Vin pages 12 02 15 e reader for web

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines TV!! With our Turn your TV into a Smart TV V BOX , you ly need d an d id Digital igi l TV y Android only Internet connection, No Cables Necessary.

PRICE: $380.00 $380.00 EC

FRIDAY,

FEBRUARY 12, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.07

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

PM, JOURNALIST

CLASH

Sheron Garraway insisted to the PM that her media house had a responsibility to cover what was happening in the country.

PRIME MINISTER Dr. Ralph Gonslaves reiterated on Monday, during a press conference he hosted, that SVG Broadcasting Corporation/SVG TV was biased against him and his Unity Labour Party.

But, unlike previous occasions when his observation did not fetch a response, this time it was received with some degree of rebuke by a SVG BC journalist, Sheron Garraway, who was in attendance at the referred press conference.

In an attempt to separate his comment from how he perceived Ms. Garraway, his “Sheron, … what I said

about SVGTV ain’t intended for you,” was met with the following response from Garraway: “No,…. That is not the point. I work with SVG Broadcasting, so I am part of the entity.”

Dr. Gonsalves’ attempt to reinforce the distinction between Garraway and SVG BC, was interrupted by Garraway, who made it known that, “I do not agree with what you say… that is your opinion.”

The Prime Minister, though, collected himself and espoused, “…

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves raised the ire of a SVGBC/SVGTV journalist when he repeated his Continued on Page 3. claims of biasness against that media house.

The Absence of Members of the Opposition from the sitting of the new parliament has caused the Government to introduce a Bill to rein them in.

NEW PARLIAMENT REGULATION EXPECTED be presented by the next scheduled meeting of PRIME MINISTER Dr Ralph Parliament, later this month.

Gonsalves is anticipating that Speaking at a press briefing all the relevant processes on Monday, Gonsalves said would be completed for a Bill that he had contacted the to regulate payment of Attorney General, Judith members of the House, Jones-Morgan, for an update especially as it relates to those on how the process had been (members) who absent progressing thus far. themselves from sittings, to “I am in her hands and in

by DAYLE DA SILVA

the hands of the draft persons,” he said, adding that he expected that by the end of this week, copies of the draft would be made available for discussion before it goes to Cabinet for approval.

During the presentation of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, Gonsalves warned the elected members

of the Opposition, who were absent, that the order paper for the February 22 meeting of the House could be amended to include a Bill that would prevent members of the House that absent themselves, from drawing funds allocated to them.

“The public is expecting

that we will do something about persons who don’t come to Parliament and expect to draw money, and I am hoping that we will have a Bill to that effect before this Honourable House,” the Prime Minister said on January 29.

Continued on Page 3.

V

2. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Impact World gets Digicel support DIGICEL SVG has come on board with local churches, to support the Impact World Tour that hopefully would influence change in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

On Sunday, February 7th , at the Russell’s Auditorium, several teams that form the

Impact World Tour spoke on their mission in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the coming weeks.

The Impact World Tour gives God’s people an opportunity to come together for change across all the communities.

On island from as early as December last year, the Impact World Team has visited several churches across the islands, promoting their evangelical mission. This provides an effective and relevant means for the local church to express Christ’s message

Island Breeze Spiritual Dance group. specifically geared towards the youth.

Using international performing arts, sporting and musical groups in campaign style evangelism, Impact

World Tour provides a focal point for evangelism in regions throughout the world, and is now heading to the Caribbean, with St. Vincent and the Grenadines being the first stop.

Digicel has come on board to help mobilize Prayer Session at the launch. the teams throughout the youth of St. Vincent and communities of St. the Grenadines, will Vincent and the have a positive impact on Grenadines , donating the next generation,” over forty-five thousand commented Danielle dollars in cash and Cupid, Marketing services, to support their Manager of Digicel. “We ministering to every hope that our support to community and every their efforts will make school in St. Vincent & their mission a the Grenadines. successful one, and we “We believe that this encourage all of the outreach program aimed communities to come out at changing the to support them over the atmosphere for the coming weeks.”

Stiffer penalties needed SARAH BADNOCK, one of the three women who were assaulted on Monday, wants tougher penalties for individuals who commit sexual, criminal acts.

She told THE VINCENTIAN that she was of the opinion that “a proper system” was nonexistent in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“Unless you look at it at a spiritual point of view where, while in prison, the spirit of God take control of their minds. Only that can bring changes, only the spirit of God can make changes; other than that they will just go in there for 14, 15 years, they come out and it is the same thing,” she said.

“We don’t need those ‘fellas’ sitting down for 14, 15 years eating tax payers’ money, getting fat on us,”Badnock continued.

“So I think we should have some other serious way of dealing with sexual offenders so that it can be a deterrent.”

Badnock was assaulted by an individual in the area of ‘Block 2000’ in Montrose.

The incident took place shortly after 2 in the afternoon as the woman said she was making her way to sell some produce at the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO).

The woman explained that she was approached by a man, and dragged into an abandoned building where he tried to rape her.

The ordeal came to an end, according to Badnock, after a few minutes when it became apparent that the attacker realized he was not going to get his way.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. 3.

News 3 SVG off EU blacklist

IT IS OFFICIAL. St Vincent and the Grenadines has been removed from the European Union’s (EU) blacklist of countries said to be tax havens.

This country was among a number of others in the region to be put on the list in June last year, as the EU indicated that it was cracking down on multi-national companies that were trying to avoid paying taxes to EU member states.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves responded, saying that the blacklisting of this country was unfair and unjust, and that while attending the

United Nations’ General Assembly in New York in September last year, he had shared this sentiment with the Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, who had indicated that while the country would be taken off the list, a formal letter would follow up to confirm.

Italy was one of 10 EU member states that supported the position for St Vincent and the Grenadines and 13 other Caribbean countries to be included on the blacklist.

Last Monday, Dr. Gonsalves disclosed to members of the

local press, that he had received a diplomatic note from the Italian Embassy based in Caracas, Venezuela, with an official note from Prime Minister Renzi, indicating that as of January 1, 2016, Italy had abolished tax related blacklists on corporate taxation.

As such, therefore, St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be removed from the blacklist.

“So this is good news. Of course, we should not have been there in the first place, but often as a small country,

PM, journalist clash

sometimes we find ourselves going up the down escalator; that all you do all you have to do and then completely outside of left field, that somebody comes with something or a country comes with something ridiculous, and you have to spend time to defend yourself,” The Prime Minister said. (DDD) Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was pleased to report that SVG had been removed from the countries listed as ‘tax havens’ by the EU.

