating testify for the prosecution at the trial never gave Dowers permission to use his that Hutchins was which started at the Serious Offences credit card. He thought it was secured. warded at the Milton Court on Wednesday.

The prosecution is led by Crown Counsel Cato Memorial Karim Nelson, assisted Hospital nursing more

by Crown Counsel Roseserious injuries Ann Richardson. allegedly inflicted by Up to press time Douglas in a more Wednesday, Da Silva recent incident, and was still on the stand.

SENIOR Prosecutor Adolphus prosecutorial success at the that area, and urged the officers the woman fears for The trial was expected her life.

Delpleche has lauded the police Serious Offences Court in 2019. to continue in that vein. to continue yesterday process staff and investigators for “They were on target,” the The prosecutor also The Prosecutor also stressed (Thursday). their role in Prosecutor told THE expressed concern that that the police process staff Dowers, a Nigerian by ensuring the VINCENTIAN during an Douglas could hinder attached to the Serious Offences birth, is a citizen of St. interview on Tuesday. the investigations in Court continues to do a Vincent and the Delpleche said that in 2019, tremendous job. He singled out that matter if released Senior there were several successful on bail.

Prosecutor Constables Atnel Ash and Chewitt Grenadines for over eight years. prosecutions both at the trial Senior Magistrate Adolphus Harry, describing them as and Preliminary Inquiry She was employed at Rickie Burnett Delpleche has “remarkable police officers. levels. He admitted that some remanded the accused Star Garage, first as a been known to “They were on target in every cases, which he described as a until Monday, January secretary, then as a highlight area of their work. The Court was 13. shortcomings in tiny minority, fell because of Customs Broker. always up and ready to run lack of evidence, or slip ups, service to the whenever they were there,” Prosecution, but but added, “This is normal in this time around the adversarial legal system of Delpleche said.

He, however, expressed which we are part.” he was highly disappointment in the tardiness of While in previous end of commendable. year interviews some outstations in getting summons served, as well as with THE executing bench warrants.

VINCENTIAN Delpleche is, however, pleased Delpleche had that in 2019, several paper repeatedly complained of committals were done, saving investigators Judicial time and resources, and not having case he looks forward to the day when files ready on Oral Preliminary Inquiries (P.I) time, he A MAN who allegedly discharged a gun, and issued will be a thing of the past. He underscored death threats on Christmas Eve, appeared at the noted that while an Oral that in 2019 Kingstown Magistrate’s Court Monday on two Preliminary Inquiry may take there was an charges. several days to complete, a Paper improvement in Committal proceeding could be Rupert Yearwood of Calder is charged with discharging a firearm within 100 yards from the done in about half an public road. He is also accused of using threatening hour. language to Gary Lewis of Calder, to wit, “I want to In an Oral kill you and your brother dem”.

Preliminary, witnesses The offences were reportedly committed at are called to testify, Calder December 24. while in a Paper Yearwood pleaded not guilty to both charges Committal proceeding, when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Rickie the evidence is reviewed Burnett at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. by the Court, Defence He was granted $2,000 bail with one surety, and and Prosecution, ordered not to contact the virtual complainant. following which the The matter has been transferred to the Calliaqua Court makes a ruling on Magistrate’s Court, and adjourned to Monday, the evidence presented.

January 13.

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Da Silva admitted under crossexamination that the Sunday after Dowers got the job as a secretary at Star Garage, he took her with him on a trip to the Belair Spa to get some of the mineral water there for himself.

He also admitted that he took her to his home after she asked him where he was living.

“So, if I ask you where you are living, yo would take me at your house?” Connell asked.

“Not you. What I would take you there for?” DaSilva replied.

“Because I am a man,” Connell suggested.

When the lawyer asked him whether he saw a potential relationship with Dowers, he said no, as there are many nicer women around.

“So, what did you do at the house, Mr DaSilva?” Connell asked.

“That’s nothing special. I take people to my house all the time,” Da Silva said.

“Do you carry your female employees to your house?” Connell questioned further.

“Several times,” Da Silva replied.

“Mr. Da Silva, every Sunday after that,

Man accused of breaking woman’s hands

“On target,” says Senior Prosecutor

Calder man charged with issuing death threats

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020. 5.

News

No shortage of NDP candidates NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) Leader Dr Godwin Friday says there is no shortage of candidates to contest the upcoming general elections, on his party’s behalf.

Dr Friday’s declaration came on Monday amid concerns that the party was yet to present a full slate of candidates to the public, and speculation that it was going for at least two retired politicians — Monty Roberts in North Windward and Bernard Wyllie in Marriaqua.

One caller to the NDP’s New Times interactive programme on NICE Radio said one of his problems was that he was not hearing about the candidates, and he wanted “to hear them come forward now so that we could know who is who… We ain’t want no more guest again.”

In his response, Dr Friday said: “Yes, I agree with you. And we are working on that and we will get that done as soon as possible. But, understand this, there is no shortage of people who want — good people,

capable people who want to be candidates for the New Democratic Party.”

Dr Friday further said the NDP was “in a very privileged position” as there were “so many capable people who want to become candidates.”

“If it was a matter of not having people and you have to just basically grab and scrape you could have gone and announce that one time because it is only one person. But here we have people, we have candidates who will be announced soon as it is strategically in the interest of the party to do so; and who will be winning candidates for the NDP. That is what we want most of all,” Dr Friday said.

The NDP is yet to name candidates for East Kingstown — to replace former party leader Arnhim Eustace; East St George — to replace Dr Linton Lewis, former party chairman; and North Windward, to replace Lauron Baptiste.

Since the 2015 elections, the NDP has named three new candidates — lawyer Kay Bacchus-Baptiste for West

New Tax Act enacted DEFAULTERS OF TAXES can now face the possibility of losing their property following the passage of a Tax Bill in Parliament on December 27, which makes provisions for tax administrators to do so.

According to one of the provisions contained in the Bill which is soon to become enacted into law, the comptroller now has the option of creating liens against property belonging to default tax payers for the recovery of amounts owed.

This, according to Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves, was a new feature of the new Tax Administration Act. Gonsalves explained that the current situation as it pertained to tax defaulters, demanded that they drive the point home to persons that they needed to comply with the tax laws of the country.

He said that despite the adjustments made and the hard work put in by the employees at the Inland Revenue Department (IRD),

the government still had a long way to go in terms of being efficient in the collection of taxes and the prosecution of those who failed to do so.

In 2018, the minister revealed that some EC$175 million was owed to the IRD in unpaid taxes, and that the number reached in excess of EC$300 million with the additional penalties and interest.

“When you think about the fact that our capital budget is EC$200, EC$300 million and it is financed by borrowing, you get a sense as to how much further we could go developmentally if we were more efficient in the collection of our taxes ,” the minister of finance said.

He added that the situation had evolved in such a way that it appeared that there were some geographic imbalances and profession imbalances — where some professionals seem to have paid less than their share, and even some businesses who have started

St George, replacing UWI lecturer Dr Jules Ferdinand; lawyer Israel Bruce, replacing former teacher Addison Thomas in South Central Windward; and recent UWI graduate Chieftain Neptune, who replaces former school principal Kenroy Johnson in North Central Windward.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has already stated that elections will be held by December this year.

And in the meantime, the Unity Labour Party’s Convention scheduled for January 12, is expected to endorse four new candidates: known that Orande Brewster to replace Sir Louis Straker in Central Leeward; Dr. Mineva Glasgow — replacement for Jomo Thomas in South Leeward; Dominic Sutherland to replace Beresford Phillips in Central Kingstown; and Curtis King instead of Cecil Mc Kie in West St. George.

Dr. Goodwin Friday has moved to allay any fears about the NDP encountering challenges in finding ‘new’ candidates..

Right: Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance, admitted the government still had a long way to go in terms of being efficient in the collection of taxes.

keeping two sets of books — one for the tax man, and one for the other purposes.

But while the new Act made provisions for the IRD to be strict on tax defaulters, Gonsalves said that it also simplified, harmonized and modernized the rules as it pertained to the assessment and collection of taxes in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“The main purpose of the legislation is to coordinate and to bring all the provisions that deal with tax administration and procedure, to align the administration of different taxes, and to prescribe the rights and duties of all tax payers, and to prescribe the duties of persons engaged in the tax administration process,” he explained.

The new Tax Administration Act applied procedurally to the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act, the Excise Tax Act and the Income Tax Act, and it sought to appropriately balance the

rights and obligations of tax payers.

He added that it facilitated consistent and effective tax administration and provided tax payers with procedural safeguards and clear requirements and timelines.

It will also be beneficial to tax administrators who will have a better understanding of their powers and obligations.

Some of the other features outlined in the new tax Act include confidentiality on persons who deal with tax payer information; it allows for tax payers to apply for advanced ruling to ensure the consequences of their tax transactions are known in advance.

Other features include the imposition of requirement on notice periods, clarifies

obligations on book keeping, imposes limits on information collection by the tax administration, sets clear deadlines for filing tax returns and re-assessments, it provides a process for appealing the decisions of the tax administration, it addresses the liability of tax payer representatives, it enables applications for extensions of time and provides clear consequences for default payments. (DD)

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6. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

SVG has Âno geopolitical axe to grindÊ

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador to the UN, I. Rhonda King addresses Flag Planting Ceremony on assumption of seat on UN Security Council.

(Photo Credit: SVGUN Mission)

the Grenadines Ambassador to the UN, I. Rhonda King, says the country has “no geo-political axe to grind.”

“This day is a historic one, not only because we are the smallest nation ever to sit on the Security Council, but also, perhaps, because the urgency of now calls for fresh, disinterested and impartial perspectives on the seemingly intractable problems of our day,” said King in addressing the Flag Planting Ceremony on Thursday 2nd January 2020, as St. Vincent and the Grenadines officially assumed a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

“St. Vincent and the Grenadines has no geopolitical axe to grind,” she declared. “We are just a young nation that yearns for a better world.”

King said that “all over the world, there is a growing disquiet,” stating that “people are rising up, many (if not most) are young, and they are calling on those with power to correct the current trajectory of our planet and our politics.

“Today, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a Small Island Stories by NELSON A. KING Developing State — mere 40 naking@verizon.net; years after reclaiming its kingnaking210@yahoo.com independence from colonial US CORRESPONDENT powers (Great Britain) — will take up its seat for the first IN BECOMING THE SMALLEST time as an elected member of NATION ever to serve on the the Security Council,” she prestigious United Nations Security Council, St. Vincent and added.

The ambassador said St. Vincent and the Grenadines comes to the task with a team “that largely comprises young, well-educated, enthusiastic and creative thinkers.”

“Our permanent representative is female (yours truly), and I am supported by two female deputy permanent representatives; a female political coordinator; a female alt-political coordinator; and a female legal adviser,” she said.

“Indeed, we are a team that is two-thirds female. That, too, is probably historic. But, above all, we are a Caribbean people.”

King thanked the Member States of United Nations General Assembly for “placing their trust in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“We will endeavor every day, for the next two years, to maintain that trust by discharging our duties and responsibilities with integrity, steadfast adherence to the rule of law, the values and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter,” she said.

King noted that St. Vincent and the Grenadines enters the Security Council “on the cusp of its 75th anniversary and at a time when the world is riddled with challenges, and the rules-based system is increasingly under threat on many fronts.”

“As a young nation, we will

be remiss if we believe the fight for our independence to be [is] a done deal,” King said.

“Small states, by definition, are vulnerable in a world, where international law is compromised and only might makes right.

“This makes us natural defenders of the international order that protects us,” she added. “Indeed, it is the responsibility of a small state.”

King said small St. Vincent and the Grenadines takes to “the high table (of the Security Council) the fresh perspectives of a Caribbean society which, according to George Lamming, ‘was perhaps the first global experiment in human history’”. Lamming is a renowned Barbadian novelist, essayist and poet.

“Today, this nation (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) can stand up for and with the people of Africa as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council,” King affirmed, adding that it is “a manifestation of the prophetic imagination.”

“This uniquely blended psyche makes our nation, Hairouna, the land of the blessed, ideally suited to the task up ahead,” she added.

“We embody the world. We go forth to create transformative, resilient new realities by becoming more the transformed, resilient people we are destined to be.”

Diaspora group calls for ‘greater unity’ IN JOINING THE REST OF THE WORLD in celebrating International Migration Day, the Brooklyn-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of New York, Inc. has called for “greater unity and collaboration” among the Vincentian migrant population in North America and Vincentians in the Diaspora at large.

