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FRIDAY,

MAY 10, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.19

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

NOTHING DIFFERENT ABOUT RAINFOREST AGREEMENT Rainforest Seafoods Ltd. Is said to be the largest exporter of fish and seafood products in the English-speaking Caribbean.

(L-R): Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, PM of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Brian Jardim, CEO Rainforest Seafoods, following the signing of the Agreement, Wednesday 10th April, at the Argyle International Airport.

THERE IS NOTHING SINISTER nor irregular

about the agreement the government of St. Vincent

and the Grenadines has entered into with

Rainforest Seafoods St. Vincent Ltd., herein

referred to as Rainforest.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves may well have used those words as he sought to explain, if not defend, the agreement referred.

He did so while speaking on WE FM last Sunday, seemingly in response to those persons whose application to use the Calliaqua Fisheries Facility was refused, and who had found it ‘fit’ to make disparaging comments about the agreement.

Not unlike the past From what could be

Rainforest concessions: Why so much?

by DAYLE DASILVA IT NEEDS TO BE DETERMINED whether or not the concessions given to the Jamaican CompanyRainforest Seafoods are justifiable, and what makes this project different from one that already exists in the country.

This was Leader of the Opposition, Dr Godwin

Friday’s contention as he weighed in on the issue of the concessions that were given to the company, in the name of Rainforest Seafoods St. Vincent Ltd. In April, government and the owners of the Rainforest Seafoods signed an agreement governing the setting up of a seafood processing and packaging plant at Calliaqua, with the total investment

estimated at EC$10million.

The facility is expected to purchase lobster, conch and other marine species for export, and is purported to be able to generate EC$2million each year.

Among the concessions agreed to by the government are that no taxes or withholding of any kind will be levied on the Rainforest Seafood’s income, profits and

Leader of the Opposition has questioned the enormity of the concessions granted to Rainforest Seafood St. Vincent Ltd. capital gains for 15 years — this period begins when the company has indicated to the government that it was in fact ready to open for commercial business.

Continued on Page 3.

gathered, the Rainforest will make an investment of some EC$10m, inclusive of constructing a facility at Calliaqua, on land for which they will pay a monthly rental of EC6,500.00 for the next 25 years.

Dr. Gonsalves, in addressing the substance of the agreement, made it clear that the concessions given to Rainforest Seafoods St. Vincent Ltd. are not different from what is accorded hoteliers, manufacturers and investors generally, who Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

People

The dragster that will be launched tomorrow.

Veteran racers to be honoured THERE WILL BE AN ACTIVITY tomorrow, Saturday, to honour some of the legends of motor racing in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The activity, to be held at the Grand View Hotel, Indian Bay, beginning at 6pm, was conceived and will be organized by Mark Sardine.

Tomorrow’s activity will also feature the official launch of a mini-dragster for youths designed and built by Sardine.

Among those to receive honorary recognition are Paul Macleish, Tony Abbott, Tony Sardine, Lester Woodley and Nigel St Hilaire.

“We don’t have to wait until these people pass away to say thank you,” Sardine said.

He explained that the launch of the mini-dragster was not about him, but about the inspiration he received from some of the local veterans of motor sport.

And as he addressed the issue of saying thanks, Sardine — who has completed kayak trips on the waters of SVG to raise awareness of certain causes and issues here — was at it again last weekend, this time to bring some recognition to those who have served on the frontline, “especially the grandmas and grandpas who give up their nights to ensure that our country is safe,” he said.

The journey between Indian Bay and Barrouallie and back got started at 6:30 last Saturday morning.

Sardine said that he arrived at Barrouallie shortly after 9am.

On his way back, he spent some time at Mount Wynne then Questelles Bay. It was approaching late evening, and according to Sardine, the

Mark Sardine has at times been fighting a one man battle to increase awareness about certain issues in the country. conditions began changing — the direction of the wind changes, usually coming off the land - and he said he knew it was going to be difficult crossing the Kingstown Bay. “There were pure white sheets. The waters were rough,” he said.

But he was determined to complete the task, and that he did, arriving safely in Indian Bay. Sardine expressed thanks to and commended Keith Boyea who he said has been assisting and supporting him.

But it was not so much about him, but the men and women of this country who will go above and beyond to serve, he said. (DD)

V News 3 Drilling at geothermal plant site kicked off

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. 3.

The site of exploratory drilling for the geothermal project at Bamboo Range, at La Soufriere (volcano).

EXPLORATORY DRILLING ACTIVITIES for the geothermal power project at La Soufriere, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, kicked off last Monday afternoon with a formal launch.

The ceremony was held at Bamboo Range, located at the foothills of the La Soufriere volcano at 3 pm.

Persons connected with the project said that everything was set for

commencement of drilling this week.

A number of persons addressed the ceremony including Deputy British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Mr Craig Fulton.

Fulton told the gathering that geothermal energy “represents a unique opportunity for future growth and development.”

Monica La Bennett, Vice—President (Operatio ns) of the Caribbean It is for this reason that the UK government Development Bank (CDB), proffered that the has given financial project had the potential support to the to put SVG on a exploratory stage sustainable path, leading drilling — which experts say is the most expensive to reduced energy cost component of the project. for both citizens and government.

The Deputy High She informed that Commissioner also took CDB has mobilized the opportunity to remind Vincentians that approximately $27 Million USD in grant his government had and contingency committed itself to recoverable grant support the new port in funding to support the Kingstown. drilling stage.

In addition, CDB had supported the position of liaison officer to work with the communities.

“Since 2014, the bank has taken on a part to energy efficiency; we are working with various agencies to bring about energy efficiency in the region,” La Bennett stated.

Montgomery Daniel, Parliamentary Representative for the North Windward constituency in which the project is located, spoke of the project bringing

jobs and cheaper energy to all Vincentians.

He referenced that 40 years ago, La Soufriere erupted and caused devastation, but today, “40 years later, we have returned to its foothills to create history.”

For his part, Daniel was “happy to be part of a government that is going about out its work efficaciously bringing much relief to Vincentians in the area of energy.”

The Geothermal Development Project being undertaken here is, as it stands currently, a joint effort involving Reykjavik Geothermal (RG) of Iceland and the conch, that the one-year Government of St. ban may not be enough to replenish supplies to Vincent and the service the annual Grenadines. Originally, US$600 million industry a third party, Emera for that country.

Caribbean Inc. was Meanwhile, in involved, but has since concluding his remarks sold it shares in the on radio last Sunday, Dr. executing company - the Gonsalves appealed to St. Vincent Geothermal the youth of this country Company Ltd. - to RG. to get involved in The plan is to build a fisheries. It was, he 10 MW geothermal plant hinted, a high incomeat the foot of La earning endeavour.

Soufriere.

Nothing different about Rainforest Agreement Continued from Page 1. wish to do or are already doing business here.

In fact, without saying it, this policy of granting concessions to investors is a throwback to the period of ‘Industrialisation by Invitation’ when, with the assistance of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), many small Caribbean states, known then as the Lesser Developed Countries (LDCs), constructed factory shells and invited extra-regional light manufacturing concerns to set up business in their states. St. Vincent and the Grenadines was no exception, and to entice investors, offered concessions — duty free entry of raw material, equipment, etc. -and tax holidays ranging from ten to 25 years.

Unfortunately, the policy went belly up, as many of the companies that had set up shop in the LDCs, closed their operations at the end of their tax holiday, and relocated to countries like Costa Rica which were offering even more attractive concessions.

Many of the LDCs were left holding a bag of debt to the CDB.

Concessions granted

According to a Cabinet Memorandum dated 14th November 2018, Rainforest, whose parent company is headquartered in Jamaica, with interests in the Bahamas and Belize, and proclaimed as the Caribbean’s largest processor and supplier of premium quality seafood, has been granted a taxfree period of 15 years, meaning it shall pay no taxes or withholdings of any kind on its income, profits and capital gain, for that period.

It shall also enjoy waiver of customs duty, VAT or other taxes on purchase and/or import of construction materials for the facility.

In addition, the Company has been granted duty free and VAT waiver on purchase and/or import of equipment, boats, trucks to include - 2 freezer trucks; 3 pickups; 3 freezer forklifts; 2 outdoor forklifts’ 3 electrical pallet jacks; 2 reefer containers; 2 boats; boat engine; 1 tractor head; and 2 chassis.

The boats are, according to the Agreement, “to be used for transporting product and fishermen’s supplies

between St. Vincent and the islands of the Grenadines only.”

They are not to be used for fishing, Dr. Gonsalves assured, adding that all fish and seafood to be used in the Rainforest plant are to be purchased from local fisherfolk.

Other concessions granted to Rainforest Seafoods St. Vincent Ltd. are: duty free VAT Waiver on purchase and/or import of consumables raw materials, including packaging material (nonStyrofoam); and no taxes on fish and other seafood intended for export.

As obtains in arrangements like these, the investor — Rainforest in this case, on application to and approval by Government, will be allowed to bring in and employ nonnationals where suitably trained and skilled nationals are not available.

The agreement also allows for an application of an extension of the tax-free holiday and all other concessions after the initial fifteen years allowed on the agreement.

Jamaica Seafood comes to St. Vincent and the Grenadines during what the Jamaica Gleaner said is a ban on that country’s conch industry.

The ban took effect from March 1, 2019 and will last until January 31, 2020, but Jamaicans have been speculating that because the situation is so bad, as per the over-fishing of

Rainforest concessions: Why so much?

that concessions were used by governments to attract certain types of Customs duties, Value Added Tax, or investment in specialized areas. duties will not be imposed on any of “Not every type of investment you the building materials and such will give concessions to,” he said. during the construction phase of the According to Friday, it was project, and the company receives important to look at the concessions in duty-free concessions on the order to determine if they are importation of a number of vehicles, reasonable enough to achieve the goals including freezer trucks, forks etc. set out for the project.

But while speaking on the May 6 “Rainforest Seafood is getting some edition of the New Democratic Party very generous concessions, but [we] (NDP) sponsored radio programme will have to look at it carefully to ‘New Times’, Friday referred to the weigh out the cost and benefit,” the concessions as “generous.”

Leader of the Opposition said.

He added that there was a similar He said that he was of the opinion company now operating in Bequia, the that government ought to lookout for Bequia Seafood Company Ltd, and he the local investors “first and foremost.” wanted to find out what sort of Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves concessional arrangements the was reported as having said during a radio programme last weekend, that From whence they came government had agreed to with that establishment. similar concessions had been agreed to The Opposition Leader proffered for local manufacturers and hoteliers.

Continued from Page 1.

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4. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Appeal Court gives young man a chance the case. Jobe had pleaded guilty to both charges.

A RICHLAND PARK youth Jobe was sentenced to who was serving a 4-year four years imprisonment prison term for burglary for burglarizing a Lotto and damage to property, Booth at Richmond Hill, has been given a chance Kingstown, and six to make the best of his months for damaging a life, outside the prison clock in that booth, but walls. the sentences were to The Eastern run concurrently.

Caribbean Court of Nothing was stolen Appeal granted Jerad during the burglary.

Jobe, 20, that The Appeal Court opportunity on Tuesday highlighted Jobe’s during its sitting here youthfulness at the time this week. of the incident, October Chief Justice Janice 20, 2018, and the Pereira, Justices of prospect of Appeal Gertel Thom and rehabilitation.

Mario Michel were of the As a result, the Judges view that the 4-year reduced the four-year term, handed down by term to two years, but Senior Magistrate Rickie suspended the reduced Burnett at the term for 18 months.

Kingstown Magistrate’s Jobe was then able to Court, October 22, 2018, leave the Court in the was too harsh, in light of company of his mother, all the circumstances of not entirely a free man,

as the youngster, who had already spent six months behind bars, will have to serve the additional 18 months mandatorily if he commits any offence on the outside.

Before he left, the Chief Justice told him, “We are giving you an opportunity to make something of your life,’ and advised the young man to stay away from alcohol.

“Your mother is there, make her proud. This is your chance, make the best of it”, she counselled.

Jobe had appealed his sentence, asking to be

A case for legal aid?

LAWYER Kay BacchusBaptiste, representing murder accused journalist and public relations consultant Junior Jarvis, has written to the High Court Registrar requesting that the matter be listed for hearing at the current sitting of the Criminal Assizes.

Jarvis is charged with the February 14, 2017 shooting death of 39year-old Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines employee

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

AN APPEAL matter involving a Richland Park youth may have strengthened the case for a proper Legal Aid System here.

Last Tuesday, the appellant, Jerad Jobe, 20, who was serving a 4-year prison term for burglary and damage to property, was given a reduced sentence of two years, but that sentence was suspended for 18 months.

Jobe was without legal representation, despite efforts to secure a lawyer.

Before the hearing began, Jobe told the Appeal Court that Kay Bacchus-Baptiste was his lawyer.

However, Bacchus-Baptiste was not present when the appeal was called.

Jobe’s mother, who was sitting in the audience, made her presence known, and was allowed to stand and speak from where she was.

She told the Court that she tried to obtain legal representation for her son, but was unsuccessful.

Jobe, in response to a question from Chief Justice Janice Pereira, said he would have preferred to have a lawyer.

The Chief Justice then asked if there were any defence lawyers at the Bar Table who could assist, as a friend of the Court.

Unfortunately, there were only Prosecution lawyers there at the time, and the case proceeded with Jobe having to conduct his own appeal against sentence.

The issue of Legal Aid recently surfaced at the Serious Offences Court in the matter in which a Psychiatric Evaluation Report deemed murder accused Kesean Caine, of Diamonds Village, unfit to participate in Court proceedings.

Attorney Grant Connell, who offered his service pro bono, to facilitate the process of getting the matter through the system, as Caine was unrepresented, stressed the need for a proper Legal Aid System here, and asked Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne to let her voice be heard on the issue.

Following a Paper Committal Procedure, Caine was committed to stand trial in the High Court for the August 22, 2018 stabbing death of 48-year-old Security Guard Brenda Layne, at Lower Bay Street, Kingstown.

released on the Justice of Appeal time he had Gertel Thom. already spent Chief Justice Justice of Appeal behind bars. drank too Janice Pereira.

Mario Michel.

Responding to much guilty, concocted a questions from the alcohol and did not know story which he later Judges, the boy, who was what he was doing. He without legal said he fell asleep in the admitted was untrue.

Jobe had told the representation, told the Lotto Booth, and the Magistrate that Court he attended the police woke him up the somebody threw him into Emmanuel High School, following morning. the Booth.