New parliament regulation expected Continued from Front Page.

his perspective (on the protest), but had been turned away. She Sheron, if anybody does an also alluded to a similar response objective analysis of SVG TV when efforts were made to contact broadcasts, they will come the Supervisor of Elections. inescapably to the conclusion that But Dr. Gonsalves retorted, “..

I come to.” because you came to talk to me Garraway, not to be outdone, after you have carried all your posited that SVGBC/SVGTV did in biases.”

Dr. Gonsalves, in support of his fact give wide coverage to government’s work, but that if that stance, referred to an interview which Garraway had conducted was all they did then, “we will be with him but which, he said, had called a state entity,” and reminded the Prime Minister that not be aired to date.

In response, Garraway her employer was a private entity, explained that the intention was with a responsibility to “report what is happening in the country. never for the interview to be aired … if there is a protest in town, we immediately, but instead would be aired as part of a series planned cannot pretend it is not for March — Heritage Month. happening.”

As far as the Prime Minister The journalist, not a newcomer by any stretch of the imagination, was concerned, the interview had also reminded the Prime Minister nothing to do with Heritage, and he stuck to his position that that her media house had sought SVGBC/ASVGTV was slighting Continued from Front Page.

him.

The exchange of ‘sentiments’ between the Prime Minister and Garraway subsided when the latter proceeded to ask a question about the Geothermal Project, as per a statement made by the Leader of the Opposition.

Dr. Gonsalves’ response was that he had addressed the matter, and suggested that the Leader of the Opposition attend parliament where he can then put the question directly to him.

There has been mixed public reaction to the verbal exchange between Prime Minister Gonsalves and journalist Sheron Garraway.

In the absence of a functioning ‘Association of Journalists’ here, there has been no statement on the matter that speaks to any one position taken by local members of that profession.

He followed up this earlier this week, saying that the people expected that when he said something that he meant what he said.

“I didn’t talk with any water inside of my mouth; there is a principle here,” Gonsalves told members of the media.

Dr. Gonsalves cited that SVG has one of the longer time frames, in terms of missing meetings, before a parliamentary seat is declared vacant, and “that there are countries that say if you just turn up and leave, that is not a presence; you have to stay and vote on the matters in the House.”

He added that there existed a “laissez-faire” system here because members of the House behaved reasonably.

“But when you have unreasonable behaviour, the law has to address the matter, and I am hoping that I can get it on the order paper for the 22,” he said.

Leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace responded, saying that he was waiting to see what the Bill entailed.

He went on to say that the New Democratic Party (NDP) was protesting what they consider an illegal election, and the action they have chosen is one they had agreed to take.

On whether or not members of the Opposition will be present at the presentation of the Appropriation Bill, February 22, Eustace said that he was not prepared to comment on that just yet.

“We will wait and see,” he said.

V

4. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Tough sentences for gun, ammo possession sentenced at the conclusion of a trial last CHIEF MAGISTRATE week.

Rechanne Browne On January 19, Denzil continues to hand down Sam, 30, of New heavy penalties at the Montrose, received a sixSerious Offences Court, for year sentence for firearm and ammunition possessing a .380 pistol possession. without licence, and Within the past three three years for having months, Browne has seven rounds of .380 imposed tough sentences ammunition without on a number of persons, licence. in three separate firearm Those sentences are and ammunition also to be served possession matters. concurrently.

In the most recent And in a matter that case, the Chief concluded at the Serious Magistrate sentenced Offences Court on McArthur Leach and November 13, 2015, Dexter Stowe each to six Kamal Garraway of years in prison for Montrose was sentenced possession of a .380 to six years in prison for taurus pistol without having without licence, a licence, and two and a 9 mm firearm, and three half years for having five years for possessing rounds of .380 without licence, seven ammunition. The rounds of 9 mm sentences will run ammunition. Keshon concurrently.

Jackson of Rockies, with The Bequia residents whom Garraway was were convicted and jointly charged, received

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne has been consistent with her near maximum sentences for those found guilty of illegal gun possession.

Teen gets second chance

by HAYDN HUGGINS A 15-YEAR-OLD secondary school student who appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, and pleaded guilty to a burglary charge, has been given a chance to redeem himself.

The boy, who told the court he was an athlete, had no penalties imposed on him for the offence of entering and stealing.

Instead, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne ordered that his mother compensate the virtual complainant.

The boy, in response to questions from the Magistrate earlier, told the court he was never hungry, his mother had a job, and he was provided with school books and clothes.

He had indicated that he was not a smoker or consumer of alcohol, but admitted that he followed bad company.

While the Magistrate chided the youngster for the offence, she told him, “You could have a very promising future,” noting that he not only attended a secondary school, but was also an athlete.

“I don’t want you, who don’t know your potential, to ruin your career. I am going to give you a chance to redeem yourself,” Browne declared.

“He must attend church with his mother and sister,” she insisted.

The boy’s mother was present during the proceedings.

a five-year jail term for possession of the gun, and three years for having the ammunition.

A magistrate has the power to impose a sentence of up to seven years in prison for firearm or ammunition possession.

Firearm related offences have been ten of the 27 murders prevalent here for quite recorded involved the use some time, with many of of firearms. the offenders being between the ages of 16 and 30.

Eleven of the 25 murders recorded last year were gun-related.

Thirty-eight murders were recorded in 2014,

By HAYDN HUGGINS with 28 of them being gun-related; and in 2013, THREE MEN were each sentenced to three years in prison on Tuesday, for burglarising General Hardware Supplies at Arnos Vale, September last year, and stealing a vault containing over EC$100,000, along with jewelry and other items.

Kawanie Williams of Green Hill, Caswell Weekes of Hopewell and Leon Jack of Redemption Sharpes pleaded guilty when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, but sentencing was postponed to Tuesday.

The trio was charged jointly with Ken Wilson of Redemption Sharpes.

Wilson pleaded not guilty, and his matter was adjourned. The prosecution indicated its intent to proceed against him.

The quartet was charged with entering the business place between September 13 and 14, and stealing a metal vault along with EC$88,864, US$22,000, jewellery and other items, the property of Jasmine Anderson.

The Court heard that Williams was employed with the company as a

Trio jailed for burglary

Kawanie Wiiliams - convicted and sentenced.

Caswell Weekes – convicted.

Leon Jack – convicted and sentenced.

Ken Wilson pleaded not guilty.

welder.

Some of the money was recovered during investigations, but most of it was not.

