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FRIDAY,

JANUARY 11, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.02

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EC$1.50

: (From left): President of the SVGTU Wendy Bynoe and President of the PSU Elroy Boucher called out their members to protest on January 29.

by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE STAGING of a joint press conference involving the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU) and the Public Service Union (PSU) appeared to have triggered a response from the government.

Addressing that press conference held last Tuesday at the SVGTU’s headquarters, McKies Hill, President of the SVGTU Wendy Bynoe announced that they have been invited for discussions with the Prime Minister today, January 11.

This did not deter the Teachers’ Union President, who in her remarks pointed to “issues affecting members’ productivity and progress”, as

forming part of those discussions.

The conditions at some schools, described as “deplorable” by Bynoe, will also be on the agenda.

The Collective Agreement between the Government and the SVGTU initialled in 2005, has been in limbo since 2008, according to Bynoe. She cited Article 16 of that Agreement regarding reappointment of teachers who contest general elections, and the failure by Government to adhere to this, as a “sore point.”

The Teachers Union President is anxious that the matter of salary adjustment be addressed, a matter she regards as “long overdue.” She lamented the absence of a response from the ruling Unity Labour Party government on the matter of salaries.

PSU in support The Teachers are not alone in their dissatisfaction with the government’s tardiness with respect to addressing salary adjustments. They have the full support of the PSU which, Continued on Page 3.

PSC LOSES ANOTHER COURT BATTLE AS IT DID IN THE MATTER involving Otto Sam, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has once again been found wanting in its action by a Court of Law. In a recent ruling handed down by Justice Esco Henry sitting at the High Court here, the learned judge found that the PSC “had failed to

comply with specific Public Service Regulations in respect of non-promotion of five public officers.

The five officers involved were Elroy Boucher (current president of the PSC), Joel Poyer, Agnes Llewellyn, Kejo Peters, and Conroy James.

According to the PSU

case file, the officers were bypassed for promotion in favour of persons with less qualification and experience.

In the PSC’s face Justice Henry declared that the PSC Elroy Boucher (left) and Joel Poyer – two PSU stalwarts – were among the Continued on Page 3. five officers in whose names the claim against the PSC was made.

2. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

REMEMBERING EGERTON ‘UNCLE METRO’ RICHARDS especially on the 50th Anniversary p s Ă? ÂŚ ÄŒ

‰ Ăƒ “Perhaps, that with his large hands, Perhaps in all likelihood, He put gently on the earth Something which, most likely, Something, in all likelihood, continues to grow and grow, and grow‌.â€?

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019. 3.

News 3 No Âfriend, friendÊ promotion, says PM

THERE NEEDS TO BE A MODERN SYSTEM where information is collected and kept on the performance of public servants, to be used in determining promotions.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves made this recommendation during a press briefing at Cabinet Room on Monday.

He also made it clear that he had no interest in the appointment of individuals based on any “friend, friend” arrangement.

The prime minister’s comments came on the heels of a recent decision in favour of the Public Service Union (PSU) handed down in the High Court by Justice Esco Henry.

The PSU complained that the Public Service Commission (PSC) had failed to comply with three of the regulations governing promotions

within the service, and referenced the cases of five public servants in support of their complaint.

Dr. Gonsalves, although having admitted that at the time he was yet to study the ruling, reminded the briefing that the PSC was an independent body under the constitution and unlike appointments which are made by the prime minister, such as Permanent Secretaries, Ambassadors, the Commissioner of Police, there has never been any query or adverse comments regarding these appointments.

“There are constitutional things which the prime minister is involved in and I carry out my role scrupulously in accordance with the constitution,” he explained.

Dr. Gonsalves noted that he had been advised

that even before the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) advent to government, Permanent Secretaries —the administrative heads of the various ministries — did/do not keep records on individual employees and therefore, there was/is no data that can be used in determining the eligibility of an individual for promotion.

“I can’t do a PS work for him or her,” the PM said as he reiterated his call for a modern system of personnel management.

He then proceeded to highlight some tendencies by public servants which, it appears, go unnoticed, e.g. taking time off, not working diligently; and not wanting to sign in to or sign out of work.

“The Permanent Secretaries are the people who are the immediate supervisors;

Trade Unions dissatisfied: Protest planned especially in light of a recent court matter which went in favour of through its President — Elroy Boucher members of the PSU. extended the matter to include the Boucher looks at the return of the “serious issue” of Pension Reform.

Board as an “affront to workers.”

He noted that the inflation rate in The PSU president is not pleased 2017 was 3.5 percent and 2.3 percent with the government’s approach to the in 2018, and that workers “have to Public Servants, and chided the spend more.” authorities for their lack of response The separation of the time of and absence of dialogue with the PSU. payment of National Insurance It is in that context and more that Service (NIS) payments from the age the PSU will join with the SVGTU in of retirement, is a bone of contention protest action on January 29, in front for the Public Service Union. Boucher of the Parliament where and when the wants the NIS pension and the Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves retirement age to match. is slated to deliver the 2019 Budget Further, the President expressed Address. his membership’s disappointment with “The message has to be sent loud government’s decision to reappoint the and clear that it is no longer business Public Service Commission (PSC), as usual,” Boucher vowed. (WKA) Continued from Front Page.

they need to document what they (public servants) are doing,” he said, and admitted that one of the most difficulty things is to get civil servants to write about another civil servant.

“So even if you have been insubordinate, they will grumble and complain, call you and talk to you, but they will not put pen to paper. I can’t sit here and compel them to put pen to paper?” the prime minister said. (DD)

Some Public Servants have been called out by the PM as taking time off – running to do things other than their jobs.

PSC loses another court battle Continued from Front Page. had failed “to observe principles of fairness, transparency and objectivity in exercising its function under Regulation 19 of the Public Service regulation in respect of promotion of the five officers.”

The Lady Judge also noted that the public officers (five) who testified on behalf of the PSU, were of single mind that no annual reports were prepared in connection with their performance during the years of employment as public officers.

The PSC failed to disclose any reports even though it was ordered so to do, claiming that it had complied with the relevant regulation in conduct of its mandate.

However, Justice Henry said that she had found “it did not do so in several instances which were highlighted, particularly in relation to Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams, a lawyer promotion to by profession, has been posts within chairman of the PSC since the the respective ULP assumed the reins of departments government in 2001. and ministries where the five an “efficient, transparent named officers were and effective assigned at the relevant performance and times.” appraisal promotion She concluded that regime within the public that PSC had never service, and further considered the seniority ordered the PSC to pay of candidates for to the claimant , i.e. the promotion, during the Public Service Union period of employment of (PSU), costs to be the five named officers. assessed on application The Judge ordered the to be filed on or before PSC to implement Jan. 31, 2019. (See forthwith and maintain related story above)

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4. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Gun builder jailed in peculiar case

of questionable character, but ended that friendship some months ago.

A 24-YEAR-OLD Sergeant Biorn Duncan mechanic/fisherman of of the MCU sought Arnos Vale who told the Greaves’ permission to go Court that he made a through his cellular firearm after the police told phone, which the him of an alleged threat to defendant granted. his life, was jailed for two While going through and a half years on Tuesday the phone, Duncan came for possession of the gun. across a video of a person, Gregory Greaves resembling Greaves, firing pleaded guilty on Monday a shotgun. Greaves to possession of an admitted that it was he. unlicensed firearm, make Duncan asked him if he and serial number was the holder of a unknown. He was firearm licence and he unrepresented. said, “No”.

Sentencing was He cautioned the postponed to Tuesday. defendant and informed The Court heard that him that it was an offence around 9 a.m. January 3, to be in possession of an members of the Major unlicensed firearm.

Crime Unit (MCU) took Greaves replied, Greaves into custody on “Officer, I built that gun instructions from after the police told me of superintendent Trevor the threat on my life for Bailey, because of an the first time. It was to alleged threat to the protect my life.” defendant’s life. He was Duncan then asked him searched but nothing where the firearm was, illegal was found on him. and the defendant While at the Central revealed that it was at his Police Station, Greaves home. stated that he had once Having received a associated himself with a search warrant, Duncan, particular person who was one other MCU officer and Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

Thief begins New Year in jail ALISON GIBSON began the New Year in prison after being sentenced to six months on Old Year’s Day for theft, chalking up his 32nd conviction.

The 37-year-old man, originally of Dorsetshire but who resides in Kingstown, appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court last week Monday and pleaded guilty to stealing a tool kit and tool bag which together valued $230, the property of Leslie Daize, Manager of Gibson’s Building Supplies at Lower Bay Street. He was unrepresented.

Prosector La Fleur Samuel told the Court that around 7 a.m. on December 20, Daize parked his vehicle in a parking area on the western side of his work place, and went to work. The passenger side of the vehicle was apparently left open, unknown to Daize.

Around 1:15 p.m. on the date in question, Daize returned to his vehicle and discovered that it was ransacked and the tool kit and tool bag missing. He checked the tape from the close circuit camera at his workplace; it revealed that an unknown person had entered his vehicle twice during that time frame.

Daize made a report to the police and showed them the footage. The man was identified as Gibson and subsequently arrested and charged. The items were not recovered.

When Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett asked what he did with them, Gibson said he sold them to a man at Rose Place for $20.

Gibson’s conviction sheet revealed that he had 31 previous convictions, many of a similar nature.

“Based on your record, stealing is not new to you.

Jail is also not new to you and you are going back today,” Burnett told Gibson before handing down the penalty.

Greaves , left for Greaves’ Arnos Vale home at around 11:30am.

On arrival, the defendant took Sgt. Duncan to a shelf where there were two pieces of pipes with a firearm’s pin attached to one of them.

Duncan took the pieces of pipes into custody along with the defendant. They were examined by Firearms expert Sergeant Maxian Richardson, and found to be capable of firing a shotgun ammunition.

Greaves told the Court that a while before Christmas, a group of police officers informed him about an alleged plot to kill him before Christmas, and warned him to be careful with his life.

Senior Prosecutor

Adolphus Delpleche who had presented the facts, described the matter as a “very, very peculiar case”.

At the sentencing hearing on Tuesday, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne told Greaves that firearms or ammunition possession carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison or a fine of $20,000, and a person could be fined and confined.

Browne noted that the notional sentence for offences of this nature was five years in prison, but that could go up or down, taking into account the mitigating and aggravating factors.

The Magistrate took into account the defendant’s age, that he had no previous convictions, the remorse

shown, that he cooperated with the police, and there was a report of a threat to his life.

She, however, stressed the seriousness of such offences, and cited the case of Azzie Bowens in which the Appeal Court stated that there were too many gun related offences in this country, and that the Court had a responsibility to deal accordingly with persons convicted of such crimes.

She also cited the case of Keshern Jackson which bore some similarities to that of Greaves.

Having considered that Greaves pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity the Magistrate granted the one-third discount on his sentence. Greaves ended up with a sentence of two

Gregory Greaves and a half years.

“It is quite unfortunate but I have to be guided by the statute and precedence,” Browne told him after handing down the sentence.

„Ganja was for medical use‰ SHELDON BOWENS, a Petit Bordel man whose portion of marijuana which he claimed he used for epilepsy, commonly called ‘fits’, was seized from his refrigerator by police on Wednesday, was taken before the Serious Offences Court the same day after being charged with possession of the herb with intent to supply to another.

According to the facts, earlier that day, police went to Bowens’ Petit Bordel home to execute a search warrant, in connection with their investigation of a report of criminal assault. The warrant was shown and read to Bowens, and the police proceeded to search the house. A search was conducted of his refrigerator which revealed a pillow case containing the herb. It amounted to 247 grams.

When cautioned, Bowens said then, according to the facts, “Ah mine, ah does suffer from asthma, so I does use it,” However, when he appeared in Court before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne on Wednesday, he said he suffers from epilepsy, and boils the herb for his ailment.

He said he told the police he suffers from epilepsy, not asthma.

Browne advised the defendant that epilepsy was a serious illness and if he suffers from it, he needs to see a doctor.

She also warned him that marijuana possession was still a crime here, but took into account his guilty plea, and that the portion he had was, “not too great a quantity.” He was fined $250.

This is the second case brought

Keeping the ganja cool in the refrigerator. before the Court in a matter of weeks, involving marijuana that was in a refrigerator during the search of a dwelling house.

Youths charged with burglarizing student’s home TWO YOUNG men were each granted $7,000 bail with one surety when they appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court last week Monday, on a joint charge of aggravated burglary.

Jemark ‘Parch Nuts’ Jackson, 26, of Campden Park and Iran Stapleton, 21, of Redemption Sharpes, are charged with burglarizing the dwelling house of Gabriel Gyimah, a medical student of Ghana residing here.

The men are alleged to have entered the student’s home at

Stoney Grounds December 21, during the day, with an offensive weapon, to wit a knife, and stole a number of cellular phones, clothing, shoes, perfumes and other items. The total value of the items was put at thousands of EC dollars.

