Vin pages 107 02 17 e reader for web

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

FEBRUARY 17, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.07

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

CAL- from JFK, New York

EASYSKY- from Cuba

DYNAMIC AIRWAYS from JFK, New York

LIAT - from the Caribbean region

Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves – Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines - justly proud to have made the AIA possible.

Sunwing - from Toronto, Canada

From far and wide (Credit: Ken Picknell Tennon Construction)

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2. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Aviation

SVG Air/ Grenadine Air Alliance: Bridging the Gap

In an exclusive interview with Paul Gravel, Managing Director of SVG Air/Grenadine Air Alliance, he stated that in his opinion, St. Vincent and the Grenadines having a truly

by BEN HARRISON international airport, will open International Correspondent unprecedented opportunities not only AIR TRAVEL IN AND OUT of St. Vincent and for SVG Air, but other carriers, tourist operators, taxis and those whose the Grenadines islands and neighbouring states has been problematic at the best of products and services cater to the times, creating delays and frustrations for tourism industry.

Gravel stated that SVG thousands of travelers throughout the Air/Grenadine Air Alliance has years. There is little doubt that the developed plans to provide a situation has critically affected many complementary service to the new sectors of our economy, especially the Wide Body Carriers soon to be Tourism sector. servicing, AIA. THE VINCENTIAN, while “By connecting the Grenadines to enthusiastically endorsing the these carriers and vice versa, we will imminent opening of the Argyle International Airport (AIA), destined to be incorporating into our schedule plans to meet these arrivals by become the crown jewel of airports in providing timely and cost-effective the Eastern Caribbean, questioned the onward connections to the role the smaller carriers in the region Grenadines,” Gravel said. might play to close existing and future SVG Air/Grenadine Air Alliance has service gaps for tourists planning to already incorporated a new Affordable visit the region.

SVG Air and Mustique Airways Air have combined to form a SVG Air/Grenadines Air Alliance, operating 17 Aircraft, with bases in St Vincent, Antigua and Grenada.

Air Bridge Connection from St Vincent to St Lucia and vice versa, with multiple departures on the days when scheduled direct flights are unavailable.

“For those who live or work in the Grenadines, we are establishing a new southbound afternoon service from AIA, allowing passengers to come to the mainland in the morning to do business or attend to medical needs or other appointments for the day, and return home in the afternoon - a same day return service. This will eliminate the need to overnight while attending to business and personal needs on the mainland,” Gravel added.

To some degree, this service will help fill the gap left by the cancellation of the Fast Ferry service, and the inevitable periodic breakdowns of one or more of the traditional ferries, especially between St. Vincent and Bequia.

“When there are no direct flights scheduled, we will be offering midday direct services to Saint Vincent and the

Grenadines from Barbados. This service will be in addition to our current daily 4:30 p.m flights that will be flying from Barbados to AIA via the Grenadines,” he said.

Gravel also projected that the airline was planning to introduce services using its efficient 19-seater Twin Otter aircraft to locations where LIAT has withdrawn service; which are not viable and safely accessible with larger aircraft. An example would be a twice daily morning and evening service between St. Vincent and Grenada.

The Managing Director went on to say that SVG Air/Grenadines Air Alliance looks forward to the challenges and opportunities the new Argyle International Airport will present to the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the traveling public, and wishes everyone associated with the project, congratulations and success now and in the long term future.

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News 3 Caribbean welcomes Argyle

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. 3.

There was a significant show of CARICOM/OECS support for SVG’s entry into the direct international travel landscape.

Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt formed part of THE ARGYLE INTERNATIONAL forty-four the platform party.

AIRPORT has been greeted years,” Granger Trinidad and Tobago’s throughout the Caribbean. indicated, and Transport Minister CARICOM chairman and President he emphasised Rohan Sinanan of the Co-operative Republic of integration broadened the CARICOM Guyana - Brigadier David Granger measures perspective. made the acknowledgement last through, And Hazel Manning, Tuesday, February 14, as he “constructing addressed the ceremonial opening institutions to President David Granger the widow of former Prime Minister Patrick IT IS ANTICIPATED that of the Argyle International Airport improve welcomed the airport on Manning, an early the Argyle International (AIA). coordination; behalf of CARICOM. supporter of SVG’s quest Airport (AIA) will provide “The Caribbean welcomes the facilitating the to build an international opportunities for the construction of the Argyle freer airport, also gave economy to grow.

International Airport,” Granger movement of capital, goods, greetings.

But the facility has been said, even as he pointed to how people, and services; widening All in all, President Granger’s making a valuable the airport was “expected to contacts among our academics, message was that the airport contribution to the country’s enhance the Vincentian brand, artistes, investors, sportsmen, would not only boost the economy during the eight and add significantly to the students, and tourists; and year period that it was Vincentian infrastructural stock.” spanning the sea that historically development prospects of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but under construction.

In addition, President Granger has separated us.” that it would also “deepen the According to Sir Vincent said, “It is expected to make He cautioned that the sea integration of the Caribbean Beache, a Board member of travel from this country’s major which marked the borders of region.” the International Airport tourism markets easier, cheaper many a Caribbean nation “must Hundreds of people thronged Development Company and faster.” become increasingly a source of (IADC), as he addressed Granger used the platform to convergence rather than collision the precincts of the Argyle International Airport for the last Monday’s unveiling of a Sir Vincent Beache advance the furtherance of and confrontation.” ceremonial opening that also plaque and the blessing of gave an outline of regional integration.

The Guyanese Brigadier witnessed the landing of the first the AIA, as of early how the “We have forged a community relished the CARICOM aura that regional and international flights February 2017, the total construction period of small sovereign states from this the gathering at Argyle at the airport. (WKA) money paid out in labour of the airport legacy of fragmentation and engendered. St. Lucia’s Prime costs to Vincentians contributed to the physical separation over the past Minister Allen Chastanet and amounted to some EC$58 economy. million, EC$41 million being paid out as field wages and EC$17 million in salaries.

Private trucking costs HE IS KNOWN by the skills as a lecturer. But his part of the Argyle amounted to $130,000 soubriquet ‘Professor,’ he is a real man of the burden. during the period, and perhaps because of his earth, and has carried His name is Leonard equipment hired amounted Perez, a Cuban who to just under EC$7 million. served as Consultant Local food purchased Engineer to the amounted to EC$6 million, International Airport and other items purchased Development Company locally, example blocks etc.

(AIDC), and oversaw amounted to EC$285,000, earthworks at the site.

Beache said.

His was reassigned as That said, Frederick Technical Adviser, and Stephenson, Parliamentary Frederick ended his stint Representative for the Stephenson called September 2016. He was Professor Leonard South Windward on the private sector one of the persons who Perez, a Cuban national, constituency, in which to get on board with returned from Cuba last was responsible for Argyle is located, called on capitalizing on the Tuesday, for the supervising the the private sector to get in opportunities the ceremonial opening of extensive earthworks on the action, so as to airport affords. the Argyle International which were a capitalize on the revenue Airport. prerequisite for the generating opportunities Guillermo Garcia also construction of the that the airport afforded. returned to Argyle on the Citing that the airport had already established airport at Argyle.

Easy Jet flight which itself as a national attraction, he said, “…persons landed at the new facility locally and otherwise would come and spend more hand to hear from their around three pm. time with us, hence there is the need for Vice President Salvador “I put asphalt on the apartments and guest rooms, supermarkets and Valdés Mesa. runway,” Garcia mini-marts, craft shops, bars and restaurants, taxi Mesa praised admitted. services and more recreation sites.”

CARICOM for its There were scenes of a And Stephenson hopes to use the airport as an solidarity with Cuba over happy reunion as the impetus for the development of areas leading to the the past 44 years, and Cuban workers greeted site, including Stubbs and Shipping Bay. projected toward the Vincentian colleagues Cuba’s Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa and Monday’s unveiling of the plaque was done by staging of the sixth Cuba with whom they had THE VINCENTIAN’s Managing Director and Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne and CARICOM Conference Honorary Consul to Chile, Desiree Richards, upon established bonds.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves. The Very slated for The contingent of his visit here for the opening of the Argyle Rev’d O. Samuel Nichols, Dean of the St. George’s Antigua/Barbuda.

Cuban workers were on International Airport.

Cathedral conducted the blessing. (DD)

Return of the Pro

AIA has contributed to the economy

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4. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

ACP: ‘Businesses need to review security’ Joseph said that, while persons could also be robbed in the presence FRANKIE JOSEPH, of security, there is an Assistant Commissioner of increased risk when Police (ACP), in charge of there is no security. crime, is appealing to The most recent business houses here to report, up to press time review their security Wednesday, was made in procedures, with a view to connection with an ensuring that they have incident on January 30, efficient security for in the vicinity of the St. persons moving monies to Vincent and the and from their outlets.

Grenadines Postal Joseph told THE Corporation and the VINCENTIAN last week First Caribbean that far too often, there International Bank, in have been reports of which Dwight Ryan of persons being robbed in Choppins, 30-year-old Kingstown while moving office attendant at P.H. monies from business Veira & Co. Ltd., was places to commercial robbed of a bag banks, especially in containing EC$34,715 in situations where there cash and three cheques was no security in place which together valued during the transmit.

EC$2,165.50.

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Reports are that Ryan was en route, by foot, to deposit the money for the company when he was robbed.

Three persons, including two 15-yearolds, have been charged in connection with the incident.

“Businesses have to recognize that in light of what is taking place, they need to review their security in this regard,” Joseph stressed.

Former high ranking police officers had also made similar appeals in the past, when incidents of the same nature were reported to have occurred. However, the practice of moving money without adequate security has continued.

Visitors reportedly attacked and robbed Frankie Joseph, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), in charge of crime.

“Me get AIDS.” defendant claims WHEN KELVIN JAMES was held in possession of a quantity of marijuana last Friday, February 10, he told the police he was a victim of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and was making a ‘hustle’.

The 45-year-old unemployed man of Montrose/Rose Bank was arrested around 9:15 p.m. during a police stop and search exercise along the Layou Public Road. The marijuana, amounting to 1,045 grams, was found in a bag, after the lawmen stopped and searched a passenger van in which he was travelling.

When cautioned, James told the officers, “Ah weed, me get AIDS, ah hustle me ah hustle.”

James, who was not represented by a lawyer, pleaded guilty to possession of the drug with intent to supply, when he appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Wednesday.

He did not object to the facts, which were presented by prosecutor Station Sergeant Elgin Richards, but he told the Court he had a trace of tuberculosis, and was on medication.

James’ antecedents were not before the Court, but he admitted that he was in trouble with the law before.

He added, however, that his slate had been clean for a long time.

When Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne asked him what sort of trouble he was speaking about, James explained that he has been living on the streets since he was 15. He said he was once employed as a male attendant at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital while on the Youth Empowerment Service (YES) programme, but is currently unemployed.

But the Chief Magistrate reminded the defendant that medication for AIDS is free of cost.

She also explained that AIDS is not

a death sentence, and told James that he could work, and live a normal life.

In handing down the penalty, Browne took into account James’ circumstances. She sentenced sentence for nine him to nine months, but suspended the months.

AT PRESS TIME Wednesday, police were continuing investigations into reports of a vicious attack on two visitors, last Saturday, at Morne Ronde, on the North Leeward coast.

Francois Luben, 25-year-old fisherman of Martinique/St. Lucia, reported that three unknown men, one pointing a gun at his head, robbed him of 3,000 Euros. He was also reported to be shot in the left forearm, and struck with a cutlass during the same incident which occurred around 9:55 a.m.

The other man, Quintus Wilfred, 36-year-old labourer of St. Lucia, reported that an unknown man unlawfully and maliciously wounded him, by cutting him on his right thumb and middle finger around 9:53 a.m.

Up to press time, information reaching THE VINCENTIAN, regarding the reports, was sketchy, but the publication understands that the men along with a third person arrived here via speedboat.

V Another medical breakthrough with marijuana

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. 5.

News

that Cannabidiol was shown to have activity against HCV in vitro but not against hepatitis B virus (HBV).

The Jamaica Observer reported Dr. Lowe as saying that the discovery was a major development.

On Friday, Lowe, who is known worldwide for his anti-cancer and ganja research, as well as the production of a range of nutraceuticals using Dr. Albert Lockhart Professor Manley West Jamaican plants, said, warned Jamaica in 2014 died in 2012, but left an “This is a new discovery which has fantastic to let the production of indelible mark on what potential for the future, ganja remain in the the ganja industry could especially for people in hands of the mean for Jamaicans and communities. May be a the Jamaican economy. developing countries, because there is a drug lesson for SVG? (Credit: (WI Medical Journal) which was developed for Jam. Observer) hepatitis C treatment, but it’s over US$85,000 per JAMAICA HAS SCORED YET cannabis (ganja) plant, another point in its quest to that have the potential to treatment, and very few people in the developing provide affordable capitalize on the wideworld can afford this.” treatment as ranging medicinal uses and He continued, “So it is nutraceuticals and benefits of marijuana very important that we pharmaceuticals for (ganja), which is grown find less expensive means hepatitis C. extensively in that “We report here for the of treatment, and that is Caribbean island. why this discovery and its first time in vitro studies The Jamaica Observer potential to manage this newspaper of January 10, to demonstrate the disease is so important,” antiviral activity of CBD 2017 reported that said Dr. Lowe. against HCV,” Dr Lowe Jamaica-based research scientists, led by Dr Henry and his research team – Where it all began Jamaican Wayne Lowe, said they had McLaughlin and discovered properties in Jamaica has long set Cannabidiol (CBD), one of Cameroonian Dr Ngeh the lead in research into Toyang – state in their the major bioactive the medicinal benefits of published study, adding compounds in the

marijuana.

In 1972, Vincentian ophthalmologist Dr Albert Lockhart and Dr. Manley West, a Jamaican pharmacologist, joined together to intensify research on ganja, having been given the green light to collect, transport and do research on the herb within the bounds of Jamaica, by the government of Jamaica.

By 1976, the duo had produced five drugs from elements of the ganja

Dr. Andrew Lowe is at the forefront of Jamaica’s quest to ‘cash in’ on the multi-billion dollar ganja industry. (Credit: www.src.govt.jm) plant, among these being Canasol and Cantimol, both undisputed effective treatments for the eye disease glaucoma.

With the potential for greater success established, the duo partnered with the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ), which was being run by the visionary

William Saunders, to form a commercial enterprise called AMPEC, a combination of the names Albert, Manley and Petroleum Corporation. In 1987, they produced Asmasol for use by asthma sufferers. (Source: Jam. Observer; Barbados Today)

Cuba-CARICOM expand trade agreement

The Cuban delegation, including Cuban Ambassador to CARICOM, His Excellency Julio César González (left) at the Tenth Meeting of the CubaCARICOM joint Commission re. trade, etc.

