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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 11, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.44

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

The by-pass road at Belmont was blocked by a collapsed wall.

Flood waters rendered Arnos Vale impassable and led to the flooding of the Airport.

E.T. Joshua Airport looked like a port of entry for ships.

The first confirmed death associated with the recent trough system is Phillip Compton of Bequia.

STILL GRAPPLING with the effects of the passage of Tropical Storm Matthew – September 28, 2016, residents of this country were thrown into a panic of sorts,

when a Trough System dropped some seven inches of rain on the state over a 24hour period, going into last Wednesday, November 9.

The resulting flooding and landslides — primarily

Layou Playing feild turned into a lake.

in the south eastern and south western areas of mainland St. Vincent, Continued on Page 3.

Jayquan May is misssing.

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2. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Feature

A tale of a survivor and her dress

by GLORIAH…

IT STARTED OUT as another opportunity to share my story with the general public of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and possibly the world. That was easy. Ever since my diagnosis of breast cancer, I had had a passion for doing just that. I clearly remember setting out on a mission, mostly as a singular activist, to broadcast my experiences to women who would listen, and to reiterate the

Gloria ‘Gloriah’ Williams struts her stuff at Project Pink.

importance of breast self-examination and yearly mammograms, and simply talking up about suspicions of something going on abnormally in one’s body. I gave many a talk at schools, offices, churches and community groups, so I easily told my friend Joy, “Sure, I’ll do it.

That’s no problem!”

It was Project Pink, a selfless action of a few, giving to many the understanding of what the affected goes through, while allowing those enthusiasts to help financially to ensure that those yet unidentified, those yet undiagnosed could afford treatment before matters careened out of hand; early detection being the best situation for treatment and survival. It was to have chronicled the survivor’s journey in such a way that the message, so profound, would cause listeners and onlookers alike to make a definitive decision to take action. It, too, was to make the survivor feel special.

That was exactly how I had felt about my doctor.

After all, the ramifications were out of the way, I had simply said, “Just make the appointment for the surgery.” I wasn’t scared. I opted for the functional approach, because I had already begun to look ahead to my survival, regardless of what was going to come along to challenge me.

It was no surprise at all that I had to go overseas.

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy took me there, measures to ensure a better life after diagnosis. My designer also had to take a journey of anxiety but she took on the responsibility for my gown with enthusiasm - to have it completed and shipped to me in due time.

On the edge

But that was where a problem arose. In life, plans do not always follow mankind’s chartered courses. They didn’t in this case and after one thing I was in the United States at the launch of the had led to another, my gown was complete but still project and, being on holiday, I chose to carry on thousands of miles away from me. Unbelievably, with my carefree musings and pay no attention that significantly mirrored what I went through to the fact that I may just be missing out on overseas: I was treated to glorious possibilities of something. I was told that each survivor wellness, but I had to wait while I faced almost would be paired with a local designer who insurmountable turmoil and setbacks and anxiety would make an outfit for the survivor to and hurdles as I wrestled with my ailment. display on the night of the “gala”. Upon It was on Independence Day, two days away from my return, I was told that I had been the ‘Pink Gala’, when I got the news that, more given a designer. It turned out to be than likely, I might not receive my gown as the Kimon Baptiste. I had known Kimon, shipping agency considered the independence but not in a personal way at all. As a holiday a significant hold up for its delivery. The journalist, I had covered almost all of bottom was threatening to fall out of my world. My her fashion engagements, and had designer contacted me to explain all the problems always been very generous in the she had been having. She was distraught, “I’m so quality of the accolades I had given upset that I have this gown here up on a mannequin her. The thing is, her clothes were and can’t get it delivered to you,” she told me. I always the bomb, so I had always started to panic, but I remembered those days in felt justified. It was not until Kimon and Trinidad when matters seemed to be going south for I made that one-on-one connection that I got to realize me; how I had to push myself up so that my head how special she was. could remain above water, so that I could breathe the Could anyone imagine the phenomenal designer sweet breath of life. I did just that, and became the asking me, “What kind of neck line do you like; and one to try to calm down Kimon. She was surprised at sleeves, do you want caps, short or long sleeves?” She my composure but I nonchalantly told her, “Don’t went on to question about the form and fit I wanted, worry, it will work out. In life I’ve learned never to the length and all other things pertinent. Then she make a mountain out of level ground.” exclaimed, “Oh, so you want a gown then? Well, a gown it will be!” That did it for me! I began to feel It all worked out, eventually really special.

You see, on my journey with the disease, life had To cut a long story short, it was divine asked me questions and I had to choose. Could my intervention that brought my dress to me; the same choice have been sufficient to make a stamp on my intervention that took me into remission. As I tried situation? Well, my doctor had presented me with two the gown, all the ups and downs seemed to dissolve. simple alternatives: a lumpectomy or a mastectomy.

As they melted away, my resolve and spirit I chose…, but my choice cost me. It would have, emerged with greater sense and purpose. I was either way, though. ready to walk the runway in a special gown, designed The appointment for measurement and discussion and made by a special person, whose hand had, this of fabric use and so on was arranged and, in night, made me an even more special person. My retrospect, it followed the dictates of that fateful day dress was here, and so were my prospects for the when my doctor had called me in to discuss the way future. As fragile as its fabric appeared, so too did forward after that dreaded verdict of a positive result. my life at many points throughout my journey seem The doctor’s visit was bitter sweet in that, from the fragile; but that gorgeous gown was made of fabric get go, I felt I would kick this thing — I had a chance. that surpassed fragility, and my body also showed its resilience to withstand the abusive onslaught of Another opportunity in which to revel chemo drugs and radioactive beams that promised to pull me out of danger.

Like my visit to Kimon, a wonderful chance was And so on gala night, like the person I am, I handed to me. Just as I had accepted my refused to be conventional. I didn’t even follow the diagnosis and was determined to live a full life in suggested route to the letter but I made sure that I retaliation of a disease’s desire to wreak havoc on enjoyed my dress, that I was special, and that the my body, I exulted in my current situation, onlookers and listeners got to see a revved-up soul realizing that as a result of this gown, crafted by totally unafraid to express who she was, coming from this quietly unassuming designer, I was going the point of where she had been and heading always to wrest the opportunity to revel in my status to a point upwards. of remission.

To me, Project Pink came in for many accolades for I became so over-awed by this new organizing such a function; but it was Kimon opportunity that when asked whether I Baptiste who did it for me. My dress told a tale all wanted to see my fabric or if I preferred a its own, and succinctly lined itself up alongside my surprise, I gushed, “Surprise me!” I was experiences. Heartfelt thanks to all. prepared to leave things in my designer’s hands.

First time interaction

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. 3.

News 3

Rains, flooding, landslides: One dead, one missing Continued from Front Page. and in the south of the Grenadine island of Bequia, occasioned a shutdown of all schools, work in the public and private sectors, and sports and recreational activities.

A number of houses — still undetermined — were reported to have suffered major damage.

Problems in Kingstown for the rescue team.

The loss of life Kingstown in the area of the Leeward Bus Terminal.

And when the rains had subsided well into the afternoon of last Wednesday, Vincentians moaned the loss of one young man in Bequia — Phillip Compton - and were still coming to grips with the news that Jayquan May, an eight-year-old boy from Campden Park, was missing, having been carried away by raging waters in the river in that South Leeward community.

Jayquan’s ten-year-old brother, Jafon, was, up to Thursday, warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital nursing, among other injuries, a broken leg. He too had been taken by the raging waters of the Campden Park River after, according to a reliable source, he had jumped into it to assist his brother.

A source told THE VINCENTIAN that Jayquan was standing on the bank of the river when it gave way

under the strength of the gushing water.

Jafon was, according to a police source, found at sea some distance away from the spot — behind the house he occupied with his mother and brother — where he had been taken by the river.

The injured boy told of his effort to hold on to his brother in a tight embrace, but even that could not prevent them from being separated by the swift-moving water.

Jafon was thrown between a concrete structure before being taken out to sea, and that structure may just have been enough to save his life.

When THE VINCENTIAN spoke briefly with the mother of the boys on Wednesday, she indicated she had resigned herself to the belief that her eight-year old was dead.

Twelve-year-old Phillip Compton was said to have

Library Yard and Heritage Square.

been assisting to clear a drain in Paget Farm, Bequia, when he was swept away by flood waters.

Damage brings state to a halt Meanwhile, state agencies and residents were up to Thursday cleaning up after the flooding and landslides.

Capital Kingstown was literally closed off, having experienced severe flooding, which dumped North River Road became a virtual river. tons of mud onto the streets and alley ways.

And as has been the case in housed in emergency the past, the Arnos Vale area in and around the E.T. Joshua shelters.

As Airport was flooded, expected, preventing the passage of detailed vehicular traffic in and out of work began Kingstown. in earnest on The E. T. Joshua Airport, Thursday to closed to flights on ascertain the Wednesday, was totally extent of the flooded with water reaching damage knee height in the terminal across the building. state. A Flooding extended into team, headed Calliaqua, the southernmost The muddy aftermath in the area of South town on mainland St. Vincent. by Senator River Road.

Julian The National Emergency Francis, Management Organization Minister of Works, is expected its lines.

(NEJMO) reported on Garth Saunders, Manager to report accordingly.

Thursday that: there were of CWSA, was hopeful that the But even as that some seventy-seven (77) assessment began, many areas water supply could be restored landslides across the state in by the evening of last across mainland St. Vincent areas such as Mesopotamia, Thursday. were without water, with the Belmont and Vermont among According to information Central Water and Sewerage other rural communities; from one Meteorological Authority having taken the thirty-one (31) homes were Officer, the trough system will decision to partially cut the damaged, with two (2) being continue to affect the country declared uninhabitable; there supply as it assessed the well into the week. were at least ten (10) persons damage at its intakes and to

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4. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

charged Police not ruling Trio with unlawful out gun amnesty sexual intercourse

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS THE ROYAL ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) is not ruling out a gun amnesty, as a measure in addressing the burning issue There have been two attempts at a gun amnesty of gun crimes here in recent memory. here.

Acting course of action would be urgency to address the Commissioner decided upon. issue”. of Police These deliberations According to Connell, Renold could well determine “Some may not want to Hadaway whether a gun amnesty admit it, but times are Acting Commissioner of Police made the is a viable option in the hard. Persons have to Renold Hadaway has not ruled out way forward, and the admission put food on the table, the possibility of another gun while mechanics of such an and within these circles, amnesty. speaking to amnesty, Hadaway there is knowledge of or THE access to the illegal gun amnesty. Therefore, explained.

VINCENTIAN on During an interview firearms on the streets, if it becomes necessary Tuesday. with THE and sometimes these for us to go in that But the top cop VINCENTIAN, October guns fall into the wrong direction, we will explained that for there 25, defence lawyer Grant hands. Every gun off the advance such proposition to be a properly executed Connell proposed a gun street, could prevent and hold discussions on amnesty, the details amnesty with the another crime”. the issue with the must be discussed and mechanism in place for St. Vincent and the Ministry of National agreed by the police and persons to receive Grenadines has had two Security.” Hadaway the Ministry of National financial rewards as an gun amnesties in the stated.

Security. incentive for handing past, under then He pointed out that These details, Commissioners William the RSVGPF is currently over illegal firearms to according to the the police.

Harry and Keith Miller. carrying out operation Commissioner (Ag.), Connell had said then, However, many Tifos 2 (Taking illegal would include what “Given the increase in Vincentians are of the firearms off the streets) should be the gun-related crimes here, view that those which follows Tifos 1. incentive/incentives for TIfos 2, started about six something has to be done amnesties yielded little persons to hand over with a great degree of success. weeks ago, has yielded illegal firearms to the four firearm police, the duration of seizures within the amnesty and the the last three consequence of failing to weeks or so. comply with the Hadaway said amnesty. that at the end “The Police High of Tifos 2, the Command continues to High Command meet to discuss the would make an current trend of the assessment of its A 42-year-old male teacher of finger and tongue in crime situation, and impact, following a secondary school here was allegedly committing the acts during these discussions, taken before the Family of indecent assault. which the next we have not ruled out a Court on Monday, charged The teacher was not with raping and indecently required to plead to the assaulting a female student charges at Monday’s court of that school. appearance and was granted The teacher is charged $8,000 bail with one surety. with raping the 15-year-old The matter has been on November 3 this year. He adjourned to January 26, is also charged on five counts 2017. of indecent assault, involving The maximum penalty for the same student. rape is life imprisonment He is accused of indecently while indecent assault of a assaulting the girl on three woman 15 years and over counts between October 1 carries a maximum penalty and 31, and on one count of two years in prison. each on November 1 and The maximum penalty for November 2. indecent assault of a girl The charges describe, inter under the age of 15 is five alia, the use of his hands, years behind bars.

Teacher charged with raping student

TWO MALE STUDENTS, 18 and 17 years old, along with a 37-year-old man, are scheduled to return to the Family Court on January 19, 2017, on separate charges of unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 15 but over the age of 13.

The 18-year-old is charged on eight counts. He is accused of having sexual intercourse with the girl on February 13, 2016; January 16, 2016; February 17, 2016; February 28, 2016; April 1, 2016; July 6, 2016; July 7, 2016 and 21st February, 2016.

The 17-year-old is accused of having sexual intercourse with the same girl between December 1 and December 31, 2015; while the 37-year-old is alleged to have had sexual intercourse with her between November 1 and 30, 2015 and between December 1 and 31, 2015.

The girl was said to be 14 when the offences were allegedly committed.

The trio appeared at the Family Court on Tuesday. They were not required to plead and were each granted $5,000 bail with one surety.

The maximum penalty for sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 15 but above the age of 13 is five years in prison, while sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13 carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Vincy cop remanded on sex charges A VINCENTIAN national serving in the Royal Police Force of Antigua/Barbuda, is awaiting his next court date in that country.

According to the Antigua Observer November 3, the officer appeared before Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh at a Court in Antigua on November 2, charged with the kidnapping, rape and unlawful carnal knowledge of a 13-year-old girl.

The accused, according to the publication, was not required to plea, and was refused bail. He was remanded and will be kept in custody at the police headquarters in Antigua.