The two were not required to plea to the indictable charge when they faced Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett on Monday. The matter was transferred to the Serious Offences Court, which was scheduled to resume sittings on January 2.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11 , 2019. 5.

V Pastor says liberation is her mission 6. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

elected, I will be a full time parliamentarian”.

OPPOSITION New Bacchus-Baptiste Democratic Party (NDP) underscored that she has Senator and veteran worked along with a lawyer Kay Bacchusnumber of churches here Baptiste does not view her for several years in the recent ordination as a area of family values, Pastor, as being and sharing the divine contradictory to her principle of God, and political mission, legal views her recent profession, or membership ordination in the Chebar in the Unification Church, Evangelical Assembly as founded by sun Mung a form of recognition.

Moon of South Korea.

“I didn’t ask for it.

In fact, she told THE Reverend Samuel said he VINCENTIAN on was directed by God to Monday, “My mission as bestow it on me. Maybe a politician is to liberate the time has come for St. Vincent and the the traditional view of Grenadines from politicians being liars, divisiveness, fear and manipulators and corruption, and to corrupt people to be Kay Bacchus-Baptiste, reunite Vincentians as changed, and for us to lawyer, Opposition one family, one nation, usher in an era of more Senator, earmarked one Vincy, under God.” principled and Godcandidate.

The Senator had been fearing politicians. For the subject of much too long, society has appointed as a public debate for the representative or senator accepted that all past two weeks, after politicians are corrupt.” if he is a minister of news broke that she was religion’.

In relation to her ordained December 30 as membership in the However, there is a a Pastor in the Chebar Unification Church, proviso to this which Evangelical Assembly, a added, ‘Provided that a Bacchus-Baptiste said, local church pastored by Minister of Religion may “This is not a church Reverend Lemmew that is exclusionary. We be appointed as a Samuel, a former are inclusive, that’s why Senator’.

Methodist Minister. it’s called Unification The section defines Church. We believe that Minister of Religion as An honorary award we are all one family ‘Any person in holy under God. It is not a orders and any other Bacchus-Baptiste, in separate thing, it’s a person, the functions of her conversation with body of God’s people. whose principal this publication on Whatever Church you occupation include Monday, described her teaching or preaching in are in, we are all under ordination as an one master. We are not any congregation for honorary award for the divisive. Our motto is religious worship’. work she did with the building a World of Church over the years, God fearing politicians Peace”. especially in relation to She noted that’s why character education they have sponsored The earmarked through family values International Peace opposition New and the teachings of the Democratic Party West Summits to try to bring divine principle of God. together leaders of all St. George candidate The lawyer pointed disciplines to discuss made it clear, “My full out that, while the time profession is law, I how to create a culture of constitution disqualifies am a lawyer, and when peace. a full time preacher from being elected a member of parliament, it does not disqualify a Minister of Religion whose principal business is not preaching in a church. She added, however, that senators are not disqualified, even if they are full time preachers.

Section 26 of the constitution states that ‘no person shall be qualified to be elected or

by HAYDN HUGGINS

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11 , 2019. 7.

Gov’t

PM blames civil servants PRIME MINISTER DR RALPH GONSALVES has placed the delay for the start of process to refurbish the Lewis Punnett Home squarely at the hands of public servants.

Gonsalves said during a press conference on Monday that while government had approved EC$1.1m in the 2018 Estimates for work to be done on the temporary site at the former Nurses’ Hostel at Stoney Grounds, individuals within the public service produced a design for EC$4m.

“If it was $1.5m, then I could go

along with that; but you can’t give me for $4m,” the Prime Minister said.

“You would ask me if something wrong with me, but it’s because they not paying attention to what the policy makers are saying and go off on their own,” he said, adding that it was the fault of the public servants why the residents at the Lewis Punnett Home spent last Christmas at the existing facility, without any hope of getting out soon.

According to Gonsalves, he had already spoken to the Minister of

Police told to be aware of their approach MEMBERS OF THE SVG POLICE FORCE have to be more professional when executing their duties.

This was not the observation of an ordinary citizen but that of Prime Minister and Minister of National security Dr, Ralph The Police have been encouraged to be sensitive to Gonsalves, mitigating circumstances and conditions as they move to who expressed execute their duties. the sentiment last Monday ought to be returned individual rights and during a press briefing promptly following any freedoms, the Prime he hosted. investigation; tools taken Minister said, adding Dr. Gonsalves away from an individual that some matters had commended the police for come to his attention who indicates that they doing a good job at are involved in farming, where there were ensuring the public’s or a piece of jewelry, plausible allegations safety, but expressed made against some police once it has been concern about the determined that it was officers. manner in which police in the possession of the He referenced a were confronting persons meeting he held with a owner, then that too who were not hardened ought to be handed over representative group criminals, especially now from Diamond. The immediately.” that there was Dr. Gonsalves group comprised a legislation pending that shopkeeper, a woman cautioned that if the will allow for persons to and ten young persons. police did not function have in their possession The group would meet with sensitivity when it up to two ounces of came to young people, later with CoP Colin cannabis. then that can create John. “… Persons who are additional problems to According to Dr. hardened criminals, as I Gonslaves , among the what already existed. have said before, you are group were individuals At the same time, the not obliged to read out with had O’level passes, PM recognized the police the beatitudes to them. as the frontline in some who played sports But I want to make a at the national level and establishing law and plea for better relations order … and that he did some now involved in between the police and not want to see the agriculture . the young men on the efforts of the police, “There are things block… for a greater which the police have to including the Youth understanding of each Clubs or the Pan Against pay attention to,” Dr. other,” he said.

Crime programme, Gonsalves emphasized The men on the block and suggested that undermined. (DD) were entitled to their “..confiscated cell phones

Finance Camillo Gonsalves, Luke Browne - Minister of Health, Senator Julian Francis — Minister of Transport and Works, Edmund Jackson — Director of Finance and Planning, and Cuthbert Knights Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, and they agreed that government need not wait for the approval to come with the passage of the 2019 Budget, but can, under the existing law, have the finance minister give approval for the capital project and for work to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves begin on getting the temporary directed his anger at public servants for facility ready. retarding the implementation of “They got a slim down design, approved projects, a la the Lewis and I reluctantly agreed for it to be Punnett Home.

EC$2m, which is a horse of a different colour… ,” he said.

Speaking directly to the public “I will tell you something, my servants, the Prime Minister said, “I experience will tell me that if you are want them listen to me. , they have not a strong leader, ideas come from security of tenure, …. a permanent you and the implementation of them, if job, I have to try get back mine every you not on top of it… you think the airport would have been conceived and five years. I want them to hear me and start? …. We have a lot of atheists and to contest me. I will take them through all the projects. I can write a agnostics inside the public service.” book,” he said. (DD) Gonsalves said.

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8. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial Police Complaints Department- 20 years old SOME TWENTY YEARS AGO, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) took what was then for the local constabulary, an unprecedented step.

On January 4, 1999, under the leadership of then Commissioner of Police Osborne Quow, the RSVPF formally established a Public Relations and Complaints Department (PRCD).

ASP Artis Davis, who retired as a Superintendent of Police, was assigned to head the office which had been baptised with the vision: “to “seek to establish an environment conducive to the attainment of better relationship with our public through a more service oriented police force”.

The Office was tasked with the responsibility of promoting “a creative and responsive environment to facilitate citizens and members of RSVGPF to cooperate, thereby providing an atmosphere of continuous interaction and to ensure the delivery of quality service to all”.

Davis guided the Department through its infancy and well into maturity, carefully adhering to its functions to: “evaluate public opinion and attitude with respect to the policies, methods and personnel in the police force; advise the Commissioner of Police on matters relating to public relations, departmental policies, procedures and activities; plan and execute informational programmess designed to keep the public informed about activities in the police force; stimulate initiatives which would influence public support; monitor the conduct of police officers with a view to resolve issues between the police and the public; and institute disciplinary or other proceedings against police officers if allegations are supported by evidence”.

Through its twenty years, the PRCD has received and investigated hundreds of complaints against police officers, resulting in action being taken against a number of those who would have been found to be at fault.

The flip side of that is that a number of complaints have been assessed to be groundless, and the Department, much to the infuriation of the complainants, has had to advise against any further action.

The Public Awareness Programme started and continuing on the National Broadcasting Corporation (Radio 705) has done much to explain the work of the various Departments and Units of the

RSVGP, explain certain laws in their simplest forms, and has served to establish working relations with private and public entities and citizens in general.

But perhaps what has made the work of the PRCD so endearing is its regular dissemination of information to the public and moreso the media.

Media houses are today kept abreast of the action of the police in investigating reports of offences, making arrests and the outcome of cases sent to the court.

There is a general feeling among the media here that the PRCD has been responsible, especially in recent times, for the improved relations between media practitioners and the police.

The public, though, may still be out on passing judgement, with a number of citizens claiming that oftentimes they have been misinformed and/or that reports to the Department often remain unattended.

Notwithstanding those claims, the Office remains steadfast in effecting its functions, even as it lacks its own clout and ‘clearance’ to take action.

Citizens must be mindful that the Department cannot of its own volition take action against a transgressor. It is, as per function referred to earlier, an advisor to the Commissioner, who is expected to be guided into action by that advice.

Perhaps, just perhaps, if any finger pointing must be made, it should be in the direction of the top brass of the RSVPF, who are obligated to act without fear or favour.

Citizens are not wont to fabricate complaints against law officers here.

It follows, therefore, that the PRCD must be prepared at all times to treat complainants with respect, regardless of class or appearance.

As advanced in a previous editorial column, there should never be two response levels to crime or misdeeds … one for those we know and for the gentry, and another for ‘them’.

That is the challenge faced by the PRCD, it being, more often than not, the first point of real contact between a disgruntled citizen and the police .

Congrats to the Police Public Relations and Complaints Department. Remember, though, the work for good is ongoing.

The question of the Police Force’s overall public relation profile is another story.

Sir Cecil Cyrus CECIL CYRUS has at long last achieved the grant of the coveted Knighthood, but not the Governor-General ship to both of which he has the competence, hold twenty years ago.

The person chosen then was Sir Frederick Ballantyne who shared these common traits: both have roots grounded in Layou; both are FRCS; both their fathers were considered the God-father of Cato’s Labour Party. But whereas Ballantyne remained consistently Labour, Cecil Cyrus drifted away into a bosom friendship with “Son Mitchell” who had found reason to quit the existing Labour Party, and struck out his own with the NDP. By that desertion which was considered an unforgivable sin, Cyrus was damned forever with the leader of the Labour Party Junior which has nicely calculated such a move with Labour now facing troublous times. Once again, an enemy has unconsciously been made to contribute to the strengthening of the rival side.

As far back as 1960, almost 60 years ago, I began to pursue an interest in my own writing Career in a magazine Horizon, with a cover story on Cecil Cyrus after he had qualified in medicine at Bangor in Wales.

When he later returned home, Parnel Campbell and I joined him in several endeavours, including the canvassing of the entire country for the use of a Blood Bank which he orchestrated. And the establishment of the game of Squash which took off like a kite, with his four children leading the way with my three sons plus Leroy ‘Fly’ Edwards as Senior Champion . He also breathed life back in the Old Boys Association of the Grammar School featuring Danny Williams and myself in the executive.

The Old Boys cricket team linked up with the campaign for a Blood Bank with fete matches at Troumaca and Georgetown among others. Then trouble started and erupted into “Cyrus Affairs” that enveloped the entire country and was fuelled by a party political infraction.

In the end, there was no real conclusion to the Cyrus saga. At one point, I may have been too sanguine in likening Cecil Cyrus case as one of a great edifice that threw many a dark shadow. Perhaps there is an unfathomable element to the enigma of man.

Apparently, most people are satisfied with the consolation prize allotted to Cyrus at age 90 years, devoid of all true meaningfulness, leaving only political dregs, perhaps.

I think I can best answer some current issue of 19th October 2001, 18 long years ago; incidentally the same time it has exhausted to unfulfilled a no confidence motion pledged by Sir Vincent Beache, under pain of withdrawal from the ULP in which he is still honoured as an Elder Statesman.

Arnhim Eustace had been obliged to take to the air-waves of neighbouring Barbados for a public hearing of 658 named Vincentians, whom the ULP Government had politically victimised in their political fire of Baptism, in their first 6 months of his Government.

THE VINCENTIAN had reported in the dread situation thus: “St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, the Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has refused to comment on allegations that he had not approved the contractual appointment of Justice Dunbar Cenac in Dominica, and the whole issue of controversy surrounding the transfer of Dominican-born Judge Justice Brian Alleyne, from Grenada to St. Vincent. “ ‘I do not want to comment on matters involving the judiciary. The judiciary is an independent arm within the constitution.