Sion Hill youth gunned down sad, because even the people in the area are POLICE ARE SAID to be investigating afraid, because they the shooting death of Julani Alexander, don’t know when to go a 26-year-old resident of Sion Hill. out. Some have to go Reports are that Alexander’s body church,” said the male was found at Upper New Montrose resident. around 9:29 pm on Monday 8th A female resident February. A police report said that he also recalled hearing sustained gunshot wounds to his left the loud explosion Julani shoulder and his head. sometime after 9 pm.

Alexander, Villagers reported hearing a loud Reacting to the homicide explosion on the night. shooting death of number two One male villager, who didn’t wish to another young man, for 2016. be identified, told THE VINCENTIAN, she said that the that he later discovered that the youths need guidance, deceased was from Sion Hill, and he was and the older ones must play a role in “probably visiting” a friend or friends in this regard. the neighbourhood.

Alexander’s death is recorded as the “It was around 9 o’clock when we second homicide for 2016. heard the loud explosion. This is really

by KENVILLE HORNE

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. 5.

Regional

BOB MARLEY Âlives onÊ LAST SATURDAY, February 6, 2015, was Bob Marley’s birthday. The legendary reggae star and humanitarian would have been seventy-one years old, had he lived to see that day.

But even in death, Marley’s music and philosophy continue to influence generations, including those born after his death, May 11, 1981..

So when people like Copeland Forbes, who served as Bob Marley and the Wailers’ road manager, reflect on this day, they can’t help but project the icon into a future beyond the time he spent on earth.

Copeland, speaking to the Jamaica Observer, described Bob Marley as having many sides, and conjectured that, had the “great man” lived, he would have been looking for new frontiers.

“It think he would want to tour Afghanistan! Because music and sports are the only things that can bring warring factions together. We saw it in Zimbabwe. Him spend him own money and go down deh an’ play when dem get

Independence. That was where his head was,” Forbes told the Jamaica Observer.

Marley performed at Zimbabwe’s independence celebrations in Salisbury in 1980. One year after he wrote and recorded the single ‘Zimbabwe’.

The former road manager, to support his conjecture, referred the Robert Nesta ‘Bob’ Marley (1945 - 1981) Observer to a situation once said, “I don’t have prejudice that played out in against myself. I’m not on the white Jamaica.

“Bob was a peacemaker. man’s side or the black man’s side. I’m He used his music to bring on God’s side – the one who create me and cause me to come from black and peace. Me see it wid mi own eyes at the One Love white.”

Peace Concert at the Europe.

(National) Stadium in 1978.

Bob Marley’s 71st birthday was Remember, dem did shot him five times and shoot him wife inna her celebrated across the globe, just like all those since his death. head, and him still go perform for One commentator even projected peace. He had the charisma to bring people together wid love and that there must have been a lull in the fighting in the Middle East as unity,” Forbes added.

In addition to the United States, IS fighters downed their weapons to pay homage to the great man.

Marley toured sections of Africa, (Source: Jamaica Observer) Australia, New Zealand and

Antigua: Telecom companies to pay more tax IF ANTIGUANS were wondering how the Gaston Browne-led, Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party intended to compensate for lost revenue occasioned by the removal of personal income tax, they have had yet another response from the government.

The Antigua Observer Melford Nicholas, reported last week, that Telecommunications Minister Antigua and Barbuda’s Melford Nicholas, while speaking in parliament during Telecommunications debate on the 2016 National Minister, gave notice Budget, put the of the intent to Telecommunications Service introduce a new Providers on notice, that this telecommunications year, a new tax will follow the tax. enactment of the Telecommunications Bill.

The new tax comes as the government winds down two agreements with the companies entered into by the previous administration, with telecommunications companies operating in the twin-island Caribbean nation.

“That Bill gives the minister the opportunity to bring into being a Universal Service Fund. It will allow us to be able to derive up to 3 per cent of the gross revenues of all the telecommunication companies,” the Observer reported the minister declared.

The new tax is expected to affect FLOW, Digicel and the government statutory agency the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA). (Source: Antigua Observer)

V Sion Hill group visits ailing ex-national footballer 6. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

‘Rejector’ Providence.

Lowmans told THE VINCENTIAN, in an exclusive interview, that, after receiving information MEMBERS of the Brooklyn, New from Clark’s close friend, York-based Friends of Sion Hill Maurice Harry, that Clark have become the latest “was not doing well,” his nationals to visit ailing former group “decided that we national soccer(football) star have to show our respect Keith ‘Slick’ Clark (Bonadie), at for this sport icon.” his bedside.

Lowmans said Clark Clark, who carried Bonadie “was responsible for people as his last name for most of around the world knowing his football career at home, is that there was a small hospitalized at Kingsbrook island named St. Vincent Jewish Medical Center in and the Grenadines.

Brooklyn.

“An invitation was On Sept. 6, 2014, patrons at passed on to Mori a cultural show— at Meyer Millington who was the Levin Intermediate School in captain during the time Brooklyn, organized by the ‘Slick’ represented St. United Vincie Cultural Group Vincent and the of Brooklyn (UVCGB) — were Grenadines in soccer,” said Friends of Sion Hill who visited with Keith ‘Slick’ Clark (Bonadie): informed that Clark had Lowmans, adding that they Front: President Oxley Lowmans and Debbie Thomas; Back L-R: Carlos ‘Rejector’ Providence, Franklyn ‘Supadex’ Richards, Romel suffered a stroke. “were not in a joyful mood John and Elliot ‘Mori’ Millington.

Reports currently indicate because of the that he has since sustained a circumstances surrounding Inset: Keith ‘Slick’ Clark. series of medical the situation.” complications.

Lowmans said been appealing for financial Former national football Millington “enlightened” them his side, listening to his bedside. former captain speak. support for Clark. captain and coach, Elliot ‘Mori’ about Clark’s playing days, SVGLowmans said Friends of The executive body of the Millington was among including the discipline Clark USASA, Sion Hill made an undisclosed newly-formed, Brooklyn-based through its Sports Legends members of Friends of Sion showed on and off the field of monetary donation to ‘Slick’, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Legacy Fund, and with Hill who visited Clark on play. showing our appreciation for United States of America Saturday.

“Mention was made about the contributions of all all he has done for our Sports Association (SVGOthers in attendance were: the 1979 Soccer team that visitors, donated US $500 to USASA), along with former President Oxley Lowmans, shocked the world by defeating country.” the Clark family during their A number of former national sports stars, friends Secretary Debbie Bowman, Suriname on their home soil,” two-hour-long visit. national sports stars, sporting and supporters, on Martin Committee Members Franklyn Lowmans said.