The officer, who was wanted in Antigua/Barbuda in connection with the sexual allegations, had fled to his native land, and the local constabulary, acting on receipt of an arrest warrant from their counterparts in Antigua, mounted a search.

THE VINCENTIAN was however reliably informed that the officer was in communication with a local attorney who facilitated the process involving the officer’s return to Antigua/Barbuda.

According to a well-placed source, the lawyer accompanied him to the Central Police Station and then to the E.T. Joshua Airport, along with a local police officer who escorted him back to Antigua/Barbuda.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that the Antiguan officer was not arrested prior to his return to Antigua, nor did the state (SVG) pay his passage back to Antigua.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. 5.

Regional

Another Trudeau to visit Cuba

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will retrace some of his father’s footsteps on an upcoming trip to Cuba. (Photo Credit: Al Jazeera)

CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER Justin Trudeau will travel to Cuba next week, arriving on the night of Tuesday 14th November and departing the next day.

In that brief visit he is expected to meet with Cuba’s President Raul Castro and possibly an old family friend, retired Cuban Leader Fidel Castro.

While there has been no confirmation that the Prime Minister will meet with Fidel Castro , the Canadian Ambassador to Cuba said, “I’m sure Fidel would like to meet him, and it would be a great opportunity for him to say hello to a friend of his father, and for Fidel to greet his closest friend’s son as a prime minister.”

But Fidel Castro has had a sporadic public profile since he formally ceded control of the Caribbean island country, 135 kilometres off the southern tip of Florida, to his younger brother, Raul. He has met world leaders, including the visiting president of Portugal just weeks ago, and Pope Francis last year.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s father - Pierre Trudeau, became the first NATO leader to visit Cuba when he touched down on Jan. 26, 1976 with his wife Margaret, and his then four-monthold son Michel in tow.

The three-day visit rankled some of Canada’s allies, not least being the UK. The photos of the visit,

Fidel Castro pays his respects at the funeral of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in Montreal in 2000. (Jeff Kowalsky/AFP/Getty)

especially of the bearded father of the communist revolution holding the prime minister’s infant son, have become iconic.

“From a personal point of view, it impressed us that he came to Cuba with his family. He brought his son, who was only three months and 26 days old,” Castro told the CBC National Magazine in an October 2000 interview.

“I met that little baby when he came here when he wasn’t even four months old, and he won everyone’s heart.”

Trudeau’s youngest son died in a British Columbia avalanche in 1998.

Two years later, Castro made a stunning appearance at Pierre Trudeau’s funeral in Montreal, where he also rubbed shoulders with former U.S. president Jimmy Carter.

The report then was that Fidel Castro immediately dropped everything and made plans to travel to Montreal.

Justin Trudeau will spend less time in Havana than his father.

The Cuban government hopes that the visit will highlight potential trade and investment opportunities for Canadian businesses in Cuba, particularly in

St. Lucia to get VAT reduction AN ESTIMATED $52.5 MILLION a year will begin to be pumped back into the hands of the people of St. Lucia come February 1, 2017.

This is the indication coming from Prime Minister Allen Chastanet.

The Prime Minister made the proclamation during an address to the nation, on the night of Tuesday, November 8.

According to the St. Lucia Star newspaper, Chastanet said, “This additional estimated revenue that will adversely aid the players in the economy will be as a direct result of the reduction of the national Value added Tax,” and continued by assuring St. Lucians that, “…Our government will reduce the standard rate of

Value Added Tax from the current 15 percent to 12.5 percent.”

The reduction is set to take effect on February 1, 2017.

According to the Prime Minister, as reported by the St. Lucia Star, “The goal is to reduce the tax burden on the population, while making the tax system more business and investment friendly and most critically ensuring fiscal sustainability.”

He appealed to St. Lucians to be patient and have faith in the changes his United Workers Party is going to make to this country and invited the people to “come together to rebuild this country.”

The reduction in VAT will fulfil an election promise made by the

Prime Minister Alen Chastanet’s reduction in VAT is seen as a stimulus for creating growth in the economy.

UWP which was elected to government in the general elections of June 6, 2015, when it defeated the incumbent St. Lucia Labour Party. (Source: St. Lucia Star)

government and seek some long-term investment opportunities.

Canada’s decision to host the secret talks between the U.S. and Cuba that led to Obama thawing relations with Cuba was a pivotal step in the long process towards “normalization” of relations between the US and Cuba.

Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Justin’s father, is “Canada served as the greeted by Fidel Castro after arriving in Cuba on connection to be able to Jan. 26, 1976. (Fred Chartrand/Canadian carry out such important Press)/Getty) conversations - talks - in the biotechnology sector, December 2014 to restore a discreet manner,” a Cuban diplomat said. a Cuban official diplomatic ties might “Not because of anything disclosed. make some Canadian against the press, but Cuba hopes that the companies a little less because things could not decision of the Barack skittish about running be achieved if there was Obama administration in afoul of the U.S. a leak.”

V Philly group honours 2 for Independence 6. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

“This great organization of Pennsylvania has given kingnaking210@yahoo.com me the opportunity to be US CORRESPONDENT who I am,” said Williams, a mechanical engineer and THE PHILADELPHIA-BASED private pilot, after St. Vincent and the receiving the award from Grenadines Organization of his fellow villager, Lorenzo Pennsylvania, Inc. (SVGOP) DeCaul, SVGOP’s on Saturday night, Nov. 5, president. honoured two individuals for Later, in an exclusive their exemplary service to interview, Williams, a the community, at a gala former Grammar School banquet marking the student, who holds a nation’s 37th anniversary of Bachelor of Science degree political independence. in mechanical engineering The honours were from Drexel University in bestowed on its ex-vice Philadelphia and a Master president Emille Williams, of Business of Biabou, and Isabelle Administration (MBA) ‘Lorna’ Lewis, of Diamond degree in finance, told Village.

THE VINCENTIAN that The honour ceremony he “felt humbled and also marked SVOP’s 21st really honored” that year of incorporation, and SVGOP recognized his served as its annual contributions.

Dinner/Dance and took “But what was really place at the Vincentianrecognized were the people owned Calabash Banquet who supported me — my and Catering House on wife (medical doctor Erica Lancaster Avenue in Belton Williams) and my Philadelphia. kids (Justin and Sierra Williams),” said Williams, Emille Williams who had served as SVGOP’s vice president Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net;

under James Cordice and DeCaul’s presidencies.

Williams — whose late mother, Emily Williams, née Thompson, hailed from Chateaubelair — has been a member of SVGOP for over 10 years, serving as the education committee chair, treasurer and vice president.

Professionally, Williams is currently Vice President of Operations for The Central Ohio Transit Authority, a regional transit company providing transportation services in the Columbus Ohio Metro area.

some patrons with her claim that she was “raped (in Diamond Village] and continued to be raped until 11 years old.”

On arrival in the United States, Lewis, then an illegal immigrant, said she worked as a housekeeper and waitress before becoming homeless.

However, she said her circumstances changed significantly when she gained employment at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital as a benefits administrator.

In that position, Lewis said she assisted Caribbean nationals in ensuring that they Isabelle ‘Lorna’ Lewis “enrolled in all the Lewis — an author, and benefits to which they were entitled.” founder and president of Lewis is currently the Philadelphia-based employed in the non-profit organization, Giving Life Anew Meeting technology department at an unidentified New York (GLAM) — said she City agency. accepted “this award for She said she founded those who died from GLAM in September 2011, domestic violence and adding that, since 2012, at those who are being the beginning of the school raped.” year, the organization has Lewis, who doubled as the guest speaker, shocked been providing 3,000

Emille Williams (2nd from left) displays his award in the company of his wife, Dr. Erica Belton Williams (to his immediate left), Lorenzo DeCaul, president of SVGOP (left), Yvonne O’Garro, vice president of SVGOP (2nd from right) and Consul General Howie Prince.

Pictured are Isabelle ‘Lorna Lewis holding plaque, her husband Gideon Lewis (to her right), Lorenzo DeCaul, SVGOP president (left), Yvonne O’Garro, SVGOP vice president (2nd from right) and Howie Prince, Consul General.

Caribbean children, at the primary school level, with “much-needed educational supplies.”

Since 2011, Lewis said she has also been shipping barrels with food items and household supplies, at Christmas time, to the needy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In addition, she said, since that time, she has provided monetary gifts to families in Diamond Village and the surrounding areas.

Lewis holds a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Joseph’s University, as well as real estate licenses for New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and certificates in insurance and investment and Microsoft system engineering.

said that Gonsalves had asked him to “tell you that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is still very beautiful.

“We have a lot to be thankful for, but we still have a lot to do,” said the New York-based Consul General , referring to the prime minister’s remarks, before applauding SVGOP for its “noteworthiness.”

Prince — who had trekked to Philadelphia, with 20-odd nationals from New York, on a bus organized by the Brooklyn-based Vincentian umbrella organization in the United States, Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Organizations, U.S.A., Inc. (COSAGO) — noted SVGOP’s involvement in helping to bring Vincentian athletes to the Penn Relays.

Consul General That effort, for the past Consul General Howie six years, was initiated, coordinated and Prince, in his maiden address to SVGOP, sought spearheaded by Clare Valley native James to put some zest in the ceremony, with relatively Cordice, with COSAGO support. terse and witty remarks.

Noting that the Without reading Prime Vincentian community in Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves’ Independence Philadelphia is “very message to the Diaspora, small,” he urged nationals which was inserted in the in the Pennsylvania area to become part of SVGOP, souvenir journal, Prince, adding that the group the former head of the works “very well, very National Emergency hard to support” the Management homeland.

Organization (NEMO),

V Boy washed away to his death

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. 7.

News

PHILLIP COMPTON, a 12year-old from Paget Farm, Bequia, would have celebrated his 13th birthday on November 22.

As fate would have it, he will not.

Compton, a 1st form student of the Bequia Community High School, was swept away by flood waters in his native Paget Farm, while he was helping to clear a drain on Wednesday, during the passage of a trough system.

His dream of

making his way to his grandmother’s house when the incident took place.

His grandmother, Emaline Ford, told THE becoming Visual Artist was washed away in the VINCENTIAN that she will miss Phillip very process. much.

According to Janiel She said she was at Compton, mother of the home when she saw deceased, Phillip was at home watching television Phillip coming in her direction and she but decided to help his informed her daughterfather, Dawin Compton, in-law. clear a drain outside In a second, she said, their home. her grandson was swept His father has away. “The water lick difficulty walking, in him down the hill, addition to having causing him to break his problem hearing. neck,” said Ford before The grieving mother bursting into tears. said that after her son Ford noted that left his father, he was

someone tried to rescue him but the raging water took him away. Phillip was later recovered by villagers who went looking for him. “I go really miss him,” said Ford.

Phillip was described by family members as a very talkative and friendly person, who enjoyed fishing.

He was the last of three children for his mother and the only boy.

He attended the Paget Farm Primary school before entering secondary school.

An autopsy is expected to be carried out today, Friday, to determine the

Consumer legislation coming

(L-R): Cuthbert Knight – Director of Trade and Tony Regisford - Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, both stressed the importance of the Bill’s intention to safeguard the interest of the consumer.

CONSUMER PROTECTION LEGISLATION is coming soon, and in order to facilitate the piece of legislation, the Ministry with responsibility for internal trade, etc., held three days of consultation with the general public to discuss and recommend changes to the proposed Bill.

The Bill, according to Cuthbert Knights, Director of Trade, is an instrument which “codifies consumer rights and obligations of service providers and suppliers of products.”

The Bill also codifies the obligations of consumers by promoting consumer responsibility.

“This is an important facet of the law, as it recognizes that in protecting consumers from unscrupulous practices and unfair and unethical conduct on the part of businesses, consumers must be aware that their conduct has an impact on their rights, and can determine whether the level of protection they can

receive under the law,” Knights said.

The model Bill is divided into several parts, including the establishment of competent authority and its duties, the receipt of complaints from the public, investigations and the rights and obligations of consumers’ rights and obligations.

An important aspect of the model Bill was the introduction of rights.

“In the absence of comprehensive legislation to enforce such rights, it has been difficult for the relevant agencies of this state to effectively address the many complaints that they would receive on a regular basis,” Knights said.

“The inclusion of standards in the bill will ensure that businesses have a comprehensive set of rules by which they can measure their conduct and by which consumers can measure them,” he continued.

These rights include protection from unsolicited goods or services; the

rights to refund if dissatisfied with goods or services that were purchased; and the right to estimates and to examine and choose goods.

Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Tony Regisford commented on the importance of consumer protection legislation, saying that it provides consumers with information regarding their rights and remedies that are available to them.

“Consumers drive the market, but all too often, businesses use various unfair trade practices to cheat and exploit consumers. In in the absence of consumer protection legislation, consumers can be exploited in many ways,” Regisford said.

He further stated that businesses ought not to survive long by ignoring the interest of the consumer, particularly in a small, free and open market.

Sadly, in small markets like St Vincent and the Grenadines, there has been a legacy of monopolies, the telecommunications sector for instance, Regisford said.

He added that the Chamber has been advocating for good business practices saying that business without ethical value is nothing short of criminal activity and that it was necessary for businesses to disengage from unfair or unscrupulous practices.

The three days of consultations started in Barrouallie last Monday, then Kingstown on Tuesday and the team,

which included Nicole Mayers and Melanie French of the CSME Unit in Barbados, were expected to journey to Georgetown for the final session on Wednesday.

(DD)

Phillip Compton and his mother, Janiel Compton, shared special moments together. cause of death; but his mother is worried about his burial, since she is

unable financially to assume responsibility for it. (KH)

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8. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. 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 Do we have a rape culture?

SO WE SEE a woman at a demonstration holding a sign that reads, ‘End Rape Culture’.

More often than not, we will dismiss both the person and her sign as a public display of the bellowing of some misguided feminist — some ‘screwed up’ woman.

Hardly ever do we stop to consider that that woman — that demonstration - is an indication of a very important social conditioning that we experience culturally.

Yes, many of us have heard the expression ‘Rape Culture’, but we - including our leaders - live in a state of denial, and are wont to dismiss this expression as garbage, the furthest thing away from being a cultural phenomenon.

