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FRIDAY,

OCTOBER 10, 2014

VOLUME 108, No.41

www.thevincentian.com

FORMER REGISTRAR PLEADS GUILTY office as Registrar of the High Court, an arbitrary A MATTER WHICH HAS act prejucial to the BEEN the subject of rights of another person public attention for the to wit, request that past five months took a Account No. 800300 at new twist this week, with the St. Vincent former High Court Cooperative Bank Ltd. Registrar Tamara Gibson- for the benefit of Marks pleading guilty to Franklyn Williams, be two criminal charges, and closed’. another being nolle prosequied.

DPP explains She is expected to know her fate next In presenting the Tuesday, October 14. facts, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Registrar’s admission Colin Williams told the court that in her Gibson-Marks capacity as Registrar, admitted on Tuesday, at Gibson-Marks served as the Kingstown Accounting Officer for Magistrate’s Court, that the High Court and between April 30, 2014 Registry. and May 21, 2014 at The Mediation Kingstown, she Programme is an dishonestly alternative dispute appropriated funds resolution procedure. belonging to another, When people go into with the intention of mediation, the High permanently depriving Court Office collects the the other of it to wit, funds, part of it goes to EC$21,925 belonging to pay the mediators and the Mediation the balance is retained Programme at the High by the office.

Court.

According to the facts, Gibson-Marks also the money was kept in a confessed that on May 7, drawer. About two years 2014, ‘while being a ago there was an person employed in the indication that some of public service, did the money went direct, in abuse of her missing, and Gibsonby HAYDN HUGGINS

Marks placed a lock on the drawer. However, the practice of putting money into the drawer continued.

An Audit was conducted, and a report from the Director of Audit revealed there was a difference of EC$21,925 between what was collected and what was disbursed.

The matter was handed over to the police who carried out investigations, and Gibson-Marks was charged in relation to that sum of money, since it is the duty of the Accounting Officer to account for the money.

EC$1.50

Colin Williams DPP made one of his now rare appearances at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, and explained certain facts pertinent to the case.

Tamara Gibson-Marks, seen here with one of her lawyers St. Lucian Alberton Richelieu, will know her fate by next week.

wit an order in claim 96 of 1980 purportedly dated 9th December, 2008 and entered 12 December, 2008’. She maintained her innocence on this charge, and the DPP entered a nolle prosequi.

Gibson-Marks had pleaded not guilty to all three charges when she Other charges initially appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Gibson-Marks was Court August 21 this also charged with, that year, and was released on May 7, ‘being a person employed in the on bail in the sum of public service who being $30,000 with one surety.

Her bail was continued authorized to give a certificate touching any when she returned to court on Tuesday. matter by virtue The former Registrar whereof the rights of is represented by St. any person may be Lucian lawyer Alberton prejudicially affected, Richelieu and local did give a certificate attorney Duane Daniel. which was to her Magistrate Carla James knowledge false in granted permission to material particular to the defence for the filing

and serving of written submissions in relation to mitigation, on the Court and the DPP by today (Friday). This is to be supplemented with oral submissions next Tuesday, October 14.

Gibson-Marks is likely to know her fate on the same day.

VINCENTIAN was unable to confirm whether additional charges would be brought against GibsonMarks.

When contacted, Investigator Station Sergeant Trevor ‘Buju’ Bailey indicated that investigations were still on-going.

Gibson-Marks, a St. Money repaid Lucian, took up the post At a news conference of High Court Registrar last month, Prime here in 2008. She Minister Dr. Ralph vacated her position and Gonsalves said Gibsonleft the state in May Marks had already this year following a repaid a total of over meeting with Attorney $300,000 which had General Judith Jonesbeen withdrawn from a Morgan. trust account at the St. The former Registrar Vincent Cooperative returned to the state Bank Ltd. and from a voluntarily August 20. mediation account of the She was taken into High Court. custody the following Up to press time day and slapped with Wednesday, THE three charges.

2. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. 3.

News 3

Mental Health Centre inmates relocated

A MOVE THAT HAD LONG been postponed, has eventually been effected.

On Wednesday 1st October, 2014, the inmates of the Mental Health Centre at Glen were relocated to new but temporary facilities at Orange Hill.

The relocation became necessary so as to allow for major renovations to the Centre at Glen; renovations that had been foreshadowed by numerous meetings of the Ministry of Health and staff as long as two years ago, during which they considered alternate sites, including Ottley Hall.

government official who visited the ‘new’ facility on Sunday last, was disappointed with the finished product, especially in reference to insufficient lavatory and bathroom facilities and space generally.

According to the official, it was not worth quite the $1 million spent.

distributed to everyone.

Elthedrea Prescott, Senior Nursing Officer, who retires after a very short stint as SNO, made the Orange Hill move her final effort.

And in the words of the insider, the location was very adequately prepared, with new beds and bedding, two wellkept and now separate wards for male and female.

Renovations at the Mental Health Centre at Glen should have begun in August of this year, but were delayed to ensure the temporary location was adequate.

schizophrenia, in keeping “Living with material and spiritual Schizophrenia.” upliftment to the mental with the Day’s theme of patients who are the most forgotten sector of Vincentian society.

There was also an Smooth transition expressed hope that security, internal to the All in all, and in the operations of the centre Concerns view of an insider, the and in general, be given moving of some 175 If there was a negative top consideration. patients from Glen

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ element about the move, to Orange Hill went World Mental Health ANTHONY it was the attitude of off without a single passers-by and residents, Day hitch.

MARION HOUSE, a to the fleet of 13 buses This is impressive, Meanwhile, the new Roman Catholic Churchwhich journeyed to especially when one founded social service that facility at Orange Hill Orange Hill.

There was The ‘new’ facility considers that many of provides counselling much laughter, pointing will play host to the the old-timers/patients services and training general public when it and expressions of Orange Hill was the had not been outside of programmes for youth-atopens its doors in a ridicule; but those eventual choice, and the precincts of the risk and parents, is community outreach concerned still work began on centre at Glen, in many a marking its 25 years this exercise, to mark World considered this better renovating old estate year. month, October 2014.

Mental Health Day, than if the relocation had buildings there, to Every detail, from And in the spirit and Friday 10th October. been to a known crime accommodate the police-assisted findings of the Persons are invited to hot spot area, the insider inmates. coordination to nameinstitution’s work over the visit with the staff and Monsignor Michael A period of seven or so tagging the patients, was said. last 25 years, one inmates of the institution Stewart was Another concern months elapsed before Counsellor with the executed in a timely on that day, from recognised for his expressed was that the institution, Wendell the ‘green light’ was fashion. The 10:00am to 3:30pm, vision that guided the NGOs and Christian Parris, is making a given for relocation to consideration for patients during which time they founding of Marion desperate appeal to the ‘new’ facility. getting sick on the hour- organisations will not will be sensitised about House. frequent the new location fathers to shoulder their THE VINCENTIAN long drive was issues relating to mental at Orange Hill, as they responsibilities. understands that a addressed, with antiused to. These groups are health and illness, with Parris was speaking at certain high-ranking nausea medication particular focus on an event at the known to bring both institution’s Murray’s Road Headquarters last week Thursday, October 2.

He vouched for the effectiveness of PRIME MINISTER DR. RALPH counselling offered to GONSALVES is expected to return errant youngsters, and to the state tomorrow, Saturday concluded that the 11th October, around 4:30 pm, from absence of fathers from Cuba, where he received medical their children’s lives was attention. having a devastating The Prime Minister departed effect on the society.

St.Vincent on Tuesday 23nd “If we can have Daddy Wendell Parris, September for Cuba, after he was in droves going back to advised by a team of local medical Counsellor, appealed their children, we can experts to seek treatment abroad to fathers to be have a better society,” for a muscle injury he sustained to present in the lives of Parris contended. his right thigh, which seriously their children.

Counsellors at Marion affected his mobility.

House perhaps have more than their share of bitter Gonsalves told the nation via tales as coming from the mouths of victims. James radio, following his release from Browne, another counsellor at Marion House, was Hospital on Thursday 2nd, that he not prepared to break the bonds of trust of his was coming along fine, and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and wife Eloise, accompanied profession and institution, but he plans to write a expressed thanks to all those who by the SVG Ambassador to Cuba Dexter Rose (right), took the book based on the prevalence of “strange stories,” have texted, called or prayed for opportunity to meet with Vincentians studying in that country. which he has encountered along the path. him. “I appreciate it very much, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Jeanie and I just want to assure them that officers and Physiotherapist Denis Minister’s absence.

Ollivierre, pointed to the dynamic role that Marion I am coming along well,” said the Byam.

The younger Gonsalves also House has played in shaping the minds of the Prime Minister.

The injury caused the Prime addressed a Town Hall Meeting at nation’s youth.

Following his discharge from Minister to cancel his address to the the Friends of Crown Heights Monsignor Michael Stewart, who was hospital in Cuba, the Prime 69th General Assembly of the auditorium in Brooklyn, New York. instrumental in establishing Marion House, was Minister remained in that country United Nations. Minister of Foreign He was expected to be joined by heaped with praise and tributes for his foresight in for a period of observation. He Affairs and son of the Prime Minister of Agriculture Saboto getting the institution going. stayed at a protocol house which Minister, Senator Camillo Caesar, but Caesar could not make A month of activities will be staged to was provided for himself, his wife Gonsalves, delivered the country’s the journey after being diagnosed commemorate the occasion.

Eloise Gonsalves, two security address to the UN in the Prime the Chikungunya Virus. (KH)

PM to return home this weekend

Marion House celebrates 25 years of service

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4. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

„Journey now start,‰ says ÂBigger BigsÊ environmental elements have taken “We have begun to evaluate the toll on the company’s equipment, and true cost so that what could be WHILE LEON ‘BIGGER BIGGS’ Samuel is people have vandalized or stolen what repaired would be repaired, and happy that his ‘Bigger Trucking and they could remove. what could be replaced would be Blocks Construction’ Company has “Basically, what is there now is replaced,” Samuel explained. gotten back its license to mine sand at almost derelict,” he lamented, adding Rabacca, the businessman laments he “Reparations/compensation should be a Message for the youth would have to start from scratch. natural process following the Samuel told THE VINCENTIAN To the youth of the nation, he reinstatement of my licence.” that at the request of the Physical urged, “As you grow, you are going Samuel is grateful for the role Planning and Development Board, the played by the media, both print and to make mistakes, but you must company had submitted a new try to learn from them, and as you electronic, and all who supported his application on November 25, 2013 to learn try to become better men cause and went with him all the way Leon ‘Bigger Bigs’ Samuel on one of his resume mining operations at Rabacca. thus far. and women. In the event that you one-man protests which he staged That request was granted last week, may encounter the same thing He noted that the closing of his regularly during the period of revocation ten months later. that has happened to me, you company’s mining operation almost of his mining licence.

The Planning Board had in four years ago had led to the closure of should live your life in such a way February 2011 revoked the company’s his other businesses in trucking, block that society or the churches should not issues including Samuel’s cause.

Samuel was informed last Friday, permission to mine sand at Rabacca, have a problem in defending you.” making and construction.

October 3, that the licence was for what it said was failure to adhere Samuel pointed to the sentiments of “Fighting to get back my licence to the regulations of the Roman Catholic Bishop Jason Gordon reinstated, but it was signed the took over my life for the last four Environmental Management Plan — a years. All I was doing during that time who recently spoke out against certain previous day which was incidentally his birthday. charge which Samuel denied. is trying to “I am happy that we have gotten to survive and this juncture of getting back the keeping the issue licence. I see it as the first step in the in the public’s right direction. The journey now domain,” Samuel begins,” Samuel said. declared. properly briefed.”

CARLYLE DOUGAN QC has both of Redemption Sharpes.

He and his Dougan noted that the expressed disapproval with the The Queen’s Counsel is Starting from scratch company will now decision of the office of the prosecution’s main witness, representing Ash while Kay have to get down Director of Public Prosecutions Uroy ‘Laybay’ Robertson, is Bacchus-Browne is defending He explained that he would have to to the challenging (DPP) to proceed with the dead and there was no credible Bute. start from scratch to rebuild a whole task of evidence against the murder retrial of Che ‘Ragga’ Bute and Ash were listed to new business because, the reconstruction.

Bute and Azarri ‘Nines’ Ash, be retried at the current sitting defendants.

“Where is the sensitivity of of the criminal the prosecution? You don’t do assizes for the this to people, you don’t have December 2007 the evidence, you don’t deny murder of Lloyd people their freedom,” Dougan ‘Lazarus’ Samuel A TRAFFIC MATTER involving the free flow of traffic, did fail to said. of Redemption move his vehicle when told to do businessman Leon ‘Bigger Bigs’ Robertson, of Evesham, died Sharpes.

Samuel, which was scheduled for so by a police officer in uniform However, at the from a bullet to the head during last Wednesday October 8, has and causing inconvenience to the an incident at Walvaroo, Sion arraignment last public in exercise of their been adjourned to October 29. week, Justice Esco Hill, September 2, 2012. common rights’.

Magistrate Carla James Bute and Ash were each Browne traversed granted the adjournment after the Samuel was arrested on sentenced to life imprisonment the matter to the defence indicated that Samuel’s September 15 while staging a next sitting of the July 2012 after being convicted lead lawyer, Stanley ‘Stalky’ John, one-man picket outside the in 2011 for Samuel’s murder.

Assizes in could not be there on Wednesday. Granby Street office of Attorney He was shot while reversing his February, at the Samuel is also represented by vehicle at his Redemption request of General Judith Jones-Morgan. It Leon ‘Bigger Bigs’ Samuel (left) lawyer Bayliss Frederick and Sharpes home around 1:15am Bacchus-Browne is alleged that during the protest, and one of his lawyers Bayliss Stanley John Jr. December 21, 2007. He died at Samuel parked his vehicle at the Frederick, leaving the Magistrate’s on the grounds He is charged with ‘being the the Milton Cato Memorial that she was “not exit area for vehicles that use the Court after the case was Hospital on Christmas driver of Motor Vehicle PR382 adjourned. parking lot of the building that Day that year. failed to comply with road sign houses the Ministry of Legal Samuel told THE On May 26, this ‘Police Notice No Parking’ on Affairs, which includes the VINCENTIAN then that he was year, the Eastern September 15 at Granby Street, Attorney General’s Chambers and mounting a peaceful protest for Caribbean Court of did unlawfully allow the said the Office of the Director of Public the AG to look into Government’s Appeal ordered a vehicle to stay in the road so as to Prosecutions (DPP). revocation of permission granted retrial for Bute and cause unnecessary obstruction to to his ‘Bigger Ash, who had appealed Trucking and Blocks their convictions and Construction’ sentences. company, to mine Chief Justice Janice WELL KNOWN BUSINESSMAN Evelyn Jackson of Arnos Vale.