Mesopotamia, where he But Justice Michel The Judges noted that reached Form 2, and reminded him that he in sentencing, the indicated that he was 18 had to enter the Booth, Magistrate raised several at the time of the and a clock was factors, but failed to incident. damaged. include the issue of Police had found Jobe Crown Counsel Rosesleeping in the Lotto Ann Richardson told the rehabilitation which the Appeal Court thought Booth in the early Court that the was key in this case. morning hours on the Magistrate, in imposing Jobe had a previous date in question. the sentence, had taken conviction for the theft of Jobe told the Judges into consideration that a pig. that the night before, he Jobe, after pleading

Lawyer writes Registrar on journalistÊs matter Randy Lawrence. He is also facing charges of attempted murder, abduction, assault, causing actual bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and using a firearm to aid in the commission of an offence.

All the offences were reportedly committed at Arnos Vale on February 14, 2017, and Jarvis was committed to stand trial on October 2017.

Bacchus-Baptiste’s letter, dated May 8, 2019, and copied to the Director of Public

Prosecutions (DPP), stated, inter alia, “I am hereby requesting that this matter be listed in the current Criminal Assizes for hearing soonest.

“Your usual kind cooperation is greatly appreciated.”

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, BacchusBaptiste said, “The defence is ready, and he (Jarvis) has a good case to defend.”

Attorney Israel Bruce had represented Jarvis

Junior Jarvis at the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) at the Serious Offences Court.

Retrial ordered for murder accused AUBREY WILSON, 43-year-old mason of Greiggs, who was in 2013, convicted and sentenced to 25 years and 15 years for murder and attempted murder respectively, will have another opportunity to secure an acquittal or reduced sentence.

The Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal, during a sitting here this week, quashed Wilson’s convictions and sentences and ordered a retrial.

Wilson had received the sentences for the murder of his former lover Stephanie Daniel, 31, of Greiggs, who was reportedly attacked and Aubrey Wilson stabbed in her

throat August 14, 2011, and the attempted murder of her friend, Vasilca Maloney, also of Greiggs, who sustained stab wounds to the left side of her forehead and to her left hand, reportedly during the same incident which had occurred shortly after 4 p.m at Greiggs.

The sentences were to run concurrently.

Wilson, who was represented at the Appeal hearing by attorney Patina Knights, appealed his convictions and sentences on the grounds that the direction of the Jury was unreasonable, and cannot be supported, having regard to the evidence, and contradiction of the witnesses for the prosecution, that the Trial Judge erred in failing to adequately refer the law to the facts of the case, and that he failed to put the defence’s case to the Jury.

It was also argued that the summing up was based in favour of the prosecution, that the Trial Judge failed to give a locus direction in relation to the appellant, to the Jury, and that having regard to the evidence, the verdict of the Jury was unsafe and unsatisfactory.

The appellant and his lawyer also argued that the sentence of 25 years was manifestly excessive, having regard to all the circumstances of the case.

In his oral response, Crown Counsel Karim Nelson said the respondents conceded with appeal, but added, “We humbly submit the interest of justice and the public interest require the granting of a retrial”.

The Appeal Judges, Louise Blenman, Mario Michel and Davidson Baptiste agreed.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10 , 2019. 5.

Regional

Taiwan and WHOÊs Health for All

Right: Taiwan’s Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung makes a case for his country’s Editor’s Note: The making body of the medicine, acupuncture, participation in the WHO acceptance into the following is an abridged World Health traditional medicine and will allow Taiwan to WHO fold. version of an interview Organization–will health care management, contribute its wealth of Western and traditional with Taiwan’s Minister of advance the WHO’s top with about 1,500 health experience in building Chinese medicine as well Health and Welfare Chen priority of achieving professionals from 65 resilient health systems as dental care. It helped Shih-chung. universal health countries and territories and providing raise average life coverage. completing courses by international medical TAIWAN’S EXPERTISE in “Once a recipient of the end of last year. assistance. It would also expectancy to 80.4 years in 2017 from 74.5 in the disease control and foreign aid, Taiwan is In 2018, a total of 336 eliminate a gap in the universal health coverage giving back to the world medical professionals global disease prevention year of its launch in 1995. can help strengthen global by providing help where underwent training in network, he said. medical development, and it is needed most,” Chen Taiwan through the One To ensure fairness, “Taiwan has long the nation is willing and said. Through its Country, One Center NHI premiums are set as achieved the WHO goal able to share its outreach, “the nation is initiative, which was a proportion of an of universal health experiences at the 72nd making indispensable expanded earlier this individual’s income. coverage,” Chen said.

World Health Assembly contributions to the year to include Brunei This year, the “Since the establishment May 20-28 in Geneva, global health network.” and Myanmar. government has allocated of the National Health according to Minister of Chen cited the Taiwan “These educational Insurance (NHI), no one NT$6.54 billion Health and Welfare Chen International Healthcare programs are tailored for in Taiwan faces (US$211.4 million) to roll Shih-chung.

Training Center as a the specific needs of out the drug to all bankruptcy due to In an interview with prime example of these partner hospitals to hepatitis C patients in medical bills.”

Taiwan Today March 20, efforts. Founded in 2002 ensure they achieve real Taiwan. The The system offers Chen said facilitating by the Ministry of Health improvements in health government’s aim is to access to a Taiwan’s meaningful and Welfare, it offers care delivery,” Chen said. comprehensive range of eradicate the disease participation in the foreign professionals According to the locally by 2025, five services spanning assembly–the decisiontraining in clinical minister, meaningful

years ahead of the WHO target for eliminating viral hepatitis worldwide.

“Taiwan is seeking professional, pragmatic and constructive participation in the WHA, as well as technical meetings and activities of the WHO, so it can share this knowledge and give back to the world,” Chen said.

“With Taiwan’s involvement, I believe the international community will be far better prepared to meet global health challenges.”

(OC-E)

President Maduro remains intact

Juan Guaidó greets a Venezuelan soldier on duty at La Carlota base in eastern Caracas, where he appealed for support in ousting President Nicolás Maduro. (Photo Credit: Rayner Pena/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) according to the former official, could have been predicated on U.S. administration officials’ decision in 2017 to reject a request from Hernandez, the military general, for a U.S. visa for himself and his wife to accompany their President Nicolas Maduro (center) during military exercises of cadets of the Bolivarian Military son to Boston for a vital University at a training center in El Pao, Cojedes state, Venezuela, May 4, 2019. (Photo Credit: brain surgery for the boy, HO/AFP Photo/Venezuelan Presidency) and a lengthy convalescence of months.

A PLOT for some of President point document which Leopoldo Lopez, a highBut one opposition Nicolás Maduro’s top aides to guaranteed Maduro loyalists profiled opposition leader, who leader was reported by The defect last week to the like General Ivan Hernandez, only last week was released Washington Post as saying that opposition side appeared from Defense Minister Vladamir from house arrest (since 2017), Maduro’s top aides had all indications to have come Padrino Lopez and Supreme told the AP that he had been indicated commitments to apart in the 11th hour.

Court Chief Justice Maikel secretly speaking with top defect, but apparently backed As one observer put it, the Moreno not just a place in the Maduro loyalists about out at the last minute. plot fell apart possibly due, in planned, post-Maduro interim defecting to the opposition’s “We moved forward out of part, to distrust between some government, but a promise that side for weeks. trust that the top ranks [of of President Maduro’s aides and they won’t be prosecuted.

But a former U.S. official, Maduro’s government] would U.S. officials, among other All three officials have to who spoke to the AP, suggested make announcements against things. date remained publicly loyal to that distrust between Trump Maduro,” Freddy Superlano, a The Associated Maduro. A fourth top aide, who administration officials and leading opposition lawmaker, Press reported on Saturday that heads Venezuela’s intelligence Maduro’s inner circle has told the newspaper. “Maduro secret talks between the top agency, General Manuel contributed to top Maduro was going to respond by aides and opposition leaders – Figuera, did break rank and aides’ reluctance to make the leaving.” including long-detained but has since disappeared, leap, and abandon President Then, suddenly, plans recently-freed Leopoldo Lopez - according to The Associated Maduro. changed. culminated in a roughly 15Press (AP).

This distrust and reluctance, Rumours of opposition leader

Juan Guaidó’s imminent arrest pushed the plan forward by a day, and last Tuesday, Guaidó appeared outside a military airbase in Caracas — just miles away from the presidential palace known as Milaflores — and called for mass military defections.

But hours later, according to a variety of sources, opposition leaders realized something had gone terribly wrong.

Maduro, flanked by his Defence Minister López, appeared on television and denounced the plot as a “coup.”

Recognizing that the plan had fallen apart, Leopoldo Lopez hustled to a Spanish diplomatic residence in Caracas to seek sanctuary, where he is likely to remain, given that on Thursday, a Venezuelan court issued a warrant for his arrest.

And as it stands, President Nicolas Maduro remains intact, with what seems to be overwhelming backing from the military.

V VINLEC aiming for zero accidents 6. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Safety Awareness Month on Friday 3rd at Cane Hall Engineering Complex, revealed that the company had six (6) accidents in 2018, four (4) of which resulted in personal injury to employees, and two resulted in injury to non-VINLEC persons.

He said that all of the injuries were preventable had there been collective effort.

“When an incident happens in the work place, sometimes we are too quick to assign blame to an individual. It is most times a collectively effort that could have helped,” said the Anthony Patterson, VINLEC’s CEO. Environmental, Health and Safety Officer The spoke to avoiding accidents through team Environmental work.

Health & Safety

CHIEF Executive Officer of VINLEC, Thornley Myers said that the company is on a quest to realize zero accidents in the next 12 months.

Myers, speaking at the company’s launch of its Environmental Health &

Awareness Month is expected to strengthen the weaknesses that exist among employees, as well as encourage safety.

“In this exercise… we are seeking to build sensitivity, build awareness, to remind ourselves of the need for us to develop a safe working environment and for us to work collectively.”

He urged that “we apply our knowledge, apply our skills , communicate with each other, be our brother’s keeper to ensure that over the next 12 months, we have no incident to record in VINLEC and, in particular, no incident that would result in personal injury to any single employee or a member of the public”.

This year’s Environmental Health & Safety Awareness month — May — is being conducted under the theme: ‘Safety ties us together — Health and Safety 24/7’.

Among the activities planned for the month of May

are: a Health and Safety Workshop on Tuesday 14th; Appreciation Ceremony on Friday 17th; Wellness Walk and Games Thursday 23rd; Fire Response Simulation with Fire Department at Cane Hall and Lowmans Bay on Tuesday 28th; and a Closing Session — public speaking, song, drama, and poetry competition on Thursday 30th.

Anthony Patterson, VINLEC’s Thornley Myers, CEO/VINLEC, urged Environmental, the company’s employees to work Health and Safety together to create the conditions that Officer, acknowledged will minimize if not prevent accidents. that the accidents recorded in 2018, in there were very simple most cases could have been procedures or simple pieces of avoided with greater team equipment or items …. that work. “These accidents could could have been utilized to have been prevented by prevent the accident from greater team work. What also taking place,” said Patterson. struck me, in most instances (KH)

V Another banana-related agreement signed

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10 , 2019. 7.

Government

THE GOVERNMENTS of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and St Vincent and the Grenadines, last Monday, entered into a new phase of an agreement which will govern the further implementation of the Banana Revitalisation Project.

Among the project’s objectives is to increase the unit output of the banana plantations receiving assistance to 25 tons per hectare, through the upgrade of farmers’ cultivation management capability and the capabilities of the extension officers within the Ministry of Agriculture.

Value of the agreement is US$4,185,001.

H.E Calvin Ho, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) commented that the initial agreement was signed in December 2018.

“To me, it (the project) is quite similar to Taiwan’s development in agriculture,” H.E Ho said.

According to the ambassador, in his country during the earlier years, there was more focus on industry. However, bananas and products derived from the crop were a major product of the country — similarly the banana

industry, he said, was once the main income earner for SVG. The industry here had been hit with some difficult times, changes in trade arrangements and diseases which have had an adverse effect on the economy, He. Ho said, adding, “I am glad that today we can go further to sign the implementation agreement so that work can be carried out further.”

The Banana Revitalisation Project, the Ambassador said, had become one of the important projects of his embassy.

Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar explained that, while the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) was created to assist the recovery efforts in agriculture, particularly bananas, with the aim of putting banana producing nations in the Caribbean, Africa and the Pacific back in the position they were in before the emergence of the trade wars.

But the funding from this could not address the needs of the rural communities.

“And here is where we have to

thank the People and Government of Taiwan for coming in to add where the BAM left us,” Caesar said.

He said that the story of what happened to the local banana industry was well known: loss of trade preference, loss of 96% of the nation’s crops during the passage of Hurricane Tomas and the scourge of diseases like Black Sigatoka.

And while the (L-R): H.E Calvin Ho, Ambassador of the industry was fighting the Republic of China (Taiwan), and Saboto Caesar, vagaries of the trade wars, Minister of Agriculture, display signed copies of WINFA, Fairtrade and the agreement governing the second phase of WINFAM created a space the Banana Revitalisation Project. for a small farmer in the region to move away from continue; however it would have to be conventional productions to a niche. for local consumption as for now, until Caesar admitted that the rural they can explore the possibilities of economies were still at a stage of extra-regional markets. (DD) recovery, but banana production will

V

8. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. 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

Share the information OH HOW WE LIVE in a different age.

The internet, cell phones, all but bring the world a ‘little closer’, making the exchange of information fast and furious.

Because of that, the clarion call is: We need to know!

In the 1970s and 1980s, the region, especially the Less Developed Countries of the CARIFTA family, soon to become the CARICOM family, embraced the theory of Industrialisation by Invitation, as developed and shaped

by St. Lucia Nobel Prize Winner Sir Arthur Lewis. They did so with every good intention.

It would, the leaders of that day proclaimed, ‘bring jobs, improved livelihoods if not prosperity’.

This Industrialization by Invitation theory was (is) more often than not defined in a language which the vast majority of Caribbean people in the 1970s and 1980s could not make ‘hell nor bull foot of’. In short, here is how it was defined: “Industrialisation by Invitation is the process of social and economic change whereby a social group is transferred from a manual labor based structure to a more technologically driven society, and where the economy gains much more capital via manufacturing industries.”

Now, what in Zeus’s name does that mean?

Put simply and in practical terms, it meant (means) inviting investors, light manufacturers to set up shop in our islands. And in order to attract this investment, the leaders of the day crafted a platter of concessions and giveaways, like tax holders and duty free concessions.

Some administrations even sold their countries as ‘low wage enclaves’ with controlled or little to no trade union activity.

And they came, for in addition to all the freebees, factory shells were erected for them, putting the governments in debt to the Caribbean Development Bank.