There are certain points at which the executive interfaces with the judiciary, and I do not want to get involved in any public discussion about any point at which the Executive interfaces with the judiciary’, Dr. Gonsalves responded to a question during a media conference last week Monday”.

The Chronicle newspaper of Dominica reported last week. “On the heels of serious concern over the tenure of Justice Dunbar Cenac in Dominica as High Court Judge, controversy now surrounds the transfer of Dominican-born Judge Justice Brian Alleyne from Grenada.

“It has been over two weeks now Justice Cenac has failed to make a court appearance in Dominica.

Speculation is rife that the Prime Minister of St. Vincent, Dr Ralph Gonsalves and St. Lucia’s Dr. Kenny Anthony are yet to approve his contractual appointment as is required. A close confidential source also disclosed that some members of the Dominica Bar Association held a high level meeting, discussing if they should give their blessings to him as High Court Judge in Dominica, for another two years”.

Prime Minister Gonsalves also stated in his response, “Journalist will always speculate. And that is something that I’m hoping will never stop. But, it doesn’t mean that when journalists speculate, the

Other Perennial Controversies Continued on Page 16.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019. 9.

Letters

Why I sing calypso I WANT PEOPLE to understand why I sing calypso, or what caused me to.

Injustice is such a terrible thing. I had my share of it. The only thing I could have done to combat it and feel satisfied, was to express my feelings in the newspaper.

I wrote many articles, some encouraging those college students to remember that when their time comes to take over leadership of this country, they must commit to making this country a great nation. But I got to realize that most of them don’t read newspapers. So I decided to put my words in songs. I did one, “Political hatred”.

In 2017, I did a song ‘Married sex’; in 2018 I did an album named “People of the Caribbean”, and I sang one of my songs ‘Calypso History’ at the Graduate Calypso Tent last year. The Carnival promoters treated me like an alien; like if I wasn’t born here.

My family migrated to Canada; my children say they not coming back to live here. I refuse to migrate; I just want to give what I have to offer.

Now, look at my troubles. The new leader of the Graduate Calypso Tent told me I am too old to sing, I should leave that for the young people. A woman said I was singing backward; that I should ask Sulle to write for me, and teach me to sing. She gave me that advice because, she said, Sulle writes for her.

Isn’t this irrational?

At my age, I don’t want to become a mental slave, I want to become a warrior instead of a ‘worrier’.

I sent a letter to the President (of the Association) but I haven’t yet got an answer.

Alistair ‘Live Up’ Simon

We welcome 2019 IT IS ALMOST natural that when we look back on 2018, we will tend to recall the bad stories. We will say that there were not as many murders as last year, but that we had enough to continue to make life uncomfortable.

But, we must admit that even though we can count many dark things that happened here in the last year, there are some good stories that should encourage us.

One of those is the continuing development at the Argyle International Airport. There was so much criticism of this project, you would have sworn it was the work of the devil. Now, we have lived to see it , and in 2018, we saw that it attracted more and more international flights. This is a sign of hope which all Vincentians must help to further develop.

We also must look back on 2018 and be thankful that we were spared any serious natural disaster. The hurricane season passed with little worry, and we must be forever on our knees thanking the Lord.

And as we welcome 2019, we await the budget to see what ease might come our way. It is interesting to note that this is the year before an election

year, so maybe we can expect some goodies coming our way.

Above all, though, as we look ahead into 2019, we should want our leaders to lead by example, and demonstrate maturity and the highest moral behavior.

Our leaders must make 2019 a year when they help

country, employees squealed on their fellow employees for the sole purpose of ingratiating themselves to their employers. This attitude is reflective of the days of slavery when those slaves who ‘carried’ news on their fellow slave, would be ‘promoted’ to their slave master’s home as domestic slaves.

Vincentians generally are not forward-thinking people. We are reactive and not proactive. Only when something fatal happens, we respond by doing things which should have been done before.

Although we claim to be a Christian society, our attitude does not reflect such. Vincentians are wont to celebrate negativity and gloat over their fellow Vincentians’ failure. Denigrating other people is an integral part of Vincentians’ life, and the

WHAT A wonderful accomplishment it must be for all those associated with Metrocint Insurance!

To be able to celebrate 50 years of service is no small feat, especially when you consider the ‘bad mouth’ that was put on the effort and founder Uncle Metro.

I must offer my congratulations to the entire Metrocint family on this auspicious occasion, and wish nothing but the best for another fifty successful years.

I must say that I was a student when Mr. Richards started this company, but as a ‘town man’, I heard all the gloom and doom that were being

crab in a barrel mentality (preventing others from moving up) seems to be our national ethos.

In 2018, there were numerous social problems; in the home there were family problems including incest, and in the wider community there was and still is a social disease called ‘bad mind’.

People look at you with contempt if not hatred.

There is also a tendency in St. Vincent for people to cast aspersion on you without any valid reason.

Unfortunately, as a nation, we are not selfassertive; we settle for anything willy nilly, even though it is not in our interest.

I hope that in this New Year, 2019, we will have a positive change in our attitude.

Patmos Richards

A Vincentian Woman

Congrats to Metrocint

Reflections on 2018 BEFORE I delve into my topic, I would like to publicly express New Year’s greetings to the editor and staff of this seasoned newspaper, and to wish them another productive year.

My reflections are focused specifically on the attitude of my countrymen and women.

As a people, Vincentians lack critical thinking skills. For example, if I made a critical comment about the government that I supported, I would be immediately vilified by a partisan fanatic who doesn’t seem to understand, let alone appreciate, the significance of keeping our government on its toes.

Social division was evident again in 2018.

People warred unnecessarily on trivial political and religious matters. At several workplaces across this

to rid our society of all the double standards, especially as they relate to how men treat women and how much we accept that as normal behavior.

Let us, for 2019, resolve to be examples of what is good and uplifting.

leveled on the effort. I could not help but also conclude that much of what was said then, was said because Mr. Richards was a black man who dared to, so to speak, fly in the face of the white, foreign-dominated insurance industry.

My wish is that those who have assumed the mantle from Uncle Metro, would be strong enough to resist any effort to curtail their efforts to continue to grow this truly indigenous company.

Congrats and best wishes.

Garnet, N.Y.

For the Civil Servants HERE IS a list of New Year resolutions that I suggest our Civil Servants should adopt: * I resolve to provide a full day’s service for the high salary and the many privileges I receive; * I resolve to treat every citizen that requires my , with equal respect and not treat my friends with and preference; * I resolve to be always efficient and productive; * I resolve to spend less time listening to radio talk shows during my paid-for hours of work; * I resolve to leave my cellphone locked away during my hours of duty; * I resolve to stop carrying tales on my coworkers, especially as it relates to some political opinion that might have been made, thinking this will get me quicker promotion; * I resolve to make a serious effort to fulfill the above resolutions.

Charles

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The State of Play, 2019 and beyond

Introduction IT’S 2019, and the ULP column extends warmest New Year greetings to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Indeed, while we welcome the year 2019, and we make all sorts of plans and resolutions, we must reflect on the fantastic year and the events of 2018. Indeed, we can say without a shadow of a doubt, that as a people, we excelled in 2018, in a number of ways.

We excelled through the operations of the Argyle International Airport, and the ever expanding role of this facility in the economic development of the country. We excelled through our young people and the way they have been maximizing the benefits of the Education Revolution. We excelled through our developments in the agriculture sector, particularly in fisheries. We excelled through the recognition that this country has received, through the implementing of a professional and well thought out foreign policy. And we excelled as a people, in the way we have been able to cooperate and band together, to support the development work of the government.

Naturally, there is that tiny minority who will continue to bad talk our blessed country, and who for one reason or the other, mainly through a jaundiced thought process and opinions, do not support the many initiatives of the ULP administration.

But they cannot erase the actual activities on the ground, where the economic and business pursuits of Vincentians during 2018, indicate that the country is holding its own. It is clear that Vincentians were satisfied with the level of economic activity generated in the State in 2018.

last year, paving the way for the government to proceed with the loan for the project.

During the debate on this Bill, the NDP made a meal of the proceedings, claiming that there was not enough information available to them on the project. It is indeed sad to see the NDP lying about the project in this manner. They forgot that they had posed two questions in the House of Assembly for an oral answer from the Minister of Finance, Camillo Gonsalves. He provided chapter and verse, in his answer about the hotel project. Clearly the NDP is worried about the impact that this project will have on the constituencies of Central Leeward, North Leeward and South Leeward. For weeks now, one of their attack spokespersons on radio, Margaret London, has spent most of her time on the hotel project. Well, people don’t throw stones at “flucksy” mangoes.

When we total up these three projects, we will see that the government will be spending over US$295 million, some EC$797 million, more than the cost of the Argyle International Airport. This is the amount of money that will be in circulation, in terms of these projects, up and including 2020. This represents a high level of investment on the part of the government. There will be business opportunities, including jobs, for Vincentians, particularly those who live in the areas where these projects are located.

The year 2019

Conclusion

The year 2019 and beyond holds out great economic prospects for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Minister of Finance, Hon. Camillo Gonsalves, has outlined three mega projects where the ULP administration will spend in excess of three hundred million dollars. This is more than the construction cost of the Argyle International Airport.

The government will spend in excess of US$100 million on the geothermal project in the north of the country. The groundwork for the project has already been laid out, and early in 2019, the drilling work will commence, bringing jobs for the people in North Central Windward, and North Windward, in particular.

When this project is completed, it will serve to reduce the energy costs for Vincentians.

Then the project for the expansion of Port Kingstown will kick off in earnest in 2019, producing jobs for people in the Kingstown area. The ULP administration will spend in the region of US$145 million on this project, which will expand the port facilities for the country, and provide a much-needed facelift for the area known as Little Tokyo.

Finally, there is the construction of the US$50 million hotel in the Mt. Wynne area, which will be owned by the government, but operated by an international hotel franchise. It is this project that has the opposition NDP confused and baffled. The Mt. Wynne/Peter’s Hope Hotel Project Loan Authorization Bill was passed in the House of Assembly in December

There are a number of capital initiatives that the ULP administration will implement in 2019 and beyond, apart from these three projects. The government is getting ready to begin the early phase of the construction of the acute referral hospital at the site of the former T.T Joshua airport. There has been a slowdown on the development activity for the new city at Arnos Vale, but this year we expect to see a forward movement in this regard.

Similarly, economic activity in the State will increase as the construction sector becomes more active. Many Vincentians experienced an uptick in the economic activity during the just concluded Christmas holidays. Can you imagine two major concerts, on the same day, within three miles of each other, attracting a combined total of twenty thousand paying customers? Yet, we ask the rhetorical question, “where the country getting all that money from?”

Right thinking Vincentians can give you the answer to this question.

The answer is that the ULP administration, led by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has a record of outstanding and unprecedented achievements, which have benefited every family, and the nation as a whole.

This process of development will continue through the period 2019 to 2022, and Vincentians are already anticipating the economic benefits, and are resolved to keep the ULP administration in office, because of this factor.

Economic citizenship: A game changer for SVG ECONOMIC CITIZENSHIP is offered when an individual completes the legal process to acquire citizenship in a second country, on account of the individual’s financial investment into that country’s economy. St. Vincent and the Grenadines can benefit tremendously from such a programme.

The New Democratic Party will implement the Citizenship by Investment Programme which will assist to improve the economic situation.

The following Caribbean countries have legislation authorizing the procurement of citizenship after making a substantial investment: Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica and St. Lucia. Antigua Citizenship by Investment Programme was launched in 2012; Dominica started their programme in 1993; Grenada commenced theirs in 2013; St. Lucia in 2015; and St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme was launched in 1984.

And all these islands economies are performing well.

Furthermore, the richest country in the world, the United States of America (USA), allows foreign citizens to obtain green cards under EB-5 Visa, once they meet the requirement of investing $500,000 in a specified employment area and can create a number of jobs. Although there is an annual cap of 10,000 with regard to the issuing of passports, the EB 5 programme alone has seen over $6.8bn invested into the US over the past years. It is of interest to note that in recent years the USA reached its maximum of 10,000 immigrant investor visas before the end of its fiscal year. The IMF has stated that it is the wealthy, private investors from the emerging market economies that are driving the trend.

The Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programmes are appealing as the countries are all politically stable, with Westminsterstyle democracies and well established legal and regulatory frameworks.

Also, they have stable currencies backed by the US dollar, and they are all located near major markets with daily direct flights to and from Europe, Canada, and the United States. Furthermore, the process is expedited. Via one of the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Programmes, a second passport can be secured in three to four months, after undergoing due diligence background checks and making a minimum investment of US$200,000, not including government processing and due diligence fees.