Pereira, along with sand at Rabacca.

Kenrick Thomas, also known as Ken Thomas was not required to plea to Justices of Appeal That licence was Thomas, appeared before the Serious the charges when he stood before Chief Davidson Baptiste and Offenses Court this week on charges of Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias reinstated last Louise Blenman, Friday, October 3. dishonesty. at the Serious Offences Court on agreed that a Samuel pleaded Thomas is charged with between Monday. considerable body of not guilty when he March 2, 2010 and June 3, 2012 at He was granted bail in the sum of prejudicial evidence Arnos Vale, knowing or believing that a $15,000 with one surety on condition initially appeared was let in which had quantity of household items valued at that he report to the Calliaqua Police before Chief no probative value and over $70,000 in cash to be stolen, and Station every Monday from 6am to 6pm. Magistrate Rechanne therefore, impacted on dishonestly receiving them for his own The matter was adjourned to January Browne-Matthias at the fairness of the trial business.

29. the Kingstown and safety of the Carlyle Dougan QC, He is also charged with counselling Attorney Patricia Marks appeared on Magistrate’s Court, conviction. accused the prosecution of Edwin Caine of South Rivers to commit Thomas’ s behalf.

September 17. lacking sensitivity. the offense of burglary on the property of Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Youths’ murder retrial traversed

‘Bigger Bigs’ case adjourned

Popular businessman charged with dishonesty

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. 5.

Regional

No need to attract ISIS

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar’s decision to cosponsor a resolution at a meeting of the UN Security Council, chaired by United States President Barack Obama at UN headquarters, New York, two weeks ago, has come in for criticism from opposition forces in the twin island republic.

Leader of the Opposition People’s National Movement, Dr. Keith Rowley, has described the PM’s decision as one that puts the lives of

citizens, including those abroad, at a greater risk by cosponsoring a United Nations resolution aimed at tackling global terrorism, including the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Dr. Rowley described the PM’s action as “wild and reckless,” and was even more severe when he disclosed that the PM had not, it seemed, consulted with her CARICOM colleagues, admitting when she was asked that she had consulted with her own

Attorney General, Anand Ramlogan, and Minister of National Security, Gary Griffith.

“And if we did not know before, we now know we are in trouble because our foreign Prime Minister Kamla policy is now the random Persad-Bissessar said she thoughts of Ramlogan and consulted with two of her Griffith,” Rowley said, Ministers before making the He said T&T was incapable decision. of fighting crime in capital Port-of-Spain, far less tackling seen as allies to the US, with deadly force. the now globally feared ISIS, The Opposition leader said which has targeted nonthe PM’s action was “no military citizens of countries laughing matter,” and that

‘Baby Doc’ is no more

Dr. Keith Rowley, questioned T&T PM’s decision to cosponsor a UN resolution on terrorism. “there was no need for the PM to expose T&T to possible attacks by ISIS jihadists in such a fashion, since once the resolution was passed by the majority, every member country of the UN was bound by it, even if a member country was absent when the resolution was passed.”

Dr. Rowley also took the opportunity to reiterate his and his party’s support for the UN resolution.

“I never said we should not vote for the resolution. I think we should vote for the resolution,” Dr. Rowley made clear, but called upon PM Persad-Bissessar to say what she was thinking when she made the decision to cosponsor the resolution.

Reports are that he spent up to US$2m in 1980 on his wedding, even as Haiti endured the worst poverty in the Western hemisphere.

Estimates are that some 100,000 Haitians fled their homeland during the 15-year rule of Jean Claude, a period of rule that was brought to an end when he was ousted, in 1986, by popular protest and uprising by the people.

He fled to France where he remained Jean Claude’s wedding was a million dollar and more affair. in exile until his return in 2011, one year after Haiti was devastated by a massive earthquake, and 4 years (2007) after he had asked Haitian people for course I made reference forgiveness for “errors” to the fact that it is made during his rule, in a extraordinary that a radio interview. public corporation Jean Claude Duvalier was, for a period However, he was owned by the people of of time, the youngest president in the arrested and charged on this country, could world. his return, and although embark on such an released, he finally attack on the Premier of JEAN-CLAUDE ‘BABY DOC’ appeared in court in Nevis, without giving DUVALIER, former strong-armed ruler him an opportunity to of Haiti, has died of a heart attack in the February 2013, where in respond to this capital Port-au-Prince. He was 63 years an emotionally-charged hearing in front of some of allegation before they old. his alleged victims, he put it on the air…,” His death was announced by Haiti’s denied responsibility for Hobson said on radio. health minister, and the ex-leader’s The lawsuit does not attorney, Reynold Georges, confirmed he abuses carried out during ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation operates his time as president. call for an apology. died at home last Saturday. radio (ZIZ Radio) and television (ZIZ TV) Judges ruled he could Hobson also Jean Claude was just 19 when he stations.

Vance Amory, face crimes against confirmed that prior to inherited the title of ‘president-for-life’ Premier of Nevis, humanity charges, but the Premier of Nevis, Vance Amory, has filing the suit, attempts from his father, Francois ‘Papa Doc’ has on previous case had stalled some filed a lawsuit against the state-owned were made to have ZBC Duvalier, in 1971. occasions found the time before he died.

ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).

Haitians anticipated a change of rule need to deny that he broadcast a denial (Source: BBC) He claims that that Corporation when Jean Claude assumed power, but was involved in acts letter and apologise for “falsely and maliciously” accused him of the offensive comments. after initial signs in this using his office to enrich himself and his of impropriety.

When he did not direction, including attracting family. receive a response from the ZBC he wrote US businesses to Haiti, he According to court documents filed on returned to the harsh and again, but the corporation denied that the behalf of the Premier, the allegations were brutal ways of his father, news report was slanderous, and said it made in a news item broadcast on June 23. stood by the comments made as being “fair employing the notorious secret Amory is seeking compensation and, “we comments on a matter of public interest”. police, the Tontons Macoutes, are also calling for an injunction to stop which had been established by The QC also said that has no doubt, the them from repeating the allegations that his father, to wreak torture and news item and the corporation’s response they made on that broadcast,” said Ted murder on his people. had been politically influenced.

Hobson QC. Amory’s attorney.

It is also widely accepted that Premier Amory has constantly denied “My letter asked for...$200,000 (One EC he indulged himself in massive allegations of impropriety over a dollar =US$0.37 cents). We thought that it corruption, lavish spending on controversial land sale negotiation with an was a reasonable amount, bearing in mind himself, his family and his Iraqi national, calling the allegations the hurt and injury to Mr Amory and the cohorts, and stacked away outrageous and completely false. (CMC) A frail Jean Claude returned to callousness in which it was done, and of millions in foreign banks.

Haiti after 25 years in exile.

Premier Amory files lawsuit

V More outrage over MarshallÊs remarks 6. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT VINCENTIANS IN THE UNITED STATES are increasing pressure on the Government of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves to rescind any plans to appoint ardent Unity Labor Party (ULP) supporter Sehon Marshall, as the next Deputy New York Counsel General.

Last week, Foreign Affairs Minister Camillo Gonsalves “beseeched” nationals at a town hall meeting in Brooklyn, New York to give Marshall “a chance” over controversial and insensitive remarks he recently made on local radio about “babysitting” and “dog-walking” jobs that some Vincentian migrants hold in the US. Marshall has reportedly since apologized.

But the controversy, ostensibly, is not dissipating, as nationals continue to express outrage over the remarks and the government’s apparent willingness to still consider Marshall as a replacement for Edison Augustus who was recalled earlier this year amid a major scandal over alleged passport and visa issues.

In light of the latest brouhaha, nationals in the US, in interviews with THE VINCENTIAN, said they find it bewildering that the government is still

contemplating dispatching Marshall to the New York Consulate.

Iona Caesar — a former secretary of the Brooklyn-based St. Vincent and the Grenadines Progressive Organization of New York, also known by the acronym SPOONY, an arm of the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) — said she was “disgusted” and “annoyed” with Marshall for “trying to belittle Vincentians in the Diaspora, who leave home to make a better life for themselves and their family back home.

“A lot of us leave (home) because we want to explore the outer world and (to) take advantages of a lot of opportunities we didn’t have at home,” added the Rose Bank native, who worked as a Government clerk before migrating.

“And so, therefore, it’s not a crime to baby-sit and walk dogs.

“By doing so, we were able to put ourselves through colleges and go on to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, nurses, etc….,” Caesar continued.

“So I’m calling on all Vincentians in the Diaspora: Let us come together and say ‘no’ to Sehon Marshall representing us at the consulate,” she urged.

Dane Bowman, who hails from La Croix in the Marriaqua Valley

and is now a Professor of Accounting and Finance at Strayer University and the College of Central Florida, described Marshall’s remarks as “an insult to hard-working Vincentians who come to this country (US), the UK (United Kingdom) and other developed countries with hopes of a better life — the vast majority of whom achieve success far beyond anything they would have attained in SVG (St. Vincent and the Grenadines).”

Bowman charged that the incumbent administration is “forcing inexperienced individuals, lacking any real world experience (into diplomatic positions), so whenever they open their mouths they are immediately over their heads.”

Luke James, a sergeant with the Colorado National Guard, who hails from Marshall’s home town of Chateaubelair, described his “homeboy’s” remarks as “demeaning, disrespectful and irresponsible.

“A diplomat or prospective diplomat is someone who is tactful and skilful in managing the affairs of their country. Such (a) person has to be a strong leader and a respected manager,” said James.

“With such remarks, how can Mr. Marshall properly represent the

among the panelists on the radio program)…

He (Marshall) was speaking the truth.

“Let’s say he made a mistake, forgive the man,” he said. ….

“What we need here is a hands-on guy, and the man has that.”

Emery Alexander, formerly Jack, another strong ULP supporter, agreed that Marshall’s remarks were taken out of context, stating that he was comparing the NDP era with the ULP’s current reign in which “less people have come to America.

“More people left St. Vincent (and the Grenadines) under the NDP,” said the former sergeant in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force. “I was one of them. …. What the kid (Marshall) said was true, it’s a fact. People are trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill for political gain.

He’s coming here to do a job, and I expect him to do it.”

Community advocate and United Nations Social Development Officer Maxwell Haywood, another ULP supporter, also concurs that Marshall should be given the opportunity to serve at the New York Consulate General.

Support for Marshall “Personally, I think we should give him a But die-hard ULP chance,” said Haywood, supporter Garnes Byron, stating that he was not a Calliaqua native, said speaking for the he’s puzzled by the Brooklyn-based St. hullabaloo.

Vincent and the “I don’t see what the Grenadines’ Diaspora big outcry is about,” he Committee of New said, stating that York, which he chairs.

Marshall’s statements on “He (Marshall) has Cross Country Radio apologized, he has were taken out of shown remorse, and it’s context. his first time he has “He was saying that if got into this they (nationals) have situation,……… . I their good jobs in St. personally will like to Vincent (and the see him appointed Grenadines), they should because he’s a capable stay (at home),” he individual… .” added. “I usually tell Haywood, hoverer, people if you’re getting said, “….I don’t support EC$3,000 or EC$2,500, what was said; but, as a teacher, there’s no knowing the ideals of need to come here (to the Mr. Marshall, his US). He was reacting to comments are very far Burton Williams, former from those ideals,” he NDP Minister, who was said.

same people he is referring to or even the affairs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines? I think he would not be able to.”

Garfield C. Isles, a medical records field reviewer in Southern Florida, also said Marshall’s remarks were “totally insensitive and disrespectful to the citizens of SVG at home and in the Diaspora.

“No politician/public servant should be rewarded with the position as Deputy Counsel General after denigrating the citizens whom he was chosen to represent,” said Isles, who was a life insurance manager at home before migrating to the US. Mary B. John, who was a receptionist in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before migrating, said she currently educates “young minds” by baby-sitting, strongly disagreeing with Marshall’s remarks.

Barrouallie native Bernadette ‘Bondi’ McDonald said that by baby-sitting in Brooklyn, she was able to send her kids to school and help her family back home.

“So, we don’t need someone like Sehon Marshall to represent us, the dog walkers and baby-sitters,” she said.

“We don’t need him up here.”

Dane Bowman considers Marshall’s comment to be an insult to hard-working Vincentians who migrate to the US and the UK.

Totally insensitive is how Garfield Isles describes Marshall.

Maxwell Haywood would like to see Sehon Marshall appointed as Deputy Counsel General, in NY.

Luke James thinks the comments were demeaning.

Mary John disagrees with Marshall’s comments.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. 7.

News

Port services measuring up

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY EDWIN SNAGG, Chairman of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port authority is modest in his assessment of the Port’s performance. “We have done well,” he quipped, but admitted that “there continues to be challenges.”

Snagg was speaking at the Cruise Ship Berth last week Thursday on the launch of 50th anniversary of the Deep Water Pier. The chairman apologised for the absence of the Minister in charge of Ports, Prime Minister Dr. Edwin Snagg views whatever Ralph Gonsalves. losses the Port Authority Snagg reflected on his might make having to provide travels in the Caribbean, and certain services, as its duty praised those who came up to the country’s development.

with the vision to construct the deep water pier in Kingstown.

Looking to the immediate future, Snagg pointed to training for staff at the Port as a priority, citing the immediate need to become familiar with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, and the implications to this country.

The Port, he said, will have to come up with a US$1.3 for the purchase of a Container scanner, a necessary compliance with trade to the United States. Snagg wondered how many containers will be shipped to the US, and the cost factor was of concern to him. “Is it worth it?” he queried.

Plans are afoot for expansion to the Port facilities, and Rose Place

Lions Club South donate to farmers TWENTY FARMERS here were the recipients of e assistance, compliments the Lions Club St Vincent South.

