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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

FEBRUARY 10, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.06

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Former property owners at Argyle who gave way to the construction of the airport, turned up and were showered with praise and thanks.

by DAYLE DA SILVA LAST WEDNESDAY, former home and landowners at Argyle descended on the site of the Argyle International Airport (AIA) where their homes and farms once stood, for one reason – for the government to say thanks on behalf of a grateful nation.

What started almost 12 years ago is now complete.

“The faces remind me of

the many gatherings we had between 2005 and 2007. It looks as though we are together again, but this time we are smiling,” Dr Rudy Matthias, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Airport Development Company (IADC) commented.

Continued on Page 3.

Former property owners received plaques of appreciation.

Here Sam Agard receives his token from PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

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2. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Siblings and loved ones remember Aziza

(Standing): Martin Quashie Jr. (boyfriend); (sitting back row L-R): Enrico Browne (brother), Terise Browne (sister), Ashica Wiltshire (cousin); (Front LR): Collin Wiltshire (cousin), Azinza Browne- Dennie (sister), Tashica Wilshire and Deandra Dennie (cousins).

THE SIBLINGS AND LOVED ONES of Aziza ‘Ziza’ Dennie said her presence will be dearly missed.

Aziza was the 3rd of 4 children for her mother Donna Browne of Redemption Sharpes.

She along with two of her colleagues from the Division of the Technical and Vocational Studies at the Community College, perished in a vehicular accident in Barbados, Sunday 29th January, crashing Aziza’s dream of becoming a crew member of a cruise ship.

Azinza BrowneDennie, youngest sister of the deceased, described her as a very strong person, who would tell it like it is. She remembers her sister disciplining her whenever she stepped out of line. “She was real straight-forward,” said Azinza.

She last spoke to her sister on Saturday 28th January, the day before her death, and remembered telling her sister to bring KFC since she (Aziza) was at KFC celebrating with Kemelius Boyea on his birthday. She recalled Aziza saying, “Make sure you have cake and my bed when I come”.

“If she was here now I would show her more love,” Azinza added.

Terise Browne, Aziza’s eldest sister, said that she and her sister had such a close relationship they could have spoken about anything. She said the day her sister was leaving, she was in a joyous mood, since it was her first time flying. But the news of her death is difficult to digest. “It’s like a certain time you think she is gone and another time you don’t,” Terise said.

Enrico Browne, Aziza’s

elder brother, reflecting on his sister’s early upbringing, recalled that when she was growing up, she had the attitude of a tomboy. “It’s just the other day she become more open and start wearing skirts,” he quipped.

When questioned about what he would miss most about his sister, Enrico responded, “Just her presence, knowing she was here.”

Aziza’s cousin Deandra Dennie described her as a very intelligent and humble person. She said that when they were growing up, they were very close, but later became distant.

She regretted not maintaining a closer relationship with her cousin. “Now that she is gone, all the memories flashing back. If I could talk to her now, I would tell her I wish I was a better cousin,” said Deandra.

Martin Quashie Jr, Aziza’s boyfriend for 3 years, disclosed that the last time he spoke to her, she was excited about returning home. He confessed to liking everything about her, and revealed that she was planning to start a “life plan” in which they would be together. “She was the first girl I ever love,” he intimated.

Sisters Tashica Wiltshire and Ashica Wiltshire, cousins of Aziza, said they would always remember the great times they had spent at her home, stating that she was a person who was always on the move and enjoyed cracking jokes and dancing.

Aziza’s body is expected back in the state today (Friday) and her burial is scheduled for the 26th. (KH)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 3.

News 3 NDP not supporting VAT increase

Below: Not even a discussion among (L-R): Dr. Godwin Friday, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Arnhim Eustace could change the NDP’s posiiton on the increase in the rate of the VAT here.

THE PEOPLE OUGHT to stand up and have their voices heard in protest against the proposed 1 percent increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), which is expected to take effect on May 1 this year.

That’s the position of Dr. Godwin Friday, Leader of the Opposition, who made his feelings known as he rebutted the Prime Minister/Minister of Finance 2017 Budget presentation.

According to Friday, the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) was adamant that an increase in VAT was not appropriate, based on the state of the economy, but the government went ahead in the 2016 budget to announce that it was introducing VAT on basic food items that were previously left off the list.

That in effect was an increase, Friday said, and now that the heat had passed, government had now gone ahead and implemented a 1 percent increase.

“How can we support this?

We know the problems people are facing,” Friday said.

“This year is VAT, next year it might be the rate of vehicle registration — some

people are already finding it difficult to pay this and have parked up their vehicles,” he continued. “People need a break, they want to be able to go in the stores and buy what they want to buy, its simply not fair,” Friday lamented.

As part of its fiscal measures for 2017, Minister of Finance, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves announced on Monday that government will introduce a 1 percent levy on VAT, moving it from 15 percent to 16, effective May 01.

He also announced an increase in the rate for accommodation and other tourism related activities from 10 percent to 11.

He defended the measure, saying that in light of the frequent natural disasters, central government has incurred extended cost in the rebuilding/replacement of homes, bridges and roads.

Earnings from the Levy will, according to Gonsalves, be used to capitalize the Contingencies Fund, which he said was being established in pursuant to Section 72 of the Constitution.

But the Leader of the Opposition Dr Godwin Friday called out the Gonsalves led administration, saying that the NDP had come out ahead of the government in 2016 when they heard that government was pondering on

the idea of increasing the rate of VAT. In fact, Gonsalves responded to that claim during a press briefing in January last year, dismissing it and the rumour that his government planned to

Saying thanks process,” Matthias said.

Sometimes it took more than one visit between He walked those in the negotiating team and attendance through the a property owner before process from inception; the deal was closed, but from the days of walking eventually the process door to door to alert the was complete. residents at Argyle that Increasing the value “I want to thank you. the international airport We have talked and people, and I want to project was to become a Initially, the worked hand in hand,” thank you again,” he reality, and that they government hired a he added. said. would be affected.

British company to There were political Back then, the process oversee the task of A wonderful people risks involved, according was not easy because valuating the vacant to the Prime Minister: “I only a small percentage parcels of land and Prime Minister Dr of the population homes that were to be Ralph Gonsalves referred could have fall flat on my face if you the believed that such a acquired. However, to the many former homeowners had said project was possible. according to Matthias, residents of Argyle “Sometimes when we the figures presented gathered, as contributors Ralph, go to hell.”

But as was earlier knocked, you can see the were, in the IADC’s to community and pointed out, the process people inside, but they view, lower than nationhood. got easier, and the then not coming out. And you anticipated and a “You made this far residents began asking are knocking, and they easier than it otherwise decision was taken by questions about not coming out, because Cabinet to increase the would have been the relocation and the overall they knew we were payment by 15 to 20 case.” coming,” Matthias said. percent across the board.

And the entire process project, Gonsalves explained.

“We couldn’t build the There were many was done without one Some practical airport here if you did issues involved in the case of acquisition, it was measures were not move, and we did not negotiating process all done by consent, implemented to assist want to put the Prime which lasted two years.

Gonsalves said. the process of persons Minister in any trouble “It was not a simple “What a wonderful Continued from Front Page.

to have to acquire anybody home. If this was to be done, would be mutiny and marching in town, so we spent a lot of time agreeing to prices,” he continued.

increase the rate of VAT by as much as 3 percent.

“I don’t know where this came from,” Gonsalves told members of the press then, adding that he never contemplated an increase in VAT. (DD)

Both Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and CEO/AIDC were in high spirits as they led the showering of thanks on former property owners. homeowner at Argyle have settled and have been paid.

He informed that the government had to moving and rebuilding, acquire 460 vacant and now, as a result of parcels of land, and 142 the understanding and homes, up from an initial cooperation, the single count of 135 homes. biggest capital project in The facility sits on 275 the country has become a acres of land, purchased reality. in the amount of EC$138 “We have come this million. Of this figure, far, grace has brought us EC$58 million have been this far, and grace will spent in the purchase of take us home,” Gonsalves homes at an average of said.

EC$410,000 per home, and EC$80 million have Still holding out been paid out to landowners in the area.

And amidst the When it was also done, showering of thanks and however, the Argyle the amenable International Airport is atmosphere last now a reality, thanks in Wednesday at the AIA, no small measure to the Dr. Matthias disclosed hundreds who sacrificed that all but one former their homes and lands.

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4. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Lawyer offers help with list of tardy policemen Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS DEFENCE LAWYER Grant Connell is suggesting that Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves be provided with a list of the nonperforming officers in the Royal St. Vincent and the

Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF).

And Connell, who has appeared as a lawyer in several gun-related and drug-related matters, is prepared to facilitate the process of getting that list together.

Connell’s comments

P.H. Veira hit a second time LESS THAN ONE WEEK after an office attendant employed at P.H. Veira & Co. Ltd was reportedly robbed at gunpoint, the supermarket of that company was reportedly burglarized.

Reports are that between 10:11 p.m. on Saturday, February 4 and 6 a.m. on Sunday, February 5, burglar/burglars entered the supermarket , cut off the padlock on a vault, and made off with EC$15,000 in cash.

Up to press time Wednesday, police were Dennis investigating the report.

Richardson and Last Week, two 15-year-old two 15-year-old boys, and 23-year-old Dennis boys, are charged ‘2Pac’ Richardson of Glen with robbing a appeared at the Serious P.H. Veira and Co. Offences Court, charged with Ltd. office robbing the P.H. Veira employee, Dwight Ryan, 30, of attendant.

Choppins, of a bag containing EC$34,715 in cash and three cheques which together valued EC$2,165.50.

The bag, the money and the cheques reportedly belong to the company.

The suspects are also charged jointly with possession of a firearm with intent to commit the offence of robbery. One of the juveniles is charged separately with conspiracy to commit the offence of robbery.

The defendents were not required to plead when they stood before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne.

The juveniles, represented by attorney Grant Connell, made their Court appearances on Thursday, February 2, in camera, and were granted bail, while Richardson who appeared in Court on Friday, February 3, was remanded following strong objections to bail from prosecutor Station Sergeant Elgin Richards.

Richards contended that investigations were ongoing, and expressed the view that if released on bail, the defendant would interfere with the witnesses. He added that the firearm allegedly used in the incident was not recovered, and that Richardson was a flight risk, as he was apprehended in the Grenadine island of Mayreau.

He was represented in Court by attorney Ronald Marks.

Reports are that Ryan was en route by foot to deposit the money for the company when he was held at gunpoint and relieved of the bag containing the cash and cheques.

The assailants then fled, using the route at the back of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Postal Corporation, Kingstown.

The incident was reported to have occurred in the vicinity of the Postal Corporation and the First Caribbean International Bank on January 30.

Attorney Grant Connell thinks it’s time that a list of tardy police officers be made available to the PM. came while speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday. They were in response to the Prime Minister who stated on Monday evening, during his 2017 Budget Presentation Address, that the majority of police officers perform well, but there is a minority of nonperforming officers for whom there is room in

the civil service, if they want to become civil servants.

A classic example of good policing surfaced at

the Serious Offences Court before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne on Tuesday, when Police Constable Sheffique Joseph of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had the files in a gun and ammunition possession matter ready for trial in three weeks.

The Chief Magistrate applauded P.C . Joseph, and acknowledged that there are police officers who work hard and excellently, while some don’t. She also made reference to the PM’s comments on the issue of performance in the police force.

In relation to the tardy police officers, Connell suggested that, “We should help the Prime Minister by creating a list from the Court.”

But during his conversation with THE VINCENTIAN later, the lawyer acknowledged that in reality, the Court cannot provide that list for the PM. He added, however, that, “Maybe one of the Prime Minister’s advisors could update him on those police officers who don’t prepare their files for Court, resulting in the collapse of several cases.

I am fed up with the lackadaisical approach of some police officers in getting the files ready on time for trial”.

The lawyer pointed out that, “I am in the Courts every day. I see who are performing and who are not. I can facilitate the process of providing the list of incompetent police officers for the Prime Minister”.

Court officers applaud young investigator QUESTIONS regarding who merit promotions in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) surfaced here, after a young police investigator was praised on Tuesday for having the files in a gun and ammunition possession matter ready for trial, in less than a month.

The Constable - Sheffique Joseph of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), was commended by Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, Prosecutor Station Sergeant Elgin Richards and attorney Grant Connell who represented the defendant, Shane Davis of Dorsetshire Hill.

Connell told the Serious Offences Court that it was amazing that some police officers could prepare their files in less than four weeks, while others, including senior officers, were delinquent in this regard.

One such matter involving the lack of readiness of case files for trial surfaced earlier that morning in the same Court and involved

Moah Williams, charged with a similar offence.

Connell, who also represented Williams, noted that that offence was reportedly committed since March 21, last year, 11 months ago, yet the files in that matter were still not ready, despite several adjournments, and prosecutor Richards was seeking yet another adjournment.

Apart from commending P.C Joseph for having his files ready for trial in relation to an offence, dated January 10 this year, Connell praised the young detective for his firmness on the stand while being cross-examined in several matters.

“I have seen other lawyers come here and can’t penetrate the good officer.” Connell said, adding that he has seen police officers, achieving the rank of Superintendent, “fall apart” under cross-examination.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN later that day, Connell expressed the view that there are many other officers in the Constabulary like Joseph whose performances are overlooked.

PC Sheffique Joseph came in for high praise for his diligence to duty.

“There are talented, dedicated and hardworking police officers without a stripe. I often question the methodology behind how officers rise in rank in the police force,” the lawyer stated.

“How could a man like Sheffique Joseph remain ‘stripeless’? What is the encouragement when police officers perform well and are overlooked, while others whose track record has very little or nothing to show, rise in rank?”

Connell questioned.

When contacted on Wednesday, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Clauston Francis, second in Command of the CID, confirmed that Joseph is an excellent detective.

Translating that into military language, ASP Francis described the officer as a ‘top dog’.

Joseph has been a member of the RSVG Police Force for the past six years.