Moving into a new decade, starting in 2020, Sherrill-Ann Mason-Haywood, Chair of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of NY, Inc., said in a statement that “we must consolidate our presence in our host countries to reap greater collective benefits, which will, in turn, strengthen our capacity to contribute to our beloved homeland.

“To this end, the government and all of its entities must recognize the Vincentian Diaspora as a vital partner in development and, thereby, systematically leverage the human and financial resources that reside within its sons and daughters abroad,” she said.

Mason-Haywood said efforts to relocate the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consulate General in midtown Manhattan to Brooklyn “present a unique opportunity to engage the Vincentian Diaspora and is a positive step in the right direction.”

But she warned that “Vincentians will have to work collectively and strategically to maintain their place in Brooklyn, which is challenged with the discontents of gentrification and a growing housing insecurity that have disproportionately affected African American and Caribbean nationals.

“This is among the myriad of challenges which the Vincentian Diaspora must confront with greater urgency,” she said, adding that her group “stands ready and willing to serve as facilitators of these discussions.”

“So, as we pause to reflect on International Migration Day, let us think of the sacrifices that Vincentian migrants make to survive in a foreign land every day, but also the wealth of resources that they present, because of

the love they continue to hold for their homeland, St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” Mason-Haywood continued.

She noted that the United Nations’ International Organization of Migration (IOM), the leading authority on migration and development issues, “has sought to humanize the migration experience by highlighting stories of social cohesion as demonstrated by the contributions of migrants to their host countries.”

Mason-Haywood said Vincentians in the Diaspora, especially in New York, “share no less an experience,” stating that “they contribute to the social, economic, cultural and political life of their host country, the USA; and, over the last six or so decades, have contributed to numerous philanthropic efforts to benefit St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

“These activities have also served to keep the Vincentian Diaspora closely knit and vibrant,” she said, disclosing that the goal of her organization is “to engage in ongoing dialogue with the

Sherrill-Ann Mason-Haywood, chair of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of NY, Inc. (Photo Credit: Nelson King) leadership of the Diaspora organizations and key stakeholders to develop a plan of action and pragmatic solutions to some of the increasing challenges faced by the Vincentian community.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020. 7.

Grenadines

Union Island Primary School needs unattended

decade.”

Ten years or so ago, the building was ruled structurally unsafe, yet it still stands, said Adams, who related that classes, during the course of time, have been held at the “ill-ventilated Society Hall and another small building.”

Classes were subsequently moved to an already ruled unsafe Union Island Secondary School which, Adams reminded, was evacuated on at least two occasions during the last ten years.

Adams confirmed that, as it stands now, “School is keeping in The Learning Resource Centre where classes are the Emergency Relief still being held.

Center, i.e. the Learning Resource Centre.”

Efforts to have fans installed at the Centre were ongoing for some time and the did come, it was after one student had to be hospitalized, purportedly for reasons associated with heat and other related discomforts.

“It’s a great relief that we don’t experience emergency situations,” Adams quipped.

All in all, and with the best intentions of staff and volunteers, the MHPS continues to suffer from want of adequate staffing.

A current The Mary Hutchinson Primary school has been on a enrollment of about downward trend in terms of being conducive to 100 students is served proper learning/teaching. by nine teachers and a principal, with three

by CARLYLE DOUGLAS QATs in that complement.

And while this might be adequate in PRIMARY SCHOOL EDUCATION in Union terms of student to teacher ratio, Island is bearing the brunt of what one Adams was quick to point out that half citizen has described as “Administrative of the staff have less than three years Neglect.” experience in the classroom, and must Camillo Adams, a member of a be regularly supervised and guided. group referred to as Concerned Developments with respect to staff Citizens, and himself a volunteer threw up more challenges at the reading teacher at the Mary beginning of the schoolyear, when one Hutchinson Primary School (MHPS), of the new members of staff had to be told THE VINCENTIAN, “School and schooling on Union Island are issues of paired with an experienced member.

By the beginning of this term, the major concern.”

English teacher for Grades 5 and 6 The word, according to Adams, is was transferred, and there was that “the Mary Hutchinson Primary uncertainty as per a replacement.

School in Ashton has been on a Further, the Kindergarten teacher deteriorating spiral for the past

is on long leave, and there has been no equivalent replacement appointed.

Little wonder therefore, that the Concerned Citizens who have highlighted the state entire Union Island, of primary education in Union Island, (Sitting L-R): particularly the Ashton Principal Ms. Gailene Noel and Camillo Adams; community, has (Standing L-R): Mr. Peter Regis, Mrs. Sandra expressed concern about Hutchinson and Mr. Roseman Adams. the below par performance in Ministry of Education for a response to academics, sports and social balancing, these claims, and was referred to the of Union Island’s original school, Deputy Chief Education Officer Adams told THE VINCENTIAN. (Dixton Findlay), who in turn referred And Adams stressed, “Keep in mind us to the Permanent Secretary (Myccle at all times, that the children are the Burke). There was no response from only ones to bear the repercussions.” that Office up to press time on THE VINCENTIAN contacted the Wednesday.

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8. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

Disregard by the custodians THIS COLUMN STANDS VINDICATED. Last week, it espoused that New Year’s Day, “… if it is significant at all, it is because it marks the uncontested beginning of the journey, all over again.”

And so it was that we woke on January 3, 2020, to the ‘news’ of another horrendous act of cruelty inflicted by a Vincentian man on a Vincentian woman.

Yes, one Monique Hutchins, 45, was attacked at her Cane Garden home by her exboyfriend, who proceeded to inflict blows to her face with a hammer, causing obvious broken facial bones and severe distortions generally.

And as though this vicious act was not enough punishment, the man, according to reports, took ‘the opportunity’ to rape the woman.

Incredibly wicked as the above was, it was the follow-up to a previous incident in which the man broke the woman’s lower arms and chopped her in her head.

The man was taken into custody while the woman, warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, has to suffer in pain.

No right-minded human being can condone what this man did.

To do so is deserving of a condemnation into the arms of Hades.

And within it all, there was another distressing appendage to this whole horrific affair.

According to reports from the woman’s family, reports of threats against the woman by the said man, and even reports of the beating which resulted in the two broken arms, were made to the police.

There was nothing to say anything other than the police did not heed these reports, especially given what transpired thereafter, i.e. that one act of near butchery would eventually lead to one of inhuman proportions.

Everything pointed to a satisfactory conclusion that the police did not do what they were expected to do, i.e. go in search of the man (whose movements neighbours of the woman had

given indication) and apprehend him.

Others have been successfully apprehended, arrested and charged in a jiffy for much less than what this man committed.

Why the failure to act accordingly?

No one is about to cast a blanket judgement on the police’s record with respect to acting effectively in matters of female and child abuse, but when something that was characterized by the extent of horror that this particular one was, then the police must be called out for failing to act as they ought to and, in their failure, allowing for even worse harm to be inflicted on a citizen of this country.

By the way, does this man have a record? Is he known to the police and court to be prone to committing acts of this sort and other criminal endeavours?

If this was the case, why the standoff attitude of the police to the report of his abuse of Hutchins?

We cannot exonerate the police from blame for how this incident panned out.

In a wider sense, there have been too many reported cases of wanton disregard by the state apparatus for claims made by Vincentian women against Vincentian men.

When any claim goes uninvestigated because it involves some ‘protected person’, or because the police make a hasty assessment about the credibility of the complainant, it paints a sordid picture of our country being a country of laws and fairplay.

This column has, from time to time, alluded to there being one set of laws for some and another set for others.

When claims of abuse, whether they be made by humble housekeepers, police women, professionals, models, ordinary office workers, go unheeded because of who is on the perpetrator’s end, can the populace feel safe in this society?

Can people, especially women, feel secured about their rights?

One Ah Dem Christmas Eve Night Dream ah explained how we does I HAVE GIVEN UP making promises, and as read foh from now I will make a commitment to devotions pledges beginning for the next four weeks: every morning firstly football ‘the game of the people’; and every evening too, but the dust only secondly cricket bent on preserving and rejust got there from all the cleaning that capturing it’s auprema; thirdly netball, the wife was doing foh his birthday the volleyball, athletics and the rest; and finally day before; that bible ain’t touch deal with all sports and culture and their foh months. Ah felt good when ah see He inter-play. nod His head and smile as though He Meanwhile we give an article of Bassy understood or accepted my explanation. All Alexander of which there is power in the this time the joke dey on me, trying to fool message, though wrapped in jocular terms, God. that brings us closer to the Maker almost without us noticing it.

AH WOULDN’T GIVE UP “Ah Love food and ah does eat nuff when ah ready sometimes; except when Feeling more comfortable, ah invited night come ah does fraid to eat. him foh breakfast, but he nudged a sharp Whenever ah over eat at nights the food no. Ah wouldn’t tek no foh an answer does ride me an ah does have all kind ah though, so ah tell him how we uses to eat night-mayor. pork ham foh His Birthday but we switch One time ah went to play music at a to Turkey after we join this Jewish party and when we were finished, they religion. Rabbi say that Jesus was Jewish gave us ah big dinner after mid-night. Man and we must be more and more like Jesus, an when ah got home ah fell on the bed starting by eating what He would ah eat. and ah was off to one-other-land! From the Then ah sweeten up the talks ah little time me eyes close, ah dream the Drug more, ah tell him that the wife did expect Squad started to chase me, is like ah was a special Guest, or she knew He was this Big Maff suspect! coming cause she went and bought this big Imagine me running in the hills and the turkey ham. And since we married ah Squad down in the Valley hunting foh me. never see she get her ham bake so pretty When ah woke out ah me sleep, ah wet and look so tempting. But He would not be from head to toe. tempted. After Satan done exhaust all the But some years ago ah had ah laws of temptation, imagine I still trying. experience, was no night-mayor, it was Suddenly ah got a bright I-dear. Ah tell more like an encounter. Ah think ah might Him ah glad he passed by, cause ah want ah write about this dream over and over, His opinion on something ah mek, how ah that’s because it has always been my did set up some home-made Golden Apple Christmas Story.

Wine, and ah want him to sample it before Ah dreamt it was Christmas morning an anybody get ah taste; how ah know He is ah got up early to see way Stanta Claws the expert, cause He did turn water into bring foh me, When ah Gentleman knock wine at the party and everybody got high at the door and said he name Jesus. Ah and start to make noise foh more, and was open the door an he really look like Jesus asking way mek they did hold back the in truth: tall, dark, curly hair, just plain best wine foh last. He gave me ah lickle handsome; he could ah past foh me twin smile by the corner ah He mouth, but brother. He made a quick glance around, nothing doing, he still wouldn’t budge. the floor shine like glass, OT big couch blocking the passage. Ah offered Him ah AH OPEN ME EYE INSTEAD seat but he preferred to stand by the door.

He wouldn’t come inside foh ‘they kingdom Same time ah heard a knocking on the come’. Ah ketch him staring at the massive door again. It was Miss Alma, come to ask space saver with the stereo blasting away, for ah lickle drop ah sugar, flour and luckily foh me I was playing ah Jim baking powder and she added some ice too.

Reeves CD. She explained how she expect ah Special Then there was the 30” TV set, ah felt Guest coming foh breakfast, so she want to guilty; luckily foh me again, the TV was on make ah little lime squash and some ah Christian program. So ah told Jesus dough-boy bakes foh her Guest. how ah does watch that TBN station all Aha! this was my chance to show Jesus day and all night; No BET and x-rated how ah does “Love me near-bar like mechannel in this house. self”. Man ah went inside an full up a Ah notice he looked surprised when he small ice bucket, then ah get ah shopping glanced at the big family bible in the corner with ah pile ah dust on it; quickly Continued on Page 26.

by BASSY ALEXANDER

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020. 9.

Letters

Building on a passion ON SATURDAY night (28th December 2019), Rodney ‘SteelPan Boss’ Small mentioned something that I haven’t yet seen highlighted in the many worthwhile comments and positive feedback on that masterfully executed show that was #SteelExpressions2019.

To hopefully fill that void, allow me to add my two cents.

Nearing the culmination of the show (did I mention how awesome it was?) the musical maestro mentioned that #SteelExpressions was an exam. He emotionally repeated, “An exam!”