They each received vouchers valued at EC$700 to be redeemed at the Agricultural Input Warehouse to go towards the purchase of seedlings, tools, feed, etc., and an additional $100 to assist in any additional expenses incurred.

The total value of the assistance package is put at EC$20,000.00 At a handing over ceremony on Monday 6th October at Computec Conference Room, Kingstown, President of the Club, Michael John explained that the assistance was part of a farmers’ relief projects which formed part of the sustainable projects undertaken by the Club.

He described the assistance programme as arising out of the aftermath of the December 2013 floods.

Members of the Club were requested to identify farmers within their district who they knew were in need, “farmers they know will put the vouchers to good use,” John said.

John identified with the contribution that agriculture has made to the livelihood of families

here, and urged that, “we should go back to the lands, feed ourselves more. Our plate on mornings should consist of more home grown products.”

The Lions Club St. Vincent South is committed to seeing progress among the farming sector, John assured.

Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar, also addressed the ceremony.

He reiterated that no one knew expected the significant impact that system (December 2013) would have had on the country and on the agricultural sector.

Farmers, he said, lost homes and their contents, crops and livestock.

An analysis was done in the immediate aftermath, Caesar disclosed, and the damage to the agricultural sector was estimated to reach EC$40 million.

The Food and Agricultural Organisation provided some support, and through the Farmer Support Company (FSC), further support by way of credit was made available to farmers.

And even as he encouraged farmers to apply for assistance

Michael John, President of Lions Club St. Vincent South, wants Vincentians to feed themselves more.

Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, welcomed the assistance to farmers by the Lions Club. through the FSC, the agriculture minister said that he was pleased to see that a locally based organisation was making an effort to contribute to one of the important sectors in the country.

The Port Authority operates two major ports on mainland St. Vincent one in Kingstown (pictured) and one at Campden Park.

(Bottom Town) and Arnos Vale have been earmarked as areas for possible future development.

That kind of development fits into a Port Rationalisation Study which also caters for new bases in the Grenadines.

The spread of Ebola is another source of worry to Snagg, and he stressed the need to work along with the Ministry of Health and the Environment towards putting measures in place to screen persons entering the country

through the ports.

He noted that boats came from different places, and he pondered on the origins of those who might be landing.

Snagg admitted that the Port Authority loses money, having to provide some services to the public, but he viewed this as part of the institution’s duty in the overall national development.

He is anxious to see deeper cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce.

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8. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. 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

What if Ebola hits SVG? SO EBOLA is on our doorstep. After all, haven’t we been conditioned to accept that ‘when the mighty USA sneezes, we catch a cold’?

It is now history that the first confirmed case of Ebola infection in the USA has been identified.

What a furore that caused; not only for health officials but for airlines who saw their stock value slip. On the flip side, shares of pharmaceutical companies moved up, indicating where those who live off the stock markets think the western world is set to head, and where the profits lie. That’s capitalism for you!!

That apart, and even against the fact that we have already taken some action (read quarantine of four Nigerians) to ‘safeguard’ ourselves against the deadly disease, it is not unkind or pre-mature to ask: What else are we doing? What would become of us if, God forbid, Ebola hits this country?

We are on the brink of the beginning of another tourist season. It is accepted that the movement of persons across the globe is a major conduit for the spread of disease. Isn’t it just simply the correct thing to do to put ourselves on some level of ‘preventative preparedness’, to coin an expression, maybe?

Our recent handling of the chikungunya virus (chik-V) outbreak must be instructive as we go forward against the entry of the Ebola virus.

Some quarters here advanced a view that close to 50% of the population may have already come down with some degree (varying symptoms) of that disease.

The questions that abound as per the chik V outbreak amount to: Were we prepared for its widespread reach across the population? Were sustained preventative measures in place? If we were prepared and had taken adequate preventative measures, would it have spread that quickly across the state? Is it because the disease is not fatal why there appeared to be an initial slow reaction?

All in all, there is so much that can be done as far as the chik V is concerned, and the calculations must now be made to determine how much of that ‘so much’ we were able to do, and how much more we could have done.

Now, the case is different. The threat of a deadly disease lurks on our doorstep. Does our approach to dealing with the chik V inspire confidence in our health officials/government to deal with even a single case of Ebola?

We cannot afford to deal with Ebola in the same manner in which we dealt with the chik V. It is not too early to ask whether there is a government plan in place to deal with Ebola.

Lest we forget, there is no cure for Ebola infection, which, WHO experts say, carries a mortality rate of up to 90 per cent if left untreated.

Save the Children charity estimates that Ebola infects five persons every hour in Sierra Leone. That is the frightening extent of the reach of Ebola.

That is why we must ask: Are our Immigration and Customs officers trained or are set to receive training on how to detect and assess persons entering the country, especially those who have visited countries exposed to the Ebola virus? These officers are the first points of contact for persons entering our country (mainland and the Grenadines, by air and sea). They are crucial to our first response.

Heightened surveillance at our ports is a must, and news is that this (screening) has been partially introduced.

But, given that fighting Ebola has to do with isolation, it’s not too early to ask: How equipped are our ports of entry, hospitals and clinics? Do they have isolation facilities or are there plans to provide these? Do we have the protective clothing that health personnel, who are expected to care for infected persons, must wear?

And what of an education programme: Where must I go if I came into contact with an infected person? What must I do?

To end where we began: With the Caribbean’s close proximity to the USA, and the confirmation of at least one Ebola case there, we can ill-afford to sit on our laurels. This should be a period of full speed ahead with a public education programme and training programmes for medical and nonmedical persons.

Time to remind ourselves that, ‘A stitch in time saves nine’.

We need a little break from the myriad problems that daily confront us henceNo Laughing Matter I wish to associate myself with the wonderful piece scripted on behalf of Gillis Francis by our mutual friend, Andrew Cummings.

Gillis is a dedicated maths teacher of the purest kind who is passionately in love with all students in SVG, particularly those round-about his beloved home in the Marriaqua Valley to whom he has given his heart and soul “till death do us part”.

I must be forgiven for cracking a joke about Gillis by the said Andrew Cummings and company who formed part of a gang with Gillis that developed a closeness since they attended Cave Hill, UWI. The gang met periodically on Friday afternoons to shoot the breeze, compare notes and generally laugh away their frustration.

Then for a long time there was no Gillis; Andrew’s mischievous mind settled on a ruse as to how to get Gillis back. So one Friday evening after work, he rounded up the gang to report that Gillis was back. The explanation was simple, costing $12 all told.

Gillis had been served with a fictitious summons to appear before Court to settle a nonexistent debt owed to a John Doe. Gillis had been thrown into a frenzy, as he pleaded his total innocence to Andrew who was his lawyer of choice: then Andrew explained that it was a hoax intended to get him to rejoin his circle of friends. He must nevertheless pay back the $12.00 being the cost of the summons!

The moral of the lesson: don’t trifle with Andrew who, like Audie Murphy, had been “TO Hell and Back”; ask his buddy Bassy about it.

A fantastic haul in youth cricket Don’t ask why only now I bring up this fantastic story in which I starred over 60 years ago!

It was in 1951, I think, when I was thirteen years old. As a member of Green House junior cricket team, we engaged Reeves House in a match at the old pastures, at which are now located a part of our modern library, a technical school and a Save The Children Facility.

The ground was cramped for space, and rules were made to suit. For instance, any ground shot that reached the boundary, including knocking against the cotton ginnery building yielded two runs.

A clear hit over the boundary was 4 or 6, depending on the power and height of the stroke as determined by the Umpire.

On this ground, we bowled out Reeves House for less than 50 runs amassed in both innings.

Our Green House won by the two to one route having made over 60 in the one innings that we batted.

My claim to fame was that in Reeves House first innings, I had shot out 7 batsmen, all clean bowled, for 7 runs. The quality of Reeves batting line-up was top-class: in batting order, I removed the two Ashton brothers of Layou, Martin and

Douglas, at number 3,4; and the following class batsmen all fell - Raymond Liverpool (formerly of Rasal Agency), Alphonso Roberts of later West Indies Test match status, and an ex-policemanlawyer Philton Ambris.

My next two victims were Joe Linley and dashing all-rounder Lester “Fosdick” Huggins whom I bowled down in the two innings, first ball for ducks. Huggins batted right-handed, then changed to left in the second innings. Of course, like Roberts, he later covered himself in glory; in fact both men were engaged in a Windward Island record unbroken partnership of 163 runs.

My wicket haul was no mystery. It had been a sultry day with the matting wicket drenched, so that a well pitched delivery skidded through like lightning on contact with it, and before the batsman could complete his stroke.

Patch Work on Renwick’s 40 years First of all, when the three groups Yulimo, DFM and Arwee decided to merge in 1979, DFM offered only one candidate for leadership, P.R Campbell who was rejected out-of-hand.

Ralph could not make if for Yulimo, then I suggested Mike Browne who declined, before putting forward Renwick Rose who won without the support of Ralph Gonsalves.

Ralph alone had refused to shake hands with Renwick by way of congratulations, then suddenly recalled that he had urgent business to conclude at Colonarie,and left Diamond and a part of the Yulimo delegation stranded for lack of transportation.

Secondly, it was from Cane Garden where Ralph’s Circle of strong personal following, including cousin Julian Francis, first raised the issue of dissatisfaction with the outcome at Diamond, and the urgent need for putting our house in order at a new meeting to be held at Yulimo headquarters in Paul’s Lot the very next night.

We met as rescheduled, and again stalemated on finding a generally acceptable Leader. We ended up with three leaders - P.R (DFM) and two Yulimo, Ralph and Renwick.

We were gutted at the national elections.

With the matter of leadership still not settled, Ralph introduced for the umpteenth time that we should make a bold thrust and adopt communism as the guiding philosophy of the UPM. Instead, it merely proved an opportune moment for a formal parting of ways.

We had had fraternal relations with P.R.G of Grenada who tragically beheaded their own revolution. Then on reflection, we thanked our lucky stars for the rift then, otherwise the DFM could have been wiped out by the Coardite faction in SVG which had been inspired by the Grenada Revolution!

“Who the cap fits, let them wear it!

Incidentally, my proudest moment in electoral politics was when Renwick and his mother, Granny Rose, stood on either side of me at Upper Edinboro in support as the “upful” candidate in 1979 vs the beloved Hudson Tannis!

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. 9.

Letters

No to Sehon Marshall

IF, LIKE YOU LIKE TO SAY, Mr. Editor, the truth be told, the last New York town hall meeting hosted by the ULP should be a revelation to them.

If the truth be told, the meeting nearly mashup with the fire that young Gonsalves had to take on behalf of his party, his leader and his government.

I tell you this, Mr. Editor, the message is clear: No government should think that they can take the Vincentians who live up here, New

York, for granted. We are Vincentians too, and deserve the same respect that Vincies who remain at home get.

I didn’t get a chance to voice my feeling at the meeting, but if I did, I would have said, like the clear majority of people at the meeting, that this chap Sehon Marshall should not be appointed Deputy Consul in NY. Who is this young upstart who thinks that he could go around casting aspersions against us? Maybe he is just taking a leaf out of his leader’s book….??

Mr. Marshall was,

simply put, out of his place. I take it that he is not aware, or just ignores the fact that we help to keep the economy going back home, with all the $$$ and barrels we remit.

To have flown in the face of the thousands of us who reside and work honestly and hard, and then still want to say that he can serve us, is hypocrisy, if ever there was.

Dr. Gonsalves has to be out of his mind to even consider this man for the job in New York.

No amount of pleading by the younger

Gonsalves can make this Marshall fellow suitable for the job.

Garnet, N.Y.

JU-C workers still being treated like dogs! * Why some people who are involved and working tirelessly in key economic sectors of the economy, have to go three and four months without salary, when party propagandists are assured of theirs? * When will some attention be paid to that portion of road in Cane Garden between lawyer Emery Robinson’s residence and his father’s residence, which is breaking away at the cliff side of the road? * Are the authorities waiting for a repeat of the mishap when a former Hospital Administrator went over the bank in her car? * And by the way, is the traffic department aware of the ‘helter skelter’ rate at which mini-buses drive on the Cane Garden road? If they are, why is something not being done about this? * When are we going to see traffic being regulated for ALL funeral processions in Kingstown?

,UP TO THIS TIME former employees of Bottlers (St. Vincent) Ltd. (popularly referred to as Ju-C) are still wondering if they would ever be compensated for their services to the Company that produced sweetened bottled beverages which made their marks locally, regionally and internationally.

At a meeting in July of this year, former workers of Bottlers and the President and other representatives of the Commercial Technical and Allied Workers Union (CTAWU) were informed by the receivers/liquidators that they would be recalculating their severance, and would return before the end of July 2014 for settlement.

We are still waiting for July 2014 to

come.

In the meantime, many of the workers are still unemployed, with mortgage and utilities to be maintained. Still NO word from the CTAWU up to present time, as to the status of the severance.

The CTAWU is the Union representing JU-C workers. No one seems to be pushing for a conclusion to this matter.

The drinks manufacturing operation will now be operated by local company ECGC of Campden Park.

All of that being the case, we need closure in this situation. We are appealing to the authorities to step in!

Former Bottlers Employee

Why a FLOW late fee?

WHY DOES OUR CABLE TV provider, FLOW, continue to enforce a late fee on those subscribers who do not or for some reason, are not able to pay their bills on the prescribed date of payment?

Only last week, I was confronted with a situation in which I was charged a late fee of 2.9% of my monthly bill, for being one day late.

I repeat, ONE DAY LATE. It appears that that is the (FLOW) policy, and unlike what obtains in most situations where there is a late fee penalty, there is no grace period.

Maybe we ought to look into this practice of enforcing the late payment without first offering a grace period.

All in all, though, it seems an unbecoming practice/policy to have a non-essential service provider (in this case a television service provider) charge a late fee when essential services providers (telephone, electricity, and water) do not have such a policy.

To make matter worse, my query of this practice (late fee) was met with a level of disdain by a FLOW Customer Service Representative, whose final course of action in addressing my concern, was to put the telephone down on me. FLOW, it seems, also needs to look into its customer service practices. There are many agencies around who can help in this regard if FLOW is prepared to spend some money.

My appeal to FLOW: Remove the late fee before it is too late.