St. Kitts and Nevis had the vision of introducing the Citizenship by investment Programme just over one year after gaining political independence in 1983. The primary objective was to increase their revenue after attaining independence from Britain. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated that in 2014 the Citizenship by Investment Programme amounted to 14% of St. Kitts and Nevis’ GDP and accounted for a substantial amount of the government’s revenue in recent years.

This is significant and has a positive impact on the economy and citizens of that country. Moreover, St. Kitts has reduced its debt to GDP ratio to 60 % in 2018 from a high of 78% in 2014; and the government has been able to pay its public sector workers double salary for the month of December for the past three years - a sign of a booming economy.

Grenada too, is benefitting

immensely from their Citizenship by Investment Programme. The island boasts of attracting investors of outstanding calibre and great wealth.

For instance in 2017, the Grenadian government cited fourteen (14) projects directly related to the Citizenship by Investment Programme. The tourism sector has benefited tremendously, with a significant increase in hotel rooms. In fact, there have been more than ten (10) hotel projects in Grenada as a result of the Citizen by Investment Programme. St Lucia, Antigua and Dominica are all benefitting greatly from the programme.

In Grenada, under the CBI Programme, there are two options for the grant of citizenship: a US$200,000 donation to the National Transformation Fund or a US$350,000 investment into an Approved Project. The prices are for a family of four as Grenada’s CBI Programme is family focused. All persons granted citizenship under the Programme enjoy the same rights as born Grenadians.

The Programme is run by a Committee of seven persons with an administrative and operations unit.

All approvals of citizenship are made by the Cabinet. In 2017, Grenada’s Programme received 375 applications, a 108% increase over 2016. Total receipts from the Programme were in excess of EC$140,000,000.

Over the life of the Programme, some EC$150,000,000 have been invested into the Approved Projects which are categorized as real estate in the tourism sector, agribusiness and aquaculture projects. Through the Approved Projects, thousands of jobs have been created and opportunities have arisen for service providers and suppliers. The projects provide investment in key sectors which lead to economic growth and development.

Developers of Approved Projects are both Grenadian and foreign nationals.

In one year, a total of EC$82,000,000 was deposited into the National Transformation Fund and used for social programmes, special projects, educational programmes, special needs programmes, infrastructure and payment of sovereign debt. Grenada has in place rigorous due diligence and security vetting measures to ensure the strength and integrity of the Programme, which has been lauded by the IMF as being the gold standard for transparency and strong legislative framework in the region.

The benefits of the programme to St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be incredible. We will see an increase in foreign direct investment and an increase in government’s revenue.

Most importantly, it will reduce the tax burden of Vincentians, thus, fuelling economic growth and development which will ultimately benefit the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Our leader, Dr. Friday, had this to say on the subject: “I think this is something where we are losing a lot of opportunities and everyone else is moving ahead when we are falling behind.”

The New Democratic Party continues to express its commitment to implement the Citizen by Investment Programme which will bring economic growth and development to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

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Lifelong Learning: Until the day we die

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow.

Learn as if you were to live forever.”

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (18691948) - Indian social activist who was the leader of the Indian independence movement against British rule. He employed nonviolent civil disobedience and led India to independence. He inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

IT IS OFTEN QUITE INTERESTING and encouraging to see so many of the elderly among us who appear to be forever engaged in learning. Many inhabit bodies that allow them to be stretched mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. They inspire us to emulate them and to anticipate that we, too, may be blessed in like manner and be a source of inspiration to the next generation. Some are now retired but find ways to rejuvenate themselves through a host of voluntary services. Others possess talents and abilities that are still in demand, and commit themselves to “dying with their boots on”. They refuse to fade away into nothingness. These heroes and heroines commit to adding value to the societies in which they live. Even with limited mobility, they find ways to contribute to building and maintaining healthy, productive societies. We commend them for their gusto. They are committed to adding value until the day they die.

Louis Albert Banks, in his book entitled “The Fisherman and His Friends” (ISBN-10: 9781331619437), shares a most interesting story about a man who was spending some of his summer days near the shores of Lake Superior in the United States of America. He describes a day when the man took a gentle stroll through a neighbouring forest and discovered an old pine tree that had been uprooted by a recent storm. He was fascinated by the large evergreen tree that had been blown over and now lay on the ground. Having been previously trained in some aspects of dendrology (science or study of wooded plants), he examined the tree and concluded that it was at least 250 years old. On closer inspection, as he stripped the bark away, it was evident that the tree was still growing on the day it fell. This useful life example reminds us of the need for each of us, regardless of age or perceived disadvantage, to constantly focus on how we can remain in a growing mode — ever learning and seeking to add value to our lives and those around us.

Mohandas Gandhi encourages us to live as if we were to die tomorrow and to learn as if we were to live forever.

These powerful words force us to contemplate the brevity and value of life. Many of us could well be on the cusp of death’s door. That realisation should cause us to ponder how we have lived, the lives that we have impacted, and the legacy that we will leave behind. If we contemplate this situation long enough, the thoughts that emanate may very well encourage us to make some lifechanging decisions now — today.

Decisions could also emanate from our reflections surrounding the second aspect of the quotation — the challenge to learn as if we were to live forever. Here, we are not limiting the

pursuit of knowledge and skills to the realm of academia. We ponder the life-enhancing skills that we can acquire, knowing that all of us have so much more capacity to learn (regardless of age and circumstances).

Each of us (every last one of us) can commit to stretching our capabilities and skills base. This is as true for the professional as it is for the artisan and the “formally uneducated”.

The preceding sentence probably needs an explanation. The reference to the “formally uneducated” must not be seen as slighting those among us who may not have been schooled. Far from this. It highlights the perceived plight of those among us who may have had to abandon their academic pursuits (even at the primary school level) due to personal or family challenges. We reflect on the young boys (now grown men) whose parents lacked the vision of seeing the value of formal education, and would have directed them to abandon academic pursuit in preference to working in agricultural fields, learning a trade, or to go fishing “to earn a living”.

Similar situations may have arisen in relation to young girls (now women) who were forced to work as “servants” in their homes or at a neighbour in order to “make ends meet”. Others were refused formal education because of the ignorance of the adults in their homes who incorrectly assumed that “a woman’s place is in the home” and that education should not be “wasted” on females. We thank God that we are now much wiser; we now realise that such thoughts and arguments are foolish. Today, many of these intelligent (but disadvantaged) individuals rekindle the desire to embrace the challenges of lifelong education.

While the scenarios described in the preceding paragraph may appear to be uncomfortable to come to grips with, there are still individuals in our Caribbean society who would have dropped through the cracks as far as their education and social pursuits would have been concerned. Many may have lost hope of being able to accomplish a better standard of life (usually through education).

However, we (the mentally liberated) have a tremendous responsibility and privilege to show them another way — a better way. We have to intercept their thought patterns and dedicate the time to impress upon them that as long as there is life, there is reason to hope and opportunities to learn. We can kindle and/or sustain the desire for them to improve knowledge, skills, and competencies. We can impress upon them that such pursuits will encourage growth at the personal, social, civic, and employment-related levels. It is really never too late to contemplate and pursue selfimprovement initiatives. We can redirect our efforts and pursue a better way, an improved life, until the day we die.

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

Unity and Development ’It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we are having everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way-in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on it being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.’ Charles Dickens, A tale of Two Cities

spent in recent years. Millions more are earmarked to be spent on the geothermal project, the port in Kingstown and the hotels at Mt Wynn/Peter’s Hope and Diamonds.

Since last year, our country has been awash with tourists. A foreigner, who buys lands at a gluttonous rate, owns the most lands in SVG. Somebody is making a lot of money.

What is evident, however, is that much of these millions are going to a very small elite. Enough is not targeted towards the poor, and too little is trickling down to those most in need.

We need to pay attention to the amount ‘Half measures can kill of persons selling clothing, foodstuff or when on the brink of a precipice other body care products out of the back because we can’t jump half across. of the vehicles and on the streets. Look Blind is the one who only half sees closely at the large number of people the chasms don’t half recoil. who drown their frustration in alcohol With every half-effective half measure and cheap oily, fatty foods that lead to half the people remain half pleased. obesity, disease, organ failures, and add The half sated are half hungry further strain on the health system.

The half free are half enslaved.

These are important policy issues We are half afraid, halfway on a that escape high level scrutiny. Part of rampage. the reason why there is hardly any Can there be with honour discussions about policy and the way a half motherland forward, is because the entire society and a half conscience? has been sucked into a political ‘black Half freedom is perilous hole’. Everything takes on a Gonsalves And saving the motherland half way or Friday, ULP or NDP flavour. The will fail.’ Yevgeny Yevtushenko best opposition idea is rubbished and ‘For the nation to survive, the tribe must the ULP policies and programmes that have proven effective, and partly die.’ Samora Machel, assassinated explain its four consecutive electoral former president of Mozambique. victories, are dismissed without serious thought. Rather than direct the 2019 IS UPON US and the prospects for conversation in a national prosperity for the majority of our people, especially the poor and vulnerable, remain developmental framework, emphasis is placed on ensuring that everyone sees gloomy. The people who toil hardest are everything from a narrow partisan finding life increasingly difficult to cope. perspective.

The disclosure that over 6000 persons Both the ULP and NDP, regrettable participated in the Christmas street cleaning programme and thousands more the two most powerful socializing were aggrieved because they did not get a agencies in our country, having eclipsed chance to work 10 days for $250, must be the family, school and the church, a shock to the conscience for anyone who demand that all and sundry fall in line.

Each side perceives the other as evil. A seriously thinks about our country. large swath of their supporters, And this is at the very bottom of especially those with least stake in the society. If we consider that thousands system and stand to gain little or more, all trained by the ‘Education nothing no matter which party is in Revolution’ eager and willing to walk power, do not speak to each other. In the streets, with nothing productive to consume their minds or spend countless fact, they are encouraged and celebrated as party warriors when they curse and idle hours on their smart phones, then ridicule each other on the streets or over the state of our country is thrown into the airways. sharp relief.

We can shout as much as we want, The plain truth is that but what we have in SVG is unemployment remains a major problem in SVG, and unless we can put development on the margins. We have not yet begun to address the structural a serious dent into this problem, much fault lines that keep our country of our talk about progress and underdeveloped and so many of our development will ring hollow. people poor. To be sure, the Life and daily living for a large section of the population are totally and international economic, financial and trading architecture is to be blamed for completely dependent on remittances much of the sadness and despair in our from friends and relatives. Over 30 world, but we can do much more for the percent of our people live in poverty. poor and vulnerable.

About 20 percent of those employed What we need going forward is more work for less than a living wage. Wages policy rather than political rhetoric. We are so low that the state refuses to tax need more unity and friendship among anyone earning less than $20,000 per the people. We need to rebuild a sense year. When 16 percent VAT is paid on purchases, we get a clear picture on how of community in this country. In short, we need more light and less heat. We the lower half of the population exist.

Clearly there is an enormous amount can have all of this and still love Gonsalves and Friday, ULP and NDP. of money floating around. We see it in We cannot have disunity and the tourism and infrastructural development. One has to give, and as developments across the country. We 2019 unfolds, the wise choice is unity spent $700 million on the airport. On Canoaun, the developers build, demolish and development. and build again with such frequency so Send comments, criticisms & as to make it impossible to count the suggestions to moneys ‘spent.’ Estimates of more than julesferdinand@jomosangagmail.com half a billion US dollars have been

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ULP giving away billions, peanuts for SVG Treasury ACCORDING to Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader of SVG Green Party, the ULP regime is giving away billions, but only putting peanuts in the SVG Treasury.

The Director of Audit Report for 2012 shows that the ULP regime is messing collecting small bits and pieces of revenue by overtaxing Vincentians, but would be much better off if they focused on taxing Taiwan or setting up our own SVG tuna fishing industry.

The Director of Audit Report for 2012 explains that there was a shortfall in tax collected in 2012 as per below: (a) International trade totalled $172.9m, but fell short of its estimate by $23.4m. This is an indication of a very weak and shrinking SVG economy; (b) Tax on property realised less than 50% of its projected revenue, as only $2.5m was recorded; (c) The 2012 Estimates in Revenue was $793.9m, but Actual Revenue was less than three-quarters of that, only $580.4m. This shows a very big

shortfall of $213.4m, and illustrates what a poor state the SVG economy is in.

The table from the Director of Audit Report 2012 shows taxes on various Domestic Goods and Transactions collected. SVG could collect much more revenue by abolishing the tax exemptions given to Taiwan on its tuna fishing operations.

According to the BBC News website on 5th January 2019, a Japanese sushi boss paid US$3.1m for a giant tuna — a 278kg (612lbs) bluefin tuna - at the first New Year’s auction in Tokyo’s fish market.

According to the Taipei Times, a Taiwan national newspaper, Taiwan uses a jumbo class of fishing boats that can catch up to 11,000 tonnes of tuna a year, twice the amount of the older boats. It says one Taiwanese super seiner can catch 20,000 tonnes of tuna fish a year.