Unfortunately, very few who came, like the many electronics assembly units, Wilson Sporting Goods, stayed beyond their tax holidays. People found work, albeit at ridiculously low wages, politicians

were satisfied, but the closures were not anticipated there were no contingency plans.

That experience, however, did not prevent what had been put in place to facilitate this Industrialisation by Invitation from becoming policy.

We need Foreign (Direct) Investment now more than ever, and we need to dangle a carrot in front of likely investors and venture capitalists. Tax holidays, concessions galore, other courtesies abound now more than ever.

So that when Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and his Unity Labour Party speak of their agreement with Rainforest Seafoods of Jamaica as not being anything new or different, that is the truth, and the honest truth.

And this platter of goodies, albeit lessened in variety and extent, is also extended to local investors whether in hotel construction and operation, light manufacturing, agro and aqua-based initiative.

The truth is that we have been giving away our souls to foreign investment long before we began grappling with Independence.

What in Zeus’s name do you think we do when we entice people to ‘invest’ in the Grenadines, some say to invite the investor to run roughshod over indigenous populations? What do you expect when we invite already established manufacturing entities to set up shop here?

The Governments who dish out these platters of goodies, must also accept that information is hard to keep in storage. The people not only want to know, they have a right to know and to respond how they are so moved.

We are guilty of ‘selling our birthright’ when we abdicate our right to be informed and inform.

The Rainforest Seafoods Agreement should not have been a case, like other investment agreements, where the people had to find out the details by the hand of some ‘white angel.’

It is high time that the people’s right to information be respected.

When it is ‘forced out’, it is likely to take on a spin that makes separating the tares (untruths) from the wheat (truths) impossible.

Share the truth willingly, and it shall always set you free.

Random thoughts on Independence [Pt 2] Education WE ARE LITTLE HELPED by an education policy which, having received its initial impulse from outside during the slave era, is yet to be absolved of its original sin. Generally speaking, the people are educated out of their society. There is no compulsory education. Little technical education. Precious little room for the late developer. At best the system flukes a lucky strike here and there-usually to produce a member of the intellectual elite who significantly, often reacts against and criticises his own creator! But generally, it churns out misfits and, more ominously, grinds, mindlessly on, leaving droppings of human debris at every turning on its purposeless course.

Politics The foregoing is, of course, presided over by a political directorate that proudly boasts all the trappings of the West Minster Model but sorely lacks the essential properties and social underpinnings which give validity to that system- an independent Press, informed citizenry, a spirit of give-andtake.

In the result, the local version is a caricature of the model and forms the natural habitat of the political charlatan, the chameleon which changes colour to melt in the prevailing background.

The cloak-and-dagger politics of the times, the turbulence in opposition circles, the very short shrift given to opponents by Government which see heresy in criticism, the shameful wastage of a two-party system noted for its policy of “Winner-takes-all”- are but symptoms of a deep malaise caused by the artificiality in trying to graft an imported system on a local base illequipped to bear it. We simply must seek alternative political forms if we cannot tailor the present inheritance to suit our needs.

So over all, independence is a good thing in sofar as it throws us back on our own moral recourses, provides us with the opportunity to destroy the psychology of Independence, and forces us to take up our beds and walk. But so far, we have not nearly begun to take advantage of that opportunity- whether it is because old habits die hard,

whether there are vested interests in the status quo, or that, at the more pragmatic level, we needed first to consolidate the little we have before moving ahead, there being such a small margin to spare- is hard to tell.

But it is plain to me that the direction in which we are headed leads to a dead-end.

Internationally, we ought to join our brothers in the Third World fighting for the establishment of a new world economic order, among other things, and not toy with some new-fangled concept called “The Fourth World”.

Similarly we have to forge new alliances without making Independence count, to embark on a new positive course.

Such a course has to be founded primarily on people’s participation and involvement, continuing dialogue between Governments and the governed, the demystification of the political process. EverybodyGovernment and opposition, old and young men and women have a contribution to make.

After three years of Independence, there is a lot to be desired, but altogether the record is not dismal. We have managed to keep body and soul together in very trying times. Although democracy has not exactly flourished, we have to be thankful for small mercies, for the number of freedoms which we seem to take for granted.

But the time is now ripe for more meaningful change. Planned, selective and constructive change in which we make sure that we do not throw out the baby with the bath-water. Three years after Independence is a good time as any for us to take stock of our position, brace ourselves and rev up for the takeoff into a more meaningful existence.

The sense of national pride so sadly lacking among our people, will only come with a feeling of belonging which in turn can only be instilled by active participation in the political system and dignified place in the social scheme of things. It certainly will not come naturally, or by exhortation, once people, rightly or wrongly, believe that St. Vincent belongs not to them, but is the preserve of a particular clique of persons.

These are the goals to which the nation should immediately and urgently address itself over the next three years.

The rest will logically follow.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. 9.

Letters

Legalise homosexuality

I AM CALLING FOR PM GONSALVES and his government to move towards legalising homosexuality in SVG, for the greater good of the nation.

In depth research into why people are gay or become gay clearly unveils there are contributing medical and phycological factors.

In addition, the King James Bible tells that enmity will be placed in the human DNA, therefore both Jehovah God and humans have confirmed there are reasons why people will

be gay.

We exist in a modern world where gays have equal opportunities and their human rights are upheld. Gays being abused in our nation or fleeing as refugees abroad, will guarantee the refugees a better life, but our Nation could well be deprived of significant human resources.

It’s important to note being gay is unlawful in SVG, just like committing acts of physical abuse against gays is also unlawful. A nation that condones

attacks against gays is seen by the world as an under-educated nation.

The recent barbaric attacks against alleged gay persons across this nation is a clear reminder to the government that laws are needed to protect each and every citizen of our nation. The current laws force gays to hide their true identity and live with continuous phycological and physical stress.

Gay rights will provide an atmosphere for all where both gays and the

straights can co-exist in harmony with the knowledge that full force of the law will defend all citizens.

In my research, I have found gays are well organized throughout the world; they hold vast power and influence.

Given the recent disgraceful attacks against alleged gays here, Vincentians may find it harder to get visas for overseas travel.

I want to say to gays. defend yourselves; you have an inherent right to do so.

The scourge in the civil service I WAS VERY much perplexed when a Permanent Secretary approached me and asked what was the Public Service Union doing to address the situation of low morals, inefficiency and low productivity within the Service. This comment really had me stunned; for here was one of the main policy supervisors lamenting to me and asking for the Union’s intervention.

I told him to first look for the cause of the problems, and when he had identified the problems and causes, he could then invite the Union to have dialogue with the policy

* If the law allows persons to whom government owes money to levy on government assets? * Why are NIS contributors and pensioners not protesting the government’s use of their contributions and pensions for hotel building? * What is the monthly operational cost and monthly revenue of the Argyle International Airport? * When is this whole LIAT thing going to end so that we won’t have to put anymore taxpayers money to keep it in flying in the ‘red’?

managers, that we may work together to come up with the right solutions.

From my perspective, the problem confronting us is not phenomenal nor insurmountable.

The Public Service has at its core a moral base founded on two closely related concepts: ethics and values. Values are facts, qualities which individuals use to express attributes associated with their work; values are lasting beliefs or ideals shared.

It is a culture of what is right and wrong, good or bad; values have major influence on a person’s behaviour and attitude, and is bounded by the morals of integrity, fairness and honesty.

In addressing the problem of low morals, inefficiencies and low

productivity affecting the Service, one has to put the blame squarely in the hands of the politicians. When they put square pegs in circular holes, the result of nepotism, and political largesse, how could a system that is based on morals, be able to discern wrong from right?

Partisan politics, laziness and ineptitude constitute the order of the day. Heads of Departments and Permanent Secretaries cannot implement discipline without getting pulled over to face the brunt of the fire for doing their jobs. As a result, there is no impartiality, no more objectivity within the Public Service.

In order for the system to function as it

ought to, authority has to be returned to the hands of the public officers: who would guide and implement policies; who would be the first to put disciplinary measures in place according to the rules and orders.

When politicians no longer usurp the authority of those in charge; when they cease aligning themselves with subordinates to malign and undermine managers and senior supervisors; when punishment returns to being swift, fair and nonpartial, then we would have a Service that is morally right, efficient, effective and productive.

So Long, Man-on-the-go

Child Abuse Awareness Month: A Prayer FIRST OF ALL, we urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all abused children and their families throughout this land, to empower them to lead peaceful, quiet and satisfactory lives; godly and dignified in every way (adopted from 1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Lord God, as we enter into your court, we come with thanksgiving and praise. God,You are worthy to be praised, You are worthy to be magnified. You are worthy to be glorified. In the very word of the

prophet Habakkuk, I worship you, the God from Teman, the anointed Holy one from mount Pa-ran. We worship you God, for your authority and glory covers the heavens and the earth. King of Kings you are, Lord of Lords you are today. God you decreed in 2 Chronicles 7:14, that “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.” God, as

There are thousands of lesbians, homosexuals, bisexuals and crossdressers living in St. Vincent. What if they decided to pull the trigger in their defence?

Mr. PM, pass the appropriate law before this nation ignites into chaos.

Kadmiel McFee British war veteran

Carousing in the daytime MANY of the young adults in this nation (SVG) are carousing in the daytime. They will receive the wages of unrighteousness because they choose to partake in this activity. They are being deceived by the devil. They say that they can’t find work, but some of them are just lazy, as they can be seen at shops drinking and smoking.

Also, the responsibility of caring for the children of these (young) adults falls on their parents. We encourage it when our sons and daughters bring home a girlfriend/boyfriend and allow them to partake in sexual activities, drugs, listening to filthy music and drinking alcohol in our homes.

Parents take up the responsibility on their heads when our sons and daughters engage in this evil practice and there will be repercussions.

However, there is hope. The Church must play a more active role to break the curse of carousing which leads to these bad intentions. The Government must also do more for the citizens of our nation (SVG). The nation’s welfare is very important.

One way that we can help is to allow for more frequent road work. Agricultural land should also be made more readily available - there is too much red tape in the Agriculture Sector as it stands now.

Please, to the Churches and the Government, look out for the people now, not at election time or at crusade time, but now. God bless!

Bishop Ezekiel Creese Faith Word Ministries Roseau

discern our every thoughts and intents of our hearts. We ask that you reveal the perpetrators of these we humble ourselves evils and bring them to before you, turn us away justice. God turn the from our calamity and criminal mind around, forgive us for our sins. turn their lives around God you are the only and remove the desire of power under heaven, evil and hatred from whereby we can be their hearts and forgiven and be saved, thoughts. God you whereby we can be decreed by the words of delivered and be healed. Zerubabel ,“it’s not by Whereby we can obtain a might, not by power but place of refuge, and a by your spirit Lord, send place of joy and peace. your spirit Lord to stop God I lift up before these violence and to you in the name of Jesus, raise up your servants children who were and to use their ability and are abused and broken. influence to bring Oh God, comfort and healing to in the words of the these abuse children prophet Daniel, “you are and their families. Let the God who revealeth your power descend upon Secrets”. God, you can this nation like a tidal

wave and surround and protect our children.

Place a hedge around them so that they will abide under your shadow Lord, and no violence, no abuse, no accident, no evil, no plague and no calamity shall befall them. And no weapons formed or fashioned against them shall ever succeed again. Dispel now every hurt, every pain, every broken, heartedness and every fear, and God raise them up to be a blessing to this nation in Jesus Name Amen.

Rev. Dr. Phyllis Ralph-Browne The St Mary’s Spiritual Baptist Church at Fountain

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10. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The Geothermal Energy Project

Providing Renewable Energy for SVG

Introduction

REDUCING THE COST OF ENERGY is a major priority of the New Democratic Party (NDP). It impacts everything: cost of living for all the members of our population, particularly the poor, and it is equally critical to the cost of doing business and therefore, creating jobs.

Whether it is commercial or industrial businesses or your home, energy must be used, and in St. Vincent and the Grenadines energy is costly.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has long benefited from renewable energy in its national energy balance, in the form of hydro power. And the government has begun exploratory drilling for geothermal energy. It must be noted that the NDP supports the geothermal energy initiative by the government. In our manifesto of 2015, it was stated that an NDP government will immediately set up a geothermal project management unit within the ministry responsible for energy, to pursue a coherent, focused agenda for the exploration and development of our country’s geothermal energy resources.

In fact, in the mid 1990s, the former NDP administration studied the feasibility of geothermal energy, and it was confirmed that the north western quadrant of St. Vincent on the flanks of the Soufriere volcano was favourable for the discovery of commercially exploitable geothermal resources. Therefore, the NDP has all right to claim ownership of the project.

However, there are many concerns of the project which include financing and how geothermal energy will affect the cost of electricity. Questions have also been asked about the withdrawal of Emera from the project. Most Vincentians were not aware that Emera is no longer involved in the project until the last sitting of parliament when Dr. Friday asked a question of the Prime Minister. His question was: What is the status of the power purchase agreement being negotiated between the government/VINLEC and the geothermal owners/operators, and will it result in lower electricity prices for the consumers? As usual, Dr. Gonsalves rumbled around the question but revealed, “On the 25th November, 2018 Emera Caribbean Incorporated (ECI) indicated to the government that it was not in Emera’s best interest at this time or for all concerned in the project for them to remain in the project, and gave notice to exit from the St. Vincent Geothermal project.” We recall when the Geothermal Resources Bill was presented in parliament, our members expressed their concerns about the approach to the development of the geothermal energy project by the Unity Labour Party government.

The facts are that Gonsalves and his men have no credibility on energy matters. But, they are talking about exporting electricity to Barbados, based on geothermal. Be reminded that in January 2006, Gonsalves touted the benefits of Petro Caribe, and he told Vincentians that we would see reduced electricity prices.

He said from his 2006 budget presentation: “When the Petro Caribe arrangements are fully established, we would be sharing this increasing benefit with the consumer by offsetting a portion of the fuel price at the pump and in the fuel surcharge.”

Vincentians are still waiting.

The NDP has the expertise and will do a better job in the implementation and management of the geothermal project. Furthermore, our energy policy will put energy sustainability at

ON MONDAY, May 6th 2019, the ULP administration launched the exploratory drilling of geothermal wells, with an excellent and impressive ceremony at Bamboo Range in the La Soufriere area.

Hundreds of Vincentians from all walks of life, journeyed to the area to witness history in the making, as the government launched this gamechanging project. To be sure, geothermal energy has been on the lips of many a person over the years, but it took the vision and leadership of the ULP to start this process.