Subscriber

I’m in the wrong job I NEED SOMEONE TO HELP ME understand this. A policeman is convicted of stealing $1,500 worth of gold (the gold not recovered), and his sentence is a fine of $500 and job suspension. Where do I apply for that job? Can everyone get by with this? Can I steal my neighbour’s car, worth, say, $21,000, sell it, and get away with paying a fine of $7,000?

I’ve wasted 30 years working for an honest pay cheque, when I could have retired comfortably in half that time, making a living as a petty criminal, stealing, being convicted, paying a fine of 1/3 of the value of what I stole, etc.

Wondering

Empowering Adolescent Girls: Ending The Cycle of Violence SINCE 2012, the United Nations marks the 11th day of October as the “International Day of the Girl Child”. The day promotes girls’ human rights, highlights gender inequalities that remain between boys and girls, and addresses the various forms of discrimination and abuse suffered by girls around the world.

This year’s theme, “Empowering Adolescent Girls: Ending the Cycle of Violence”, is in recognition of the importance of investing and empowering adolescent girls, and of preventing and eliminating the various forms of violence adolescent girls face.

The day supports more opportunity for girls, and

increases awareness of inequality faced by girls worldwide based upon their gender. This inequality includes areas such as access to education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care and protection from discrimination.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, we are fortunate that there is no discrimination between girls and boys.

Percentages show year after year, that girls excel academically.

However, it is a sad fact that in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, violence against women and girls — incest, rape and pregnancy are all too prevalent, even though education can play a role in preventing violence against women and girls.

Today, one in three women worldwide are subjected to violence, and more than half of sexual assaults are committed against girls under the age of sixteen.

How do we end this cycle of violence? This can be done by all women getting involved — business women, mothers and grandmothers. If WE do not work to improve the lives of girls, who will?

Today and every day, UN Women, (the United Nations organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women) will stand up for the rights of women and girls, and equality and of St. Vincent and the dignity for all.

Grenadines in our drive Help support Soroptimist International to protect our girl children and end this

cycle of violence.

Nicola Williams SISVG President

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10. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Excerpt from the address to the 69th UN General Assembly by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Senator Camillo Gonsalves.

Part 2 Mr. President, CLIMATE CHANGE does not respect national borders – a fact known all too well in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Despite a tiny carbon footprint and miniscule emissions, our country has nonetheless been repeatedly victimised by weather anomalies partially caused by the historical and continued environmental abuse of major emitters. In the last four years, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has experienced a hurricane, a drought and two floods. The loss and damage caused by each of those events has resulted in annual double-digit hits to our Gross Domestic Product. Last December, in a mere three hours of unseasonal rainfall, 17% of our GDP was washed away in flash flooding. Lives and livelihoods were lost, homes and infrastructure were destroyed, and a developmental hole was dug, from which it will take years to emerge.

Last week, the Secretary-General convened a High-Level Climate Summit here at the UN Headquarters in an admirable attempt to galvanise political will for ambitious and legally binding climate treaty by 2015. However, the tangible results were less than encouraging. Despite some welcome new pledges, the numbers simply don’t add up to anything close to what is required to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. Further, the new resources raised and pledged for the financing of adaptation to climate changes effects were a drop in the bucket — akin to having a bake sale to settle the national debt.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is worried that the legally-binding agreement, which we are scheduled to enact next year, will be insufficiently ambitious to solve our looming climate crisis, and that adaptation financing will be woefully short of what is required. If narrow interests and local electoral cowardice force us to retreat behind our national borders and bury our heads in the sands, we may squander a decade of effort, and our only real chance to save the planet upon which we live. The stakes are that high.

We cannot afford to fail.

Mr. President, It is appropriate that you will preside over the launch of the International Decade of People of African Descent, which runs from 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2024. The theme of that decade will be “People of African descent: recognition, justice and development.” The meaningful and action-oriented implementation of this theme can have far-reaching positive effects in both the African continent and its far-flung Diaspora.

One element of recognition, justice and development that will be of central importance to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the wider Caribbean Community is the advancement of our claims for reparatory justice from the European colonizing powers that engaged in native genocide, the transatlantic slave trade, and the prolonged system of chattel slavery itself. Over the past year, CARICOM heads of state and government have unanimously approved a series of policies, structures and initiatives aimed at educating our populations and engaging former slave holding and slave trading nations in a conversation about reparatory justice.

The level of priority that CARICOM governments accord to issue of reparatory justice cannot be overstated.

At the historical root of our region’s many developmental impediments is an enduring legacy of slavery that has been the unchanging millstone that we have been forced to carry uphill for generations. We seek the support of the international community in furthering

our just and timely cause.

Mr. President, The prestige and legitimacy of the United Nations can be further enhanced through further acceptance of the reasonable calls for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the specialised agencies of the United Nations. Taiwan already participates actively and constructively in many critical international bodies. My country, and several others in the Caribbean and Central America, bear testimony to Taiwan’s principled conduct of its inter-governmental relations. Surely, the time has now come for this exemplar of the magnificent Chinese civilization to be permitted to participate in the work of various agencies of this world body.

Mr. President, Civilised governments and peoples must respect borders and sovereignty, even if some of the forces unleashed by globalisation and modernity do not. Let us build on what is right and good and proper in our new interconnected world, and cast away not the rulebook, but the excuses for disregarding its timehonoured rules.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines celebrates the good of a world in which every Vincentian student can browse the stacks of an American library using their own Taiwanese computer that was assembled in China. A business environment where we can rely on the support of an American NGO in engaging an Icelandic company and its Canadian counterpart in harnessing our national geothermal resources. We celebrate an international solidarity in which brotherly nations offer support in our time of need after a natural disaster, and engineers and architects converge on our shores to help us rebuild. We welcome technology that allows us the opportunity to communicate, celebrate or commiserate with our migrant diaspora in real time, and affords them the opportunity to send remittances to their families at home from every corner of the globe. We value an international order that allows a tiny state to disagree with a large one, without fear of unjust repercussion. We revel in the regional integration arrangements — like CARICOM and ALBA and CELAC, where sovereignty is respected, and often pooled, in the furtherance of a cooperative, peoplecentred vision of growth and development.

These are not dreams, but modern realities in our country today. They demonstrate the path of peaceful coexistence and development that are possible when sovereignty is enhanced, not eroded. Any nation can like or dislike another. Approve or disapprove of its decisions. Admonish or praise its actions. Befriend or avoid its governments. These are sovereign rights. But through it all, nations are obliged to respect their counterparts’ equal, unfettered right to exist, act, and determine its own political destiny and developmental path.

The challenge of the 21st century is not the obsolescence of rulebook, but the outmoded playbook of cynical strategies, tactics and inconsistent application of international law by those who see it as a tool to further their goals, rather than a restraint on hegemonic geopolitical ambition. Sovereignty is not the right to erect a wall of repression and injustice around your national borders. Nor is it the right to protect and project your national interests to the detriment of another. It is neither sword nor shield.

It is, instead, a responsibility to adhere to an ethic of reciprocity — to do unto other nations, only what you would accept being done unto you.

Thank you.

Clare Valley Housing Project - A Homeowner’s Nightmare THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) is on record as the only party in St. Vincent and the Grenadines that has created a ‘Land Owning Democracy’, which allowed the ordinary citizens of this country to own land and subsequently their own homes. These homes have developed over the years into a housing stock which is among the best in the Caribbean.

When the NDP was in office, it purchased a number of estates and distributed them to the poor and working class. It was a government of and for the poor, and many people can attest to the fact that the homes in which they (now) live were largely due to the policy of the NDP. It is important that this point be established because the NDP prided itself in ensuring that Vincentians were able to build homes, and facilitated that process by giving materials to individuals, regardless of party affiliation. The NDP administration was never opposed to Vincentians owning their homes. That undoubtedly helped to increase the popularity of the party.

The Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration, in its own way, has established its housing projects which have allowed people of ‘low and middle’ income the opportunity to own homes. It should be noted that the ULP administration, through the Housing and Land Development Corporation (HLDC), provided the land and built the houses through contractors who were handpicked by the ‘powers that be’. The latest project is situated at the fishing village of Clare Valley, in the constituency of South Leeward.

The lands in Clare Valley were occupied over the years by several families: Simmons, Samuel, Sprott and Sardine, et al. Those families practised subsistent farming but not on a continuous basis, given the fact that the soil has a very high clay content and a shallow profile, which did not allow for farming in the dry season. The lands raise steeply from the back of the Clinic in Clare Valley to the mountain range that boundaries with Rillan Hill.

For a number of years, the lands lay idle and became covered by vegetation of shrubs and trees which help to preserve the soil and withstand the slippage due to heavy and continuous rainfall in the wet season. It should be noted that the lands were never used to construct houses. Why then, did those lands become attractive to the ULP government on which to construct a housing project? Two factors immediately became obvious.

Firstly, there was a political motive which was designed to hand-pick people from outside of the constituency of South Leeward, that was won by the NDP’s Nigel Stephenson, to own homes and therefore, strengthen the ULP for the next general elections. The government created the impression that they were granting a favour to the eventual owners of the houses, and expect them (house owners) to remain eternally grateful to the ULP. Secondly, the ease at which they could have gained possession of the lands, facilitated by the fact that many of the persons/families who had occupied/used the lands for generations, did not have proper title.

This created the perfect condition for

the ULP government to acquire the lands.

It must be noted that most of the occupants of the lands never received a single cent, despite the utterance of a government senator who stated that some people were paid as much as $50, 000 per acre, because they were able to produce possessory titles. As a matter of fact, one family with ties to the land actually wrote to the Housing and Land Development Corporation, through their lawyer, for settlement with respect to lands that the government acquired. That family was not even given the courtesy of an acknowledgement of receipt of the letter.

This therefore, begs the following questions: Were any of the original occupants (of the lands) who received payment, related to a member of cabinet at the time when the idea of the housing project was conceptualized? Were the persons encouraged and assisted to get possessory titles so that they could have received payment? If the answer is affirmative, why then weren’t the other owners treated with the same level of consideration?

Be that as it may, the government went full speed ahead to construct houses, as if their political life depended on it. They totally deforested the area for housing, despite the expressed concerns of local residents that the land may not have been ideal for construction. It must also be noted that two land use studies were conducted that clearly showed that the area was not recommended for settlement.

Furthermore, it is important that all concerned have an understanding of the nature of the soil on which the houses were built. The soil, as established by one of the studies that was conducted, has a very high content of clay which is, by character, an expansive type of soil. This means that when exposed to water and saturated, it expands and becomes highly unstable. Whenever that soil is dry it contracts, hardens and develops cracks. It is precisely for that reason that construction is not recommended because of the instability of the soil.

It is an established fact that two soil studies were conducted that documented the nature of soil in the area and the inappropriateness to facilitate large scale farming and construction. Those studies were conducted in 1958 and as recently as 2006, one year into the second term of the ULP. What did the government do with the information resulting from the studies? Did it not serve as a road map for possible land usage in that specific area in Clare Valley? Why did the government ignore the studies and construct houses in an area where the people of old had the wisdom not to construct?

The HLDC and the ULP government made a deliberate decision to ignore the possible dangers of constructing houses in Clare Valley, and went full speed ahead to establish a colony, with the principal objective of strengthening their party’s chances in the next general elections.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. 11.

Views

Sculptured by Life “The sculptor will chip off all unnecessary material to set free the angel. Nature will chip and pound us remorselessly to bring out our possibilities. She will strip us of wealth, humble our pride, humiliate our ambition, let us down from the ladder of fame, will discipline us in a thousand ways, if she can develop a little character. Everything must give way to that. Wealth is nothing, position is nothing, fame is nothing, manhood is everything.” - Orison Swett Marden (1850–1924) American journalist, founded & edited Success Magazine.

Life has a way of gaining our attention through various forms of trials, testing, and disappointments.

There are so many blessings that we take for granted when things are going fine (and we are riding on Cloud Nine). It is often when we are deprived of someone or something important, that we are forced to reflect on persons or things that are truly valuable. Sometimes life has to sculpture us in order to gain our attention. Sometimes life has to chip off some of our “excesses” to enable us to appreciate what we have. The “true you” (and the “true me”) will often shine through after life has chipped away friends, relatives, wealth, fame, titles, beauty, pride, and ambition. Character, which is at our core, will often be revealed when life has removed the “frills and fluff” from our lives. Yes, sometimes our true (inner) beauty is revealed after life has sculptured us by what may initially appear to be disappointments.

It is probably true to say that we can never really be totally prepared for the frequency and intensity with which life’s pains and suffering may appear. They often come unannounced and uninvited.

However, it is also true that, once we understand that life is unpredictable and that “anything is possible”, we can easier come to terms with the challenges, tests, and disappointments that will visit us from time to time. This reality came face to face with me just over a week ago when one of my young associates in San Fernando, Trinidad, indicated that she was getting ready to attend the funeral service of a relatively young relative, who had died a few days earlier. As she struggled to hold back the tears, she informed me that this funeral was the sixth she was attending in a four week period. The deceased were either relatives or close friends. She was devastated. She was traumatised. She whispered, “I don’t think I can bear another loss any time soon.” Her emotions were being sculptured. At times like these, words seem so hard to come by. And sometimes, words need not be said. It is often such a great help and relief just knowing that someone cares;

genuinely cares. We see their empathy. We feel their love and compassion. And we can bear life’s chisels and hammers, knowing that there are others out there who truly care; they desire to be our emotional buffer.

We can also reflect on the fact that these devastating situations all have an end; they will not last forever.

And so very often these situations can be used to make us better (and not bitter). However, as so often happens, we have difficulty in noticing such realities when life is chiselling away at our finances, physical strength, or emotions. And here is where caring and concerned friends become priceless. As indicated earlier, sometimes they need not say anything. We are comforted, strengthened and encouraged by their mere presence. At other times, their timely sharing of a book, a phrase, a story or anecdote, a passage from the bible, or a song can lift our spirits and fortify us for the “chisels and hammers” that bring out so much of the beauty within.

There is so much truth that is wrapped up in Orison Swett Marden’s statement that life will sometimes “strip us of wealth, humble our pride, humiliate our ambition, let us down from the ladder of fame, will discipline us in a thousand ways, if she can develop a little character.”