Taiwan continues to cream-off billions of dollars annually from SVG’s deep sea fish licence and has been doing so for decades. The people of

SVG get none of this money directly, and Taiwan’s assistance otherwise to SVG cannot compare to what is earned from the SVG licensed Taiwanese fishing vessels.

It is criminal that Taiwan earns so much money from SVG’s tuna fishing licence and pays no tax, leaving the people of SVG to suffer in poverty. It is conservatively estimated that Taiwan owes the SVG Treasury EC$54 billion in Fish Tax avoidance for 2001 to 2018.

An SVG Green Party government will end this abuse of the Vincentian people by Gonsalves and Taiwan. We will cut ties with Taiwan and bring prosperity to the people of SVG by creating economic links with China, and setting up a Vincentian tuna fishing and canning industry.

This will bring billions of dollars into SVG and create thousands of new jobs.

SVG needs a change of government.

It makes no sense that the ULP regime gives away billions and puts only peanuts into the SVG Treasury, especially as our country is very poor.

SVG Green Party

Will we have a happy New Year?

WE ARE NOW on our way into a brand new year, 2019, and by now should be sorting out how we are going to approach this new twelvemonth period. We must determine as early as possible, what we need to do so that we can reasonably expect to be rewarded with success. In preparing our plan, it would be prudent to examine the way that we had conducted our business in the previous years, so that we could intelligently pin-point those systems which had proved successful, in advancing our broad societal interests. That critical examination of our management in previous years, would allow us to identify, rule out and avoid those issues and approaches which have weakened us and set us back.

It is quite clear that the time has come for Vincentians to have serious discussion, so that it can be determined what needs to be done; to give our people reason to be hopeful; that they will be able to prosper in peace. It has been almost forty years that we have been an independent state, and almost seventy years that we have been electing our own administrators. We should, therefore, have been by now, further along a path of progressive development, if the resources which were available to us had been used

farming community which now labels them as “unreliable” and “untrustworthy”. The traditional linkage from the Chief Agricultural Officer, via his staff, through to the farmers, has been effectively neutralized and discredited Agriculture crippled and broken.

The farmers now say that Since 1838, we have been the Ministry has been an agricultural “ryanized” and “cezaritted”, country/community, which has polluted and corroded. The survived and at periods even neglect that the compound of prospered from the cultivating the Ministry of Agriculture of the land. There are some exudes certainly does suggest people who, even in this age, an inherent malaise that will attempt to make the point needs to be addressed with that our weakness in urgency. agriculture today, is rooted in Exam projects for their the attitude of parents who had discouraged their children benefits by the derogatory statements they had made regarding the The ULP has been use of agricultural tools. The responsible for the cutlass, the hoe, the fork and management of the country for almost twenty years. At the rake are used on many construction sites today. The the completion of their present term, they will have same agricultural tools! served for twenty years, and A lot of the agony with which this beautiful country is one wonders if deep down they plagued today, has origin in are really satisfied that they have done the best they could. the crippling of the agricultural sector, which has It certainly cannot be said that we have made significant been cramped and burdened during two decades of neglect advances under their and “naked mismanagement”. management, for none of the So that today, the Ministry of projects which they had declared would have Agriculture has reached its stimulated enhanced economic lowest level; the politicians determine what is to be done; growth in the land, has the technocrats are effectively brought any measurable success. We need, therefore, neutralized, demoralized, as now to examine critically they lose the respect of the

for the development of the people. But the ego-massaging exploits of the persons who were given the responsibility to lead/manage, have to a large degree been disappointing. There is ample documentation of that.

those large projects, to see if the modus operandi of our administrators was in harmony with the pursuit of the people’s best interests.

Some of those projects which should qualify for such examination are: the Cross Country Road, the Buccama Bay Resort, the Owia Fishing Complex, the Ju-C Building Purchase, the Ottley Hall Inquiry, the Argyle International Airport.

people, all those persons who actively participated in the perpetration of the evils must also be identified. They ought to have guided Dr. Gonsalves when it was evident to them that he was deviating from the promised path.

A poignant exhibition of this deviation from declared promises, has been seen in the ULP’s treatment of the Agriculture sector, particularly the banana Re-orientation/Change farmers. It has been almost a dozen times that they have needed failed to keep their word since It has been evident for 2001, when they first declared some time that we need to that they were going to change our focus in the revitalize the Banana management of our affairs, Industry. Even as recently as and the ULP under the 2016, they declared that they leadership of Dr. Ralph were going to plant 250 acres Gonsalves is clearly not of the of new bananas in the 100 orientation required to steer days between April 26th and us out of the socio-economic July 31st 2016. The plan was stagnancy surrounding us. In aborted without any fact, their approaches to explanation given to the management have made people; but yet the Minister of things worse for us. Too much Agriculture Saboto Caesar of their time and energy were and his Permanent Secretary spent on ego-massaging Raymond Ryan, continue to cosmetic propagandizing, and try to impress that they are in that pursuit they wasted doing serious work in valuable resources. Our Agriculture. resources! So that now, we are It is quite evident now, that heavily in debt and with a we have given authority to weakened productive capacity. persons who are not of the That is the legacy of the orientation and commitment ULP under the leadership of needed for the advancement of Dr. Gonsalves. While he our welfare. We need a cannot be absolved from the change! responsibility of having been the author of the agonies LeRoy Providence which now prevail on the

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11 , 2019. 13.

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14. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Nine Mornings Festival Winners get rewards

stopping Stubbs from taking the title for an eighth straight year.

Stubbs, though, was not disgraced.

They occupied the second place ahead of Carriere and Barrouallie, in that order.

While Stubbs was unable to continue their reign, Coulls Hill, unlike Stubbs, returned once again as the Best Christmas Community, a title Some new, some repeat judged on the basis of winners quality of launch, quality of Nine Richland Park was heralded Mornings, Lights, as the new winners of the Best Evening Programmes and Nine Mornings Community, number of visitors attending their activities.

Second to Coulls Hill was Richland Park with Carriere third and Port Elizabeth, Bequia in fourth.

Rondy “Luta” Mc Intosh once again copped the Most Popular Local Christmas Song Award with his ‘Food Police’, but this time around he had to share the accolade with Carlton “CP” Hall and his ‘Keep the Christmas Clean’.

Each song was played the same number of times on the eight local radio stations surveyed.

Taking second place was Roland ‘Rolly’ Bowman’s ‘Christmas Bonus’. Luta Leroy Llewellyn – Chairman featured again in third place of the Sion Hill Lighting with ‘Parang Sweet’, and Committee (left), accepts his Lennox Bowman with ‘Request certificate from Lennox for Santa’ stood in fourth Bowman. place.

Meanwhile, there were first time winners in the categories of Best Community Song and the Best Community on Parade, both competitions being judged during the launch of the National Nine Mornings Festival on 2nd December in capital Kingstown.

Taking the Best Leroy Llewellyn – Chairman of the Sion Hill Community Song title was Lighting Committee (left), accepts his Rose Bank. Owia certificate from Lennox Bowman.

THOSE WHO DEMONSTRATED an unwavering labour of love to make the 2018 Nine Mornings Festival a success, were last Saturday rewarded.

They were presented with monetary awards when the National Nine Mornings Committee held its Prize Giving Ceremony at the Peace Memorial Hall.

Among the highlights of last Saturday’s ceremony was the announcement of the much anticipated Best Nine Mornings Community and the Best Christmas Community.

Richland Park’s Shaakira London gets the Best Nine Mornings Community Award from the National Lotteries Authority’s Anthony Dennie.

Left:Coulls Hill’s Kenley Shallow accepts the Best Christmas Community award from Anthony Dennie of the National Lotteries Authority.

was second, Fitz Hughes third and Point Village fourth Fitz- Hughes copped the Best Community on Parade award, beating Stubbs into second place. Third was Rose Hall followed by Rose Bank in fourth.

All categories were sponsored by the National Lotteries Authority.

Previously announced winners Saturday’s list of winners complemented the previously announced winners of the VINLEC National Lighting Competition.

Point Village, for the sixth year in a row, won the National Lighting Competition, with Rose Bank placing second, Port Elizabeth, Bequia third and Town Hill fourth.

Zonal winners were: Rose Bank - Zone One; Town HillZone Two; Cotton Ground Zone Three; Point Village Zone Four; Port Elizabeth — Bequia - Zone Five.

Ces For West won the Best Lit Garden; Olivia Da SilvaBest Lit Private Home, and Town Hill — Best Nativity Scene.

The second, third and fourth places of the three categories were also compensated.

Special Recognitions The National Nine Mornings Festival Committee, last Saturday, recognized nine persons who have made long standing contributions to the annual festival.

Those acknowledged for their contribution to

Joint Best Song winners- Carlton “CP” Hall (left) and Rondy “Luta” Mc Intosh flank Anthony Dennie of the National Lotteries Authority. community lighting were Outgoing Chairman of the Everad Ince of Rose Bank; National Nine Mornings Gideon Lewis — Troumaca, Committee- Michael Peters along with Jennifer and his deputy- Lennox Richardson- Carriere, Ingrid Bowman; the National Lavia — Owia, and Leroy Lotteries Authority’s Product Llewellyn- Sion Hill.

Development Officer- Anthony Others recognized: Eden Dennie and Cultural Officer Gonsalves, who has been the Anthony Theobalds who person behind the lighting of deputized for Minister of the Richmond Hill Gardens; Tourism, Sports and CultureCarlton ‘CP’ Hall for his Hon Ces Mc Kie. music; Pastor Noel Clarke of the Pentecostal Church, Layou for his input into that community’s lighting; and Pastor Errol Daniel of the Streams of Power Church, Sion Hill for his overall support for the Nine Mornings festivities.

Saturday’s ceremony heard addresses Pastor Noel Clarke at left is recognized by from: Anthony Theobalds.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019. 15.

News

Vincy nurses stage fund-raiser

Marlene Williams (center) receives $1,500.00 scholarship from Dionne Crichton-Bailey (l) and Judith Lewis.

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net;

DIONNE CRICHTONBAILEY, president of the kingnaking210@yahoo.com Brooklyn-based St. Vincent US CORRESPONDENT and the Grenadines Nurses Association of New York, Inc. (SVGNANY), has described as very successful her group’s hosting of the 3rd Winter Wonderland Entertainment Evening at the Golden Hall of St. Gabriel’s Episcopal (Anglican) Church on Hawthorne Street in Brooklyn.

“The event was well attended and supported,” CrichtonBailey, a lower Kingstown native, told THE VINCENTIAN in an exclusive post-show interview.

“I don’t know about anybody else, but I had a good time,” added Crichton, quoting patrons as saying. “’It was really lovely,’ and the list goes on.”

Representatives from several New York-based Caribbean nursing organizations, as well as Vincentian Arden Tannis, COSAGO groups in New York, vice president, hold aloft a attended the event. large, unused syringe.

Caribbean nursing groups included Haiti, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago; and Bronx, Westchester and Manhattan Chapter of the Caribbean American Nursing Association.

Vincentian groups comprised the Brooklynbased umbrella group, Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO); Girls High School Alumnae, Inc.; South Rivers Progressive Organization; and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ex-Teachers Association of New York, Inc. Arden Tannis, COSAGO’s Bequia-born vice president and a former police inspector at home and president of the Brooklyn-based SVG Ex-Police Association of New York, left some patrons aghast by declaring, in the preface to his remarks, that, “for years, I hated nurses, and I ask for your forgiveness.”

But, after explaining — while holding aloft a large, unused syringe that would be used to inject Tetanus shots for bruises he’d sustained as a kid in St. Vincent and the Grenadines — the audience seemed to sympathize with him.

“I have no fear now,” assured Tannis in trying to mollify patrons. “My wife is a nurse.” The event, which also served as a fund-raiser and awards ceremony, featured, among others: renditions in songs by Abena Amory-Powell the daughter of Erlene Williams-King an outstanding Vincentian singer in her own right; Georgetown native Oscar James - co-founder of the defunct Vincentian band, Affetuousos; and Vincentian American Gordon Gatherer - whose late mother hailed from Layou.

There was also a steel pan presentation by Vincentian Trevor Hepburn who has been playing for “50something years”; and a dance by Grenadian Jadawna Dufont, a

Abena Amory-Powell belches out ‘At Last’. member of the Dance Theater of Harlem.

“It was a scintillating event,” James told THE VINCENTIAN afterwards. “Everybody was in a convivial mode.

The function was well attended.”

With her mother Jackie DuFont in the audience, Jadawna, a member of Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church in Brooklyn, danced to The Piano Guy’s “How Great Thou Art.” SVGNANY provided a US$1,500.00 scholarship to Merlene Williams, of Vermont, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), currently enrolled in the Registered Nurse (RN) program at Brooklyn’s Medgar Evers College.

She plans to graduate this summer.