(See Story on page 6 of THE organizations, friends and Luther King, Jr. Day, Jan. 18, VINCENTIAN of February 6, ‘Supadex’ Richards and Romel “During their visit, ‘Slick’ also visited Clark at his John, and calypsonian Carlos lay in bed, with his mother at supporters in New York have 2016, for more) Stories by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT

Vincy lawyer: ‘Domestic workers being ripped off’ A VINCENTIAN immigration attorney in New York wants nationals engaged in domestic work to know their rights, claiming that a significant number of them are being ripped off over wages, by the home care industry.

Roland Ottley, who also specializes in consumer fraud, told THE VINCENTIAN Sunday, in an exclusive interview, that Vincentian and other Caribbean nationals need to be fully educated about their rights in earning fair wages in the homecare industry.

“You have lots of Vincentian and other Caribbean workers [domestic] who are working24-hour shifts and are only paid for 12 hours,” said the Chateaubelair-born Ottley.

It is well known that a significant number of Vincentian and Caribbean immigrants, primarily newly-arrived ones, are employed in the homecare industry, working as, among other things, home health aides and nannies.

Ottley said many of these workers are unaware that the law stipulates that they should be paid for the full hours worked rather than partially.

“What’s happening, for many years, is that people are working 24hour shifts at various agencies and are only paid for 12 hours,” Ottley said.

“I think it’s wrong; the community deserves to be informed so they [domestic workers] understand what they should be receiving,” he added.

“There’s need for

education of the community,” Ottley continued.

Effective Jan. 1, 2015, the United States Congress passed, and President Barack Obama signed into law, the final rule on protections of the Fair Labour Standards Act (FLSA), for domestic service employees.

The Act provides that more domestic service workers will be protected by the FLSA’s minimum wage, overtime and recordkeeping provisions.

In 1974, the US Congress had extended the protections of the FLSA domestic service employees, but it exempted from the Act’s minimum wage and overtime provisions domestic service employees who provide “companionship services” to elderly people or people with illnesses,

injuries or disabilities who require assistance in caring for themselves.

Congress had also exempted from the Act’s overtime provision domestic service employees who reside in the household in which they provide services.

Last year’s final rule, however, revises the US Department of Labour’s 1975 regulations, implementing the amendments to the Act to better reflect Congressional intent, given the changes to the homecare industry and workforce since that time.

Most significantly, the US Department of Labour has revised the definition of “companionship services” to clarify and narrow the duties that fall within the term.

Prior to 1974, the FLSA’s minimum wage

and overtime compensation provisions did not protect domestic service workers unless those workers were employed by enterprises covered by the Act, according to the Department of Labour.

But Congress amended the FLSA in 1974 to extend coverage to all domestic service workers, including those employed by private households or companies too small to be covered.

As more individuals receive services at home rather than in nursing homes or other institutions, workers who provide home care services, referred to as “direct care workers” in the final rule, include certified nursing assistants, home health aides, personal care aides and caregivers.

The US Department of Labour said these

Roland Ottley, a Vincentian immigration attorney in New York. workers “perform increasingly skilled duties.

“Today, direct care workers are, for the most part, not the elder sitters that Congress envisioned when it enacted the companionship services exemption in 1974,but are instead professional care givers,” the Department of Labour said.

V Women attacked

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. 7.

News

SARAH BADNOCK is cautioning women to be vigilant at all times.

She was one of three women who were attacked on Monday, February 15, at various locations in Kingstown.

Badnock told THE VINCENTIAN that she was making her way to the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) Headquarters at Montrose on Monday, between 2 and 2:15 in the afternoon.

She said that she was walking on the left side of the road and she noticed that a man, who turned out to be her attacker, was walking in her direction.

“He had on no mask, no weapon at the time and [he] just scuffled me up saying, ‘Miss, you coming with me,” she recalled.

Badnock, in a state of disbelief, said that at that moment he started dragging her towards an abandoned building located a short distance from the ‘Block 2000’ area in Montrose.

“Then I realised something happening to me, I said this ain’t right,” she said.

Badnock said that she then started screaming and putting up a fight with her assailant.

And according to the woman, he threatened to kill her if she did not remain silent.

“But I continued and started screaming and arguing with him.”

Upon reaching the abandoned building, Badnock said that the man tore off her skirt and attempted to remove her tights, but she resisted her attacker by continuing to kick and

fight him off.

The ordeal went on for about 15 minutes, Badnock said, and after it appeared as though her attacker realised that he was getting nowhere, she said that he struck her in the back of her head with a blunt object and left.

Badnock, who plies her trade as a vendor, said that she eventually made her way to NEMO where the police was summoned.

But looking back at the incident, she told THE VINCENTIAN that she does not believe that her attacker’s intention was robbery: “He was trying to subdue me so that he could have sex with me.”

None of her personal items, or money was taken, she confirmed.

She sustained bruises on her legs, upper right

This is an enactment (staged) of an attack on a woman by a man. If you saw something like this playing out in public, what would you do? arm, and she complained that her upper torso and head were a bit sore.

And even after her ordeal, she said that she considers herself lucky because while a patient at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, Badnock said that she saw the other two victims come in and “when I watch the condition and I watch mine, I have to consider myself very lucky.”

She added that she believes that her attacker’s actions were premeditated because of the ease in which he executed the assault.

His method of approach, it was unexpected she explained.

She said that even if she had something on her to defend herself, she

would not have had time to react.

“Because you do not expect for that to take place especially in broad daylight, for someone to come and attack you like that, it is frightening.”

Superintendent of Police (SP) Ruth Jacobs, Head of the Criminal Investigations Department, confirmed to THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, that two other similar attacks occurred on Monday: one at Murray Village, in which the victim was Josette St. Hillaire; the other at McKie’s Hill Sherisse Veira being the victim.

Both young women

were said to be badly beaten about their bodies and faces.

When contacted on Wednesday, SP Jacobs indicated that the police had received “a break,” and that someone was assisting police in their investigations.

She issued a warning to the general public for them to be careful.

“I don’t want them to be too alarmed, but to be careful and to be on guard, especially females.”

She advised women to avoid walking alone and avoid dark places, and to stay out of certain places at certain times.

V

8. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 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 Barking up the wrong tree AT LEAST one media house here has turned against our Honourable Prime Minister.