How many of us know what a ‘Rape Culture’ actually looks like?

Even for those who might profess to know, there is among them a tendency to dismiss it as reality; judging it to be a mere phrase that is made up to make ‘men look bad’, and/or a misrepresentation of our reality, since we have convinced ourselves that rape is not something that happens as often as some would like us to believe.

Is this an indication that perhaps some people don’t understand what ‘Rape Culture’ is, or simply shrug it to the furthest chambers of consideration?

If the truth be told, the phrase ‘Rape Culture’ can be confusing.

The word ‘culture’ from a sociological or anthropological viewpoint speaks to things that people commonly engage in together as a society, e.g. the arts, education, even table manners.

It would be understandable that there would be great difficulty connecting the word rape to that concept (of culture).

After all, we accept that our society — any civilised society - is not one that outwardly and deliberately promotes rape, as the phrase could imply. That is, we don’t, after all, “commonly engage” in sexual violence as a society.

To understand ‘Rape Culture’ better, we need to understand that it’s not necessarily about a society or group of people that outwardly promotes rape (although it could be).

When we talk about ‘Rape Culture’, we’re discussing something more implicit than that. We’re talking about cultural practices (that, yes, we commonly engage in together as a society) that excuse or otherwise tolerate sexual violence.

We’re talking about the way that we collectively think about rape — the situations in which sexual assault, rape, and general violence are ignored, trivialized or made into jokes. And this happens a lot. Every day!

So what, exactly, does rape culture look like?

Let’s take a look at a few examples: today’s music/lyrics tell women “you know you want it”; a judicial system sits back when a lenient sentence, if any, is levelled on a fully grown man who molests a 14-year-old girl; mothers who blame girls for posting sexy ‘selfies’ and leading their sons into sin, instead of talking with their sons about their responsibility for their own sexual expression; sportsmen whom we idolise and whose transgressions against young girls we overlook; companies that create decals of women in explicitly sensual postures in order to promote their business/products; people who believe that girls ‘allow themselves to be raped’; journalists who substitute the word sex for rape — as if they’re the same thing; politicians who distinguish ‘legitimate rape’ as though to say rape is “something that God intended to happen’; how we attached ubiquity to street harassment of women and girls; how victims are told that they’re “overreacting” or are not taken seriously when they report rapes; rape jokes from people who defend the sexual prowess of the male and woman’s role to lie down at his command.

If we don’t understand the meaning behind the concept of ‘Rape Culture’, or if we have a skewed interpretation of the meaning in our minds, we may find it easy to deny its existence.

And we may think that some of these examples are isolated, one-off situations. But in reality, they’re part of a larger societal trend.

That is ‘Rape Culture’. And it’s dangerous in that it is counterproductive to eliminating sexual violence from society.

Elton Anderson ELTON ANDERSON DIED last week in his mid-eighties. He is remembered firstly as our major sprinter of the early 1950s when he copped the Victor Ludorum of the Boys Grammar School “Three in a row” - 1950, 1951 and 1952. He was arguably the champion sprinter in the Windward Islands during those years, rivalled only by Hugh Bain of Grenada.

My home at Rose Place, Kingstown was one house removed from the Andersons. My own family of ten children was twice the size of his, which was in order Elton, Lorna, Pearl, Raymond and Kay. They have all gone to the Great Beyond. Elton, the oldest, was last to go, as the bible puts it in a different context.

The Andersons, who were somewhat younger, grew up with the second half of my family that included Eric, Thelma, Rita and I, as the “water carrier”. We all had great times as children growing up.

In particular, I recall our gathering at the cemetery gate along with two Daisleys, Errol “Sonny” and Grace “Snatch” of netball fame, and one or two of the Allan Smith’s family, to chase down the three cars which drove up Battery Hill to deposit their owners at Edinboro, after a day’s work in Kingstown.

Invariably, Elton would beat the cars in the hill-climb with Grace a comfortable second place. I felt sure that those exercises led to Elton’s feats in athletics, as well as Grace’s dominance on the netball field as well as prominence at GHS’s sports.

Otherwise, we played games- “Coop” Pearl was adept at Chinese checkers and starred in defence work in netball, good enough to have made a tour of Britain on a West Indies team.

We all attended the Government Secondary Schools, sometimes riding our bicycles, including the famous “Chugamotor” of the Andersons, usually manned by Pearl.

Lorna was my classmate in subjects the GHS merged with the BGS in Co-ed fashion, years ahead of the Community Centre. As fate would have it, Pearl eventually married one of my boon companions, Alfred “Vites” Herbert, and exactly one week before my own, Lorna married Cauldric “Mezza” De Beque, another close companion who had taken advantage of any rival suitor by being a boarder of the Andersons from Chateaubelair!

Kay went to the UK to pursue nursing, where she died: and Raymond,who was closer to me, passed away in SVG after suffering physically and mentally from, perhaps, pre-natal deficiencies.

As for Elton, he went to England to take part in the Cardiff Commonwealth Games,

but found himself out of his depth during preliminaries. He stayed on in England for several years, married Pam John, who had gone to pursue nursing, himself taking courses in accountancy, then returned with his family to SVG. I should add that Elton fathered a son previous to his marriage, Steve, of whom I am an uncle.

Back home, Elton took up with the Anglican Cathedral where he had left off as a server and a staunch member of the Anglican Young Men’s Guild. He buried himself more deeply as a church functionary, becoming, in the process, a lay preacher. During the latter years, he weakened physically, causes of which stretch back to his halcyon days of excessive running on rough courses, he died regretted.

Arch-deacon Hoskins Huggins Remarkably, Hoskins Huggins entered my world via the Andersons, at whose Bottom Town home both Hoskins and sister Marie were first put up on entering the BGS and the GHS. It was difficult in those days to commute between Golden Vale and Kingstown, and too demanding to expect middle-class children to ride their Elswick bikes, which they sported, the four miles to Kingstown, and back.

I next met Hoskins in peculiar circumstances. My gang that included Cauldric De Bique and Curtis and Stanley Anderson, were, in April1954, on the last leg, in Georgetown, of completing our roundthe-island trip.

We arrived in Georgetown on April 16, only to hear that student-priest Hoskins was delivering his first sermon from the pulpit of the Anglican Church that Good Friday. As good Anglicans, Vibert De Shong.

Albert “Flingo” and Kenneth Williams, James Pompey, the three Andersons and myself all flocked to church to witness Hoskins’ formal induction to Anglicanism, as it were. We were all impressed and followed his enlightened journey to this temporary end, including his regretted exclusion from the Bishopric.

Leslie “Monk” Waldron Like Alfred “Vites” Herbert, Pearl Anderson’s husband, Leslie “Monk” Waldron had been my intimate from Wesley Hall school days, from the infant class upwards, starting about 1943 when I was 5 years old.

Continued on Page 10.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. 9.

Letters

Global commerce

OVER THE YEARS, I have been told that I am a capitalist. My reply has always been, “Yeah! The biggest in the world.” Here are a few reasons why.

Global commerce produces peace. Boeing Company, one of America’s largest exporters, is perhaps the most prominent example. Although many would argue that Boeing’s military sales (aircraft and missiles) do not exactly promote peace, over the years, that business has constituted only 20% of the company’s commercial activity. Up until 2015, of Boeing’s estimated $70 billion in annual revenues, about 65% came from sales of commercial jets around the world, and another 15% from space and communications technologies. The company still counts customers in 150 countries, and its 170,000 employees work in 70 countries. Its more than 11,000 commercial jets in service around the world carry over one billion travelers per year.

Boeing is primarily responsible for the construction of the International Space Station in 2000 with 16 other nations. Its Space and Intelligence Systems Division also produces and launches communications satellites affecting people in every country.

All the activity associated with the development, production, and marketing of commercial aircraft, and space vehicles requires millions of people from around the world, to work together. Moreover, no company does more to enable people from all countries to meet face to face for both recreation and commerce. All this interaction yields not just the mutual gain associated with business relationships, but also personal relationships and mutual understanding. The latter is the foundation of global peace and prosperity.

Another class of companies that promotes global dialogue and, therefore, peace, is found in the mobile phone industry. During 2005, more than 700 million new mobile phones were purchased around the world, connecting more than one-quarter of all people on the planet. Nokia (Finland), the market leader, is well ahead of American manufacturer Motorola, Samsung (S. Korea), LG (S. Korea), Siemens (Germany), and Sony Ericsson (Japan/Sweden).

Furthermore, anecdotal evidence for mobile phones ability to boost economic activity in the poorest parts of the world is abundant. They enable fishermen and farmers to check prices at different markets before selling produce, make it easier for people to look for jobs, and prevent wasted journeys. Mobile phones reduce transaction costs, broaden trade networks, and substitute for costly physical transport. They are of immense value when other means of communication, such as roads, post, or fixed-line phones, are poor or nonexistent.

The manufacturers of mobile phones and Boeing are great technological companies who contribute very significantly to global commerce and world peace. Individuals and small companies also make a difference, perhaps a subtler one than large multinational companies, but one just as important in the aggregate. They and I are all members of the capitalist world.

Julian ‘Rockster’ Williams

Negatives versus positive MR. EDITOR, have you noticed how the majority of letter writers choose to highlight actions, activities, happenings, events and even policies that have a net negative effect on society? And, have you noticed how so few of them suggest possible remedies to the situation?

There is nothing wrong about highlighting what is wrong; but isn’t it also good that we retain a positive outlook? Shouldn’t we stop the excessive worrying? After all, the answer to worry is the same as the answer to fear: direct action.

We need to get up and get out there with concrete strategies, and plans. It is only then that things will happen in a positive way.

In the meantime, greater income equality, less taxes, more discipline, equal enforcement of the law, and a swifter process of law, imp[rove service from the public sector and even better roads, will set aside all the negativity.

C. Wright

Finding out from John Malone I MET JOHN MALONE many years ago in Colorado when I worked for a company that made electronic components for one of his many telecommunications companies. He is almost exactly my age (one year younger), and the owner of Liberty Global, and is, therefore, the current owner of “FLOW” (God help us).

I have resisted writing to him (ours was a simple business relationship), because I felt he would have sorted out the problems with Karib Cable, Columbus Communications and Cable and Wireless, when he assumed ownership of the merged entities, through various consolidations and

transfers and buyouts.

He has not!

Cable TV here is poor both in reception (pixel and voice break ups and interruptions and loss of signal), as well as some channels not being available at certain times; channel schedule information is inaccurate or unavailable, etc., and broadband is constantly going off, interrupted, then coming back on unpredictably, especially a problem when you are uploading or downloading.

John might not remember me, but hopefully he will, and some remediation might result. I do need to go back to the States soon, and will certainly be looking to drop in on

him, as he is an amazingly accessible person, and hopefully some improvement might be forthcoming.

But why, I have to ask myself, is that necessary? Because he has delegated too much authority to incompetent subordinates? Because his holdings are too wide-spread? Because those responsible for his Caribbean operations are happy with being a monopoly on this island and, therefore, don’t give a damn if their service sucks because the locals have no option?

Mr. Malone is no fool; he impressed me as being very bright and honest and hardworking, not out to manipulate or deceive his customers or

suppliers. I have to believe the fault lies directly with lazy, incompetent, and/or indifferent local management. But I’ll try to find out and let you know what he thinks and what he might do, once apprised of the current situation here.

Leslie Parker

Nationhood Supporting the turtle ban

By Patmos Richards Nationhood means fostering brotherhood.

Nationhood is about promoting sisterhoods.

Nationhood is building a strong national ethos, Not to condescend to the bathos.

Nationhood? Let’s define it as instilling positive values In the present and future generations, Dissuading them from yielding to negative temptations.

Nationhood means giving our nation a Christian character And preparing ourselves for any natural disaster.

Nationhood means standing collectively for any worthy cause And showing strong militancy for a good reason.

Must be present in any season As we continue to strive for national unison.

In our quest for real Nationhood There would be partisan difference, But this should not be a hindrance As we invoke God’s deliverance.

Nationhood, my people, is about our upliftment and national development.

The pursuit of education, social and economic advancement Should be a dream and an efficacious objective, That we as a nation must regard as an imperative.

Nationhood is cultivating national pride Let’s demonstrate it, ‘cause there is nothing to hide.

Editor’s Note: Written in commemoration of the 37th Anniversary of our Independence, October 27, 2016.

KUDOS to the government for introducing (January 2017) a ban on hunting turtles and a ban on harvesting turtle eggs.

I know that I came into this world to find that turtle meat and their eggs were a real delicacy here. My parents looked forward to the local hunting season, when they would get their turtle meat and more from friends in the Grenadines. I, too, enjoyed a good stew turtle from my mother’s pot.

In fact, many people here still hold on to a strong belief that turtle meat and eggs are good for your health, especially your sex drive. I have even heard people more recently saying that turtle meat and eggs are better than Viagra.

But over the years, I grew to understand that this harmless sea creature that was once found in the millions in this region and across the world, had been reduced through overhunting and other human action to thousands, some say hundreds. So much so, the situation has given rise to people like Mr. King in Bequia, who leads the fight here to save the turtle. He has won good support (not certain if this means monetary support) for his effort.

I am happy that our government is leading us in line with what is happening across the globe. Moving now to protect the turtles means that we are doing something about preventing the eradication of these animals.

If we want to make sure that the world has some of its

wonders to share with the next generations, it is our responsibility to safeguard what we have. We have started with the turtles, and soon, maybe we’ll get around to addressing the over-hunting of our wild life, especially the iguana - and, who knows, even the hunting of whales.

I see that Dominica has very popular whale-watching tours.

Maybe we can learn from them.

In the meantime, let’s hope that those turtle hunters don’t go on a spree and start killing all the turtles they could find before the ban comes into effect.

Charles

Cadaver refused I READ LAST WEEK, in all three newspapers, articles in praise of a gentleman who donated his cadaver to a local medical school. I offered to do the same thing with my own body, when the time comes, two months ago, and was refused by all three medical schools on this island, being told that it was corporate policy that all cadavers must come from abroad.

I would really like to see some public response from these schools; they either want cadavers or they don’t, or only want to praise foreign donors and exclude local offerings.