The geothermal project will revolutionize the delivery of electricity to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It will provide stable and predictable energy pricing to businesses and investors, save foreign exchange, and at the same time reduce our carbon footprint. It is an accepted fact that the high cost of energy is a major constraint to economic and social development, especially to small states in the region.

A lot of preliminary work has gone into the preparation of this project.

Since the third term of the ULP in office, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has been involved in discussions of geothermal, looking particularly at getting partners to support the government in this venture. There have been meetings and conferences, major research, the preparation of concept papers, critical discussions with stakeholders, and negotiations with financial agencies.

In short, all this has resulted in a project to commence exploratory drilling to ascertain the quality of the geothermal source. The leadership provided by the ULP in this exercise, is a testimony to the number of critical funding partners that the government was able to attract to this venture. These include the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the UK Department for International Development, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of New Zealand.

Another critical component in this process is a company called Reykjavik Geothermal, a company that specializes in identifying high quality geothermal sources for development.

This company will work alongside the St. Vincent Geothermal Company Limited, in bringing this project to actuality.

production process. A few weeks ago, there was tremendous excitement when the convoys began transporting the drilling equipment from Port Kingstown to Lot 14 in the La Soufriere area. Now the exploration is about to take place, and there is high expectation about the quality of the resource, which will be discovered.

The Opposition to the Project It is true to say that the NDP made a feeble attempt to engage in some sort of exploration into the possibility of discovering a geothermal resource at La Soufriere. This fizzled away badly because of a poor approach. In 2012, the ULP administration began pursuing geothermal as an active project, and began a series of consultations and discussions with key resource people about geothermal.

The world took notice when in August 2015, the ULP administration took a Geothermal Bill to Parliament, and succeeded in getting it passed. It was at this point that the NDP signaled its opposition to the Project.

Arnhim Eustace, the then leader of the NDP, stated in Parliament, that there was no way that his party was going to support geothermal.

Here was a political party stating that it was opposed to a strategy that would see the energy costs of Vincentians being reduced by at least twenty five percent, by the year 2022.

This is almost criminal in nature.

Four members of the NDP turned up at the ceremony last Monday, in an apparent attempt to show some sort of support for the project, but this was just a little too late. In fact on their radio station, Nice Radio, the NDP continues to ridicule the attempt by the ULP administration to provide geothermal energy to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Conclusion

We end with a quotation by Jan Hartke of the Global Centre on Climate Resilience.

“May 6, 2019 is a day of triumph for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Geothermal power will be a game- changer for the country. I worked along with the Government, Reykjavik Geothermal, and the The Project communities to see the dawn of this new day.

Geothermal will be a game changer I never doubted that this day would in the provision of electricity in St. come. The irresistible political will of Vincent and the Grenadines. With Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves hydro providing about sixteen percent swept away all barriers. As in all his of the electricity, geothermal will other endeavors, such as his provide up to fifty percent of the educational milestones and the Argyle current electricity supply. With the International Airport, Prime Minster expanding role of solar energy, it is Gonsalves and his outstanding expected that eighty percent of the governmental team have proven that energy of St. Vincent and the small islands can attain globally Grenadines will be provided by significant achievements. The world renewable sources, solar, geothermal now has an example of a country and hydro. moving dramatically away from fossil That is why the project is called a fuels and mobilizing the resources to game-changer. Can you imagine that establish a clean, renewable energy by 2021, when the geothermal plant is system across its sovereign domain. completed, that Vincentians could see I have worked on clean energy and a significant drop in their electricity climate issues for over thirty years. costs? This is certainly good news for This experience has taught me that all consumers and in particular, the many factors must come together to private sector and investors. achieve success. Public and private The drill pads for the production partnerships do not happen by and reinjection wells have been accident. It takes exceptional political constructed and there is a dam and leadership. It takes a strong, pipe installation to provide the water visionary leader like Prime Minister that is necessary for the drilling and Gonsalves”.

front and center of the national energy equation, which will translate into reduced foreign exchange outflows, lower energy prices and improve competitiveness of the private sector; through geothermal energy, solar energy and wind energy.

Solar Energy At present, the government through VINLEC, is following an inefficient approach to solar photovoltaics (PV) development, which does not optimize the overall development of renewable energy in the country and does not provide sufficient incentive for private consumers to invest in PV. This suboptimal approach will be discontinued in favour of a policy approach that puts the strategic maximization of renewable energy at the center of the picture and will incentivize local private sector involvement. Lowincome households will not be left out: the NDP government will partner with an established enterprise to provide small, self-contained PV electricity systems that can provide basic lighting and phone charging.

The use of solar energy for water heating will be expanded through the application of a coherent programme of tax and financial incentives to homeowners, hotels, businesses and institutions. Hotels, businesses and households will be able to apply for tax write-offs on the purchase of solar water heaters in the year of acquisition, and local lending institutions will be facilitated to access low-interest funding, available for on-lending for private solar energy development.

Wind Energy Wind measurements in St. Vincent and the Grenadines have already indicated that wind is a readilyavailable energy resource. However, it seems that previously identified wind energy sites on mainland St. Vincent are now no longer available due to their proximity to the airport site at Argyle. The NDP government will study, using regional best-practices as a model, the options for the development of wind energy on St Vincent and in the Grenadines.

Energy Efficiency Whatever the source of our energy, it needs to be used more efficiently.

The NDP’s vision is to move the nation towards adopting a culture of energy efficiency. This will be led by example from government level and will involve a comprehensive programme targeted at the transport, household, business and government sectors. Also, to improve the efficiency in the provision of energy on a multiisland state such as ours, the NDP will work through VINLEC to undertake a technical and economic feasibility study of the development of an interconnected national power grid, which will ultimately be 80% powered by renewable energy.

The NDP is committed to providing Vincentians with cheaper energy; and has a vision for a sustainable energy future for our country. The Unity Labour Party has failed Vincentians.

The time has come for the people to elect the NDP when the next general elections are called.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. 11.

Views

On the Altar of Vanity

“Institutions that have taken centuries to build up can so easily be destroyed over night by the insensitive and thoughtless. It will take as long again to rebuild what has been destroyed on the altar of vanity.” Karl Hudson-Phillips, QC, (1933-2014) Former Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago and a judge of the International Criminal Court.

OUR LEADERS TODAY require bountiful supplies of vision and character if they are to direct our people and their establishments correctly. These thoughts resurfaced after reading the above quotation from the late renowned Trinidadian attorney-at-law, Karl HudsonPhillips. As we return to dissect the thoughts that are captured in those 37 words, we realise the depth of wisdom that they contain. We also observe the danger of insensitivity, thoughtlessness, and vanity. These corrosives can destroy lives, relationships, and institutions.

Over the years, many Caribbean luminaries in academia and research, have commented on various aspects of national and regional leadership and management. We can learn from their observations in relation to those selected to lead and manage businesses, governments, and other establishments.

Professor Betty-Jane Punnett, Senior Fellow and former lecturer at the Department of Management Studies at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies, Barbados, provides useful insights when she reminds us that, “Businesses in the Eastern Caribbean need to put behind them the obsolete management practices of the colonial past, and develop and implement appropriate management approaches which focus resources to exploit international opportunities for which smallness is an advantage.” Her 1999 publication entitled, “David and Goliath: Smallness in a Global Business Environment — Suggestions for the Eastern Caribbean”, contains useful guidelines for our Caribbean leaders and managers. That “colonial management style” that is referred to here is still evident in too many public and private sector establishments. It may be reflective of some degree of insecurity among our leaders and managers who, rather than encourage constructive criticism and critical thinking, resort to residing at the altar of vanity as they seek to muzzle their direct reports. They incorrectly assume that they have all of the answers. In some cases, the perception may even be that they know everything about everything. This is often a sad state for the individual and their respective enterprises.

There are many examples of multinational companies where leaders and managers have made a concerted effort to dismantle the altars of vanity referred to by the late Karl HudsonPhillips. Four (4) that readily come to mind are Cisco, IDEO, W.L. Gore and Associates, and the Tata Group of Companies. The leadership and management at these enterprises have designed human resource programmes that create and sustain organisation cultures where individuals feel free (unthreatened) to share their ideas and insights in relation to various aspects of the operations at their respective enterprises. They all encourage their managers and leaders to “leave their egos at the door”. While the first three are headquartered in a developed country (USA), the Tata Group is headquartered in India, an emerging economy. This gives us hope that best

practices can (and do) emerge from developing countries. Our Caribbean leaders and managers have no excuse when challenged to pursue best leadership and management practices.

Individuals who are secure in themselves will not see the need to insult or deflate others. They refuse to fall prey to the belittling practice of seeking to make others feel small through abuses. Their sense of worth is not fuelled by reminding others of how educated, experienced, powerful or privileged they are. They practise humility. They portray decency and respect. These are those who resist the temptation to worship at the altar of vanity. We are forever grateful for their example.

The altar of vanity will always attract those individuals whose gaze would encourage behaviours that invite the participation in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.

Such individuals need to be warned about the dangers and the folly of such practices. The imagery of the Venus Flytrap reminds us of the dangers of such pursuits. This carnivorous plant, with its sweet-smelling and tasting nectar, becomes so very attractive to the unsuspecting fly and other insects. The insect understandably gravitates to the nectar to its own peril. The plant’s leaves contain tiny hairs that trigger leaves to trap the unsuspecting insect.

The closing lid makes it virtually impossible for the insect to escape. It is doomed. Similarly, many unsuspecting or high risk-taking individuals may venture in the direction of the altar of vanity, only to eventually experience chronic pain and sorrow. Arrogance and pride, although sometimes appearing to be strong attractors to the altar of vanity, have been known to lead many to destruction. But there is hope.

Cultivating humility and love for mankind, can be erect signposts and be valuable detours from the altar of vanity and its destructive consequences.

It is so very important that the leadership of our various institutions imbibe the words of wisdom that were shared in the Karl Hudson-Phillips quotation that was used to introduce this essay. Our leaders need to be forever conscious of the fact that institutions that would have taken centuries to build, could be so easily dismantled, should we venture to be insensitive or thoughtless. We must resist the temptation to become so swell-headed and bigoted that we fall prey to sacrificing these accomplishments on the altar of vanity.

Leaders and managers must forever calm that wild inner drive that seeks to justify the pursuit of power, wealth, and pride. The altar of vanity will forever lull the unsuspecting, proud, insecure, and arrogant to become intoxicated (and to behave foolishly) should they venture to embrace the mirage of its offers. Our leaders and managers are likely to perform their duties much better (and leave a more positive legacy) when they portray honesty, empathy, truthfulness, and the like. The pursuit and retention of high moral behaviours will always direct away from the altar of vanity.

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

Can we undo our undoing?

‘THE ARCTIC IS AT THE FOREFRONT of opportunity and abundance. It houses 13 percent of the world’s undiscovered oil, 30 percent of its undiscovered gas, and an abundance of uranium, rare earth minerals, gold, diamonds, and millions of square miles of untapped resources…Steady reductions in sea ice are opening new passageways and new opportunities for trade. Arctic sea lanes could become the 21st century Suez and Panama Canals.’ So says US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Pompeo, whose remarks came during a session of the Arctic Council, celebrated the shrinking levels of sea ice in the region, saying it opened up new opportunities for trade. He also called for the exploitation of natural resources in the Arctic.

Pompeo’s statement, which echoes those of his boss, President Trump, who withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement and labelled climate change as a ‘Chinese hoax’, flies in the face of the settled assessment of the scientific community which warns that that melting sea ice in the Arctic, due to climate change, will have catastrophic effects on coastal cities, biodiversity and the global economy.

These reckless statements came soon after the release of the United Nations Global Assessment Report on Bio-Diversity and Eco-Systems, which warns that the bonds that hold nature together may be at risk of unravelling from deforestation, overfishing, development, and other human activities. Thanks to human pressures, one million species may be pushed to extinction in the next few years, with serious consequences for human beings as well as the rest of life on Earth.

The report draws on indigenous and local knowledge, as well as scientific studies. The authors say they found overwhelming evidence that human activities are behind nature’s decline.

They ranked the major drivers of species decline as land conversion, including deforestation, overfishing, bush-meat hunting and poaching; climate change; pollution; and invasive alien species.

The ecologist, Dr. Jaime Diaz, said our life-supporting safety net which provides our food, clean water, air and energy “is not only shrinking, it’s becoming more threadbare and holes are appearing”. He suggests that a tremendous variety of living species of about 9 million species make up this life-giving, life-sustaining eco-system.

The report warns that in some parts of the ocean, little life remains but green slime. Some remote tropical forests are nearly silent as insects have vanished and grasslands are increasingly becoming deserts. Human activity has resulted in the severe alteration of more than 75 percent of Earth’s land areas. And 66 percent of the oceans, which cover most of our blue planet, have suffered significant human impacts. This includes more than 400 dead zones, where scant life can survive.

Sir Robert Watson, Chair of the Intergovernmental Science Policy Platform on Bio Diversity and EcoSystem Services, said the new report paints an “ominous picture of the health of the ecosystem. We are eroding the very foundations of our economies, livelihoods, food security, health, and quality of life worldwide.

My biggest personal concern is the state of the oceans. Plastics, dead zones, overfishing, acidification... We’re really screwing up the oceans in a big way”, Watson warned. Experts

estimate the degree of biodiversity loss we’re facing to be between 1,000 and 10,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate.

Jonathan Baillie, chief scientist at the National Geographic Society said, “Protecting nature and saving species is all about securing the land and water plants and animals’ need to survive.” Baillie noted that forests, oceans and other parts of nature soak up 60 percent of global fossil fuel emissions every year. Therefore, “we need to secure the biosphere to protect the climate and help buffer us from extreme weather events,” Baillie said.

Of particular importance for SVG is that the report claims that coral reefs and mangroves protect coastal areas from storms and hurricanes. Wetlands on the other hand, reduce flooding by absorbing heavy rainfall. Yet, each of these ecosystems has declined dramatically, with wetlands down to less than 15 percent of what they were 300 years ago, and coral reefs facing a global bleaching crisis.

The report noted that the international community has both the time and the tools to safeguard nature and slow the ongoing wildlife extinction crisis. However, the views and actions of leading policy makers in the US, Brazil and other powerful countries do not assist in the vital effort.

The clear main message of the report is that transformative change is urgently needed. There are no other options. A Kenyan marine biologist suggests that there is so little time left to save corals, but argues that, “if we can save corals, we could save everything.”

The UN report concludes that with this reality check, “in order to safeguard a healthy planet, society needs to shift from a sole focus on chasing economic growth.” That won’t be easy, the report acknowledges. But it could get easier if countries begin to base their economies on an understanding that nature is the foundation for development. Shifting to nature-based planning can help provide a better quality of life with far less impact.