A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER of items from the CARICOM Community have been approved for entry into the Cuban market free of duty, once both sides formalise the agreement.

ACCLAIMED JAZZ TRUMPETER — According to a Press Trinidad and Tobago born Etienne release following the Charles is on a mission. He is all set to conclusion of the Tenth return live music to the streets of PortMeeting of the joint of-Spain on Carnival Monday. commission established Charles will team up with the world under the trade and renowned designer — T7T’s Peter economic cooperation Minshall, who will provide the designs agreement between for a Monday T-shirt band called ‘We the CARICOM and Cuba Etienne Charles and his band People’. convened at the performing at the Revive music ‘The As far as the music is concerned, CARICOM Secretariat, Sound of the People’ concert held in Charles has already inked the names of Georgetown, Guyana 30T&T last month. persons like musicians Dean Williams, 31 January, the following Leston Paul and Anthony Woodruffe, was agreed: at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain. and vocalists Lima Calbio and Keith * Duty-free entry for a With “We the People”, Charles said he ‘Keet Styla’ Prescott and King David number of CARICOM is “seeking to restore one tradition that Rudder, for that part of the Monday agricultural products and he believes has been lacking for a long band. manufactured goods, such “ ‘We the People’ will focus on vintage time. as beer and fish into the “ ‘We the People’ is a dream come true Cuban market soca — the songs of Carnival past. In for me as I get to work with some of my addition to the live band, revellers will * Duty-free access for heroes - David, Leston and Peter. It’s also be entertained by Brimblers steel Cuban goods, including also exciting to get to bring a live brass orchestra and seven-time National pharmaceuticals, into the band on the road to play the classics that markets of CARICOM Panorama champions Hadco Phase 2 we all know and love. We will be having member states Pan Groove,” Charles told media people a time,” he said. following his sold out January 29 * More Developed The Band will take to the streets from Countries (MDCs) of concert, ‘The Sound of the People’, held 3pm to 9pm on Carnival Monday.

Live road music for T&T Carnival

Delegates at the Tenth Cuba-CARICOM Commission Meeting included Cuthbert Knights (centre), Director of Trade, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

CARICOM (Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago) will also determine the level of preference they will grant to Cuba on a number of other items.

More developed countries (MDCs) in the Community will also determine the level of preference they will grant to Cuba on a number of other items.

Exploratory discussions on trade in services were also held. The two sides agreed to continue to exchange information on trade in services, and to

make efforts to advance cooperation in this area, particularly in tourism.

The Cuba-CARICOM Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement is a reciprocal trade agreement between Cuba and thirteen member states of CARICOM. Bahamas and Haiti were not part of the negotiations. The agreement was signed in Canouan, St. Vincent & the Grenadines in 2000.

Negotiations on updating the Cuba-CARICOM Agreement began in 2006 but have been protracted.

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6. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Garifuna James Lovell to receive Lifetime Achievement Award Garifuna Afro-Latino Entertainment, LLC said that Lovell is a passionate educator, activist, multiTHE BRONX, New Yorkinstrumentalist and based Garifuna Afro-Latino ardent language and Entertainment, LLC says culture conservationist. that Belize-born, “Through many traditional Garifuna artistic and pedagogical language endeavors over the past conservationist, James two decades, James has Lovell, will receive the worked diligently to Lifetime Achievement safeguard traditional Award at the 2017 music, dance and Garifuna Music Awards on language by sharing April 8, at Maestros Garifuna culture with Caterers in the Bronx. captivated audiences

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking@verizon.net US CORRESPONDENT

James Lovell is described as being deeply rooted in the heritage of his ancestors.

around the world,” it said.

Growing up in Dangriga, the epicenter of music and culture in Belize, Lovell was “deeply rooted in the rich heritage of his ancestors,” said the group, adding that, from an early age, Lovell immersed himself in the music of his Garifuna community.

Greatly inspired by Horace “Pen” Cayetano, the artist responsible for introducing Punta Rock, a contemporary Garifuna genre that uses up-tempo rhythms to deliver sociopolitical commentary into mainstream Central American markets, Garifuna Afro-Latino Entertainment, LLC said Lovell decided to pursue a career as a musician.

As a young adult, Garifuna Afro-Latino Entertainment, LLC said Lovell entered the Belizean Police Force “specifically to join their well-respected band, where he learned to play piano, bass, guitar, saxophone and clarinet.”

Lovell went on to enroll in a distance education program at the Royal School of Music in England, earning his certification in music theory.

In the early 1990s he migrated to the United

States and joined the US Marine Corps.

After receiving an honorable discharge four years later, Garifuna Afro-Latino Entertainment, LLC said James enrolled at Hunter College, City University of New York, earning a Bachelor’s degree in African Studies, with a minor in Music, “honing his skills as a composer, arranger and lyricist.”

In 1994, Lovell cofounded Illagulei (Roots), a performing arts company created to preserve and promote Garifuna culture worldwide; he continues to serve as musical director.

In 1995, Lovell released his first album entitled, “Cabasan Numari” (Who will be my wife?), which was “extremely well received in the international Garifuna community,” according to Garifuna Afro-Latino Entertainment, LLC. Since then, Garifuna Afro-Latino Entertainment, LLC said Lovell has gone on to release three other successful albums.

Fascinated by the similarities between African and Garifuna music, Lovell’s experimentation with combining the two, has resulted in a new genre which he coined “the Afri-Garifuna Rhythms”.

“These new rhythms form the foundation of many exciting projects, including the AfriGarifuna Jazz Ensemble, which James founded with jazz vocalist, Lucy Blanco,” Garifuna Afro-Latino Entertainment, LLC said.

Lovell is currently employed by the New York Board of Education, “where he teaches in a therapeutic capacity, helping at-risk elementary and high school students to adjust socially,” according to Garifuna Afro-Latino Entertainment, LLC. “His great joy is watching his students pursue their dreams and realize goals,” the group said.

Drawing on his many years of teaching

James Lovell has made his expertise available to Garifuna language, music and dance workshops here in SVG. experience, Garifuna Afro-Latino Entertainment, LLC said Lovell has launched several pedagogic programs to safeguard Garifuna culture through language retrieval and preservation.

“His mission is to help Garifuna children and young adults embrace their culture and gain a sense of self-esteem by reconnecting with their native language and thus their heritage through music,” Garifuna AfroLatino Entertainment, LLC said.

A dynamic and resourceful innovator, it said Lovell has developed a unique teaching model that uses songs to transmit language, history, traditional dance and cultural customs.

Garifuna Afro-Latino Entertainment, LLC said Lovell implemented this program twice in Belize under sponsorship of UNESCO and the National Garifuna Council.

The program includes the teaching of Garifuna history, music, drumming and basic music theory.

Lovell is also the cofounder of Yugacure, a program aimed at retrieving and reclaiming the Garifuna language and Culture in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Garifuna Afro-Latino Entertainment, LLC said.

To date, it said Lovell has successfully conducted annual workshops there, with

children aged 6-18, over a four-year period.

Additionally, Garifuna Afro-Latino Entertainment, LLC said Lovell teaches an annual nursery rhyme workshop in various towns in Belize “as a means of giving back to his community and encouraging a new generation of Garifuna children to take pride in speaking their language.”

Lovell is frequently featured in musical showcases, radio and television interviews in the United States and abroad.

Garifuna Afro-Latino Entertainment, LLCs said Lovell’s work has earned him the respect of his peer, and afforded him the opportunity to share his beloved Garifuna culture with the world.

The Annual Music Awards Garifuna not only continue the tradition of recognizing outstanding artists for their career achievements but honor their exemplary contributions to the preservation of Traditional Garifuna Music, Garifuna AfroLatino Entertainment, LLC said.

“It is with great pride that we pay homage to James Lovell for safeguarding traditional music, dance and language by sharing Garifuna culture with captivated audiences around the world,” said Jose Francisco Avila, managing member of Garifuna Afro-Latino Entertainment, LLC.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. 7.

News

Numbered among the first IN WHAT SOME might consider the hands of fate or for that matter irony at work, Arnos Vale (home to the E. T. Joshua Airport) resident Jolisa Baptiste became this country’s first official passenger, to check in for departure at the Argyle International Airport (AIA).

And to add more mystery to the case, Jolisa was taking her first ever flight.

Not only will she go down as being the first official passenger to check in at the new facility or be among the first set of passengers to be on a flight departing the AIA, it was also her first time flying.

“I feel very excited,” she said in response

when asked to express how she felt to be a part of history.

Baptiste was one of the 28 who made history on Tuesday morning when at 6:55, LIAT flight 560 became the first scheduled flight to depart the AIA. Pathologist Dr Ronald Child was among the twenty-eight on the flight destined for Barbados.

He said he felt honoured to be a part of the inaugural flight, and he was looking forward to the day when he would no longer have be in transit, or overnight in places like Barbados or Trinidad.

Norry Seymour, another passenger chimed in with, “It does

feel good to know that we now have our own international airport.”

Carol and Ed Barr, a couple from South Carolina, gave an encouraging response, saying that the facility and the availability of direct flights from the United States would mean that they can visit more often.

Carol said that she visited St Vincent and the Grenadines for the first time some six years ago, and that it took her an entire day to get here.

Husband Ed explained that they had been vacationing for two weeks, but did not realize that they would be part of the historical first flight.

Dream comes through for Vincentian pilot LANDING an International aircraft at an international airport in St. Vincent is a dream came through for Vincentian Daniel Gibson, the man piloted the Sunwing aircraft, chartered especially to bring Vincentians home for the historic opening of the Argyle International Airport (AIA).

Gibson touched the aircraft down safely at the new airport. It was one of three international charters, but the only Vincentian pilot Daniel Gibson with his mother Yvonne Gibson-Williams at the AIA. one from Canada.

Speaking with THE , down over Antigua, slightly west of VINCENTIAN last Tuesday, Gibson Guadeloupe , west of Martinique and said he felt honored and humbled. then down the east coast,” said Gibson.

“I’m just honored and humbled to be He said the landing was great. “We able to do something like this for the island. It has always been my dream,” have gone to many airports, much shorter than this one, so there was said Gibson. nothing out of the ordinary,” he told He congratulated the Government THE VINCENTIAN. and people of SVG for making the project a reality. “I had a dream, now I am living my dream.”

And without a pause he appealed to the young people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to continue dreaming.

“Dream big, start small. This airport is proof that whatever you dream can come true,” the proud pilot advised.

Gibson explained that the flight left Pearson International Airport, Toronto, at about 10am Vincentian time and arrived at the AIA just after 4pm. “Once we hit the Eastern seaboard coming down, we took it just to the east of Dominica, over St. Thomas,

Meanwhile, LIAT’s Corporate Communications Manager, Shavar Maloney explained that as of Tuesday, the airline was resuming its regular schedule, picking up from where it left off at the ET

Jolisa Baptiste checks in at the LIAT counter.

Joshua the day before.

A total of seven arrivals and departures were scheduled on the opening day.

And in terms of readiness, Maloney said

that ground staff had already completed a walk through to make sure that all was ready for a smooth transition on the morning of February 14.

(DD)

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8. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial Into the future we go ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES closed 2016 having posted a record number of homicides for any one year since, so to speak, ‘we knew ourselves’.

But even against such a horrid backdrop, there was an air of expectation going into the first week of January 2017, fueled by the confident announcement by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves that the Argyle International Airport, some eight years in the making, was to be officially opened on February 14, coincidentally, the day of love and for lovers.

Then, as though Lady Fate was playing a bad joke on a people caught up in a frenzy as they worked towards ironing all the kinks to ensure that a promise (i.e. February) was kept, she unleashed the first murder for the New Year, just hours before the planned opening of the Airport.

But, if the truth be told, the train covered by ‘love in the air’ sped fast on to Argyle, putting, it seems, the otherwise daunting news of another young man being shot to death, clearly some distance behind.

And so, whether the red worn by the hundreds who turned up for the February 14 party was in keeping with the celebration of Valentine’s Day, or whether it was a partisan show of support for the incumbent Unity Labour Party and Dr. Gonsalves, the day was a ‘Red Letter’ day in the annals of our history.

What was a recurring agenda item on the programme discussions of preceding governments, had come to pass in bright and living colour.

We were now able and willing to shout to the world that we had an international airport all for ourselves. Barring the protracted formal opening ceremony filled with (two many) speakers and a litany of repetitives, we celebrated, knowing that we had connected with the world in a new and special way. We knew, or believed for the first time, that we were no longer ‘behind God’s back’.

And take it or leave it, regardless of colour, class or creed, to sound trite, we have to accept that the Argyle Airport was no longer an agenda item; it had been delivered on, bar all the shouting, and was now ours to make work or to condemn to the dumps of unusable dead weight.

After a purported EC$700 million outlay, no one wishes the graveyard for this investment. And that is the operative word.

As much as the Argyle International Airport should be a symbol of our pride and ingenuity, it is a heavy investment that we now have to make work.

To think that it will be anytime soon that this operation would break even, is to deny the realities that surround many airports which have been long in existence. There is not going to be any overnight success story as far as the financial profitability of the AIA is concerned. In fact, some of us might never live to see that blissful day.

But that should not make it any less of an obligation that we band together to turn, so to speak, waste into useful matter. And therein lies the challenge.

This publication has bemoaned the lost opportunity to galvanize this nation around the Airport, or to use the process towards its fruition as a unifying force. The challenge still remains one of making the airport our own, of embracing it as ours to protect and advance.

Even after all the water that has already flown under and over the bridge, we will all want to use the facility, but would we all feel it is ours?

Too much has been done, on all sides of the table, that has separated us more than it has brought us together around this multi-million dollar undertaking.

The airport, for all its grandeur, for all its symbolisms, for all the benefits it promises, is still one that, if the truth be told, divides us.

Who is to blame must acknowledge this and work to rectify it in the interest of making it work for all of us, by all of us.

Are we there yet? It doesn’t seem so.

The Ralph Gonsalves International Airport THIS IS HOW MAJOR LEACOCK believes that our new airport at Argyle should be named.

After all, our airport at Arnos Vale was named in honour of one of our national heroes, during the Prime Ministerial tenure of Sir James Mitchell.

The James Mitchell airport, at Bequia, was so named after the suggestion was made by Parnel Campbell and popularly acclaimed.

It would have been so good for the mending fences of our threatened two-party democracy if the idea meted by a vice-president of a party, wrongly held to have been opposed to the Argyle Airport, was followed up and implemented.