What wrong with a Vincentian national’s corpse?

Angus Geraldus

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10. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Private Sector Development in SVG IT IS WELL-ESTABLISHED that in today’s world, a thriving private sector is the foundation of a growing economy. The illegitimate Unity Labour Party (ULP) regime of St Vincent and the Grenadines appears not to understand this basic fact.

Evidence of this is seen in the fact that this government owes our private sector an amount which has accumulated to the order of EC $60

million; a crippling burden for a private sector already weighed down by some of the highest energy prices in the Caribbean. The New Democratic Party’s (NDP) position is that the debt to the private sector must be and will be repaid.

An NDP government will establish a Ministry of the Private sector to facilitate the development and

Elton Anderson Continued from Page 8.

“Monk” had been the only child of Wilhelmina Waldron whose husband had predeceased, leaving a solid stone house in Kingstown Park and a thriving store in Lower Middle Street. “Monk” was uncomfortable of the middle-class.

When he had attained the third and fourth standards, I recall very vividly that headmaster Cadman Fraser would physically arrange a cosy room after 3 o’clock to entertain “Monk”, whose mother will send him down certain goodies to tide him over in expectations of extra evening classes.

At the BGS around 1950 and1951, Monk dominated in Athletes in classes three and four and in fact, at his induction, breaking the 80 yards and 150 yards records. He also became in time, table tennis champion of the BGS and then of SVG. He was always a pleasant fellow and generally considered the buffoon of the school.

Through it all, he mastered the piano and seemed to be a gifted musician first publicised at the Kingstown Methodist Church.

As extensions of his musical flair his parties at home among ex-school friends were out of this world. I remember at one party dancing with my wife-to-be “There is no Tomorrow”, played repeatedly until fore-day-morning!

His last days in St Vincent were a living hell.

Neither at “home” at the Mental Hospital nor in the comfort of his own home. For a time, I tried to give him solace, until I too became stricken with illnesses. Now Leslie is no more, his life mercifully snatched away by Him who knows best.

expansion of private industry in general, and in particular, we will immediately set up a working committee mandated to prepare an urgent plan for the repayment of this debt.

We consider that small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are a critical factor in economic growth, and we will create the conditions that will enable SMEs to play a major role in entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation.

In order to create the environment in which Small and Medium sized Enterprises will thrive, the New Democratic Party will: end the competition between government enterprises and SMEs; adopt and pursue appropriate fiscal and employment policies to promote an optimal economic environment, and improve the attractiveness of entrepreneurship.

The NDP will also remove the constraints to the development and growth of SMEs through : the re-establishment of a Development Bank to provide funding and financial support for SMEs; the establishment of a government sponsored laboratory and of a Scientific Research Council to provide technical assistance for all new and expanding enterprises; the establishment of a St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards; provide fiscal incentives; and fostering

strategic alliances between Vincentian and foreign companies to gain knowledge about market entry and export led activities.

The Ministry of the Private Sector will identify and seek to develop or expand a range of direct and indirect support services for SMEs, including: business pre-start , startup and development assistance; business plan development and followup; business incubators — legal, accounting and financial services; information services including advice on government policies; advice on the effective application of information, communication and business technologies to the business process; consultancy and research services; managerial and vocational skills enhancement and promotion and development of enterprise -based training.

In addition, offer support and training in occupational safety and health; provide assistance in upgrading the literacy, numeracy, computer competencies and basic education levels of managers and employees; enable access to energy, telecommunications and physical infrastructure provided either directly or through private sector intermediaries; assist in understanding and applying labour legislation, human resource development and the promotion of gender equality, product design, development and presentation, and streamline business regulatory processes and procedures in order to substantially improve the ease of doing business in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Ministry will also work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our overseas missions, CARICOM and the Vincentian Diaspora to identify trade and export opportunities for SMEs. Financial Services The Financial Services Sector is vital to this country’s economic development. It is one of the pillars of wealth

creation. The effective utilization of financial resources is dependent on the economic opportunities that are available in the productive sectors, and the efficient management of money. A thriving Financial Services Sector provides the gateway through which domestic and foreign direct investment decisions can be taken and made with alacrity and in the interest of the economic development of the country. Recognizing our country’s limitations both in size and natural resources, emphasis must be placed on the management and administration of the wealth that is created at home and abroad, thus the significance of encouraging, developing and maintaining a vibrant and modernized financial services sector.

To this end ,the NDP will: conduct a comprehensive review of the regulatory framework of all financial institutions in this country, with a view to introducing greater protection for investors; review the financial regulatory mechanism with a view to improving the regulatory and administrative capacity of the Financial Services Authority; introduce legislative provisions to require financial institutions to publish their annual financial statements in two issues of at least one local newspaper, and review the insurance legislation to require insurance agents to disclose all pertinent information that will enable a prospective investor to make an informed investment decision.

In 1996, the NDP administration placed greater emphasis on the Sector as part of this country’s diversification efforts in the light of the rapid decline in the banana industry.

Prior to March 2001, over 11,000 offshore entities were registered at the International Financial Services Authority (formerly the Offshore Finance Authority). Since then, there has been a significant

reduction of those registrations and an unprecedented contraction of the overall performance of the Sector. Reports indicate that less than 6,000 entities on the register are currently active. The Sector has the potential to further develop and grow and to form symbiotic relationships with Tourism and Information Technology.

In order to put the International Financial Services Sector back on track, we will do the following: conduct a comprehensive assessment of the reason for the decline in the sector; arrange and encourage effective training for offshore services providers in the areas of Mutual Funds and Insurance; review the Mutual Funds and Insurance legislation with a view to facilitating a more simplified regulatory framework which also recognizes our international obligations with regard to money laundering; review all the regulations that govern the registration and administration of offshore entities, with a view to improving the marketability of the international financial services sector, and restructure the International Financial Services Authority to make it more amenable in dealing with complaints and enquiries from persons at home and abroad.

The NDP continues to outline its programmes and policies to restore economic growth and development. It’s crystal clear that the ULP regime is bankrupt of ideas and it’s time for the duly elected government to be in office.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. 11.

Views

Building living monuments

“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” ? Shannon L. Alder, inspirational author.

MANY OF THE REGIONAL HIGHWAYS, roundabouts, schools, and airports carry the names of outstanding Caribbean citizens. Busts (statues) of accomplished politicians, historians, military leaders, doctors, musical artistes, sports personalities, etc. can be seen in prominent locations in the capitals of many of our Caribbean nations. This is as it should be. We should recognize the outstanding accomplishments of our national and regional heroes. Unfortunately, with the passing of time, so many of the “new generation of children” seem to know so very little about these outstanding individuals. It is so very important that we remind our children of the significant contribution that was made by those who went before us. We should remind them that today we are standing on the tall, broad shoulders of our ancestors.

We should treasure their memories and their outstanding accomplishments.

Not many of us will ever have statues made to remind generations yet unborn that we were here … and that we made a positive difference to our society. Very few of us will have roads, roundabouts, or buildings named after us. However, every one of us can leave a positive legacy that lives of those that we have had the pleasure and honour to intercept with intent. Individuals who were struggling until we made an effort to provide a word of encouragement or offer some financial assistance. Each of us has that potential to build living monuments, influencing a life for good, and knowing that that individual will have a positive impact on another … into perpetuity. There will be no big public fanfare but the impact will reverberate throughout time and space.

Caring for others often means that we must be prepared to be vulnerable; we expose ourselves to rejection and disappointment whenever we reveal our inner selves to others. Having compassion for others and reaching out to lend a helping hand often requires a tremendous amount of courage. Whenever we do, we expose ourselves to be used or abused and/or taken for granted. So many of this column’s readers know what it feels like to reach out to assist someone during a time of need, only to discover that when they are back on their feet they appear to become our arch enemies — joining forces with others to orchestrate and implement activities that result in our physical and/or emotional demise. However, we press on with a commitment to doing good anyway. We will not be daunted by these negative outcomes. We avoid becoming cynical and despondent. We know that as we continue to reach out to others, as we continue to lift them up, we become taller and stronger in stature as we continue to focus on impacting lives for the better; building living monuments.

Several of our noble professions create opportunities for the construction and maintenance of such living monuments. The teaching profession probably stands head and shoulders above most others.

Teachers play a major role in

character building and the transfer of knowledge. It is considered a great honour and privilege to be able to create winning attitudes in the young minds that teachers regularly interact with; encouraging children to always better their best efforts, to believe that they can accomplish noble tasks, and to be proactive. All of us can remember those outstanding teachers who patiently took the time to assist in shaping us into being who we are today. They paused to selflessly assist with the moulding of our character and attitudes. We are who we are today because they were determined to build living monuments. We now pass the torch to the next generation.

Pastors, priests, preachers, and other church leaders also build living monuments. Their efforts to “guide the flock” are often quite demanding.

Some work tirelessly as counsellors improving and saving marriages, repairing broken relationships, refocusing those who have strayed from the paths of honesty and integrity, and so on. They often serve with very little thanks or recognition from those they serve. However, they press on, focused on building living monuments.

Teachers and religious leaders are not the only ones who can engage in these noble activities that create living legacies through interaction with others. We all have the opportunity to build living monuments — regardless of our profession. There are so many opportunities that cross our paths daily. Experiences that allow us to have a positive impact on the lives of others. We can build living monuments in our homes, schools, churches, neighbourhoods, and workplaces. One relatively small deed has the potential of generating a tremendous amount of good. We never really know how many lives we touch for good when we pause to get involved in a worthy cause; providing a single mother with a donation of baby food; assisting the unemployed with the opportunity to generate income via a “bobby job”; contributing to a school feeding programme; and so on. There are so many occasions for us to build living monuments.

As we approach the Christmas Season, a time of giving and spreading goodwill, this becomes as good a time as any for each of us to consider how much more of ourselves we can share with others. Sacrificial sharing (where it may even seem to hurt to give because of the challenges that we face) is one way that we can all enrich the lives of others. The Dalai Lama XIV reminds us that, “It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.” We, therefore, have no excuse. We press on seeking those opportunities to build living monuments regardless of our circumstances.

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

Building up an African Worldview CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS did not discover America, not least because it isimpossible to discover a people and a continent that were already there and thriving with culture. Contrary to popular belief, the history of Africans in the Americas history did not start with slavery in the New World. An overwhelming body of new evidence is emerging which proves that Africans had frequently sailed across the Atlantic to the Americas, thousands of years before Columbus and indeed before Christ.

The great ancient civilizations of Egypt and West Africa travelled to the Americas, contributing immensely to early American civilization by importing the art of pyramid building, political systems and religious practices as well as mathematics, writing and a sophisticated calendar.

The strongest evidence of African presence in America before Columbus, comes from the pen of Columbus himself. In 1920, in his book, Africa and the discovery of America, Dr. Imhotep explained how Columbus noted in his journal that Native Americans had confirmed that “black skinned people had come from the south-east in boats, trading in gold-tipped spears.”

One of the first documented instances of Africans sailing and settling in the Americas were black Egyptians led by King Ramses III, during the 19th dynasty in 1292 BC. In fact, in 445 BC, the Greek historian Herodotus wrote of the Ancient Egyptian pharaohs’ great seafaring and navigational skills.

Further concrete evidence, noted by Dr. Imhotep includes “Egyptian artefacts found across North America from the Algonquin writings on the East Coast to the artefacts and Egyptian place names in the Grand Canyon.”

In 1311 AD, another major wave of African exploration to the New World was led by King Abubakari II, the ruler of the fourteenth century Mali Empire, which was larger than the Holy Roman Empire. The king sent out 200 ships of men, and 200 ships of trade material, crops, animals, cloth and crucially African knowledge of astronomy, religion and the arts.

As we drift further and further away from the “European age of exploration” and move beyond an age of racial intellectual prejudice, historians are beginning to recognize that Africans were skilled navigators long before Europeans. Some Western historians continue to refute this fact because they are still hanging on to the 19th-century notion that seafaring was a European monopoly.

Euro-centric history dictates that seafaring is the quintessential European achievement, the single endeavour of which Europeans are awfully proud.

Seafaring allowed Europe to conquer the world. The notion that black Africans braved the roaring waters of the Atlantic Ocean and beat Europeans to the New World threatens a historically white sense of ownership over the seas.

When most people think about ancient Mexico, the first civilizations that come to mind are the Incas, Aztecs and the Mayans. However, during the early 1940s archaeologists uncovered a civilization known as the Olmecs of 1200 BC, which pre-dated any other advanced civilization in the Americas.

The Olmec civilization, which was of African origin and dominated by Africans, was the first significant civilization in Mesoamerica and the Mother Culture of Mexico.

Olmecs are perhaps best known for the carved colossal heads found in Central Mexico that exhibit an unmistakably African Negroid appearance. African historian Van Sertima has illustrated how Olmecs were the first Mesoamerican civilization to use a written language, sophisticated astronomy, arts and mathematics and

they built the first cities in Mexico, all of which greatly influenced the Mayans and subsequent civilizations in the Americas. “There is not the slightest doubt that all later civilizations in [Mexico and Central America], rest ultimately on an Olmec base,” remarked Michael Coe, a leading historian on Mexico.

Africans clearly played an intricate role in the Olmec Empire’s rise and that African influence peaked during the same period that ancient Black Egyptian culture ascended in Africa.

Pre-Columbus African trans-Atlantic travel is revealed in recent archaeological findings of narcotics native to America in Ancient Egyptian mummies. German toxicologist, Svetla Balabanova, found cocaine and nicotine in ancient Egyptian mummies. South American cocaine from Erythroxylon coca and nicotine from Nicotiana tabacum. Such compounds could only have been introduced to Ancient Egyptian culture through trade with Americans.

Early American and African religions also indicate significant cross-cultural contact. The Mayans, Aztecs and Incas all worshipped black gods and the surviving portraits of the black deities are revealing. Ancient portraits of the Quetzalcoatl, a messiah serpent god, and Ek-ahua, the god of war, are unquestionably Negro with dark skin and woolly hair. Why would native Americans venerate images so unmistakably African if they had never seen them? Numerous wall paintings in caves in Juxtlahuaca depict the famous ancient Egyptian “opening of the mouth” and cross libation rituals. It’s unlikely these religious similarities are mere coincidences.