Like a disobedient child, they failed to comply with, it appears, the expectations of their superior; failed to accord him the honest and wholesome coverage he perceives himself as having earned; and for this public display of disrespect, the Honourable Prime Minister has inflicted a good whacking on that ‘poor little child’.

The ‘poor little child’ was not going to be spared the rod and allowed to ever again behave so dastardly.

What a tall tale this is.

Not for the first time, the halls of the highest office of government here were filled with confrontation between that office and a media practitioner/media house, as per an episode of Monday 8th February, 2016, whose atmosphere was not far removed from being ablaze with scandal.

Given that he was in control of the occasion - after all, he had invited the media ‘into his parlour’ - the Prime Minister seemed to have opened the tank and let loose the denizens who have been immersed therein, but who, in his judgement, had now begun to show their true colour.

In the process, who has a right to do what, who has the right to expect this and that, who has a right of favour, and who must protect their independence, came into light, but any resolution was clouded in a messy exchange, uncalled for in the escalating situation of divisiveness and discord in current day SVG. As referred, this is not the first time that the Prime Minister has pointed a finger at a media house, accusing that entity of bias — of short- changing him and his government.

If the truth is ever told, the ULP government, not only because of its prolonged tenure, has otherwise enjoyed a proportion of positive coverage that far outweighs any accorded a government of the past.

The modus operandi of the Prime Minister and the ULP ensure, with its sharp understanding of how best to use the media, that this coverage is forthcoming.

And coverage of the affairs of government will always be paramount in a small economy, where government is the largest single employee. News of its progress or otherwise will always enjoy a place of prominence.

But when the offices of government begin to turn on the media, a supposedly free media, in a

free and open society, it is time to take stock; to ask, inter alia: Why this ‘sudden’ attack and open accusations of political bias?

To be honest, some of the Prime Minister’s antagonists will overreach by framing every scandal as a revelation and therefore, the basis for his removal. When and if this overreachiong happens, it is natural that any prime minister and his allies will shift their focus from the administration’s missteps of which they might be fingered, and indulge in some overkill of those they perceive to be antagonists.

In our case, one media house has been so categorised, it seems.

But why, in an open media society, should it ever be a worry for a prime minister that a media house is not according him or his government ‘ample’ coverage? Why should the basis for this judgement be that that media house offers more coverage to opposition-related activities?

That should be a worry for the party in government; impetus for the design of an appropriate response; not an outburst from the highest office of government.

Is it that the SVG Broadcasting Corporation was singled out for this scathing attack because, in fact, it has the widest coverage in SVG, both by way of radio and television?

The government can ill afford to become embroiled in a ‘bassa bassa’ with one or more media establishments here. To do so is nothing more than a distraction, and could well be interpreted as a smokescreen to cloud out the inefficiencies of government.

Expect that the tension will subside, that better sense will prevail, and we will return to a sense of normalcy.

Whatever prevails, no prime minister, leader of the opposition, church leader, business leader, should ever be downed by what he/she perceived as a situation of she/she getting less media coverage than a competitor.

The questions should be: What am I doing that could be giving rise to a situation of the other enjoying more? What can I do better to attract my fair share of coverage?

What are honestly the overriding concerns in present day society and economy to which the media will gravitate?

The media in SVG is by and large, independent of thought and practice.

We would want to ensure that it stays that way.

Alienation is the antithesis of this.

Jomo in his new role LAST WEEK, I had promised to take on Hendrick Alexander and Jomo Thomas this week. I have changed my mind somewhat.

Hendrick as ex-speaker is no longer news. I say to him happy riddance on vacating the speakership, one of our highest institutions created to ensure proper Parliamentary Democracy which Hendrick wrecked, apparently subconsciously.

On the other hand, I welcome Hendrick, shorn of “power” as a great personal friend.

As to Jomo, I will shift my focus on his political game while I deal with an aspect of his republished column last week which I seem to have missed in its premier publication in 2013. I flesh out his contribution on the rise of Ralph bereft of all the paraphernalia and incidents of “historical moments” with which it was decorated.

The UPM was formed in 1979 of three groups: Yulimo, DFM and Arwee. After much preliminary wrangling, we agreed to a political philosophy of Democratic Socialism.

Our meeting to vote a leadership core took place at Diamonds. Among those present were five Yulimo members, Five DFMers, with Oscar Allen of Arwee sitting as Chairman.

That meeting of some of the most forward-thinking among Vincentian youths, according to Jomo whose sentiments I wholeheartedly endorsed, included DFMers Parnel Campbell, Kenneth John, Robert Fitzpatrick, Yvonne Francis-Gibson and Carlyle Dougan.

Ralph Gonsalves and Parnel Campbell were proposed by their teams for leadership of the group. There was a lockjam lasting over two hours of very heated discussion. I had nominated Parnel, mainly on the ground that we operated in a traditional and conservative environment and had been generally smeared with the communist brush. So we needed to put up front a moderate spokesman like P.R, and not Ralph who had already earned the reputation as a flamboyant radical.

When our ploy failed, I nominated Adrian Saunders then Mike Browne, both of whom declined. With the backing of the entire DFM contingent, I proposed Renwick Rose who finally received the approbation of the full house- minus Ralph who was the only person present who refused to personally congratulate Renwick.

Note, firstly, that as a DFM member, I had nominated three persons from the other side. No person other than Parnel had been mentioned as a possible leader from the DFM contingent by the other side.

I totally agreed with Jomo’s assessment of Renwick at the time. “Politically, SVG lost in 1979 when the United Peoples Movement (UPM), a party that fielded the most talented cadre of candidates in our

history, splintered and disintegrated, primarily because of inflated egos, unbridled ambition, political inexperience and dogma”. The foregoing indictment clearly applied to Ralph Gonsalves above all others.

Meanwhile, Ralph who had driven part of the Yulimo delegation to the meeting, suddenly remembered that he had some business to transact at Colonarie, and left some members stranded at Diamonds.

Then later that night, I received calls from my brothers of Yulimo faction that Ralph, who had been in contact with his cousin Julian Francis and others at Cane Garden, wanted a second meeting at Yulimo headquarters the following night to re-open the discussions over leadership of UPM; we conceded.

In fact, I was hurt that Renwick had painted himself into a corner with a strange attitude to formal degrees that I begged him to exploit his God-given talents by going abroad to pick-up any Social Science degree of his choice, and return to SVG to give service. But he mildly refused.

The follow-up meeting took place at night on virtually the eve of Independence Elections 1979, with the press eagerly waiting for the news from us. In the end, we muddled through to a decision of a three-man leadership of Ralph, P.R, Renwick a three-headed-monster, as the Labour Party termed it.