But from the horse’s mouth itself, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves rejected the notion. It is the people’s airport, not Ralph’s, and should bear a name which wrapped up our own history and ought to be preserved.

The foregoing was expressed in a radio interview with Bing Joseph on the morning of February 15, a day after the official opening, where Bing was able to extract some very useful information from the PM, incidentally confirming my opinion of Bing, that though loud-mouthed and apparently arrogant, there is method in his madness.

The same virtue does not show easily in Frank, though “Argyle” has been able to pull some rationality out of him as his condemnation, like Bing, of the lunatic fringe which would signal the performance of their partisanship in setting their emblem in concrete in the centre of the compound.

The Prime Minister did deplore this action by his misguided supporters: He told Bing that as soon as he had heard of it, he gave orders for its removal, but could not say who might be its author, though everyone knows that Cousin Julian superintended the approaches to the site.

In any event, the choice of Valentine’s Day and the wearing of Red was officially sanctioned from on high, and the painting and engraving of symbols could readily and rationally be anticipated in the sometime twisted logic of politics.

Later in the interview, Bing posed the question as to whether the PM had been moved to tears by the bitter-sweet joyful solemnity of the occasion.

The P.M admitted being choked by emotion, and referred to a confrontation with Kenton Chance who had chanced a question to which the PM had replied, that the tear was provoked by the entrance of an insect in his eye. Apparently all of Poorsah’s eye water done!

It is in a simple innocent exchange that one can begin to measure the depth of this enigma. A powerful macho man never cries. So

unlike Son Mitchell who let down a bawling as he delivered the eulogy at the funeral of the beloved Errol Barrow, that gave excuse for the free flow of pent-up tears from the men present, showed up the weakness of Son! The all-important question by Bing if or whether the account of the largest by far project in the history of the country ever been laid before Parliament, the PM did a classic dodge. He cited an impressive set of sources that he tapped and a set of physical and other difficulties he had to overcome; but, in our view, has not up to date, given an audited statement of what really took place.

And it is this playing with cards close to chest, and treated the matter of a billion plus expenditure like it dealt with a mauby-shop business.

Particularly over the past 7 years, a ULP Government of 8 has ridden rough-shod over an Opposition of a one seat majority- as if it was a one-party State. This if not solely, is by far the reason that the NDP has been footdragging on the vital matter of providing an enhanced gateway to the world. Who can blame them?

The actual financing and other assistance came mostly from left-wing Governments.

Cuba; Venezuela; Taiwan; Mexico; Libya- all are indeed praiseworthy, but the comment can be made that the original assistance given might have been related to other negative causes, which have fallen out of the window like ideology shifts and climate change.

Politically, adjustments naturally followed the deaths of Fidel, Chavez, Goddafi, and loss of power of others. But there is now no need to develop this point.

By and large, Vincentians are eternally grateful to Dr. Gonsalves who literally and figuratively, moved mountains to deliver to us this gorgeous airport in any language.

The PM has completed his God-given assignment. It is left to us the people to make the airport work, concomitant with the aforementioned changes. We now need, after some 16 years of the same government led by an overworked PM who has already passed his 70 years divinely allotted.

Ralph himself hinted that he is about to vacate the throne. We recommend as a fitting replacement, the NDP with its new leadership to inaugurate a period of change, a veritable paradigm shift.

Hopefully, the Court of Appeal will set in motion the new trend. The sooner, the better.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. 9.

Letters

Congratulations on opening of AIA (Editor’s Note: The following is a statement by the St Vincent and the Grenadines/Cuba Friendship Society).

THE ST VINCENT and the Grenadines/Cuba Friendship Society offers its warmest congratulations to the

Government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines on the completion of the Argyle International Airport, and its official opening scheduled for February 14, 2017.

The construction of the airport is the realisation of a long-held

dream of all Vincentians, disadvantaged by such a limitation on air access to the wider world. It is a significant achievement for such a small country, particularly in the context of a global economic climate during the time that the airport was built. It is a tribute to foresight and dogged

determination to succeed, of which we should all be proud.

At the same time, it would be remiss of us if we did not acknowledge the tremendous contribution of the international community under the umbrella of what is referred to as the “Coalition of the Willing”.

In this, we are especially thankful to the governments and people of those countries which contributed, the Caribbean basin countries of Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela and Cuba, among others.

As an organization founded on solidarity with Cuba, we wish to single out the selfless contribution of the Cuban government and people, despite their limitations as a result of the economic embargo, still rigidly enforced. The contribution of Cuban technical personnel, and the exemplary work of

Sex toys and CCTV Bob Marley is still a SINCE SEX-TOYS are now determined by the Government to be contraband, is one of the requirements for the Tourism Authority’s approval of Approved Accommod ations being that they install in all bedrooms CCTV cameras to monitor for sex toys, smuggled in by the thousands of tourists streaming into the Argyle International Airport? Get back!

The Beaver Patrol

hero, regardless THANK YOU, Mr. Editor, for carrying that piece (page 5 of February 10, 2017) on the ‘Lost Tapes of Bob Marley’,

Colonisation and God’s Plan for building His Kingdom – Pt. 2 COLONISATION is God’s original idea.

Much like earthly kings, He wanted to expand his domain/territory, but wanted to do so via his spirit-children; He wanted to rule the seen world from the unseen world, through mankind.

At creation, when God wanted to create something, He spoke to its source. So when He wanted trees, grass, and herbs, He spoke to the earth (Gen. 11,12); when He wanted whales, and the other great variety of marine life, He spoke to the waters (Gen 1:21); when He wanted to create the great beast, cattle, creeping things, etc., He spoke to the land (Gen 1: 24,25). But when He wanted to create man, He spoke to himself (Gen 1: 26, 27), indicating that He was man’s source.

The word father comes from the Hebrew word “abba”, and means source, sustainer, provider, and indeed, Yahweh God is just that to mankind.

Man is a unique creature, he is part Earth and part spirit. In Gen 2:7 we are told that God formed/made man.

The Hebrew word for made is “asa”, which means to form from

something already created. Gen 1:27 tells us that God “created” man, and the Hebrew word for create means “to create from nothing”.

So man was both “formed” and “created”; God formed the body from the dust of the ground (Gen 2:7) but breathed (blew) himself into the body, and man became a living, breathing, thinking being.

So then, man actually came from within God himself. No wonder Yahweh God loves us with an everlasting love (Jer 31:3); we are His own children, given birth (as it were), by Him. God wanted sons who were to be directed/instructed by his spirit (Jn 1:12), the very creation itself understands this (Rom 8:19).

This humus man (spirit with earth body) was given total control, complete dominion over the earth-realm by God, when He decreed in Gen1: 26, :”let them.. “.

He chose not to share in the domination of the earth colony.

It was man’s mandate to manage the earth’s resources, not to dominate each other, but the planet, as God’s

regent.

Adam’s fall disrupted the status quo, and relieved him of his exalted position as dominator, causing him to forfeit the colony to an exiled cherub called Lucifer or Satan.

Negus

the Cuban workers were critical to the construction of the airport, and will forever be appreciated by all Vincentians who value genuine friendship and solidarity. We owe the Cuban people a debt of gratitude, for their contributions to our international airport is yet another demonstration of international solidarity.

We take this opportunity to again thank the Government and people of Cuba for their assistance, and urge all Vincentians to reciprocate in extending eternal friendship and solidarity to them.

MANY THANKS. Renwick Rose On behalf of SVGCFS

and forgive me for coming so soon again, hoping that you would give me some space.

The article on the ‘Tapes’ was informative and thought-provoking.

Thought-provoking because I began to wonder how all of this would feature in the royalties from his estate.

It would be a pity that his family, and even the members of the Wailers, don’t share in what could be a windfall for those who might lay claim to the tapes.

But the story on the tapes got me checking out further news of what was happening with Marley’s estate, and I

came across something that shocked me. I wonder how people the world over, were of the opinion, like me, that Bob Marley was an official national hero of Jamaica?

Well, I discovered only last week as I went probing, that he is not. I could not believe it, but I had to accept it.

For all that Rasta Man has done for Jamaica, what he ‘stood up for’, what he has achieved for himself and his country, the man is matter is always in what not yet an official the people think. national hero in That is why, as far as Jamaica.

I mean, there has got I am concerned, to be some mistake here regardless of how long this government of ours in the thinking of the in SVG, and any future powers that be.

Then again, I went on government, wants to take to name other thinking, what would it national heroes, in my mean to have Bob mind and many other declared an official national hero when he is, Vincentians, George airport is here now, for McIntosh and Ebenezer in the minds of the use by all of us.

Joshua are already majority of Jamaicans It may take some time and people of all cultures heroes. before the operation of Bob Marley is a hero across the world, already the airport finds itself in a hero. among heroes, but we the ‘black’ as far as the Sometimes it matters have ours too. books are concerned, but not what the powers that this should not prevent be think. The crux of the Charles, Edinboro us from hoping and doing what little we could to ensure that it does.

AS A YOUTH ACTIVIST and Founder of the And while I take it Peace4SVG initiative, I am moved to express that we will continue to concern about the cementing of a star — the political refer to the airport as the Argyle International symbol of the Unity Labour Party - below the Control Tower at the Argyle International Airport.

Airport, my hope is that I call for its immediate removal. we will come to the This request is in an effort to ensure continued agreement that it ought peace and unity among all Vincentians. Moreover, to carry, eventually, the this project is a national project which will affect all name of the man who Vincentians, and should be treated as such. turned the dream into With the present political atmosphere as charged reality. That is the least as it is, one may argue that this move (the we can do to stamp our placement of the star) will only cause further eternal gratitude to him division at a time when our economy is at the cusp — Dr. Ralph E. of its “take off”.

Gonsalves.

Give praise where praise is due I WANT TO BE one of the first to offer my congratulations to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and his Unity Labour Party government for seeing us through to the day that we can open an international airport on our soil. This is no mean feat, and regardless of which side of the political fence you sit on, the accomplishment must be marked with thanks and appreciation.

To undertake the construction of an international airport from scratch is no easy decision to make, and a far less easy undertaking to see it through to completion.

In the face of mounting challenges — man made and otherwise, - the Retired Civil Servant

Concerns over star at AIA

Christopher Grant

V

10. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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From a dream to reality

Introduction THEY CURSED IT, they wanted a tsunami to wash it away, they said that it will be used to plant peanuts, they further said that it will be a golf course, and they called Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves a certified crazy man; all that and more, to say that the international airport project at Argyle, was an impossible dream. The Ralph haters did all that they could to stop the project, but in the end they failed.

On Tuesday, February 14th, 2017, Vincentians turned out in their thousands at Argyle, to celebrate their Valentine gift - a brand new, spanking airport. The impossible dream became possible, and the leadership of the ULP was confirming that the level of trust demonstrated by the voters of this country, when they returned the ULP to office for four straight terms, was not misplaced. Indeed it is being said, with a high level of justification, that only Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and the ULP could have constructed the international airport.

On Tuesday, people lifted their voices in joyous accord, praising the airport, and Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

They lifted their voices in prayers of thanksgiving, for there were many who were skeptical about the project.

And they lifted their voices in praise, because as a nation, St.Vincent and the Grenadines had achieved something that many thought was impossible.

wonderful world class facility. As a people, we must be proud of the AIA and make it work for us.

Without wishing to single out anyone, the people in the communications department of the IADC, must come in for tremendous praise for the work done, in keeping Vincentians informed, about the project. Other media houses and media professionals went looking for faults, but the IADC folks worked hard to ensure that we always got the true picture.

Making it work

Now that the celebrations are over, and we have had our tours of the AIA, and so forth, we must settle down to make our international airport a success. We must first of all dedicate ourselves towards the care and protection of the airport. In all our activities at the new facility, we must keep this in mind, always. The people who use the airport, primarily our visitors and travellers, must be accorded all courtesies. We expect that immigration, customs and security officers will do their jobs in a professional manner.

At all times, the public will expect The Collective will of the People our international airport to be clean and tidy, and we need to develop an Beyond the physical buildings and excellent reputation in the region, and facilities, the construction of the among travellers. The restaurants airport defined the quality of and shops at the airport must be part leadership within the ULP. From the of this process, and generally conception of the idea to the execution speaking, we expect all our workers to and delivery stages, the ULP never lift their game, and welcome in a new wavered, never doubted and always philosophy in relation to service. stayed the course. The ULP provided The AIA ushers in a new era in the leadership and direction for those terms of the socio-economic Vincentians who understood the development of the country. The importance of the project, and wanted ministries of tourism, agriculture and it to succeed. economic planning will execute plans To be sure, the project faced many and programmes to take advantage of challenges just like any project of the this, but it also requires the same magnitude and scope. First participation of our farmers, fisher there was the issue of relocating over folk and craft persons. The situation one hundred and forty families from also cries out for new private the Argyle area, a task which was investors to partner with the accomplished without any fuss. Then government, if this is required, to the IADC had to tackle the earthwork produce and distribute goods and required for the runway and terminal services. buildings. This was not an easy The AIA will bring opportunities exercise, given the topology of the for travel and leisure, for partnership Argyle area, but the Chatoyer-Che in areas such as ICT, and the contingent, comprising Cubans and provision high quality goods and Vincentians, did a commendable job, services. We must take advantage of all things considered. The IADC also this situation to provide jobs for our had to consider some special interest people. The Argyle International issues, such as the removal of the Airport is also critical for our future Catholic church and cemetery in the generation, so it is important that we area, and the preservation of the preserve it for them. petroglyphs. These were not easy decisions, and a lot of consultation Conclusion was required before action was taken.

At the end of the day, the As a people, we have done well to completion of the project sends a construct the AIA. While we celebrate strong message to the rest of the the opening, we must say thanks to world, that we as a people, can those persons who were critical to this achieve, once we apply a collective project. There are a number of will and work together. There were Vincentian professionals who were tremendous criticisms, lies and half trained during the construction period truths about the AIA, mainly by of the project, and these skills will persons associated with the opposition become important as we move NDP. Today, the rest of the region is forward. paying tribute to the Vincentian Long live the Argyle International civilization, for the completion of this Airport!

One Nation, One People, One Vincy THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) held its thirty-ninth annual convention on Sunday 12th February, 2017 in Central Leeward. The theme for the convention was, ‘Onward to prosperity; One Nation, One People, One Vincy’. It was a massive show of support by members and supporters of the NDP. A new executive was elected to serve. They are Vice Presidents Honourable St. Clair Leacock and Honourable Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews; Chairman -Honourable Daniel Cummings; General Secretary Tyrone James; Assistant Secretary Margaret London; Treasurer - Dr. Bernard Mills; and Public Relations Officer - Lavern King. These officers will work along with Dr. the Honourable Godwin Friday, President of the party, to chart the way forward and ultimately lead the NDP to victory when general elections are called in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The NDP expresses its sincere gratitude to the officers who served on the previous executive, including our distinguished past leader - the Honourable Arnhim Eustace. We must also mention Dr. Linton Lewis, Allan Cruickshank, and sister Vynnette Frederick. They all made tremendous sacrifices, offered selfless service and contributed immensely to the development of the party. We know that these members are ready and willing to share their expertise with the present executive as we go forward.