Professor Everett Borders points to the existence of Pyramids in the Americas as proof of early Africans presence. Pyramid construction is highly specialized. At La Venta in Mexico, the Olmecs made a fully finished pyramid. Olmecian and Egyptian pyramids were both placed on the same north-south axis and had strikingly similar construction methods.

Ancient trans-Atlantic similarities in botany, religion and pyramid building constitute but a fraction of the signs of African influence in ancient America.

Other indicators include, astronomy, art, writing systems, flora and fauna.

African people have been exceptional explorers and purveyors of culture across the world. Throughout their travels, African explorers have not had a history of starting devastating wars on the people they met. The greatest threat towards Africa having a glorious future is her people’s ignorance of Africa’s glorious past.

Pre-Columbus civilization in the Americas had its foundation built by Africans and developed by the ingenuity of Native Americans. Sadly, America, in post-Columbus times, was founded on the genocide of the indigenous Americans, built on the backs of African slaves and continues to run on the exploitation of workers at home and abroad.

Africans helped civilize America well before Europeans “discovered” America, and well before Europeans claim to have civilized Africa. The growing body of evidence is now becoming simply too loud to ignore. Our education policy makers re-examine their school curricula to include these critically important findings.

Much of this piece was taken from a larger work by Harvard University historian Garikai Chengu.

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

V

12. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Unprecedented poverty causing social unrest and full jails GONSALVES said on 27 October 2016, that there are too many youths in jail, and he will make recommendations to the Governor General to release a large number of these young men.

The overcrowding of jails in SVG is an indication of our economy being very weak. These young men went to jail for having turned to crime to survive in a state with a weak economy, resulting in high unemployment and no jobs for most young people.

Nothing is changing in SVG. Unemployment is not going down, so what does Gonsalves think these youths are going to do? With such a weak economy and jobs hard to come by, it is likely these youths will find it hard to avoid situations that will lead to them back to jail. The jails will be full again.

SVG has been pushed to the ground by the gross incompetence of the ULP regime. Investing about EC$70 million in building a new jail in North Leeward, rather than in education and setting up infrastructure for a strong business sector, was plain foolish. This has been one of the causes of SVG having a weak economy for so long, the increase in crime and overcrowding in jails.

There is unprecedented hardship in our society and we are flooded by criminal acts of all kinds as people seek solutions to poverty and financial worries.

In order to meet its responsibilities, the ULP regime must develop effective responses and solutions to the increased poverty in SVG, otherwise we will continue to have an increase in crime and jails will remain overcrowded. Having no plan will lead to higher rates of re-arrest, reconviction and re-incarceration of exoffenders.

Gonsalves has cut off a significant amount of revenue for the SVG Treasury, by granting thousands of dollars in tax and customs duty exemptions to developers in Mustique and Canouan, and by failing to impose a fish tax on Taiwan under the SVG Fish Act 2001. As a result, the country loses about EC$2 billion in revenue every year.

Rather than deal with the causes of crime in SVG by implementing a fair tax system that would bring revenue to create opportunities for our black youths, Gonsalves chokes the SVG economy with an unfair tax system that perpetuates poverty, poor quality education, crime and overcrowded

gun crime in SVG and filling up the jails and cemeteries. jails. Has anybody ever stopped to find The tax exemptions given to Taiwan out how many black youths in and the super-rich migrants must end Gonsalves’ new jail can read? for there to be any chance of ending The overcrowding of jails in SVG is poverty and reducing the number of driven by Gonsalves’ failure to invest youths going to jail. Our youth need in education, skills training and opportunities, training and jobs. employment creation for our people.

Consequently, gun killing has become SVG Green Party a staple diet and is not going down. www.svggreenparty.org Gonsalves’ tax exemptions are stoking Find us on Facebook and Twitter

Brooklynites wins Flow Caribbean PeopleÊs Choice Award

representation of what ESOSA CaribbeanTales is trying EDOSOMWAN is to achieve through this the 2016 ‘Flow project to help develop Caribbean People’s the indigenous film Choice Award’ industry.” Reid also winner! Esosa’s added, “All of the television show concepts presented were concept Brooklynites very strong, and we look — an inspired tale of forward to working young hopes, alongside the winners to dreams, ambition, help bring their creative and the pursuit of ideas to life.” lasting love — CEO and Founder of received the most CaribbeanTales, Frances online votes.

Anne Solomon, said, This People’s “The CPCA is a chance Choice Award is for people around the part of a broader region and the world to initiative by engage with exciting CaribbeanTales, to new Caribbean TV enable strong series ideas and have a content by regional Esosa Edosomwan (Photo say in what they want to artists and those Credit: Lanly Le) see on their screens! It is living in the an honour to be working with Flow on diaspora. The ten finalists that such a ground-breaking initiative.” ‘pitched’ their TV show ideas were Visit the CTI website for more selected participants in the CaribbeanTales Incubator Programme information and to apply for the 2017 (CTI) — a year-round development and CTI Programme. And follow Flow and CaribbeanTales on Twitter and production hub for Caribbean and Facebook to stay up to date.

Caribbean Diaspora Producers, of which Flow is the lead sponsor.

The Flow Caribbean People’s Choice Award gave regional audiences the chance to vote online for their favourite Caribbean ‘pitch’. Once the polls opened on August 23rd, fans around the region closely followed Flow’s social media pages to see which finalist was featured each day and then cast thousands of votes on the CaribbeanTales website. After nearly two months of voting, Brooklynites came out on top.

Along with the honour, Flow presented Esosa with US$1,500 in cash and a premium handset valued at USD$1,000. Big Man Dan by Kafi Kareem Farrell and The Weekend by Sean Hodgkinson and Aurora Herrera came in a close second and third respectively.

Congratulating Esosa and her team, John Reid, CEO of Cable and Wireless and operator of (L-R): Frances-Anne Solomon, CEO and Flow, stated “Brooklynites won Founder of CaribbeanTales, and John the people’s choice with its Reid, CEO of Cable and Wireless and compelling story and is a great operator of Flow.

V Leslie Stewart: Looking to make a difference

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. 13.

People

LESLIE ‘TIGER’ STEWART confesses to having “ups and downs” in his life, but he prefers to make the best of what there is. He is embarking on a mission: producing future world champions in boxing.

Stewart, a former World Boxing Association Light Heavyweight Champion, returned to his native land Trinidad and Tobago Thursday, November 10. He was visiting St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the first time. The occasion was the burial of his father Milton Theodore Stewart, who was laid to rest in Lowmans Leeward where he had re-settled.

The Beginning – Success follows Leslie Stewart was born in Laventille, on the outskirts of Port of Spain, trinidad. He spent his first nine years in Laventille before migrating to London, England. It was there he put on the boxing gloves.

His younger brother Dave was into an afterschool programme, and Leslie was assigned to accompany him so as to ensure some sort of security. It was while standing awaiting his sibling that the coach inquired of him his purpose on the compound. Leslie was encouraged to bring his equipment and become part of the training.

“Boxing took to me,” Leslie admitted.

He cultivated a love for the sport and proceeded onto a successful Amateur career in England. He was part of the English National Under 19 Boxing Team.

Leslie returned to Trinidad to see his ailing grandmother, and once there, “I decided to turn professional,” he said.

He notched up an impressive international record which culminated in him winning the World Boxing Association Light Heavyweight crown, when he stopped the favoured American Marvin ‘Pops’ Johnson in the eighth round at the Halsey Crawford Stadium in Trinidad, May 23, 1987.

He became an instant national hero and was awarded the Chaconia Medal (Gold), one of Trinidad and Tobago’s National awards.

Set on a mission With his knowledge of and achievement in the sport, Leslie is convinced that he has something to impart, and has assumed the role of providing direction to youngsters, with the intention of taking them to the pinnacle of the sport of boxing.

He is counting on support from the Trinidad and Tobago government and the business community so that he can offer hope to youngsters, even as he laments the absence of a sustained boxing programme in his native T&T. “My goal is trying to get boxing where the boxers can fight on a regular basis,” Leslie disclosed. He is hoping for exchanges with boxers in London, Jamaica, Venezuela, Guyana, Puerto Rico, so that his trainees can be prepared for the Olympics.

“Fighting in the international arena is important.

Amateur championship can give them experience,” Leslie pointed out.

“I want someone from the Caribbean to go to the Olympics and compete for a medal,” Leslie declared.

Leslie is not expecting overnight success. He knows that boxing is a disciplined sport and demands sacrifice. He is hoping to get his programme off the ground in six months, setting him on course to fulfilling his ambition.

Asked how he came by the sobriquet ‘Tiger’, he outlined that a reporter coined the description from the way he approached one of his bouts.

“It stuck with me,” Leslie declared.

It took him 55 years to come to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He promises, however, that the next trip will be sooner than soon. He admitted that the occasion for the trip was not a most happy one, but he enjoyed the ambience here and especially the food. (WKA)

Leslie ‘Tiger’ Stewart at his relatives’ home in Lowmans Hill. He is ready to impart what he has learned.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. 15.

14. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Miss CID is Police Queen Right: Queen Kemelia is seated with 1st runner up Melissa Davis at right and 2nd runner up Nadisha Browne at right.

Stories by

by Gloria...

Kemelia Boyd on her way to winning the talent segment with her portrayal of Shelly Jones, highlighting the interaction between police and the public.

MISS MS. CID, K emelia Bo yd, could Kemelia Boyd, easily be said tto o ha ve successfully put have the Miss P olice Queen 2016 2016 title under Police legal arres t, when she w alked away away arrest, walked Best Talent, Sports Wear Wear Talent, a Best Sports with the Best Best Best Interview Interview segments, at the and Best Police Queen Show Show held at the Miss. Police Russell’s Auditorium, Auditorium, F riday, 4th Russell’s Friday, November, 20 16.

November, 2016.

Kemelia Boyd topped in the Sportswear Kemelia, who, it appeared, had West Indies segment, opting to sport West ‘walked along’ with her own cheering cricket attire while demonstrating squad, moved through each segment aspects of the game. with confidence and determination.

Her cheering party made sure that she was never left without stated or First whistled accolades. She began her bid Runner-Up, with the Introduction segment, for Melissa which no points were attributed, but Davis, Miss immediher attitude for success was immediTraffic, ately noted. in her In the Sports Wear segment, she winning graced the stage in West Indies Evening cricket attire, choosing not only to Wear. demondisplay her wear, but also to demonstrate rudiments and the joys and pitfalls of the game. She played Shelly Jones in a talent performance which enforced the point of how the public sees the police upon arrest.

Her penchant for drama came over aggresforcefully, as she moved from aggression to acquiescence to brutish, then to abject helplessness and sadness upon being thrown into a holding cell.

She was a joy to watch, as she both baffled and sent the audience into fits of laughter. To all of this, she added a beautiful sequined gown for her appropriEvening Wear that boasted appropriateness and proper fit. Not to be daunted, Kemelia proceeded to supply relevant, coherent answers, delivered pronunciwith poise, confidence, good pronunciation and diction, to questions asked in her Interview segment.

First runner-up Miss Traffic, Melissa Davis, made her introduction presentawith flair. For her sports presentation she appeared as a taekwondo practitioner, and gave a creditable

performance of fighting off an attack attack-er. Melissa donned attire akin to that of a Bishop, to speak out against some ills in society. Her congregation had differing views about what she was saying, and this was shown in their response. She showed why she copped

the second place when she graced the stage in a gown made especially for her form and fit. Its aquatic theme, accentuated by her excellent carriage made for her taking the Best Evening Wear segment.

Placing second runner-up was Miss Central, Nadisha Browne, who gave a good account of herself in h er Sports her Wear as a footballer; then as a mother who experienced the death of her

‘beloved’ son whom she felt was not conforming to the rules of her house.

She wore a well-designed and fitted black gown and made a good attempt at answering her questions.

The other contestants were: Miss Western, Enrica Akers; Miss South EastCentral, Leisa Baptiste; Miss EastGrenern, Julianna Parris; Miss Grenadines, Arianna Snagg; and Miss.

Port, Renalda Solomon.

repreMs. CID, Kemelia Boyd, will repreGrensent the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force at a similar pageant in the British Virgin Islands in 2017.

Like the Police Calypso Show held on the same evening, the Police Queen Show was reintroduced this year after an hiatus of some eleven years.

‘Master 9 9’’ cops Police Calypso Crown A POLICE OFFICER, singing under the sobriquet of ‘Master 9’, delivered two performances that left the audience at the Russell’s Auditorium convinced beyond any doubt that the crown was his.

‘Master 9’ sang his way to victory at the Police Calypso Show, held in conjunction with the Miss Police Queen Show, on Friday, October 4th, 2016.

Competing from a field of four officers that included Niquette ‘Singing Quetty’ Best, Trevor ‘The Mighty Stranger’ Grant, and Renrick ‘Mighty Bamboo Joint’ Cato, each competitor was required to render a new composition and another of his/her choice.

‘Master 9’ sang his new composition entitled, ‘I rendiJust Can’t See’ in the first round, and did a rendition of Poser’s ‘Bull Pistle’ in the second round.

His clarity of lyrics, his easy-flowing and catchy melody, his harmony of voice with music, and even his attire which played a poignant role in telling his story, combined to a deserving victory.

Add to this the fact that he had the audience on their feet giving serious exercise to their lungs, and his performance was nothing short of riveting.

In second position was ‘The Mighty Stranger’ whose original composition was entitled Wat Does Make Me Vex’, and his second number Black Stalin’s, ‘Black Man Feeling to Party’. His delivery too, was of great quality, enough to prevent ‘Mighty Bamboo Joint’ from edging him out of second position.

‘Might Bamboo Joint’ – third place - made a creditable bid with his ‘This is Wickedness’ and his version of Black Ebo’s s ‘Bear Yuh Grinds’.

In fourth position was ‘Singing Quetty’ who performed ‘Dat Ain’t Right’ and the popular Skinny Fabulous hit, ‘I am a Vincy’.