CrichtonBailey said some of the proceeds for this year’s scholarship were donated by a founding member Dionne Crichton-Bailey, and past president of the St. Vincent and president, RN Clari Gilbert, who the Grenadines Nurses Association of New York, Inc. has retired and addresses patrons. currently resides in St Vincent and soca, reggae and the Grenadines.

Christmas, among other Proceeds from the rhythms, to round off the event, according to Crichton-Bailey are also activity. used to assist in providing medical supplies and equipment to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown, and district clinics in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Additionally, she said, partial proceeds help to provide supplies to several rehabilitative and other institutions in New York City.

Harriet’s Caterers provided finger-licking West Indies delicacies, such as codfish cakes and fried chicken wings, with Vincentian local drinks, sorrel and ginger beer, to wash them down, as DJ 3 Shott, a Trevor Hepburn bangs out ‘To Vincentian, God be the Glory’. jammed calypso,

Members of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Nurses Association of New York, Inc.

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16. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

People

Gabrielle Robertson (right) with some of her classmates.

Focus on Gabrielle VINCENTIAN Gabrielle Robertson entered the Trinity School of Medicine in 2015. The fifth term student participated in that institution’s official Fifth Term Ceremony held midDecember 2018, at the Sunset Shores Hotel in Villa.

Her participation marked the completion of her pre-medical programme, then the required five terms of basic Sciences Studies.

As far as Gabrielle was concerned, she had always wanted to be a physician.

“From since I could talk, I always wanted to be in that field. At first, I wanted to be a veterinarian, then I used to watch ‘Doctor 90210’ and fell in love with plastic surgery. I was the child who liked to see cuts and investigate wounds, look at the dead at funerals and so on,” she

shared willingly.

The journey filled with ups and downs She described her journey thus far as one filled with ups and downs, adding, “Along the way when you’re growing up, you simply say that you’ll go to school and be a doctor.

You don’t realize, however, how taxing it is: physically, mentally, and emotionally; but the reward is so great!”

Gabrielle now sets her focus on the second phase of her study programme which includes two years of clinical training in Baltimore, Maryland.

Before she begins her upcoming training, however, she must take the United States Medical Licensure Exam (USMLE)Step 1exam. The USMLE Step 1, is also called “the Boards,” and is a homogeneous test that measures a future physician’s ability to apply the fundamentals of basic science to the practice of medicine.

This is a big deal for medical students, and Gabrielle has expressed her misgivings. “To be honest, I’m terrified because it leads to the unknown. It’s like the door that leads to never ending possibilities and my whole future depends on it. It is for that same reason that I am excited too because it’s just one step closer to being what I

Gabrielle Robertson (right) gets a congratulatory handshake from Dean Atkinson of Trinity School of Medicine. always wanted to be,” she admitted.

Proud to commence medical Gabrielle is proud to have begun her medical journey in her own home country. She believes that her beginnings here would ultimately benefit her as she has been exposed to situations in which a lack of resources has challenged her to revert to other methods that still work.

The good thing is, the faculty and administration of Trinity School of Medicine has every confidence that Gabrielle could shine in the medical field in years to come.

Gabrielle is the daughter of Anastasia Bascombe-Francois, Counsellor at the Girls’ High School, and Rueben Robertson.

Sir Cecil Cyrus Continued from Page 8. speculations are necessarily correct… it will be wholly improper, I think, for me to comment about matters relating to the judiciary”.

The Chronicle newspaper also reported that Attorney-General David Bruney disclosed that he would “leave the matter to Prime Minister Charles to make a statement”.

It also stated that “in Grenada, members of that country’s legal fraternity are unhappy with the transfer to St. Vincent of Dominican Brian Alleyne and are accusing the Keith Mitchell government of being behind the move”.

Justice Dunbar Cenac ended his tenure here several years ago. He was replaced then by Justice Odel Adams.

My Take: Ralph had opposed the appointment of Brian Alleyne; Alleyne had been the Deputy Leader of Eugena Charles’ Dominica Freedom Party which belonged to a rival political regional grouping to which NDP was part of; Dunbar Cenac was the Judge who acquitted Mrs Fletcher who had confessed to a party extraneous to the judiciary and the court, of her involvement in the death of Jerome ‘Jolly’’ Joseph, a water-taxi operator in Bequia.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11 , 2019. 17.

News

Participants in the Open Golf Championship that helped to make the day a spirited one.

Bequia businesses support the VSPCA NEW YEAR’S DAY brought with it the second annual Open Golf Championship and Fun Day held at the recently established Bequia Golf Club located at Firefly Plantation, Bequia.

Teams competed for a trophy, donated by Firefly, and each team paid an entrance fee.

Local Bequia businesses — Mac’s Pizza, Sotheby’s International Realty, Jack’s Beach Bar, Papas Bar, Mass Mutual of Greater Richmond USA and Firefly - generously co-sponsored the event.

In addition to the Gold Championship, the day was filled with fun activities, including a fun rummage sale of donated items.

The day’s events raised EC $4,600, and a cheque in that amount was presented to the Vincentian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (VSPCA), which works to help all animals in care and otherwise by encouraging spaying and neutering; educates animal owners on how to care for their animals; fights against cruelty to all animals.

The VSPCA expressed its gratitude for the donation from the organisers of this year’s Open Golf Championship and Fun Day, and assured that it will go a long way in advancing its work.

COSAGO donates to Our Lady of Guadalupe Home THE COUNCIL OF ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO), the umbrella body of the Vincentian organizations in New York, USA, that works towards harmonizing the work and outreach of the various Vincentian associations in the area, has again come to the assistance of Vincentians at home.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Home was, last Tuesday, the recipient of a cheque of $2000, from the USA based organisation.

President Lavern Mc Dowald-Thompson was on hand to hand over the donation.

On making the presentation, Ms. McDowald-Thompson said that she was “happy” with the work being done by the Home in helping the young ladies, and hoped that the donation would be of some use.

General Secretary of COSAGO, Ancilla Friday, who was also present, impressed that it was a touching experience as she herself lost her mom at an early age.

On receiving the cheque, House Mother Donnette Dowers

Corke donates Medical Supplies THE MODERN MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC and Treatment Centre at Georgetown has had its capacity to dispense health services enhanced, through a donation of medical equipment and supplies from former Georgetown resident Neil Corke and family.

This is the third consecutive year that Corke and his family are donating to the Georgetown community. The latest donation to the Diagnostic Centre took place on Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves Sunday 23rd December. (centre), Neil Corke (right) and Permanent Deputy Hospital Administrator Secretary Ministry of Health Cuthbert Idinga Miller was on hand to Knights at the handing over of the receive the items. equipment.

A visibly moved Corke expressed how important their contribution. giving back has been to him and his Tyrone Burke, who assists with in family. country co-ordination of the Corkes’ Prime Minister and Area donation, gave a background of the Representative for North Central contributions made so far; these Windward, the Hon. Dr. Ralph include the presentation of one Gonsalves, reflected on the hundred book bags in September of contribution the Corke family has this year. made and extended his appreciation to Following the handing over the family for their generosity. ceremony, the Corke family treated a Minister of Health, Wellness and number of residents to lunch at the the Environment, Hon. Luke Browne Georgetown Secondary School. thanked Mr. Corke and his family for (Source: API)

(L-R): Brionique Glasgow, Jacqueline Springer, Crispin Friday, Ynolde Walker, Donnette Dowers, Laverne Mc Dowald-Thompson, Ancilla Friday, at last Tuesday’s brief handing over ceremony. expressed her “gratitude” on behalf of the Home, for the generosity of CASAGO, and promised to continue the relationship between the two entities.

Our Lady of

Guadalupe Home for Girls is located in Cane End, Marriaqua, and focuses on transforming the lives of at risk girls, by providing them with safe housing and a nurturing environment.

Currently, the Home houses thirteen females, ranging from age 11 to 18.

All thirteen are attending secondary schools.

18. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019. 19.

News

Misbehaviour at fete raises concern A FORM 3 student from the Bethel High School in Campden Park was caught on camera showing her to be one of two principals in a heated fight, during the Annual Climax Fete at the Rawacou National Park, January 01.

A 16-year-old girl from Bequia was photographed at the same show in the company of a male, after her family had reported her missing since December 28, and a police bulletin issued accordingly.

Interestingly, there was quite some chaos at this year’s Fete when wouldbe patrons stormed the entrance and security personnel could not prevent a wave of persons entering during the mad rush.

These and perhaps more of such occurrences caught on ‘candid camera’, have raised alarm across the society.

Not only are persons taking to social media to say how disturbing it is to see a blow by blow account of fights between young people, especially between young girls, but they are now expressing concern about the “legality’ of allowing 16 years and under persons to attend such shows.

There is widespread acknowledgement that the law of the land does not speak to the latter concern; however, this has not prevented numerous The attendance at the Climax Fete has been overwhelming.

Outgoing National Nine Mornings Committee Chair praised THE PRAISES were plenty last Saturday at the Peace Memorial Hall, in acknowledgment of Michael Peters, who has served as Chairman of the National Nine Mornings Committee for the past 20 years.

Leading the train of praise for Peters was Deputy Chairman of the committee- Lennox Bowman.

Bowman noted the Peters is “passionate” about anything he does, hence he was the ideal person to have served as the National Nine Mornings Committee chair.

“As Chairman, Michael (Peters) was more than a Chairman …

Michael was very executive, very administrative, because the programme was anchored in the Ministry of Culture,” Bowman related.

Bowman reiterated that Peters was leaving the post as chairperson, but believed that he (Peters) would still play a significant part in the unique Nine Mornings Festival.

“We are saddened that we are losing his leadership of the committee … All his efforts , discipline and knowledge and skills and love and passion for the advancement of our great spiritual and cultural festival and the entire landscape of St Vincent and the Grenadines, we will hold closely to our heart,” Bowman stated.

“We cannot present you with a cheque or anything tangible today, but we know that our love , our thanks and our appreciation for what you have done is more important to you …We Love you and we look forward to your continued guidance and service,” the Deputy Chairman of

Michael Peters Lennox Bowman the National Nine Mornings Committee stated.

Joining Bowman in commending Peters for his productive tenure over the years, were several persons who spearhead Nine Mornings and Lighting activities in their various communities.

In response, Peters expressed gratitude to all who made his job a rewarding one over the years.

“Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen, for the support over the years.” Peters said.

He spoke of relishing the opportunity, now that he has vacated the chair, to enjoy the Nine Mornings Festival looking on, something he was unable to do whilst he was in the position of chairman. “ For the first time I am going to be able to watch a Nine Mornings Programme,” Peters said gleefully.

Peters promised the many communities whose Nine Mornings programmes he was unable to witness over the past 20 years, that he would be able to do so now, as he no longer has the responsibility of heading the National Nine Mornings Festival Committee.

postings on social media/Facebook calling for a review.

In fact, a Facebook posting called on the authorities “to do something with this age of consent law in St. Vincent… I am so sorry for these young girls.”

Another view expressed on social media/Facebook is that there should be an age The Climax fete has become one of the most restriction as far as anticipated events of this kind in its short history. entrants to these shows are concerned, with measures. another Facebook posting calling for And so the debate continues: Is organisers of these shows to request there a need for persons to present IDs IDs on entrance, if and when it is when attending these fetes where in accessed as necessary. the absence of same, there is no THE VINCENTIAN in following the restriction on who purchasing and/or thread on these Facebook postings, consumes alcohol during the event? noted that there were some 118 (KH) responses in agreement with these

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20. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Mind your own business!

Dear George I AM EMPLOYED as a house helper with this couple and they have a nine-year-old girl.

What has bothering me is anytime the man leaves the house to go to work, his wife keeps bringing different men, posing as tradesmen or technicians, and would end up in bed with them.

She does not know that I know, and I’m wondering whether I should tell her husband.

It is wicked what she

doing to this nice man.

Suppose she gives him AIDS?

Uncomfortable.

Dear Uncomfortable,

uncomfortable in your working environment, then it is best you choose alternative employment.

You do not have to detail your reason for leaving.

Getting too involved in the domestic affairs can back lash in your face.

You do not want to be blamed for meddling, etc. This one is not your fight....walk away.

As uncomfortable as you might be, you are not employed to eavesdrop or to carry news to anyone. What this man’s wife does in her own time is her George business. If you are that

No oral sex She is Dear George

PLEASE TELL my husband I am not going to pleasure him with oral sex. He is hell bent on getting me to do this, but I have no intention to oblige him. He keeps reminding me of the few occasions, when we were dating, when I did it to him; but I’ve moved away from that since then.

After we got married, I changed my mind about doing that, but he is refusing to acknowledge that and respect my decision. I’m tired of his pleas for something he is not going to get.

No more candy Dear No more candy, It is unfair to expect your husband not to want something you handed to him during your dating period.