Our members and supporters were offered hope for a brighter future when Dr. the Honourable Godwin Friday addressed them, who were already locked in a spirit of love and unity.

Moreover, the announcement that the election petitions appeal will be heard on March 7 in St. Lucia, added extra energy to our supporters who have been waiting almost a year for this day. It was the news for which the supporters of this great party were longing. As a result, everyone left the convention centre elated and rejuvenated, ready to work to get the NDP into office. That was evident from the chants and body language exhibited from our members and supporters. They were energized and ready to take the fight to the Unity Labour Party (ULP).

It was obvious that the Unity Labour Party tried with their lies and propaganda to interfere with our convention. They did not succeed.

Our people triumphed. The ULP must not, could not and will not set the NDP’s agenda. The ULP regime has failed this country, and it is time for them to go. Vincentians must not forget that it is Dr. Gonsalves and the ULP that have created the hardship and suffering that they are currently experiencing. The NDP is ready to govern St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We have the experience, skills, knowledge, programmes and policies to improve the lives of Vincentians.

on the 2017 Budget: “We in the opposition have never dismissed the Argyle International Airport. Mr. Speaker, we have never dismissed the idea of building an International Airport on St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Mr. Speaker, we know the dreams of all Vincentians and the frustrations they have coming home from abroad. We share those as well Mr. Speaker. We know how our people yearn for the day when they could fly from some international destination home.

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

Mr. Speaker, just to show you how long and how consistently the NDP has been behind the idea of an international airport, I would read from the 1999 budget address. There is a section in it called Airport Development. It says, ‘As was indicated in the budget address, the 1998 budget address. This government with the assistance of the Caribbean Development Bank earlier this year commissioned a study on airport development on main land St. Vincent. Specifically, the study was required to establish the current demand and estimate future demand in the country. In essence, we were interested in finding out the requirements for the establishment of air facilities to accommodate small to medium size jet aircraft. The consultants conducting the study were also required to prepare preliminary designs and cost estimates including the cost of mitigating adverse environment impacts and phasing of expenditure of the optimum solution determined.

The report on the first phase of the study has been received and is being reviewed. The study pointed to two main options. These options relate to the development of the existing site at the ET Joshua Airport or the development of a completely new site at Argyle. Without the benefits of preliminary designs, the costs of these options are not available. This information will be available on completion of the second phase of the study and will be the basis of a final decision. The second phase of the study will be completed at the end of the first quarter in 1999.’ So you see it started with the NDP! And it’s the same study by MM and M that was used by government to go ahead with the Argyle International Airport.

Mr. Speaker, Moreover, anyone who doubts that we have supported the project even with all its difficulties should simply recall that on several The Argyle International Airport occasions we voted in this parliament to approve borrowings to construct the The Argyle International Airport airport; even though we had problems was officially opened on Monday 13th with the way in which it was being February, 2017. President of the NDP, accounted for. I believe that most Dr. the Honourable Godwin Friday, Vincentians are on our side in this members of parliament and other discussion. Most of them absolutely members of the party attended the support the idea of having an opening ceremony. They should be International airport. But many commended for attending the opening. people are dismayed by the It is critical that we remind politicization, the division, the lies, Vincentians and reiterate the NDP’s the gross mismanagement, the position on the airport. complete lack of transparency and the The following is an excerpt from lack of accountability that have Dr. The Hon Godwin Friday’s address embodied the project!”

V Start from where you are

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. 11.

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“It is good to know where you want to go and how you plan to get there. But you must start from where you are.” – Ednith Providence, former Principal of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers College.

TEACHERS HAVE A WAY of facilitating lifelong learning through their comments and actions. It is often truly amazing how some of their sayings resonate after many years. Mrs. Ednith Providence was one of my teachers when I attended the Kingstown Preparatory School as a child. She later reappeared as my teacher when I entered the St. Vincent Teachers College almost two decades later. I have very fond memories of her (and her sayings) as she engaged in imparting knowledge at both institutions. This article commences with one of her “pearls of wisdom” sayings. She shared these “jewels of knowledge” when she performed duties as the Principal at the St. Vincent Teachers College.

Our college group (Group M) was among the first cohort of students to be housed at the college location at Arnos Vale. Prior to that, we had sojourned at the building that now houses the Curriculum Unit for the Ministry of Education (near to Peace Memorial Hall in Kingstown) and, for a brief period, at the University Centre in Kingstown. Ednith Providence believed that her role as an educator was to go beyond merely teaching the academic courses. At that time, she had responsibility for teaching Principles of Education. Her sessions often went beyond academics, to invite us to reflect on the many life experiences that we can (and should) bring to the classroom. She emphasised that the best teachers will be visionary and proactive. To this end, she engaged us in an exercise that revolved around introspection and anticipation. She invited us to ask ourselves three critical questions: Where are you now? Where do you want to go? How do you plan to get there? Those three questions are critical for teachers.

They are critical for everyone who has a vision of bettering their best efforts and a focus on achieving greatness.

It is often a very good exercise to do a critical examination of our present circumstances as we endeavour to chart a path to what we deem to be success. It is frequently by examining our strengths and our weaknesses that we can understand and appreciate how best to proceed with our plans, and/or whether we need to encourage the support of others in our quest. It is considered folly to assume that the destination that we have charted for ourselves must be a solo effort. Joining forces with others is one way that we can enhance our chances of success as we pursue noble dreams. For example, an individual with an excellent business idea, but lacking the managerial skills and/or the finances for the venture, may still be able to pursue the project if he/she joins forces with others, or seek the financial assistance from another individual or a financial institution.

It is often unwise to wait around until you amass enough finances to pursue the venture on your own.

Too many individuals go through their lives hoping and wishing for conditions to be better before they pursue a particular dream. While there is wisdom in conducting a proper analysis of the situation before proceeding, we caution individuals who become so engrossed with the analysis that they refuse to take action. We need to calculate the risk and move on. We can start from where we are, to get to where we want to get to. Sir Arthur Lewis, writing in the 1970s, observed that some individuals become so engrossed with analysing situations (this includes individuals in the private and public sectors) that they lose out on opportunities to advance worthwhile and profitable projects.

We need to be more proactive; prepared to make those incremental steps, even if/when we anticipate challenges along the way. As my Mathematics teacher at secondary school reminded our form, “Beginning is half done!” We must learn to take the plunge … even if the water appears to be cold (using an analogy from nature).

Such pursuits are not limited to business or entrepreneurial activities.

We often see these scenarios played out in relation to individuals who feel the urge to pursue courses of study.

They may have a strong desire to better their academic capabilities.

They may know that accomplishing such a milestone will make them more marketable and/or prepare them for a better career path. They frequently anticipate that the academic stretch will generate a sense of accomplishment. But something appears to be holding them back. It may emerge as a fear of failure; incorrectly assuming that they do not have what it takes to be successful.

But these defeatist attitudes and feelings of insecurity are often unfounded. Even amidst our doubts and fears, we can accomplish great things when we venture to start from where we are … and be patient with ourselves as they pursue our noble dreams.

As we conclude this essay, it will probably be a good exercise to return to Ednith’s three critical questions.

Where are you? Where do you want to go? How do you plan to get there?

Let us make the time and exert the effort to conduct a critical analysis of where we are socially, educationally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Having done this objective critique, let us proceed to determine the desired state we desire for each of these aspects of our lives. But let us not end the exercise there (as so often happens). Let us proceed to commit, to vow, to make the necessary steps to achieve those hoped-for positions that we know that we should (and can) obtain. Start from where you are.

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

A ragamuffin speaker LAST WEEK a woman shouted at me: ‘’Look at what St Vincent come to, a Ragamuffin is now Speaker of the House.” The lady probably knows something about me because the truth is I come from very humble beginnings.

My mother had 7 children. Things and times were often rough and tough, but she proudly declared that she has ‘4 presidents and 3 queens.

All of you made me proud.’

I don’t know what prompted the woman’s outburst. However, I am guide by the folk knowledge that says ‘don’t take me back to where I came from. Pay attention to where I am going.’

I took it as a signal honour to be asked to serve as Speaker in our national assembly. As Speaker, I get to preside over the legislative or lawmaking arm of government. The position is grounded in the constitution of our country, and a Speaker, once elected, can only be removed with the support of 75 percent of all elected members of parliament, or by the dissolution of the parliament, which normally comes prior to the holding of national elections.

I take the Speaker’s position seriously. As I have repeatedly said, I will not disappoint the people of SVG. However, I am certain that I may gain the ire of one or more members on either side of the house before my tenure comes to an end. I will rule on an issue, in keeping with the Standing orders, the constitution of SVG, as well as the practice which has developed over the years in democratic countries that draw from the British tradition.

The parliament is made up of representatives of the governing ULP and the opposition NDP party. Both parties will get a fair hearing. Both sides will be asked to discipline themselves as the need arises.

Neither side in parliament is superior to the other. Everyone must do their preparatory work so as to impress those listening in the visitors’ gallery, and on radio and television.

I have already been warned by at least two persons, that they will ‘lick me up’, if I were to allow the opposition to get away with too much.

They may be well pleased if I were to allow the ULP parliamentarians to get away with a hell of a lot. Either way, it is not going to happen. No one will be allowed to get away with anything. There is going to be reasonable give and take. The demand will be for everyone to take their cue from the standing orders.

The chamber is not about to change dramatically. Tasteful banter, picong and small talk will be tolerated as before. No one will be allowed to disrespect him or herself, her party or the assembly. Everyone will be reminded that because parliaments in some parts of the world are noisy, rambunctious and disorderly, does not mean that ours should be.

Our parliament definitely would not be allowed to degenerate into small talk, misbehaviour and nothingness. Everyone will be reminded that, unlike some other countries, we have limited resources.

Our parliamentary and legislative time must be spent addressing and finding solutions to our many problems.

The entire country knows that I was a ULP candidate in the last elections. I am still a member of the Unity Labour Party. Although there is a concerted effort orchestrated either to push me out or force me to leave, nothing has happened yet that will require me to give up membership or support. The Speaker presides over the legislature, and I intend to do that job fearlessly and without bias, fear or favour.

However, my assumption of the position as Speaker does not and will not mute me. I have been a social critic and commentator for decades, and I will continue to do so. I will appear on radio and television, once asked to do so, and offer my opinion on all manner of topics.

I have been and will remain considered and respectful in my comments and advocacy. But I will never allow others to force me into becoming a political eunuch. Truth is I would never have accepted the Speaker’s position if I was disallowed from practising law or engaging in social and political advocacy.

Many have opined that Ralph Gonsalves silenced me by offering me a senatorial position. They were proven wrong. Others claim that the position of the Speaker definitely takes me completely away from advocacy, the people of South Leeward and politics. Only the naïve, uninformed, propagandist or spin doctor utter such nonsense. Anyone who has followed my development, is acquainted with my history, and has an intimate glimpse of the me that makes me me, will readily caution against such pronouncements.

I cannot be captured, bought, sold, or silenced. I am settled and comfortable in my own skin. I seek neither friends, company, fame nor fortune. I am comfortable with the little I have got. I have travelled to 61 countries across the world, and have seen a lot. I am humbled by my experiences. I am awe struck rather than punch drunk by the little power I command, and will never use it as a sword. I know that except for an ‘accident’ here or there, I could have been a completely different person in a very uncomfortable place.

And that is why I cherish my health and respect my body. I despise excesses, and believe that small and less is good for me, the country and indeed the world. I know I don’t know a lot. Therefore, I crave knowledge. I embrace the African saying ‘he who knows that he knows little knows the most.’

I consider myself an evangelist for truth, knowledge and the working people. I do not believe in the accumulation of power. I am passionate about transferring power to the people. I commit to assist in the making of laws that may help us to create a more democratic society.

This piece, with minor changes and additions, first appeared March 11, 2016.

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

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12. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

SVG Budget 2017 – a kick in the face for the poor THE 2017 BUDGET ESTIMATES is a kick in the face for the local population, by the ULP regime. The super-rich of Mustique and Canouan and Taiwan still do not pay one dollar in tax or customs duty under the 2017 Budget. The local black population is being pushed further into poverty and squalor by a heavy tax burden. Is this not a crime against humanity?

A terrible part of the SVG 2017 Budget is the capital expenditure of only EC$7.7 million on education.

The United Nations requested third world countries to invest at least 20% of their annual budget in education.

The 2017 Budget totals EC$976.7 million, but with only EC$7.7 million being spent on education, equivalent to 0.78% of the total Budget. The education of SVG’s children is seriously underfunded.

In contrast, we have been told that over EC$20 million per annum will be wasted on Argyle airport, just to keep it open, and over EC$5 million will be paid this year to foreign airlines to beg them to fly to SVG. About 99% of the population of SVG is black. Yet, it is the super-rich white that get tax exemptions. They should pay their tax and customs duty, or pack their bags and go back to where they come from.

The SVG Budget 2017 has a massive Fiscal Deficit. Recurrent expenditure is EC$747.2m and Current Revenue is EC$590.7m. This equates to a Fiscal Deficit of EC$156.5 m. However, the Capital Expenditure of EC$229.5m is financed by loans of EC$158.4 million, therefore the total Fiscal Deficits on 2017 Budget is EC$156.5m + EC$158.4m =

EC$314.9m. This means that 32.25% of the 2017 Budget is a deficit.

The Leader of SVG Green Party, Ivan O’Neal BSc (Hons) MSc, MBA, has a degree in Accounting and Finance, Oxford Brookes University, England, and believes that the SVG 2017 Budget is a kiss on the lips for the foreign investors in Mustique and Canouan and the Taiwanese, all of them making good use of our resources.

For the year 2017, it is conservatively estimated that investors in Mustique and Canouan and the Taiwanese will enjoy about EC$2 billion in tax exemptions.

For the years 2008, 2009 and 2010, the SVG Minister of Finance grossly failed the Audit of Public Accounts.

The native people of Canouan have had hundreds of acres of their Crown

Editor’s Note: The following had been prepared for presentation at Victoria Park on Sunday, 5th February 2017, when Earl ‘Ole George’ Daniel culminated his “walking mission” which had spanned several years those record-breaking walks with his partner Joel Butcher, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad, the USA and Canada.

certain situations prevailing in our communities negatively impacting the welfare of the people, strangling the hope of the younger ones, reflecting on the successes of ‘Ole George’ and Butcher should help to fortify us in the confidence that we will one day succeed and prosper.