We should, therefore, not think it strange when these things happen. I will forever treasure Dr. Robert Schuller’s best-selling book “Tough Times Never Last But Tough People Do”. The pages capture so many ways in which life can sculpture us ... but remind us that those experiences never last. Tough people can (and do) bounce back with God’s help.

Weeping may last for a night but joy comes in the morning. However long the night may seem (figuratively speaking), we must not lose hope in the better days that can be ahead.

We press on then, fortified and reenergized, looking for those opportunities where we can aid a stumbling or fallen brother or sister who is being hammered and chiselled by life. And as difficult, painful, and unpleasant as it may seem for the readers who are “going through” any of the myriad of sculpturing described above, it can be so reassuring and refreshing to know, to be assured, that our inner beauty can be exposed, even as we are sculptured by life.

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

Understanding democratic choice ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES, like the rest of the English speaking Caribbean, celebrates the fact that it is a vibrant, competitive parliamentary democracy. We hold elections every five years, so that the citizenry can choose which of the major parties it wants to guide the ship of state for the next five years. Elections are rapidly approaching.

Important decisions about the country’s future will soon be made.

For 17 successive years, the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) controlled the government. It took a very businesslike, profit and loss approach to governance. Everything was seen in dollars and cents terms, and the government refrained from most economic enterprises.

These were better left to the private sector. And so the Mitchell/Eustace government closed the sugar and coconut oil factories, the Diamond Dairy milk and juice plant. It sold the strong rum factory to private enterprise. These actions created a serious shock to the economy, and hundreds of workers lost their jobs.

The NDP believed that once it created the infrastructure for development, the living standard of the people would will improve. Before its rule ended in 2001, there was a marked increase in paved roads. Signaling a determined shift to tourism, the cruise ship berth was constructed and the financial complex was completed. By 1993, following an assault on the banana regime by Dole and Chiquita, agriculture/banana started its slow but determined spiral downward.

Towards the end of its rul, the NDP paid consultants to study poverty levels in SVG. Alarmed and embarrassed by the finding, 37 percent in poverty and 25 percent indigent or dirt poor, the party buried the report. It disbelieved its consultants. By the time the NDP left office in 2001, SVG remained second poorest country in the Caribbean after Haiti.

Contrast what came before to what has happened in the last 166 months.

There has been an almost 180 degree shift. Whereas there was an overwhelming emphasis on the private sector, there is now much more balance.

In fact, it can be said that the shift is decidedly in favour of the poor and vulnerable.

Recognizing the vital importance of qualified work force to development, the government has invested heavily in education. Major strides have been made at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels. All persons 12 to 18 years get a chance to attend high school.

Hundreds of children from disadvantaged families got a chance to attend college with government assistance. Others have received scholarships to Cuba, Venezuela, Mexico, Taiwan and Turkey. The emphasis on the educational needs of the nation has been historic. Teachers are better trained, and the civil service has a larger volume of college trained personnel. The Teacher/nurses/ A level college/ technical college were institutionalized under one head.

To give young workers/professionals an early stake in the system, a housing policy developed where hundreds benefitted from low and middle income housing. The recent problem with the house in Clare Valley took some shine off the housing policy, but few believe that those who got a chance to own homes would readily give them up without more.

The most vulnerable among us got assistance with their vision. They

received assistance that more than doubled in the last 10 years, and they are better cared for as we see with the construction of the homes for the elderly on both the leeward and windward side of the country.

The infrastructure has not been neglected. Only limited finances have prevented even more work and advances. The Windward Highway allows a smooth, unimpeded ride from Kingstown to Fancy. The South Leeward Highway has begun. The natural beauty and nature sites, ever so attractive to tourists, have received a face lift. And there is the Argyle International Airport which has the potential to radically transform the Eastern corridor of St Vincent.

All of this has taken place in the context of a robust discourse on the path of development and a full ventilation of issues. It is on these issues that Vincentians will be asked to make a judgment on which party is better suited to guide us through these difficult times ahead.

Neither the governing ULP nor the opposition NDP has all of the answers to the big problems we face. But this much is true. The ULP government is much more proactive, thorough going, innovative and path breaking. Its leadership is unafraid to chart new course and break new ground in domestic and international affairs.

The opposition is overly reactive, knee jerked and unstudied in its approach to statecraft. In fact, its leadership operates as though it has no intention of getting into office. It disregards the fact that government gets much of its information from able and decent civil servants.

Two examples: Eustace and the NDP position on the accreditation of the community college demonstrate a lack of basic understanding of basic matters.

The fact that a student has an associate degree does not mean that a school to which the degree holder is transferring will get all of the credits. Credit transfer depends on how well a student performed on the courses taken for the associated degree and the rigors of the curriculum. It matters not if a student is transferring from an ‘accredited’ school. Accreditation is a process that comes with time and results. The UWI has accepted students from our associated degree programme.

The opposition could not be serious about the Ecuadorians in uniforms. Are these soldiers/ builders/engineers here to train our tactical units or are they here to build bridges? They are building bridges destroyed by nature. For Eustace and Leacock to claim that Ecuador lined up against us in the WTO fight regarding the Banana quota is purely bogus. The main movers were giant US corporations Dole and Chiquita, ably aided by the US government of Bill Clinton. They are evidently concerned about what the USA will say, so they pick on little Ecuador which is giving us even more assistance than the wealthy and powerful USA. These are the issues of leadership, policies and programmes that will decide the next elections. People will get the opportunity to see which party is more people centered and better suited to guide the ship of state in these difficult times.

Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to wefirst@aol.com

V Kingstown - dilapidated, dirty, polluted and stink 12. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

SOME YEARS AGO, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves compared SVG to Bangladesh. At the time, the comparison seemed strange, but nowadays when you walk around Kingstown it feels like you are in Bangladesh.

Kingstown is dilapidated, dirty, polluted, has poor air quality and stinks. Many Vincentians have complained to the Leader of SVG Green Party, Mr Ivan O’Neal, about how disgusting Kingstown looks and smells. They cannot believe how the ULP regime has neglected Kingstown so much.

Kingstown is a city of filth. There is a lot of litter around, and the drains are usually blocked and stinking.

Vincentians are being exposed to dirty air, and unwittingly breathing in tiny particles of dust and rubbish. Studies have shown that PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns - about 30 times thinner than the width of a human hair) have significant influences on human health, including premature mortality.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), air pollution is the leading cause of death worldwide. Like Kingstown, Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, suffers from poor air quality. According to a World Bank funded study, there are an estimated 15,000 premature deaths, as well as several million

cases of pulmonary, respiratory and neurological illness attributed to poor air quality in Dhaka.

People living in unhygienic environments as indicated by poor drainage systems, inadequate sanitation, exposure to raw sewerage and piles of uncollected garbage, have higher levels of health problems. In Bangladesh, poor sanitary conditions contribute to approximately 4 million deaths every year, mostly among infants and young children.

Children in poor living conditions have a higher prevalence of diarrhoea, respiratory illness and low birth weight. How many SVG children

suffer health problems due to the pollution in Kingstown and elsewhere around our country?

We have seen that in times of heavy rain, litter in Kingstown often accumulates and blocks the drains. This leads to flooding and an increase in breeding sites for mosquitoes. Given that SVG is dealing with an outbreak of Chikungunya, which is spread by mosquitoes, it is reckless of the incompetent ULP regime not to deal with the rubbish and drain blockages in Kingstown.

A Green Party government will give urgent attention to the cleaning up of Kingstown and other polluted areas around SVG, that have

been neglected by the ULP regime. A cleaner environment not only helps people’s physical health, it improves their mental health too.

Many Vincentians who live abroad, say that they are disgusted by the dirty state of Kingstown when they come back on holiday. SVG should follow the example of countries such as Singapore, Norway and Sweden. They have very clean streets and a highquality living environment for their people.

Kingstown needs a thorough cleaning, drains sorted out, a

serious reduction in the air pollution and more green open spaces, such as small parks with benches, where people can sit and relax.

Dilapidated areas could be turned into parks, and this would freshen up the city a lot.

It is ignorance and a lack of vision that have led the ULP regime to turn Kingstown into a city of filth. The constant exposure to the unhygienic conditions in Kingstown poses a continual risk of disease outbreak.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. 13.

News

NOBA getting more organised (minibuses owners and drivers) into becoming members,” Bacchus said, adding, “And with this, once we get a good amount, then we can start concentrating on defensive driving and uniforms and discussions on how we can treat the customers.”

Legal aid

Anthony ‘Code Red’ Bacchus, President of NOBA, is urging minibus operators/drivers to ensure that they complete the ID Card application process.

by DAYLE DA SILVA THE NATIONAL OMNI-BUS ASSOCIATION is taking steps to become more organised. So says President of the group, Anthony Bacchus.

And even though it has only been a few months since the process towards reform has started, NOBA’s president said that matters have progressed satisfactorily.

The lack of legal representation has also been an area of concern for NOBA’s executive and membership.

According to Bacchus, a number of minibus operators go to court, and because of the lack of legal representation, the decisions handed down were usually in favour of the prosecution.

“So what we have done… we hired two lawyers from Roberts Law firm. They will represent us,” he said.

He explained that the legal aid facility will allow card-carrying members of NOBA access to legal counsel on a number of matters other than traffic offences, all except manslaughter, at a prearranged fee.

ID cards and benefits

Motivation to become more organised

Bacchus told THE VINCENTIAN last Sunday, following a meeting of the association, that they had already taken a few steps, including the distribution of NOBA identification cards.

“We up to 48 I.D cards now; with NOBA, our own objective is to provide a good service to the people of SVG, (so) the more members we get, the better able are we to provide a better service with reference to safe driving, uniforms, and so forth,” he said.

“So what we are doing now with the ID cards is that we try to create a way where they can get benefits,” Bacchus continued.

Some of these benefits he said, arise from a partnership with one autoparts dealer in the country. The arrangement allows card-carrying members of NOBA to receive discount prices on items, including service parts, tyres, used body parts — everything except batteries.

“So the benefits will cut the cost and draw them

According to NOBA’s President, the decision and action taken towards becoming more organised, came after former Minister of Transport and Works, Senator Julian Francis, made an appeal in May 2014, for the association to become stronger.

“We got serious with everything, because we have been having meetings, and the last meeting we had, the Minister then mentioned that we were unorganised, and so, we took heed to that and made a step up and started organising the ID cards,” Bacchus told THE VINCENTIAN. At that meeting, Francis told minibus operators that a strong organisation would be more appealing and put NOBA in a better position to hold discussions with entities such as the government.

“If you get yourself organised and you become a forceful unit, every person who owns a minibus would want to become a member of your organisation,” former Minister of Transport and

Works Francis said.

Against this, Bacchus reiterated, came the drive to increase the membership and the issuing of I.D cards.

He said that there were Minibus operators/drivers listen intently to a presentation at last Sunday’s meeting. still a number of unfinished applications, (More on Page 14) “We cannot make the their photographs, which and that some minibus ID card without the completes the I.D drivers were yet to submit photo,” he concluded. application process.

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14. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Inter stops fares causing problems

by DAYLE DA SILVA THREE YEARS FOLLOWING calls by minibus owners and operators for an adjustment in bus fares, the issue has come up again.

This time, some minibus operators are questioning the fares for inter-routes.

One minibus owner and operator, while at a meeting of the National Omnibus Association (NOBA) last Sunday, October 5, expressed the view

that it had become unclear what fares passengers ought to pay when travelling along points of a Varying fares for inter route stops are causing designated route. problems among minibus operators.

The minibus owner/driver operated from “I have a problem with these inter-routes because Georgetown to Kingstown, for which $6.00 is if I do a comparison from Villa Lodge to Kingstown, stipulated as of the last increase. He, however, explained that for persons travelling short distances which is a rate of $2, in relation to Peruvian Vale to Georgetown that is way in excess of that,” the from Georgetown, for example to areas such as Peruvian Vale, it was not established what the fare driver/owner said.

“And it’s way in excess of the 3.50 from Enhams is. and Stubbs. We need to go back and look at this to establish the fares from certain points to others,” he continued.

Partial blame for the problem was placed on conductors who, according to the said driver/owner, created issues relating to the correct fare to be charged to passengers.

“Because a lot of these guys wanna be famous, they wanna come down the road and feel my van always full, they taking anything that people pay them,” he said.

Another minibus operator questioned if a scientific study was ever conducted to determine distance, and suggested that this along with the amount of gas or diesel that is consumed, should be used as the basis on which to set fares.

However, another operator, plying the Largo Height/Kingstown route, explained that while his can be considered a short route, the terrain he encountered was far different to a minibus doing the Calliaqua to Kingstown route.

But while some called for quick action to be taken, President of NOBA, Anthony Bacchus, stated that this issue had arisen before.

“We went to every town and village and had meetings...do you know when the time came to do up fares, nobody helped out!” Bacchus said.

He went on to say that no one shows up to voice their opinion of what they think the fare should be.

“So you see the problem? It’s not easy,” he lamented.

There was no indication, arising out of the meeting, as far as a course of action, to address the issue, was concerned.

Taiwan supports Hong Kong demands THE NEWS RAN an article on October 3, 2014 entitled “Hong Kong protests for democratic reforms”.

Taiwan has been watching closely the development of the event in Hong Kong because of the cultural and geographical proximity. The government and people of Taiwan are of the position that the demands of Hong Kong people for democracy and universal suffrage are legitimate.

We hope that the mainland China and Hong Kong authorities can engage with the

protestors through rational and peaceful dialogues, and we also believe that Hong Kong’s long history of freedom and rule of law will guide this episode to a peaceful conclusion.

As freedom and democracy are universal values, we call on people around the world to stand with the people of Hong Kong in their quest for universal suffrage.

Baushuan Ger Ambassador The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. 15.

16. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. 17.

Rev. Davis challenges Co-op membership

Tuesday. Persons had gathered there for an REVEREND ADOLF DAVIS, newly Ecumenical Service staged by appointed Superintendent of the the St. Vincent and the Kingstown-Chateaubelair Circuit Grenadines Cooperative of the Methodist Church, is League, as part of a Vincentian born. By his own programme of activities to admission, he has not been mark Cooperative Month, home for the past 20 years. For October 1 — 31. that reason, he was pleased to He touched on sing a national anthem without homeownership, and pondered fumbling for the first time in if there was another model those 20 years. that we could adopt, Rev. Davis stirred his highlighting that persons have audience at the Kingstown to spend the best years of Methodist Church last their lives paying mortgages, and wondered if there could be packages to help farmers especially.