After the elections in which we were wiped out, a meeting was convened to put the UPM House in order, in which Ralph declared that the Party must be declared communist.

Parnel and I walked out that meeting in disgust, and so severed all relations between the UPM and former DFMers, I was crushed and never joined any political party since.

Jomo himself left SVG for some 30 years and has bounced back a very qualified person with a pressure group the PMC which was later swallowed whole by the ULP after Jomo signed up to join the juggernaut . I recalled saying at the time, that it was a case of ‘come into my parlour said the spider to the fly”. Watch how the scene plays out.

As Speaker of the House, will Jomo now speedily accommodate a slate of National Heroes, Integrity Legislation, and earn the respect of the Opposition for unbiased ruling?

Things could very well be to Jomo’s advantage, had he won his seat and held the balance of power, so to speak. As it is, Jomo has to follow Ralph or lose his prestigious post. If he has cause to resign, he cannot make it back on his own without being branded a treacherous being.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. 9.

Letters

A quick about turn from SVG MY WIFE AND I are elderly Vincentians living on the Leeward side of the island. Our son and daughter have lived abroad for many years, and each revisited us, separately. Recently, after an absence of more than two decades. Our son has a small successful business and was scouting the island with the prospect of bringing a group of his better employees back to his home island for a vacation, at his cost.

He decided to book a week in Jamaica instead.

He said he would have been too embarrassed for his employees to see what the capitol city of his homeland looked like.

Our daughter is an independent business lady whose work responsibilities require her to travel to Canada and Europe, as well as widely throughout the U.S. She was shocked and dismayed at the lines in the banks, revolted by the public toilets, found that neither of the two credit cards she has used throughout her travels for years abroad were accepted at any of the stores she shopped at here, and complained that the customer service in the shops in town was somewhere between incompetent and indifferent. She cut short a planned threeweek stay, left after one week, and firmly stated that if we wanted to see her again, we will need to come to visit her–there was no way she was setting foot back in St. Vincent; and in fact urged us to leave and move to within some proximity to either herself or her brother, questioning the sanity of our decision to remain here.

We are of course saddened by these outcomes, but regretfully, not surprised. St. Vincent needs to consider educated, affluent tourists as a demographic to cultivate, not just diaspora revisitors and cruise ship day-trippers.

Fred and Janet M.

To legalize marijuana is wrong I HAVE NEVER seen ganja or marijuana in the Holy Scriptures. Legalising ganja will not help this country and the Caribbean, contrary to what some world governments and scientists want you to think. It is a lie that comes from hell.

They will never tell us the danger of the ganja or marijuana, because it is an evil plan to control the majority of people.

Legal and illegal, addiction, reaction, dependency, sorcery (Greek word- pharmkeia meaning drugs, or sorcery). Rev. 9:21: ‘And they repented not of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts (e.g. Heroin, marijuana)’.

I appeal to the lawmakers and the general public, do not pass the bill to legalize marijuana!

And, I am not hearing the Christian Council and gospel radio station loud enough on the subject — to legalise or not to legalise marijuana. Where is Yahuveh bride to protest against legalizing ganja?

Rise-up and speak out against these evils. Call in on radio stations, use the social media and newspapers, and speak out again these evils.

The bride of Yahushua prays against the evil in our nation. 2 Chronicles 7: 13-15: ‘When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land or send pestilence among my people. If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and will heal their land. Now my eyes shall be open, and my ears attentive to the prayers that are made in this place’.

Yah Descendant

Right to opposing views I WANT TO MAKE it clear from the outset that I am not a member of the ULP or the NDP. Neither am I a contributor to the Facebook chatrooms that call themselves The Movement and The War Room that are featured on the NDP Facebook page.

It is important that I state my non-affiliation since there are some, here in the US and home, who, because I take objection to some of the things that the ULP and Dr. Gonsalves do and say, that I am an opposition stooge. I am to conclude that those who label me ‘stooge’ are supporters of the ULP, and are quick to put down anyone who voices a different opinion to that of their party and

leader.

And that is the point of this letter. Never before has there been so much outcry and reprisals against persons who show open opposition to a government. No one is immune from these reprisals — verbally or otherwise — no politician, private citizen, church leader, newspaper columnist/editor, even calypsonian.

While, I admit, there was action by the NDP during its time in government, to silence public opinion - I recall the removal of the ‘SearchLight’ from Radio 705 — the extent to which the ULP has taken its effort to wipe out opposing views, if we are

truly honest, far exceeds what the NDP did, not because the airways have been open.

That is radio, but the action taken against those who are protesting the results of the last election is a good example of open repression of opposing views.

I don’t recall the NDP unleashing the police on those who formed the Road Blocks after the 1998 elections. And those road blocks were far more damaging to the country than the protest in front of the electoral office. Those road blocks brought the country to a halt, cutting off traffic into and out of Kingstown, even affecting the work of

emergency vehicles.

I don’t support any violent expression of opposition to anything, but I wholeheartedly support the right of anyone to protest peacefully. The ULP and Dr. Gonsalves must respect that right.

Is this a case of fighting a ghost from your past?

Garnet N.Y.

For my Valentine Keeping (Lost in fake love) a promise I been thinking seriously, Am I really yours for real?

I’m sorry I don’t treat you like a goddess.

Is that what you want me to do?

Sorry, I don’t treat you like you’re perfect, Like some others are wont to do, Am sorry I’m not made of sugar, Maybe I am not sweet enough for you.

Is it why you sometimes avoid me?

Maybe I am an inconvenience to you, Maybe I’m just the problem, I don’t I shouldn’t Have to justify my actions or self to you, But what I know, I shouldn’t be the one to make up with you.

Maybe I won’t understand, but I see clearly enough to know the truth!

Yanic Sayers

The exotic moon and its splendour Come closer, closer to me my dear Whisper sweet nothing in my ear, Though you whisper nothing, I can feel my dear The sweet breath you breathe caressing my ear.

The exotic moon fills the night with splendour Making it a night of nights to remember, The Nightingale noted for its sweet song of love The stars shine with glory from above.

Come let’s frolic on the lawn I’ll miss you the moment you are gone When the sunbeam peeps through the dawn I’ll meet you soon after on the lawn.

There won’t be a mystic in the air Even if the birds of prey will disappear, No one else will be near to hear When I tell you how much I care.

Your love is so sweet On the lawn let’s meet If not there, Then you tell me where.