Putting that concept into practical terms, the report says, countries need to reform hundreds of billions of dollars in subsidies and incentives that are currently given to the energy, fishing, agricultural, and forestry sectors.

Instead of driving additional exploitation of the world’s natural resources, those monies should be shifted to incentivize protection and restoration of nature–such as underwriting new reserves or reforestation programs.

These conclusions are particularly pertinent to our country as government is pressured to create growth and development, jobs and a higher standard of living for our people. The UN report suggests that the quick and obvious fix may well prove our undoing.

As the UN report says ‘we need to change what we value: nature, ecosystems, social equity, and not an over concentration on growing the GDP.’ Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com

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12. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Another open letter to the Governor General 06 May 2019 Your Excellency, THE SVG GREEN PARTY strongly contends Saint Vincent And The Grenadines must urgently cut ties with Taiwan.

Vincentian born Retired British Royal Air Force Engineer Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader of SVG Green Party, has carried out diligent research which has revealed Taiwan owes Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Treasury ECS54 Billion in Fish Tax for the period 2001 to 2018.

There are five sources of wealth available in our country: (1) Our People (2) 150 square miles of Land (3) over 10,000 Square miles of Sea (4) High Quality Drinking Water and (5) our nation must build the fifth resource, free education from preschool to our own science and technology university to drive a knowledge-based economy.

The core weaknesses in our country, since independence on 27 October 1979, have been highly unqualified and incompetent Ministers of Finance, who have been unable to competently manage Public Accounts, to create Fiscal Surplus to build “Free High Quality Education from Pre-School to University to drive a knowledge based Economy”. Each of the three political parties that governed SVG since independence, has failed to build a model like Singapore .

There are two major obstacles which

have hindered sustainable economic development in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines : (1) Mustique Act NO 48 OF 2002 and (2) Taiwan drain on our economy.

Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal lived in Singapore from 1963 to1965.

Singapore focussed its vision on Building Free High Quality Education from Pre-School to University for all, and has become a World Bank success story with one of the highest standard of living in the World. Research has shown that a high quality workforce attracts multi-million dollar investments.

Your Excellency, we have no other option but to change direction; our people have been pushed to the ground into gross poverty, destitution, squalor and illiteracy.

In the name of humanity, I beg of you, please pay a visit to Capital Kingstown any night between 9pm and 10pm and see for your own knowledge the large number of Black People sleeping rough on the footpaths.

The major and prime significant weakness in our country is Prime Minister Hon Dr Ralph Gonsalves, who does not fully understand the mechanics of Public Accounts. This has had significant negative impact on SVG Economy.

Prime Minister Dr Gonsalves as Minister of SVG Finance failed the Audit of Public Accounts for three consecutive years, 2008, 2009 and 2010. This is unheard of, and anywhere else in the world, if you fail the Audit of Public Accounts, you’re

immediately replaced. The Prime Minister overshot the 2007 Budget Estimate by EC$63 million without the prior approval of SVG House of Assembly. In 2008, he killed the National Commercial Bank with an outrageous Bank Overdraft of EC$185 million. The Accountant General’s current account was not reconciled with the NCB. It is absolutely amazing how incompetent the ULP Regime is.

In 2008, the accuracy of the assessment of revenue at the Inland Revenue Department could not be verified due to non-access to the Director of Audit to the records. This is gross abuse of power.

(Source Audit Reports — Researched Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons),MSc, MBA) The indigenous population continues to carry the tax burden, while Taiwan and the superrich in Mustique and Canouan continue to get away with billions of dollars in tax and customs duty exemptions. This is a gross injustice, and where there is injustice, there is strife, and where there is strife, people can be fatally injured.

The source of our problems includes: (a) Millionaires and billionaires of Mustique and Canouan have been granted unconstitutional Tax and Customs Duty exemptions valued at hundreds of millions of dollars annually and (b) Taiwan owes Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Treasury EC$54 billion in Fish tax for the period 2001 to 2018. We will overcome!

Yours faithfully Retired British Royal Air Force Engineer Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA and Leader of SVG Green Party CC: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, The Constitutional Head of Saint Vincent And The Grenadines His Excellency The Governor General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Hon Dr. Ralph Gonsalves Leader of The Opposition Hon. Dr Godwin Friday His Excellency Secretary General of the United Nations Hon President The Privy Council London England Hon President CCJ Trinidad and Tobago Hon Chief Justice of OECE Saint Lucia Hon President of the United States of America Hon President of China His Excellency The President of Singapore Her Excellency The President of Taiwan Hon Secretary General of Caricom, Guyana Hon President of the World Bank Hon President of IMF Hon President of Caribbean Development Bank

We need the debate on Homosexuality THIS IS A response to the THE VINCENTIAN’s Editorial of Friday, April 26, 2019 Vol. 113 #17 At the moment, the problem is we are not having a debate, but bits and pieces of a shouting match. We are not using our reason to argue from premises to conclusions,

so that you can see why you disagree with people.

What we have is polarization… “You are only saying that because you are a wicked liberal or a homophobic fundamentalist”. We will not get anywhere until we learn to reason with one another. So, before

we can have the debate, we must relearn how to have the debate. This just has not happened and it will not now happen.

Take for example when people say we believe in the inclusion of all the baptized in every level of the church’s ministry. Baptism does not mean that everything in one’s character, personality, etc., God now affirms and accepts as is. We are flawed human beings - every aspect of our personality is distorted in some way or the other. The key is how do you tell what bits of you are your Godgiven humanness and must be accepted and celebrated; and how do you tell the things about you that even though they feel deeply part of who you are, have to be repented of and forsaken?

Our desires may lead us into all sorts of directions. That begs the question: How do you tell which one you say no to and which ones you say yes to? Does the

saying no or yes make them right/good in themselves?

If one were to mount a case, it has to start with God’s differentiate creation which is designed to work together ultimately heaven and earth, male and female. It is not an accidental genetic thing that humans are like that and the grand narrative of scripture goes to a conclusion which is the marriage of heaven and earth, the bride of Christ and Christ the bridegroom.

Therein lies the problem… the question has been begged in all directions and we have to get properly oriented.

In light of the above, how do we respond to those who say the bible is an ancient and homophobic text and so we must learn to distance ourselves from it?

Question: On which bit of moral high ground do you stand to pass this judgement on this text?

The issues are complex, no one can

deny. One thing is clear: there is nothing in contemporary understanding and experience of homosexual condition/orientation and behavior that was unknown in the first century and/or before.

The idea that in the first century they did not know, (but) we now with our scientific knowledge know there is something called homosexual condition, is a bit of enlightenment arrogance.

1. The writers of the Bible understand human sexuality as a gift of God. 2. They were fully aware of the power of human sexuality that is as awesome as it is disruptive.

3. Like most societies ancient and modern, they acknowledged the need for laws and traditions to control, monitor and direct the power generated by human sexuality.

4. Heterosexual behaviour is treated as the norm as ordained by God. 5. There is an

awareness of the presence of homosexuality.

6. This sexual expression is addressed, and condemned in the Old Testament and the New. 7. This sexual expression when condemned, is deemed to be diametrically opposed to the way of God. 8. In the New Testament, homosexuality is cited as one among other practices that the Christian should avoid.

The authority of scripture is an unshakable pillar of the church. Tradition is vital as we have seen how the church has interpreted and wrestled with scripture over the years.

Reason is vital because when you don’t have reason, it is easy to collapse into a subhuman morass of nonengagement.

The above is simply to frame the debate that is not to settle it.

J. Duncan Farley

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10 , 2019. 13.

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14. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Vincy Mas

Vincy Mas officially launched

Culture from 1984-1987 and again from 1991 — 1998, and showed a keen interest as one steeped in appreciation and knowledge of our culture, in the growth and development of Vincy Mas. He was, Adams said, a willing and valuable source on all things carnival related.

He called for a moment silence in honour of Horne.

Notwithstanding the veil that Horne’s death would have had over the occasion, Adams beckoned the citizenry to use Ricardo Adams, Chairman/CDC, got “our culture to make Vincy Mas things off with an appeal for all the event of the summer festival Vincentians to join in making Vincy season.”

Mas, the mother of event of the Minister of Tourism, Sports and Caribbean Summer festivals.

Culture - Cecil Mc Kie also paid tribute to Horne for his contribution to THE 2019 EDITION of Vincy Mas was carnival. officially launched last Saturday, May 4, He reminded his audience that this under the theme: ‘Welcome to Soca year was the 42nd year of our JuneLand’.

July carnival, and the 40th year since The day’s activities began with attaining independence. music trucks — one each journeying All of this, Mc Kie said. “will fit very from North Central Windward and the nicely into the programme that we other from Central Leeward, making launched call ‘Revival at 40’. whistle stops along the way to create a The Minister referenced the fact carnival atmosphere. that the flights so far for this year A Junior Fest World was mounted have been flying at over 90% capacity at the grounds of the Cruise Ship from three major cities - Toronto, New Terminal.

York and Miami.

Rain delayed a motorcade featuring “All indications are that the flights this year’s Miss SVG contestants, but from those three cities will be filled for when it got going en route to Victoria Vincy Mas 2019. So, we have to ready Park, persons lining the streets waved ourselves and ensure that we can and shouted encouraging expressions provide for persons coming to the to the contestants. destination,” Mc Kie proffered.

At Victoria Park, the stage was set He invited Vincentians overseas to for the Miss SVG contestants to make come home for carnival, but had a their first public appearance, and for more pointed appeal to locals. “I want mas bands to showcase some of their to appeal to all of you here and those costumes for 2019. following, don’t leave it to CDC or the Addressing the gathering, government to promote the country Chairman of Carnival Development and promote the festivals. I want to Corporation (CDC)- Ricardo Adams invite you to join us, get your families, paid tribute to former Minister of friends and also non-Vincentians to Culture the late John Horne, saying, come home for carnival and to visit St. inter alia, that Horne had made a Vincent and the Grenadines.” significant impact on the development When the formalities were over, it of carnival while as Minister of

was time for the entertainment package.

Headlined by reigning Soca Monarch The Junior Fest World mounted at the Cruise Ship Terminal ‘Fireman compound, proved an attraction for children, as it was Hooper’, others in the intended. (Photos courtesy CDC) package of Inset: Kristiana ‘Kristy’ Christopher took the opportunity to live get her vocal oiled by performing at the Junior Fest World. performers were his However, the first major show, the fellow soca artistes Flanka, Datc, Miss SVG Pageant, is slated for June 1 Madking, Dymx and Pixel, Peaches, and will feature guest artiste - soca Luta, Casper G. star Nadia Batson of Trinidad. (KH) Casper G won the nod from the audience as the most popular performance, for which he received two tickets from LIAT, 10 cases of Hairoun beer, a goat, as well as prizes from KFC and Flow.

Vincy Mas 2019 runs officially from June 28 July 9.

A glimpse of what is to come for Mardi Gras.

Lynx Mas Band says, “Come Fly With” SOME OF THE AIRLINES which transport persons to attend Vincy Mas annually, will be given an added promotional boost during the 2019 edition.

This as the Lynx Mas Band features them with their presentation: ‘Come Fly With’.

Among the airlines that will touch down on the streets of Kingstown and at the Victoria Park, are ‘ Liat’, ‘American Airlines’, ‘Sun Wings’, ‘Air Canada’, ‘Jet Blue’ and ‘Emirates’.

It is a presentation that Lynx Mas Band leader Cornelius ‘Pete’ Thomas said can keep them in the top three.

“It is a simple band, a simple portrayal, which

everyone can associate with, and we will be looking to stay among the top contenders,” Thomas stated.

Last year, Lynx Mas Band placed third in the Band of the Year category, the best showing in the band’s history.

Thomas reiterated the focus on satisfying their loyal fans, hence the band will again cater for just about 200 masqueraders.

“With this portrayal, we want to have a finished band, so we are keeping the numbers to this level, so that the beauty and the artistry can be enjoyed by all,” Thomas reasoned.

He noted that the Lynx Mas Band will be participating in all the competitions that are

Sun Wings on offer for masquerade bands.

The Lynx Mas Band made its mas band debut in 2005 and has been consistent with their presentation, except for 2013 and 2014 when the band opted out of participation in Vincy Mas. Jet Blue

Air Canada

V Wendell HerculesÊ legacy to live on

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10 , 2019. 15.

Focus

established himself then as a top middle distance runner. He died just over two years ago, in his adopted USA home, after succumbing to stomach cancer.

But his surviving immediate family and relatives, have planned two events aimed at keeping his memory alive.

Hazledene, Hercules’ widow who along with two (Michelle and Nicole) of their three children and other relatives were here in St Vincent and the Grenadines last weekend, revealed that among the family’s plans is the naming of a scholarship in her husband’s honour.

Tracing the genesis of the idea of the Persons participating in the 800m Walk, last Saturday at scholarship, the Arnos Vale Playing Field, as part of the Wendell Hazledene said: Hercules National Championships.

“Wendell created

THE FAMILY OF THE LATE Wendell ‘Steel Donkey’ Hercules wants to have his legacy maintained in the land of his birth.

Hercules, a former St Vincent Grammar School and St. Martin’s Secondary School athlete in the 1970s,

the ‘Running with the Angels 5K and 10K Race’ as a fund-raising charity event for St. Peter’s Church in Rochester, New York…

After Wendell’s passing, the race was renamed in his name and a scholarship fund was created for high school seniors going on to post-secondary studies.”

She added: “We want to create a similar race in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and have the money raised go to a scholarship in Wendell’s memory for incoming students from the Calliaqua or The late Wendell Hercules at right, with Prospect area going to the Boys his wife- Hazledene (center) and daughter Grammar School in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering – Michelle. and Math) fields… This would be Championships, as well as the perfect tribute to Wendell and a championships in Trinidad and Tobago way to continue his legacy and his love and Guyana. for his island home.”

He received a full track scholarship And, as a starter, the Hercules to the University of Idaho in the USA, family partnered with Team Athletics where he pursued a Bachelor’s Degree SVG in staging the Wendell Hercules in Civil Engineering.

National Championships last Saturday The marriage of Wendell and and Sunday, at the Arnos Vale One Hazeldene produced three children Playing Field.

Michelle, Nicole and Colin.

It was a partnership that the family According to Hazeldene: “Wendell felt proud of, and plans to continue in and I raised our children to have that vein. a fond appreciation for their Wendell Hercules’ pet events were Vincentian roots, and taught them the the 880 yards and the one mile, events value of Education, putting God first in which he represented this country and giving back to the community”. at the Windward Islands

Vincentian in Trinity fifth term ceremony among the thirty-eight medical students who participated in Trinity’s Spring 2019 Fifth Term Ceremony, an activity that heralded the future physicians into the next phase of their journey.