Offences Court on January 4 this year.

So far, 12 witnesses have testified for the prosecution, and another four or five may be called.

When the PI resumes, the Senior Prosecutor is expected to make an application under the Witness Protection Special Measures Act, in relation to a certain witness.

At the conclusion of the P.I., the Court will decide whether or not there is sufficient evidence for Primus to stand trial in the High Court.

Primus is conducting his own defence.

Veron Primus on further suspense THE VERON PRIMUS murder Preliminary Inquiry (PI) will resume at the Serious Offences Court on February 20.

The PI, Veron Primus is also a person of interest in the murder of a student in Brooklyn, New York, in June 2006.

which was scheduled to continue on Monday, January 6, was further adjourned due to the absence of Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche, who was still on leave.

Primus, 39, of Vermont, is charged with the murder of real estate agent Sharlene Greaves.

The body of the 36-year-old Dorsetshire Hill woman was found at her Bijou Real Estate office, Arnos Vale on November 13, 2015. She had sustained multiple stab wounds.

The PI started at the Serious

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Regional

Marley’s recordings found rotting in hotel basement

ROBERT NESTA ‘BOB’ MARLEY was reggae’s first global superstar. He attracted music fans and even non-music fans around the world, and is revered in his Jamaican homeland as a national hero.

Little wonder, therefore, that even in death, his work, his philosophy continue to draw the stares and gazes and eyes of the world over.

Bob died in 1981 at the age of 36. His released work up to that time had already placed him among the top recording and performing artistes of the day, and his popularity continued to soar, with dozens of his greatest hits and collected works released since his death.

And for those who thought his back catalogue had been exhausted, think again.

A run-down hotel in an unfashionable corner of north-west London where Bob Marley and his band The Wailers stayed during their European tours of the mid-1970s has now thrown up a treasure trove of previously lost recordings by the legendary singer, according to a report by the Telegraph, UK. The Telegraph reported that ‘Thirteen reel-to-reel analogue master tapes official high quality recordings of concerts which in some cases have only been heard previously on bootleg or inferior versions - have been discovered rotting away in the hotel’s damp basement’.

The 24-track recordings, known in music circles as “The Lost

Masters”, were originally thought to be damaged beyond repair by flooding and, when found, were covered in a sticky resinlike material.

But now, thanks to modern day technology, all but three master reels have been successfully cleaned and restored.

The 40-year-old tapes are the original live recordings of concerts Bob Marley and the Wailers staged in London and Paris between 1974 and 1978. The concerts were recorded on the only mobile 24 track studio vehicle available in Britain at the time, loaned out to Bob Marley and the Wailers by The Rolling Stones.

The discovery of the tapes makes for interesting reading.

They were first discovered and rescued from the scrap heap by pure chance when Joe Gatt, a businessman and long-time Marley fan, took a phone call from a friend, who told him that he was doing a building refuse clearance that included some old discarded 2” tapes from the 1970s. “…I couldn’t just stand by and let these objects, damaged or not, simply be destroyed … so I asked him not to throw them away,” Gatt is reported to have said.

Gatt passed the master recordings to his business partner, Louis Hoover, himself a jazz singer.

Hoover, as thrilled as he was to receive the tapes, admitted that when he saw them, “It was gut wrenching. There was literally plasticized gunk

Rolling Stone Magazine, in listing Robert ‘Bob’ Marley among its top twenty (11th) recording/ performing artistes of the 20th century, described him as ‘musician, humanitarian and revolutionary’.

(Credit: the indian express)

One of 13 reel-to-reel master tapes found in a damp hotel basement in Kensal Rise, north-west London, where Bob Marley and The Wailers stayed during their tours of Europe in the mid-1970s. (Credit: The Telegraph) oozing from every inch, and in truth, saving the sound quality of the recordings looked like a hopeless task”.

Undaunted, however, he and Gatt took the damaged tapes to a Mr Nichols at White House Studios, in Weston-superMare, where he succeeded in painstakingly restoring them to their former glory.

The project took nearly a year, as each tape was delicately and meticulously cleaned.

“The end result has really surprised me, because as they are now in a digital format and are very high quality, it shows the original recordings were very professionally made. From the current find of 13 tapes, 10 were restored, two were blank and one was damaged beyond repair”.

It is hoped that at some stage they will be released in vinyl, download and CD versions. (Source: The Telegraph)

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6. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Garifuna group opposes TrumpÊs executive orders

President Donald Trump derided the Seattle federal district court judge James Robart for lifting the ban on nationals from seven Muslim countries.

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT THE BRONX, New York-based Garifuna Political Action Committee (Garifuna PAC), a non-partisan organization that provides opportunities for Garifuna and Communities of Colour to participate in the American political process, is urging strong resistance to United States President Donald Trump’s executive orders on immigration.

“As Immigrants from Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who have migrated to America since the 1930s, we absolutely reject President Donald Trump’s hateful executive orders,” said the group in a statement.

“Our country is a country of immigrants and refugees,” it added. “It’s what makes us strong. Inscribed on the Statue of Liberty is a poem that welcomes the tired, the poor and the huddled masses.

President Trump definitely needs to read it.”

In addition to resisting and objecting to Trump’s executive orders, Garifuna PAC called on US Senate Democrats to launch “an organized effort to withhold consent on the Senate floor, for resisting a president who has no mandate and cannot claim to embody the popular will.

“We also invite all voters to tweet their senators and use the hashtag #WithholdConsent,” the group said. “Doing so can bring the Senate to its knees and block or severely slow down the agenda of a president who does not represent the majority of Americans.”

The Garifuna are an immigrant ethnic group of mixed ancestry — descendants of Carib, Arawak and African people living along the Caribbean Coast in Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras. They originated from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

As a seafaring people, they arrived in the United States as merchant marines during World War II. New York City is currently home to the largest Garifuna population outside of Central America, with an estimated 200,000 living in the South Bronx, Harlem, and Brownsville and East New York in Brooklyn.

The Executive Order Trump’s executive order, signed on Jan. 27, bars all nationals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the US for the next 90 days.

It also stops the entire US refugee program for 120 days, indefinitely bans Syrian refugees, and halts the planned entry of more than 50,000 refugees in the US fiscal year 2017, which began in October 2016 and will end in September 2017.

But a US Federal Judge James Robart of Federal District Court in Seattle, Washington on Friday night temporarily blocked Trump’s immigration order from being enforced.

On Saturday, Trump sought to belittle Judge Robart, an appointee of former President George W. Bush, describing him as a “so-called judge” during a tweeting rampage.

“The opinion of this socalled judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned!”

Trump wrote.

A United States federal appeals court early Sunday struck another blow to this

Order by rejecting a request by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to immediately restore the president’s travel ban.

The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco said on Sunday that a reply from the Trump administration was now due on Monday.

The ruling meant that refugees and travelers from the seven predominantly Muslim nations would, for now, continue to be able to enter the US, according to the New York Times.

Order denounced The order has also been denounced by Caribbean American Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, warning that it may even extend to the Caribbean.

Last Sunday, Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, told an emergency meeting of the Muslim community in her Brooklyn, New York district, that she was concerned that Trump could expand the ban to the Caribbean “if we don’t organize and push back now.

“We know that in the Caribbean region there is a very healthy Muslim population from Guyana, to Trinidad, to Jamaica across

US Federal Judge - James Robart of Federal District Court in Seattle, Washington put a temporary block on President Trump’s immigration order to ban Muslims from seven countries.

Jose Francisco Avila of Garifuna PAC, said it was important that Garifuna involved themselves in the political process of the USA. the board; and so, we have to make sure we come together,” added the representative for the predominantly Caribbean 9thCongressional District in Brooklyn.

“We cannot as a nation allow xenophobia to undermine our principles or racism to determine our policies,” she added.

Meanwhile, Jose Francisco Avila, treasurer of Garifuna PAC, said in justification of his organisation’s involvement in the ‘politics of the USA, said,

Demonstrators gather in Copley Square for the “Boston Protest Against Muslim Ban and Anti-Immigration Orders” in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 29, 2017.

Yvette D. Clarke, Caribbean American Congresswoman, was quick to add her voice to the denunciation of the Executive ban. that “the importance of participation in the American political process becomes very evident when we consider the results of the recent Presidential Election and the uncertainty of federal public policy legislation, which will have side effects reflected at the state and city level.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 7.

Parliament

AIA in Focus: Enough assets to pay debts THE ARGYLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (AIA) has a debt of EC$400 million, of which EC$300 million are accounted as soft loans mainly from ALBA, Petro Caribe and Taiwan.

This was spelt out by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves in the 2017 Budget address last Tuesday, as he sought to give a detailed account of the undertaking to construct the airport.

The Prime Minister pointed out that holdings owned by the AIA, not including the airport itself, the International Airport Development Corporation and National Properties Limited together make up the $400 million.

“In short, there are enough assets available to pay for the debt of the AIA,” Dr. Gonsalves indicated.

He locked the AIA to “four major initiatives in the field of civil aviation undertaken by the Unity Labour Party government since 2001 to address the critical developmental socio-economic

issue of air access.”

“The AIA holds out immense development possibilities,” the Vincentian Prime Minister pointed out.

He alluded to the 2015 Staff Report of the Article IV Consultation of the International Monetary Fund 1 which estimated at least 1.5 percent increase in our country’s gross domestic product in the medium term, from operations at Argyle.

Dr. Gonsalves is confident that chairman of the Argyle International Airport C ompany - Garth Saunders, working in tandem with the local Tourism Authority and all other stakeholders, would make a success of the AIA. The Prime Minister described AIA as a “metaphor, a symbol, an alive testament to what a determined people, properly led, and supported by a wave of principled internationalist solidarity of friends and allies, can achieve.”

He referred to the

The Argyle International Airport debt is provided for, says PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

accomplishment “amidst all the topographic financing, managerial and resource challenges,” as one “to be recorded with justifiable approbation in the annals not only of Vincentian and Caribbean history, but in the developmental story of disadvantaged nations across time.”

He is urging everyone to “make the AIA work to the benefit of the people of St.

Vincent and the Grenadines, at home and in the diaspora.”

Some $31.5 million has been provided for in the 2017 Budget for payments related to the completion of the construction of the AIA, and the acquisition of furnishings and equipment for its operation. There will also be a temporary subsidy for its operation, Dr. Gonsalves stated.

Electricity use at the Argyle International Airport is of concern to Dr. Gonsalves, and he referred to an agreement with the CARICOM Development Fund for a softloan agreement of about $2 million, to fund the first phase of a solar energy project at the new airport.

The initial phase of this project is for the installation of

a 300 KW Solar PV system, according to Dr. Gonsalves.

“The targeted aim is to secure in the shortest possible time, solar capacity at AIA of some two megawatts,” Dr Gonsalves outlined.

The AIA has been granted appropriate certification or approval as an international airport by the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority. But “on account of the prerequisites for the publication of the civil aviation charts and procedures of the AIA and the very workings of international airlines themselves, regularly scheduled international flights will not be available in the first few months of AIA’s operations,” The Vincentian Prime Minister said. (WKA)

Dr. Friday unhappy about matters related to the AIA LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION, Dr Godwin Friday has indicated that he has written to the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) seeking answers to concerns related to the approval granted to begin operations at the Argyle International Airport (AIA).

He made the disclosure on Tuesday, during his response to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves’ 2017 Budget address delivered on Monday.

Dr. Friday said that he agreed with the Prime Minister that all Vincentians ought to work together to make the airport work.

However, even with

the AIA opening scheduled for February 14, Friday said that there were a few issues regarding the state of readiness of the facility.

He referred to the work that was done on sections of the runway recently to attend to what Minister of Transport and Works, Senator Julian Francis said were some “weak spots”.

Friday took issue with this, saying that he was advised that the problem was serious, with a good chance that it could reoccur.

He read from a copy of the letter date January 23, 2017 and addressed to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security,

Godfred Pompey, in which the ECCAA indicated that it had conducted its assessments on January 19 and, based on those assessments, it had cleared the airport to begin operations on February 14.

Friday, though, questioned the method used by the ECCAA to grant approval, and disclosed that he has since written to ECCAA requesting details with respect to their assessment and its subsequent approval. granted.

Dr. Friday took the opportunity to make clear that the opposition NDP was never opposed to building an international airport at

Argyle, He said, however, that the party was concerned about the seeming lack of transparency or accountability that characterized the undertaking of the project.

In fact, he said, members of the opposition have continually voted in approval of government borrowing money to fund aspects of the construction of the facility.

This did not deter the NDP from highlighting their dismay with what they described as the politicization of the project.

“Even before the construction, it was

painted in party colours,” Friday said.

“Our position of the airport is this: We support the intention to build an international airport at Argyle, but we do not support and we deplore the politicization that has taken place; the reckless behavior that has taken place in the administration, planning and financing and execution of the project,” he continued.

“We call for a Leader of the comprehensive report of Opposition Dr Godwin the status of Friday is still uneasy construction, financing, about aviation approval certification and and accountability as prospective sustainable they relate to the AIA. operation of the airport, including but not limited the present - I don’t to, the audited financial statements from 2008 to think that is too much to ask,” Friday said. (DD)

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8. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 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 VAt increase- It might mean...

VAT (VALUE ADDED TAX) is a tax on goods and services. It is applied to most products consumers buy and basic services they access for daily living. Some goods may be zero rated (i.e. they are on the ‘VAT list but not subject to VAT, yet), or are exempted.

In our case, most goods and services are subject currently to VAT at a rate of 15%. But come May 01, 2017, that rate will increase to 16% on consumer items and services, and an increase from 10% to 11 % on marine/tourism related services.

The increase was justified as a means of capitalizing the Disaster Fund, and was coined a ‘Disaster Levy’ by the Minister of Finance in his 2017 Budget Presentation. The connotation of that coinage (i.e. levy) is that the increased VAT rate is temporary in nature, and the Minister of Finance did say that this fiscal measure will be reviewed after three years, during which time it is expected to account for an additional $10 million per annum in revenue.