The Reverend emphasised the message Kelvin Pompey, of President of the togetherness, St. Vincent and the and indicated Grenadines that “God Cooperative created us to League, credit the Rev Adolf Davis be inclusive,” wondered whether there Coand that operative/Credit was another model that “division Union drive for could be adopted with destroys all, forcing mortgage respect to facilitating while giving interest rates homeownership. the illusion down.

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY

that some will benefit.”

He implored, “We have to depend on each other. The way to advance is advancing together,” and warned, “When we try to do it by ourselves, we will only create disharmony.”

The third pillar Rev. Davis’ outlook was in keeping with the Cooperative League’s theme: ‘Local serviceGlobal good’.

Kelvin Pompey, President of the Cooperative League, endorsed that spirit when he spoke at the Ecumenical Service.

He referred to the $325M in savings, and $336M in assets held by Cooperative Unions here, on behalf of 66,000 members.

Vincentians have turned to Credit Unions as a means of affording their own homes, Pompey said, and he attributed the reduction in interest rates on mortgages to Credit Unions’ philosophy and practices.

For Pompey, Credit Unions are the ‘third pillar’ of the economic development. He found it classical that credit unions show “consistent annual growth” even in a downturn in the rest of the

Members of the Co-ops and Credit Unions that make up the SVG Co-operative League took to the streets of Kingstown to highlight their movement. economy.

He urged others to join the credit union family.

“We have a good thing going,” Pompey stated.

Registrar of Cooperative Cecil Jackson endorsed the cooperative spirit. For him it is “people centred and service oriented.”

Jackson noted his Department’s links with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

A delegation from Argentina will fine-tune plans for a Livelihood Enhancement Project. Persons will find avenues to enhance poultry

and vegetable production.

Farmers in Greiggs, New Prospect, South Rivers and Marriaqua are slated to benefit.

Manager of COMFI, Simone Murray, outlined her institution’s performance since February 2013. They have disbursed $2.3M to 170 clients. Murray stressed however that lending money was not their only means of support. They have a unit to assist entrepreneurs with aspects that may be “ticklish.”

Messages of solidarity came from affiliates of the Cooperative Credit Union League.

Public Speaking finalists announced THE SIX FINALISTS in this year’s LIME/Lion’s Club St. Vincent South Public Speaking Competition were released on Monday.

The six are: Damali James of the Bishop’s College Kingstown; Eric February — Mountain View Academy; Gailesha Huggins — Central Leeward Secondary School; Audreika Samuel — Girls’ High School; Chreslon Fraser — St Vincent Grammar School; and Shaiyeid Eunis — St Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua.

The six will speak on the topic: ‘Regardless of the truth it carries, citizenship by Junior Bacchus, investment with all of its risks member of Lions is practised by many countries Club St. Vincent with great success. Do the South, assured opportunities outweigh the that various risks?’ protocols have This year’s final is the first been established since the 2012 edition as there between the was no competition last year.

Ministry of “We had our difficulties last Education and the year.

We didn’t have the Club to guide the public speaking last year, but conduct of the it’s a project that we have been competition.

doing for over 23 years,” Junior Bacchus, member of other prizes and trophies. the Lion’s Club South said.

The final will be held on Wednesday, October 22, He indicated that the organisation had at the Methodist Church Hall. successfully ironed out those difficulties with the Lexie Selman, representing the Bishop’s College Ministry of Education.

Kingstown, walked away as public speaking He explained that the various protocols were champion in 2012. arrived at, and that the topic for this year’s final was given the all clear.

Bacchus, however, noted that the Ministry of Education was not responsible for approving or disapproving, but rather worked along with the Club to ensure that it kept within the protocols that had been established.

The Mikey De Freitas challenge trophy is up for grabs. The school that the winning student attends will receive $2500 towards the assistance of a project for that institution, and the student will receive

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18. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

News

SVGTU StewardsÊ Council commissioned

by KENVILLE HORNE

FIVE PERSONS will manage the National Stewards’ Council of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU) when it is launched during Teachers’ Solidarity Week, November 9 - 15, 2014.

The National Stewards’ Council of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU) was established last Wednesday, October 8th.

It will be managed by

five officers who were elected by School Stewards from across the country.

The five are: Phillip Jacobs — Chairman; Vincent Benjamin - Vice Chairman; Jan Providence — Secretary; Cassandra King Assistant Secretary; and Nolland Allen - Committee Member: A press release by the SVGTU said that the role of The National Stewards’ Council is to assist in coordinating the work of

the SVGTU, and be involved in monitoring the performances of the National and Branch Executive members.

They shall also ensure that the decisions and programmes made at both the Biennial Convention and the National General Meetings are executed, the release stated.

The establishment of the National Stewards Council is in keeping with the SVGTU constitution.

But the move by the

SVGTU is quite historic, as it is the first time the Stewards’ Council is commissioned.

While Stewards do exist within the Union, they were not really functioning, according to Public Relations Officer of the SVGTU, Wendy Bynoe in an interview with THE VINCENTIAN. “So we had a Stewards workshop to educate the Assistant Steward and the School Stewards, who are

the Union’s representatives in the schools, about the history of the SVGTU, the laws and regulations governing teachers, and the roles and responsibilities of School Stewards,” said Bynoe.

“The National Executive wants to ensure that all levels of the Union’s operations are functioning effectively,” the Union PRO further declared.

Wendy Bynoe, PRO of the SVGTU, assured that her Executive is keen on ensuring that all levels of the Union are in operation.

Walk raises cancer awareness

by GLORIAH… OVER ONE HUNDRED walkers took to the streets of Kingstown and beyond last Saturday, October 4. They moved from the CIBC First Caribbean International Bank on Halifax Street, walking along South River Road and onto Bay Street, on their way to Fort Charlotte.

At the Fort, the walkers engaged in a symbolic gesture of support and solidarity for persons affected by the dreaded disease of cancer. They released coloured balloons in recognition of the many types of cancer that can affect the individual.

Following this, the throng descended the hill to travel along Back Street and return to the premises of the bank.

The walk, dubbed ‘CIBC Walk for the Cure’, according to walk manager, Jacintha Hinds, was into its third year. She explained that it was an activity inspired by a similar activity of their parent company, CIBC Canada.

Hinds told THE VINCENTIAN that funds realised from the endeavor will

Walkers released balloons to symbolize the different cancers that afflict human beings. be donated to the SVG Cancer Society.

When questioned about the idea of ‘the cure’, she intimated that funds will also be donated to the parent company to assist in the research in which they are constantly engaged.

Every year, for twenty-three years, walkers and runners have been hitting the streets of Canada in the ‘CIBC Run for the Cure’. They opt to either walk or run 1k or 5k in an effort to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research.

This year, some 127,000 participants and volunteers collaborated on Run Day, Sunday, October 5th, their actions attracting the support of generous donors who are said to

CIBC staffer and supporters ‘walk for the cure’ last Saturday. have contributed an estimated $25 million.

This will be used to continue innovative breast cancer research, health education, and by DAYLE DA SILVA advocacy initiatives DISCUSSIONS ARE BEING held throughout between members of the National Canada.

Omnibus Association (NOBA) and October is telecommunications provider DIGICEL, marked as towards equipping minibuses with Breast Cancer tracking devices.

Awareness At last Sunday’s meeting of NOBA, Month members present were informed of a throughout the tracking device that would be made world. available to them, particularly to minibus owners that are not drivers, so that they can monitor the movements of their vehicle via a mobile smart phone or computer.

The F6 Tech Tracker captures all vehicle usage patterns and crash Sildan Scott, Business Solutions information with the installation of an Executive, displaying tracking device advanced event data recorder, and can at last Sunday’s NOBA meeting. be used to monitor driver behaviour, crash detection, location and severity. tracking device is the ability to allow for The device also provides a 3D crash geo fencing, or the ability to lock in the reconstruction following an accident.

However, the admissibility of this type of distance a vehicle travels to a confined area. data into the local court was a matter “For those who are van owners and that needed to be investigated. not van drivers, then this will allow for Diana Caesar, DIGICEL’s Business the normal terrain to be set and Solutions Executive, explained that the whenever the vehicle goes out of this tracking device uses Google Map which region, then an alert will be sent to has been developed, and allows for owners to precisely locate the position of owner,” Caesar explained.

The device is already in use in the their vehicle.

In terms of accident reporting, Caesar country, and discussions are currently being held to provide the service to the explained that the mapping that comes with the device will display information Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force. including location on the vehicle of President of NOBA Anthony Bacchus initial contact, as well as other details on said that he welcomed the device, the crash. particularly for use in instances where a “It is pretty precise with the report minibus owner is having issues with his that you get,” she said. driver.

Another feature of the F6 Tech

Digicel offers tracking device to NOBA

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. 19.

Agriculture

Arrowroot back on track

laboratory in that country.

The result of the investigation, according to the release, is that arrowroot originating from this country has been given the all clear, and has been deemed fit for use, after 26,000 pounds or almost two thirds of a shipment sent to the US this year, was almost rejected after it was alleged that it was contaminated with salmonella.

On receiving technical all clear, purchasers of the arrowroot have made a payment of Arrowroot cultivation has increased on mainland St. Vincent, given the increased US$266,000 to the Arrowroot Association. demand for starch.

The release states that the DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN OFFICIALS at payment also comes on the heels of an the Ministry of Agriculture and the independent test conducted by the Central Development Bank have started, University of the West Indies, which as the process of improving the cleared the starch factory in Owia of a Arrowroot facilities at Owia and Orange salmonella contamination.

Hill is set to begin.

The demand for arrowroot starch According to a release issued by the from this country stands at 120,000 ministry, agriculture officials are pounds annually; in 2013 this country currently meeting with technical exported 26,000 pounds, and this year advisors from Argentina.

45,000 pounds were exported, the The move follows the all clear that release stated. has been given to Arrowroot already Another 6,000 pounds is expected exported and expected to be exported to be exported later this week, and to the United States from this another 1,000 pounds placed on the country, following the conclusion of a local market. (DD) three-month long investigation by a

World Food Day focus on family farming OF THE 570 MILLION farms in the world today, the majority are family owned — and according to officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, this will be the focus for this year’s World Food Day celebrations.

The theme for this year is, ‘Family farming; feeding the world, caring for the earth’.

Raymond Ryan, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, explained, “For this year’s celebrations, FAO (Food and Agricultural Organisation) has defined family farming as a means of organising agricultural, forestry, fisheries, pastoral production managed and operated by a family and predominantly relied on family labour including men and women.”

He also outlined reasons for commemorating World Food Day activities, saying that they were generally in keeping with FAO’s objectives.

These were: to encourage attention to agricultural food production and to stimulate national efforts toward this; to encourage technical and economic cooperation among agencies and production groups; and to encourage the participation of rural people, particularly the least privileged, in decisions and activities influencing their living conditions.

Chair of the World Food Day Committee, Senior Forestry Officer Cornelius Richards, said that a dynamic programme was set up for

this year.

“The first thing that we did was to wrap our heads around the theme of family farming, and so derived Raymond Ryan, PS several activities that Ministry of Agriculture, explained we thought the theme for this would be year’s World Food suitable for Day celebrations. family farming, and activities we thought that we could share,” he said.

“In doing this, we ensured that a wide cross section of farms is represented, as well as to ensure that the activities are well defined into family farming, drawing the attention of the Vincentian public into this issue,” Richards continued.

He explained that in order to do this, the committee selected eight farms throughout the three agricultural regions, including a fishing family, and two schools.

Some of the other activities as outlined by Richards include a series of radio and television programmes, visits to farms across the country, and exhibitions at the North Union market and Heritage Square on World Food Day, October 16.

V An ÂEXÊ gets between us 20. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

SEVERAL WEEKS AGO, my husband called the name of the same woman I accused him of cheating on me with, and he did this at the peak of one of our sexual encounters. He denied that he did so, and I let it ride because it was his words against mine, and he only called the name once that time.

More recently, we were at it again, and this time, he got so worked up that he called out her name several times, to the top of his voice. Even he was able to hear himself shouting “Oh yes EXXXXX”, several times. It was so clear and plain that he could not deny it that time. I asked him there and then about it, and he admitted that he called her name because she was on his mind the entire time. George, you can imagine how that made me feel … my husband thinking of another woman while having sex with me?

I shouted to him to get out of the room and out of the house. He calmly got up and left, and to this day, I do not know where he went. Two weeks have passed since he left, and he has not contacted me.

be rebuilt. Two weeks is a long time for him to be completely silent, and especially when he is not keeping up with his other obligations and responsibilities that come with the marriage.

It You would need to make a decision be the better thing, in the would on the future of your marriage, and Hurt & Unsure interest of improving your relationship may have to end up doing so and marriage, if he were to contact unilaterally because of his lack of Dear Hurt & Unsure, interest and prolonged absence. Take you, come clean, own up to what has to the opportunity while you are at it, to be owned to and do what has to be Your husband is probably done. somewhere trying to stop himself from get information pertaining drowning in guilt. It was a case where to abandonment. Make sure to he brought himself to justice by letting examine your options, should you wish George the cat out of the bag, unintentionally to take things in a different direction. so.

The lack of communication between you both is not healthy for the do now? marriage, and if any of Dear George, you have any intention of saving the marriage, I AM MARRIED, maybe happily married, but Shocked I have a way of releasing my stress by going the communication Dear Shocked, on line to check out the various dating and bridge would have to other sites, where people are looking for love, You can tell your marriage is in trouble friendship or whatever it is. It is my opinion that most of the when both of you decide to go looking outside the parameters of the marriage for fulfilment. people on those sites are In confronting your wife about her online looking for something other browsing, you seem to have conveniently than what they have or don’t forgotten that you are guilty of the same have in their lives. offense.