Immediately, I thought of my friend, university classmate and media colleague, Kenton X. Chance, who in similar fashion turned a blog from a 2009 Internet Journalism course into one of the most sort-after news resources in SVG. For the sake of full transparency, I’m pretty sure even Rodney and Kenton would be the first to admit that not everyone is a fan of theirs. However, whether one is or is not, the fact that they have transformed the humble beginnings of their passions into viable businesses, is something

She’s someone of value Women, no matter what men may think or say about you, A rose is still a rose, you are someone of value; My heart is grieved when I hear about women been abused, The treatment meted out to them can never be excused; You are the weaker vessel in their view, But as a help- meet you are truly someone of value.

You are a mother, a wife, and a sister, I see you as an aunt, a niece and a daughter; You did not fall from some breadfruit tree For men to ill-treat you like you are a nobody; I see feel your pain, I see the teardrops too, Woman take courage, you are someone of value.

Men claim they love you with all their heart, And no matter what, their love for you will never part; But as soon as there’s a little mis understanding Woop! Woop! Woop! Is the next thing coming; Because of fear some women are afraid to admit that it is true So they failed to see that they are someone of value.

Physical abuse, sexual abuse and psychological abuse is nothing new, And a man who puts his hands on a woman is nothing but a manicou; Some only look upon a woman as a baby-machine Showing no concern for the woman’s well-being; Ladies, forgive them for they know not what they do, Pity they can’t see you as something of value.

Your value lies in your character and in your fidelity, Your inner strength and in your inner beauty; Shame on all those men who beat up on their women They feel they are macho but their actions are like little children; Lady, seek your justice or the abuse will continue, Move out while you can for you are someone of value.

This violence against our women must stop, The beatings, rape, murder and chopping up; Such degrading things they say about women, In what way is rum cheaper than them?

Women, your change is long over-due, Prove to all you are indeed someone of value.

Written by: C. Fergus © 06/01/2020, Georgetown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

to be admired. Whether it is a blog that has become a journalism juggernaut, or an ‘exam’ that exploded into becoming a musical experience par excellence, something is to be said about the small beginnings of magnificent milestones. I continue to congratulate them.

Another thing I very much admired about what Rodney did on Saturday (Dec. 28) was to pay tribute to the indelible impact that his professor played in his life. Teaching is one of the most selfless and rewarding activities one can participate in. The transfer of knowledge is an investment that pays dividends and cannot be quantified by a simple dollar amount. Whether it is the lasting legacy of a Dr. Michael Mcu Stein (former Professor at Ming Chuan University in Taipei, Taiwan) or the melodious messages of a Michael Ibo Cooper (Lecturer at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingstown, Jamaica), the impact of teachers in and outside of the classroom transcends time and space. I continue to respect them.

Finally, what these two young men continue to remind us all as Vincentians, is that we may come from a small country, but our dent on the landscape of human achievement is not to be defined or limited by the geographic space which we occupy and call home.

Vincentians can and

continue to accomplish anything upon which we set our minds. If you don’t believe this, just ask the members of the United Nations Security Council. This is both a powerful yet frightening realization, i.e. that individually and collectively, we can be our own best allies and worst enemies. If we vigorously collaborate, there is no limit to what we can achieve. If we viciously compete, there is no success of which we can unanimously celebrate.

On a personal note, I may not always agree with every decision these and others make, but I will always support the pursuit of pure passions.

Once that is done, the resultant Grammy, Pulitzer or Peabody would only be another recognition of a success already achieved. #NewsThatMattersNO W #UnityIsTheKey #WhereMusicLives Jamali Jack

Trump opened the gates U.S President Donald Trump has taken the bait, understandably so, since he is not a smart person at all.

Now that he has openly said he ordered the killing of Iranian Gen Qasem Soleimani, he has opened the flood gates to Iran and other sworn enemies of the USA, to kill high ranking Americans. Mind you, I am also aware that terrorists kill anybody in furtherance of their cause.

But in this case, I am convinced that if the Iranians want to retaliate, they will go at top ranking Americans. The best we can do is keep those Americans as far away from SVG as possible.

Trump is acting like he is determined to start another world war. Americans need to keep this in mind when they go to the polls.

Sam

Recognising Metrocint and others YOU, Mr. Editor, even though I knew that Metrocint has been around now for fifty years and counting, the real meaning of that achievement just dawn on me as I perused last week edition of THE VINCENTIAN. It seems like only yesterday that we were all in our respective secondary schools, you Mr. Editor at St. Martin’s and I at EHS, when we learned about this man calling himself Uncle Metro, who started this insurance company. Back then, we did not care about this insurance business. But what we knew was that all the other insurance companies seem to have a lot of foreign people around them.

I have to hand it to Uncle Metro and those who have taken the reins since his death; they have done an unbelievable job of holding this company together and even growing it from what I read. Correct me if I am wrong, but Metrocint must be one of the few businesses in this country which is owned by a black, Vincentian family. And if you look around, those business owned by local blacks are rapidly disappearing.

That is why we must recognize and compliment a man like Randy Kennedy who took a bold step when he was still a young man.

His string of supermarkets speaks much about his business acumen. And we must not forget the man who chased a few foreign companies out of Kingstown. The man OT

Mayers, the Little Man, carries the torch of black and locally owned businesses blazing and up high. His sons seem to have the same business savvy, so rest assured, like Metrocint OT’s Finishing and Furnishing will be here well into future generations.

To the family of Uncle Metro I want, as an avid reader of THE VINCENTIAN which is also owned by you, to wish that you will continue to reap success, and that Metrocint will carry on well into the future, thereby making Uncle Metro an immortal name.

Charles, Edinboro

* Is the Traffic Department aware of the ignorance that goes on our roads, especially with the mini buses, when Traffic Officers retire for the day? * And by the way, what is the hour at which Traffic Officers retire for the day? * If the police can’t keep civilian employees in check, how can we trust them to keep the nation safe and sound? Who found out that lady was allegedly pilfering government’s money, the police or the auditors? * Is Magistrate Burnett back for good, or will he be ‘loaned out’ again soon?

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10. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

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The ULP, winning again for SVG

Introduction THIS SUNDAY, January 12th, 2020, the ruling Unity Labour Party will hold its Annual Convention at the Campden Park Secondary School, at a time when the party is preparing for general elections, with a five in a row objective. The truth be told, the rank-and-file of the ULP expect the leadership of the ULP to call the elections early, but this is unlikely, given the massive work load of the ULP administration for 2020.

The political leader of the ULP, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, the Prime Minister, will outline further, the key aspects of the socio-development work load. Dr. Gonsalves has been speaking about some of the key elements of the work programme of the government. These include the development of the geothermal project, the work on the expansion of the port in Kingstown, the development of the new city at Arnos Vale, the construction work in the hotel sector, and the medicinal marijuana project.

New candidates Perhaps the highlight of the convention will be the ratification of the four new candidates who will be contesting the next general elections on the ULP slate. It is well known that Orande Brewster in Central Leeward, Dr. Mineva Glasgow in South Leeward, Dominic Sutherland in Central Kingstown, and Curtis King in West St. George, will be the new candidates.

By comparison, the NDP, the opposition party which has been in election mode since 2005, cannot find candidates for several constituencies.

For example, they have not identified a candidate for the constituency of East Kingstown to replace Arnhim Eustace, and they have not identified a candidate for North Windward to replace Lorraine Baptiste. And, despite all the noise making, they have failed to ratify the candidacy of Israel Bruce, with sources claiming that they are waiting on Brereton Horne to make up his mind, before ratifying Bruce.

But that is the business of the NDP. The ULP will be about the business of five in a row on Sunday, and the Convention will be dedicated to just that, the plans and programmes of the ULP, to continue the socio-economic development of the country, into 2020 and beyond.

of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, its principled positions on international issues, its adherence to international laws, and its enlightened leadership, cast their votes in favour of SVG. There can be no greater recognition than this.

To quote the Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves from his 2002 Budget Address “Our activist and principled foreign policy, formulated and implemented in the interest of our people’s humanization, has lifted this country’s profile overseas, and has brought it substantial material benefits. We are now truly a small nation with a great people; and a government of unquestioned stature, which stands tall as a magnificent example of our Caribbean Civilization.”

The people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are justly proud of the principled foreign policy of the ULP administration, the material benefits derived, and the lofty stature that our small island enjoys regionally, and internationally.

Busy year ahead

When the political leader delivers his address at the 24th Annual Convention, he will talk about the busy agenda that is ahead for the ULP administration. And the list is long, from development in the hotel sector, to geothermal project, to the expansion of Port Kingstown.

We see all of the work of the ULP administration before our very eyes.

Visitors who came home for the Christmas holidays were amazed at the tremendous progress that has taken place in the country. So, before our very eyes, we can see the geothermal work in the La Soufriere area. Before our very eyes, we can see the construction work on the Rain Forest project that will develop our fisheries sector. Before our very eyes, we can see the construction of the Royal Mill hotel in the Calliaqua area.

And the list goes on.

And this is not all. The government will continue the education revolution with more focus on specialist areas like information technology. All this is part of the efforts to create a modern competitive post colonial economy, to put our country on a better footing to achieve more socio-development targets.

The UN Security Council The government continues to meet its financial targets and salaries, and Even as the ULP prepares for the other wages are being paid on time, 24th Convention, there is the business including the salaries of the members of the opposition. In addition, the of the UN Security Council to attend to. The ULP administration spent the government is moving to correct certain deficiencies that exist among latter part of 2019, preparing for membership in this important body, in workers at the lower end of totem pole. For example, the government terms of the staffing, office space, has honoured its pledge to pay the roles and responsibilities, and country’s nurses who were due budgeting. This week, the allowances of one kind or the other, Ambassador, Rhonda King presided all their outstanding money in the over the flag-raising ceremony, to month of December, a total of one mark this important feat. million dollars.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the smallest State to become a nonConclusion permanent member of the UN Security Council. International Sunday is going to be an important groups, intellectuals and countries are and exciting day for the members, still trying to figure out the strategies supporters and well wishers of the used by this country, to secure the Unity Labour Party. We encourage votes for the UN Security Council. them to come out early to attend the Suffice it to say that 185 international 24th Annual Convention of the ULP, countries, recognizing the importance as we prepare for “five in a row”.

The year of change THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) wishes all Vincentians a prosperous and healthy New Year. We believe that this year will be a successful one for the NDP, as we continue to work assiduously with the people to bring about meaningful change to St. Vincent and the Grenadines - change that most Vincentians have been longing for. This is the year of change.

In his 2019 Christmas Message, President of the NDP Dr. Godwin Friday, reiterated his commitment to change for the New Year. He said, “My commitment to every Vincentian in 2020 is to lead a process of change in our country, to unify our people and to work hard for their best interest. But, I cannot do it alone; none of us can. So, we must come together, banishing our fears and disappointments to the past and moving forward with joy and determination to achieve our many hopes and dreams. Our country needs your strength, your energy, your creativity and skills to build the nation promised to us by our founders so many years ago, and which is still our destiny to achieve.”

It is widely anticipated that Dr. Friday will lead the change process in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2020. General elections are expected to be called during this year, and the prediction is that the NDP will be victorious at the polls, whenever those elections are called. The NDP is well positioned to once again take the reign of government in this country.

For two decades, most Vincentians have been suffering under the weight of economic and social hardship from a corrupt and insensitive Unity Labour Party regime, whose leader is tired and has lost touch with the Vincentian society.

The NDP’s leader has already begun to build relationship with Caribbean and world leaders as he sets the stage to govern St. Vincent and the Grenadines and implement programmes and policies that will improve the standard of living, improve the livelihood of Vincentians, create employment for the thousands of Vincentians, and change the landscape of this country.

The NDP will introduce the Citizen

by Investment (CBI) programme — a programme that our neighbours in the OECS - Dominica, St. Kitts, Antigua, Grenada and St. Lucia, have successfully implemented. The economies of these countries are booming, while we continue to struggle. Undoubtedly, the implementation of the CBI will be a game changer for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The CBI will benefit Vincentians tremendously in a number of ways. It will attract foreign direct investment, ease the tax burden of Vincentians, and create employment for Vincentians. Moreover, it will contribute by promoting and growing the tourism sector; supporting private sector and youth entrepreneurship; developing climate resilient projects; creating constituency development projects; and improving agriculture, fisheries and the manufacturing sector.