The Cumberland Playing Field is finally being commissioned. It will significantly impact the social life of these communities and, given the relationship these days between sports and education, Cumberland Playing Field could greatly enhance the development of the young men and young women.

Every responsible citizen should now feel duty bound to play his part, her part in getting our administrators to put in place the apparatus which would address the obvious areas of weakness, relating to Law, Order and Discipline in our land. We can do much better than we are doing at the moment!

We seem now to have arrived at the point in time when we must have serious discussions on some issues which are impeding the advancement of our society, for it seems reasonable to say that, given the high hopes we had in 1979, we have not made the strides expected.

The fault is not with our constitution; it is with ourselves, and our intelligentsia will have to accept responsibility. They have not been as vibrant and deliberate in the fashioning of systems and approaches geared towards taking us forward. The intelligentsia, the ones who should have taken the lead, may fairly be accused of being somewhat like beautiful barnacles which attach themselves to the bottom of the ship, but are indifferent as to where the ship is headed. However, too many of the rest of us are unmoved and silent when blatant injustices are meted out to our fellow citizens.

Honouring our promises

Lands sold to foreigners. The native people of Canouan have been squashed into a corner. The deceptive scheme of Fiscal Deficits falsely creates the need to sell hundreds of acres of crown lands in Canouan and elsewhere in SVG to foreigners.

According to Ivan O’Neal - the Leader of SVG Green Party and a Macro Economist, the high Fiscal Deficit will perpetuate high levels of poverty, inequality, hunger, unemployment, crime and squalor throughout our country.

There should be a fair tax system in SVG to narrow the gap of inequality and to alleviate hunger in our country.

There are too many vagrants sleeping rough on the footpaths in Kingstown, while the super-rich in our midst do not pay their fair share of taxes. This is a crime against humanity.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

Thank you, ÂOle GeorgeÊ

IT IS FOR ME AN HONOUR to have been invited to attend this ceremony to mark the end of a period which had positively contributed to the stimulating of the upliftment of our national psyche and pride.

At this, the end of the walking missing of Earl ‘Ole George’ Daniel and his partner Joel Butcher, we are able to look back with appreciation on the exhibition by two by our own, who pursued their goals to successful completion. They did so at a time when there seemed to be in our society a plague of dishonouring the promises and pledges that are made.

All the rest of us could be inspired by the spirit and commitment of ‘Old George’, whom I call ‘Champ’, and Butcher. They have been consistent at all times.

Stirring the spirit When ‘Ole George’ did his ‘marathon walks’, the spirit of Vincentians was stirred in a clean, healthy and honourable way. It was an exhibition that demonstrated that the ordinary man had the capacity to push himself to do extraordinary things. I would like, on behalf of the communities of the parish of St. David, i.e. Chateaubelair, Petit Bordel, Rose Bank, Troumaca, Rose Hall, Coull’s Hill, Spring Village and Gordon Yard, to say a sincere “thank you” to ‘Ole George’. Though we in those areas may have reason to feel a sense of having been abandoned and neglected for some decades now, when we look at

We, Vincentians, are traditionally disposed to working hard. The people of the communities of St. David were committed to the working of the land and fishing, and that commitment and drive were somewhat exhibited when ‘Ole George’ and Butcher walked over these years. That is the spirit we are celebrating this evening. They always stuck to their tasks, and they honourably completed their missions. All Vincentians could be inspired by that.

That being said, I lament the fact that the promise we made to Earl ‘Ole George’ Daniel (left) and Joel Butcher some years ago to Butcher on one of their inspiring marathon address his need for a good walks. house, has not yet been honoured. What a great thing it would worthwhile endeavours from tens of thousands of us. have been if we were told here that The champ deserves our support.

‘Ole George’ and Butcher were going to have a little celebratory get-together Le Roy Providence at Butcher’s new house! When our Prime Minister made that promise to address Butcher’s needs in that area, he had spoken for all the people. The people are disappointed, for it is an issue that symbolized harmony and unity of spirit which was demonstrated in the land during the ‘Ole George’ and Butcher walks.

The people want that promise to be kept, and they expect that it would be effected even before the recognition of our beloved respected West Indies Cricket captain Darren Sammy is concretized.

Sammy’s contribution was made at a critical time of West Indies Cricket, and he truly merits the gesture proffered by our Prime Minister. The eyes of the region are on us!

Let me conclude by saying thanks to ‘Ole George’. He has already indicated the areas in which he is going to put his emphasis, and I trust he will have the enthusiastic support in those

V Unity at NDP Convention

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. 13.

News

extended the party’s solidarity with the families of the three Vincentian THE OPPOSITION New Democratic Party students who lost their lives in a (NDP) held is 39th Convention at the vehicular accident in Barbados, on Layou Hard Court last Sunday, February January 29th.

12, the first time in over 10 years the He told party supporters that the party had held such an event outside the party had come a long way. “We have party’s headquarters in Kingstown. withstood the slings and arrows that The Convention was held under the were borne against us by a relentless theme: Moving forward together, one foe, and we are to perform to victory,” nation, one people and one Vincy. said Friday.

The occasion was a show of The Northern Grenadines MP urged solidarity, especially as the perceived the membership and supporters to feud between recently elected Leader work tirelessly to bring prosperity of NDP- Dr. Godwin Friday and MP back to SVG. “God knows we need it, for Central Kingstown - St. Clair and by the grace of God we will Leacock, was put to rest, after Leacock achieve it,” he posited, to loud declared his wholehearted support for applause from the audience. the party and its leadership.

And in expressing thanks to the Leacock declared he was happy to party’s foot soldiers in the various be part of the most prestigious constituencies, he appealed to them to political party in SVG, the New redouble their efforts despite the many Democratic Party. “Once NDP, always obstacles that would be thrown at NDP,” said Leacock, to loud cheers them from the ULP, and especially from the supporters. urged the delegates to effect their Opposition Leader Friday, in his duties and do so diligently. presentation, wished the founding But it was on the issue of party father of the party — Sir James unity that Friday was most emphatic, Mitchell a speedy reminding the hundreds who had recovery from his turned out, “The only way the ULP surgery, and can remain in power is if they succeed in dividing us. Our party has the deepest history of democracy, and our St. Clair elders have set forth the foundation for Leacock, MP us to follow …. So tomorrow we shall for Central Kingstown, put go forward united in our fight against a corrupt regime, whose central policy to rest the talk is based on fear and victimization.” of his The party leader had a special departure, and reminder for his membership, was re-elected referring to national debt that stood at to one of two $1.6 billion, with $400 million of that vice president attributed to the Argyle International positions.

by KENVILLE HORNE

Dr. Godwin Friday, Political Leader of the NDP, urged the party’s members and supporters to band together in the quest to being ‘prosperity’ back to SVG. Airport. “The debt now stands at a worrying 82% of the Gross Domestic Product, and the debt service payments are expected this year to amount to over $200.3 million”, he said, proffering, “This means that there will be little money to be spent on providing services in schools, in hospitals, in fixing the roads and in promoting the all important tourism industry”.

And in reference to the recent increase in taxes, Friday lamented, “How much can the poor and suffering people of this country continue to bear?” But there must be some relief and that relief, according to Friday, would come in the form of an NDP administration.

Former President and Leader of the NDP, Arhnim Eustace was honored by the Young Democrats as well as by long-standing vanguard member of the party Kendol ‘Kenlyn’ Neverson.

Eustace expressed thanks for the recognitions, and to the many party supporters who had coveyed expressions of appreciation for his Stalwart NDP member leadership, a Kendol ‘Kenlyn’ tenure he described as a Neverson (left) presents former Party “labour of Leader Arnhim love”. Friday Eustace with a token was also presented with of appreciation. a plaque on behalf of members from his constituency and another one from Neverson.

Two women in NDP’s new executive TWO WOMEN were elected to serve on the executive of the New Democratic Party (NDP) when that party held its 39th Convention last Sunday, in Layou.

Margret London, retired nurse and host of the ‘Night Nurse’ radio programme aired on NICE Radio, was voted in as the Assistant General Secretary, after defeating the popular Clemroy ‘Bert’ Francois, host of the NDP’s ‘New Times’ radio programme, as well as embattled Talk Show host Igal Adams. London received a massive 192 votes to Francois’ 59 and Adams’

18.

Lavern King, a Communications expert, is the other female elected to the executive.

She defeated Lawyer Israel Bruce by 165 to 105 votes, to become the party’s Public Relation Officer (PRO).

The other female to have vied for a position was Senator and lawyer Shirlan ‘ Zita’ Barnwell, who attempted to get one of the two Vice President positions.

Incumbent Vice President St. Clair Leacock, MP for Central Kingstown, and North Leeward MP Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews filled

the vice presidents position. Leacock garnered 199 votes, Matthews 198 and Barnwell 144.

Long standing member of the party and the incumbent General Secretary Allan Cruickshank lost to newcomer retired Coast Guard Commander Tyrone James, in his quest to retain that position. James, whose decision to contest came as a surprise to many across political fronts, amassed an overwhelming 164 to Cruickshank’s 87.

Dr. Bernard Mills was returned as Treasurer, there being no other contenders for the position.

There was also a change in the Chairmanship of the party. Dr. Linton Lewis, who had held that post for the last ten years, The party faithful came out in full attendance to cast their votes for the persons they wanted to lead the party.

chose not to contest, and MP for West Kingstown — Daniel Cuimmings was elected unopposed to fill that vacancy.

Reactions

The NDP’s new executive (L-R): Margaret London (Asst. Gen. Sec), Dr. Bernard Mills (Treasurer), St. Clair Leacock (V. President), Dr. Godwin Friday (President/Political Leader), Roland Matthews (V. President), Daniel Cummings (Chairman), Tyrone James (Gen. Sec) and Lavern King (PRO).

In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN newspaper, newly elected Vice President Roland Matthews said he was very happy to be elected to that office for the first time.

Recalling that he became a member of the NDP’s Youth Arm some 20 years ago, Matthews said, “ … this elevation goes to show people that the New Democratic Party will give people the opportunity, once they decide to work hard”, and he recognized the election of two females to the executive as indicative of democracy at work, and testimony to the fact that the NDP “does not discriminate on

the basis of gender.”

King, a 24-year-old Digital Marketer from the Southern Grenadines island of Canouan, became the youngest person to be elected to the executive of the party. She previously worked as a Marketing executive in Jamaica, where she also did a degree in Public Relations.

She said the position of PRO would allow her to work for the people, and commended the NDP for its commitment “to giving youths the opportunity to develop. I know that they (NDP) truly don’t just talk about the youths, but they actually do include

youths.”

King also had high praises for the Southern Grenadines MP Terrance Ollivierre , who she said always encouraged his constituents to reach for the best and to do their best.

In terms of the vision and way forward for the party, she said that the NDP’s watch words are inclusiveness and transparency both in and out of Government.

The position of Party Leader was not up for contest, since Northern Grenadines MP Dr. Godwin Friday had taken that position during an extraordinary Convention late last year.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. 15.

14. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

What diaspora passengers say about flying to the AIA

AIA: Thoughts on opening day Will return through the AIA Nicole Pesce is from Denver Colorado, USA, but she has become one of this country’s newest ambassadors. Not that she is being paid by the Tourism Authority, or that she has any personal interests, but judging from her remarks at the Argyle International Airport (AIA), she and her family will be back here soon.

Nicole left here last Tuesday on LIAT Flight 560, that airline’s inaugural scheduled flight out of the AIA, after spending, according to her, “a few weeks sailing St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

She rested at the Blue Lagoon and paid glowing tribute to her taxi driver whom she named as Errol.

“We can’t wait to fly back into your new airport,” Nicole outlined.

Her husband Matt, children Quinn, 16, Kai, 10, and Celeste, 6, complete the family.

b y Gloriah… by When the Argyle Int ernational Air port (AIA) officially officially opened on 1 wing flight W G 4th February, February, 2017, 2017, c harter flights, including Sun International Airport 14th charter Sunwing WG Pearson Int ernational Air port, TToronto o oronto and a Caribbean Airlines flight from JKF Int wY or o k, landed ernational Air port in Ne 262 from Pearson International Airport, International Airport New York, acility, bringing a number of Vincentians home. THE VINCENTIAN w as there tto o find out wh persons chose chose tto o mak e the trip, at the ffacility, was whyy persons make h a direct flight would would mean for and what suc for Vincentians in the Diaspora. such

HazelAnn Frank - Toronto I had to be on this flight because I felt it was important for Vincentians to do a celebration, and it’s just the right time. I vaca-had four weeks’ vaca tion so I chose to spend two of those weeks home and it wasn’t difficult to get on the flight – everything was easily done online. I think that this airport is going to make the process of travel a lot easier because when I looked, a couple months ago when it was raining, the ET Joshua Airport was flooded and there was a lot of issues with LIAT. Now, we are opening the window for other airlines to come in. Today, I felt like I got home in time with no waiting for hours in any other airport.

signifi-when we gained independence; it is that signifi cant! We as Vincentians should be proud about this achievement,(that)we had done all this in the face of great economic odds but we have persevered. I give the Prime Minister a great deal of credit for his boldness, his vision for bringing to fruition what everyone else had wanted to accomplish. This airport is second to none!

The Bustling Argye Intwernational Airport upon its opening.

Adella DavisFerdinand - Toronto The flight was amazing actually: taking off, coming down, landing, it was great! The weather, everything was perfect; and it was a Vincy pilot so we were on top of the world! I travel very regularly but I’ve haven’t been here in ten years and coming home makes me feel good; it gives me that connection again, so I’d definitely be coming more often.

Stewartt Brereton Stewar - Toronto

Vaughn Toney - New York Yo ork I am the President and CEO of the Friends of Crown Heights. It was a terrific flight. I mean, the idea that we could get here in four hours was great for all of us on the flight. … For me, I took this journey to stand in solidarity with my fellow Vincentians on this historic day.

It is as important in history as 38 years ago

Overcome with pride

Der Derwin win and AnnMarie Stoddard - New YYork ork o via Florida This was a very important day in the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and we would have done whatever we could to be here. We’re from Florida and there were no flight coming out from there, so we left yesterday for New York and were on the flight for SVG by 10:40 am. … Being able to fly here direct was awesome. Where we live in Florida, there are a lot of Vincentians from the St. Vincent OrganiOrganization of South Florida just waiting to come home.