It was clear that from the lyrics of the original

songs - the first round – that there was much to comment about the state of affairs in the Police Force.

With the stage at the Russell’s Auditorium as their platform, an independent platform so to speak, the calypsonians belted out lyrics that had many with mouths agape, while others jumped repeatedly to their feet, either in surprise or particusupport at the mention of particular issues.

The singing officers, though, were able to cleverly conceal direct metapunches with appropriate metaphorical and satirical licence. It was a pleasure to listen to their presentations.

According to the Chairman of the Police Welfare Association, Mr. Trevor Bailey, the joint Queen and Calypso Show was last held in May of 2005, and a suggestion was tabled for its reintroduction in June, 2016, while Commissioner Michael Charles was still in office.

The activity, according to current Commissioner of Police (Acting), Mr. Renold Hadaway, “is used as a means to engender a better police ….., raise funds to assist police officers in need, and showcase the talent of the men and women of the Force.”

He also announced the decision to reintroduce the Annual Police Dance in 2017.

King Master 9 on his throne.

V Dr. Vivian Child: Dead at 95 16. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Tribute

by BEN HARRISON International Correspondent

VIVIAN CHILD has been referred to as a National Treasure and as A Legend in Her Own Time – She was both.

Vivian Usborne Child was born on December 29th, 1920 in Westminster, England. Her father was a much decorated Vice-Admiral, a Flag Ship Commander and Director of Naval Intelligence in the British Navy during the Second World War. In her early years, she lived in London, Malta and Portsmouth, as well as France and Germany where she became fluent in French and German as an exchange student.

As a young woman, she was an attractive debutante and was presented to His Majesty King George V!.

Academically, Vivian was a pioneer. During the early 1940s, as a result of wartime emergencies, she was one of twelve women accepted into the Medical Doctor programme at University College Hospital in London.

The pull of fields afar Vivian Usborne could have stayed in England, lived an extremely comfortable life; perhaps becoming a member of the aristocracy, but she had dreams of making a positive contribution to humanity.

Following graduation in 1952, she worked for two years in East Africa as a member of a team conducting medical surveys under the auspices of

‘City of Arches’ book cover.

the British Colonial Service. In 1954, she fulfilled her desire to live in the Caribbean, and moved to St. Vincent and the Grenadines where she set up a general medical practice.

She also married a planter, Ian (Sonny) Dr. Vivian Child (Dec. 29, 1920 – Nov. 4, 2016): Child. medical doctor, philanthropist, artist, painter, writer Her friend and – a caring person all round. colleague, His Excellency Sir work to the 12, 2012, at Heritage Hall in Frederick archival heritage of the Carnegie Building, she Ballantyne, has St. Vincent and the was honoured by the St. shared many fond Grenadines. She Vincent and the Grenadines memories of his complimented Dr. National Trust for her professional Child on the legacy contribution to the relationship with she was leaving to documenting of the heritage of Dr. Child. He the country and St. Vincent and the referred to the high how pleased The Grenadines. caliber of her work Vincentian is to Dr. Child became a legend in setting up the have been a part of in her own time, as an paediatric that work. indefatigable medical doctor, a department in the St. Vincent’s journalist, author, artist and Milton Cato former Minister of Humanitarian. She enjoyed, Memorial Hospital, Culture, Rene until failing health curtailed and her work at the Baptiste, in her her activities, special times Dr. Vivian Child and His Excellency Sir Frederick Mental Health remarks on the working in her garden and Ballantyne at her 95th birthday party.

Centre, calling our book also spoke of reminiscing with friends new nation’s attention the importance of and old about her very and a writer. She had a to its forgotten people and “City of Arches” to the interesting, adventurous and passionate interest not only in helping them integrate back heritage and culture of St. satisfying past. people, but in places and into society.

Vincent.

She echoed Prime Much credit must be given buildings. In addition to her Vivian and Ian Child lived Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves’ to Milena Pompey who for 18 medical duties, she found time near Georgetown on an estate years, was her long time, to sketch and paint the people, introductory remarks called Grand Sable, until the published in the book itself, trusted care-giver, house architecture and landscapes of early 70s when she moved to that it should be read and keeper, cook and companion, St. Vincent and the her present home on the available to every man, and also to many special Grenadines.

She also captured hillside across from Young woman and child in St. friends, including Tippy the beauty of Tanzania and Island. She called her home Vincent and the Grenadines.

Punnett, Ben Harrison and his East Africa and many of its The Brae, and two colourful wife Canadian people including the Maori adult peacocks could often be Other tributes, honours Psychotherapist Dr. Sheila tribes.

A number of these seen in the gardens or on the Pennington. paintings from both St. roof top of the auto garage.

Well-known Bequia artist On Friday November 4th at Vincent and East Africa are on Julie Savage Lee recorded the age of 95 Dr. Vivian Child public display and are in Caring amidst hesr other extensive interviews with Dr. passed quietly away at her private collections. interest Child about her African beloved “Brae”. experiences, and edited these Editor’s Note: The THE VINCENTIAN connection Vivian Child had recordings into a manuscript management and staff of THE many great friends, which, along with colour VINCENTIAN extend Dr. Child also had and was a warm and reproductions of her paintings, condolences to the friends important connections to THE welcoming host to became the excellent and colleagues of Dr. Vivian medical professionals VINCENTIAN, where in the publication, “Working, Child. We are better off for early 80s she wrote a column from around the Walking and Painting in having had her grace our ”Round and About” as well as world. To most Tanzania 1951-1954”. pages with her seminal works a series of articles “Kingstown, residents of St. During her life, Dr. Child on the early architecture and Past and Present” featuring Vincent and the was the recipient of numerous historic sites of St. Vincent buildings and homes which Grenadines, many of honours and awards. On April and the Grenadines. whom she met at the were illustrated with detailed pen and ink drawings.

She moment of their birth coined the phrase “The City of during a home or hospital delivery, she Arches” to describe Kingstown was an icon of caring and that became the title of and concern. The less her best-selling book, “City of fortunate members of Arches, Memoirs of an Island Capital”. our society, many of At the public launch of the whom lived on the book, Publisher of The streets, and held out Vincentian newspaper, Ms. their hand for a few Desiree Richards who gave coins as she walked by; they were seldom permission for the inclusion of the copyrighted early drawings disappointed. and articles that appeared in Throughout her Building on Grenville Street - One of many of Dr. Child’s THE VINCENTIAN to be life, Dr. Child sketches that captured the many arches that characterised included in the book, spoke of demonstrated her the architecture of Kingstown. the importance of Dr. Child’s talents as an artist

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. 17.

News

Donald ÂTrumpsÊ the presidential race

Hillary Clinton failed in her bid to become the first female president of the USA.

Continued rom Backpage.

This seemed all but obvious since Trump, a New York real estate tycoon and reality TV star— with no experience in public service— had proposed a ban on all Muslims from entering the US homeland, a wall on the nation’s southern border with Mexico, a trade war with China, a softening with Russia and a ruthless war against Islamists across the Middle East.

But, if the truth be told, his victory also translated into a shocking rebuke to the outgoing president, Barack Obama, who warned that Trump was (is) temperamentally unfit for the office, and an existential threat to the very foundations of the world’s oldest democratic republic.

Looking on from the outside, on the day that mattered Clinton severely underperformed in several states that have reliably voted Democratic for over twenty years, while the white populist, protectionist movement that fueled Trump’s rise, delivered upset victories in the country’s Midwest, a

suffering manufacturing region where his pitch to white, working class voters turned the race in his favor.

And that had nothing to do with politics that defined itself as having taken an option in favour of the poor; it had more to do with unearthing the up-until-then latent White desire to see the end of a black president, and to prevent any continuance of his legacy, a la Clinton.

Trump won the White House, despite 61% of Americans viewing him negatively, yet he swept every competitive state in the race. Why? Because the White voters mostly voted for him and turned out in massive numbers. In fact, reports are that 70% of the electorate identified as white on Election Day, Tuesday 8th November, 2016.

Trump, the billionaire, came to represent for his supporters, an opportunity to shatter Washington into pieces — not least the ObamaClinton connection. To his detractors, That he did so may well have been President of the United States of he was an illiberal demagogue, a sexist the case. But whatever the case, America, and there’s nothing we can and a racist, who would exploit the Donald Trump will on Friday, January do about it. country’s divisions for political gain.

20, 2017, become officially the 45th

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18. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Tourism

Tourism and hospitality Expo staged here tourism awareness, and encouraging individuals, THE METHODIST CHURCH HALL especially students, to consider came alive when the 2nd Annual the tourism and hospitality Tourism and Hospitality Expo industry as a career path. was opened last Friday, 4th At the Opening Ceremony, October.

Communications Manager, The Expo, part of the Ministry of Tourism, Sports Tourism Month celebrations, and Culture - Ms. Jay Belmar was aimed at increasing told those gathered that it was quite possible that those persons, whose displays they will be looking at, may very well be their employers in the future. “Pay careful attention,” she urged, “ask many questions.”

Among the exhibitors were: entities which promote and maintain attractions ions like the National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority and the Ministry of Tourism; those offering accommodation Grenadines House, Hotel Alexandrina, Beachcombers and French Verandah; those who make the destination

by GLORIAH…

accessible including the Immigration Department, Going Places Travel/Sun General, Mustique Airways and SVG Air; and those who provided amenities, especially in hospitality, fashion, spas, cosmetics, jewelry, and sporting equipment events.

The University of the West Indies’ presence facilitated the provision of Agustine Sutherland (left) explains how his body oils are processed. information for Caribbean Cruise Association finals of the regional contest. students wishing to better (FCCA) Children’s The St. Vincent Girls’ High their understanding of School, also received a procedures for furthering their Environmental Poster and Essay Competitions, conducted monetary award of US$1,500. education. at the national and regional Jeshuan St. Hilaire of the St. The Tourism and levels. Twelve countries Mary’s Roman Catholic Hospitality Expo formed part participated in this year’s School, a participant in the of Tourism Month which is competition. junior division, received celebrated throughout the In the Poster Competition, US$200 for reaching the final region during the month of Otisha Nichols of the Girls’ round of the contest.

November.

A Division of Sports official High School, placed second in In the Essay Competition, The day’s programme also demonstrates how to work with included the distribution of the senior division, and Joelle Campbell of the Spring simple equipment/ received a cash scholarship of Village Methodist School and awards in The Florida materials.

US$1,500 for reaching the Kyle Da Silva of the Mountain View Adventist Academy were awarded for reaching the final round in the Junior and Senior categories respectively.

Both received cash rewards of US$200 for their efforts.

The Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Children’s Environmental Poster and Essay A Hotel Alexandrina employee showing students how to Competitions are fold towels into the shape of objects. annual contests which seek to promote and stimulate tourism awareness among Caribbean students. It is coordinated by the Communications Unit in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture in collaboration with the FCCA. Otisha Nichols of the Girls’ High School, shows off her poster that won her second place – senior division of the FCCA Poster Competition.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. 19.

News

Rape victim speaks out good, the bad and the ugly; a village where it appeared that domestic violence kingnaking210@yahoo.com was everywhere; a village where men US CORRESPONDENT beat their wives and girlfriends — beating that left these women with EXCEPT FOR THOSE CLOSE to Isabelle swollen red eyes, cuts and bruises on ‘Lorna’ Lewis, whom she might have their bodies, with marks more visible confided in, hardly anyone else knew what than marks traced on a roadmap.” she was about to speak on at the Lewis claimed that residents of Philadelphia-based St. Vincent and the Diamond Village, at the time of growing Grenadines Organization of Pennsylvania up, “and the women themselves, seemed (SVGOP Annual Independence Banquet/ to have accepted these criminal acts as Anniversary Dinner/Dance. the norm.

So, when Lewis, an author and “They did nothing, and these men founder/president of the non-profit group were never prosecuted,” she said. “Men, Giving Life Anew Meaning (GLAM), took it appeared, had power over everything, the microphone to deliver the feature and the abused women continued to be address at the gala event held at the subservient to them, having their babies, Vincentian-owned Calabash Banquet year after year.” and Catering House on Lancaster Without holding back, Lewis said it Avenue in Philadelphia, last Saturday was a village “where I was first raped at night, many patrons were either age 7 — rape committed on me until I stunned, dismayed or very sympathetic was 11.” over her unexpected declaration.

Yet, she said, she “kept these rapes as “As it has been said many times over, secret, fearing the threat of my rapist — it takes a village to raise a child,” said that he will kill my grandmother and me Lewis, who hailed from Diamond Village if I were to tell anyone. in South Central Windward, “I stand “For years, I kept the rapes on me as before you to affirm that I am a child secrets, living in pain and with the that was raised by a village — a village shame; but, yet I rise, rise high as a where I witnessed and experienced the Story and photos by Nelson A. King

naking@verizon.net;

wave, because I believe in God and the power of prayer,” Lewis said. “I believe in the power of prayer because every Sunday my grandmother and mother made sure I attended church and Sunday School, and they also taught me how to pray.

“I also believed that I had to get away from the village,” she added, stating that her only way out was to receive a wellrounded education.

Encouraged by her former primary school principal to focus on a wellrounded education, Lewis said she was the first in her family to complete high (secondary) school (at the St. Joseph’s Convent).

In pursuit of her dream, Lewis said she left Diamond Village “and all the injustices I witnessed” and migrated to the United States while still a teenager.

Lewis said she first broke the silence of her rape when she told the “secrets” to her husband, Gideon Lewis.

Afterwards, she said, she wrote and self-published ‘The Journey of a West Indian Soul’, detailing her story as a victim of childhood rape.

She said she considers herself a survivor and speaks to several groups on

Domestic Violence and Sexual Childhood Abuse.

“Today, I stand [here] speaking out against childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence in the communities, our Caribbean communities,” Isabelle “Lorna” Lewis told the Lewis addresses Independence patrons.

Banquet. “And am urging others to let’s stand united, speak out and speak now against these crimes.

“Together, each of us can achieve more,” Lewis said. “Together, we have the power to make changes, changes in law of injustice, changes that will protect our mothers, sisters, brothers and sisters, and the communities as a whole, from these predators — sexual and others.”