One of the most serious obstacles to development in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the lack or scarcity of

credit. The commercial banks see most business ventures as too risky, and more often than not, say “No” to loan applications for such. Finance is the lubricant that makes an economy move,other and credit is the most accessible means to acquiring finance.

But, tell that to a farmer or fisherman, or small manufacturer or Agri-processor who has been turned away repeatedly by the commercial banks. They need a hand up.

The NDP will create a specialized bank, a National Development Bank, to eliminate the credit problem and make financing more accessible and more affordable for local businesspeople, especially small businesses. The main objective of the bank would be to promote economic development by fostering investment and business development in this country. Since the aim of this bank is not profit for shareholders, but to serve the national interest by promoting economic activity and business development, it will be able to provide cheaper loans to businesses, i.e. keeping the cost of borrowing down.

In that light, a St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Development Bank will, among other things, promote and develop Small and Medium sized Enterprises; assist with the development of Agriculture and rural development; further develop the Fisheries Sector; promote growth and diversification of the tourism sector; finance student loans and develop new areas of the economy such as ICT. Funding for our Development Bank will come from a number of sources, including a CBI programme.

Vincentians are being taxed more and more every year. As the government’s debt increases, so too will taxes. The VAT was increased three years in a row following the 2015 general elections. We have the highest taxes and the lowest wages in the OECS. We can do better and will do better.

To relieve the tax burden of people and free up cash into the hands of consumers, we will reduce the VAT from 16 percent to 13 percent. The poor and working class, taxi and bus operators, local contractors and the business community will all benefit from this reduction.

We will also design and implement a true low-income housing programme that will provide quality houses at affordable prices; pay the fees for CSEC and CAPE exams; implement a National Health Insurance; construct a state-of-the-art hospital; revive the agricultural sector, and tackle and reduce corruption and crime among things.

The NDP is committed to working with Vincentians of all strata of society to bring about meaningful change to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We welcome your ideas; we encourage constructive criticism; but most of all, we need your support.

The NDP will make SVG work for all Vincentians.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020. 11.

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Smiling through the tears

Oh Venezuela

“If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” Dolly Parton (born 1946) – American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, actress, author, businesswoman, and humanitarian, known primarily for her work in country music.

‘IF YOUR DESIRE is to get a true picture of a country, it is better to go to the reference section of a good library than to gain your information through a guided tour from devoted government officials.’

Joe Slovo, South African revolutionary leader.

These words have stuck ever since I read them more than two decades ago.

Since then, I have opened my eyes just a little more, listened just a little closer, paid more attention and became far more skeptical. (All to my benefit.)

On this trip to the land of Bolivar and Chavez, we traveled through Margarita, once a busy and thriving ‘city state’, where nationals from across the Caribbean came to shop and turn bargains into a livelihood. Today, Margarita has been reduced to little more than a sleepy town. You ask what caused the downturn, and the almost universal response points to the western sponsored blockage, led and directed by the American government. Are there dissenters? Yes, we found people who blamed the Chavistas and socialism. If they will only go away, one man said, things will be better.

We took a ferry from Margarita to Cumana, a city in Sucre state, where we met people going about their business much as we do across the Caribbean.

Some going to work or at work, others standing in line to collect cooking gas from a government facility, still others selling trinkets or begging. Others just liming on the street corners or in public spaces in the imposingly beautiful country.

Then the journey of a lifetime. We travelled, by car, for more than seven hours, sometimes at break neck speed from Cumana to Caracas. We zipped through Miranda state and saw people, black like us, smiling, walking and working. Passing through towns and villages, we witnessed something truly creative and unique, people ‘set up shop’ in the middle of the highway selling fruits, vegetables and juices to motorists. How did they do that? There were speed bumps on the highway so motorists must slow down. In addition, these were convenient police checkpoints. Security did their jobs.

People sold their goods. We saw no antagonism between the poor and the police as we witness daily on the streets of SVG. Nothing however prepared us for what we witnessed in Caracas. We expected a dreary city with its lifeblood choked. We found a metropolis much like New York or Lagos; activity unlike Kingston or Bridgetown. View BBC, CNN and MSNBC or read the New York Times, Jamaica Gleaner or Trinidad Guardian, and they portray images of starving people eating out of garbage bins, empty shops and supermarkets, dirty streets and hungry children as the predominant way of life.

Clearly, this is a contrivance intended to make believe that the government is inept, corrupt, unable to govern, and things are falling apart.

There are challenges, huge challenges.

This is no attempt to sugar-coat reality.

The inflation rate is beyond imagination. The exchange rate is 75,000 Bolivars to US$1. Things are tough for the poorer classes and may get even harder, but the media picture is grossly exaggerated. Moreover, many in the lower classes will not survive without government assistance. As it is in Jamaica and SVG as well.

We saw no evidence that people were dying from starvation. In Caracas we saw no more begging than elsewhere in

LIFE CAN OFTEN BE DESCRIBED as a “tapestry of experiences” - a blend of joys and sorrows; pleasures and pains.

We will often experience good times but would be so naïve if we were to assume that these will not be punctuated by challenging and disappointing experiences. Sometimes the pleasures and the pains would come together as one package … as when the rainbow comes with the rain.

Looking back at the receding year, and anticipating the beginning of another, is often time for reflection.

We roll back the curtains of memory to view where we have come from — the victories and the defeats that have made us who we are. This then should put us in a better position to plan for the events ahead, noting that the better prepared we are, the more likely it will be that we will succeed. We may need, therefore, to develop the mental toughness to enable us to smile through the tears. Understanding life’s challenges (and their being transient) can often put us in a position where we strengthen our resolve and press on to great things even against formidable odds.

None of us will ever live perfect lives. We will make mistakes.

We will hurt others. And others will hurt and disappoint us. These are facts of life. However, we have to be so very careful not to lose heart, lose focus, or lose faith when such unpalatable situations emerge. It can often seem so very easy to entertain defeat and depression. It takes a strong resolve, a strong commitment, to keep focused on our noble dreams and to conjure up the courage and the steadfastness to smile through the tears. Reading good books, having good friends, and forging a close relationship with God, are but a few ways to keep upbeat even when life’s drumbeat appears to be sounding like a death knell; when the invitation to give up seems to be so very inviting.

We can learn to smile through the tears even when we do not understand or appreciate the causes of the hurt.

That ability to see beyond the present circumstance gives us reason to hope and not lose faith. The loss of a job, the loss of a loved one through death of abandonment, the loss of a body function through disease or an accident … all of these can usher in periods of pain and showers of tears.

Even the most energetic among us could be stopped in our tracks when bombarded by such unfortunate circumstances. The more intense the assault, the more painful the wound, the more difficult it may be to see the rainbow through the rain. But the rain is there. Without it, those seven magnificent colours will not be seen.

And therein lies our reason to hope.

We see beyond the present disappointing circumstance to appreciate that there is an oasis beyond the desert (or within the desert). Tough times never last, but tough people do. We have not come this far because we are made of cotton candy; we are made of sterner stuff.

With faith in God, we can overcome

the most challenging of life’s circumstances. We can smile through the tears.

The Internet can be a good source of stories that remind us of tragedies that others have overcome. A recent search at http://www.marcandangel.com/2017/12/ 17/20-true-stories-of-heartbreak-andresilience-that-will-make-you-thinksmile-and-cry/ confirmed this to be so.

True stories of individuals who faced a variety of traumatic, heart-wrenching experiences, but were able to appreciate the good that can emerge from the worst circumstances. We are reminded that while life’s tragedies break a person, they can so very often make a person. Additionally, their sharing of their life experiences can be a source of encouragement and inspiration for those who are required to smile through the tears. The individual who archieved those stories about coping with life’s varied challenges and seeing the possible good in seemingly bad situations, provides the following useful comments in relation to enduring the storms of life: “In a very real sense, you are here to endure these storms, to risk your heart . . . to be bruised by life. And when it happens that you are hurt, or betrayed, or rejected, let yourself sit quietly with your eyes closed and remember all the good times you had, and all the sweetness you tasted, and everything you learned. Tell yourself how amazing the journey has been, and then remind yourself that pain is a necessary part of it all.”

We all experience our own tearyeyed experiences from time to time. It may just be that some are more recent than others. Some of this writer’s experiences may be considered distant now while some readers are in their going-through period. This essay, these words, may therefore appear to be quite timely as they remind us that in all the seasons of life, there are blessings that are disguised as difficulties and challenges. Pain and pleasure are sometimes like conjoined twins. Sometimes we just have to look a little harder to see the good that is packaged in the “bad”. Regardless of the setbacks, disappointments, and defeats that we face, life is still so very beautiful. Additionally, we can often confront and overcome most of these challenges when we realise that we are so much stronger and capable than we may even think. And because of this … we can smile through the tears.

Sometimes, when we are going through our struggles, and reflect on the fact that we have come through similar difficulties, we can look at the “storm” and smile. Even in cases where the challenge may be new (i.e. we have not faced such obstacles before) we can examine the lives of others who did, and be encouraged.

We console ourselves by realising that if they were able to do so, then so can we. The fears may still be there. The tears may still flow. But we could have the courage and resolve to smile through the tears.

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

the Caribbean. We were pleasantly surprised by the dental health of the population; no missing teeth and only a few persons with rotting teeth. We learn that this great achievement was attained because of government sponsored program ‘Smile Venezuela’.

Venezuela has been producing oil for about 100 years. The last twenty years is the first time in which most of the country’s resources was directed towards addressing the pressing needs of the people. For the commitment and choice away from the ruling and middle classes and towards the people, the Chavistas have been forced to fight for their survival. The West makes the economy scream thus creating hardships for the people.

In the face of the negative press Venezuela has received, we must remember not to forget that the revolution brought free health and dental care, free education and millions of homes for mostly ordinary citizens.

How much more could have been achieved if the most powerful countries on earth will leave the people to choose their own path of development and refrain from their wrecking policies?

We were in Venezuela last Sunday when Juan Guaido, the trojan horse of America, was soundly repudiated by the National assembly with the help and assistance of members of the conservative opposition. At the assembly session, Guaido assessed that he did not have the votes to be returned as President of the National Assembly refused to entry the chamber. He later untruthfully claimed that he was prevented from entering. He also falsely declared that there was not a quorum (minimum of 84 members) for the assembly meeting when, in fact, 115 members attended.

President Maduro, so often underrated as a bus driver and trade unionist, has proven to be a skilled strategist and tactician. Always speaking of dialogue, peace and the dignity of the Bolivarian Republic, he has outmanoeuvred his opponents.

Amidst great odds and difficulties, he has held the republic together and continues to deliver necessities to the people.

It is not an easy task battling the most powerful forces on earth; forces that possess the economic, financial, cultural, political and military heft and the wherewithal to do serious harm to your country and survive. The proof of that power is reflected in the fact that the American government was able to impose the unknown Juan Guaido on the nation and hoist him onto the world stage. Fifty nations to recognise the usurper. When he was declared president, 85 percent of Venezuelans did not know who he was.

A world order of independence and economic justice, respect for a nation’s sovereignty and right to selfdetermination is needed now more than ever. We must commit to fight for it or risk living in a world of endless wars and strife, deprivation, environment degradation and exploitation of the world’s peoples.

Venezuela is contributing towards the emergence of a new and better world. The least we can do is offer solidarity.

As the poet Claude Mc Kay says, ‘If we must die, let us all die like men’.

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

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12. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Moving SVG from slum to prosperity: The Green PartyÊs strategy TWO VINCENTIAN STUDENTS recently asked Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader of SVG Green Party, ‘What is SVG Green Party’s strategy to move SVG from slum to prosperity in 2020?’

SVG Green Party’s strategy is as follows: 1.

Immediately cut ties with Taiwan, create ties with China and form a bilateral trade agreement with China.

This will help SVG businesses trade abroad.

2.

Immediately abolish the Mustique Act NO 48 OF 2002 and make the super-rich foreigners of Mustique and Canouan pay appropriate amounts of taxes and customs duties.

3.

Immediately impose a ‘windfall tax’ on the super-rich in Mustique and Canouan. This will give SVG a massive amount of revenue - EC$3 billion - to create economic growth in SVG. 4.

Immediately take back our SVG Atlantic Ocean tuna fishing licence from Taiwan, and set up SVG’s own billiondollar tuna fishing and canning industry. This fish industry would provide a substantial annual rate of return on capital employed.

5.

Immediately ban the sale of lands in SVG to foreigners.

6.