Josiah Bobb (First published in THE VINCENTIAN, February 22, 2014)

SO THE ULP government is going to clean up Kingstown.

Somehow, this sounds like a stuck record.

The ULP government has been making this promise election after election and they have simply not done anything to show that they are serious about fulfilling the promise.

I hope that this time around, they really do something about it. I know that none of the Kingstown constituencies are in their hands, and I can only hope that they don’t use this as an excuse to short -hange us once again.

I also hope that the clean up just doesn’t confine itself to making the place more sanitary and removing the wooden tables, etc. We have to control the number of vendors on the streets and sidewalks if we are to return to the days when Kingstown was the envy of the Caribbean.

We must stop making this vendor thing a politics thing by turning a blind eye to persons who do whatever they feel like on our streets and sidewalks, because they are supporters of the ULP. If this is what it means ‘to own your government’, then that is a most degrading thing.

Andrew Clarke Kingstown

* Is there any way we could recover some of the cost from the original contractors for that poor job they did on Murray Road? Is that money over or under the bridge? * Is the PM worried that he is slipping out of the news headlines and front pages, why he is picking on a media house here?

May be he’ll have to fly to Barbados to get his message across a la Mr. Eustace? * When are those protesters going to get back their pots, pans and chairs which the police took from them?

And what happened to the food that was also confiscated?

Are these to be exhibits in some court case?

Ridiculous? * Are teachers here required to submit to a performance appraisal? If not, shouldn’t they?

V

10. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Parliamentary absenteeism The issue AMIDST all the discussion about election petitions and so forth, there is an issue which is gaining a ground swell in the country, and that is the continued parliamentary absenteeism being displayed by the opposition New Democratic Party, led by Arnhim Eustace. All this is seen in light of the statement made by the NDP, to boycott the meeting of the House of Assembly, when the estimates of expenditure and revenue was debated.

In all this, we must remember that the NDP has a high level of absenteeism in relation to the meetings of the House of Assembly dating as far back as 2003. We must also remember that the NDP has stated publicly, that they don’t intend to spend much time in the House of Assembly, particularly as they regard the government as being “illegal”, following their loss at the election of December 9th, 2015.

This is not new territory for the NDP. We can all remember the socalled “mock parliament” that they were engaged in after the 2005 elections. At that time, they said that they were protesting a number of issues, against Julian Francis and René Baptiste. They quickly tucked their tails between their legs and returned to Parliament, when the reality of a by-election stared them in their faces.

It is a question of current particular importance these days in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Seventeen months ago, St. Clair Leacock announced that “from here on, with a one-seat majority, the New Democratic Party is not cooperating with you on anything, save and except the next general elections.” That “noncooperation” included parliamentary boycotts, failure to attend select committees, and refusal to participate in “Question Time” when they actually did sit in the House of Assembly. Of course, once the elections came and went, the Opposition still found itself on the outside, looking in. But, instead of accepting the will of the people, the NDP doubled-down on its pre-election rhetoric of parliamentary absenteeism and obstructionism.

They first insisted that they would not take their seats in Parliament, and then changed their minds for “technical reasons”. Of course, after being sworn in, the nine members of the opposition promptly walked out.

Then they refused to name members to the Public Accounts Committee, something that is mandatory under the constitution. To crown it all, they refused to attend the finance committee of the House, to examine the draft estimates, and worse, they boycotted the parliamentary debate on the full estimates.

Vincentians have had enough of this truancy, and they want the government to do something about this situation. Basically their call is for a reduction in the salaries paid to parliamentarians who do not carry out the work of the electorate, who vote them into office.

The history of parliamentary truancy

There is nothing new about this call for accountability. As far back in history as 1820, the House of Lords passed a resolution to penalise its members who stayed away from work.

Countries such as Canada, South Africa, France, Germany and New Zealand, to name a few, all have regulations to punish truant members of parliament. In some cases in the United States, house speakers had to employ the services of the police, to bring errant parliamentarians to attend to the business that they are being paid for.

In all these examples, the key factor is that these parliamentarians are being paid, in some cases handsomely, by the taxpayers. As such, they are expected to attend the sittings of the House, and the meetings of select committees. Most important, they are expected to participate in parliamentary question time, where they can raise issues of concern to the voters in their constituency.

Let us not forget, that Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves was moved to introduce a radio programme called “Ask Prime Minister”, because the opposition NDP was doing such a poor job of addressing the issues of the voters in their neck of the woods. Is it any wonder, therefore, that the NDP lost votes in every constituency, except Central Kingstown? The numbers speak for themselves.

The House rules So it is clear to all and sundry, that parliamentary absenteeism is deeply offensive to most Vincentians, but most people are not sure how to proceed. The current rules of the House do not apply any financial penalties for absenteeism. In St.Vincent and the Grenadines, the Clerk of the House will issue a warning to a parliamentarian, if he or she misses three consecutive meetings. The law also provides for the seat to be vacated, if the parliamentarian misses the next three meetings, a total of six. This is under Section 29(3)(a) of the Constitution.

It is therefore right to assume that the framers of our Constitution felt that missing meetings of the House, was a serious matter, that they were prepared to dismiss truant parliamentarians. But the situation has deteriorated since the elections of 2001 and needs to be addressed.

Having come to the voters with long speeches and request for their support, parliamentarians need to make good on their promises, and go to the House to carry out the mandate given to them. It is clear that the NDP has insulted the voters of this country, and has not kept their part of the bargain, in this respect.

The news that Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is to introduce a Bill in Parliament, to address this absenteeism, is indeed very welcome.

Most of us in our daily jobs, have to comply with the principle of “no work no pay”. The same principle should apply to all parliamentarians.

Geothermal energy THE DEBATE on geothermal energy is continuing. Last year, the Geothermal Resources Development Bill was presented to parliament, but members of the New Democratic Party (NDP) did not support the Bill in its current form.

In fact, since 2013, the Honourable Arnhim Eustace has been expressing his concerns about the approach to the development of the geothermal energy project, by this illegitimate Unity Labour Party regime.

At the NDP’s convention in 2013, the Honourable Arnhim made the following statement about geothermal energy: “A geothermal well is a deep hole drilled into the ground to explore for geothermal energy, or to produce geothermal energy. Exploratory wells are 4 to 6 inches in diameter and typically thousands of feet deep.

Production wells are 8 inches or more in diameter and go down to the required depth.

No drilling is taking place at this time. What is happening now is that the Reykjavik Geothermal people are doing surface-based investigations that will attempt to produce a preliminary map of potential underground geothermal assets.