(It is interesting to note that the period over which the increase will be applied, i.e. three years, would bring us up to the time for another general election. Just a thought by the side.)

Unless the basic principle of profit and loss has gone through some extraordinarily, radical turnabout, the increase in VAT is expected to lead in an increase in the cost of goods and services to the consumer.

This eventuality (increased VAT) could well deter consumers from spending, and could even contribute to pushing the economy downwards if not precariously bordering a recession, even though modest growth is projected for the 2017 fiscal year.

Maybe importers, wholesalers and retailers will bring forward their purchases to beat the VAT hike, leading to some static in the government’s expected collection windfall.

Whatever, the rise in VAT could also be expected to help keep inflation well above the percentage target, or purported targets for 2016.

Given the likelihood that consumers would now buy less in a climate of an increased VAT rate, and given that many of our consumers live from pay cheque to pay cheque, spending most of what they earn in goods and services, the climate of an increase in VAT could have much the same effect on incentives as an increase in say, income tax — the resulting situation being one of less real takehome pay.

Overall, consumers could be made to feel poorer.

Moreover, the increase in VAT, as modest as it might appear, could well have a negative effect on productivity growth and stands a good chance of reducing economic incentive to trade. General taxes could also suffer as lower productivity growth leads to reduced overall output.

And, as raised in our Editorial post the presentation of the 2016 Budget, what does this mean for the informal economy? A higher rate of VAT could also encourage individuals (consumers) and firms to conduct business in the informal economy. Studies of countries where VAT regimes are in place and in some which have ‘seen a need’ to increase their rates of VAT, have shown that the ‘black market’ tends to be larger and more active in countries with high rates (of VAT), even in countries, the report says, where corruption is considered to be weak.

Even with raising the threshold (the value of a business that obligates it to become VAT registered), investment could be a problem for informal and even small businesses; they cannot grow like formal, better capitalized businesses, and therefore, the creation of real wealth over the long term in the economy could well be hindered.

Informal and ’black market’ businesses are wont to spend their meager resources on avoiding detection (beating the system), paying off officials throughout the system, etc. And if it is that the informal economy expands because of what is enacted in the mainstream of the economy, this could well breed draconian countermeasures by tax authorities, putting additional cost on formal, legitimate business.

No one wants to see this economy go belly up, but we must acknowledge the possible positive effect of any fiscal change as well as the possible negative effect and, at the end of the day, admit to be being correct or to being wrong.

A pocketful of problems to handle THE POLITICAL POT is approaching boiling-point. Within the next two months or so, it is likely to blow its top.

We continue to tread the path to which we seem committed, a fight to the finish in an internecine war.

Let us look at the current rundown.

We are now in the throes of a very important budget session. As soon as it is formally through, we are on to a very significant convention of the NDP, the first since the election of Dr. Godwin Friday as the new President, following the tenure of Arnhim Eustace after some eighteen years.

All the while, the election petitions have been hanging in balance before the court, and due to be heard after about fifteen months following an election that returned a disputed one-seat majority for the ruling ULP, a record of sorts in terms of the delay involved.

Three weeks prior to that outcome, the Argyle International Airport will be opened, which has been anticipated as a worrying controversial happening.

Then March 28, National Heroes Day rolls by, which to date has offered one hero only, Joseph Chatoyer since 2002.

For fifteen long years, the ULP administration has been unable to enlarge the category of National Heroes.

At least the AIA won that competition of sorts.

And preparations are underway for the 40th anniversary of our modern carnival next July, which just about synchronises with the like anniversary of the Comrade in the field of politics, as a fresh crop of leaders emerge to take over the fortunes of the ULP. But that is running ahead. A lot of turbulence will accompany the foregoing events, and “This Week” expects that the next six months will be hectic at least. So we will concentrate on a few pleasantries, neutral facts and small talk for the rest of “This Week”.

First of all, here are some interesting facts in SVG politics. Heads of Government often took non-Vincentian wives: Mrs Ivy Joshua, a Grenadian; Mrs Lucyann Cato, a Nevisian; Mrs Pat Mitchell, a Canadian; Mrs Eloise Gonsalves, a Dominican-Trinidadian. As an educated guess, the next Prime Minister will either be Camillo Gonsalves with a Jamaican wife, or Godwin Friday with a Trinidadian wife.

To date, Arnhim Eustace has been the only Prime Minister with a native wife, which probably explains why he served as PM for only half-a-term!

It has been a not dissimilar story with

the heads of state. Gun Munro’s wife was English. Lady David Jack was born in the USA of Vincentian parents and carried a Vincentian passport; Charles Antrobus became divorced from his Vincentian wife and wedded a Trinidadian; Freddy Ballantyne, with even-handedness, married four times - two Vincentians, one Canadian and one Pilipino. Rupert John was the sole head of state with a single Vincentian wife.

Another statistic which is most interesting: Edgie Richards is the only person to have run in three constituencies, for three parties, and lost every time. In North Windward for the PLM in 1957; for the PPP twice in East St George in 1961 and 1966; and once for Dr Gideon Cordice’s SNM in a by-election in Central Leeward in 1983.

My better friends have always warned me of hiding my light under a Bushel. So I beat my chest a little on reading of a cricketing feat of 5 wickets for 7 in a July 2016 article by Patmos Richards, in a soft ball match in Kingstown.

In 1950, 67 years ago, in a Junior House match played on the Grammar School pasture, with “leather seed” ball, I captured 7 wickets for 7 runs, all clean —bowled, for Green House against Reeves House.

My victims were the opening pair of Ashton brothers from Layou, Fosdick F.C Huggins, Raymond Liverpool, Alfie Roberts who played later for the West Indies, Phil Ambris who became a lawyer and was fatally shot in Arthur Williams’ chambers, and Joe Linley who is still living in Florida, USA. Lester Huggins is also still living at Layou. He claims not to recall my feat in full, but I remembered getting him first ball for nought in both innings. He shaped up as a left-hander in the first and a right-hander in the second, in which he settled for the rest of his career, which was nothing short of illustrious.

Indeed, This Week acclaims Lester Huggins our best all-round sportsman for the 20th Century — medium-fast bowler, dashing stroke-player, a left-wing in football and goalkeeper of class, a quartermile and performer of the jumps and hurdles, great swimmer with mastering the dives.

In short, at 80 years, Huggins deserves some national accolade as the complete sportsman of the 20th century.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 9.

Letters world that is, day by the day, decreasing in size, given the time it takes to communicate across the globe? members of the public They should remember And all those who who fail to accept that, that even those fifteen make a public outcry and some of them even minutes of fame will should think of what it continue to wish harm on disappear. means for the stability in the project.

When I think of the our land.

Why can’t we just airport, I think of how Time to stop all this simply accept the truth? big our country has cross talk and get down It seems some persons become. Not big is size to setting the path for just have to oppose but big in attraction. something for opposing Tell me, who would want reaping the benefits of sake, so that they could to invest in a country our our international airport. continue to get their size that continues to be George, Campden Park fifteen minutes of fame. locked away from a

Shame Stop the old talk on Julian FAIR IS fair. When a man is wrong, he should say that he is wrong, and those who he calls his friends should tell him that he is wrong.

For too long now I have listened to debates in the House of Assembly, and heard our elected representatives and senators abuse their privileges.

Take what happened during the last debate — the one on the Estimates for 2017. I am referring to Senator Julian Francis who told what is supposed to be an Honourable House, that the NDP, if it gets into power, would reduce the size of the public service — how they would put people out of work.

Now, that is unfair, and was meant to deliberately mislead the public. Daniel Cummings was the one who raised the issue of the public servants; but it’s no way you could draw from what he said, that he was saying what Francis said he said. Francis should have been put in his place for misleading the House and the public; but we know how that stands with that.

So much for an Honourable Speaker, eh?

It is one thing to say that that is all part of the political game, but it’s another thing when we try to frighten people by putting your own spin on what somebody else said.

This type of low-down behaviour must stop, especially lowdown behaviour by those who say they are leaders. One of these days, the shoe might be on the other foot; but I hope those other feet would not put those shoes in such mess.

Charles, Edinboro

REGARDLESS of what is said, the Argyle International Airport is here and it’s not going anywhere. Ralph Gonsalves deserves credit for making it happen, and we should not try to dispute that.

But there are still some unreasonable, unpatriotic or just downright ignorant

Suppressing the truth OPINION suppression is not new in the Caribbean, but news suppression, suppression of the reporting of facts, is, if not new, an ominous growing trend.

Venezuela’s de facto censorship (harassment of the media and imprisonment of journalists); the murders of journalists in Honduras and Guatemala; the attempted suppression of the reportage relevant to Texila University in Guyana; Keith Mitchell in Grenada taking legal action against a talk

show host asking questions about past financial tractions; accrete with PM Gonsalves’ enforced passage of the “cyberbullying” act, and fake news statements that the airport is “open”, but omitting the fact that there is no access to regularly scheduled international passenger flights. These are only recent highlights. There are doubtless others more worrying I have missed.

In an age of “alternative facts”, where real facts, the truth and reality, are refuted, contradicted and

replaced by false statements which override all (Trump: “It stopped raining when I started to speak...my inauguration crowd was bigger than Obama’s), ignoring or dismissing underlying reality, one has to fear what this presages. A Government’s statement of “false news” is real news to the media. The obvious conclusion is that this paves a path toward demagoguery. If you can keep the voting populace ignorant, or by manipulating what they can see or hear on the media, you can control the country. Welcome to

The AIA February 14 The law is an … event is non-historical

THE AIA WAS supposedly constructed to accommodate international aircrafts including a Boeing 747, with a capacity of upwards of 487 passengers. All of the aircrafts which are advertised for landing at the AIA on Feb. 14, like the Sunwing aircraft with a capacity of up to 186 passengers, can land at the E.T. Joshua Airport.

It appears that PM Gonsalves did not obtain appropriate clearance for certain types of aircraft to land at the AIA. The AIA will see chartered flights on February 14. What has happened to all the airlines PM Gonsalves said were lining up, eager to land at the AIA? Some may say that regardless of the situation, SVG nationals can now fly direct to the USA and Canada. But when it all adds up, no airline is going to operate at a loss. There is simply no demand to sustain regular international flights into the AIA. We might consider subsidizing these aircrafts’ cost to fly to the AIA, but we will need a cash cow, which we don’t have under the PM Gonsalves’ regime.

Certain warnings were made as early as 2007, regarding the construction of the airport at Argyle: the migratory birds on

Mulligan’s Cay would be threatened; the mountain range could be a safety threat to aircrafts; the water table was very close to the surface and would affect the runway; the threat of the cross wind, and because it blew from the sea; the likelihood that the exhaust (aviation fuel fumes) could pose a problem for nearby residential areas; there was no space for a second runway.

The AIA project was a red light — a no go.

I stand by the view that PM Ralph Gonsalves and his regime turned a deaf ear (and may be a blind eye) to the concerns, and proceeded to spend $1.4 billion to relocate the E. T. Joshua airport to Argyle.

Expect that there will be no difference. AIA will be kept ‘busy’

by LIAT, Amerijet, SVG Air and Mustique Airways aircraft, just like the E,. J. Joshua airport.

I was right on Brexit. I was right on Donald Trump. I am right on the AIA. The AIA is a dead man in a casket.

Could somebody be charged for gross mismanagement of public funds?

Two All Fools’ Day in SVG in 2017? Now that’s historical!

I WILL BE THE FIRST to say we have to be careful about what we say in public these days. Gone are the days when we could have said some really ‘bad’ things and get away with it. But these days, in what I call the new period of suits, we have to remember that we might not be able to get away with saying slanderous things about one another, and worse, making threats against people’s lives.

But even when I say that, I wonder sometimes why we bother with certain things, when we know what was said doesn’t mean a thing.

Take the case of Paul Scrubb. After all the goings and comings, the State said they had no evidence to proceed with the case. This after the state blocked the young man from travelling back to the USA, and causing him to have to start all over at his place of employment.

I can’t help but think this was poor behaviour on the part of the state. But then again, we know who control the arms of the state, and to what end they will use it.

Who is going to compensate this young man for all that he lost?

This thing they call the law certainly makes an ass of itself sometimes.

Kadmiel McFee

Ole Revolutionary

Orwell’s 1984 or 1950s & 60s Haiti–or Nazi Germany–that’s the path they followed and the path we are on.

And by the way, since when are sex toys considered contraband in St. Vincent? I couldn’t find it on the Government’s web site or anywhere on the Internet.

Cassandra

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10. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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The Argyle International Airport: Making it work

Introduction THE ARGYLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT will be a hive of activity this week end, as organizing committees make their final preparations for the events to mark the opening of this all important project. This Vincent and the Grenadines, at home week, we present an excerpt from the 2017 Budget address of Prime Minister Dr. and in the diaspora. It is our patriotic duty to ensure that this happens.

Ralph Gonsalves, in relation to Argyle International Airport.