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20. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Say Goodbye

The wrong way best way to operate a marriage. A marriage or relationship should not be MY BEST FRIEND came operated based on fear or over to my house, as is blackmail. Your husband customary on weekends. needed to be told there and She wanted to use the then that you did not bathroom, and for some reason, my husband decided approve of what he did, and your friend too should have to show her the way. They been reprimanded. Of were both away for some course, I am not advocating time, so I decided to check that you should have created on them. There they were, an ugly scene right there making out in the and then, but the best way washroom. to regain or rebuild broken Shocked as I was, I told trust is to deal with it head them I had taken a cell on, and having the guilty phone picture of them and party ( your husband) openly that they should continue what they were doing, since renew his commitment to I was going back upstairs to ensure that this trust remains unshaken. make out with my best Your actions in this case friend’s husband. do not guarantee that your To be truthful, I lied on husband and your best both scores. I never took a friend would quit having a picture, and I didn’t make out with her husband. But I fling. had them believing George otherwise.

I told my husband that anytime he misbehaves again, I am going to release the picture I have of him and my friend to her husband. Since that day, he has been like a Saint!

Dear George, Dear George, I MET THIS GUY and we had a most exciting conversation which centered mostly on sex and love. He said some things that tickled my fancy, and he sounded like the kind of guy I could see myself dating, and even marrying one day.

It has been some months now that we are together, but it seems that he is fixated on sex.

That’s all he talks about. When we go out and there is a conversation going, he would interject and change the subject to sex. That would leave me so embarrassed. It has come to the point where I do not feel comfortable going out with him. I cannot hold a productive conversation with him. He is like a maniac.

We have argued over this time and time again to no avail. When I met him, I thought he had substance, but now, I am finding out that he is as empty as an abandoned drum. How do I tell him that I cannot do this anymore, without hurting his feelings?

Disappointed Dear Disappointed, This is a case where you dialled the wrong number in the first place. The thing you should have done after finding out it was wrong number, was to hang up immediately, and wait until you are sure that the number that you are trying to reach is the correct one, before dialling again.

You cannot blame yourself for being attracted to this guy initially, and I can understand your disappointment after you realized that he has a one-track mind. You would be well within your right to let him know that the relationship is not working out, and you cannot do it anymore. Yes, he might be hurt, but you have to do what is best for you, and to see that what you get is what you wanted. In this case, what you have now is not what you bargained for, so say your goodbyes and wish him well, and move on.

George

Large and in charge Dear Large & in Charge, I do not think that is the

Pay with dollars, not something else Dear George,

myself from this situation.

MY BOSS OVERPAID me — he doubled my salary. I asked him about it, and he said it was an error, but that I did not have to pay it back.

The same thing happened again two months later, and I again brought it to his attention. This time, he gave indication that I would have to repay it but no arrangement has been made.

I went to him about it and he suggested that I leave things as they were and as he said that, he smiled and reached out and squeezed my hand in a way that sent a different message. He smiled as he did so, and I did not say anything. I knew then what he was suggesting.

I haven’t told my husband about the double salary or my boss’s advancement. I do not want my husband to think I am giving sexual favours to my boss. I need to clear

Unhappy Dear Unhappy, Let your boss know that you will be paying him back, in dollars and cents, and he needs to make the necessary arrangement for you to do so.

He needs to get the message that you are not interested in whatever else he might have in mind. You need, at all times, to guard your dignity with extreme care.

Bring your husband in on the entire matter, and ask him to trust you to handle it. Keep him informed constantly.

Transparency is always the way to go in order to remove or avoid unnecessary doubts and confusion.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) You will not be able to contain your emotions this week. You may find that you are a little lucky this week. Don't let situations get out of hand. You can make or break your personal relationship this week.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Financial affairs do not look too favorable this week. Be prepared to jump quickly if you wish to stay in the forefront of your industry this week.

Stick to your work and avoid emotional confrontations. Social events should be the highlight of your day. Set the ball in motion and be relentless until you complete the project.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) Secret affairs may be tempting. Go out with close friends who understand your situation and your needs. You can do well on stage or behind the scenes, the choice is yours. Those you work with may have little consideration for the underdog.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) Your obviously unique way of doing things has caught the eye of someone in a higher position. Keep your ears open, especially to those who care about you.

Changes in your home environment are likely. Get together with friends and do something entertaining but not too expensive.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) You will learn a great deal from the foreigners you meet. Your outgoing charm and obvious talent will be admired. Follow your gut feeling regarding your business ventures. Trips will be enjoyable, and communication with your lover will clear up any misconceptions.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Those who have been too demanding should be put in their place or out to pasture. Don't take offense at comments made by co‐workers. Someone you least

expect may not have your best interests at heart. Be careful while traveling.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Use your added discipline to get what you want. Get involved in groups that are creative in nature. You can enhance your reputation by making contributions to worthwhile causes. Investments may be misrepresented this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Children may cause limitations. Emotional deception is evident. You may want to make changes that will turn your entertainment room into a real family affair. Try not to be so demonstrative.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Speak of your future goals, intentions, and commitments. You may think gifts will win their heart, but it could add stress from lack of funds. You need to get out and have some fun to reduce tension.

Opportunities for romance may develop through dealing with groups that have a purpose.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) You can gain distinction; however, it may be for the wrong reasons. You will not impress others by being foolishly generous. Do not ruffle feathers if possible. You should look into a healthier diet.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Keep your eyes and ears alert for any evasive or deceptive statements.

Difficulties at an emotional level may be likely. You will be uncertain of your feelings. Take that long overdue vacation if you can.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Be very careful while in transit or while traveling in foreign countries. Deception and doubts may surround your involvement with friends and relatives.

Some of the best opportunities will crop up if you keep an open mind. Investments that deal with property will be lucrative; however, upsets with family members may be likely.

ACROSS 1.Chem., e.g.

4. Burglar’s haul 8. River floor 11. Fastener 12. Earring location 13. Unusual 14. “Star Wars” creature 16. Overflow 18. Blusher’s color 20. CEO’s neckwear 21. Goalie’s enclosure 23. Music legend John 27. __ Juan 28. Actor Neeson 32. Entertainer Falana 33. Leftover morsel 34. Biblical city 36. Diarist Anais __ 37. Banking insurance letters 39. Title 40. Dam‐building gp.

41. Attempt 43. Pump, e.g.

45. Fixed 47. Conjunction, informally 48. Scientist’s forte

52. Narrative 56. __ snit (2 wds.)

57. Took the subway 58. Finish first 59. Movie studio 60. Where shares are traded (abbr.)

61. 1970s midsize Ford DOWN 1.Napoleon Solo, e.g.

2. AFL’s partner 3. Ky.’s neighbor 4. Coasted 5. Placed first 6. Border upon 7. Magic lamp dweller 8. Diva’s scarf 9. NYC summer setting 10. He took the reins from HST 15. Bolivia’s neighbor (abbr.)

17. Small valley 19. Slippery creatures 21. Birthday

greetings 22. Those against 24. The Lone Ranger’s friend 25. Pimiento holder 26. Dog in “Peter Pan” 27. Love seat 29. Charged particle 30. Dentists’ gp.

31. Pop’s wife 35. Net fabric 38. Receptacle 42. Feel longing 44. Tropical

46. Helen of __ 47. Penn’s pronoun 48. Basketball hoop edge 49. London’s land

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. 21.

(abbr.)

50. U.S.A.’s “Uncle” 51. New‐style LPs 53. Pointy tool 54. Used a match 55. Final curtain

22. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. 23.

ÂMercyÊ calls on TASVG to come clean Right: Michael ‘Lord Have Mercy’ Ollivierre does not want this matter to be swept under the carpet.

TRACK AND FIELD COACH – Michael ‘Lord Have Mercy’ Ollivierre wants the local athletics body- Team Athletics SVG (TASVG) - to come clean about the long standing claims being made by distance athlete and coach- Pamenos Ballantyne.

For some time now, Ballantyne has been taking to the airwaves to make allegations in relation to funds received

by Team Athletics SVG from the North American, Central America and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC), for the Road Relay Classic.

Ballantyne has gone on record as saying that he was told by president

of NACAC — Victor Lopez of Puerto Rico, that the sum of US $25,000, was sent for the event.

But Lopez, as reported in another publication last week, denied having such conversation with Ballantyne.

Ollivierre, though, thinks that “things are not adding up” as far as the whole scenario is concerned.

“There is something missing here… We (members of the local athletics fraternity) need to know the truth and the whole truth… I am not accepting Lopez’s denial, because he too told me (about the US $25,000 grant) when we were in Grenada,”

Ollivierre claimed.

Ballantyne, in support of his allegation, said that Lopez made his statements in the presence of fellow Vincentian athletes Mesach Dublin and Linda Mc Dowall, at the NACAC Guadeloupe Petit Bourg 10K in 2014.

Both Dublin and Mc Dowall confirmed what Ballantyne had contended, with Dublin, recalling that Lopez even gave Ballantyne his business card during the conversation.

Lopez, however, was quoted as saying he does not even know Ballantyne.

“That is ludicrous, that is absurd to say he

(Lopez) does not know Pamenos Ballantyne,” Ollivierre contended.

“Also, while Lopez is saying that he did not attend the 2015 and 2016 events in Guadeloupe, something is amiss that he is either conveniently omitting 2014 or has a memory lapse,” Ollivierre complained.

Lopez wrote to the local track and field body, Team Athletics Pamenos Ballantyne has SVG, last month, been persistent and stating, “The NACAC San Juan office records consistent in his allegation. on file, do not include any allocation of funds and Area Representative. for the Round D Town Road Relay since August ..The only records that we have on file are 2013, when I became President of NACAC AA awarding grants to The Team Athletics SVG is

for the NACAC Chatoyer 10K Road Race in 2015 and 2016.”

Ollivierre is contending that there have been several financial miscues and concerns which have been highlighted in the past and simply swept under the carpet, but this one should not go the same way.

“There must be nothing short of a full scale investigation into the matter,” Ollivierre ended.

Shaffiqua Maloney relishes her success SHAFFIQUA MALONEY is relishing her success both in her academics and her exploits on the track.

But, she is still hungry for more.

Seventeen-year-old Shaffiqua completed her secondary schooling this year in St Kitts, and gained 11 subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), obtaining six grade ones and five grade twos.

This, coupled with her achievements on the track placed her among twentyfive teens, who were set to receive awards last night, (Thursday) at a gala

Shaffiqua Maloney sporting her Verchilds Secondary School uniform.

ceremony in St Kitts.

Shaffiqua was selected in the category of ‘Scholar Athlete’.

“The award means a lot to me;, it is a recognition that I would cherish,” she said with gratitude.

A former student of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School, Shaffiqua spent three years at the Verchilds High School in St Kitts.

She described this move as a decisive one.

“In St. Kitts, I had more time to focus on school and track in terms of travelling distance and time and focusing on school work… I would say St. Kitts outing was a much better outing than when I was here (in St Vincent and the Grenadines),” Shaffiqua stated.

She had high commendation for her coaches — Michael Ollivierre in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Lonzo Wilkinson in St. Kitts - as well as her legal guardian — Jenice Daley, who along with coaching, performed mentoring duties.

“They have been, I must say, much help to me, helping me along the way… Most of what I have achieved thus far, they have contributed a lot,” Shaffiqua admitted.

In turn, Ollivierre said that he, too, was pleased

Maloney (right) in conversation with her coachMichael Ollivierre. with Shaffiqua’s reception to the option of moving to St Kitts for the last three years of her schooling , and believed that she is better served with that outing.

Ollivierre was grateful to all those who helped her in her stint in St Kitts, in particular Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, who he said has been pivotal in the process.

Meanwhile, Shaffiqua counted her last year in St Kitts as her stellar year.

“I must say my last year was one of my most successful year on the track… I was also the Victrix Ludorum and class two champ where I won from the 100 to the 800m, the long jump, triple jump, discus, came third in the javelin and second in the shot putt…

At the inter-schools’ championships I was

Victrix Ludorum and class two champ where I won all my events , the 400m, the 800m 15, long jump and Javelin …I got two records…I qualified for Carifta, and I made the team and was in the 400m (Under-18) finals , where I placed sixth,” she recounted.

“I also qualified for the World Junior Championships even though I didn’t get to compete because I miss my race because of flight problems… I made the St Vincent and the Grenadines senior team for the first , even though I did not get compete again,” she added.

Now out of school, the young lady has no intention of stopping there. She wants to continue with her track career, whilst seeking out opportunities to extend on her academics.

Maloney going through her track routine.

“I wanted to go straight off to university so I am working towards that… The energy level is a lot higher now… I realize how much sports is important and how far I

can go in sports… I am motivated… I am looking forward to compete in the World Championships and Olympics in the next four years,” Shaffiqua concluded.

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24. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

“Country” to get another sporting facility PERSONS LIVING in the vicinity of the Rabacca Dry River could soon be getting a sporting facility.

Disclosure of this came last Saturday afternoon, during a ceremony to herald in the opening of the refurbished Chili Playing Field.

Making the revelation was Prime Minister and parliamentary representative of North Central Windward Hon. Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

Making a case for the additional sporting facility, Gonsalves noted: “Between here and Rabacca, this is the only field…We need to have another field in this area …We are looking at having a development programme for Rabacca because this playing field (Chili), unless it is properly managed it will deteriorate very quickly… It will become a dust bowl.”

Without giving an exact time frame, Gonsalves pleaded, “Bear with me... I expect it in not too distant future.”

When done, the Rabacca facility will add to the existing ones in the constituency and in the general locale, namely South Rivers, Park Hill, Colonarie and the developing one at Black Point, the latter being more of a recreational park.

Gonsalves did not spare the opportunity to let those present know that obtaining such facilities would not have been possible, if he were not the area

representative and Prime Minister.

Jolted by a member of the audience that the Chili Playing Field needed to be lit, Gonsalves responded, “This playing field will cost over $400 000 to light … I have to find the money… I don’t have a pot of money under the desk in the Prime Minister’s office… I have it in my sight.”

The cost for refurbishing the Chili Playing Field was put at EC$776 000. It was among nineteen sporting facilities which were either given facelifts or established in recent times, facilitated by the EC$6.5 million loan that the National Lotteries Authority procured from the National Insurance Services, for that purpose.