Immediately start building our own SVG Science and Technology University.

7.

Immediately start creating a

free, high-quality education system from Pre—School to our own SVG Science and Technology University.

8.

A 25% reduction in the heavy taxes imposed upon SVG people and businesses.

9.

A 25% reduction in the heavy fees, fines and permit costs imposed upon SVG people and businesses.

10. Massive investment in infrastructure to reinvigorate and expand the economy. This will create mass employment in new economic sectors, and increase the number of people receiving salaries.

11. Invest in infrastructure to make electricity 100% from renewable energy.

The fuel — sun, wind and water — is free, and this will enable electricity prices to be cut by 50% and make the immoral fuel surcharge unnecessary. Households will have more disposable income, and businesses lower overheads.

12. Help SVG small businesses to get a slice of the global Green market which is worth more than £4 trillion annually.

13. Set up a fresh drinking water export industry, using tanker ships to create loads of revenue for the SVG Treasury. This industry would create hundreds of new jobs and be a multimillion dollar industry.

14. Modernise agriculture and revive the rural economy. There are plenty of alternatives, including organic farming;

building factories to produce and export tea, baby food and fruit juices; coffee production and exporting other agroproducts. These measures would provide thousands of new jobs.

15. Set up a School of Navigation and Seamanship to train Vincentians in seafaring, and the principles of seamanship, navigation and nautical astronomy, so they can serve on-board vessels worldwide and captain SVG tuna-fishing trawlers.

16. Build the infrastructure needed to stop millions of dollars of public funds being wasted by government and statutory bodies renting accommodation from the private sector.

17. Start the preparations for our

country’s own SVG central bank and SVG currency.

The overall benefits to be accrued from the above economic, educational and environmental policies would protect our country and our people for generations, with prosperity, confidence and pride for all who live in SVG. Finally, without Fiscal Surplus budgets every year, SVG, under the highly incompetent and useless ULP regime, will just be digging a hole to fill a hole, and we will lose our graceful country to Taiwan and the super-rich in Mustique and Canouan.

SVG needs a change of government.

“When sleeping women awake and gallantry arises in careless men, mountains will move” REPORTS in the Media of violence to women and girls point to the need for continued public education on male/female relationships. Acts of violence are perpetrated without consideration of the human rights of the victims, or the requirements of the laws of the land to criminal offences, of which domestic violence is one.

The Sixteen Days of Activism is designed to draw attention to the many forms of violence against women, and for actions of intervention and prevention to take place. I have advocated TwentyTwo Days of Activism, commencing with International Men’s Day, November 19: November; followed by the International Day Against Violence to Women, November 25; December 1, World AIDS Day; December 6 to highlight the date of a violent onslaught on women at a Montreal Institution, who dared to pursue education in mechanical engineering — which was seen as a maledominated field, ( 14 women were killed, 14 more were injured, along with 4 men); and December 10, World Human Rights Day. The empowerment of women is a cross-cutting factor in education, agriculture and Industry, and December 6 should be a date to celebrate and affirm the unrestricted opportunities offered to women to improve their educational status in fields of their choice.

for the Beijing+25 review.

Parliamentary representation Women acquired the right to vote and to become members of parliament since universal suffrage was attained for St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 1951.

However, the low visibility of women continues to be characteristic of Vincentian political life.

Whereas women are always at the forefront vocally supporting their parties, parliamentary representation by women remains minimal. Ivy Joshua blazed a trail as the first woman to win a parliamentary seat and went on to hold it in five consecutive elections. Women such as Valcina Ash, Yvonne Francis Gibson, Rene Baptiste, and a past Deputy Prime Minister Girlyn Miguel entered the political arena, and won their seats in Parliament. Additionally, there is the emergence of the first female Governor-General, Her Excellency Susan Dougan.

Going Forward Yes, forty years of Independence have seen the increase of knowledge, emergence of women stepping alongside men, and taking advantage of available opportunities in every field of endeavour — agriculture and fisheries, craft, medicine, engineering, building construction, technology, environmental concerns, industry, hospitality, music and Women get active in SVG literature, for example. During the It was in 1987 that the results of the reigns of past and current government land mark research on Women in administrations and through the efforts Agriculture made visible the contribution of non-governmental organisations, much of women to both the Gross National has been achieved for the empowerment Product (GNP) and the Gross Domestic of women. Such gains should not be Product (GP) in St. Vincent and the reversed or reduced because of ignorance Grenadines. Several years later, a and violence. Going forward, this number of NGOs came together to form empowerment must be translated into the National Association for Mass positive action. As the Chinese proverb Education (NAME), which did says: “When Sleeping Women Awake, revolutionary work in bringing literacy Mountains will Move”. And likewise, programmes to the villages, including “When gallantry arises in that section of those North of the Dry River and the careless men, Mountains will Move.”

Grenadines. The Women’s NGOs Unfortunately, the second half (in supported Pre-school Centres so that particular) of the forty years of women could participate more freely in independence period has seen the demise the educational opportunities provided at of once vibrant community groups, government level and through the creating an absence of strong advocacy National Association for Mass Education that is critical to foster gallantry, and (NAME). facilitate and sustain the empowerment And towards impacting the of women. international agenda for women, the December 10 is designated World Committee for the Development of Human Rights Day. It is an occasion to Women (CDW) and the National Council reflect that women’s rights are human of Women (NCW) participated fully in the rights as agreed at the 1992 United Conferences on Women held in 1980, Nations Conference on Human Rights.

1985, ending with the Fourth World Therefore, just as men do, women and Conference on Women in 1995, the latter girls have a right to a life free of violence. being followed by a series of 5-year reviews. In 2012, the First National Nelcia Robinson - Coordinator Congress of Women was held. The Committee for the Development of Statement from that Congress holds good Women

14. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020. 15.

Heritage Yachts crowded into the anchorage to witness the spectacular display.

The crowds along the waterfront cheered from start to finish.

The sky above Admiralty Bay was filled with glorious bursts of colour.

BequiaÊs fireworks thrill yet again!

Story Source: Bequia NYE Celebration Committee Photo Credit: Wilfred Dederer

waterfront locations in Admiralty Bay, including bars, restaurants, and the streets of Port Elizabeth itself were crowded like never before, as the first Anticipation reached fever burst of Bequia’s pitch on Old Year’s Night spectacular fireworks as thousands of Bequia display exploded into the residents joined land and night sky. yacht-based visitors in the Brainchild of Sir countdown to midnight. All James Mitchell, the all-

The celebration/annual fireworks display, has become a Bequia institution, says Sir James Mitchell, whose brainchild it was.

volunteer Bequia New Year’s Eve Celebration Committee is solely responsible for organising and mounting Bequia’s magnificent annual New Year’s Eve (NYE) event.

This year, fresh from the success of two massive 500th anniversary celebration shows in Havana, Cuba, Canadian pyrotechnician Fred Wade, CEO of Fireworks FX, was flown in to produce the show for the Committee. And what a show it was! Huge cheers rang out throughout the display, and universal praise for “best fireworks ever!” reflected the dedication and hard work of the Committee’s “Bang Gang”.

Speaking after the show, Sir James commented: “The excitement generated by Bequia’s Millennium fireworks display in 2000, organised then by a small but enthusiastic team from the

Frangipani, inspired me to do it again each year for the people of Bequia and its visitors. Thanks to our Committee, the celebration in Admiralty Bay over the last 19

years has become a Bequia institution, bringing joy to all who witness it on New Year’s Eve. Long may it continue!”

Funds for the event continue to be raised entirely through the generous contribution of private individuals, local

businesses and wellwishers, with import concessions graciously provided by the Ministry of Finance, and permission to import granted by the Commissioner of Police.

A full list of donors and supporters will be published shortly.

V ‘Tribes’ in the Market Place 16. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Culture

by HAYDN HUGGINS FERNANDO SERIEUX, leader of Tribes Mas band, is confident that the band’s

White Sorrel - a section for adults.

2020 production, The Market Place, will have a dramatic impact on mas lovers here, and could score high in the Band of the Year Competition.

Serieux did not say what position(s) he was aiming at, preferring to “leave that decision for the Judges,” but he told THE VINCENTIAN, “I think it

Red Snapper – a section for children

(production) is a wonderful production, and Vincentians as well as visitors will love it. It will be something of a difference, and we are aiming high this year”.

Serieux said that he had been thinking about doing this production for quite a while now. “We wanted to do something local and original, and to give the youth and visitors an opportunity to see what happens in the Market Place, on an artistic platform,”, he explained.

The band caters for 250 to 300 masqueraders, and will feature eight sections, designed by veteran designer Ossie Constance.

The adult sections are: Vegetables, Coconut Water, Banana Farmer, Market Vendors, White Sorrel and African Fashion Dolls, while the children sections are Red Snappers and Fruits.

The band will compete in all competitions for Mas bands.

Tribes’ mas camp is located at Murray’s Road opposite the Ministry of Agriculture.

African Fashion Doll – a section for adults.

V SVG abstains from a UN vote

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020. 17.

News

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES chose to abstain from voting on a recent (December 27, 2019) United Nations General Assembly Resolution aimed at protecting vulnerable people globally.

The Resolution referred with some focus on protecting the Rohingya Muslims from atrocities at the hands of the Myanmar government.

According to media reports, nearly all Rohingya Muslims have been denied citizenship since 1982, effectively rendering them stateless.

They are also denied freedom of movement and other basic rights.

The Resolution called on Myanmar’s government to take

Venezuela and Zambia.

Those countries voting against the Resolution were Belarus, Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Russia, Vietnam and urgent measures to Zimbabwe. combat incitement of Some 134 of the 193hatred against the member body of the Rohingya and other General Assembly voted minorities in Rakhine, in favour of the Kachin and Shan states Resolution. of the country.

UN General Assembly Among those countries resolutions are not joining St. Vincent and legally binding, but the Grenadines in response to them is a abstaining were India, good indication of world Nepal, Japan, Sri Lanka, opinion.

SVG took the easy way out on an internationally charged situation.

V Layou youth dies at Skull to be examined Buccament beach 18. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

POLICE are said to be investigating the circumstances that led to the death of eighteen-year-old Dernick Patterson of Layou Wednesday afternoon.

Patterson’s body was fished out of the water at Buccament sometime around four o’clock, according to information received.

Patterson had gone to the beach with friends and allegedly dived into the seawater, as many seabathers often do. He is said to have struck his head on an object in the water, in the process.

It is not certain yet the cause of death.

No arrest in RC DeaconÊs shooting POLICE have confirmed that they have made no arrest in connection to the December 31, 2019 daylight shooting of Rev. Ancel Knights, a Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church.

Superintendent of Police (Sp) Trevor Bailey, South Central Divisional Commander told THE VINCENTIAN that

investigations into the incident were ongoing.

He confirmed that Knights was shot twice once in the abdomen, while the other shot grazed his head - by an assailant(s) along the Golden Vale road.

He was taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he underwent surgery.

THE VINCENTIAN has been informed that as of Wednesday, he had been moved from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to Male Surgical Ward. (DD) Editor’s Note: THE VINCENTIAN stands corrected with respect to its report on this incident in its edition of Friday 3rd January, 2019, in which it was reported that Rev. Knights received three bullets.

There also seemed to have been some umbrage taken by persons intimately involved in assisting Rev Knights, with respect to a comment made in the referenced report, about the inordinate amount of time that elapsed before medical and police

Rev. Ancel Knight was said to be recuperating in an open ward following surgery. services arrived on the scene. We accept that that assessment might have been subjective.

THE HUMAN skull discovered at the landfill at Diamond on January 6 was expected to have been examined yesterday (Thursday), by pathologist Dr Ronald Child.

The examination, among other things, was expected to give some indication as to the cause of death.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Trevor Bailey, Divisional Commander in charge of the South Central Division, explained further to THE VINCENTIAN that the procedure was to determine an approximate period of time the skull was exposed to the elements, and the type of injuries, if any, the individual may have sustained.

These findings will inform the police as to how to proceed with their investigations.

The police are seeking the assistance of the public with any information relating to the case.

(DD)

Not above the law GUYANA may just be setting an example for other CARICOM states to follow, in matters related to sexual assault complaints/charges against public figures.

Last Tuesday, Allister Charlie, a former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) parliamentarian, was charged with sexual assault of a 16-yearold boy, and for attempting to prevent the course of justice by Allister Charlie was trying to bribe the elected to the Guyana youth’s grandmother to Parliament in 2015. drop the criminal complaint, this according to Guyana’s Stabroek News.