As far as journeys go, Shanka, who hails from Mt. Pleasant, Marriaqua, began hers in 2015 when she joined the pre-medical programme in the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences at Trinity. This opportunity came on the heels of her being named a 2014 Island Scholar, following her success in Pure Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science and Communication Studies at the SVG Community College.

But, medicine was not her primary career choice. It was after some exposure in the field, and the recognition of the need for certain specialties here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines that she shifted her focus.

She described pre-med as “hard” but with the enriching environment afforded by small class size, one-on-one interactions with faculty among others, helped to carve a serious commitment into her already established passion.

Shanka Edwards at her 5th Term From pre-med, Shanka joined the Ceremony.

Class of 2021 who received their White Coats, marking their official entrance SHANKA EDWARDS is a Vincentian into the medical field in September of student at Trinity Medical Sciences 2016.

University (TMSU) located at Ratho This is usually an emotional time Mill. On Tuesday, 23rd April, she was for any medical student, and for

Shanka, it was no different.

She reminisced by saying, “Getting my White Coat I think, put it into perspective: this is really happening, the journey is really now beginning and from now on, it’s all on me to push through and make it happen. It was a really a great feeling!”

Words such as tour, trek, sail and expedition are all used synonymously with journey. Shanka could easily say that hers was neither a tour, nor did she sail through anything. She FLASHBACK - Shanika Edwards receiving Island Scholarship Award from then Minister of has come out on the other Education Girlyn Miguel. side from five terms with the Faculty of Medical Shanka will move on to Baltimore, Sciences rewarded, not only with Maryland in the United States where academic success but also with an she will commence her pre-graduation ardent resolve that hard work brings journey into the clinical phase. As far success, and determination fuels as Shanka is concerned, she is passion. expecting changes. “I expect a change When questioned about advice she of pace of everything really, from the would give to anyone pursuing their culture to the people I would passion, she said, “I would say, once encounter. I’m also looking forward to it’s something that you know you’re coming into contact with and passionate about and are willing to work towards, no matter how difficult experiencing interesting cases; the journey may be or long, then go for although each case in itself is always a learning experience. I’m also eager to it because when you’re doing see and experience the difference if something that you’re passionate about, the ‘how’ would be overcome by any, between the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, our local clinics your ‘why’.” and those in Baltimore.”

Now, along with her classmates,

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16. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Tribute

John Horne: Father and more the borders of the constituency which John Horne first captured in the July 25, 1984 general elections and held for the next seventeen years, during which he also served as a Minister (Education, Culture, Foreign Affairs) in the New Democratic Party administration. in 1984.

Horne’s foundation had already taken shape by then. His stint at the Boys Grammar School and the colleagues he interacted with served Alexander John Clarke Horne as part of that foundation. It seemed JOHN HORNE had five daughters that anything John – Andrea, Oneka, Zhinga, Kande Horne became involved in and Zinzi, but for many persons became part of this nation’s here in St. Vincent and the history.

Grenadines and indeed other The funeral service parts of the globe, he was “so engendered a collection of much more to so many people.” past, present and future That’s how one of his generations. Tributes flowed daughters - Zhinga summed it profusely, each compact with up last Friday at the St. tales of the harmony Horne George’s Cathedral in evoked.

Kingstown, where the His daughters reflected on funeral service for the former the way his time was Parliamentary Representative consumed attending to people. for West Kingstown was held. Whether it was words of He was buried in the encouragement, advice, or churchyard cemetery. coins when the dollars ran out, The venue was not far from as Zhinga highlighted, “Once

A contingent of Police Officers served as bearers of the casket, covered with the national flag, to the grave site.

it mattered to you, it mattered to him.”

Horne was gifted, as his school mate Sebastian ‘Bassy’ Alexander, folklorist, musician and newspaper columnist attested. And his association with former US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Professor Roy Austin endeared him to the Bridge Boys and their involvement in producing Mas bands for the annual PreLenten carnival.

But nothing about him reflected a figure depressed by the fact that his mother died The immediate family of the deceased make their way to the when he was sixteen months graveside. and his Dad when he was 16 years. their game and He developed into a highly venture into competitive sportsman, realms — the favouring basketball in his church included early years and squash as he not traditionally mellowed in age but not accepting of pan enthusiasm. In fact, Horne is music. credited as being one of the Perhaps his pioneers of basketball in SVG. children, and John shone as a beacon up immediate close to his final hour, and the circles, would tributes in music and song have had to bear testimony to the esteem absorb the weight in which he was held.

The Starlfit Steel Orchestra provided of the invasion of Erlene Williams-King, privacy their Dad music intending, they say, to lift the soul sister of Horne’s wife Jeanne, of their dear friend and mentor up to the seemed to before delivering an Lord. encourage. But appropriate tribute in song, they will cherish thanked her sister for bringing of a truly people-centred the moments and be content Horne into the family. person with the rest of us. that they shared their legacy According to Erlene, “My (WKA) mother loved him unconditionally.”

Opposition Leader and President of the New Democratic Party - Dr. Godwin Friday felt it a “great loss.” He noted Horne’s “generous, unceasing service,” to the Party and the state as a whole.

For Friday, “Memories will grow sweeter.”

The Starlift Steel Orchestra would have felt abandoned if they were not part of the programme.

Horne was too connected to Starlift for them to abandon him — a connection that extended beyond The turnout to show respect to this national figure was such carnival, and one that that persons attending had to be accommodated under tents set encouraged Starlift to lift up in the churchyard.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10 , 2019. 17.

Arts

Book on U.S Black Soccer heroes launched LONG BEFORE there was Major League Soccer (MLS), the professional soccer (football) league of the United States of America, there was the North American Soccer League (NASL) which ran from 1968 to 1984.

During the NASL heyday, the likes of the great Brazilian Pele, Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer, Portugal’s Eusebio, Johan Neeskens — the former Dutch midfielder and George Best, the Brit who is today regarded as one of the game’s greatest, were featured.

But there were also some outstanding players from the Caribbean and Africa who played a significant role in the early success of the NASL, and in making the game of soccer a popular sport in the North American country.

So much so, the US won the bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup, and this served as the impetus for the MSL that exists today.

Now, SVG born Patrick Horne has

decided to tell the story of the influence that he and other players of colour had in popularizing the game.

Horne, originally from Layou, said that he migrated to the US as a teenager in the late 1960s.

The enthusiasm for football which he had developed while playing in both primary school and at the Bishop’s College Kingstown, continued in the US, and he was granted a scholarship to the Southern Illinois University, where he honed his football skills and earned a degree in Mass Communication. Outside of football, he worked as a sports journalist.

Horne, who played for the Memphis Rogues for two seasons, tells his and the story of the other black players who played in the NASL, in his book: ‘Black Pioneers of the North American Soccer League’.

“I played in the League, and when I look around and see what is going on with soccer in the United States — they

are filling stadiums, making millions of dollars — but no one knows whose sweat and tears and blood and injuries got football where it is today,” Horne told THE VINCENTIAN. “The book is about the Black guys who started it off,” he continued.

It contains historical documentation, photographs and statistics of some of the NSFL’s most prolific Black players, Patrick Horne, through his recently launched including those who had book, ensures that US soccer history does not come from the Caribbean.

For example, the players exclude the Black Pioneers. featured on the book’s cover 1973 and 1975 respectively. are from the Caribbean - Randy The book, launched here on April Horton of Bermuda, and Warren 25, also includes a section featuring Archibald and Steve David of Trinidad Vincentian football in the earlier and Tobago. years, through highlighting some of Horton, Archibald and David were the big teams and players of the day. the NASL’s top scorers and Most (DD) Valuable Players for the years 1972,

18. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10 , 2019. 19.

Business

‘Angel Investing’: An opportunity for financing

YOU HAVE THIS IDEA. You think it can grow into a successful enterprise. But you Anthony don’t have any Regisford, money. You Chairman of the Invest SVG Board, consider a financial wants to see institution. You get concrete the money, but proposals being paying back the submitted for loan leaves a consideration. strain. The bills are mounting and you don’t have any income to offset the loan.

You will even need training in running the business, and advice from others, keen on your venture.

If you have been through such situations, an opportunity is here for you to do something. You don’t have much time. Send your proposals to

Invest SVG by May 31 and get a chance to “pitch” your business presentation to local investors, willing to partner with you. It is being done through a programme dubbed ‘Angel Investing’.

Once a proposal fits the grade, that person will get $500 US along with training that will prepare him/her for another push at the ‘Everything Vincy Plus Expo’ scheduled for October 2019.

One of four winners shortlisted from the original bunch, will be awarded the grand prize of US$2000.

Annette Mark, Invest SVG’s Executive Director, outlined aspects of the project last Tuesday. “ ‘Angel Investing’ is often a favourable form of capital for seed and early enterprise, as ‘Angels’ generally understand the inherent risks associated with early stage venture, and have a higher risk tolerance,” the

Invest SVG Executive Officer said.

To demonstrate their commitment, ‘Angels’ “often require equity,” Marks indicated.

For her, ‘Business Angel Investing’ plays a “key role in understanding and thereby improving the local investment environment, leading to the development of a National Investment Policy and Strategy,” she emphasised.

“It is our expectation that, through this programme, Invest SVG will be able to bring together all relevant stakeholders to share ideas towards an inclusive and robust investment ecosystem for St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” she added.

Mark was joined by Chairman of the Invest SVG Board and Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director Anthony Regisford. He noted the trail of woes entrepreneurs encountered

trying to access financing.

Regisford ranks the Invest SVG Annette Mark, initiative as Invest SVG’s “creative.”

Executive He noted that Director, financial recognising institutions opted ‘Angel Investing’ for operations that as having a key are “more role in predictable,” and understanding the therefore, for local investment Small Businesses, environment. it was “more challenging to raise finance.”

Regisford stressed the importance of assistance outside the financial input, and cited marketing in this regard.

The Chairman called for “concrete proposals, nothing half-baked. You must know what your end game is.”

(WKA)

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20. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Say no to the abuser Dear George, AFTER MY boyfriend of 3 years dumped me for another woman, he came begging me to take him back, saying that he realized he had made a grave mistake.

This is the same man who slapped me because I told him that he was dumping me for ‘a nobody’. It was the first time he had laid hands on me and he never apologized for it.

The girl he left me for, has since left him for a woman, and has found herself in a threesome, with the woman and her boyfriend.

I warned him about her, but he chose not to listen. Now, he is constantly in my face asking for another chance.

I am not convinced that he wants to be back for the right reasons, and the fact that he was physically abusive makes it difficult for me to accept him back.

I just need your views to help me make my mind up about what to do. I know what my heart is telling me; but what if I`m wrong?

Dear Still Thinking, Your boyfriend made his choice, albeit a poor one, and he has to live with it.

When an abuser decides to leave and go elsewhere, you do not try to stop him or take him back if he wishes to make a U-turn back to you. If your heart is telling you to move on with your life, then you can never be wrong, should you do exactly that. You deserve better, and you now have a chance to start afresh, and that is a good thing.

Make good use of this opportunity to find someone who can love and cherish you the way you ought to be loved and cherished.

George

Still Thinking

Do not get involved getting ten times more satisfaction from her MY FRIEND confided in than from her husband.

I hate the idea of me that she plans to keeping this dark secret leave her husband for for her, and it is another woman, and I am wondering if I should bothering me. tell him. I met her husband through her. I Heavy mind know she wants me to Dear Heavy mind, keep this secret, but at the same time, I would It is unfair to be asked feel like I am betraying by your friend to keep her husband by such a secret, knowing remaining silent. that you are also friends She told me she is making out much better with her husband.

I would suggest, with this girl; that she is

Dear George,

though, that you do not get involved, seeing that her mind is made up.

You are free, however, to let your girlfriend know how you feel about her decision to leave the marriage, while keeping in mind that she is entitled to make her own decisions.

Regardless of the outcome, it should not prevent you from continuing the friendship with both parties.

George

Remove the temptation Dear George, Dear Temptation galore, I HAVE to admit: I am tempted by my house helper.

My wife and I agreed to get someone to help out around the house, seeing that she just gave birth to our second child. She found a girl, but from the minute she stepped foot into the house, the temptations started. She wears very skimpy clothes around the house, and it seems like she is deliberately tempting me to get involved with her.

I have been faithful to my wife up to this point, but I do not honestly know how much longer I can hold out if this young lady remains in the house. My wife trusts me 100% and I do not want to let her down, but it is that human side of me that is starting to get the better of me, and that worries me.

Temptation galore

First to begin with, I do not see why you should allow this individual to parade around the house dressed the way you have described. Out of respect for you and your home, a more conservative approach should be the way to go, and her style of dressing should have been addressed from day one.

If you cannot trust yourself around this young woman, then you need to let her go rather than keeping her and foolishly succumb to your lustful desires. Your wife, as you have said, trusts you 100%; now it is up to you to trust yourself.

Removing the temptation should not be seen as a sign of weakness but rather an application of wisdom.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) You will find yourself tied to the phone.

You have your own family to consider as well. Go after your professional goals.

You should be able to make major career gains if you plan your intentions carefully.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Curb the impulse to make lavish purchases and maybe spend some time with good friends. Compromise may be necessary. Pleasure trips will ease the tension between you and your mate. Do not trust others with important information.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) Your high enthusiasm will be sure to inspire anybody around you. Try to be reasonable. You're intuitive this week; however, this attribute could get you in trouble if you tactlessly say what you think.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) Don't let your family put demands on you. Focus your efforts on details, and keep to yourself in order to finish your work. Travel will promote romantic connections. Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) You may want to pull out some of those unfinished projects you've got tucked away. You'll feel much better when your slate is clean again. Be tactful if you see flaws in someone else's work. Try to be a bit more understanding or you may end up spending the evening alone.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Take care of your own responsibilities before you help others. You can pick up valuable information if you listen to those with more experience. Don't be taken advantage of by any fast‐talking salesperson trying to part you from your cash.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Don't overdo it. You need to enjoy yourself. You can sell your ideas to those who have the money to back them. Draw up contracts regarding your personal situation. Major job changes or opportunities to get ahead professionally are apparent.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Try a barbecue or a day at the beach. You can purchase items that will enhance your appearance. New romantic relationships will develop through group activity related to sports events. Don't count your chickens before they hatch.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) You can spend a passionate evening with someone you cherish if you make your plans early. Don't give in too quickly. You will find travel and lectures most stimulating. Pleasure trips will be favorable and bring about romance.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) You can get your point across if you don't beat around the bush. You'll be surprised how much you can accomplish. You will do well in social settings, and new and interesting individuals may spark a romantic curiosity.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Be careful to avoid wrong doings. Pamper yourself; the self‐esteem it brings you will be most gratifying. Discuss your objectives with partners or peers. You will do your best work on your own.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Don't let your mate force you into making a decision that you aren't ready to make.