I was browsing one of the I-t is vital that both of you sit down and sites when I got the shock of my life. I saw a picture of my have a heart to heart talk about the future of your marriage, and what can be done to wife on the site, and in her profile she listed her status as reignite the flame that once burned unobstructed. Do not make it an occasion to “complicated”, and said she lay blame, but rather one where you both was looking for friends. admit your shortcomings to each other, with a George, after I saw that, I renewed pledge to pay more and careful could not function. attention to the little things in the marriage, I approached her on the with a view to regain lost footing. matter, and she said to me You may want that she signed on to that site to engage the long before we got married. services of a When I told her that she last visited the site two days before marriage counselor if both the day in question, she just of you think you said she is free to go on need some whatever sites she wants to, essential tools for and that she can control building a strong herself.

I have always thought that marriage. my wife was satisfied with our marriage, but now I got a dose George of the painful truth. What do I

I did not mean for him to get out of my life, but right now I am feeling that he is gone, perhaps for good. I love him, and all I wanted was for him to do away with that woman and concentrate on me and me alone. I am wondering if I over-reacted by asking him to leave.

Shocking find online

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Residential moves will be favorable, and larger quarters the most probable direction. Try to avoid being extravagant this week. You may have difficulties at an emotional level with mates.

You may have ignored or neglected your mate lately.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Get involved in philosophic groups that will enlighten you. Find out exactly what's expected of you and you'll be surprised to find out how capable you are. Those close to your heart may be difficult to reason with. There will be hidden matters that you may find disturbing.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Think hard before going into business with friends or family. Emotional deception will cause friction on the home front. Don't let your mate force you into making a decision that you aren't ready to make. There may be opportunities to attend social functions that are linked to work.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Raise your self esteem and your confidence if you want to get back into the mainstream again. You could be cornered, so be prepared to tell the truth.

Use your high energy and dynamic approach to win favors from superiors.

Deception and doubts may surround your involvement with friends and relatives.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Work hard on improving your living quarters. You can write beautiful love letters this week. You should not be concerned with coworkers who insist on spreading rumors. Be cautious when dealing with foreigners.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don't lament to a friend about any grievance regarding your mate, or it may be hard to rectify your relationship.

Don't hesitate to talk to your partner about rekindling your relationship.

Older relatives may be a burden. You should check out prestigious clubs or groups that have a cause you believe

in.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) False information from someone trying to start problems is likely. Deception in your home is evident. Don't beat around the bush. Make alternate plans just in case you need to make a career shift.

Travel for pleasure will be enticing.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You can make career moves that will bring you a much higher income. Don't go out of your way, and don't let these unexpected guests cost you money. You may have been too nice to a friend who just wanted to take advantage of you.

Take your time; do not make any decisions in haste.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Take a look at your legal position.

Changes in your home are apparent, and you must be willing to bend if you don't want to find yourself alone. Don't get involved in expensive entertainment that involves gambling. You can pick up wonderful buys if you really look hard this week.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your best efforts will come through hard work. The great outdoors will allow you to teach youngsters some of the things you learned when growing up. Avoid confrontations with coworkers who aren't pulling their weight. Get out and enjoy some entertainment.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Relatives will want to get together. You have to feel free to come and go as you please to achieve happiness. Visit friends or relatives who have been confirmed. Your ability to organize and get everyone together will enhance your popularity and bring interest from potential mates.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You may be tom between two possibilities. This has left you in a confused and uncertain state. Learn some new skills that will increase your in come. Get help to finish a project if you need it. This is a turning point.

ACROSS 1. Satchet scent 6. Toast spread 10. Run off the track 11. Is apprehen‐ sive 13. Puzzle 14. Winners 16. Ship’s letters 17. Royal address 19. Needy 20. Average grades 22. Insignificant 24. Gun lobby (abbr.)

25. Hairpin curves 27. Lisa Bonet on “The Cosby Show” 29. Silent “yes” 31. Letters after a dentist’s name 32. Soaked in bubbles 35. Chants 39. Winter mo.

40. Oil org.

42. Fatigue 43. _ this date

(now, 2 wds.)

45. Swamp talk 47. Pod veg‐ etable 48. Desert illu‐ sion 50. Moisten 52. Idles 53. Foreigners 54. Olin and Norton 55. Peruses DOWN 1. Camera focusers 2. Van Gogh flowers 3. Straggle 4. Purposes 5. Miner’s stake 6. Presented 7. Hula hoop?

8. Frontiersman Wyatt 9. Actor Welles et al.

10. Tennis score 12. Shopper’s milieu 15. Mrs., in Madrid

18. Like Santa’s wardrobe 21. Telegraphed 23. Terminates 26. District in London 28. “_ some‐ thing I said?”

(2 wds.)

30. Make unhappy 32. Pesto ingredient 33. Parka 34. Barely passing grade 36. Took a little

bite 37. Salad ingredients 38. Penn and O’Casey 39. Traffic tie‐up 41. Tree of

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. 21.

Lebanon 44. Intimidate 46. Cowgirl Evans 49. Patton’s rank (abbr.)

51. Farrow of films.

V Empowering Employees to Soar 22. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Finance

there is no purpose in taking a stand, AN IMPORTANT GOAL for since they have no employers, in today’s direct channel and competitive business do not feel that environment, is to create a their voice(s) will be working environment in heard. which employees assume or share ownership of 3. Invite feedback specific tasks and projects. Ideally, Employers can empowerment increases empower their the employees’ sense of employees by responsibility and providing frequent accountability; enhances constructive feedback so their morale and improves that they know how well the quality of their work they are performing. performance which, to a Take well-intentioned large extent, has a positive suggestions into impact on organizational consideration, and let success. Empowerment employees see that they creates employees who really do have a role in are more devoted to the the overall success of the organization’s progress organization. and success. There are a Acknowledge that their few management actions ideas have been looked at which can empower and/or implemented. employees to soar beyond their potential.

4. Share leadership vision 1. Adopt an open door policy Help employees feel that they are part of An important part of something bigger than empowering employees is themselves and their to let them know that individual jobs. Do this their opinions are by ensuring that they are valuable to you. Adopting familiar with and have an open door policy lets access to the employees know that you organization’s overall care about what they mission, vision and have to say, and enables strategic plans. them to give their input and play an active role in 5. Promote employee the well-being of the education organization. An employee who feels Provide a means for involved is an employee employees to obtain who is empowered. training that is necessary to enhance 2. Foster Open their performance so that Communication they can master their job responsibilities.

Keep the lines of Employers can show that communication clear and they have invested in in a structured manner their employees’ so that employees can professional success by make their thoughts, budgeting dollars and feelings and observations time toward their known easily and training, and/or frequently. Help them to arranging for them to understand that their attend career input is valued, even if development seminars you decide to go a and courses. Not only different way. does this provide for Employees in employee empowerment, organizations that are but it is a great way to built on top-down gain employee loyalty communication from and improve employee management, feel that performance.

by CORNELIA MOSES

6. Delegate tasks clearly and concisely Establish specific roles and responsibilities with employees, so all are clear and can work together co-operatively.

Employees who do not know what tasks they are supposed to perform may not execute them very well. Additionally, they need to know their boundaries so that they “do not step on the toes of others” or create inefficiency through redundancy.

7. Appreciate their efforts While it is true that employees are paid for their jobs, the best employees do not work at an organization just for money. Employees who are empowered need a greater level of satisfaction than simply financial stability. They need to feel that management appreciates their contribution and values their participation. Employers can find ways to say “thank you” or celebrate the good things that their employees do. For example, the efforts of employees can be recognized at staff/department meetings; special awards ceremonies; or through staff circulars.

These are only but a few guiding principles which employers can take on board to empower their employees to soar.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. 23.

ÂVincy HeatÊ battling in Guadeloupe Solomon, Kevin Francis, Darren Hamlett, ST.VINCENT AND THE Emerald George, Jarrel GRENADINES national Mc Master, Kyle football team, ‘Vincy Heat’ Edwards, Oalex is currently in Guadeloupe Anderson, Ronsil battling to advance to the Badnock, Nazir Mc final of the 2104 Burnette, Shorn Caribbean Cup. Lowman, Roy Richards, The team arrived in Vasbert Ledger, Shemol Guadeloupe via Barbados Trimmingham, Tevin and Martinique on Slater, Myron Samuel, Monday 6th. Technical Shandel Samuel, and Director of ‘Vincy Heat”, Cornelius Stewart, who Keith Ollivierre, told now plies his trade in THE VINCENTIAN that Finland and recently following their arrival in joined the team. the French-speaking A six-member island, the team had a management team, light training session in comprising Cornelius the morning, on the Huggins- Head Coach, beach, and will be Wesley “ Butu” Charles training in the afternoon Assistant Coach, Kevin at the game venue.

Richards-Guy - Goal Concerning the team’s Keeper Coach, Otnel chances of advancing to Douglas- Manager, Keith the finals, the Technical Ollivierre — Technical Director said, “It goes Director, and Dwight back to our main goal, Roberts - Executive trying to qualify for the Member, complete the CONCACAF Gold Cup Vincentian contingent in finals in 2015, so the Guadeloupe. investment in youngsters ‘Vincy Heat’ is drawn was crucial, and we are in Group 9, which also looking ahead to world includes Curacao, cup qualifiers. The Martinique, and contingent is very Guadeloupe. On youthful and coachable, Wednesday they took on and the coach is very host Guadeloupe in their much capable of first encounter. Today handling the task, so our they will take on chances are pretty okay”. Curacao, and on Sunday The national team is 12th, they do battle made up of Dwaine against Martinique.

Sandy, Winslow This year marks the Mcdowald, Azhino 18th edition of the Caribbean Cup which was debuted in 1989. It is open to affiliates of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU).

‘Vincy Heat’ will be trying to be one of the two teams to qualify from their group for the finals in Jamaica.

There are two other qualifying groups to decide the other four finalists who will join Cuba and Jamaica.

The top four teams in this year’s Caribbean Cup automatically qualify for the 2015 Keith Ollivierre, Technical CONCACAF Gold Cup, while the fifth place Director, says Vincy team will vie for a place Heat’s chances of through a playoff qualifying for the finals against the fifth place are ‘pretty okay’.

by KENVILLE HORNE

team from the 2014 Copa Centroamericana tournament.

This is the first time that the two overall fifthplace teams will compete to qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Previously the finals accommodated five teams from Central America and four from the

Caribbean.

With such a mammoth task for a small nation, Ollivierre is appealing for support from all Vincentians ‘Vincy Heat’ takes a break from their training on a “We need your support beach in Guadeloupe to listen to some instructions in moving Team SVG from a member of the technical staff. forward so join and rally around us,” she SVG Vincy Heat’s’ a runner-up position in urged through THE best showing in the 1995, when they 5-0 to VINCENTIAN. Caribbean Cup to date is Trinidad and Tobago.

Bobb ignored by Windwards experienced Vincentian was not franchises. in the final fifteen, with St. The Professional First Class Lucia’s Dalton Polius being the Franchise System will be surprised pick. engaged in a professional cricket In 2014, Bobb was among the structure on a day-to-day basis, top Windwards bowlers despite year round, under a Head Coach seeing limited action. In the four and support staff. matches he was able to play All six franchises will be given because of injuries and ill health US$45,000 per month to fund of Shane Shillingford, he picked their operations, but will be up 12 wickets at just over 22 required to raise revenue as well. runs apiece.

Reports say that under this The inaugural Player Draft of new initiative, players will be the PCL was held in Barbados to categories into three levels - A, B give the territorial teams an and C - with the first carrying a equitable distribution of the price tag of USD $2,500, the available player talent in the second USD $1,700 and third Regional Four-Day and Limited USD $1,250.

Overs Tournaments, according to the WICB. WINDWARD ISLANDS At Monday’s draft the FRANCHISE: Sunil Ambris, Alston Bobb at Windwards Windwards selected wicketkeeper Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, training earlier this year.

Lindon James, who was ignored Delorn Johnson, Keddy Lesporis, in the top ten. James was among Kenroy Peters, Liam Sebastien,

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT five players, the others being fast Shane Shillingford, Devon Smith, bowler Nelon Pascal, Mervin Tyrone Theophile; Mervin ST. VINCENT AND THE Mathew, Nelon Pascal, Lindon GRENADINES allrounder Alston Matthew, Dalton Polius and Romel Currency.

James, Dalton Polius, Romel Bobb continues to be ignored by Talented batsman Sunil Currency.

Windwards coaching personnel, Ambris, James along with despite potentially being one of the sub-regions top slow bowlers. seamers Kenroy Peters and Delorn Johnson are the Bobb, who, according to Vincentians in the set up. information reaching THE The other pre-selected VINCENTIAN, was among the players are veteran opener ten initial players named by the Devon Smith , Andre Windwards selectors for the Fletcher , Johnson Charles, upcoming Professional Cricket Keddy Lesporis, Liam League (PCL), could not find Sebastien, Shane himself in the final fifteen.

Shillingford and Tyrone Reports say the selectors had Theophile. named ten players which Each of the franchises included as many as five nominated 15 players, and Vincentians, but this was quashed after senior Windwards the WICB nominated an Board officials stepped in to have additional 12 players.

A total of 30 players the process done over. were drafted on Monday.

After much bargaining, it resulted in a different ten players The remaining players will be available for Pay-Forbeing sent forward, with Bobb Play contracts at the relegated to the Draft segment.

Seamer Kenroy Peters made the final discretion of the various And after Monday’s’ Draft, the cut.

V

24. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Referees want action against abuse

the match being blown off prematurely, with Layou FOOTBALL REFEREES and leading Richmond Hill 1-0 at assistant referees, who over the the time of the incident. years have lodged complaints A member of the referees’ and aired concerns in the media fraternity told THE over the disrespectful attitude of VINCENTIAN that the players on and off the field, are incident came about when again doing so following a Allen issued a red card to a recent incident in a match in the player from the Richmond Hill national competition. team, for showing open dissent The latest incident to one of his decisions. involving the biting of a Referees’ Assessor Bert referee in a premier division Francois told THE game in the 2014 Hairoun VINCENTIAN that the Beer National Club problems of referees being Championship, played last attacked physically and Wednesday at the Campden verbally has been going on for Park Playing Field, has forced too long, without any serious the officials to pay more than efforts being made to deal with lip service to possible action. the culprits of such actions. He According to reports, referee felt that the time has come for Johmal Allen was attacked by tough decisions to be made, two players from one of the since it appears that the teams involved in the match. verbal abuse has now moved He is said to have received a to become physical action. number of bites during the Referee Peter Cambridge altercation, which resulted in told THE VINCENTIAN that

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

not only are dissatisfied and unhappy players showing open disrespect, they are now issuing threats on your person.