The act of sexual assault was reported to have been committed between July and August 1, 2019, in the Central Rupununi area, home to many indigenous people.

When Charlie appeared before a Magistrate last Tuesday, his lawyer made a case for bail and it was granted in the sum of $200,000.

Hearing has been set for January 31 at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court. Lethem is a community in Central Rupununi.

Reports are that the Police began an investigation into a complaint made by the victim’s mother against Charlie, in August2019. The investigation encountered one setback after another, but the police stood firm, according to reports, and prepared what they think is a strong case against the accused.

Guyana mainstream media reported that a video of Charlie’s encounter with the 16-year-old was posted on Facebook.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020. 19.

Community

Society of/for the Blind receives donation

Rowland ‘Scrapie’ thanked were his niece, Dopwell, who is Kirby and Standard himself visually impaired, was the person behind securing the donation.

He explained that the effort took root during a visit to SVG by his niece Gail Bentick, in 2018.

Bentick resides in Brooklyn, New York and when approached

by Dopwell about “doing something for the blind,” she willingly accepted the challenge.

On her return to the US, “she called a friend of hers named Tammy Kirby who was able to motivate persons THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF and organisatons to AND FOR THE BLIND donate some items,” (NSOFB) last week Friday, Dopwell said. received a donation of five The barrels arrived impaired persons and barrels containing basic last week and he said he their families throughout expected that the items food items and toiletries. the state, in keeping The items were would be distributed by with a monthly Food expected to be this week.

Package Programme distributed to needy Among those he conducted by the Society. blind and visually Rowland ‘Scrapie’ Dopwell (inset) was the driving force behind making the donation (barrels) possible.

Mr. Arden Tannis (front 2nd from left) hands over equipment to CoP Colin John (front – centre) in the presence of reps of other Police-related organizations and members of the local constabulary.

RSVGPF receives CCTV equipment THE ROYAL ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Police Force (RSVGPF) now in possession of a quantity of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) equipment.

The CCTV equipment was a donation from the SVG Ex-Police Association of New York and was handed over to Commissioner of Police Colin John during a brief ceremony at Police Headquarters Conference Room, Wednesday 18th December 2019.

Mr. Arden Tannis, the immediate Past President of the SVG Ex-Police Association of New York, (currently headed by Pam Ferrari), on handing over the equipment said that he was very pleased to be making the donation, and mentioned that his organization has made donations to

needy causes throughout SVG and in the Diaspora. He was confident that the equipment will enhance the crime-fighting work of the RSVGPF. Commissioner John, in his brief acceptance remarks, thanked Mr. Tannis on behalf of the members of the RSVGPF, and stated that the equipment will assist with the safety of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the members of the Police Force as well.

Also making brief remarks at the handing over ceremony were Station Sergeant Mr. Brenton Smith, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association, and former Commissioner of Police Mr. Michael Charles who spoke on behalf of the Ex-Police Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Both Smith and Charles endorsed the sentiments of Commissioner John.

Shippers and Standard Caribbean Shippers who

shipped the barrels free of cost. (DD)

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20. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Wedding ring blues Dear George, MY HUSBAND and I have argued over why he refuses to wear his wedding band. His explanation was that he was tired of being referred to as a married man and wanted to go out sometimes without being recognized as “married”.

I could not believe what I was hearing. I asked him if he was ashamed of being married, and his reply was, “You said it, not me.”

It has been quite a task getting him to wear his ring to work far less in public.

I’m wondering if he is ashamed of me or if he just wants to be single again. He is not answering me straight when I ask him.

Confused Dear Confused,

Your husband needs to be reminded that when the rings were exchanged at the altar, he did not agree to wear it sometimes, and that the ring symbolizes the unbroken love he has for you.

If after such reminder, he still maintains the same attitude, a few direct questions to him will help to get from him what he thinks about the marriage and its future. This will clear things up for you and give you a clearer road map on the way ahead.

Not wearing that wedding band is a clear indication that something is not right.

You need to follow up.

George

No tears for her husband Dear George,

Grieving sister

MY sister-in-law recently buried my brother and she has not cried one tear to this day. She gives no indication of a grieving widow. In fact, she took a two-week vacation two days after the funeral. (I understood she went with a guy for those two weeks.)

I asked her about it when she got back and she said, “What’s dead is dead, and life goes on,” She asserted that she had the right to be with whomever, nothing was going to prevent her from enjoying herself, and she had needs to be met.

I am convinced that she never loved my brother, because if she did, she would not be carrying on with such behaviour. Shame on her!

Dear Grieving sister, People grieve differently, and not seeing your sister-in-law shed tears or that she went away for two weeks after the burial, does not mean automatic translation that she never loved him.

Rather than making value judgements, how about asking her how is she coping and availing yourself to her should she need emotional support. She might just open to you.

Now is the time to love rather then judge.

George

Mistaken identity forced.

My sister begged me to forgive her, but I MY IDENTICAL twin ordered her out of my sister visited me from house and to take my New York over the husband with her. holidays.

She has since It was the first time my husband was meeting returned to the U.S and to this day I have not her. heard from my One day I got home husband. What should from work only to meet be my next move? I do my husband and my not want to appear sister in bed. When I desperate, but I do not confronted him, he said want my husband back. he thought it was me who was lying half naked Deceived in the bed, since he did not expect that she Dear Deceived, would leave her bed in the guest room. So, he Very unfortunate made love to her circumstance thinking it was me.

My sister, though, had indeed. Your husband would have a very another story. My husband, she said, forced difficult time convincing her to make love to him. a jury of his peers that I put her down with that he made an innocent lie when I told her what mistake. His is a poor and insulting excuse, I saw, did not say that and his action leaves anybody was being much to be desired.

Dear George,

Notwithstanding the above, you should still find a way to salvage your marriage. Your marriage is worth a fight for its survival, and your sister/sister relationship warrants a strong effort at patching things up between you two. You have to be that adult in the room and make the move towards restoring your relationships. You may need the help of a counsellor along the way, but in the end, you will be stronger for it.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You are best to concentrate on work.

Exercise discipline when it comes to controlling bad habits. Your passionate nature may make you jealous if your mate has been too busy to take care of your needs.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Put your time and energy into travel, philosophy, and soul-searching. Be cautious who you deal with financially.

You can expect to have problems with your mate if you've been spending too much time away from home.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Creative educational pursuits will payoff. Your partner may be erratic this week if you haven't paid enough attention to him or her. You can make a difference if you're willing to stand up and be counted.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Make residential changes that will lift your spirits. You will gain new friends if you get involved in environmental issues.

Your involvement in organizational events could open doors to new and exciting opportunities.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You can make favorable changes in your home environment. Obstacles may stand in your way where career and success are concerned. You will attract new love interests. You're eager to learn.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Try not to allow your partner to lead you astray or upset your routine. You may be overly emotional when dealing with your mate. Get out and enjoy some entertainment. You've been hurt before and could be again if you don't play hard to get.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You are best to put your efforts into redecorating or inviting friends over. You can get your point across and make valuable connections. You need to make your environment a better place, with more comforts and a better entertainment center.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Try to avoid any drastic/ decisions concerning personal legal matters. Do not let lovers cost you money or take advantage of you. A quiet restful day just staying in bed or catching up on reading will be your best bet.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Don't put limitations on yourself. Avoid confrontations with coworkers who aren't pulling their weight. Be precise in your communications to avoid any misunderstandings and arguments.

Creative educational pursuits will payoff.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Let go of the past in order to progress.

Don't beat around the bush; state your case in plain and simple terms. Be careful that you don't overextend yourself. Try not to allow superiors or those in a higher position to take advantage of you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Be diplomatic when dealing with in-law.

You may blow situations out of proportion when dealing with the one you love. Reevaluate your situation. You will benefit by taking care of other people's concerns.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You need to take a good look at all sides of an issue before making a decision.

Don't evade important issues; you may find yourself backed into a corner.

Arguing won't help. Don't reveal information that is personal or confidential.

ACROSS 1. Sweet potato 4. Talk a lot 7. Tending (to) 10. Holiday night 11. Sobbed 13. Manager Durocher 14. April payment 15. Air-traffic control tool 16. Homey haunt 17. Hopping mad 19. 1818, 1918, and 2018 21. Develop into 23. – Aviv 24. Mecca resident 25. Human Resources task 28. Shiny metal 29. Sports squads 31. Bran grain 33. Accompany to a dance 35. Quote from 36. Broke bread 37. Rubbed away 39. Florida city 42. “I was with my wife at the time of the crime”, for example 43. Bitter beer 44. Tied (a shoe) 46. Long period 49. “ – okay!”

50. Because 51. That pricess 52. _ Angeles 53. Encountered 54. Pull (a car) DOWN 1. So far 2. Ms. Gardner 3. Acapulco natives 4. Shred (cheese) 5. School helper

6. Arthur of “Maude” 7. Actor Alan 8. Squint (at) 9. Weight units 11. Study at the last minute 12. Laundromat machines 18. Steal from 20. Quarterback Manning 21. Inspiraton for Bruce Wayne’s alter ego 22. Pennsylvania port 23. Dickens lad 25. Chapeau 26. Least quiet 27. Arena exit

29. Adds (up) 30. Before, to bards 32. Talented Danson 34. Bottle top 35. Truck section 37. Put in office 38. Take a train

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020. 21.

39. Hind end 40. Vocal range 41. Screw (up) 42. Skin problem 45. Aspire (to) 47. Surprised shout 48. Never used before

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22. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

People

Eulogy for the late Mr. Lester Vincent Richards Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force to which he was to make an indelible (Editor’s Note: The following is an contribution. abridged version) ‘Mazzo’s rise through the ranks was not a meteoric one; TODAY, we are assembled to celebrate the he moved at the normal pace life of Lester Vincent Richards, from Constable to Ag. affectionately known to all as “Mazzo”, Corporal, to Corporal, to who transitioned this life on 23rd Sergeant, to Station Sergeant, December, 2019 after a brief illness. I to Inspector, to Assistant want to let you know that the family Superintendent and then appreciates the fact that you have finally to Superintendent, sacrificed the time to attend this funeral from which he retired on 20th service of thanksgiving for his life.

September, 1998. His quiet personality “Mazzo” was born in the village of did not prevent his rise so we can safely Chapmans on 20th September, 1942 to say that he got his elevations based Onley and Philmon James of solely on merit and competence.

Chapmans. His family was large and Supt. Richards, therefore, was a today his siblings are here to mourn rounded proper policeman who knew their loss: sisters — Maggie Griffith, policing inside out! He worked through Helena Richards, Lynette James, all the Divisions and in some of the Norma Jackson, Ercelle Richards, most challenging Departments, e.g.

Cynthia Richards and Christie Criminal Records Office and the Richards; and brothers — St. Clair Criminal Investigations, both of which James, Edrick James, Winston he headed. He was the Police Force’s Richards and Marcus Richards. finger print and handwriting expert for Like most of us, his origins were many years. humble, but “Mazzo” was blessed with To his credit, he attended many intellect and ambition. Upon leaving training courses in the United school, he taught at the New Grounds Kingdom, Canada, Jamaica and Primary School for a while, then in Taiwan.

1960 he joined the (Police) Band Yes, ‘Mazzo” was a competent police Cadets, where he played the big bass. officer, but what type of man was he?

These tentative beginnings blossomed I was impressed at the kind of into a full-fledged career and life work sacrifices he made in the interest of in policing and law enforcement. On being there for his country. While 11th September, 1961 (this was a good everyone seized the opportunity to seek 9-11!) he enlisted in the Royal St. Delivered by Mr. Artis Davis January 04, 2020

greener pastures outside of St. Vincent, “Mazzo” surrendered a Green Card in favour of a visitor’s visa for “Uncle Sam”, because he felt his country needed him. If that isn’t patriotism, then tell me what is?

“Mazzo” was fair in his dealing with everyone — criminal, friend, enemy, saint, relative, king or pauper. He treated you first as a human being, never hesitating to give assistance when requested, and never holding back professional information.

His only criterion was need. For example, “Mazzo” knew how to prepare technical reports and briefs well, and whenever other Officers needed assistance in this regard, he offered it readily. To him it was all about improving the image of the institution and by extension, the country.