Capital Resources

“Argyle International Airport: Making It Work

In the Budget for 2017, capital resources of $31.5 million are allocated to make payments related to the The Argyle International Airport completion of the construction of AIA, (AIA) is scheduled to be opened on and the acquisition of furnishings and February 14, 2017. This project is one equipment for its operation. of four major initiatives in the field of Additionally, as anticipated, there is a civil aviation undertaken by the ULP temporary subsidy for its operation. government since 2001 to address the Mr. Speaker, one significant critical developmental socio-economic issue of air access. The other three are: operational cost of the AIA is that of electricity. As Honourable Members are The saving of LIAT and its on-going aware, over a year ago, at a public restructuring, and development; the signing ceremony at Argyle, I signed establishment, in conjunction with the with the CARICOM Development Fund five other independent states of the (CDF) a soft-loan agreement of just over OECS, of the Eastern Caribbean Civil EC $2 million to fund the first phase of Aviation Authority (ECCAA) as a a solar energy project for the AIA. Category One Civil Aviation Jurisdiction; and the construction of the VINLEC is executing this phase of the project in the sum of $2.4 million. jet airport at Canouan. Each of these Additional grant resources for solar has been contributing positively to the energy at the AIA are available to socio-economic development of St. supplement this allocation. The initial Vincent and the Grenadines and will phase of this project is for the continue to do so in the future. installation of a 300 KW Solar PV The fourth civil aviation pillar, the system. The targeted aim is to secure, AIA, holds out immense development in the shortest possible time, solar possibilities. Even the admittedly capacity at AIA of some two megawatts. conservative projections by the 2015 We are seeking to obtain the bulk of the Staff Report of the Article IV funding for this strategic venture Consultation of the International Monetary Fund, estimated at least a 1.5 through grants. percent increase in our country’s GDP in the medium term from the operation ECCAA Approval of AIA. We must thus all make the AIA Mr. Speaker, the AIA has been work for our nation’s further granted appropriate certification or development. I have every confidence approval as an international airport by that the AIA’s management, under the the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Chairmanship of Garth Saunders, Authority (ECCAA). As I had indicated working in tandem with the SVG hitherto, both on account of the Tourism Authority and all other requisites for the publication of the civil relevant stakeholders, would make a aviation charts and procedures of the success of the AIA. AIA and the very workings of international airlines themselves, AIA a national symbol regularly scheduled international flights will not be available in the first few Mr. Speaker, I do not intend to be detained today by providing rebuttals to months of AIA’s operations. However, LIAT and other intra-Caribbean the mountain of falsehoods, carriers, regular charter flights from unwarranted, negative, and even and to international destinations, and unpatriotic, statements made against cargo aircraft, will immediately enhance the construction and operation of the AIA by minority elements, largely air access to and from St. Vincent and stuffed with political prejudice. Even at the Grenadines for passenger and cargo this very moment, some of these traffic. I am sure that the operation of jaundiced political elements, spurred on the AIA will prove the politically by the “dog whistle” utterances off some jaundiced doomsayers wrong again. more supposedly respectable opposition personalities, are willing the AIA to fail Cost of the AIA or are wishing it a tsunami of harm, for no reason other than the celebrated fact The estimated cost of construction that the Unity Labour Party and equipping of AIA is approximately government has accomplished a EC $700 million. The actual estimated veritable miracle by turning a long-held value of the construction is in excess of dream of a hopeful people into an EC $1 billion, much more than the historic reality. actual construction cost, given the inThe AIA is not only the largest kind assistance provided by our several capital project, by far, ever to have been partners. The debt on the AIA is constructed in St. Vincent and the approximately EC$400 million, most of Grenadines. It is also a metaphor, a it (over EC $300 million) in “soft loan” symbol, an alive testament to what a terms, mainly from ALBA, Petro Caribe, determined people, properly led, and and Taiwan. Assets, mainly property supported by a wave of principled owned by AIA (but not including the internationalist solidarity of friends and airport itself), the IADC, and National allies, can achieve. The construction of Properties Limited (for IADC), amount the AIA, amidst all the topographic, to over EC $400 million. In short, there financing, managerial and resource are enough assets available to pay for challenges, is one to be recorded with justifiable approbation in the annals not the debt at AIA. I invite all of St. Vincent and the only of Vincentian and Caribbean Grenadines, including our Diaspora, to history, but in the developmental story celebrate when the AIA opens on of disadvantaged nations across time.

February 14, 2017. The AIA is a Now, all of us must make the AIA magnificent accomplishment.” work to the benefit of the people of St.

The Argyle International Airport (Excerpts from Dr. the Hon Godwin Friday’s Address on the 2017 Budget) WE IN THE OPPOSITION have never dismissed the Argyle International Airport. Mr. Speaker, we have never dismissed the idea of building an International Airport on St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Mr. Speaker, we know the dreams of all Vincentians and the frustrations they have coming home from abroad. We share those as well, Mr. Speaker. We know how our people yearn for the day when they could fly from some international destination home.

What we have demanded, however, on behalf of the peoplem, Mr. Speaker, is that if the project was going to be done, let it be done right, both from the technical and the financial perspective. The NDP has been very early and very consistently a supporter of building an international airport on mainland St. Vincent.

Mr. Speaker, just to show you how long and how consistently the NDP has been behind the idea of an international airport, I would read from the 1999 budget address. There is a section in it called Airport Development. It says, “As was indicated in the budget address, the 1998 budget address, this government with the assistance of the Caribbean Development Bank earlier this year commissioned a study on airport development on mainland St. Vincent.

Specifically, the study was required to establish the current demand and estimate future demand in the country. In essence, we were interested in finding out the requirements for the establishment of air facilities to accommodate small to medium size jet aircraft. The consultants conducting the study were also required to prepare preliminary designs and cost estimates, including the cost of mitigating adverse environment impacts and phasing of expenditure of the optimum solution determined.

“The report on the first phase of the study has been received and is being reviewed. The study pointed to two main options. These options relate to the development of the existing site at the ET Joshua Airport or the development of a completely new site at Argyle. Without the benefits of preliminary designs, the costs of these options are not available. This information will be available on completion of the second phase of the study and will be the basis of a final decision. The second phase of the study will be completed at the end of the first quarter in 1999.”

So you see, it started with the NDP! And it’s the same study by MM and M that was used by government to go ahead with the Argyle International Airport.

Mr. Speaker, moreover, anyone who doubts that we have supported the project, even with all its difficulties, should simply recall that on several occasions we voted in this parliament to approve borrowings to construct the airport; even though we had problems with the way in which it was being accounted for. I believe that most Vincentians are on our side in this discussion. Most of them absolutely support the idea of having an International airport. But many people are dismayed by the politicization, the division, the lies, the gross mismanagement, the complete lack of transparency and the lack of accountability that have embodied the project!

In 2005, when Prime Minister, Gonsalves, announced his intention to build an international airport at

Argyle, even before a single shovel was put in the soil, he went at great length to characterize this airport in political terms. This is what he said “All this is realizable only with a ULP government, without the ULP there will be no international airport, only the ULP administration can deliver this. It is so crystal clear.” In other words, even before construction started, it was being painted in party colours. In fact, I am not the only one saying that. I read the opinion piece

by Kenneth John sometime ago in the newspaper and he was characterizing or describing that very same process.

You will recall too, Mr. Speaker, that when the very first set of heavy equipment came through Kingstown to do the earth works at the airport; they were transported to the site parading in red. Was that a mere coincidence? As some apologists had said, when people complained about it, they said “who - e- hut -e hut”.

More recently Mr. Speaker, on 6th December, 2015, three days before the general elections, a chartered LIAT flight landed on an unfinished airport, and was greeted by a sea of red. Was that for technical reason or for political reason?

Mr. Speaker, I still can’t understand why it was necessary on 6th December for a LIAT plane to fly into Argyle, an unfinished airport, and then for a year later not a single flight has followed. Clearly, it was a political stunt indeed, to improve the ULP chances of winning the general elections which took place a mere three days later.

Mr. Speaker, Argyle International Airport is an extremely costly project and it has been implemented with zero transparency and accountability.

The original cost was announced to be $481 million. Sometime in 2015, it had raised officially to $729 million.

We were told yesterday that the cost is $700 million and that within kind contribution the value of the work was over $1 billion.

The NDP had a study prepared to give an estimate of the cost of the airport, and the study revealed that the airport would cost $1.1 billion.

This was when the government was saying it will cost about $500 million.

So, it seems that we are right on track Mr. Speaker.

We have a project, according to the government, that should have taken three years to build at a cost of $481 million, but instead it has gone eight years, Mr. Speaker, and closer to $1 billion in cost and a large part of that cost is long term debt.

In actual fact, after nine years of construction and hundreds of millions of dollars spent, Mr. Speaker, the government’s mismanagement of this project from start to finish means that taxes and hardship for Vincentians will continue.

Then to add insult to injury; when we asked in this House, Mr. Speaker, for an audited statement of the financial accounts of the IADC, none was forthcoming. Mr. Speaker, this shows contempt for the very idea of good governance. And now in less than a week, a chartered flight to come into Argyle, which will cost this country, based on what I heard the CEO of the Tourism Authority saying, more than half of a million dollars.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 11.

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Accepting without understanding

“Sometimes difficult things will emerge in our lives that will shock us and seem to have us emotionally paralyzed. We can spend so much time trying to understand such an event when a much better approach would be to accept the situation and move on with our lives. We can learn to accept without understanding.” – Dr. Richard V. Telloni (1947-2013), former Professor in the Veterinary Technology Department at the State University of New York Farmingdale PROFESSOR RICHARD TELLONI was an active member of the Partners of Americas St. Vincent/Farmingdale Chapter. He regularly visited St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the early 1980s and conducted training programmes aimed at assisting the poultry and pig farmers to improve their animal husbandry practices. He was especially fond of the local farmers and, on his return to the USA, regularly enquired about Melville Clarke, Ralph Clarke, ‘Tookie’ Bowman, and Michael Davy.

Dr. Telloni was a very popular lecturer at the State University of New York where he was instrumental in training a number of veterinarians and veterinary assistants. His visits to the Caribbean were usually arranged during the period when his students were on summer vacation.

By the mid 1980s he was persuaded to extend his services beyond the shores of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He travelled to St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua, and Montserrat where he shared his knowledge and experiences with the farmers there. He was well loved and respected wherever he went.

Professor Telloni was challenged by a chronic thyroid abnormality that resulted in him being grossly overweight. By the mid 1990s he was required to occupy two adjoining passenger seats when travelling by plane. It was then that he opted to discontinue his visits to the Caribbean. However, we retained sporadic telephone communication since then. During recent years his telephone remained unanswered whenever I sought to communicate with him via that mode of communication. It then dawned on me that I could use the Internet to seek to track him down. It was my most recent Internet search that directed me to his obituary that was published in 2013. I then understood why his phone remained unanswered.

He was not there. He had moved on to eternity. But he left behind some very fond memories; treasured moments that will forever linger with me and with the many others whose life he touched with his acts of kindness and his warm, humble persona.

Richard and I became very close friends. He shared many useful lessons about poultry pathology, pig production, and small ruminant production during his early visit to St. Vincent. I was then employed as a technical serviceman at East Caribbean Feeds Limited. It was so very thoughtful of him to subsequently arrange for me to spend time with him at New York State University at Farmingdale. He was especially instrumental in teaching me about key aspects of poultry pathology. I will be forever grateful.

Professor Telloni went beyond

teaching me about poultry, pigs, and small ruminants. He also taught me many useful life lessons. The quotation that was used to introduce this essay was shared with me one evening as we discussed some of the traumas of life. He knew what tragedy was. He experienced disappointments and hurt. And he explained that so very often we spend (waste) time trying to understand life’s varied tragedies when it would be much more productive the accept the distress and move on with life.

This is especially important when the trauma has resulted from another’s actions. Sometimes we can spend so much time trying to achieve the impossible — changing someone. None of us has the ability to change the past or to change a person’s behaviour pattern. The best that we can hope for is to influence them to change — we cannot change them. The only person we can ever change is that individual to stares back at us when we look in the mirror. Regardless of how powerful or influential we perceive ourselves to be, the only person we can ever change is ourselves.

Sometimes life will present us with a platter of disappointments and pain.

These traumas may take the form of physical or emotional agony.

Sometimes they are inflicted on us or someone dear to us. They may come in various shapes, and may remain for varying periods. Sometimes they appear in solo, and at other times they bombard us in droves. There are times when we are convinced that we have overcome them, only to discover that they reappear; seeming to reemerge with greater strength.

Regardless of how they look and how frequently they visit, we have a tendency to seek to discover the meaning or value of the occurrence.

We may lose sleep, appetite, and stress ourselves out as we seek to make sense of what may otherwise appear to be a senseless incident. We seek to understand why, how, and so on, and lose sight of the fact that we may never really be able to understand or unearth the deep meanings behind the event. Why would a spouse pack up and leave when they are most needed? How can a father abandon a child even before he/she is born? Why does this investment go belly up after so much time, money, and effort has been exerted? We seek to understand and to explain. We seek closure and healing through these understandings and explanations. However, we must understand and appreciate that there are some situations that we will never fully understand or appreciate. That is how life is. It is at times like these when we unearth the wisdom of abandoning our search for meaning, and resort to accepting the situation and moving on with life. We can find peace and comfort in counting our losses, mourning the outcome, and moving on — accepting without understanding.

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

Democracy and human nature WHAT IF DEMOCRACY doesn’t work?

What if it never has and never will?

What if government of the people, by the people, for the people is a fairy-tale?

What if it functions as a justifying myth for liars and men Gods?

There are plenty of reasons to raise these questions. The lies, exaggerations and fear-mongering on both sides of any important debate; Donald Trump’s ability to shake off almost any scandal and exposure, and his eventual triumph as president of the United States; the election of Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines, who gleefully compared himself to Hitler: are these isolated instances, or do they reveal a systemic problem?

Democracy for Realist, published last year by the social science professors Christopher Achen and Larry Bartels, argues that the “folk theory of democracy” — the idea that citizens make coherent and intelligible policy decisions, on which governments then act — bears no relationship to how it really works. Or could ever work.

Voters, they contend, can’t possibly live up to these expectations. Most are too busy with jobs and families and troubles of their own. When we do have time off, not many of us choose to spend it sifting competing claims about the fiscal implications of revenue generating provisions in the current budget. Even when we do, we don’t behave as the theory suggests.

Our reasonable main theory of democracy is grounded in the Enlightenment notion of rational choice. This proposes that we make political decisions by seeking information, weighing the evidence and using it to choose good policies, then attempt to elect a government that will champion those policies. In doing so, we compete with other rational voters, and seek to reach the unpersuaded through reasoned debate.

In reality, Achen and Bartels research suggests, most people possess almost no useful information about policies and their implications, have little desire to improve their state of knowledge, and have a deep aversion to political disagreement. We base our political decisions on who we are, rather than what we think.