The Chili Playing Field redo included a regrassed playing surface and the addition of a pavilion with seating, along two dressing rooms, a media box, wash rooms for the public, kitchenette, bar and store room.

This is the second time in the last five years that extensive work has been done on the Chili Playing Field.

It was included in the Social Investment Fund projects of 2009 to 2011, from which was funded a perimeter wall and a regrassing of the playing surface.

Additionally, several playground implements were installed during that period, compliments a Florida- based organisation.

Parliamentary representative for North Central Windward and Prime Minister- Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

The newly built pavilion with its amenities at the Chili Playing Field.

Richland Park football competition sees fitting end COUNTRY Meet Town Outa Trouble were crowned 2016 champions of the Valley Sports Richland Park Nine A Side competition, which ended last Sunday at the Richland Park Oval.

But the title was won in the third round of sudden death kicks from the penalty spot, after Outa Trouble and Richland Park Pride and Joy One had played to an enthralling 4-4 draw, in regulation time.

This is half of the story, as Richland Park Pride and Joy One squandered a 3-0 lead at half time, before Outa Trouble in a second half, overturned the deficit to lead by 4-3.

A last minute strike gave Pride and Joy One a lifeline as the running play ended even.

Pride and Joy’s goals came from Nasroy Peters who hit a brace and from Delroy Craig and Orlando Trimmingham.

Jarrel Mc Master, Nazron Hoyte, Reginald Payne and Daniel Mc Master found the back of the nets for Outa Trouble.

Both teams got to the finals with contrasting wins in the semi finals.

Outa Trouble got past Tallawahs 2-1, while Pride and Joy One humbled Everready Downstreet 4-1.

Tallawahs then beat Downstreet 2-1 in the

Malden Scrubb (right) gets his awards from Jamisha Wright, Digicel’s representative.

third place play off.

Awards Outa Trouble pocketed $2000, while Richland Park Pride and Joy One got $1000 and third place Tallawahs earned $700.

Outa Trouble’s Jarrel Mc Master was voted the tournament’s most valuable player. Mc Master was also the top goal scorer with 27 goals.

Meanwhile, Pride and Joy One’s Anthony Hazell and Malden Scrubb, were named best goal keeper and best defender, respectively.

Malik Castello and Junior Hector were both named the competition’s promising players.

MVP and top goal scorer- Jarrel Mc Master.

Thirteen teams participated in this year’s competition.

Outa Trouble players and supporters celebrate last Sunday after winning the Richland Park Nine A Side football competition.

System 3 improving its coaching stock THE SYSTEM 3 CLUB will, on 12th and 13th November, host a twoday coaching course, mainly aimed at equipping its coaching stock and other interested persons with added skills and techniques.

The course will be done in conjunction with Sacred Sports Foundation Inc., which was founded in 2008 in St Lucia, and is tentatively set to take place at the Victoria Park.

Taking the coaches through the sessions will be Chairman of Sacred Sports Foundation Inc. Delroy Alexander, along with Ian Sardine,

Kendale Mercury, Ralph Stowe and Wesley Charles.

Mecury and Stowe, fresh from courses overseas, are expected to bring some of their newfound expertise to bear on the course.

Among the topics to be covered are: How to plan/implement training sessions quickly; How to stay ahead of the game; Communication skills; and How to deal will difficult players.

Ian Sardine, Head of the System 3 Club, said that the course was part of laying the platform for the System 3 Sports Academy to become self-

sustainable by training its coaches in house, while offering an opportunity to coaches from outside the Academy.

System three plans to continue to work closely with the Sacred Sports Foundation Inc. The main goal of Sacred Sports Foundation Inc. is the promotion of children’s rights and values through Football, sport and physical literacy games which promote active participation within educational settings.

Ian Sardine (left) and Delroy Alexander will help facilitate the course.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. 25.

Sports

Caribbean’s hope ROUND FIVE of the Road to Russia rolls on with Trinidad and Tobago hosting Costa Rica today.

Panama will be in Honduras, while USA and Mexico take on each other on American soil. The landscape on any field will be different, with the results of last Tuesday’s American election sinking it.

Trinidad and Tobago tackle Honduras November 15, while Costa Rica returns home to welcome the USA. Mexico will be in Panama.

The teams have a break until March 24 when Trinidad and Tobago will endeavour to make their home advantage against the Panamanians count.

USA and Mexico will be hosts to Honduras and Costa Rica respectively that same day.

Four days later, Trinidad and Tobago will be looking to summon their energy to take on Mexico at the Hasley Crawford Stadium. USA will be away in Panama, and Costa Rica engaged in battle in the Honduran capital.

By June 7, the quest for the final three spots will have gained momentum and the contenders aware of their chances of advancing. The Soca Warriors have another date with the Americans in unfamiliar territory and will be conscious of what they have to do in coping with a mysterious rival.

This Round is a matter of giving all one’s got.

The Soca Warriors will be aware of their need for peak fitness and durability for the arduous task on hand. Intensity must be maintained, and while the free flowing nonchalant approach has been the hallmark of many a Caribbean outfit, we will reminded to apply more technical injections.

The USA away journey will be hardened by the Costa Rica visit June 11.

Teams enjoy another break until September 1 when Trinidad and Tobago welcome the Hondurans. The Soca Warriors wind up the journey with two away fixtures: in Panama September 5, and Mexico October 6 followed by the final curtain.

There will be a sombre atmosphere, or forgone conclusion by the time it comes to October 10, 2017. That will be another Soca Warriors/USA showdown on Trinidadian soil. Memories will harp to that November 19 episode 1989 when Trinidad and Tobago’s trip to Italy was all but guaranteed until that 31 minute bomb which even though the Soca warriors have since overcome, remains the most piercing echo of regional football.

Caribbean people are hoping that the Soca Warriors complete the journey to Russia. Despite our suspicions about each other, we will be proud to know that CARICOM is on the global circuit.

Mixed results in SVG Masters T20 P’TANI, SION HILL, PARK HILL, RSVG Police and North East all chalked up victories in last weekend’s round of preliminary matches in the SVG Masters T20 cricket competition.

St.Vincent Cooperative Bank Ptani defeated Marriaqua by 38 runs. P’tani posted 136 all out off 19 overs, thanks mainly to 45 from Westmore Campbell.

Esmond Yearwood took 3 for 17 for Marriaqua who replied with 98 for 7 off 20 overs, Nathaniel Matthias topscoring with 24, and Campbell returning to take 2 for 15.

Sion Hill Masters got the better of Rudy’s Electrical Barrouallie by 6 wickets after the latter set their opponents a modest 73 for victory.

Joseph Medford grabbed a remarkable 6 wickets for 5 to be the main destroyer. Sion Hill eased to 74 for 4 off 12.4 overs, Bill Edwards topscoring with 27.

Park Hill United Masters defeated Bequia Cricket Association by 2 wickets. Bequia Cricket Association made 137 off 19.4 overs. Allan Foyle led with 39 and Calvin Hazell 34. Oscar Ryan

bagged 4 for 27 and George Marksman 4 for 25. Park Hill United, in a steady chase, got to 139 for 8 off 19.4 overs.

Ellsworth Francis hit 48 not out and Oscar Ryan 27. Allan Foyle took 2 for 27 and Vibert Williams 2 for 22.

RSVG Police defeated Coreas Hazells

North East and J G & Sons Glamorgan game was abandoned after rain stopped play in an already reduced (10 overs) match. North East were 98 for 7 off 9 overs when play was abandoned.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Table Tennis to hold Ranking Tournament THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Table Tennis Association is set to hold its fifth and final National Ranking Tournament for the year, this weekend.

The qualifiers are scheduled for this Saturday, November 12, at the Georgetown Secondary School, with matches beginning at 10:30am, and the main draw set for 1:00 p.m.

As obtained in the past, players currently ranked from 1 to 12 will enter the main draw directly, while all other players must take part in the qualifying Round Robbin draw.

There will be twelve places up for grabs in the rankings.

Junior players, particularly those from the secondary schools, are being encouraged to participate since, as the SVGTTA said, the Ranking Tournament offers an opportunity for them to gain important ranking points.

The last National Ranking Tournament was held on May 14, 2016. Then, two of this country’s players who may by now Robert ‘Bob’ Ballantyne is currently be ranked #1 among table considered tennis players in SVG. veterans, topped the ranking list.

Robert Ballantyne, a former National Singles Champion here, beat Sean Stanley, another former National Singles Champion, to take the number one spot.

I.B.A.ALLEN

North Leeward Cricket Round-up WHILE FOUR MATCHES were decided last weekend in the VINLEC North Leeward T20 Cricket Competition played at Petit Bordel Playing Field, there were only two which saw actual play.

Big League and Carlos James Troumaca Starlight earned victories on the field, while the match involving Circumstance and Sharpes United was deemed an ‘abandoned match’, after each team failed to field a team, and North Stars gained easy points over Ruddy’s Electrical, who failed to show up for their match.

No points were awarded in the scheduled

Wins for Older Boys, Novice in TBPO COMPUTEC OLDER BOYS and CGM Gallagher Novice recorded easy victories in matches of the National Lotteries Authority TBPO T20 Softball Cricket Competition played on the weekend.

Computec Older Boys beat Richmond Hill United by 6 wickets. Richmond Hill United made 97 in 12 overs. Courtney

North Leeward by 35 runs in a match reduced to 10 overs an innings.

RSVG Police made 94 for 5 off 10 overs, Jeffrey LaBorde leading with 33.

North Leeward were held to 59 for 5 off 10 overs. Ancil Hooper hit 21. Elmore Alexander took 2 for 11.

The match between

Joyette made 25 and Rohan Ash 19. Bowling for Older Boys, Sylvannus Morgan took 3 for 27 and Rohan King 2 for 34. In reply, Older Boys reached 99 for 4 in 18.3 overs. Curtis King hit 40, Sylvannus Morgan 17 and Rohan King 15.

CGM Gallagher Novice beat Smart Strikers by 8 wickets.

Smart Strikers made 75 for 8 in

15 overs. Havan Smart made 26 and Roderick Pompey 18.

Bowling for Novice, Shamic Roberts took 3 for 15, Nolan Williams 3 for 16 and Newborn Joseph 2 for 14. In reply, Novice reached 77 for 2 in 16.3 overs.

Shamic Roberts was unbeaten on 34 and Irwin Williams 19.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Circumstance - Sharpes United encounter.

In real play action, Big League of Rose Bank defeated Robertson Surveying Future Legends of Rose Hall by 37 runs. Big League posted 120 all out off 14.1 overs, with Cuthbert Springer contributing 57. Benniton Stapleton, 3 for 29, was Future Legends main wicket-taker. Set an asking run rate of 5 runs per over to at least tie the match, Future Legends were hapless in their chase and closed on 83 all out off 14.3 overs, Stapleton again being their top performer with 32. Omalie Lavia had the phenomenal figures of 5 for 2.

Carlos James Troumaca Starlight defeated Kishore Shallow Coulls Hill Rangers by 7 wickets.

Scores: Coulls Hill Rangers 111 all out off 19.2 overs - Hector Cordice 35, Marcus McCoy 31 - .

Kwani Lewis 2 for 15, Donald Delpesche 2 for 20; Troumaca Starlight 115 for 3 off 12.3 overs - Jarani Haywood 40 not out, Tilron Pompey 32.

This Saturday, November 12, features the final preliminary match involving Carlos James Troumaca Starlight and Rose Bank United, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

The quarter-finals begin this Sunday, November 13, with a 9:30 a.m start for the match between Peto Stars vs North Stars, and a 1:30 p.m start for Circumstance versus Upsetters.

Matches will be played at the Petit Bordel Playing Field.

26. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016. 27.

Classifieds FOR SALE

House at Villa Contact: 496-8340/457-5317

LAND FOR SALE One parcel of land at Mt. Pleasant (Stubbs) 9,999 sq. ft.

458-4456 No calls between Friday 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 7:00 p.m.

CARMINA HERMINA POMPEY

MILTON THEODORE STEWART

St. Paul’s Anglican Church Calliaqua Monday 7th November. 2016 at 3:00 p.m.

Church of the Transfiguration Lowman’s Leeward Monday 7th November. 2016 at 3:00 p.m.

JAMES DANIEL PILGRIM Cathedral of the Assumption Kingstown Monday 7th November. 2016 at 2:00 p.m.

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S A L E

FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 11, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.44

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DONALD ‘TRUMPS’ THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE (Editor’s Note: A Back page Commentary) MICHAEL MOORE is an American documentary filmmaker and author who, for all intents and purposes of the American Establishment, is a loose cannon, a radical who sits on the extreme left of the political balance.

No wonder then, that the USA was thrown into a state of shock when a month or so ago, Moore went public with the following statement/assessment: “I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I gave it to you straight last summer when I told you that Donald Trump would be the Republican nominee for president. And now I have even more awful, depressing news for you: Donald J. Trump is going to win in November. This wretched, ignorant, dangerous parttime clown and full time sociopath is going to be our next president.

President Trump. Go ahead and say the words, ‘cause you’ll be saying them for the next four years: PRESIDENT TRUMP. Never in my life have I wanted to be proven wrong more than I do right now.”

Coming from Moore, that was quite a judgement and enough for the Hilary Clinton campaign theme to ridicule him as having made another ‘Moorish’, outlandish, over-the-top Donald Trump, like it or not, will become the 45th President of the pronouncement which he is wont to make whenever he feels the need to be governing, and whose campaign was written off by in the public glare. the nation’s political class, including many in his Now, the truth, according to Michael Moore, has own Republican party. been revealed. Donald Trump will become the 45th He defeated Hillary Clinton, the first female president of the United States and its commanderpresidential nominee of a major party and a former in-chief. first lady, senator from New York and Secretary of This is a stunning achievement for someone State, in defiance, so to speak, of all logic. described as a complete novice to politics and

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USA. For after all, Trump, after a steamy rise to become the Republican Party’s presidential nominee, trailed Clinton in national and state-bystate polls for over 100 consecutive days, according to reports.

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