Upon retirement, he lent his skills to ensuring security at the SVG Postal Corporation. The records will show that the theft of mail subsided under his supervision. How he did it, we may never know, but he must have covered all the loop holes that could cause the breach in postal security.

But moreover, “Mazzo” was a dedicated husband and family man.

The grapevine said he had to work for almost seven years before he could think of marrying Amy, the young beauty who had pierced his heart with love’s arrow. So, when he finally was able to settle into the world of married life, he did everything to keep the hearts beating in sync.

For him, the Richards family was always first. He loved his children and gave them the best that he could afford.

Three sons — Brian, Ceyon, and Laurie — and their own children share that feeling and loss with his passing.

He was a good cook who would

compete with his wife to prove how great his culinary skills were. No wonder therefore, that Christmas was the best time of the year for him. Then, he could boil his ham, roast his turkey, make his cake, brew his sorrel and ginger beer to his heart’s content. Amy treasured his competence in this domestic exercise. He very nearly made it to Christmas this year! He will be sadly missed by his wife of 51 years, whom he wed on 10th January, 1968.

For me, I got to know Mr. Richards in 1968 when I attended his wedding as a guest. I got to know him much better when I became a member of the Police Force. From those early years to his retirement, throughout his life, “Mazzo” remained a very quiet and easy-going individual. Like all human beings, he had his failings, and one of his pet vices was that he allowed himself to be called to the outer bar too frequently. But it could never be said of him that when the beverage was in the wit was out.

He always maintained his dignity and composure.

We, his peers, will miss a friend and avid domino and billiards player.

Although he never touched a cricket bat, he served as a scorer with the St. Vincent Cricket Association for a long time.

The large crowd present here also confirms his loss to Vincentian society and bears testimony to the respect and high esteem with which Vincentians regarded his contribution to nationbuilding.

In the end, though, what matters is that we have a connection with God, and from all reports, our brother seemed to have had. He gave his life to God on 2nd February, 2011 by baptism.

Yes, Cicero said it well and he said it right: “The life given to us by nature is short, but the memory of life well spent is eternal”.

May his soul rest in peace!

‘Spooky’ - a true ‘ghetto man’ many wanting to be like him.

NO HISTORY of ‘the ghetto’ could be Those familiar properly written without the name with the colourful Reginald ‘Spooky’ Knights being events of that era, etched in its annals. would remember ‘The General’ or ‘Geno’ as he was ‘Spooky’ lying in his fondly called, was buried on Monday folding chair saying 16th December, 2019, after losing the to customers, “I de battle to cancer.

General, I de Reginald Like everyone else, ‘Spooky’ had his General”, much to the ‘Spooky’ weaknesses and shortcomings, but delight of many.

Knights just was loved, even by his critics.

‘Spooky’ went into loved being He grew up in the Long Wall/Upper trucking and animal himself.

Middle Street area, and one popular rearing in the latter character known to the community as part of his life. He ‘Saigon’, called him ‘The Star Boy’. suffered some setbacks, but continued ‘Spooky’ came from a musical to operate a shop on the lower floor of family, and like his brothers Robert his residence at Upper Middle Street.

‘Patches’ King, ‘Muddy’ Knights and Some persons described him as other family members, he played his moody at times, but when met in one part in the musical arena in the early of his good moods, he was days. entertaining.

‘Spooky’ enjoyed conversations He was a talented singer, great especially with those he considered dancer, and colourful dresser, but ‘intelligent people’. He could speak on anybody who knew ‘Spooky’ well any topic, but was particularly versed would know that he just loved being in history, moreso African history. himself, and nothing could change He loved music, his favourite group that. being the ‘Temptations’.

In the early 1970s, he moved into ‘Spooky’s’ common-law-wife Rhonda business, and was determined to make Keizer, with whom he had three it to the top. He established children, described him as a good entertainment spots at Harbour Club father, who would give the last dollar and Upper Middle Street, and was a to his children and stay hungry. source of inspiration to ‘ghetto’ youth, That was the measure of the man.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020. 23.

Williams leaves on four-year scholarship SHANTEL WILLIAMS, one of this country’s top female athletes, left the state earlier this week to begin a four-year athletics scholarship at the Benedict College, South Carolina, USA. Williams will pursue studies in Business Management while working on improving her prowess in the sprints.

“I feel relieved that everything has been finalized, and I am now looking forward to go out there and do my best, put my all into it and make myself, family and SVG proud,” the young lady said when THE VINCENTIAN caught up with her just before her departure.

“This means a lot to me, and I am grateful that I got this scholarship. I hope that the other female athletes here would do their best,

put their best foot forward and hope for the best,” she added.

Williams recognized that she would be a newcomer to the US College circuit, but feels assured she is prepared to face up to the new and different environment, and is bent on “completing my four years with top honours in both academics and athletics.”

She expressed gratitude to Seronya Miller, A Vincentian athlete currently at Benedict College, who, along with Williams’ coach Pamenos Ballantyne, began the process that culminated in the scholarship.

Thanks were also forthcoming for her coach, Team Athletics SVG, her parents, siblings, management and staff of Rainbow Palace Restaurant,

Shantel Williams – the most recent, local recipient of an Athletics Scholarship to the USA.

Shantel Williams and her coach Pamenos Ballantyne created quite a successful track and field partnership.

work ethic, athletic and academic abilities, “she supporters and wellwill do well and make wishers. everyone proud.”

Pamenos Ballantyne, Williams’s list of William’s coach and a achievements on local former OECS Sports circuit includes: records Personality, who at the Girls’ High School discovered her talent in the 100m, 200m and from an early stage, was 400m in the intermediate elated that she was given category; and two records the opportunity and is at the Inter Secondary confident that given her School Championship

level, one in the 100m (12.67 secs.) and in the 200m (25.80 secs.).

At the international level, Shantel represented SVG at the 2015 World Youth Championship in Cali, Columbia, and at the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games in Somoa.

Her regional exposure included participation in

the 2016 Carifta Games in Grenada, the Hampton International Games in Trinidad, the Barbados invitational, Abelian WildCat Invitational Trinidad, OECS Track Meet in BVI, and three Windward Islands Games.

Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN

Course for Athletics Officials encouraging WOODROW ‘KILLY’ WILLIAMS, Technical Official Level One Lecturer, is pleased with the participation and interaction in a recently concluded National Technical Officials Certification Course for local track and field officials.

The Course, which began last week Friday and

Philcol Jeffers (left) in full session with the Course participants.

concluded on Tuesday at the Media Centre at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, was facilitated by Williams and Area Technical Officer- Philcol Jeffers.

Some 32 persons, comprised of both males and females, many of them drawn from the YES Trainees, participated regularly in the sessions, and

Williams described them as being “enthusiastic and receptive.”

Participants were all 18 years old and over.

Williams was particularly pleased that through mobilization efforts by the Ministry of Sports, the participation represented a wide geographical spread of mainland St. Vincent, with persons coming from as far afield as Sandy Bay on the Windward coast and Petit Bordel on the Leeward, “not to mention from the interior communities.”

Both Williams and Jeffers described the purpose of the Course as being one

aimed at exposing the technical and budding technical officials to the rules that obtain internationally, regionally and locally, in an effort to strengthen their resolve when on duty. There was enough to indicate that the aim was achieved.

According to Williams, too many of our Technical Officials, many of them young persons, bow to the pressure of coaches, who in many instances are themselves not familiar with the rules, but whose perceived seniority ends up being the influencing factor in on field decisions.

Courses like the one just concluded was meant to “equip our Officials to stand up to pressure,” Williams said.

And Jeffers is convinced that “It’s important that these courses continue.”

The Course was funded and accredited locally through the Ministry of Sports and Team Athletics SVG. Williams is hopeful that the results of an ongoing assessment of Technical Officials here will lead to an

Woodrow Williams, Technical Official Level One Lecturer, is committed to seeing technical officials stand up and be counted while on the job, so to speak.

Education Assessment Certification Course, which would then attract funding and recognition from the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC).

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24. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

SVGTT holds Level 1 Course AN ITTF PTT LEVEL 1 Table Tennis Coaching Course began here last week Thursday, January 2, and culminated on Tuesday, January 7.

Hosted by the SVG

Table Tennis Association (SVGTTA) , in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, and with the endorsement of the National Olympic

(Left): Orville Haslam, President of the SVGTTA and Georg Silberschmidt at the opening of the recent Coaching Course.

Committee (NOC), the Course was co-ordinated

by ITTF Specialist Georg Silberschmidt, with practical sessions held in Bequia and other course components in Kingstown at the St. Vincent Grammar School.

Speaking at a brief opening ceremony last week Thursday, Silberschmidt expressed delight in being part of this stage of the development process here.

“I hope at this level we will have a lot of teachers attending the course and get the knowledge to teach the basics to the kids at a young age and get them involved,” he said, adding, “…sports is essential for kids and their education, respect, fair play, to win, lose, concentrate; so table tennis is one of the

disciplines that offers that.”

Orville Haslam OD, President of the SVGTTA, even as he recognized the opportunity at hand, expressed a view of wanting to see improvement among umpires, referees and coaches, and cautioned that we should not blame the players when we “practice part time players/playing.”

The President endorsed the practice of education and sports working side by side, but admitted that many persons still do not subscribe to the practice.

He said, “We are very fortunate to have an oversea contact in Georg Silberschmidt,” and disclosed that the SVGTTA was working towards appointing a full

Participants in the Course involved in one of the practical sessions. time national coach.

Earl Bennett from the Ministry of Education reminded the coaches that “they are charged with the responsibility to further develop the sport and must commit themselves to passing on the knowledge gained.”

Wayne Williams, Vice President of the NOC, urged the coaches to be missionaries for the sport.

“When you’re finished, go out and teach others the skills that you have gained …. that is when you can determine whether a programme is successful or not,” he advised.

Both Bennett and Williams applauded the SVGTT for the initiative.

In related news, the SVGTTA will host a

Mc Intosh anticipates re-election DORIS MC INTOSH is confident of being returned as President of the St Vincent

and the Grenadines Netball Association (SVGNA), when the Association holds its

election on a date within the first quarter of this year.

Seeking her third successive two—year term, Mc Intosh believes that the affiliates will once again give her the nod of approval.

“I am confident of being reelected, as shown in my previous years as President,” Mc Intosh noted.

Among one of Mc Intosh’s boasts is that under her watch, St Vincent and the Grenadines returned to the International Netball Federation Rankings.

Mc Intosh was first elected as President in 2008, after long standing Netball boss the late Gloria Ballantyne, called it a day.

Serving out her maximum three terms as the SVGNA Constitution stipulates, Mc Intosh returned in 2016, after Dellarice Duncan had chosen to serve from 2014 to 2016 only.

Election of a new Executive to administer St Vincent and The Constituency Netball Tournament returned in 2019 after a twelve-year hiatus.

Workshop for advanced coaches, beginning today, Friday 10th January, at the West St. George Sceondary School.

A release from the SVGTTA said that among those invted to the workshop are ITTF Level 2 coaches Sean Stanley, Joseph Carrington, Rodney Caruth, Romana Spencer, and ITTF Level 1 coaches Damion Dublinn, Robert Ballantyne, Unica Velox and Carlton Daniel.

Instructors for the Workshop are Georg Silberschmidt (ITTF Specialist/Expert) and Samair Mulabdic Switzerland’s International Head Coach.

I.B.A.ALLEN

the Grenadines for the Doris Mc next two years, is one of Intosh looks the major calendar items confidently of the SVGNA for 2020. to being In addition, the elected SVGNA is looking President of forward, this year, to the SVGNA hosting: the Caribbean for another Netball Association’s two years.

Annual General Meeting, March 25 and 26; the Jean Pierre Caribbean Netball Tournament in September/ Association’s Under-16 October.

Tournament from March 27 to Area competitions are also April 5; and the 2020 edition set for Richard Park, Sion Hill of the Regional Male and Barrouallie.

Tournament.

In terms of overseas activity, St Vincent and the Grenadines is expected to be represented at the World Youth Qualifier in Trinidad in July, and at the Secondary Schools Champion of Champions in Tobago.

Before that, St Vincent and the Grenadines senior team will travel to Antigua and Barbuda to participate in May-June ECCB/OECS International Series.

Locally, the SVGNA will roll out its Annual National Club Tournament in March and the Constituency

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020. 25.