In other words, we act politically not as individual, rational beings, but as members of social groups, expressing a social identity. We seek out the political parties that seem to correspond best to our culture, with little regard to whether their policies support our interests. We remain loyal to political parties long after they have ceased to serve us. Our current political landscape is a prime exhibit of this finding.

Of course, shifts do happen, sometimes as a result of extreme circumstances, sometimes because another party positions itself as a better guardian of a particular cultural identity. But they seldom involve a rational assessment of policy.

The idea that parties are guided by the policy decisions made by voters also seems to be a myth; in reality, the parties make the policies and we fall into line. To minimise the disconnect, the gulf between what we perceive and what we believe, we either adjust our views to those of our favoured party, or avoid discovering what the party really stands for. This is how people end up voting against

their interests.

We are suckers for language. Ask Vincentians if they want better roads, schools and readily available medicine in our hospitals, and vast majorities will say yes. Ask them if they are willing to pay more in taxes to pay for these important indices of civilization, and most, even those with means, will tell you only a wicked or depraved mind would craft such a proposal.

Even the less ambitious notion of democracy — that it’s a means by which people punish or reward governments — turns out to be divorced from reality. Some take the populist view that government should do whatever it takes to solve the problems confronting the country, yet decry the growth in the national debt.

Those supporting the government will not bat an eye when it is revealed that the national debt is now $1.6 billion. They may even frown on a rational call for a forensic audit of some high priced projects like the Argyle airport.

The obvious answer is better information and civic education. But this doesn’t work either. People who are most informed tend to believe stories about perceived political opponents. Why? Because, unlike the worst-informed, they know the full implication of acting on facts.

Therefore, the tiny number of people with a very high level of political information tend to use it not to challenge their own opinions, but to rationalise them. Political knowledge, Achen and Bartels argue, “enhances bias”.

Direct democracy, elections, referenda and citizens’ initiatives, seem to produce even worse results.

Those with more money to spend tend to win the votes of persons who may know better. Whether representative or direct, democracy comes to be owned by the elites.

This is not to suggest that it has no virtues, just that they are not the principal virtues we ascribe to it. It allows governments to be changed without bloodshed, limits terms in office, and ensures that the results of elections are widely accepted.

In these respects, it beats dictatorship. But is this all it has to offer? A weakness of the book is that most of its examples are drawn from the US, and most of those are old.

Had the authors examined popular experiments in Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador, the fragmentation of traditional parties in Europe and the movement that culminated in Bernie Sanders’s near miss in the USA, they might have discerned more room for hope. This is not to suggest that the folk theory of democracy comes close to reality anywhere, but that the situation is not as hopeless as they propose.

Persistent, determined, wellorganised groups can bring neglected issues to the fore and change political outcomes. But in doing so, we cannot rely on what democracy ought to be.

We must see it for what it is. More importantly, that means understanding who and what we are.

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

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12. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Argyle airport is a flight safety risk ACCORDING TO THE NEWS newspaper of Friday 3 February 2017, the International Airport Development Corporation’s Communication Officer, Jennifer Richardson, when contacted on last week Wednesday afternoon about the Argyle airport runway, said essentially “some remedial work” was being done because “soft areas” of the asphalt surface “were a little soft”.

This presents a serious danger at Argyle airport. If the Argyle runway is sinking without any weight on it, imagine how much and how quickly it will sink with the weight of airplanes on it. The runway is built on a swamp, and is sinking in a number of areas.

The arrow on the accompanying photograph shows one of the black areas on the runway, illustrating the recent repair work in early February 2017.

In the interest of passenger flight safety, Argyle airport should not be opened on 14 February 2017, as it would put passengers in harm’s way.

An airplane attempting to land on a runway which is not hardened, can result in a serious airplane accident.

The recent digging up and repair work on the Argyle airport runway need time to cure. Soil takes time to settle, sometimes 2 to 4 years. It would be foolhardy to close E.T. Joshua on 14th February 2017, given the fact

that large parts of the Argyle airport runway are sinking.

It is dangerous to have parts of the Argyle airport runway sinking. St. Vincent could be without an airport on a regular basis, if Argyle airport is closed frequently for runway repairs.

Leader of SVG Green Party, Retired British Royal Air Force Safety Engineer, Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal BSc (Hons) MSc, MBA, calls for immediate compaction tests on the Argyle runway. This is needed to prove to the public and to certify that the Argyle airport runway is safe for aircrafts to use it. This is in the interest of passenger flight safety.

It may be that, at best, Argyle airport can only be used by small, light planes, because the runway is sinking.

Argyle airport runway is continually undermined by flood waters, and this can cause sink-holes.

At Brisbane airport, Australia, they waited 4 years for the soil to settle, so that the soil could compress naturally and take the weight of large aircrafts.

Doing patchwork repairs on the runway at Argyle airport and not giving the soil time to settle is a big danger to passenger flight safety.

According to Ivan O’Neal, who has a Master’s degree in Macro-economics, history has shown in many Caribbean countries, that the greater the focus on

mass tourism, the greater is the growth in poverty, a dependency culture, destitution and crime. As Barack Obama said in April 2015, SVG should copy the Singapore economic model to bring prosperity to our people. Argyle airport will not boost the economy.

The sinking Argyle runway is representative of the sinking SVG economy. Patchworks repairs to the SVG economy over the years by the ULP regime have failed. So too will Argyle airport.

(Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the Assemblies of Yahweh).

professing a faith in the Bible join in the celebration. What can be wrong with such a day of fun? To the sincere seeker of truth, each day observed as a celebration (akin to a holy day) must be closely examined to determine if it agrees with the Word of Yahweh.

Special days or holidays with pagan origins are not sanctified by Almighty Yahweh. Should we celebrate days that Almighty Yahweh has not sanctified? Where did these days originate if not from the Bible? With these thoughts in mind, let us briefly consider the origin of Valentine’s Day,

to determine the veracity of True Worshipers engaging in the customary festivities of this day.

The celebration of Valentine is linked to a Roman holiday- Lupercalia, which shared most of the customs incorporated today into the popular Valentine’s celebration, although our contemporary Valentine’s Day comes one day earlier (on February 14) than the Roman Feast. This was a contrivance by ecumenical Roman Catholic teachers who found that by relabeling the Roman holiday with the name of “one of their saints,” they could effectively merge the customs of a pagan holiday into the Christian calendar.

In the book ‘Life and Leisure in Ancient Rome’, we find some very frank discussions about the conversion of the pagans to popular Christianity.

“After paganism (followed) Christianity. Now there were new public festivals, in particular- Easter, and the old pagan festivals should have vanished …But superstition does not obey instructions, and the ordinary man is reluctant to turn his back on carnal enjoyment…Among a haphazard recollection of imperial birthdays, circus days, birthdays of martyrs and the major festivals of the Christians Church, there are included nine of the old Roman festivals, to whose pagan attribution a blind eye might be turned, including the Lupercalia and the Saturnalia,

With all the major flight safety hazards at Argyle airport and a sinking runway, Royal Air Force Safety Engineer Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal BSc (Hons) MSc, MBA, is making an emergency call for Argyle airport not to be opened as it is unsafe.

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

The arrow showed the black area on the runway of recent repair work.

ValentineÊs Day – Glamorizing Ancient Paganism

CANDY in heart-shaped boxes, depictions of Cupid shooting his bow, greeting cards expressing affection for a special person of the opposite sex, and red hearts placed as decorations, comprise just a few of the items that relate to the annual celebration of Valentine’s Day. People blindly observe this Day year after year, without ever considering the true origin of this day. Even those

described inoffensively as the ‘Feast of Slaves.’ In some cases, pagan practices transferred themselves to Christian worship…December 25th remained, but changed its character. Sometimes pagan Gods enjoyed an easy transformation and, the retained jubilation of their festivals, became Christian.” (page 73).

The World Book Encyclopaedia states: “The Romans celebrated their feast of Lupercalia as a lover’s festival for young people. Young men and women chose partners for the festival by drawing names by chance from a box. Then the partners exchanged gifts as a sign of affection. They usually continued to enjoy one another’s company long after the festival. Many such courtships ended in marriage.

After the spread of Christianity, churchmen tried to give Christian meaning to the pagan festival. In 496, Pope Gelasius changed the Lupercalia festival of February 15 to Saint Valentine’s Day on February 14. But, THE SENTIMENTAL MEANING OF THE OLD FESTIVAL HAS REMAINED TO THE PRESENT TIME.” What a candid admission! Why should a true worshipper continue to celebrate Valentine’s Day, knowing that it is originated from gross paganism? We must all be careful to consider our ways, lest we be deceived and lose our salvation.“ Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Messiah.” Colossians 2:8.

Let us honour Yahweh by keeping His commandments and doing those things that are pleasing in His sight.

Sheldon Govia The Assemblies of Yahweh

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 13.

AIA Feature

The world-class passenger terminal of the Argyle International Airport was provided for by the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

Left: Mountains had to be levelled to make way for the runway.

Below: The Control Tower is said to be equipped with the most modern aviation-related instruments.

One Man’s Dream: Argyle International Airport

by BEN HARRISON – International Correspondent Drone aeriaL photos courtesy: Ken Picknell CEO of Tennan Construction) THROUGHOUT HISTORY, despite naysayers and those with alternative agendas, the vision and dreams of great leaders have become realities.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, through much of the past decade, irresponsible media, political opposition and individual self-styled critics, have fueled a non-stop aggressive campaign to discredit the building of a truly international airport.

However, on February 14th, 2017, against what many would think were impossible odds, the vision and dreams of one man, Prime Minister the Honorable Dr. Ralph Gonsalves , will become a reality: A reality that will go down in history as one of the greatest infrastructure projects in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and will contribute in an unprecedented way , to the growth, the economy and indeed the entire future of our country.

Twelve years ago, on August 8th, 2005, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves addressed a gathering at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown, announcing, in what

to become a reality.

The official dedication and many have unveiling of the described plaque as an commemorating the historic opening of the Argyle speech the International Airport, intention of will occur next week the on February 13th, government to construct The Fuel Dump at the Argyle International Airport - a pre-requisite followed the next day, for any International Airport.

February 14th an (Valentine’s Day) by international routed and bridges were Argyle International the arrival of the first airport at Argyle. It built.

Airport A.I.A. has passengers on two would be the largest In spite of overcome incredible chartered aircraft, one infrastructure project overwhelming odds, challenges and obstacles, from Canada and the ever undertaken in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

During the following year, ending in December 2006, a team of Cuban and Venezuelan engineers and technicians began preliminary studies on the project, including complete topographic surveys of the area; testing of the rocks and soils within the airport zone; and sophisticated wind studies to determine the best orientation of the main runway.

Over the ensuing decade, mountains of solid rock fell to the continuous power of high explosives and huge earth-moving machinery.

In a cost-effective, environmentally conscious way, the megatons of rock were reduced to various size stone and gravel aggregate, used as the foundation for connecting service roads and runways capable of supporting modern widebody jet aircraft. Rivers and streams had been re-

other from the USA. Other airlines and private aircraft, both jet and prop driven are also expected among the first official landings at AIA. On these historic occasions next week, tens of thousands of Vincentians, invited guests and visitors will witness history in the making. THE VINCENTIAN will be there: We hope all of you, our readers, will be there.

14. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 15.

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16. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

AIA Feature

Many things to treasure at Argyle

Right: Coast line at Argyle before the construction of the Argyle International Airport.

ARGYLE IS RICH IN HISTORY and also very much a part of our cultural heritage, with our East Indian heritage being particularly linked to this area. Before the 1970s, few people lived in Argyle, as it was mostly a large agricultural estate.

Many crops were grown at Argyle including sugar cane, arrowroot and tobacco, but it has perhaps been best known for ‘groundnuts’ (peanuts).

Coconuts, sea grapes and fat pork also grew in abundance, and many people went especially to pick the grapes.

After the rebuilding of the Catholic Church at Argyle in the 1920s, they placed a shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary at the site of the ‘Argyle rock face’ petroglyphs; and every year, prior to Lent, a pilgrimage was held there.

The petroglyphs generated much interest in archaeology, and Dr Earle Kirby (a local archaeologist) often took groups of people to Argyle to search for pottery or artefacts. Several ‘digs’ have

Left: The Roman Catholic Church was demolished to make way for the Airport.

Right: Amerindian and European artefacts from the site of Argyle.

taken place there that led to findings such as post holes from the site of a Cayo village, a burial site, as well as other petroglyphs and artefacts.

In the 1950s and 60s, the primary schools from Stubbs and Biabou, then later from Calder and Argyle, held

their sports at an area known as ‘Corner Rock’- a flat area close to the sea off the old main road. Interschools sports were held at the pasture at Rawacou, in which and Mesopotamia and Brighton schools participated as well. Also in the 50s and 60s, during Nine Mornings a steel band from Stubbs would go to Argyle and back, and people would join them along the way.

The Argyle River was central to many activities. At one time, the people from neighbouring communities would go to the river to get water and to wash clothes.

The river was also a popular site for ‘cooks’ and picnics- both in the daytime and ‘at moonlight’; and on Sundays, many people used to go to wash their vehicles there.

Fishing and catching crayfish were popular activities, and the Argyle River was and still is one of the main areas in St Vincent for catching tri tri.

The Discovery Day holiday, which used to be celebrated on 22nd January in St Vincent, was a big event at Argyle: people gathered from all over the island. There would be a “blocko,” and large speakers along the side of the road would blast the popular calypso and soca music of the day. At ‘Corner Rock’ there was a stage set up for a variety of performances. Cars and buses would park all along the sides of the road; food and drinks would be on sale; families would come out, and people would ‘lime’ throughout the day and into the night.

At Easter, kite flying was the main pastime at Argyle. People would fly kites in the area around ‘Corner Rock’it used to be an informal, unorganised activity; but in the 1990s, it was organised and sponsored as a competition by a local business.