The flight was fantas fantas-tic. The landing was amazing. ….. When I looked to my right and saw the people cheer cheer-ing and waving I actually got emotional with tears in my eyes.

The one negative thing I found was that the Immigration Forms to be filled out were not on the plane, and that caused us to have to wait to fill them out when we got here. (But) this is a very historic occasion for St. Vincent and the Gren Gren-adines…. I hated the fact that I had to land in Barbados and wait for LIAT hours sometimes to get my connection. So, landing here directly from Toronto is absolutely amazing. … I am here regularly and plan to come back for carnival.

Winston Woodley - Toronto It was an exceptionally great flight! I’m so proud and so blessed to be on it. Added to that, the pilot, Daniel Gibson was a Vincentian. This is history in the making.

I understand that when the Prime Minister spoke to Chavez the first time, even he said it could not be done, but a lot of work went into it. We have to be very proud of it. Now, Vincentians are going to come home more often. … I know that being able to locate suitcases then, should not be a problem at all.

Petron McIntosh - Toronto The landing, to me, was better than approaching ET Joshua. We were so anxious anticipating arriving here and the whole plane erupted when we saw the crowd. Know Know-ing we were able to leave Toronto and come direct was a great accomplish accomplish-ment. I’m so happy that I came. A great amount of effort was put into this airport.

Vincentians in the Diaspora look forward to a direct flight especially for Christmas, carnival or even for emergencies. It will take some time for the airport to take off but (I) have a positive outlook on this project.

Note: Bef Note: Before fo ore international scheduled s flights fllights into the AIA become fully regularized, charter charter flight fllight are e x ve Vincentian travel to SVG. SVG. G expected serve Vincentians abroad xpected to ser abroad with non-stop non-stop air travel

Waiting in line for checkin at the AIA.

Vincentian Bernard Louis Daisley runs a Management Consulting operation in New York.

He cleared immigration at the AIA just after seven on Tuesday morning, one of 11 Vincentians who had travelled first class from New York, on that Dynamic Airways charter. That aircraft journeyed on to Guyana.

“I’m proud to be a Vincentian,” Daisley beamed.

His pride stemmed from the speed he reached his home at Stubbs. That is the closest community to the Argyle site.

Daisley reflected on the excitement and energy generated on the craft and asked rhetorically, “Can you imagine if you had to go through Barbados?” he also commented on how smooth the landing was.

An historic moment Izarus, a native Rastaman who had come to witness the inaugural flights, said: “Transforma “Transforma-tion is an eminent structure of biology. Those who aint ready for transformation should change their biology. This is a real thing. We should give thanks for a moment of history. Rasta come to share. These moments make a nation proud. We looking out for something patriotic and not playmatic.”

Izarus’s colleague, Haile Ancient, a musician, looked at the opening as a money saving device.

“Flying from here to Africa will be cheaper,” he suggested.

Forget the political affiliations Lorita Caesar originally from Barrouallie also arrived on the Sunwing flight. She said that she last visited the country in 2015 and that the new airport is a blessing. “This is like a dream come to reality,” said Caesar, adding that she is here on business but she is going to have fun.

“Regardless of your political affiliation, let’s just embrace it. This is not Ralph Gonsalves , this is for the country,” she stated , while showering praises on the Prime Minister for building the airport .

According to Caesar, everyone on the flight was excited. “We all were excited, and the flight was so smooth. We didn’t go through any turbulence or anything, the weather was perfect.”

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16. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Feature

LIAT Captain speaks of first flight out of AIA

projected will pose a problem at Argyle, ON TUESDAY, 14th Captain Mathurin said, February, the 6:45 am “I do not see a challenge scheduled LIAT Flight 560 of the wind over and departed the Argyle above what exists at ET International Airport (AIA), Joshua Airport. Firstly, with twenty-eight I am sufficiently passengers and crew on experienced, seeing that board.

I’ve been with the airline The aircraft was for fifteen years and have commandeered by flown nine of these years Captain Phillip as a Captain. Secondly, I Mathurin, a fifteen-year have been through many employee with LIAT. other island airports … , THE VINCENTIAN case in point Canouan, sat down with Captain and I’ve experienced Mathurin on Monday, some cross winds that 13th February, to have really put some ascertain his level of challenge into me. Now I anticipation, and seek can say that I’m well his thoughts on being the prepared, well pilot to commandeer this experienced and well historic flight. adapted to handle these He began with, “… I sorts of cross winds or will airlift the first flight challenges of cross winds out of a newly that could occur.” commissioned airport, Cross winds, he and in some ways it will explained, might not be quite exciting to see occur every day, but how it comes out… I when they are won’t say that I will not encountered, they could be overwhelmed and be handled, he assured. proud about the history Captain Mathurin of it all, but it really is a acknowledged, however, common job to me. I’ll be that while cross winds relaxed and take it quite could be encountered at nicely when we actually the AIA which is located take that flight out of the on the south-eastern side airport…. .” of the island, there would be less of a challenge The wind issue going towards Argyle than it has been at ET On the issue of the Joshua. wind which some “We would find tail dissenting voices have wind a more critical

by GLORIAH…

challenge than it would be for cross wind, because when we are departing especially, we will want to have the wind facing towards us, rather than behind us.

When we have tail winds, they are actually pushing us, and we won’t have the adequate acceleration to lift off and climb towards where we want to go. Whereas, where we have a cross wind, it would necessarily push us away from it, but yet still we will able to have a greater advantage of taking off and going towards the cross wind, rather than with a tail wind,” he explained.

By the same token, Captain Mathurin disclosed that his experience has shown that similar situations exist at airports within the region. He named the VC Bird International Airport in Antigua, the sea bound Princess Juliana International Airport in Saint Martin, the northeasterly located Robert Bradshaw International Airport in St. Kitts, and the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport in Tortola, as examples of facilities that have occasional cross winds,

The first scheduled flight to depart the AIA – LIAT 560.

The crew from LIAT’s inaugural scheduled Flight 560 out of the Argyle International Airport: L-R: Captain Phillip Mathurin, Vincentian Flight Attendant Marla Roberts, Flight Attendant Juliet Durand and First Officer Euton Henry.

though not as severe as at Argyle International.

Improved LIAT services When asked whether he believes the new facility could help to enhance and improve LIAT’s services to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Captain responded with, “We can only say time will tell.”

He did say that as the year unfolds, LIAT should endeavor to provide better flight services and customer services.

True to his word, when LIAT Flight 560 took off at the newly commissioned Argyle International Airport, Captain Mathurin showed his grit, guiding the aircraft through an extremely smooth takeoff

and lift into its path towards the Grantley Adams International Airport, Barbados.

LIAT’s first flight, under Captain Mathurin, could be deemed as a demonstration of the airline’s readiness to commence operations from the Caribbean’s newest international airport at Argyle, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

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

18. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

V Emotions run deep for Ollivierre

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. 19.

News

TERRENCE OLLIVIERRE, the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) Parliamentary Representative for the Southern Grenadines, is walking on a tightrope, stretched by regular calls he receives from his constituents. Those calls relate to a range of issues, but, in the main, they have to do with ongoing concerns over access to a beach on Canouan.

And while the beach has surfaced as the main bone of contention between the native people and the developers on that island, the anger is simmering over into feeling that the residents are “sandwiched in a reverse manner by developments to the north and south of the island,” Ollivierre, said, as he

Terrence Ollivierre, MP for the Southern Grenadines, conjectured that residents of Canouan were beginning to be ‘sandwiched’ by the development taking place on that Grenadine island.

Residents on Canouan claim that their access to a certain beach has been impeded by the developers. brandished a map of the area during his presentation at the recent Budget Debate.

Olliveierre contended that from the money raised for the construction of the Argyle International Airport through the sale of forty acres of land sold to

the Canouan developers, “something should have been set aside for the people.

“Anyone could understand why the people are aggrieved!” he added.

“This problem must be addressed,” the Southern

Dr. Friday: ‘Things were better under the NDP’ OPPOSITION LEADER Dr. Godwin Friday opened his presentation to the 2017 Budget Debate by rehashing the days of the New Democratic Party government, when there was always a surplus on government finances.

The surplus, he said, was used as counterpart funding when the government needed to borrow money.

He indicated that such an approach was pursued “with great success” during the Dr Ralph Gonsalves disclosed an increase in seventeen years of the NDP the public debt which Dr. Godwin Friday said regime. was responsible for Government’s inability He emphasised that, ‘’We were to properly fund its agencies. generating economic growth.”

Friday recounted that the of “apartheid.” banana was thriving during the NDP The Opposition Leader noted the debt reign, tourism was making strides, land that this country was facing, and reform was rampant, and there was pointed out that servicing the debt was “prudent management of finances.” costing the government $203 million.

He sighed that “those days are gone,” He blamed the debt for the reason and chided the present authority for why government was unable to transfer reversing the fortunes. the amount of money needed to ensure Dr. Friday noted that the growth effective functioning of some of its averaged about four percent under the agencies, citing the Tourism Authority NDP, unlike the 2.1 percent which the as one of the casualties in this regard.

Unity Labour Party has achieved.

In his Budget Presentation, Prime Banana is on its deathbed, according to Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves confirmed Dr. Friday. that the 2016 total outstanding debt was The Opposition Leader lamented the $1.68 billion, an increase of 12% over amount of money that government owed the debt of $1.50 as at the end of the private sector. He noted that September 2015. businesses were closing down “every The total public debt comprised Monday morning,” and he decried the domestic debt of $0.59 billion and extent of joblessness that prevailed external debt of $1.09 billion. across the nation.

This large increase in the debt was Dr. Friday expressed concern about attributed in part to the fact that the the level of “corruption,” and pointed to entire debt of $193.23 million owing to the “exploitation of workers by foreign Petroleos de Venezuela S.A., under the investors.”

Petro Caribe agreement, was now As far as Dr. Friday observed, included in the total debt figure for the Vincentians were enduring their version first time.

Grenadines representative insisted, and added that the land shortage is leading to overcrowded homes in Canouan, a situation that also affects workers from the mainland.

“People are filling swamps to build houses,” he remarked, and called on the government to “do something about it.”

Ollivierre’s sentiments

followed those of Leader of the Opposition/MP for the Northern Grenadines Dr. Godwin Friday who, in his four hour response to the Prime Minister’s Budget address, inter alia, decried the land use and land alienation in Canouan.

He condemned the denial of beach access, and proffered, “We have to make it clear where we stand.”

As far as Dr. Friday was concerned, there has to be a balance between burden and the fruits.

He contended that “vast sums of money have flowed into Canouan, and the people feel that they have not benefitted.

“I wish I could provide a solution,” Dr. Friday sighed and pondered, “Why has the government allowed this matter to fester? … It’s simply unfair for the concerns of the people to be dismissed.”

Both Friday and Ollivierre were first elected to Parliament here in 2001. (WKA)

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20. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Setting the record straight Dear George,

I WAS AT THIS dinner party from the U.S. From where as guest of a friend of I sat, I could overhear, mine who was visiting from a table behind me,

some women mouthing off on someone. I am not one to listen to gossip, but I could not help straining my ear to hear the conversation.

It so happened they were talking about me going out with men other than my boyfriend, and how my boyfriend was really stupid to still be with me. According to them, I was ‘two timing my’ boyfriend.

When I could take it no longer, I got up and asked my friend to follow me to the table where the women were seated. I

introduced my friend to them and told them that my boyfriend knows who he is, etc. Then I video called my boyfriend and told him about them and what they were saying about us. I asked them if they wished to add anything to what they had already said. They were speechless. I returned to my seat feeling very proud of myself.

AnnP

Dear AnnP, Good for you! You handled that situation very well. At times, it’s good to nip things in the bud and leave no room for malicious people to wreak havoc in your life and relationship.

I guess your ‘friends’ wouldn’t be going back to dinner anytime soon.

George

Putting it back together Dear George,

I won’t mind doing that, only if he was brave enough to go and get tested for HIV. He became very scared and left without saying another word.

I am not working there anymore, but I didn’t leave before I told his wife about the incident. She is no longer with him. As for my wife, we are still together and working on our marriage. About the HIV thing… I was just playing with his mind, and it worked.

MY BOSS SENT me on a one-week training course in St Lucia and encouraged me to take some extra days off since, according to him, I “deserve a break”.

I decided not to stay the extra days. However, for some reason, I could not get on to my wife to let her know I was coming back earlier.

What a shock I got when I returned home unexpectedly. There was my wife and my boss, both naked, fast asleep Reality strikes home. in my bed. When they awoke, he arrogantly told Dear Reality strikes, me to pretend I didn’t see what I saw if I wish Congratulations for to continue working with his company. I told him maintaining your cool at

a time when emotions could override rational thinking. It’s good that you have decided to fight for your marriage, and I would advise you to continue to get supportive counselling, as a good marriage is always under construction. I wish you well.

George

Still waiting on a ring Dear George, I LIVE IN Union Island and my wife works in Mustique. I had a very expensive gold ring delivered to her place of work with a note for her to call me. Well, I never received a call and I have not seen her or the ring. Go figure.

Truth hurts Dear Truth, Maybe you ought not to jump to conclusions here. Could it be that the package was never delivered? I know it is a long shot, but still call the delivery people and double check. If it was delivered, then you know you are probably just another friend on your girlfriend’s list of ‘friends’.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Refuse to get involved in idle chatter; it will only make you look bad. You can get others to do things for you but be sure not to overpay them or lend them money. You are best to look into invest‐ ments that will grow in value over an extended period of time. Sudden changes of heart may cause disruptions in your domestic scene.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Your irritability may drive your loved ones crazy. If your lover tries to curtail your freedom, it may lead to conflict.

You may have problems with skin, bones, or teeth if you haven't been tak‐ ing proper care of yourself. Move for‐ ward if you want to turn your life around.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) Take time to talk things over. Travel for business or pleasure. You can expect your mate to get fed up and make the choices for you or back off completely.

Opportunities for new romantic encoun‐ ters will unfold through the social events you attend. Use your energy wisely.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) You will have problems with co‐workers if you are too extreme about doing things perfectly. Your pursuits may end up being fruit less. You will meet poten‐ tial new mates through friends or rela‐ tives. Your ability to help others will win you points.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) You can make financial gains if you are prepared to take a risk. Discord may arise with someone you're close to.

Sooner or later your partner will have had enough. Your attitudes are changing rapidly.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Be careful not to overexert yourself. New interests are preoccupying your time.

Catch up on your reading and correspon‐ dence. Sudden changes concerning co‐ workers may surprise you.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) They didn't fully understand what was expected. Don't make any rash decisions that may affect friendships. Be sure to get involved with those who can introduce you to unusual forms of entertainment.