Sports

Arnos Vale hosts Barbados Pride THE ARNOS VALE PLAYING FIELD will give the Windwards Volcanoes home advantage when it hosts Barbados Pride in

Life goes on THE NARROWING of the circle around you provides the reminder that you are getting old.

And that’s nothing to be worried about. In fact, you ought to be thankful. You continue to benefit from life’s experience.

The year 2020 brings its share in the balance of forces that shapes ongoing existence. When one door is closed, another is open.

I will pay tribute to Felton John, who died December 15, 2019. He was laid to rest December 29 in the Central Leeward town of Barrouallie.

Popularly known as ‘One Eye’ or ‘Bing I’, his life was one of some intrigue. His passing at age 54 condensed a passage which seemed to encompass a wider expanse. His demise was sudden, and left colleagues to conclude that he must have kept secret what might have been health complications.

Perhaps an open approach might have led to a solution of any potential hazard. But those are speculations that could go on forever.

One-E lived to his full extent. He might have fallen short of the biblical allocation of three score and ten, but there might have been extension.

There were plans between us of entering into some agricultural productivity. He was experienced in that field, and was convinced that the earth was the Lord’s and fulness was there for everyone.

Our interaction bordered on the magical. We shared moments of life’s offerings. He played his part in ensuring that the landscaping project I initiated at my yard in Peter’s Hope continued to his liking.

When I became despondent at the extent of the task, he persisted that it continue. It was for that reason that I cultivated a respect for him. When my brother died just over a year ago, he served as a source of counselling, reminding me not to be too consumed about death.

It is ironic that the advice is needed at his demise. The message was already sent, so I have to rehash it.

One E was the genuine Caribbean man. He was a sport enthusiast, and though he was afflicted by his condition, he proved himself to be a goalkeeper of merit.

He was a West Indian cricket supporter. When others wavered, were turned off by the string of losses, One-E kept faith. For him, cricket was more than what took place on the field. While he may not have been as artistic as C.L.R. James, and his ‘Beyond the boundary’ theory, cricket represented the West Indian identity.

His interest in cricket was not confined to the West Indies. He followed the sport in the international arena.

One E was versatile, and came across as one capable of taking care of all matters. But that’s the impact of life’s lessons. He would have followed the recent scenes on the West Indian stage. He was versed in many spheres. He would have been following the Irish tour, and would have revelled or anguished with the times.

The information will filter through to him and he will be more assured with the successes of the squad.

In times of disillusionment, he would have licked his wounds and prayed for a rebound. His experience had taken him beyond spiritual realms.

He was oriented to the extent that he appreciated cultural creativity. He shocked me once when he burst into the lyrics of song ‘Working,’ a song I composed in 1995.

It was surprising to him when I revealed that I was the creator of that number. Our future interaction exposed him to other creations by me, and he turned out to be a rampant fan. He championed my cause with energy.

One might not have a professor, but he taught many lessons about life’s value. May he rest in peace.

Opening batsman Devon Smith, 38 years old, will be expected to lend leadership to an otherwise young squad of Volcanoes’ batsmen.

one of three Kavem Hodge leads the opening matches of Windwards Volcanoes the 2020 edition of on the heels of being the CWI PCL fourthe Windwards leading day Cricket batsman in the 2019Championship.

2020 Regional Super50 The VolcanoesTournament.

Pride encounter was scheduled to Shermon Lewis, commence yesterday, Josh Thomas, Thursday and run until Preston McSween Sunday, if necessary. and Bhaskar The Volcanoes, who Yadram. finished in the second Andrew half of the six-team table last year, will be looking Richardson is the Head Coach, to secure a win against second placed Barbados, Fernix Thomas who placed second in last Assistant Coach and Mario area Championship.

Christopher The Windwards Physiotherapist.

Volcanoes team reads: Batsman Sunil Kavem Hodge (captain), Ambris is Devon Smith, Desron Maloney, Kirk Edwards, unavailable for the first match due to Alick Athanaze, International duties with Emmanuel Stewart, the West Indies Team.

Keron Cottoy, Shane Shillingford, Ray Jordan, Fast bowler Obed McCoy

and middle order batsman Roland Cato were not considered for selection due to injury.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Ryan, Roban set the pace

Uroy Ryan

Sonia Oliver

VINCENTIAN athletes Uroy Ryan and Handal Roban made a good showing at last Saturday’s 27th staging of the Jamaica College/Pure Water/R Danny Williams Development Meet, at the Jamaica College (JC) Ashenheim Stadium.

Ryan of Jamaica College, won the Class Two Long Jump with a leap of 6.90 metres, and was second in the High Jump, clearing the bar at 1.85 metres.

Roban, also of Jamaica College, clocked 1 minute 54.45 seconds to finish fourth in the Class One 800 metres.

In the process, both

Desron Maloney

Police sports awards THE VINCENTIAN congratulates cricketer, Desron Maloney and netballer, Sonia Oliver on being adjudged 2019 Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year.

Ryan and Roban made the 2020 Carifta Games standards set by Team Athletics SVG, for the Under-17 Long Jump and the Under-20 800m, respectively.

Team Athletics SVG had set 6.50m for qualification standards for the Male Under-17 Long Jump, and 1 minute 56 seconds as the standard for the Male Under-20 800m.

At the Junior Carifta Games in the Cayman Islands last year, Ryan claimed fifth place in the Boys Under-17 Long Jump, and sixth place in the High Jump, with jumps of 6.47m and 1.85m respectively.

Roban copped gold in

Handal Roban the Boys Under-17 800m in 2018 in the Bahamas, and last year, over the same distance but in the Under-20 age group, he took the bronze.

This year’s Junior Carifta Games are set for Bermuda over the Easter weekend.

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26. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Vincentian is

Male Young Leader of the Year A VINCENTIAN has been awarded Male Young Leader of the Year at the Caribbean Youth Leadership Retreat in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Te’ Browne, a 17-year-old student at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, was recognised for his commitment to excellence in advocacy and youth leadership.

The Retreat was held from December 27 - 30, 2019 and hosted by the United Young Leaders of Barbados. The participants included youth from Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.

The theme for this year’s retreat was “Run Wid It: Youth and Health”. Participants engaged in physical activity, health talks, team building, educational presentations and developed health related projects.

The retreat is held annually and is geared at promoting regional integration and youth development.

Browne’s achievement has added

significance since he became the first nonBarbadian to have been awarded the Male Leader of the Year.

Te’ Browne did a first for his country.

One Ah Dem Christmas Eve Night Dream Continued from Page 8. bag, put one ah the wife freshly baked bread in dey, three Ju-c, ah cut ah cake in two and a few slices ah ham, plus her ingredients foh she doughboy. When ah went back by the door ah started to call out loud the list ah items foh Jesus to hear.

When ah tell Miss Alma ah put some Ju-C and ah few slices of ham in dey foh she and she guest, she said no, he doesn’t eat dem kind ah expensive thing dey “He is ah humble man like me-self, is only plain juice or ah lickle water and ah lickle biscuit or bakes he does eat” she said.

So ah wish Miss Alma Merry Christmas and hope she had fun with her Visitor. Then ah tell her ah had ah Special Guest too, today is special foh me, ah have Jesus foh my Guest. Even though she did not comprehend, she still make me feel good when she shouted back to me, loudly enough foh Jesus to hear her say “Ah know that yuh love yuh Jesus yuh know”. Same time ah turn to Jesus and explained that was my dear near-bar Miss Alma, she is ah poor lady but there isn’t ah more humble and God fearing person around; and that she is having ah special guest today, so she came early foh her regular weekly supply that ah does give her; ah make- believe that

ah does give her weekly groceries. And add a lickle sarcasm ah told Jesus that ah hope that her guest not expecting too much foh breakfast.

Immediately Jesus interrupted me and asked “did you say that was Miss Alma”? Ah replied: Yes, Jesus, that was Miss Alma, why, yuh know she?

He raised his index finger, as if he scolding me, He said “Now I understand, then she does not live here, oh, I believe the boys down the road misunderstood and gave me the wrong house. I’m sorry for the mixup”, he concluded, “but I have come to share breakfast with Miss Alma today”. And with that Jesus left my big fancy mansion with all me bake ham, me Sham-pain, me De Anjay, Murray and Gonsalves wines, me big stereo and TV, courts and OT livingroom and dinning-room sets, and went across Miss Alma lickle two by two, one bedroom board house to have breakfast. Just when ah was about to open me mouth to bawl out and tell Jesus He can’t treat me so, ah open me eye instead. Guess what? Ah wakeup!

That is my Christmas Story. By the way, are yuh sure yuh don’t have ah Miss Alma living next door?

Tri Tri around Wednesday, and with that ah gone again. God Bless.”

SVGCC co-host Restorative Practices Workshops IMPACT JUSTICE has partnered with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College to host two Restorative Practices Workshops this week, addressing violence and conflict in schools.

The SVG Community College – co-host of the Workshops.

Held from January 6 to 9, in Barbados.

The IMPACT Justice the workshops targeted Remarks were given Project aims to improve students of the College’s by Professor Velma access to justice for Teacher Education Newton, Regional citizens in the 13 Programme.

Project Director of the CARICOM countries in Facilitators for the IMPACT Justice Project, which the Project is Workshops include Ann gave opening remarks to being implemented.

Hamilton Dopwell, get the Workshops The Project is a Lecturer in Teacher going. Addresses were regional justice sector Education at the also by Nigel Scott, the reform project funded by Community College; and Director of the the government of Restorative Practices Community College, and Canada and operating Trainer Patricia Harriette Da Silva, from The University of Warner, Senior Dean of the Teacher the West Indies, Cave Education Officer in the Education Department. Hill, Barbados Ministry of Education,

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020. 27.

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FRIDAY,

JANUARY 10, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.02

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

‘LOADS OF WORK’ IN 2020

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves looked ahead into 2020 with much anticipation and optimism.

The Vincentian Prime The Caribbean all that aggregate from?,” he

By June this year, energy Minister also factored in Development Bank has pondered as he noted the from the Geothermal Plant THERE IS a shortage of provision being made to already earmarked $110M in amount of work planned. located at the North eastern “aggregate in the whole region.” accommodate medical students the form of soft loan, and the “It is an issue which we are end of mainland St. Vincent is And Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and overall visitors to the British Government is addressing,” he assured. expected to reduce the reliance Prime Minister of St. Vincent state. providing a US$30M grant In addition, the Prime on oil supplies. and the Grenadines, has Plans, the Prime Minister towards the Modern Port.

Minister pointed to an air of The laying of fibre optic expressed concern about the said, were advanced for the That project will see the optimism about 2020, cable to Grenada, and from demand for such material in construction of the Acute construction of some 30 houses encouraged by the regulatory Fancy to Fitz Hughes on view of what he terms “loads Referral Hospital, slated for to accommodate persons who and administrative requisites mainland St. Vincent will of work” that are earmarked construction on lands at the are occupying space on the in place to support the Medical provide “first world internet for commencement here, over former E. T Joshua Airport area where the Port is slated Cannabis Industry, that will data service,” according to the the next year. site. Towards this end, Dr to be built. help to energise other Vincentian leader.

The anticipated heightened Gonsalves disclosed that talks It was at this point in his agricultural undertakings in And with the assumption of activity in construction was are in progress with the World address, that the Prime root crop and vegetable a sitting on the UN Security highlighted by the Prime Bank for some $50M US. Minister raised concerns about production.

Council, the Prime Minister Minister in an end of year And, of a Modern Port in the availability of building The Prime Minister also declared, “We are already address.

Capital City Kingstown is material, more specifically highlighted the start of beginning to make our Some 20 containers, he expected to begin during the about the availability of construction for the Rain said, arrived here recently, New Year, and is estimated to aggregate for the construction. Forest investment in fish and presence felt.” and among the cargo were cost some US$180M. “Where are we going to get conch. stone crushers, part of the equipment brought by the Royal Mill Resort for construction of a 200-room hotel at Indian Bay. That venture is slated to cost about US$60 million.

According to Dr. Gonsalves, this will add to the construction of the Holiday Inn Express, a hotel expected to be built at Diamond.

And these will be complemented by the Marriott-run facility scheduled to start at Mt Wynne in June this year, and the ongoing construction of a 400-room outlet at Peter’s Hope, both in Mt. Wynne Tourism Development Site should see the Central Leeward district of activity this year.

Kingstown is earmarked for extensive port facility expansion. mainland St. Vincent.

by WILLIAM KOJAH ANTHONY

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.