Moonlight walks at Argyle were also popular, and the area was well known as a “park out” spot, perhaps because of the darkness and isolation. This may be why there were ‘sightings’ of “Jablesse” and “Rounce”, manifestations from our Caribbean folklore. Stories were told that scared

people, especially children; however, there are rarely any reports of ‘sightings’ nowadays.

As the site of The International Airport, Argyle continues to be a significant part of our cultural heritage.

Editor’s Note: Published as prepared

by National Treasures of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Argyle was once considered the ‘groundnut basket’ of SVG.

The Shrine set in the rock petroglyphs at Argyle.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 17.

Parliament

No FAA approval necessary THE FEDERAL AVIATION Administration (FAA) is not required to certify, or give the approval for operations to begin at the Argyle International Airport (AIA).

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves made the point in response to a claim made by the Leader of the Opposition, Dr Godwin Friday during his contribution to the budget debate on Tuesday.

Friday, in addressing the international airport project said: “At the core, the airport which they say is ready; the country needs to see a plan for the way forward. We need to know if it has requested FAA approval; this is necessary for American airlines to operate here. And as you all know, the FAA is the

most powerful aviation authority in the world…”

But according to Gonsalves, the authority required to give approval is the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA), who applies the guidelines and standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

ECCAA is a Category One authorization body and the jurisdiction under which St Vincent and the Grenadines is classified under is Category One. So for example, as the prime minister explained, flights can depart locally and enter United States’ airspace, but this cannot be done out of Barbados which

PM clears the air on new Telecom Levy PRIME MINISTER Ralph Gonsalves has moved to clear up a misconception surrounding the 2% telecommunication levy, one of the fiscal measures the government Seems like Dr. Godwin Friday announced in got his lines crossed when relation to the 2017 he rebutted government’s EC$ 976.4 million plan to introduce a new budget.

Telecommunications Levy.

The Prime Minister/Minister of Finance was responding to a concern raised by Opposition Leader — Dr. Godwin Friday in his rebuttal on Tuesday.

Friday it was who said that people who do not have monies on their phones can’t make a call but can receive one. “So imagine you can’t make a call and you have to pay 2 per cent to the government to receive (one),” said Friday.

The Prime Minister rose to say that he did not want people to go to sleep with the misconception, and proceeded to explain that the 2% levy applied to incoming calls (from overseas) and data. “That would mean that incoming calls and data, that if somebody calls somebody in St. Vincent that person who receives it don’t have to pay …..

Because under the existing arrangement, the person who makes the call will have to pay the 2%, that is 2 cent on a dollar,” said Gonsalves.

“The 2 percent will be deducted on incoming calls not those originating from St. Vincent, but incoming calls (from overseas) and data, because there is an arrangement when someone makes a call from outside into St. Vincent, they have to pay to the network here, and that is where the payment would be made for the 2 cents on a dollar,” the Prime Minister explained.

“So all this talk today about Community College students don’t have any money and they have to pay ….. I just don’t understand,” Gonsalves noted.

The 2 percent Telecommunication Levy introduced in 2017, complements a 2% tax already imposed on calls originating here. (KH)

Gonsalves said is a Category Two. Officials from the FAA are however invited to audit the ECCAA, but “they don’t come to aerodromes to give approvals,” he said.

What is required in terms of transport and safety is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approval, officials of

which, Gonsalves said, have come before and are scheduled to visit again sometime between the end of this month or early March.

He added that he heard that people were saying that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) was also required to grant permission before airlines could

operate here, however, he explained, by definition the organization supports airline activity and helps formulate industry policy and standards, and is not involved in the certification of airports.

(DD)

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has cleared the air with respect to approval from the FAA for the AIA to become operational.

Health Ministry addressing problems MEDICAL PERSONNEL in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment are aware of the fact, and are working on a systematic approach towards solving the problem of prolonged waiting time at the Accident and Emergency Department at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

The Minister responsible, Senator Luke Browne said during his contribution to the 2017 Budget Debate on Tuesday, that he had spoken to the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Simone Keizer-Beache, about looking for a solution to the problem.

He added that he was aware that this was one of many problems that the health ministry was working on sorting out.

Another issue that Browne mentioned in his contribution to the debate was the ministry’s ability to pay for and distribute medication and other medical supplies.

“Things are not as bad, I heard the random and loose talk about our ability to pay for supplies, and the shortage of medical supplies,” the minister said.

He admitted that there were some challenges in this particular area, however the ministry was currently up to date on its OECS Pharmaceutical Procurement Service (PPS) payments, and a shipment had recently arrived with some of the medical supplies which were previously in short supply.

The ministry paid some EC$3 million to secure supplies in 2016.

The Pharmaceutical Procurement Service operates a restricted international tender through the OECS ETendering System where suppliers are prequalified to assess quality standards, technical competence and financial viability between competing suppliers.

Once that is completed, PPS then negotiates an 18-month framework agreement with the suppliers who then ship directly to member states following on which PPS then instructs the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank to pay suppliers 60 days after shipments are received in port. (DD)

The Minister of Health, Senator Luke Browne, has promised action with respect to attending to the reoccurring delays in administering service at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the MCMH.

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18. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

GLENROY BROWNE presents: ÂAngels of the CaribbeanÊ A RECENT FACEBOOK POSTING read something to this effect: ‘Why is it we must rest in peace but can’t live in peace?’

The rather simple question brought into focus what readers can look forward to in a book to be launched here on March 4, 2017.

The book is entitled ‘Angels of the Caribbean — A Chronicle of Resilience’, and its author is Glenroy Edison Browne.

Glenroy is perhaps best known in his homeland St. Vincent and the Grenadines as an Agronomist — one who toiled in the efforts to modernize agricultural practices here, a pursuit to which he felt committed beyond the call of duty. More recently, he would be recalled for his entrepreneurial spirit, and as being the ‘man’ who put ‘Labour Gas’ on the local market.

Very few would know that Glenroy, in addition to his under and post graduate degrees in Agronomy/Agriculture Science,

also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, and is a Minister of the Gospel, ordained by the New Testament Church of God (Tennessee).

He likes to think of himself today as a Teacher of the Gospel, as against a Minister of the Gospel. Whatever his choice of reference, he will be the first to admit that he has rediscovered his Christian faith on which he was nurtured, redefined it in keeping with a new sense of self, and is ready to share the transformation in his life which motivates him today, and characterizes his caring, forgiving and resilient spirit.

Without going into detail, Glenroy’s first full length book is more of a memoir than it is an autobiography.

It traces a life with references to an early Christian foundation, through a life of academic achievement alongside studies of political thought and non-traditional political systems that, he admits, made a socialist

ideologue out of him.

A life of success, both professionally and familial, should have set him on a course to a comfortable material life, but ensuing challenges, disappointments by those he trusted, heartrending disapproval by his peers, seem to push him on a path towards apathy and denial of self.

Already beaten at the anvil, it would get worse when his wife died and he, himself, was given up for dead after a horrific vehicular accident.

All of that came into focus in his time of physical pain and prolonged rehabilitation, but he threw it aside, and awoke a new person — a person with a rediscovered meaning of his formative Christian faith — and more importantly, how that faith is applied to his relationship with others.

And in his newness came new relations, changing the ideologue into a humanist, with a new lease on life, one

filled with peace and tranquility, and a new understanding of the world and its people.

Through pain, disappointment, evenly a period of being penniless, he arose, especially after the visit of an Angel while he lay helpless on a hospital bed, a transformed person Glenroy Edison Browne —renewed and fortified by publishing his first book with the resilience he had the intention of having his discovered through all the ordeals teach lessons about drudgery and pain.

And that the appearance resilience and faith. of the Angel is pivotal to The book is not yet this transformation, is borne available in bookstores, but out by the very name of the can be accessed in part at book, whose pages will add Google detail to that mystifying but at https://www.amazon.com. life-changing experience.

We welcome Glenroy ‘Angels of the Caribbean’, Browne to the literary its author says, tells a story landscape of St. Vincent and that is steeped in lessons of the Grenadines, and feel resilience and forgiveness; one assured that this, his first of a rich in the understanding of promised series of the spirituality that awaits us, publications, will move us as only if we would welcome it; much as it would enhance our one intended to share the lives and relations with goodness of life with others. others.

‘Angels of the Caribbean; A Chronicle of resilience’ will be launched here next month.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 19.

Education

Mustique Charitable Trust supports literacy ON THURSDAY, January 19, 2017, Lavinia Gunn, Administration Director of the Mustique Charitable Trust (MCT), cut ribbons to officially signal the opening of refurbished libraries and literacy centres at Colonarie and Park Hill Government schools.

The funds provided by the Trust transformed two rooms in which teachers can work along with students to enhance their (students’) reading, writing and listening skills.

At the official opening of the Literacy Centre in Colonaire, Head Teacher Mr. Wayne DaBriel thanked the Trust for its generous donation to the school, stating that the creation of the centre will make a worthwhile difference in the lives of the present batch of students, as well as for those to come.

Certificates of appreciation were presented to Mustique Charitable Trust Administration Director Lavinia Gunn, and also to Christabel Ashton, the local representative for Hands Across the Sea which donated books.

Mrs Ave-Ann Legair, a member of the school’s Parent Teachers Association provided tiles for the floor.

At Park Hill, teachers and students were just as excited as those at Colonaire, with the opening of their brand new library space.

Mrs Elizabeth Johnson, Head Teacher at the school, expressed similar sentiments as she too praised the Trust for its exceptional work in St Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly in the area of education.

She recounted that the school’s library was in a poor condition, but with the assistance of the Mustique Charitable Trust and Hands Across The Sea, as

The party at the opening of the refurbished learning facility at the Park Hill Government School. well as technical guidance from Peace Corps Volunteer “Teacher Rae”, the school now has a facility of which all can be proud.

MCT is pleased to support the efforts of the Ministry of Education, the schools and their teachers, to raise the levels of literacy in primary schools in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Five other primary schools have previously received support from MCT. Considerable improvements in literacy skills have been recorded by these schools. It is anticipated that Colonarie and Park Hill Government schools will soon be reporting that their students have had similar successes.

The Trust thanks all who collaborated on these projects.

(Source: MCF) Expressions of gratitude at the Park Hill Government School.

The refurbished facility at the Park Hill Government School.

Opening of the Library/Literacy Facility at the Colonaire Government School.

The Facility at the Colonaire Governmet School is now refurbished and fully equipped.

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20. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Married to a Âvillage ramÊ Dear George, MY HUSBAND does not

think he should be having sex with just onewoman.

As a matter of fact, he

thinks that the persons to whom he is married is there as a guarantee for

sex. Had I known he had this way of thinking, I would not have married him.

Right now, I cannot stop him from behaving like a village ram. We have been married now for 6 months and I am not happy at all. He said he is not going to change his ways, and if I do not like it, I can take a hike. He has also made it clear that he will not discuss his problem with anybody, since they are all hypocrites. I want to know what I should do at this stage.

Hurting wife

Dear Hurting wife,

counselling is another red light indicator that It is very unfortunate there is no future with that what you know now him. Let him know you would not be putting up did not come out before with this any you committed to longer. You can get marriage. supportive counseling in That said, what you the meantime to help you need to understand is chart your way forward, that you are a sitting and do get tested for duck for STDs. You STDs and do everything have to be concerned about your personal well- to protect yourself. Your health comes first, and being. Your husband’s no one should be allowed reckless behaviour can to compromise that. prove very expensive to you.

George His reluctance to get

A big liar!!!

Dear George, THIS WOMAN I am with is a born liar, and I do not want to have anything to do with her whatsoever.

She told me that I am the only man she has, and yet still she has different men talking to her on WhatsApp, and some even send her money. I discovered this when I searched her phone.

I asked her about the

money, and she said it came from her folks overseas. That is a big lie, and I told her so.

She said she was sorry, and wants me to continue being with her, but I cannot. Am I being mean to leave her?

Shock and done Dear Shock and done, Truth and trust must be ever present in a

relationship for it to work. Lies and deception are a ‘No No’.

Your girlfriend might want to be with you, but this could be for all the wrong reasons, and you have to decide if she is with you for the wrong reasons. Once you are convinced that the reason(s) has(have) nothing to do with love, then you have to move on.

George

‘Sizing up’ the problem damage to her private parts, and blamed it on WHAT SHOULD a man the man she is with?

That is exactly what do if his wife went out and had sex with another happened in my case.

And she insisted that it man and received

Dear George,

was me who did the damage to her the last time we had sex; but, George, this cannot be true, because just a few days ago she accused me of being “too ‘small”.

I do not want to have anything to do with this woman, George!

Goner Dear Goner, You are the best judge of your situation. You know that, based on her accusation of you and what has just happened to her, you are not the guilty party. Have a serious talk with her and let her come clean. If she decides to do this and wants to have another go with the relationship, then it is your decision to make.

George

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Don't lend or borrow money or belongings. If everyone wants to do their own thing, let them. Don't let co‐ workers get wind of your ideas or they might try to take credit for your hard work. Be discreet and don't present your ideas until you're certain that they're foolproof.

Taurus (Apr. 21‐ May 21) You'll have problems with authority figures if you don't play by the rules.

Someone may be trying to pull the wool over your eyes. Don't make large purchases or investments. Some of your new friends may not be that trustworthy.

Gemini (May 22‐June 21) You will feel the limitations if you have been overdoing it. Try to compromise rather than having an all‐out battle.

One sided attractions are likely. Your mind is on moneymaking ventures.

Cancer (June 22‐July 22) Be careful not to exaggerate when interacting with your lover. Get out and enjoy some entertainment. Take your time and try not to overload yourself.

Travel and social activity will bring about interesting talks, not to mention contacts.

Leo (July 23‐Aug 22) You can get into weight loss programs or go out and change your image with a new look in clothing, hairstyle, and attitude. If they want help that's great, but if they try to take credit for your work, you will have to set them straight. Your main concern will be to spend as little as possible of your own cash in the process. Balance is required if you want stability.