Problems with financial investments could make you nervous. New romantic partners may attend a function that puts you in the limelight. If you can, make phone calls instead of going out.

ACROSS 1. Dapper fellow?

4. Toad’s jump 7. Alternative to Rover 8. Listening organs 10. Takes hold of firmly 12. Pretending 14. Slithery swimmer 15. Avid 17. Wild‐animal park 18. Mild‐mannered 20 Stripling 21. Amount owed 22. Cuts into small cubes 24. That gent’s 25. Mr. Brokaw 26. Addition’s bottom line 27. Was ahead of the pack 28. Periods of furious anger 30. Posh places to relax 32. Head cover 33. Bath bar 36. Energy; zip 37. Fixed boundary 39. Billiards rod 40. Barked like a little dog 42. Giving a title to 44. Mentally acute 45. Warm winter garment 46. Guy with kids 47. Wide‐eyed hooter DOWN 1. Called with a rotary phone 2. Sale announcements 3. Slangy denial 4. Use the 8‐Across 5. Sturdy tree 6. Winners’ rewards 7. Gratis 9. Arrogant type 10. Emerald or ruby

11. Capital of Oregon 12. Offered to meal to 13. Obtained 16. Fuel‐tank filler 19. Flying toys 21. Thin, silvery coins 23. Edible fish 24. Embrace 26. Smooth, shiny cloth 27. Drank from a bowl 28. Male sheep 29. Enjoying the company of others 30. Eavesdrop (on)

31. Reach the (to) highest point 38. Crunchy 32. Put out of sight tortilla treat 34. Sister of 41. Podded 46‐Across legume 35. Wooden bolt 43. Trim the grass 37. Extend credit

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. 21.

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22. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Branson to save LIAT? Antigua to buy BarbadosÊ share? government.

From what has been gathered, of its current financially starved Barbados had tabled the idea of selling situation, and setting it on a path to two of the aircraft ((LIAT) which they becoming a genuine profit-making claim would be theirs, and using the enterprise. cash to start up another carrier that This, according to Hurst, included would be based primarily in the the need to enlarge the fleet and southern part of the Caribbean. expanding the service with the “The whole idea is to enlarge LIAT purchase/lease of several aircraft jets rather than collapse LIAT or making it that could handle, for example, routes a smaller entity. I believe the idea that between Fort Lauderdale and Jamaica, Barbados had in mind, which we Haiti and Antigua and Barbuda. reject, was a plan that would result in Towards this end, it appeared that LIAT either being downsized or Sir Richard was prepared to invest completely collapsed,” Hurst told the several million dollars. radio station.

Continued from Backpage.

Antigua backs Branson

Antigua and Barbados

What is certain, Hurst cautioned, is that Sir Richard Branson — whose net worth was put at US%5.1 billion in April 2018 (Source: Wikipedia, ) — is “not going to plow his resources into a smaller LIAT that would not be able to achieve a profitable status.”

In a subsequent interview with WINN FM radio in St. Kitts and Nevis, Hurst all but confirmed that the Gaston Browne administration of Antigua and Barbuda preferred the Branson involvement in LIAT than what was floated by the Barbados

In another development, since the April 30 meeting in Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda has also put on the table, i.e. at the April 30 meeting, its intention to purchase the shares that Barbados currently holds in LIAT. That offer apparently followed on a statement Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley is purported to have made, inter alia, that she had no more money to invest in LIAT, and that she would sell her shares if an investor was found.

The Antigua and Barbados Minister

of Aviation and the Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, has confirmed that the Antigua and Barbuda offer to purchase the shares of LIAT owned by Barbados, was among several issues raised by Antigua and Barbuda’s representatives at the April 30, 2019 meeting.

However, since the Barbados representative at the Meeting was not the Prime Minister of that country, it was agreed that this development

would be conveyed to the PM Mottley and a response would shortly be forthcoming.

The Barbados Nation, reporting on this development, said that when contacted, Prime Minister Mia Mottley disclosed that her Government was still awaiting a firm proposal from the Antiguan government.

She added, as per the Nation’s report, “Barbados is not in the practice of shouting across the Caribbean waters; that is not our style. When there is a substantive proposal, we will consult our stakeholders and share it with the people of Barbados.”

Should Barbados agree to sell to Antigua and Barbuda, the latter would become the largest single shareholder in LIAT, with some 62% of the shares.

Ganja charges withdrawn against five A MARIJUANA case which had been before the Serious Offences Court, for the past six months was withdrawn on Wednesday.

The matter which involved Rafique Williams, Cyrus Prince and Kezron Edwards, all of Rose Bank, Simon Isaacs of Gibson Corner and Ian Edwards of Murray’s Village, who were charged with possession of 4,907 grams of marijuana with intent to supply, possession of that amount for the purpose of drug trafficking, and agreeing with each other to commit the offence of drug trafficking (conspiracy), had returned to the Serious Offences Court on Wednesday after the matter was given its final adjournment on April 29.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche requested the adjournment on the basis that the Investigator, Corporal Vertil Davis, was overseas on cricket duties. He explained then that cricket was a duty of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), and is included in the police regulations.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne granted the adjournment despite strong objections from the men’s lawyer Grant Connell, who expressed concern that cricket duty would take precedence over a Court matter pending for six months.

However, when the matter was called on Wednesday, the Chief Magistrate discharged the men after Prosecutor Curlene Samuel indicated that the prosecution was withdrawing the charges.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN later, Connell said, “It is very unfortunate that five Vincentians who could benefit under the soon to come on stream, Modern Medicinal Marijuana Industry, had to endure all this inconvenience, only to hear that a matter pending for six months was eventually withdrawn.”

The men, who were arrested following a joint police operation at Rose Place, Kingstown on September 30, 2018, were all out on bail.

(HH)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. 23.

X- Ceed: Champs at last!

AFTER MORE THAN A DECADE of having to succumb to the dominance of Mitres and Maple, X- Ceed has been finally able to nail the Gloria Ballantyne Division One League title, of the FLOW National Netball Club Tournament.

The Twilight Trading sponsored X-Ceed, last Tuesday evening at the Kingstown Netball Centre, nailed the title with a commanding 54-33 win over Mitres, to stay unbeaten.

Last week Thursday, XCeed had put themselves in pole position by defeating Mertocint General Insurance Maple 56-49.

The Champion’s other wins were against Dutch Lady Clinchers, 64-40 and RSVG Police Elite, 70-34.

Champing the title at last, according to Godfrey Harry, Head Coach of X-Ceed, “was always in the making. We have

come close in the last few years, and it was only a matter of time,” Harry said.

He stated that after assessing the other teams in the Division, he was confident that this was going to be his club’s New champions of Division One year.

“We looked at the other Netball – Twilight Trading X- Ceed.

Head Coach -Godfrey Harry is teams and we saw that extreme left standing. they were not as strong as before, so we knew this was our best chance to Right: X- Ceed’s Shanice Daniel, take the title, and so we with ball in hand, aims to make a set about doing so,” Harry pass during last Tuesday evening’s commented.

Division One match versus Mitres, Harry, an experienced in the FLOW National Netball Netball Coach, thumbed Tournament at the Kingstown the “youthfulness,” as one Netball Centre. of the advantages his club had over their main noted. rivals, Mitres and Maple.

Buoyed by the success of the “We continue to recruit League Title, Harry is quietly players from our feeder teams, confident of going all the way, hence we are able to have fresh i.e. doing the double by taking talent coming through,” Harry the Knock- Out Competition.

Still to be determined are The Division One title is the second title to be decided. Sion the Marlene Arthur Division Two and the Joyce Frank Hill Junior Netball Team Division Three. claimed the Sonja Lewis Division Four crown.

Currency’s century sparks Saints’ win A CENTURY BY FORMER WINDWARD ISLANDS batsman Romel Currency steered Guardian General Saints to a 94-run win over Victors One in a NLA Premier Division OneDay (50 Overs) Competition match played at Sion Hill last Sunday.

Currency’s 108 — including 6 sixes and 7 fours — pushed Guardian General Saints to 204 all out in 47.2 overs. Left arm spinner Alston Bobb was the pick of Victor One’s bowlers. He finished with 4 wickets for 30.

What should have been a relatively comfortable chase for Victors One, turned out to be the exact opposite.

They were humbled for 110 all out in a mere 21.4 overs, after they proved not to have any answer to the bowling of Jeremy Layne, 5 for 39, and Jeremy Haywood, 2 for 27. Miles Bascombe 34 was Victor One’s high individual scorer.

In another NLA

Premier Division OneDay match played at Park Hill on Sunday, Team Rivals beat FLOW Radcliffe by 15 runs.

Team Rivals made 218 from 45 overs. Hyron Shallow hit 67 and Javed Williams 33. Richie Richards bagged 3 for 45, Tijourn Pope 3 for 25 and Rasheed Fredericks 2 for 23.

FLOW Radcliffe lasted all of 47.3 overs before they closed on 203. Asif Hooper manfully led the way with 69 and Wayne Harper got 32, but they could not overcome Lindon James who took 4 for 45 and Shallow 3 for 29.

decent total of 180 in their 20 overs, during which they lost 6 wickets. Olanzo Bellingy contributed 42. Kishore Shallow with his off spin captured 3 for 39.

When rain caused a halt to the match, Victors Two had faced 16 overs and registered 107 for 4.

Romani Mars was not out on 40.

A decision was made as to the outcome, on the totals at 14 overs, and on that basis Bequia with the higher total, was awarded full points.

Keagan’s Bequia X1 was not to be that fortunate on Sunday when they took on MSDA Jules Anthony Northern T20 2019 Competition Stars at Buccament.

Javerdeen Browne 40 Keagan’s Bequia X1 and Shem Browne 36 led had mixed fortunes in the way in Bequia’s total the NLA T20 of 134 for 9 in their 20 Competition on the overs. Maxwald Edwards weekend. took 3 for 29 bowling for In their first match Northern Stars. played on Saturday at In their turn at the Sion Hill, they beat crease, Northern Stars Victors Two by 38 runs. eased to victory, closing Shem Browne blasted at 138 for 4 from 16.4. an even 100 (3 sixes and overs, opener Lashawn 14 fours) to give Bequia a Lewis slamming 73.

Lashawn Lewis, 73, kept Northern Star in the reckoning in the NLA T20 Competition.

Shem Browne hit 100 for Keagan’s Bequia X1.

Field last Sunday, the lawmen earned a fiveMSDA Jules Anthony wicket win over Rudy’s Electrical Unique Northern Stars were Warriors. handed full points on a Unique Warriors platter when Belfongo, their opponents for their batted first and made second match on Sunday, 245 from 44.1overs. Leon Samuel topscored with failed to take the field.

63, Roger Davis and First Division 50 Overs: Michael Joseph hit 32 apiece and Jelano Neil 21. Elmoe Alexander Police One filled the took 3 for 53 and Gerald final semi-final berth in Gould 2 for 28. the NLA First Division 50 Overs Cricket Police One responded Competition. strongly and rapidly, In a high scoring reaching 239 for the loss encounter played at the of five wickets in 34.2 Arnos Vale Two Playing overs. The experienced

Romel Currency stroked 109 for Saints. duo of Parnell Browne with 89 and Gosnel Cupid 86, were the principal scorers for Police One. Asif Hooper toiled for 2 for 51.

The semi finals will be contested this weekend when Keegan’s Bequia X1 face MSDA Julius Anthony Northern Stars at Arnos Vale 2, and Police One clash with Smashers at Sion Hill.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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24. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Morgan pleased with Penn Relays showing

RAWLSON MORGAN, Head Coach of the St. Vincent Grammar School (SVGS) team to the 2019 Penn Relays, is satisfied with the overall performance of his team, but has lamented the fast turnover of athletes at the school as one debilitating factor.

“The team’s performance was good … we won our heat in the 4x400 meters in a time of 3.24.85 seconds, and finished second in 4x100 meters in a time of 44.66 seconds…. It was really a great effort, and I am very proud of the guys for what they did, and happy for the achievement,” Morgan said in a conversation with THE VINCENTIAN. But even as he commended his team, the Coach was mindful of the rate of turnover of athletes under his care at the SVGS. “The turnover rate in Grammar School is so fast that I never really

have a full team for any length of time, and even though every year our ranking has improved … the challenge is to have a certain crop of guys to continue that way.”

He cited that even with that mitigating factor, “in the 4x400 meters, we moved from in the eighties to 47, and this year were are at 31… things are getting better.”

And as far as the age factor is concerned, Morgan believes there is no disadvantage for his younger athletes competing with the older ones, “.. but what is important is to maintain a core of athletes over a two, three-year

main objective of participating in the Penn Relays is to give our young athletes an opportunity to compete on the big stage where scouts can view their performance and assess their period. “ potential, Morgan asserted , “I don’t Interestingly, Morgan want to take a team to Penn’s for the has not ruled out the route sake of taking team … the team must of recruiting athletes from be competitive, so my aim is to make other schools in order to put the team competitive, and already I together the best possible have started looking ahead … training team. will commence soon.”

He admits, though, that The SVGS team to the 2019 Penn even with this approach, it Relay comprised Handel Roban, Nelly will still be “a big ask to Ambriton, Malick Ferdinand, Nkosia chop down teams from the Rogers, Deran Edwards and Jaden United States and Jamaica Delpesche. who run just over 3 minutes According to Morgan, there have and benefit from greater been inquiries by some US Colleges support mechanism and more about Roban, Ferdinand and competition.”

Ambriton.

And while he recognizes that the I.B.A.ALLEN Rawlson Morgan, Head Coach of St. Vincent Grammar School Penn Relays team.

Harry: Down but not out

Coach of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School Penn Relay, teams.

GODFREY HARRY, coach of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School’s team to the 2019 Penn Relays, assessed this year’s outing as one of mixed fortunes.

“The female 4x400m team ran faster this year doing 4:05.57 compared to last year’s 4:06.94 despite that achievement, this after a major setback with one of our top sprinters getting injured,” Harry told THE VINCENTIAN, adding, “The boys, though, were disappointing, especially in the 4x400, but despite that, all in all, it was another

opportunity for the athletes.”

Harry described the preparation of the teams as a challenge. “We virtually had to rebuild a new team, including coopting guys who are also playing football.”