You will be highly sensitive to comments made by your lover.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) You'll find you're detail oriented this week. It's time you let your true feelings out. Your outgoing nature will surprise others this week. Don't let your emotion‐ al upset interfere with your professional objectives.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Do your chores and get on with the things you enjoy doing. Leave your chequebook and credit cards at home.

You must not let fellow workers take advantage of your fine talents. It might be time to shake a leg and do a personal makeover.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Your ability to converse with charm will entice someone you may have had an interest in for some time now. You will have problems with co‐workers if you are too extreme about doing things perfectly.

Payoff all your debts before you go out and celebrate. Stick to your own projects and by the end of the day you'll shine.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Property investments, insurance, taxes, or inheritance should bring you financial gains. Expect to have more people on your domestic scene. Opposition is pres‐ ent and you should be prepared to coun‐ teract it as best you can. Partnerships will be favorable and contracts can be signed.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) A female colleague may cause problems for you. You will not be able to trust someone you work with. Your talents might just be discovered. Purchases will be well worth it and they will last a long time.

ACROSS 1.Overseer of the airwaves (abbr.)

4. __ du Diable (Devil’s Island) 7. Berlin’s land (abbr.)

10. Myrna of “Libeled Lady” 11. Pollen gatherers 13. Comic Johnson 14. Stray 15. Paper factory 16.Contemptuous sounds 17. Hauls along 19. Edith Bunker’s hubby 21. Dancer Miller 22. __ and kin 24. Perform onstage 25. Slacken 27. Stately trees 29. Crayola shade 31. Noah’s eldest son 33. Dons (2 wds.)

36. Had breakfast 37. “__ Helm” 39. Poet’s “before” 40. Sufferer for a

cause 42. Londoners, informally 44. Take __ the chin (2 wds.)

45. Caron film 48. Timetable abbreviation 49. Business wear 50. “Moon __ Miami” 51. Darkroom item (abbr.)

52. Moment, informally 53. Result 54. Grid scores (abbr.)

13. Alphabet’s start DOWN 18. Troll’s cousin 20. Margaret 1.Made tracks Mitchell 2. Livestock pen hero 3. “__ de 22. Beer holder Bergerac” 23. Bungling 4. Certain PCs 26. __ Davis, Jr. 5. Luau neck‐ 28. Eye surgery lace beam 6. Slippery fish 30. Filbert or 7. Famous hickory evangelist 31. Sculptor’s Billy __ creation 8. Morals 32. Marked by 9. Bowler’s courage button and daring 12. Wood strip 34. Use a

compass 35. Caught 36. Off 38. Singer __ Guthrie 41. “Falling Skies” network

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. 21.

42. Crane or cardinal 43. Withers 46. “__ Got a Secret” 47. Cariou or Deighton

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22. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Parliament

GovÊt considered other forms of financing VARIOUS MEASURES were considered before a decision was made to increase the existing rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) by one percent.

Prime Minister/Minister of Finance Dr. Ralph Gonsalves told the House of Assembly that a separate levy would have necessitated special legislation and increased workload for the IRD.

So said Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr Ralph Gonsalves as he delivered his rebuttal to the 2017 Budget Debate last week Friday.

The proposed increase, according to Gonsalves, was to generate revenue to finance a fund that will be used in clean up and rehabilitative work following a natural disaster.

“I could have imposed a disaster levy separate and distinct from the VAT, but would have had to come with a special law, special administrative mechanism,” he explained.

His further explanation of the increase came in

Flood damage in St. Vincent and the Grenadines over the recent past, occasioned the expenditure of millions of dollars for rehabilitation work on infra-structure. response to the point raised by Leader of the Opposition, Dr Godwin Friday, i.e., that increasing the rate of VAT was not a good idea, based on the present economic situation of the country.

The Prime Minister went on to say that following the floods that occurred in December 2013, financial resources were not readily available, forcing him to turn to The Mustique Company to request that they make advance payments on their annual fees amounting to EC$10 million.

This, therefore, meant that the years between then and 2019, the government would not be collecting that revenue for those years.

Gonsalves went on further to say that when he goes in search of funds to do rehabilitative work, the question is often asked — what the Vincentian government is doing to help its people, which called for the need for a contingency fund for this purpose.

He went on to remind the House that former NDP senator Dr. Linton Lewis had made the suggestion in Parliament that such a fund be set up.

It is expected that EC$6 million will be generated for this year when the increase takes effect on May 1.

In a full year, it is anticipated that the increased tax will yield EC$10 million; however, Gonsalves explained that in some instances, and based on recent estimates of damage, the sum was barely what is required to finance clean-up and rehabilitative work.

For example, the cost of clean-up following the passage of a trough system last November was estimated at EC$10 million, Gonsalves said. (DD)

Police acting like civil servants THE MAJORITY of police officers are focused and diligent in fighting crime; however, there is a minority of them who are not interested in policing.

And this minority, according to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, “are possessed of a sedentary mindset.”

He explained that some police officers behaved as if they were public servants, whose task it was to sit behind a desk dealing with paperwork and taking information.

And when they were called to duty, some of the excuses they make were that they were waiting for the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) or ‘Black Squad’ which Gonsalves said, was a unit that was set up to deal with more serious offences, not routine ones.

The second excuse is that there is no vehicle, even though the complaint may have originated from a location that is within walking distance.

“I have had that experience myself personally I have turned up at a particular scene, something is happening, one minute’s walk from a station and nobody, not an officer is outside and there is a commotion going on amongst people.”

He went on to say that the organization has been able to attract academically qualified individuals since the salary increase for police officers. However, a few of them behave as though they were part of the civil service, Gonsalves said. (DD)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. 23.

Super Six T/20 begins with an upset After something of a stuttered start, Saints rallied to close on 159 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks primarily to Jerron John 47 and Rickford Walker 37.

Andy Harper, Delorn Johnson and wicketkeeper turn bowler Hyron Shallow took his outstanding Lindon James each preliminary form into his first match claimed 2 wickets.

What most persons in the Super Six round, with an even would have thought 100. was a foregone conclusion as far as the DEFENDING CHAMPIONS FLOW result was concerned, was RADCLIFFE were joined by 50 overs Sunday League champions turned upside down when, not even a half century, 54, by Smashers, and newcomers Providence Electronic Solutions Gidron Pope could take Racliffe to victory. Their total North Leeward, Team Rivals, of 135 for 8 in their 20 overs Guardian General Saints and was due to the bowling of Victors One in the Super Six of Romel Currency, 3 for 8; the NLA/Neil Williams T.20 Kenroy Peters, 2 for 19; and Cricket Competition which Kimali Williams 2 for 21. began last Sunday.

their opening Super Six match, going under to Team Rivals by 39 runs.

Team Rivals took first knock and posted 189 for 4 in their reallocated 18 overs, Hyron Shallow continued his good form with an even 100 not out, inclusive of 5 sixes and 12 fours. Kirton Lavia looked set to take Smashers to victory, but his 54 was in vain, as his team closed on 150 for 7, their batsmen having little answer to veteran leg spinner Orlanzo Jackson, who claimed Gidron Pope’s 54 could not take Victors to victory.

4 for 16.

Rude awakening

Providence Electronic Solutions North Leeward had a rude awaking to competition at this round, when they lost by six wickets to Victors One. May be it had something to do with the overwhelming Not twice lucky situation in which they found Upset from the start themselves, for the men from Smashers, the 50 North Leeward put in a And one of the three Overs Sunday League dastardly first time batting opening matches threw up champions, had Police Two to performance at this level, something of an upset, when thank for their place, after the managing a mere 98 runs in defending Champions - Flow 15.5. overs, with Christopher Radcliffe suffered defeat at the lawmen went under to Team Rivals on Saturday, but they Howe getting 24 of those runs. hands of Guardian General failed to ride their luck in Alston Bobb and Norlan Saints.

Williams had identical figures of 3 for 21 runs. Victors One then raced to 99 in ten overs, losing four wickets in the process, Christry John 36 and Miles Bascombe 26 leading the chase. Howe, showing his allround ability, claimed 4 for 23.

The six teams in the Super Six round will play each other on a round robin basis, after which the two top teams on points will play a Final.

Matches continue this weekend.

Women’s cricket

Veteran leg spinner Orlanzo Jackson proved too much for the Smashers batsmen.

The National Women’s 40 Overs competition also continued last weekend, with an easy 10 wickets win for Garifuna Stars over Radcliffe Girls on Saturday. Radcliffe Girls were shot out for 61 in 18.3 overs., Jessica Lavia claiming 3 for 11, Juliana Nero 2 for 12 and Lyris Nero 2 for 18. Juliana Nero, 29 not out, and Nyasha Williams, 18 not out, saw Garifuna Stars to victory in just a mere 5.2 overs.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Ballantyne wins Big Six TT Competition ROBERT BALLANTYNE confirmed his No 1 rank among table tennis players here, when he defeated the 2016 Men’s singles champion, Carlton Daniel, in two sets, to win the first ever Big Six Table Tennis Competition, held in Bequia on the weekend.

The competition, organized by St. Vincent and the Grenadines Table Tennis Association (SVGTTA), featured the top six ranked players in the country, and was played at the Bequia Community High School.

Damion Dublin and Romano Spenser finished in the third and fourth positions respectively.

The number two-ranked player, Sean Stanley did

not take part in the tournament. He was replaced by the seventh ranked player, Javier DeShong.

The six players shared in prize money amounting to $1,000.00.

Competition followed the Three Match Guaranteed format, which allows for a player to lose three games before being knocked out.

Daniel was the only player to be unbeaten in the preliminary stages.

In the process, he disposed of Ballantyne, Romano Spencer - the fifth ranked player, and Damion Dublin, who shares the number two rank with Stanley.

With the loss to Daniel, Ballantyne was

placed in the losers’ bracket in which he went on to defeat DeShong, Carrington, Spencer and Dublin, to set up a final match up with Daniel.

Ballantyne prevailed in two highly competitive encounters by three games to two on both occasions: 11-7, 6-11, 811, 14-12, 11-6; and 9-11, 11-5, 9-11, 11-7, 12-10.

In a brief address at the close of the competition, Tyrone Jack, - President of the SVGTTA, said the decision to stage the first ever National Big Six Tournament in Bequia fell in line with the Association’s effort to promote sport on that island, which he said, had benefited from a

donation of several table tennis boards to schools and community groups.

Jack also said the aim was to encourage the young Bequia players, by giving them the opportunity to see the country’s top players in competitive action.

He said the Association is encouraged by the performances of the Paradise Primary School, which won the Boys 2016 Inter Primary Schools Table Tennis Competition, and the Bequia Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School, whose male team placed second in the Secondary Schools category, both schools participating in the

President of the SVGTTA Tyrone Jack spoke of his Association’s effort to promote the sport in Bequia. competition for the first time.

Robert Ballantyne consolidated his position as the No.1 ranked Table Tennis player in SVG.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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24. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Bailey solidifies place on COPACIÊs executive VINCENTIAN Trevor ‘Sailor’ Bailey was re- elected a Vice President for the Caribbean zone of the Congress of The Pan American Cycling Confederation (COPACI), for the period 2017 to 2021.

Bailey’s stay on COPACI’s executive was confirmed when the organisation held its conference at the Hotel Palco in Havana, Cuba recently.

Apart from his vice presidency post, Bailey was named among four selectees of COPACI who are pursuing the opportunity to be part of the director’s committee on the International Cycling Union (ICU).

Bailey’s selection made him the first person from the Caribbean to seek the directorship of the UCI. All of this adds to Bailey’s plate which already includes him being President of the St Vincent and

the Grenadines Cycling Union, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee as well as the Caribbean Cycling Federation.

At the recent COPACI conference, delegates reconfirmed José Manuel Peláez of Cuba as President.

Two other Cubans - Pedro Frías Armenteros and Héctor Fermín Marcos - filled the posts of Secretary General and Treasurer respectively.

Joining Bailey as other Vice Presidents were: Argentine Gabriel Ovidio Curuchet- South America; Costa Rican - William Corrales- Central America; American Steve Mc Cauley- North America; along Mexican - Edgardo Hernández Chagoya and Jorge Ovidio González Longas of Colombia.

The conference, chaired by Brian Cookson, President of the UCI, reviewed the work undertaken

by COPACI and its respective national Trevor ‘Sailor’ federations, Bailey during the year 2016.

Also ratified were the dates and venues of the Pan American championships of 2017 and 2018, and the nine delegates who will represent the continent at the upcoming UCI congress, set for Bergen in Norway, in September.

During the conference, several interventions were made by the representatives of national federations who agreed to recognise the work of Pelaez.

Tim Henman

peps GTC young players YOUNG TENNIS PLAYERS from the Grassroot Tennis Club (GTC) were last Sunday served with the expertise of former British number one tennis player- Tim Henman.

The retired professional player was guest last week of the Mustique Tennis Club, and thanks to Richard Schaffer, the opportunity was afforded the GTC players.

Journeying to Mustique via Baleine Tours, the GTC youths were put through drills on court with Henman, and interacted with players from the Mustique Tennis Club.

Members of the GTC pose with Tim Henman (right back) last Sunday at the Mustique Tennis Club. talent.

“It was a pleasure having the Meanwhile, Directors of GTC team from the Grasroot Tennis Grant Connell thanked Schaffer Club join in the for his kind invitation, and event....Tim’s visit could be the expressed gratitude to Henman start of great things......the MTC for his display of humility. and the GTC have a great “I am certain our head coach relationship which strengthened Trevor Sam’s interaction with during the birth of the Henman will all be beneficial to Grenadines Cup which is the Grassroot Tennis Club as we currently in the palms of the soon soar again,” Connell latter,” Schaffer said. intimated.

He disclosed that his club “That visit has boosted the continues to monitor the progress GTC youths, and it would serve of the GTC, and singled out them well as they prepare for Antonio Caine, as one player who tournaments in Antigua, St Lucia, can be groomed into a special Barbados and Martinique.”

Connell projected.

Henman was the first male player from the United Kingdom after Roger Taylor in the 1970s, to reach the semi-finals of the Wimbledon men’s singles championship.

However, Henman never reached the finals of any grand slam, but reached six grand slams semifinals and won 15 career ATP titles (11 in singles and four in doubles).

Heneman was ranked the British number one in 1996 and again from 1996 to 2005, reaching a career high of number four between July 2002 and October 2004.

Tim Henman observing Che Connell in action.

Vincentian Jumonne Exeter named top Junior CIAA athlete SVG’s Jumonne Exeter — a Junior Athlete currently at St. Augustine University, North Carolina, USA, was on Sunday, named Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Men’s Indoor Field Athlete of the Year (2016), at the CIAA Championships at the Liberty University Indoor Track Complex.