Changing the rules in the middle of the game will cause conflict, and there will be strong objections.

Talk to your husband about your sudden conversion from oral to ‘no-ral’. Maybe and just maybe, he might respect your reasons for your new stance.

George

always right Dear George, MY WIFE accused me of stealing $750.00 from her and her make-up kit, giving them to the woman she is convinced I am messing around with. I pleaded my innocence in vain. Now she has gone ahead and embarrassed this poor girl at her workplace.

I have never cheated on my wife, but it is stuck in my wife’s head that I am.

A few days ago, I discovered an envelope with the $750.00 and her makeup kit in an abandoned dog house. (Our dog, it seemed, had been dragging things back to his old dog house.) My wife refused to apologize to me or the woman and to accept that I am not involved with the woman.

This is the biggest problem I’ve had with my wife since I married her 2 years ago, though she is always right and it is eating me out, and eating away at our marriage.

Tired soul Dear Tired soul, The beauty of a marriage is when whoever is wrong can admit their wrong whenever they’re wrong, and make a commitment never to repeat that wrong. That’s how relationships grow and mature.

Your wife will do well to humble herself to say,”I’m sorry,” and learn to trust you. There’s no marriage if there’s no trust.

Talk to her along these lines and see what happens. You may need to get a counsellor to assist you in your efforts to get things back on level ground.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) You can accomplish a lot if you deal with other people's money or possessions this week. Social events will be plentiful.

Friends and relatives may be hard to take this week. There's lots to be done and if you meet your deadline you'll be in your boss's good books.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Channel your efforts into achieving your goals. You need to spend some time reflecting on past experiences and involvements. Your own small business on the side sounds pretty lucrative. You are best not to nag or criticize.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) It might be time to do some of those chores at home. Social events held in your home will be successful and entertaining for all. Tie up your personal papers or push to have legal settlements completed. Do not let the reactions of others get you going.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) You are best to concentrate on work.

Keep the promises you've made or you can expect to be in the doghouse. Good day for romance. Your tendency to overreact could get you into trouble.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) You could experience delays in shipments or mail, and should be careful while traveling. Traffic will be busier than you anticipated, so try to get a head start if you have made plans to travel. You can put in some overtime and make extra cash.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) You can utilize your versa tile mind and dazzle others with your speed and accuracy. Deal with the needs of children. Question your mate if you must. You need to put some trust in others.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) This might not be a day for hasty decisions. You are apt to meet someone special on your journey. Moves will be hectic but favorable in the end. You're in the mood to get out and visit friends.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) You may find yourself mixed up in a triangle of sorts. It's time to reevaluate your motives. You need a break from your daily routine. You will be full of good ideas, and your choice of activities may bring you enrichment far beyond your expectations.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Avoid arguments with relatives who might be conservative and outdated. You may overspend if you travel this week; however, the trip will be one to remember. Trips should be your choice.

You can gain distinction; however, it may be for the wrong reasons.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Get involved in groups that are creative in nature. You may want to get involved in financial investments presented to you. Don't bother getting even; they'll make themselves look bad. Rethink your motives and make the necessary changes to yourself.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Your high energy and discipline will enable you to complete any seemingly insurmountable tasks. If you can include them in your plans, do so. Moves will be hectic but favorable in the end. Get involved in groups that are creative in nature.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Secret affairs will only lead to deception.

Overindulgence could lead to problems with digestion. Emotional deception will cause friction on the home front. Try not to hurt your partner's feelings.

ACROSS 1. Passing craze 4. Tennis legend Arthur 8. Pretty Hayworth 12. Bitter brew 13. Strong appeal 14. Odd’s opposite 15. Took part in a 41‐Down 16. Bold in speech 17. Real estate 18. Main courses 20. Blustery, as weather 21. Acorn dropper 22. Compete (with) 23. Water mammal 26. Beach shoes 30. “Immediately!”

31. Stick (out) 32. “Whistle While _ Work” 33. Fear, for example 36. The objects here 38. Creeping vine 39. Expected to arrive 40. Shred finely 43. Stinging bugs 47. Talk wildly 48. Young horse 49. Curved line 50. Teen skin worry 51. Child of Eve 52. Briny expanse 53. 12‐Across kin 54. Emulate a model 55. Half a score DOWN 1. Taxi fee 2. Actor Alda 3. Fender hollow 4. Come into view 5. Glossy, as fur

6. That aunt’s 7. Nosh on 8. Depended (on) 9. “Terrible” Tsar 10. Look after 11. Griffith of classic TV 19. Salmon eggs 20. Taste victory 22. Large tub for liquids 23. A single thing 24. Cruise of films 25. Couple number 26. Daytime star 27. “Affirmative!”, to Popeye 28. _ Angeles 29. Bring to court 31. Great happiness 34. Nervous laugh

35. “_ got an idea!”

36. Aquatic reptile 37. Barnyard mama 39. Bob and Elizabeth of politics 40. Snatch suddenly 41. Sprinting event

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019. 21.

42. Boleyn or Bancroff 43. Train‐riding tramp 44. Map direction 45. Forest growth 46. Read over hastily 48. Graduation hat

22. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019. 23.

Williams anticipates active basketball year

WAYNE WILLIAMS, President of the SVG Basketball Federation, believes that overcoming the challenges faced in previous years will serve as inspiration as the Federation looks to position basketball as one of the major sports in SVG. Speaking with this publication recently, Williams admitted that ongoing developmental programmes were hampered by “the lack of proper facilities,” especially in the rural areas.

This, however, did not deter the ‘feeder programme in which “We go to different parts of the country with our coaching caravan to spread the sport especially among young persons.”

And while, as Williams assured, the ‘feeder progamme will continue, 2019 is expected to see the return and/or continuance of various

competitions.

National Basketball Competitions are expected to make a return, the Secondary Schools Tournament is scheduled to begin in February, and the 3X3 Competitions will continue throughout the year, Williams outlined.

“To give a boost to the sport in the schools, plans are afoot to have some of our professional players avail themselves at the school level during January,” Williams added.

And Williams expects that the improved performances of the national male and female teams in the 2018 Caribbean FIBA Championship in Surinam, will heighten interest and participation in the National Competitions.

As far as the input of overseas-based Vincentian players is concern, Sancho Lyttle, who plays professional

Wayne Williams, President of the SVGBF, looks to 2019 with heightened anticipation and optimism.

Left: Coaches and participants in a Coaching Caravan session held in Fancy last weekend.

basketball in Spain, is expected to avail herself to schools and female players here sometime during the year.

Williams is also hopeful that, “Once all goes well, the Summer will see most of the male players who are based overseas, coming home for a series of development programmes and some exhibition games around the country.”

The President is

encouraged that the effort to building the sport here is being recognised and strengthened by entities other than the Federation.

He referred specifically to the Basketball Academies that have arisen here in recent times, and recognized, “The Academy by Darwin Vanloo and those directed by Kasha Bishop, Kendale Thomas

and Orlando Ferguson, they have been doing tremendous work in helping the feeder system and the development of the game amongst the youths.”

Williams also cited: the recently formed Arnos Vale Basketball Association which hosted a tournament and several ongoing events; the effort in Union Island

and the Bequia Basketball Association which have been outstanding as it relates to involvement in the development of the game in the Grenadines.

“All in all, I anticipate a heightened year (2019) of activity for Basketball in “, Williams concluded.

Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN

Shallow upbeat TASVG’s Morgan optimistic about 2019 about 2019 CHESTER MORGAN, Technical Director of the Team Athletics St. Vincent and the Grenadines (TASVG), is looking to 2019 with high expectations.

Speaking at the Team Athletics first mini meet for the year held at Sion Hill Playing Field last weekend, Morgan said TASVG has already started putting things in place for the year.

“The main idea for the mini meet was to see where the athletes were, especially those who were training during the school and Christmas break,” Morgan explained.

“We would have liked to see more coaches at the meet, but I believe as the season progresses, it will get much better, especially with the school sports coming up soon,” Morgan added.

In terms of the state of athletics, the Technical Director is anticipating that there will be progress and improvement among the age categories, once they continue with their training.

“I can see we have a strong Under-17 Ffemale grouping, so I am hoping that they will go on and do well at CARIFTA,” he said.

With respect to national/local competitions, Morgan expects that this year will see more competition among the athletes.

“There is a big stride coming…

Athletes on the track during last week’s mini meet hosted by Team Athletics SVG. Inset: Chester Morgan, Technical Director of Team Athletics SVG. coaches like Michael Ollivierre, as well as other coaches, are working extremely hard with their athletes, and the level of competition has heightened,” Morgan noted, adding that there will be more programmes for coaches this year.

As it pertains to the programme in schools, Morgan emphasized that once you implement programmes from the grassroots levels, there are benefits to be had.

But he lamented: “I created a

syllabus four years ago for athletes in the primary school and lower secondary schools, but not many schools implemented it. ...

My intention is to continue to encourage all schools to adopt the syllabus.”

And as has been the call for several years now, the Technical Director reiterated the call for a synthetic (standardised ) track.

“SVG is one of the countries earmarked by the IAAF for building a systemic track, so we are hopeful this will materialize,” Morgan said with a degree of calm.

SPEAKING AHEAD of this weekend’s opening of the 2019 Cricket Season, President of the SVG Cricket Association (SVGCA), Dr Kishore Shallo, has predicted predicting another fruitful season of cricket and tenure of his executive.

Dr. Shallow recognized the work of his Executive as being pivotal in achieving what was a productive year and, in looking ahead, said that his executive will focus Dr. Kishore Shallow, on: continuing the work President of the aimed at professionalizing SVGCA, is anticipating the operations/ another fruitful year administration of cricket for his Executive. here; implementing at least two ‘commercial’ activities, in an effort to make the organization financial sustainable; lead with the development of infrastructure (training and playing facilities) for cricket in SVG; continue to offer holistic developmental programmes for cricketers.

On the actual field of play, teams will compete in: the National Cricket Championship — Premier and First Divisions; the 50 Over Club Championship; the Neil Williams T/20 Competition; and the Women’s 40 Overs Championship.

Defending Champions in the various competitions: Victors One — National Premier Division; Smashers — National First Division; Police Two - 50 overs Club Championship; Team Rivals — Neil Williams 20/20 competition; and United Survivors and J.G Tigress — joint champions Women’s 40 overs.

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24. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

West Indies: Perennial number eight Kraigg Brathwaite, stand-in captain in Bangladesh, lost the series and his form.

Roston Case – the only centurion for the WI on the tour to Indian.

by EARL W. ROBINSON AT THE END of 2017, the major discussion among West Indian cricket supporters was the deficiency of our batsmen in handling short-pitched bowling in New Zealand.

Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner exploited their weaknesses. Caught at short-leg and hit-wicket were prevalent among the mode of dismissals.

At the end of last year, the debate switched to their vulnerability against the Bangladeshi spinners.

Bowled, leg-before wicket and stumped were the featured modes of dismissals. Most of the batsmen were playing down the wrong line and, by so doing, missed the ball completely.

Five home tests Last year, West Indies contested nine Tests. At home, they played back to back series against Sri

Offspinner Mehidy Hasan - match haul of 12-117, the best figures by a Bangladeshi bowler, helped spin his side to victory in the second test.

Lanka (3) and Bangladeshi (2). Sri Lanka were able to draw the series 1-1 after they had lost the opening Test in Trinidad. Their victory in the third Test was historic in two ways: they were the first Asian team to win a Test at Kensington Oval; this was the first day-night Test to be staged in the Caribbean.

Bangladesh was easily thrashed two-nil. They were bowled out for a meagre 43 runs in their first innings of the first Test in Antigua. This was their lowest total in Test Match cricket.

In Jamaica, they had some consolation, dismissing the home team for only 129 in their second innings. It was West Indies lowest total against the Asians until they were routed for 111 at Dhaka later in the year.

One notable fact was the pitches were livelier than they were in past series.

The main beneficiaries of this were the faster bowlers. Shannon Gabriel bagged twentyeight wickets over the two series, including a career best of 8 for 62.

Skipper Jason Holder also took 28 wickets, with a career best of 6 for 59. Kemar Roach was impressive with a tally of sixteen scalps. His five wickets for eight runs in Antigua was the highlight of his overall performance.

While the quick bowlers were having a great time, the batsmen were less successful.

Shane Dowrich and Kraigg Brathwaite were the only centurions.

Dowrich had an unbeaten 125 when his position in the team was under scrutiny.

Brathwaite took two centuries off the Bangladesh attack. In Antigua, he stroked 121, and in Jamaica he scored 110. His opening partner Devon Smith was a disaster. He totaled 167 runs at an average of 18.55. As expected, the Selectors omitted him from the Asian tour.

Four overseas Tests

Every cricket enthusiast knew it would have been difficult for the West Indies to win the two-match series in India. It became more challenging when Roach had to miss the entire series. Then the suspension of Holder compounded the problems faced by this weak team.