Virgo (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Opportunities for advancement at work are apparent. Use some diplomacy to get your point across delicately.

Correspondence may not clear up

issues. Try to make arrangements with close friends or relatives to spend a few days away.

ACROSS

Libra (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Pamper yourself; the self‐esteem it brings you will be most gratifying. You might be overly emotional when dealing with your partner. Arguments with relatives may lead to a split in the family. Don't let friends convince you that you should contribute to something you don't believe in.

1.Tachometer letters 4. Enjoy thoroughly (2wds.)

9. VCR adjuncts 12. Birthday number 13. “Remember the __!”

14. Slang for “up to date” 15. Damage 16. “The buck __ here” 17. French article 18. Egyptian queen, informally 20. Scatter around 22. Alternate 24. Colors 26. African nation 27. Basic nature 31. Female chicken 32. Cokes, e.g.

34. Asia’s neighbor (abbr.)

35. Heart‐healthy cereal 37. Ice formation 38. Data, informally 39. The “V” in VCR 40. Canter and gallop, e.g.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) You will enjoy travel and getting together with peers. You can make the most headway if you put in some overtime. Don't get intimately involved with a co‐worker. Stick to doing things that will make you a better person both physically and mentally.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Someone may not be thinking of your best interests. You should be trying to clear up legal contracts that have been pending. Find out all the facts before you jump to conclusions. This will not be the best day to initiate change.

Capricorn (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Try to satisfy both of your needs. Don't overspend on luxury items. Your words will be taken out of context if you're evasive with co‐workers or employers. It will be all around you.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) You can convince anyone of anything.

Use some diplomacy to get your point across delicately. Try not to hurt your partner's feelings. Misunderstandings at work could easily lead to your demise.

Pisces (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Your ability to work with detail could help you achieve your goals. Travel will be enjoyable but could be expensive.

Get proper medical attention and confront your situation decisively. You can make progress professionally.

43. Winter fabric 44. __ or nothing 45. Space craft’s path 48. NYC summer setting 51. Behave or print preceder 52. Baseball’s Pee Wee 53. Understand 54. Timetable abbr.

55. Dance movements 56. “__ and the City” DOWN 1.Zodiac animal 2. Snead’s org.

3. Storekeeper 4. Tension reliever 5. Singing voice 6. Truth, in China 7. Ref, in baseball 8. Own 9. Day after Wed. 10. Grape site 11. Come forth in a flood 19. __ astray 21. Half a fly 22. Eight, to Eduardo 23. “Take __

Train” (2wds.) ground 24. Phone‐ 42. Ingrid answering Bergman’s word role in 25. Neighbor of “Casablanca” Mex. 43. Puff of smoke 28. Not useful 46. Went on a 29. Make healthy pension 30. Hence 32. Bleepers 33. Dunce 36. Major engineering school (abbr.)

37. Biography, for short 39. Chooses 40. Hunter’s prey 41. Touched

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 21.

(abbr.)

47. Bloom buzzer 49. Grade an egghead never gets 50. Range rider’s nickname

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22. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Sixteen graduate from ECCB workshop A GRADUATION ceremony was held at the National Insurance Services (NIS) Conference Facility on Thursday, January 26th, for sixteen persons who had successfully completed an Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) workshop on Small Business Management.

The sixteen were Shemieka Matthews, Clive Mofford, Nevorne Duncan, Shanelle Adams, Tamara Da Silva, Nichole Samuel-John, Nerline Cambridge, Shawnette Boyde, Marvo O’Brien Morgan, Agnes Goodluck, Kevin Bailey, Madanna Douglas, Christal Walker, Bartholomew Quammie, Westfield Williams and Teval Horne.

The objective of the workshop was to provide authoritative knowledge, practical skills and a greater understanding of how to manage the day to day operations of small business. The sessions were divided

into 4 modules, and the facilitators included Dr. Julian Ferdinand, Glenda Francois, Felix Lewis and Paul Morris.

The Ceremony paid tribute to former Governor of ECCB the late Sir Dwight Venner. According to Elritha Miguel, ECCB Resident Representative in SVG, Sir Dwight was very passionate and enthusiastic about ECCB’s public education and outreach programme. “He used every opportunity he got at meetings to receive an update on the programme.

In fact, he himself spoke about the programme in many of his meetings and conferences,” Miquel told the graduates.

In continuing her praise of the renowned economist, Miquel said it was Venner who started the Small Business Workshop. “Not only did Sir Dwight oversee the development of a very vibrant public education programme, but also led the

Graduates (standing) with Workshop facilitators and ECCB Bank officials (seated). development of active community outreach programme,” she added.

Miguel congratulated the participants, noting that from the 24 persons who registered 16 graduated, bringing the Alumni to 440 persons who would have graduated from ECCB coordinated courses in SVG. “We trust that you will utilize most if not all of techniques and advice given to you in the four modules that were covered in the programme,” Miquel told the graduates.

Felix Lewis, General Manager at Centre for Enterprise Development

and outgoing NIS Executive Director Reginald Thomas also addressed the ceremony.

Tamara Dasilva and Kevin Bailey delivered reviews on the workshop on behalf of the graduates.

Each graduate received a certificate.

Tamara Dasilva, Clyde Mofford, Bartholomew Quammie and Shawnette Boyde received special awards for their involvement and willingness to assist throughout the course of the workshop.

Co-sponsors of the ECCB workshop included the NIS and the CED.

SVGTCCU rewards Christmas promotion winners THREE PERSONS have won major prizes in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Credit Union (SVGTCCU) Christmas Promotion, while six others were awarded consolation Prizes.

Ezekiel Richards, SVGTCCU Marketing and Development Manager, assessed the promotion as fulfilling its purpose of giving back to the Credit Union’s members.

During a handing over ceremony at the SVGTCCU on Wednesday, first prize winner Jeneth Jack collected a flat screen television. Joan Bardoo received a brand new audio stereo system as a second place prize, and third place winner Angela Crick, who was not present, should have collected an award of

$1000 worth of groceries from Corea’s Minimart.

In an Interview with THE VINCENTIAN Newspaper, Marketing and Development Manager at the SVGTCCU - Ezekiel Richards said that the promotion dubbed ‘Christmas Loan Special’ was one of the many ways of the credit union giving back to its members.

The promotion was open to SVGTCCU members who applied for loans at a special rate of 7.5% interest, between October 2016 and January 31st 2017.

The consolation winners were selected on a weekly basis, while the three major winners were selected during the final draw which took place on Jeneth Jack collected her Tuesday, February 7, first prize of a flat screen at the Credit Union TV. headquarters.

The consolation Prizes included hams, gift vouchers and bottles of wine.

“It was a good reward giving back to our members for their participation in or activities,” said Richards, who added, “Others may take your interest, but Teachers Second prize winner Joan Credit Union takes Bardo gladly accepted her interest in you.” (KH) audio stereo system.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 23.

Vincy Masters take Over- 35 Football title Calliaqua – beaten finalists.

Computec Vincy Masters – 2016/17 Champions of Over 35s Football here. on kicks from the penalty spot, as the two had played to a nilnil draw.

Computec Vincy Masters gained $ 3000, Calliaqua - $ 2000 and Sion Hill- $1000.

In addition to the cash prizes, the three top teams received trophies and gold, silver and bronze medals.

Calliaqua’s Gosnel Cupid For the second year running – Sion Hill has placed third. was named the competition’s best goal keeper, while The Most valuable Player of Marley Lewis- RSVG Police; Layou’s Lawrence Joseph, each of the competing teams Tyrone Prince- SESCO; with eight goals, was the was acknowledged and Caswin Mason- Expendables; competition’s top goal scorer. presented with a trophy.

Lawrence Joseph- Layou; Dexter Walker Saville Hope — Murray’s was the recipient Village; Fabian Guerra — for Computec Vincy Vintage Gold; and Randy De Masters, with Freitas- Royal Roots.

Gosnel Cupid, the South Leeward and North choice for East also participated in the Calliaqua. competition.

The other MVPs It was disclosed by were Anthony organisers last Sunday that Victoria Park, Caesar Masters organisation’s second came close to Carrington- Sion they are working to have a spoke specifically to the president, also found it regulation time, when an Hill; Marlon fixed period for the issue of ill- discipline. incomprehensible that awarded penalty to James- Bequia; competition. “… You want to do the players in the Calliaqua was hotly same set ah things which competition will play disputed by the we are trying to teach that hard so as to put opponents. the young people not to their opponents at risk of Persons at the venue do…One of our primary injuries, such as “break last Sunday expressed aims when it comes to foot.” that the competition Masters football is that Caesar’s plea came should be strictly for we have to set an directly after an illpersons 40 years and example to the other tempered final between over, and that players generations,” Caesar Computec Vincy Masters who are still active in the commented. and Calliaqua — a final Premier Division of the Glenroy Caesar Admitting that the which saw several yellow National Club standard of Masters cards being issued, and championships, should CONCERNED with the football is relatively one player from be barred from direction in which the high, Caesar, however, Calliaqua being ejected participating in Masters SVG Over 35 National urged the players to “Leh by referee Johmal Allen, competition.

Masters Football we show the youths dem for whom the match The current SVG Over Competition is moving, how to play, but most proved a handful, he 35s competition makes The US location for SVG’s Dolphin Gymnastics president of the significantly we have to having been at times provision for three and Health Academy referred to in last week’s organising committee — instil a kind of discipline intimidated by some players who are over 35, paper was given as Houston Texas. This year’s Glenroy Caesar, has on our players that we players. but not yet attained the competition will be held at the ESPN Wide World called for players to do see (is) creeping in On two occasions, the age of 40. of Sports Complex® at Walt Disney World in some stock-taking. …Please let us take the match was held up for Persons who oppose Addressing the closing opportunity to really Orlando Florida, where they have been invited to prolonged periods. that provision, believe ceremony of the compete in two competitions: The Presidential enjoy ourselves as The first was after a that the three players 2016/2017 competition Classic and The Magical Classic on February 18th masters.” heavy tackle on a Vincy can make a lot of last Sunday night at and February 20th.

The SVG Over 35 Masters player, and the difference in teams.

COMPUTEC VINCY MASTERS last Sunday night at Victoria Park, landed the 2016/2017 National Lotteries Authority/SVG Masters Over 35s title, when they beat Calliaqua 3-2 on kicks from the penalty spot, after the score was tied 1-1 in regulation time.

In an ill-tempered encounter, Kenlyn Gonsalves netted for Vincy Masters, while Lawrence Franklyn equalised for Calliaqua with a late penalty.

Both teams had missed a

penalty each in regulation time, with Wesley Charles the villain for Vincy Masters and Reginald Payne - Calliaqua.

Payne also missed his try in Calliaqua life-line in the penalty shootout.

It was one step up for Vincy Masters, who had to settle for the second place behind South Leeward, when the last competition was staged in 2015.

Before the finals, Sion Hill retained the third place after beating the Expendables 7-6

Ill-tempered Masters Final: Caesar calls for stock-taking

Erratum:

St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ winning Artistic Gymnasts to again compete in the USA

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24. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

SVGFF holds FIFA Referee Course

Course Instructors (L-R): Victor Stewart and Joseph Taylor.

ON THE BACK of hosting a Futsal course for coaches last week, the SVG Football Federation continued its development programme initiative with the holding of a FIFA Referee Course this week.

The course, which began on Monday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field Conference Room, was expected to conclude today, Friday.

Coswell Cambridge, Fitness Instructor of the SVG Referees Association, anticipates that the course will help to improve the standard of the local referees.

“From time to time for the past five years, we have had similar courses for the referees … where we focus on fitness and the technical aspect in the classroom and on the field,” Cambridge told THE VINCENTIAN.

It-DAT leads all in Relay Classic It-Dat Athletics Club topped the medals table in last Saturday’s National Relays Classic, held at Victoria Park.

It-Dat completed the day’s event with 11 first places and 8 second places. They were followed by High Performance with 9 first places and 6 Members of the second places.

Classic.

Wins, 9 first places, 9 second places, and 6 third places. ItDat Athletics Academy’s Teams (1) and (2) together won 11 first places and 8 seconds places.

The combined St. Vincent Grammar School and X-Cel Athletics Clubs won 6 first places, with St. Martin’s Secondary winning 5 first places.

Coach of the It-Dat Athletics Club - Michael Ollivierre believes his Club’s performance was a direct result of the training leading up to the Relay Classic.

“We at the It-Dat Athletics Club worked in conjunction with the Chatoyer Athletics Club coached by Pamenos Ballantyne to stage several meets, and we also participated in some organised by the Team Athelics over the past few weeks. So the

The classroom sessions serve as a setting for interaction of participants and the presenters, and involves the analysis of video clips applicable to the rules of the game, Cambridge said.

Practical session complement the classroom work.

Cambridge said he is pleased to see an increase of interest from referees, and believes it is important for them to get as much Coswell Cambridge knowledge from the course.

“Honestly, you tend to see – Fitness Instructor of the national the same set of referees attending these courses, but football referees in over the last three years, we SVG. have seen an increase in the number of referees attending courses. We have added seven new referees to the course this year, which I think is very good,” Cambridge said with a tone of satisfaction.

Cambridge admits that it will take lot of work if referees are to get to the top of their game.

The course was facilitated by Victor Stewart — a Technical Instructor from Jamaica, and Joseph Taylor, a Physical Instructor from Trinidad and Tobago.

I.B.A.ALLEN

It-Dat Athletics Club that took top honours at the recent Relay athletes prepared well,” Ollivierre stated.

He explained that his Club is determined “to keep the athletes in shape and exposed for the upcoming season, with the objective being to create opportunities for our athletes to represent SVG, to position themselves for awards and scholarships, and generally to prepare them for life.”