Exeter earned the honor after an outstanding regular season.

The two-time All-American won the men’s triple jump at two events — the Jumonne Exeter (centre) JDL College Kick- displays his accolade in the company of Track and Field Off Classic and personnel from St. Augustine the Camel City Invitational — and University. captured three CIAA Men’s Indoor Field Athlete of the Week awards.

The St. Augustine Falcons junior ranked first in the CIAA in both the long jump (23-2½) and triple jump (50-6¼), entering the conference indoor meet.

He ranks fifth nationally among NCAA Division II triple jumpers.

His indoor season culminated at the CIAA Indoor Track and Field Championship, where he would give of his best, both in the Long Jump and Triple Jump.

Competing in the Triple Jump, Jumonne completely dominated the field, winning the event with a distance of 15.64m. Second placed Taylor Eubanks, Jumonne’s teammate, could only muster a top distance of 14.87m. Third was fellow Vincentian Richard Crick of Virginia State University, with a jump of 14.71m.

Richard has also been in fine form this season.

His best performances have been a 3rd place finish (14.39-TJ) at the Ramapo College Season Opener, and a 2nd place finish (14.88m- TJ) at the Towson Tiger Invitational.

Both Jummone and Richard competed in the Long Jump event and the Championship, and the Vincentian duo dominated the event! Jumonne jumped a best distance of 7.23m to grab 1st place, while Richard had a top jump of 7.16m to grab second place. Their results represent personal bests for both athletes.

And Jumonne has taken up just where he left off when he began the new season back in December, at the JD College classic, where he won the Triple Jump event with a distance of 15.06m.

His season continued in January at the 2017 Liberty Kickoff, where he placed 3rd in the Triple Jump with a 15.40m distance.

A 2nd place finish at the Darius Dixon Memorial Invitation with 14.93m continued his impressive run of form, and he followed that up with a win at the Camel City Invitational with 15.00m in the Triple Jump.

(Source: Sports Avis)

Jumonne Exeter takes top podium position in the Triple Jump, ahead of Taylor Eubanks (left) and fellow Vincentian Richard Crick, at the CIAA Indoor Track and Field Championship.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. 25.

Sports

Silver and gold THE STRIPPING of the Jamaican relay team’s gold medal from the 2008 `Beijing Olympics has raised questions as to what to expect on the medal table.

People will shudder if a pattern like that persists. The matter surfaced with Nesta Carter having been found guilty of using a substance on the banned list.

The oversight forced the universal trend setter to adjust Usain Bolt’s situation. He has since been reduced to an eight medal Olympic champion.

When one competes today, it will pay you well to get in the top four. You never know - you may still end up with a gold medal, depending on the over exuberance of those who eclipsed you. That strength might not be obvious when one passes the finishing line, but like the old people say: “Time longer than twine.”

One consolation is that Trinidad and Tobago steps into the champion circle, having been previously entrenched in second position.

Japan moves into second, while Brazil lays hold on the bronze medal.

That might be encouraging signs for Japan as they prepare for the 2020 Olympic Games.

Developments in Beijing come at a critical juncture in the Olympics’ history.

There might be the tendency of turning a blind eye in some instances, as the practice of preservation takes precedence over integrity. Is it that we have become engraved in the culture of “at any cost”?

The lesson of the Jamaican quarter is an example of “time longer than twine,” and that “you could run, but you can’t hide,” or “that moon run til day catch it.”

It remains a question of abiding by the rules.

Athletes have to ensure that what they eat and drink are fit for use. Today’s athletes will have to be more health conscious, not just about keeping in shape. They have to show more indepth knowledge of drug composition, so that they are not misled into putting their medals off the rostrum.

With the Argyle International Airport into its formative stage, Team Athletics SVG will be better positioned to expose more of the nation’s raw talent.

Runners, officials, supporters, well-wishers, adventure lovers, will have more convenient ways of communications with St. Vincent.

Vincentians will take the training to the highest level so that when the races are held, some of the prize money goes to build the local component.

As optimistic as people are, as coarse as the trend seems, there are benefits from an established road racing calendar.

This must be a full time national adventure, with the relevant sources in collaboration.

And the possibilities extend to the full sporting gambit. That is an additional form of the nation’s creative enterprises and its possibilities.

When matters begin to fit more snugly into place, the adjustments will be made to shape the activities to accommodate the proper blend.

In any case, the environmental factors have to be given full consideration.

Sardine confident going into the CCC IAN SARDINE, Manager/Coach System 3 Football Club, is confident his team will do well, when they host play next month, to one of the groups – Group E - of the Caribbean Club Championship.

“I believe we stand a good chance, otherwise I would not have entered and requested to host the championship. I think we can do well and win as one of the top teams in the region. We have the players here, and with the inclusion of other players who are playing in the USA, England and Antigua, we should have a very good team - a mixture of experience and youth,” Sardine told THE VINCENTIAN recently.

Sardine also said the other reason he went into the tournament was to expose his players. “I have some contacts overseas to get players in Colleges, so I am hoping the exposure will open up opportunity for them.”

He admitted that many of the players fail to secure scholarships because they are not academically qualified, but assured that, “We always have a lot of young players coming through our system, and we continue to provide

opportunity for them to play outside of SVG, and also help develop players generally in SVG.” Looking beyond the first round of the Competition, Sardine believes that, once his team progress from their group, it will indicate to the football clubs in SVG that entering competition of this nature could bring benefits and prove profitable to the footballers and the clubs.

A record 21 clubs from 12 countries are down to compete in five groups of preliminary action.

System 3 qualified for a place in the Caribbean Club Championship by emerging as League Champions here. They will match skills against Jabletta of Trinidad, Sporting Clue Mulin from Guadeloupe, and Flames of St Martens in Group E games, scheduled for March 8,10, and 12, at Victoria Park.

Another Vincentian team — Bequia United FC, who placed second in the League Championship, will also compete in the preliminary round. They will join Racing FC des Gonaives (Haiti), Moengo Tapoe (Surinam) and Greenbay Hoppers (Antigua)

in Group A. Greenbay Hoppers will host competition in that Ian Sardine, group.

Manager/Coach The five group winners of System 3 will advance to Football Club. the final round, scheduled to be played from May 14-21. That final round will now be hosted in Trinidad & Tobago by Central FC, which will receive a bye to the final round.

The champion of the Caribbean Club Championship earns a place in the newly re-formatted CONCACAF Champions League, while the second, third and fourth-placed clubs will participate in the Confederation’s newly launched club championship tournament for Caribbean and Central American teams, which kicks off in August.

The Caribbean Club Championship has been contested annually since 1997 (with the exception of 1999 and 2008), when United Petrotrin of Trinidad & Tobago captured the inaugural title.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Black Sands swimmers excel BLACK SANDS SWIM SQUAD retained their dominance in swimming excellence as its forty-nine competing swimmers won the Top Club Trophy at the Third Scotia Bank Invitational Swim Meet held at Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre from 10th to 12th February 2017.

Joshua Weinhardt (1 Silver, 4yrs), Aaron Laidlow (5yrs), Benjamin Cyrus (1 Gold, 6yrs), Joseph Hadley (7yrs)Liam Hadley, Chayse Roberts (3 bronze) and Ethan Balcombe (8yrs), and girls Eltonique Leonard (5 Gold, 6yrs), Amara Eudovique (1 Bronze) and Kathryn Cumberbatch (3 silver and 3 bronze, 8yrs) formed part of the team swimming in the 8 years and Under category, with each swimmer achieving personal best times.

Representing Black Sands in the Girls and Boys 9 to 10 years age category were Miss Kiana Bailey, Kevern DaSilva, Scarlet Hadley, Caitlin Polious (5 gold and 3 bronze) and Jamie Joachim (1 Gold 3 Silver and 2 Bronze) and Mr Eltonte’ Leonard (6 Gold, 2 Bronze), J’Dani

The Black Sands competitors at the Third Scotia Bank Invitational Swim Meet.

Pompey, Jayson Sandy (3 Gold 5 silver) and Daniel Bailey (4 Silver and 1 Bronze) and Vorva bronze), Adriel Bullock, Alex Zhuravlov (1 Bronze). There were Joachim (11 Gold 2 Silver), Tyrese great swims from all the Lewis (1 gold, 5 Silver, 1 Bronze), swimmers in this age group, with Anwar Medjahed and Tyrique all swimmers making personal Thomas (2 silver and 2 bronze), best times, and the likes of all competed AT AN Leonard, Sandy, Polious and EXTREMELY HIGH Joachim swimming themselves to STANDARD. times that make them great Miss Nyah Isaacs (6 golds) and contenders in their age group Morennell Olliviere (3 Silver) and throughout the region.

Mr Khori Brown, Shane Cadogan Paige Cadogan (5 gold), Akayla (5 gold) Alexander Cyrus (1 Chrichton (1 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze) Sebastian Cyrus, Aaron Bronze), Mya De Freitas (4 gold, 2 Defreitas (4 silver, 2 bronze) bronze) and Mr Kenalle Allene (1 Dillon Gooding (1 gold, 3 silver, 3 gold, 2 silver, 1 Bronze), Tristan bronze) Cruz Halbich (4 gold, 3 Ballah (1 silver 2 bronze), Bryson silver, 2 bronze) Kyle John (1 George (3 silver) Edward bronze) and Deelan Nedd, were Graverson, Noah Hadley, Black Sands older swimmers Terrance Providence (2 bronze) competing in the 15yrs and Over and Gabriel Sutherland, all made age category. up the 11 to 12 yrs age group.

Black Sands coach Kyle Bryson George swam himself to Dougan said “This was a great his first ever CARIFTA qualifying competition to start off 2017. It time in the 50 meters butterfly. was organized extremely well by In the Girls and Boys 13 to the SVG Swimming Federation, 14yrs age group, Ria Adams (6 with great sponsorship from golds), Isabelle Brackin (1 gold, 2 Scotia Bank.”

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26. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Matthias admits to being satisfied He detailed the stages most modern and functionally efficient of the airport’s construction, and singled out Cuba for special commendation and recognition. According to Matthias, it was because of Cuba’s “in kind contribution… why it (airport) cost only $700M.” He recalled a sense of solemnity occasioned by the passing of Chief Engineer Jeffery Cato, during the early stages of construction.

He had to balance personal life with the challenges that his Dr. Rudy Matthias, CEO/IADC (left), withstood responsibilities brought, challenges and attacks on his way to seeing the very often warding off construction of the AIA to completion. attacks to which others might have succumbed.

DR RUDY MATTHIAS, Chief he was on scholarships.

Yet, even as he mused Executive Officer of the Therefore, he looked at his International Airport contribution to the Argyle in the satisfaction of seeing the job through, Development Company International Airport as a there was an air of (IADC), has no qualms gesture of appreciation. about the burdens he Matthias thanked God humility that characterised his address endured during the for his mercies, and at the ceremonial construction stage of the extended his words of Argyle International praise to Prime Minister opening of the Argyle International Airport, Airport. He confessed that Dr Ralph Gonsalves for he spent nine years in placing confidence in him last Tuesday.

Matthias described universities around the and for “unwavering Argyle as “one of the world, and at most times, support.”

facilities in the region,” and with that “a bundle

of opportunities being unwrapped.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2017. 27.

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PR CONSULTANT/ JOURNALIST CHARGED Stories by KENVILLE HORNE

JUNIOR JAVIS, a 44-year-old Public Relations Consultant and a journalist who once plied his trade with the Searchlight Newspaper, was on Thursday charged with two offences at the Serious Offences Court, Kingstown.

Jarvis was charged to wit: entering the dwelling of Joseph Smith, of Arnos Vale, with an offensive weapon, a gun; and committing an act which is more than merely preparatory with the intent to commit a murder.

Prosecutor Elgin Richards requested that Jarvis not be granted bail on the grounds that the accused was likely to be charged with the more serious offence of murder.

Attorney Israel Bruce, representing Jarvis, rebutted the prosecutor’s request, citing the grounds as being unfair since there could be no definite

indication of the period of time before another charge would be laid.

However, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias denied bail and ordered that the accused be remanded.

A preliminary inquiry into the second charge was set for February 22, 2017.

Jarvis was not required to plead to the indictable offence.

On February 14, Jarvis was taken up by police as a person of interest in the shooting death of Randy Lawrence, a 39-year-old employee of the Bank of St. Vincent and the Greandies.

Lawrence became this country’s first homicide victim for 2017, after he succumbed to bullets wounds he received some time around 7:00am, Tuesday 14th February — Valentine’s Day. A police source said that Lawrence received at least five bullets, outside the popular Chill Spot Bar and Grill in Arnos Vale. A resident in the area said there was at least seven gun shots that morning.

The shooting occurred after patrons had long departed the Chill Spot following an evening of entertainment.

The fatal shooting threatened to put a cloud over the celebratory atmosphere which had engulfed the country, as Vincentians from all walks of life prepared to mark the official opening of the Argyle International Airport.

THE VINCENTIAN spoke with Bernard Hamilton, Country Manager of BOSVG, who described Lawrence as one who was characterized by a caring and loving personality.

Randy Lawrence (centre) was described as a caring and loving person.

He had, up to his death, served the Bank — formerly the National Commercial Bank — for 18 years, and had risen to become a Senior Officer in the Credit and Loans Department.

Hamilton said that Lawrence will always be remembered for the diligence with which he pursued his duties, in keeping with the goals and mission of the bank.

This country recorded a record 40 homicides in 2016.

Junior Jarvis is assisting police with their investigations into Lawrence’s death.

Human skeletal remains found THE SKELETAL remains of what appears to be those of a male, was discovered at Peter’s Hope, in an area called Old Road, where workers had begun clearing in preparation for the commencement of construction work on the Black Sand Resort.

One of the workers involved in the clearing process and who was part of the discovery, spoke to THE VINCENTIAN on condition of anonymity, and said that sometime around 1:30 pm on Monday, a number of bones were found in a duffle bag, while others were found outside of the bag.

The person said that, based on how the remains were found, it could easily be concluded that the body was cut up (dismembered), and the parts placed in the bag. But, over time, it appeared that the bag disintegrated and some of the bones and skull fell out.

A pair of shoes was also discovered which, according to the person who spoke with this publication, could well help the police with their investigations.

The police were called to the scene, after which work was halted for the day.

Persons in the Central Leeward district have been speculating that the remains could be those of a Barrouallie man who went missing a number of years ago.

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

The skeletal remains found at Peter’s Hope.

One female said that she believed the person was killed and taken to the area because it was very isolated and bushy. A police source said that investigations into the matter were ongoing, but no identification was possible before certain tests (forensic) were conducted.

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