Both Tests were completed in three days.

And each defeat was by a margin of an innings.

Only once in four innings did the team register a total over 200, that being 367 in the first innings at Hyderabad. The other totals were 181, 196 and 127. The only centurion was Roston Chase with 106 in the first innings of the second Test.

Shimron Hetmyer and Sunil Ambris, the young guns, struggled in both Tests. Neither scored a half-century. Ambris’ four innings scores totaled 68 runs at an average of 17.00.

Hetmyer’s performance

was even worse. He made a total of 50 runs and averaged only 12.50 per innings.

In the bowling department, only Holder was impressive. His 5 for 56 in India’s first innings at Hyderabad was the exception to the mediocre performances by the other frontline bowlers.

So, it remained that West Indies have not won a series in India since 1983.

More humiliation came in the final series of the year — a two-match series - in Bangladesh.

Knowing the number eighth ranked team (W.I) was competing against the ninth ranked team (Bangladesh), the encounter between the ‘wooden-spooners’ notwithstanding, was expected to be a close one.

Spinning top in mud The first Test did live up to expectations.

Bangladesh won by 64 runs.

However, the result of the second Test was unimaginable.

Bangladesh won by an innings and 184 runs.

This was their 112th Test and it was the first time they were winning by an innings. For the record, the scores were Bangladesh 508 in reply to West Indies’ 111 and 213.

All forty West Indian wickets were taken by the spinners: off spinners Mehidy Hasan (15) and Nayeen Hasan (6), slow-left arm orthodox bowlers Taijul Islam (10) and Shakil Al Hasan (9).

Hetmyer, with his cameos, had an aggregate of 222 runs at an average of 55.50. The question is, will he be able to continue at Test

Jason Holder stood out when he picked up his career’s fifth 5-wicket haul in Hyderbad, India. level with this style of batting. He will be sorted out soon. Ambris did not excel in these matches, totaling 73 runs at an average of 18.25.

Spare a thought for the caretaker captain Brathwaite; his tally was 22 runs at an average of 5.50.

It is anyone’s guess what this West Indies team will do in 2019. At the close of 2018, they were just one point ahead of Bangladesh (69) in the Test rankings.

West Indies remain at number 8.

NEFL set for completion this Sunday The 2018/2019 National Lotteries Authority/ Hairoun/ North East Football League is set for closure this Sunday at the Chili Playing Field, with the staging of the Finals of the First Division and the Premier Division.

From 4pm, Overland and Brownstown United will contest for top honours in the First Division.

The two earned the right for a shot at the title, with wins last weekend in their respective semi-final match ups.

Overland, On Saturday, Trezine Da Souza Overland beat Owia United, 2scored both goals 0, with Trezine De Souza for Overland to scoring both goals, to secure send his team to their finals berth. the Final of the Then on Sunday, First Division.

Brownstown United kept their

undefeated run intact, as by registering a 3-0 win over Mount Grenan. Ivan Clarke, Eustan Duncan, Kadeem Duncan netted a goal each, for Brownstown United.

Meanwhile, Chapmans booked a place in the Premier Division Final, after a 4- 2 win on penalties over Greiggs, on Tuesday.

The second Premier Division semi-final featuring All Stars and World 11 was slated for yesterday, Thursday.

Titles already decided were the Under-13 Division - won by SV United; the Under-17 - taken

by Chapmans, and the Community Shield, which All Stars claimed.

Following Sunday’s Finals, the Closing and Presentation Ceremony will follow Sunday’s Finals.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019. 25.

Sports

Pointers

JULES WOULD have given me some indication as to what on the agenda in a host of activities.

He was the reliable agent. He kept abreast with sports, and his perspective would have served me in good stead.

He knew my interests, and areas where he thought help was needed, he was not afraid to engage my service. He made me part of his network. He was broadening the international sphere. Persons had grown accustomed to his posts on face book. He carried interviews and undertook the promotion of the Cumberland Playing Field as his responsibility.

Just like what transpired at Petit Bordel, Jules had become the floating groundsman at Cumberland. His devotion to Cumberland was evident. Not that it mattered who got credit or cash, his mission was to see the facility in use.

The fortieth Independence T/20 Cricket Festival will pay tribute to his contribution, for it was at that last splash that many made their last contact with him.

His spirit will oversee the staging of an Under 15 cricket competition, for that was a phase in his cycle which consolidated his commitment. He oozed with pride from the accomplishments of his Under 15 players. Many of them formed the nucleus of their contemporary Under 15 and Under 19 outfits. Their performance represented an era of success.

Jules would have been the first to congratulate Rashawn Lewis on his strides up the Windwards ladder. Rashawn’s father will acknowledge Jules input to the affair such as what the North Leeward community yields.

I would have been kept abreast with the developments of the National Sporting Awards, for Jules would have been happy with the opportunity to enhance his package.

The National Cricket competition would have been an integral part of his calendar, for the North Leeward squad’s participation was coincidental for him.

Perhaps he might have taken a trip to a neighbouring territory where the English will be in action. He liked to assess things himself.

With developments in sports, Jules would have taken advantage of the timetable.

If I missed any highlights of the regional tournament, he would have filled me in. The Shane Shillingford suspension would have been a topic of discussion. For he instilled in his charges the importance of clean delivery action.

Jules was a student of cricket. He took to some coaching sessions and gathered enough to make his adjustment to what was necessary.

He would have been pleased with the Windwards’ rebound from a dismal first innings display against Jamaica. From a score of 113 all out in reply to the home team’s 210, a 97 run lead signalled doom for the traditional Windwards team.

Jamaica struggled to 189 in the second innings, setting 287 to win. The Windwards achieved the target, thanks to captain Kirk Edwards 76, and Kavem Hodge 59 not out. Roland Cato 54 contributed. Josh Thomas, 4 for 44 destroyed Jamaica in their second innings. But Man of the Mwent to Hodge with 4 for 40 and 2 for 34.

Rovman Powell’s 5 for 23 in the Windwards’ first innings engineered the collapse.

The tournament proceeds this weekend, with players keen on making an impression and putting their names in the selectors’ hat.

The intrigue continues with the off field saga.

The coach conflict has the potential of engendering further friction. That’s an issue that will take time to iron out.

Nine teams for Richland Park Netball NINE TEAMS are vying for honours in the fifth edition of the Valley Sports Richland Park Netball Tournament, which opened on Sunday at the Richland Park Government School.

Trying to dethrone High Park United are Vulturez, Island Blend Success Radio Netters, Teachers Co-operative Credit Union Star Girls, J&G Scorchers, 3Js Valley Strikers, Country Meet Town VSport Youths, Bruce Law Chambers Netball Team, and Potential Girls.

Sunday’s opening ceremony heard addresses from Area Representative for Marriaqua — Hon. St Clair “ Jimmy” Prince; Gishelle Peters, President of Valley Sports Committee and Second Vice- President of the SVG Netball Association; Acting Director of Physical Education and Sports- Dyke Cato, and Kirk

Da Silva, one of the sponsors of the Tournament.

Cato lauded the resilience of the constituents, stating, “You don’t have an international playing field, but you produce international cricketers; you don’t have an international hard court but (you) have produced players at the highest level.”

He was also pleased with the fact that the organisers have placed some emphasis on having young players involved in the teams.

“When kids are at work, there is continuity,” Star Girls’ Mary Ann Fredericks goes airborne to catch the ball, as her team took on High Park United in the BallO-Rama.

Best Dressed Team - Island Blends Success Radio Netters.

Cato proffered.

High Park United won the Ball- O-Rama competition which followed the opening ceremony.

Island Blends Success Radio Netters was adjudged the Best Dressed team on parade.

Major cash awards up for grabs are: 1st Prize- $1599.99; 2nd - $1000.00; 3rd - $700.00.

Dyke Cato, Acting Director of Physical Education and Sports, commended the community for staying the course in the face of far from having the best facilities.

Volcanoes franchise players get health insurance cards THE WEST INDIES Players’ Association (WIPA) on Monday, January 7, 2019, handed over Health Insurance

Sunil Ambris

Obed McCoy

Cards to the contracted cricketers from the Windward Islands Kirk Edwards Volcanoes franchise, at the Hotel Four Seasons, Kingston, Jamaica.

The health insurance plan, secured in 2018 by the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) and Cricket West Indies (CWI), covers the retained players from all six regional franchises as well as contracted Roland Cato international male dental and optical and female players. provisions among others.

The plan, offered The Health Insurance through Excel Plan, which covers the Insurance Brokers, players on and off the and carriers, VIP field, is another Universal Medical Insurance (VUMI), is initiative which signals a full medical plan, is WIPA’s commitment to advance the well-being international in its of West Indies coverage, and is cricketers. offered at no cost to During the contracted players. It presentation ceremony, also includes critical WIPA President and illness coverage in CEO, Wavell Hinds, and addition to prescription, diagnostic, Honorary Secretary,

Devon Smith

Allick Athanaze Wayne Lewis, took the opportunity to encourage players to make the best use of the various provisions and to view this as yet another incentive to perform at the optimum level.

The players receiving their Health Insurance Cards were: Kirk Edwards, Sunil Ambris, Devon Smith, Roland Cato, Alick Athanaze and Obed McCoy. (Source: WIPA)

26. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019. 27.

Classifieds

ERICA ASHTON

THERESA CALMET MCKIE

EDWARDS CLAUDE MAYERS

Kingstown Methodist Church Friday, January 11, 2019 Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment Kingstown Cemetery

Sunday 13th.

January, 2019 Church of Christ Langley Park, Georgetown Service: 3:00 p.m.

Kingstown Methodist Church Wednesday 9th January, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

MRS. OLGA MELINA COTTOY

ERMIS PATTERSON

NICHOLAS ELFE WILLIAMS

Mt. Coke Methodist Church Saturday 12th January, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Church Yard

Mt. Moriah Spiritual Baptist Church Chateaubelair Sunday 6th January, 2019 Viewing 1:00 p.m.

Service 2:00 p.m.

Joyful Praise Tabernacle Richland Park Saturday 5th January, 2019 Viewing 1:00 p.m.

Service 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Richland Park Cemetery

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

JANUARY 11, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.02

www.thevincentian.com

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ALCOHOL-RELATED DROWNING IN CLARE VALLEY

by KENVILLE HORNE

Nigel ‘Gabriel’ Edwards – the first drowning victim for 2019.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS of Nigel Edwards, a 42-year-old Clare Valley man better known as ‘Gabriel’, who drowned last Sunday evening, are of firm mind that alcohol played a large part in his death.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines recorded its first drowning death for 2019 when Edwards’ body was removed from the waters in Clare Valley by a friend, who had gone with him to retrieve fish from a fish net (pot).

Calvert ‘Baba’ Browne just happened to be with Edwards when he died.

He told THE VINCENTIAN that Edwards and he were at the Clare Valley beach that Sunday, “drinking alcohol.”

Around that afternoon, Edwards began harassing him to go out at sea. He eventually agreed.

“But he was already drunk, so me tell him, ‘Gabriel, stop in the boat let me alone go overboard please; me go handle the net’,” Browne recalled.

Browne said that he retrieved the fish from the submerged net (pot), but when he returned to the surface and the boat, there was no sign of his friend.

He immediately began a search and found him floating in the water. He was already dead, Browne added.

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

“I pull him inside the boat and bring him on shore,” he said.

Police and medical Cecelia Mc Kie-Richards personnel were called in, and admitted that her son was Gabriel was pronounced dead. prone to drinking (alcohol).

“I can’t sleep good, I frighten,” said Browne describing his feelings after the Edwards demise. He said that he would not be going back to fish for a while because of the unfortunate death of his longtime friend.

Cecelia Mc Kie-Richards, mother of the deceased, told THE VINCENTIAN that Edwards was the second of her six children, and that her first child, Junior ‘Sprinto’ Mc Kie, died during the 2014 Carnival activities in South Leeward, after being hit in his head with a rock.

Her four remaining children are all females.

Calvert ‘Baba’ Browne had Richards said that she was advised ‘Gabriel’ to remain in at home when her neighbour the boat. called and told her the terrible news. “When me dey in the with Browne to “pull de fish bathroom, my neighbour called pot.”. me and tell me Gabriel dead,” She described the deceased said Richards. as a friendly person when he She immediately set off for was sober, but who “cuss a the beach, and on arrival, lot” and offended others when beheld her son’s body on the he was drunk. shore. “I feel sad, but I just let Nigel Edwards attended the God handle it,” said Richards.

Clare Valley Primary School, The woman confirmed that and Richards said she raised “Nigel always want to be a him as a single mother with fisherman, and that is what he the help of the Social Welfare was doing when he died.” and a lady friend. As far as Richards admitted that her she knew, her son had no son was drunk when he went children.

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