“I did a match, and one player came up in a vehicle after the match, stopped next to me and said ‘I will get someone to deal with you’.

Those types of things are happening to referees today, and nobody is doing anything, don’t care how much you report them,” he said.

Over the years, referees Rodger Gurley, Andrew Bramble and Francois have Johmal Allen was reportedly all made reports of threats bitten by a player. and abuse, and they have been followed in recent times behaviour towards a referee,

by John Hinds and Levan received unprecedented Victory. outpouring of sympathy from In fact, reports say that a members of the public who felt few years ago one player, who that the penalty was too was issued with an extended severe. ban from the Marriaqua Sources told THE Football League for violent

Bert Francois, Referees’ Assessor, wants action taken.

VINCENTIAN that the Disciplinary Committee of SVG Football Federation is to hold discussion with local referees to have the matter investigated and subsequently see what action is necessary.

The local federation played host to a recent FIFA/CONCACAF Referees training workshop while Francois was recently elevated to an Elite Referees Assessors Panel.

Kelipar Hillsiders take Tape Ball title

Salvan Browne – Man of the Finals.

Riverside Warriors, second place team KELIPAR HILLSIDERS left it all for the final over to mark themselves into the history books, by becoming the first title holder of the inaugural Prime Consulting Richland Park Casper Kelipar Hillsiders - Champions Davis T20 Tape Ball cricket competition. his top score of 89 for his team.

In the final played last weekend at the Richland Park playing Leading performers in the competition were recognized after field, Hillsiders recorded a 1-wicket victory over Riverside Warriors, successfully managing to wipe off eight runs going into the finals: Kenroy Peters of Hillsiders - the most wickets (9); Gosnel Cupid of Limehill Knightriders - most runs (340 including their final over.

2 centuries); Donwell Hector of Warriors — highest individual They were fortuitous, getting four over-throws before Kentish score (149 runs); and Dougal James of Warriors — best innings Jacobs lifted Donwell Hector over the square leg for six. bowling (5 for 39).

All of this excitement of the final over came after Riverside Jovanie Davis of Riverside Warriors was recognized as the best Warriors batted first and registered a formidable 246 for 9 in 20 U15 player and Jeremy Layne of Kelipar Hillsiders, the best U19 overs. Asif Hooper top scored with 91, Chrisroy John hit 46, player.

Glenroy Jacobs 31 and Daveian Barnum 28. Kenroy Peters was Team MVP awards were as follows: Limehill Knightriders the pick of the Hillsiders bowlers with figures of 3 for 41.

Gosnel Cupid; Kelipar Hillsiders — Sunil Paul; Oval Wanderers — Kelipar Hillsiders, after the excitement of the final over, Les Haywood; Shantytown Ballblazers - Savil Phillips; Riverside reached 249 for 9 in 19.1 overs. Salvan Browne led with 89, Olanzo Jackson 50 and Jeron John 20. Daveian Barnum took 3 for Warriors - Glenroy Jacobs; Cottonground Smashers - O’Neal Endeavor.

50 and Kenyon Davis 2 for 41.

Salvan Browne was awarded Man of the Match in the finals for I.B.A.ALLEN

Asif Hooper – Finals top-scorer with 91.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. 25.

Sports

Gold Cup mix

BY TONIGHT, the pattern will be clear as to the teams to advance to the finals of the Caribbean Cup scheduled for Montego Bay, November 10 to 18.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines will find themselves in Group A with Cuba if they place second. If they win, they will be in Group B with Jamaica. SVG qualifying group is open, with Guadeloupe, Martinique and Curacao, with each wanting to have its say in the countdown.

St. Kitts/Nevis, Barbados, French Guiana will be in battle for a place in Group 8, which winds up in Haiti on Sunday. That can be regarded as the Group of death.

St. Kitts/Nevis will consider themselves worthy for the second spot, and even create an upset at Haiti’s expense. But Barbados and French Guiana will also fancy their chances.

The Gold Cup quest broadens with St. Lucia in a face-off with Trinidad and Tobago this evening.

St. Lucia will want to live up to their billing as Windward Islands champions. They round off their campaign against Dominican Republic Sunday, having opened the contest against Antigua in an Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States spectacle on Wednesday.

The Vincentian contingent will be optimistic about completing the journey, having trodden that path before. Whether the squad’s preparedness is sufficient will be revealed in time.

There is no question about the talent and potential of the members of the team. Football has advanced beyond the ordinary, and that process comes with a policy of an injection of guts and determination.

This is an ideal platform for the Vincentian lads. They have to want it and must take it wholeheartedly. Perhaps coming in the month of October will be sufficient motivation for the outfit to show their patriotism.

It will be a precious gift on our 35th anniversary, testimony of our maturity as a nation. We are in the Masters category, a segment of Vincentian football where the sheer joy of the game comes out.

But this is the age of bustling energy, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines has displayed a possession of explosive potency. It’s time to orchestrate our productivity.

The blend of youth and experience ought to be adequate to fulfil our needs. The management has been around long enough to provide the guidance to channel the resources into a meaningful product.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has set its benchmark in regional football. We stutter at times through our own complacency. That is an element we have to shrug off.

Opportunities are available. The team must come into its own and recapture the honour that we are capable of.

Additionally, the future is in front of us.

They road to Brazil is still open with the Olympics looming. An Under 23 squad from St. Vincent and the Grenadines is certainly not out of place for Rio 2016. The groundwork has to be in place, not only for that unit, but for those four and eight years on. St. Vincent and the Grenadines must have a proper Under 15 structure. That is the surest way of nurturing players to be better equipped for the big times.

Whether it is at the community, School or Club, the emphasis has to be on the nation’s youths.

That is the best way to build a country. Sports must be an essential ingredient. The other social graces like Science, Technology and Maths will be natural aspects of the training module.

That is the only way to sustainable living.

Secondary School Netball shoots off

IT WAS A SPECTACLE of colours as the players representing schools from throughout the state, turned out for the opening of the 2014 Secondary Schools Netball Tournament last Friday, October 3, at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex.

The schools gathered at the venue to hear addresses from: Sylvorn Harry, 2nd Vice President SVG Netball Association; Nelson Hillocks, Directory of Physical Education and Sports, and Asfo Stephens, Senior Education Officer.

Natasha Stapleton, a member of the Netball Sub-Committee for Schools, explained that last year’s tournament had several openings in different venues; however,this year, the organizing committee decided to host all the teams at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, so as to offer an opportunity to see all the teams on show.

The tournament will be contested in four Zones, in which 17 schools will compete in

Action in the opening matches of this year’s Secondary Schools Netball Tournament.

Inset: Natasha Stapleton, member of the Netball Sub Committee, explained why the opening ceremony was held at one location. the junior division, and 16 in the senior.

The finals are scheduled for November 21 at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex.

Matches in the tournament will be played at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, Biabou and Keartons hard courts, and at the Kingstown Netball Centre.

Campbell strokes century in Masters T20 CHRISTOPHER CAMPBELL hit his first century of the season and was instrumental in Stanley Browne’s Stubbs Masters 13-run victory over Computec Belfongo Masters, in the SVG Masters T20 cricket tournament last weekend.

Stanley Browne’s Stubbs Masters made 145 off 16.3 overs. Christopher Campbell top-scored with 102.

Aaron Bascombe and Wendell Glasgow picked up 2 wickets each. Computec Belfongo Masters replied with 132 for 9 off 20 overs. Jesemiah Browne hit 36.

In other results, St.Vincent Cooperative Bank Ptani Masters defeated Kirk DaSilva’s LaCroix Masters by 8 wickets. Kirk DaSilva’s LaCroix Masters made 40 off 12.5 overs. Ray Richards took 4 for 15. St. Vincent Cooperative Bank Ptani Masters reached 44 for 2 off 7 overs.

North East Masters defeated Cato’s Heavy Equipment Glamorgan Masters by 9 wickets. Cato’s Heavy Equipment Glamorgan Masters: 73 for 9 off 20 overs. North East Masters replied with 74 for 1 off 12.3 overs. Peter Campbell hit 33 not out.

This weekend at Park Hill, on Saturday from 2.00 p.m, Stanley Browne’s Stubbs Masters will face Cato’s Heavy Equipment Glamorgan Masters, while at Buccament also from 2.00 p.m, Metrocint General Insurance Sagicor Richards Masters will come up against Sion Hill Masters.

On Sunday from 10.00 a.m, Bequia Cricket Association Masters oppose Computec Belfongo Masters, followed by North East Masters against St.Vincent Cooperative Bank Ptani Masters from 2pm, at Park Hill. At Buccament, also on Sunday, Pastures Masters take on Henny Penny Masters from 10am, followed by RSVG Police Masters and Log Enterprises Kingstown Masters from 2pm.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Minibus men get upper hand on Police THE MINIBUS ASSOCIATION heads the points table in the Hairoun/Printery Sports and Cultural Club 2014 Dominoes Competition, after a weekend victory over Police.

The minibus men took the opportunity to get the upper hand on the lawmen, defeating the law and order custodians 25 to 21, in what was described by one patron as “a very exciting match.”

In the other weekend encounter, defending champions CWSA kept abreast of the leader when they dispensed of the Government Printery 25 — 18.

Following this Friday’s match between Port Authority and Transport and Works, all eyes will be on the clash between current leaders Minibus Association and defending champions CWSA, this Saturday, October 11.

Matches begin at 6:30pm on both days, at the Kingstown Anglican School.

Minibus Association (long side) on their way to victory over Police.

26. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2014. 27.

Classifieds

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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CDC NOT AT AN ALL TIME LOW: PAYS OUT $650K IN PRIZES “The CDC is not aware that it is at any ‘all time low” with any of its Components. From time to time we will disagree, and we will continue to do so respectfully, so that we can move on.”

Dennis Ambrose, Chairman of the CDC, gave the assurance that his Corporation will address the weakness identified in the management/running of carnival activities.

Stories by KENVILLE HORNE

SO SAID DENNIS AMBROSE, Chairman of the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) when he addressed the Vincy Mas 2014 Prize-Giving Ceremony on October 3, at the Murray Heights Hotel, Mc Kie’s Hill, Kingstown.

Ambrose, it would appear, was reacting to certain sentiments that have pervaded the news waves here.

And as far as the 2014 Festival was concerned, Ambrose declared that “The majority of the reviews have been positive and, of course, there are the usual few critics who remain literally ‘on the balcony’, who basically sit back and shout in a nonconstructive and non-communicative manner. We understand all that.”

He continued, to an audience comprised of carnival makers, government officials, CDC personnel and invited guest: “From the perspective of the CDC, we are satisfied that for the most part, the Festival fared very well.”

Zamfir ‘Man Zangie’ Adams, Calypso Monarch 2014, takes hold of the Calypso Monarch Challenge trophy, and would hope that he could have his named etched on it for a second time.

He boasted Gordon ‘Tarya’ Boucher (left) that the CDC had collects his King of the Bands achieved its aim in winner’s trophy, the sixth such most events, and trophy he would have collected acknowledged, since he made his debut in the without detailing, competition in 1983. that there were some weaknesses which, he assured, the CDC has that this exercise is one that is in excess identified. of $650,000, a significant sum, by any “So rest assured, that any weak area standard.” in the Vincy Mas activities will be on As for the future, Ambrose expressed our list for remedial work, when we optimism in light of the soon-to-be consider aspects which need to be completed international airport. revised, restructured, re-organised, all “2015 is the year when the CDC in good time.” anticipates that our brand new Addressing the reason(s) for the international airport would be fully postponement of the Prize-Giving commissioned, so that Vincy Mas could Ceremony from the previous Thursday, be among the first to capitalize on this Ambrose alluded to the late arrival of new major national treasure,” he told an trophies and, for the first time, appreciative audience. explained that another reason was due Prizes were presented to winners in to the time that the CDC needed to all the competitions organized by the “consolidate its finances from multiple CDC. outstanding sources” before they could Vincy Mas 2015 is slated for June 26 move forward. to July 7, some three months after the “These are monies,” he continued, ninety-day (January — March “which are committed to the CDC by 2015)period that is allowed for the contractual agreements. They were calling of general elections, after the overdue and needed. And just to put anniversary of the last one (December that into context, you need to realize 2010).

‘Fireman’ dominates CDC prize-giving DELROY ‘FIREMAN’ HOOPER dominated the 2014 Carnival Development Corporation’s (CDC) Prize Giving Ceremony, held on Thursday 2nd October, at the Murray

Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper displays some of his trophies just where he would want to: among the people.

Heights Hotel, McKies Hill.

In a record breaking year for the soca artiste, Fireman, from the North Leeward village of Petit Bordel, walked away with trophies and prizes for winning the Soca Monarch title, the Ragga Soca Monarch title, and first and second in the Road March category.

In what was a surprise to the many who were in attendance, he was also presented with a brand new Nissan Versa sedan.

Speculation abounded as far as far the justification and donor of the vehicle were concerned, since there had been no prior indication that a vehicle was in the mix of prizes for any of the CDC sponsored competitions for Vincy Mas 2014.

In the absence of any real explanation, one patron conjectured that the ‘extra prize’ must have been

for ‘Fireman’s’ outstanding 2014 season and for the years that he has remained at the forefront of producing and promoting Vincy music.

Whatever, Chairman of CDC, Dennis Ambrose, described the soca artiste’s 2014 accomplishment as a remarkable achievement by an individual.

“The competition was fierce and very, very keen, but ‘Fireman’carried his brand confidently through the season, and did this historical cleansweep’,” acknowledged Ambrose.

The CDC Chairman pointed to ‘Fireman’s’ success as a feat that should serve as an incentive to young, upcoming artistes.

‘Fireman’ achieved all that he did in 2014, primarily on the strength of two songs: ‘Rum Meeting’, which earned him the Ragga Soca Monarch Crown

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‘Fireman’ strikes a pose of accomplishment and ownership on his brand new vehicle. and second place in the Road March; and ‘Unruly’ which brought him the Soca Monarch and Road March titles.

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