In terms of strides made, Ollivierre noted Relay Action returned to Victory Park. improvements in the CARIFTA Games level. female Under 18 category. He is More than 11 Clubs competed hoping to take a team to Grenada in the Relay Classic. for the KFC Relays on February18, and is also looking forward to have an impact at the I.B.A.ALLEN

Cash Wiz supports swimmers TEN-YEAR-OLD MELODY BULLOCK of Harmony Hall and ten-year-old Damani Bennett of Glen are now full members of the Black Sands Swim Squad.

Their membership was made possible through the sponsorship of Cash Wiz (St. Vincent), marking that company’s first venture into providing sponsorship for community-based programmes.

Cash Wiz Manager, Brad Leacock said, “We strive to lead by example as a good business operation here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and we feel that providing a swimming sponsorship opportunity with Black Sands Swim

Squad is a great way to help the community. Cash Wiz sees great potential in the success of competitive swimming in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and wishes to encourage more families to get their children involved in this after school-activity.”

The sponsorship assures Bullock and Bennett the opportunity to improve their swimming skills and to be exposed to the lifelong opportunities that competitive swimming has to offer.

Cash Wiz, located in Sharpe Street, Kingstown, offers an instant cash service to those in need, by buying and selling quality retail products.

It is a branch of a Caribbean-wide service, first established in 2009 in Provincials, Turks and Caicos, and now active in 18 locations throughout the Caribbean region.

L-R: Melody Bullock age 10 of Prospect, Coach Kyle Dougan of Blacksands swim squad, Damani Bennett of Glen also 10, and Cash Wiz Manager Brad Leacock.

SVG Community College launches Rugby Club RUGBY CONTINUES to impact the sporting landscape here. The most recent inroad comes with the news that a Rugby Club is soon to be established at the SVG Community College.

Students who have grouped themselves in what is named the SVG CC Rugby Club, were expected to begin drills this weekend, beginning today Friday, at the Sion Hill Playing Field.

A source from the SVG Rugby Union said they “are excited to be able to offer a new sport to not only the college students, but also to any staff who would like to get involved. This is an opportunity for persons to get involved in a sport they might not have heard of before, increase their fitness, improve life skills, meet new persons and be part of a team.”

The Club will be open to students and staff, male or female, across all Divisions of the College.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 25.

Sports

The other angle OPPORTUNITIES abound for sporting exchanges, with the Argyle International Airport in operations. Sporting associations in fields afar now have the opportunity to broaden their training regime using St. Vincent as a base. The onus is now on the relevant local authorities to ensure that adequate facilities are in place to respond positively when the requests come.

The avenues open up for the local Football Federation to arrange ‘Friendlies; so that our squad could be kept in shape and get them ready for the ongoing competitions.

It is unquestionable that the eleventh hour approach to preparation is detrimental. Players have to get used to appearing with some degree of regularity on the pitch. That will enhance their fitness and maturity.

The spillover will be movements up the rankings. There is no good in languishing in the deep end of the scale. Prospects for local players from your country lessen, and there is a corresponding downward slide in almost everything.

Associations have to move up the organisational ladder and engage in long lasting ventures, so as to sustain the ongoing need to be disciplined.

It cannot be a case of hanging on and depending on hand outs. Football clubs, or any type of Club for that matter, have to get into the business end of the bargain and secure homes for their sport, so as to strengthen their base and development of the particular area.

The facilities provided for communities will have to be embraced. They must not be allowed to be abused and vandalised, for they must be part of the national resources.

Coordination must be smooth with the education institutions. Sporting talent is normally unearthed at schools. Education officials have to find ways of harmonising sporting and academic programmes.

Academics are not confined to classroom activities. Sciences have to be put forward to cover the areas of agriculture, fisheries, art and craft and music.

There is no separation between sports and culture. The broader one’s cultural foundation is, the better is one’s chance of excelling on the sporting front - or in any sphere for that matter.

Perhaps the Cycling Union will be spurred into action and revive their calendar of activities to take advantage of the new travel advantages.

Concentration on other ongoing matters of national concern has shifted attention from the National Sports Awards, which has been scheduled for March 4. That will be enough time for the flow of new traffic within the air. And the motivation will be high among athletes for inclusion on next year’s list of awardees.

Congratulations in advance to those who will be showered with recognition for their contribution.

The Grenadines can think of expanding their Easter events to cater for the anticipated increased visitor arrivals with the addition of the Argyle Airport.

That makes it ideal for a genuinely national exercise, in regard to yachting. Those in Bequia and Union Island can be encouraged to collaborate to ensure that the events on their respective zones attract maximum participation.

There are the constraints. The islands have that capacity, but stretching it beyond limits will be tantamount to cutting down the breadfruit tree.

Pope plummets Victors One bowlers GIDRON POPE TOOK no mercy on a hapless Victors One attack as he torpedoed his way to 118 in 61 balls, to book a place for defending champions Flow Radcliffe in the Super Six round of the 2017 NLA/Neil Williams T20 Cricket Competitioin. Pope struck twelve sixes and three fours to propel Radcliffe to 173 for I wicket in 17.4 overs, in reply to Victors One’s 169 for 4 in 19 overs, with the in-form Donwell Hector, 50, and Miles Bascombe, 48 being their leading run-getters.

The match, played last Sunday at the main Arnos Vale Playing field, was reduced to a 19-overs affair.

Guardian General Saints, who had already booked their Super Six spot going into last weekend round of preliminary matches, confirmed their position at the top of Group C with a 103-run win over Bequia Cricket Association on Sunday, Arnos Vale Two. Saints amassed 212 for 6 in their 20 overs, with Seon Sween,37, Rickford Walker and Kenroy Peters, 32 each, and Vincent Cupid, 30, leading the way. Bequia then faltered under the weight of the challenging victory target and closed on 109, their tenth wicket falling with the very last ball of their 20 overs. Jenry Ollivierre

topscored with 31, and Kelon Davis 4 for 23 made him Saints’ standout bowler.

Providence Electronic Solutions North Leeward booked their place in the Super Six when they had the upper hand on Belfongo on Sunday, at the Arnos Vale playing field. North Ronique Laborde Miles Bascombe Gidron Pope Leeward posted 206 hit 89 for North smashed 118 hit 72 for Victors for 6, thanks mainly Leeward. from 61 balls One. to Ronique Laborde including 89 and Shamon three fours under to Carl work of Hooper 62. Belfongo and 12 sixes.

Joseph Law Chambers RW failed miserable in their ASCO by 17 runs.

Sporting chase managing a mere Scores: ASCO totaled World SVG Com-munity 87 all out in 16.2 overs.

177 for 9 in 20 overs College. Scores: RWSW Kelshun DaSilva 35, Community College 95 in Other weekend Jeremy Layne 3 for 38; 19 overs - Anthony preliminary round French Verandah CC 160 Charles 4 for 9 (including matches for 9 in their 20 overs a hat-trick), Edson Rayon Williams hit 56.

Williams 3 for 12; On Saturday, Victors Owia Stars had the Smashers 95 for 4 in 12.1 One beat Combined better of Triumph overs - Raymond Rouse Youths by 59 runs.

United. Scores: and Ozico Williams 21 Scores: Victors One 187 Triumph United 132 for not out each, Rayshorn for 4 in 20 overs - Miles 7 in their 20 overs John 4 for 17 Bascombe 72 and Andrew Glasgow 42; The French Verandah Donwell Hector 33; Owia Stars 134 for 4 in SVG Community College Combined Youth 128 for 17.5 overs. Shem Browne recorded victory against 6 in 20 overs - Alston 67 and Owen Lorraine Bequia Cricket Bobb 3 wickets for 12 34, Kanaka Smith 3 for Association. Scores: runs in 4 overs.

27.

French Verandah CC 171 RW Sporting World On Sunday, Combined for 9, Dion Bynoe 31, SVG Community College Youths returned to Jenry Ollivierre 2 for 15; defeated Radcliffe Too by defeat Owia Stars.

Bequia 57 in 13.5 overs seven wickets. Scores: Scores: Owia Stars 115 Jeremy Haywood 4 for Radcliffe Too 104 in 12.1 in 19.3 overs, with Omar 17, Ronaldo Franklyn 2 overs - Antoneil Browne Lavia 33, Oneil for 12 and Rayon 28, Rayshorn John 4 for Endeavour 3 for 15; Williams 2 for 21.

15; Community College Combined Youth 118 for The Preliminary 106 for 3, Anfernee 6, also in 19.3 overs round of the competition Joseph 32.

Sammy Peters 23 not will end this French Verandah SVG out. weekend with three Community College went Smashers made light matches.

Ian Allen liking dual role IAN ALLEN SAYS he has welcomed his new role of Territorial Development Officer (TDO) for Cricket in the Windward Islands, as well as Development Officer of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association Inc. Allen took up the role of TDO at the start of the New Year, but has to double up as the DO for cricket here.

Responding to his new undertakings, Allen said, “So far it has been good… It is an opportunity for me in new roles and a chance to still contribute to cricket in St Vincent and the Grenadines and the Windwards.”

Allen served for the last ten years as coach of the Windward Islands senior cricket team, now renamed the Windwards Volcanoes in keeping with the introduction of franchise cricket in the Caribbean some three years ago.

Apart from making recommendations and drafting development programmes for the Windward Islands Cricket Board

of Control, Allen will coordinate and supervise all activities of the various development programmes of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket AssociationSVGCA Inc. under the supervision of Ian Allen (left) working with Shaquille Browne the executive of (centre) and Teron Simon (right) at the Arnos that Association. Vale One Playing Field.

The SVGCA Reports are that a few persons Inc. last year had advertised the were interviewed for the position, post of local development officer, and an announcement was to which it said would have been a have been made following the part time assignment. elections of the SVGCA Inc. last According to the SVGCA Inc., applicants had to possess at least December.

Allen is a former St Vincent two coaching qualifications and at and the Grenadines, Windward least ten years of coaching Islands and West Indies fast experience. bowler, and takes over both posts Additionally, the SVGCA Inc. from another former St Vincent had encouraged persons with and the Grenadines and strong cricketing backgrounds at Windwards player- Irvin the national, regional and Warrican. international levels to apply.

26. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017. 27.

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Glen SDA Church Sunday 5th February, 2017 2:30 p.m.

MARLON LAZIKE OSHAD ABERDEEN Streams of Power Church Carriere Saturday 4th February, 2017 2:30 p.m.

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PASTOR GEORGE ST.HILLAIRE

Georgetown Roman Catholic Church Saturday 4th February, 2017 3:00 p.m.

Kingstown Evangelical Church Saturday 4th February, 2017 2:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

FEBRUARY 10, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.06

A.I. REAL ESTATE Sandy Bay Building Lots @ $5.50 p.s.f. - CALL - BB909 - BB913 Biabou 12 bedrm Property on 3,265 sq.ft.

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www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

GOVERNMENT’S FISCAL

MEASURES FOR 2017 Airport. The expected revenue in the short-to-medium term from the ASC, landing and parking fees, rentals and other charges will cover approximately 50% of the Disaster levy figure for the AIA. The central Government is “.. Indeed we have providing a subvention of $5 calculated that no less than million in 2017, which will be 10% of the public debt has insufficient to fund the been incurred for disaster shortfall… related projects and “Accordingly, I propose to initiatives, narrowly defined. increase the ASC on “In order to help offset the passengers departing by cost of these natural disasters, Profession Licence Fees aircraft from SVG to we propose to introduce a 1% EC$100.00. This measure will levy on consumption in the “… over the years the be implemented from state.

Februay15, 2017 and will yield “…The most effect efficient compliance rate for this measure has been extremely approximately $5 million per way to give effect to this low due in part to the laxity of annum.” measure is to increase the standard rate of VAT from the Inland Revenue Stamp Duty 15% to 16%, and the rate for Department…. accommodation and other “..Now that the VAT tourism related activities from threshold is to be increased…

“The Stamp Duty payable 10% to 11%. This measure on transfer of property many of these persons will take effect from May 1, constitutes an important practising these professions 2017.” revenue source for central will benefit by not having to “…The revenue yield from Government. .. in 2016 charge VAT on the services this measure is estimated at revenue from Stamp Duty on they deliver… $10 million per annum.” property amounted to $30 “Accordingly, I propose to million, approximately 5.1% of increase the fees payable Value Added Tax under the Profession Licensing current revenue…

“Unfortunately a number of Act by a factor of 20 %... .” “…the VAT registration legal professionals have threshold was set at $120,000, and has remained at this level. Airport Service Charge (ASC) devised various mechanisms to evade this tax. …

There is good evidence to “I therefore propose to “The annual cost of suggest that raising the amend the Stamp Duty Act in operating the AIA is estimated threshold would reduce order to strengthen its at $20 million, some $13 administrative costs of IRD provisions. .. “ (Inland Revenue Department) million more than currently as well as the compliance cost obtains at the E. T. Joshua THE FOLLOWING are extracts from the Budget Address 2017, as delivered by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

of small business…

“Accordingly, I propose to amend the VAT Act in order to increase the registration threshold to $300,000.00 with effect from May 1, 2017. This increase in the Vat threshold means that approximately 88 registrants will be removed from the VAT Register. …

“The estimated loss of revenue from this measure is approximately $3.5 million per annum.”

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Aliens Landholding Licence “The Aliens Landholding License is a charge imposed on sale of property to nonnationals…

“I propose to amend the Schedule as follows: * Where the value of the property does not exceed $100,000.00 - $10,000.00; * Where the property exceeds $100,000 - $10,000 plus 7% of the value in excess of $100,000.00.”

Traders Licence “… Lifting the Vat threshold is one such measure which will aid in the

development of small businesses. I am also proposing a reduction in the Traders Licence by 50%.... .”

Telecommunication Levy “In the 2016 Budget I introduced a 2% levy on telephone call originating from SVG. These funds are allocated to the Zero Hunger Trust Fi=und to assist the government in its fight to eradicate hunger in our country. … The 2% levy will also now be applied to incoming calls and data. This measure becomes effective from March 1, 2017.”

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