Fortunately for him, some of the girls interacted with other coaches which he described as a “good sign.”

Going forward, Harry admits that they need to ensure that the athletes are in top shape to compete successfully.

But he warns that even if we can achieve this, “It’s a hard challenge to win at the Penn’s, due to the fact that our school structure is not the same as in Jamaica and the United States.”

He explained: “When we lose our Grade 11s and 12s, the institutions in Jamaica and the USA still have their students for another two years. So, we carrying our 14 and 15- year-olds to compete against

McDowall, Ashton win St Lucia 10Ks JUNIOR ASHTON and Linda McDowall copped the annual St. Lucia Dennery Waterfall 10K event in the male and female categories respectively.

The event was held last week Wednesday.

Mc Dowall in fact, retained her title in a time of 47 minutes 11.17 seconds, while Ashton moved from a second place last year to a first place in a time of 37 minutes 03.21 seconds.

St. Lucians followed the Vincentians in second and third places in both races: Benatra Charlery and Blossom Gonzague taking second and third respectively behind Mc Dowall; and Winsbert Sylvester and Neville Dupre respectively behind Ashton.

Ashton, the number one long distance runner here, said that his preparation was the key to him taking the top spot this year.

“I went from strength to strength due to the hard work I put in before the race. I knew Cox (Curtis Cox defending champ) as well as other good athletes from Martinique were going to compete, so I did most of my training on the road and the

beach in Sandy Bay.” As for the course in St. Lucia, Ashton described it as “a hilly one.”

Mc Dowall, this country’s leading female middle/long distance runner, was delighted to retain the Dennery Waterfall 10k title.

“I used this race as part of my training and was very pleased I was able to capture the title again. My next event is the CTC Half Marathon end of month after which I have the CARICOM 10K in July, so my preparation continues in an effort for me to get in the best shape. It was my fifth time taking part in a half marathon, and usually I use it as a preparation for my major races which are the 10K and 15K and 20k.,” Mc Dowall told THE VINCENTIAN. Ashton, like McDowall will next compete in the CTC Half Marathon in Tobago as well as the CARICOM 10K scheduled for June in St. Lucia. He finished third in last year’s CARICOM 10K held in Jamaica.

I.B.A.ALLEN

(L-R): Junior Ashton and Linda McDowall, male and female winners in the 2019 Dennery Waterfall 10K.

19 and 20-year-olds… it’s a big disparity.”

All in all, though, Harry reasoned, “We have achieved some of our objectives - like seeing some of our athletes moving on from the Penn Relays to Colleges in the UISA.” But he warned that “… unless the system can be adjusted, it’s going to be a challenge. The important thing is to keep athletes in the sport, and I will continue to prepare a team for Penn’s, once we have the talent that can produce the performance that is expected, a process I have already started.”

The Male TSSS team included Zimri Stephenson, Jamal Creese, Dawson Samuel, Uroy Ryan and Myran Mathews. The Females were Almarie Providence, Shahaha Lynch, Daniella Lewis, Kaylia Edwards, Tiwanny John, Zamisha Myles.

On completion of the event, the TSSS Boys were ranked 190th of 549 in the 4x100m, and 255th of 533 in the 4x400m.

The Girls are now 218th of 612 in the 4x100m, and 120th of 608 in the 4x400m.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Cunningham is Top Goal Scorer NATIONAL striker Chavel Cunningham’s goal scoring prowess was again at the fore, as he ended as the top marksman in the Premier Division of the 2018/2019 SVGFF National Club Championships.

Cunningham, who plays for BESCO- Pastures, finished with 25 goals, adding two last Sunday at the Camden Park Playing Field, as his team beat Camdonia-Chelsea, 5-4.

His tally was significant in BESCO- Pastures’ champing of Chavel the 2018/2019 Club Cunningham Championship title, as overall the team scored 67 goals, while conceding 25.

BESCO- Pastures ended the championships on 53 points, accumulated from 16 wins and 5 draws.

They suffered one loss — to second place- North Leeward Predators.

Predators’ second place was earned through 4 wins; 6 draws and 2 losses. They rounded off their campaign last Sunday at home at the Golden Grove Playing Field, with a 4-1 win over Continued on Page 25.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. 25.

Sports

Ollivierre: Training is key to Penns MICHAEL OLLIVIERRE, renowned for his outstanding success at the Penn Relays during his tenure as a Track and Field coach in Jamaica, has advised that in order for the Schools here to achieve the ultimate at the Relays, they must change their methods of preparation.

Ollivierre made his comments following the participation of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School (TSSS) and the St. Vincent Michael Grammar School (SVGS) in the Ollivierre – 2019 Penn Relays last month.

Track and “The Penn Relays started in Field coach.

1895, and Jamaica and Caribbean Schools started going there from 1962. The main objective was for exposure yes, but (also) to create opportunities because the American University and Colleges were looking for athletes to make their Colleges look good.

“I had the privilege of taking a school in 1983 and it took me four years to make an impact, after which I was able to win 21 championships titles and set some records in the process… those records have since been broken.

“So, what I am saying, once you go to Penn’s, yes you are going to get experience and exposure, but you are going to create opportunities for your athletes,” Ollivierre asserted, adding that in his 27 years in Jamaica, he was able to assist over 93 persons to obtain athletics scholarships.

Best eleven and Lara fifty not out

by EARL W. ROBINSON WHILE DISCUSSIONS and debates continue on the West Indies squad for this Year’s Cricket World Cup, I have taken the opportunity to select my best W.I. and World X1 teams from the previous eleven tournaments (1975-2015).

Unquestionably, there have been some remarkable performances by several individuals over those forty years.

Best W.I XI and World XI

But Ollivierre did admit that the St Vincent scenario “is a little awkward.”

He explained that in Jamaica, many of the secondary schools have A’Level departments. In the case of St. Vincent, he said, “the kids leave at 15, 16 and go to the College, so there will never be a level playing field for the athletes from St Vincent, ,because they will be coming up against athletes who are already 20 years old… so that is one disadvantage.”

The other disadvantage Ollivierre cited was the preparation of the athletes. “We don’t prepare our athletes well enough for the Games, and we are not recruiting young kids into the system or older kids from other schools.”

From a West Indian standpoint, my selections were straightforward, namely, Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Vivian Richards, Brian Lara, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Clive Lloyd (Captain), Deryck Murray, Keith Boyce, Anderson Roberts, Michael Holding and Joel Garner.

The World XI was more of a brain teaser, although some players were automatic choices.

My eleven are as follows: Adam Gilchrist, Sachin Tendulkar, Vivian Richards, Ricky Pointing, Kumar Sangakkara, Abraham De Villiers, Imran Khan (Captain), Wasim Akram, Lasith Malinga, Glenn McGrath and Mattiah Muralitharan. Sanath Jayasuriya and Shane Warne were unlucky to miss out.

In my time, De Villiers is the most versatile batsman I have seen. No wonder they call him Mr. 360.

Teams’ performances

Lara turns 50

Looking at the performances of the two schools at the 2019 Penns, Ollivierre, who is First Vice President of the Team Athletics SVG, was blunt.

The TSSS performance was “Poor, very, very poor,” he said, recognizing, though, that they were hampered by the absence of Zamisha Mayers through injury.

He noted, however, Mayers herself was not prepared.

“Thomas Saunders Secondary School has a coach who is qualified and can do well, but he is coaching too many different sports teams, and will not endear athletes to him…. he is just not focusing on the sport enough the get the best out of the athletes,” Ollivierre said of Godfrey Harry.

Overall, Ollivierre was of the view that the TSSS, with its nine consecutive years of participation in the Penn Relays, should have had more than two of their Penn participants Brandan Parris and Shafique Maloney — to show as athletic scholarship winners.

He agreed that the St. Vincent Grammar School had an improved performance in their second outing.

“I know they didn’t have a strong 4x100 team but they went with a better prepared 4x400 team, and I commended them for their effort… 3.24, still a small time, but it’s an improvement. Next year if they could run 3:20 or lower, fine, but they don’t have the material in my view because they are losing two of their top guys,” the coach commented.

Ollivierre reiterated the need for athletes to focus on training more seriously, and has offered his assistance to any school in their preparation for continued or debut participation in the Penn relays.

I.B.A.ALLEN

On Thursday 2nd May, 2019, one of the best batsmen in modern times celebrated his 50th anniversary of birth. That player was Brian Charles Lara of Trinidad and Tobago, and by extension West Indies.

Congratulations!

Lara’s Test career began in Pakistan in 1990, but it was not until 1992 he became a permanent fixture in the team. In 1991, manager Clive Lloyd said he (Lara) will have to wait his turn. Yes, he did, and responded brilliantly with 277 run out in only his 5th Test against Australia at Sydney in 1993. Do you know his daughter’s name?

Highest individual Test scores Since the Second World War (1939-45), the record for the highest individual Test innings has been broken four times, each time by a left-handed batsman Garfield Sobers, Lara (twice) and Matthew Hayden.

On August 23, 1938, Leonard ‘Len’ Hutton broke his fellow country-man Walter ‘Wally’ Hammond’s record of 336 not out.

Hutton went on to scored 364 at the Oval in England against Australia. This record stood for

SCVG at a disadvantage

almost twenty years when, on Brian Charles March 1, 1958, Sobers of Lara, speaking Barbados and West Indies to the Trinidad reached 365 not out against and Tobago Pakistan at Sabina Park, media on his amaica. Yours truly was only 50th birthday, eleven months old when this May 2, 2019. historic occasion took place.

(Photo: Playing in only his sixteenth Trinidad Test, Lara made 375 against Express) England at the Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG) in 1994, Clive Lloyd, Malcolm twenty-five years ago. This innings ended Sobers’ 36- year-old Marshall, Vivian reign.

Richards, Lara’s journey to this Anderson achievement began on April 16, 1994 at the end of which, day one, Roberts, Garfield Sobers, Clyde Walcott, Courtney Walsh, Everton he was 164 not out. At close of play on day two, he was unbeaten Weekes and Frank Worrell.

Another notable achievement on 320. On day three, April 18, he for Lara was his innings of 153 passed 365. not out against Australia at Matthew Hayden, Australia’s opening batsman, had his taste of Kensington Oval, Barbados in 1999, which is ranked by Wisden glory for a period of six months. as the greatest Test innings since On October 10, 2003 at Perth against Zimbabwe, he recorded a the Second World War. Only Donald Bradman (Australia) score of 380. But on April 12, innings of 270 not out against 2004, Lara reclaimed his crown England at the Melbourne Cricket when he registered 400 not out Ground (MCG) in 1937, was against England — the same ranked higher on the all-time list. opponent at the same the venue, the ARG. Windwards 1969 Does history repeat itself or people repeat history? Lara Still reflecting on the year repeated history.

1969, it was that year the The 400-innings match was administrators of Windward played from April 10, 2004 to April 14, 2004. By the end of play Islands cricket changed the format of the goodwill tournament on the first day, Lara was on 86 from a knock-out affair to a round not out. The next day at close of robin competition. play, he had carried his score to Absent from that tournament 313 undefeated. On the third day, were Michael Findlay (St. April 12, he made the first and Vincent) and Grayson Shillingford only quadruple century in Test cricket, 400 not out. To this day, it (Dominica). Both had been selected in the West Indies squad remains the highest individual to tour England that year. West Test innings in 142 years (1877Indies lost the 3-match series two2019) of Test cricket. nil. England, however, did not win another series and the Wisden Other achievements Trophy until 2000. In that series, W.I were led by James ‘Jimmy’ In 2012, the world’s governing Adams, the current Director of body, the ICC, inducted him into Cricket for Cricket West Indies. the Hall of Fame. He is one of England won the five-match eighteen West Indians to receive series 3-1. this accolade. The others are For the record, Kenrick Toppin Curtly Ambrose, Joel Garner, kept wicket for St. Vincent in Lance Gibbs, Gordon Greenidge, Findlay’s absence. Grenada and Wesley Hall, George Headley, St. Lucia were the joint winners.

Michael Holding, Rohan Kanhai,

Cunningham is Top Goal Scorer and $10 000 cash prizes, respectively.

Largo Height.

The fourth place, which is yet Sion Hill, with 35 points, with to be decided, gets $ 6000. Either a record of 9 wins, 8 draws and 5 Hope International or Je Belle losses, occupied the third spot. can claim that spot, depending The three top teams - BESCO- on the outcome of the final match Pastures, North Leeward of the Division between Bequia Predators and Sion Hill, are United and Je Belle. assured of the $20 000, $15 000 Continued from Page 24.

26. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019. 27.

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St. Mary's Anglican Church Buccament Friday, May 3rd, 2019

Funeral Service Sunday, 5th May 2019 S.D.A Church Fountain Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

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VOLUME 113, No.19

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BRANSON TO SAVE LIAT? Antigua to buy BarbadosÊ share? possible way forward for the cashconstrained airline.

Suffice it to say, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, in his capacity as Chairman of the Shareholder Governments, told the media at the conclusion of the meeting, that those in attendance agreed PM Mia Mottley (right) put a ‘hold’ on PM Gaston Browne’s offer to purchase her government’s shares, but he would be eager to position to give further consideration to a himself to ensure that he ‘protects’ LIAT’s large presence in his proposal advanced by country.

Antigua and Barbuda, with A MEETING OF PRINCIPAL LIAT held in Antigua last week respect to the airline’s future.

SHAREHOLDER GOVERNMENTS Tuesday, April 30, arrived at That proposal, Dr. and the Board of Directors of nothing concrete as far as a

Could we see Sir Richard Branson hanging out from a cockpit window in a LIAT aircraft?

Gonsalves said, was made orally and that it was expected that it would be put in writing within a week. He was hopeful this would be discussed by the shareholders before the end of May. Now it appears that, while Dr. Gonsalves refrained, for whatever reason(s), from giving details about the Antiguan proposal, the Antigua and Barbuda government itself is speaking loudly about what could well have been contained therein.

In comes Sir Richard Branson.

Foremost in the proposal appears to be an indication that Sir Richard Branson, an English business magnate, investor, author,

philanthropist and founder of the Virgin Group, which controls more than 400 companies, including Virgin Airline — has shown an interest in LIAT. This was first made public on Friday 3rd May by Lionel Hurst, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, in a post-cabinet media briefing.

Hurst disclosed further that discussions held with Sir Richard, discussions that media personnel concluded were held between the Antiguan government and the English man, centred around ways of taking the airline out Continued on Page 22.

What is clear is that Sir Richard Branson is not interested in playing around with small aircraft. See LIAT alongside jet aircraft.

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