These preliminary investigations will not definitively answer the question of what is the true extent and quality of our geothermal resource. That question can only be answered by drilling, which is expensive, risky and time-consuming. This brings us to the point. Is this being financed by Emera? It is certainly not being financed by government or VINLEC. And as you ask that question, remember what Gonsalves himself said. He said: ‘Now, no one seriously believes that Emera will come to St. Vincent to put in the facilities to generate only 10 megawatts of power.

They have their eye on a larger prize’.

Let me repeat, he said, ‘No one seriously believes that Emera will come to St. Vincent to put in the facilities to generate only 10 megawatts of power. They have their eye on a larger prize’. Now, consider that Emera is the owner of the electricity company in Barbados, they acquired majority shares 2 ½ years ago. So the question now is: what is Emera going to get for spending all the money and taking all the risk up front? What is this ‘larger prize’ that Gonsalves is talking about? Do not underestimate that question. What is the larger prize that Emera has their eyes on? And why should Ralph Gonsalves, the Prime Minister of a sovereign state, be interested in the larger prize to be acquired by a private company?

Let us look at some other facts.

Let’s look at how Dominica went about their geothermal energy project.

And bear in mind that Dominica and St Vincent are very similar in terms of our energy sectors. Our electricity price is about the same, we both have hydro; we both have geothermal potential, and we are both members of Petro Caribe.

In 2007, Dominica applied for grant funds from the European Union to finance the exploration phase of their geothermal project; the exploration phase commenced in April 2008. So what Reykjavik Geothermal is doing now up at Soufriere — that happened in Dominica more than five years ago!

And remember, when Dominica was

moving ahead with vision, purpose and focus, all of these are things Gonsalves likes to talk glibly about.

Gonsalves was signing a Memorandum of Understanding with some Fly-by-night fellow named Croghan who did nothing, delivered nothing, produced nothing, and had his contract extended, before he eventually disappeared into the night.

Since 2008, Dominica has completed the entire exploration phase of their project, and they have fully proven the location, extent and quality of their geothermal resource.

They are now ready to move on to the construction phase of their project, to design and build a geothermal power station. In doing so, they spent over 32 million EC dollars, and this is the important point; all of that money was public money. They got grant funds from the European Union and they added local counterpart funds, they have proven the geothermal resource and now, the rights to the geothermal resource belong to the state and people of Dominica.

What is happening in St Vincent is the opposite. Apart from the fact that St Vincent is five years behind Dominica in actually getting a project off the ground. What is happening here is that Ralph Gonsalves, as the minister responsible for energy, has passed the geothermal project over to private investors from the very start.

Emera and Reykjavik Geothermal are here now, and they are spending their own money to explore for geothermal energy in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In Dominica, $30 million was spent. Suppose Emera and Reykjavik Geothermal have to spend $30 million here, even before any geothermal energy is proven to exist? What will happen if and when they prove that the geothermal resources exist? They will be the ones who have taken the risk up front, they are the ones who would have spent the money up front, so naturally, they will be looking for a return on their risk and investment, and they will be the ones calling the shots later on.

This is simply the nature of geothermal energy development. It requires high-risk investment of capital up front, and the people, who are investing that capital and taking the high risk, must get their return. It is our contention that this up-front risky investment should not be made by private investors, because they will have their eyes on a bigger prize. But this is what the Prime Minister has already told us is happening! What is the bigger prize? Is it VINLEC? After Emera has made all of these investments, will we be called upon to ‘repay’ them by selling VINLEC to them? Remember they recently bought out Barbados Light and Power. Or will they charge us exorbitant amounts for the geothermal energy under our soil, but which they invested in, instead of us?

It is our contention that, far from being a leader in this area, Ralph Gonsalves is simply a follower, five years late, and he is following the wrong example.”

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. 11.

Views

A good teacher

(Part 1 of 2)

“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.” — Charles Bradford “Brad” Henry, the 26th Governor of Oklahoma, USA. TEACHING is a noble profession.

Teaching at every level, from kindergarten to university, provides an abundance of learning opportunities.

Whenever we pause to teach, we learn.

This learning is not limited to the extraction of knowledge that occurs as teachers prepare their lesson plans and/or engage in activities that will enhance their students’ acquisition of knowledge. Multiple opportunities also occur for teachers to learn from their students. This is especially so as modern technology (especially access to the Internet) enables them to delve more deeply into the various subject areas. In some instances, they would have accessed information that their teachers may not then be privy to.

Teachers should understand and appreciate that they will never be paid what they are really worth — never. These individuals who mould the minds of our young citizens play just as important a role as the doctors, lawyers, politicians, pastors, and business leaders. The foregoing sentence begs to be debated (since some may even argue that the teacher’s role is more critical).

However, we will leave that for another time and place. Suffice it to say, however, that teachers have a powerful influence on the minds of those who sit before them in class.

Many of these students model behaviours based on the influences that are before them. This is especially so when the facilitator is knowledgeable and likeable. The more engaging the teacher, the stronger their influence is likely to be.

Society needs good teachers individuals who are not only engaged in being a conduit for knowledge, but more so a channel of positive attitudes and behaviours. They must live the good, desirable civic ideals.

These most influential individuals must be punctual and regular. They must portray best practices in the way they dress, speak, and behave.

All of these behaviours are observed and, in so many instances, modelled by the young observers. The teacher’s level of preparedness should indicate that he/she has dedicated the time, effort, and energy to give the best that he/she possibly can.

Professor Richard Leblanc of York University was awarded the Seymous Schulich Award for Teaching Excellence in 1998. He has provided some useful insights in relation to teaching best practices. His guidance to teachers can be found in the 1998 publication entitled The Teaching Professor (Volume 12, # 6). He lists ten requirements for good teaching.

This week’s publication examines the first five requirements. The remaining five will appear in next week’s publication. However, all ten can be found at the website: http://biz.colostate.edu/mti/tips/pages/ GoodTeaching.aspx 1. GOOD TEACHING is as much about passion as it is about reason. It’s about not only motivating students to learn, but teaching them how to learn, and doing so in a

manner that is relevant, meaningful, and memorable. It’s about caring for your craft, having a passion for it, and conveying that passion to everyone, most importantly to your students.

2. GOOD TEACHING is about substance and training students as consumers of knowledge. It’s about doing your best to keep on top of your field, reading sources, inside and outside of your areas of expertise, and being at the leading edge as often as possible. But knowledge is not confined to scholarly journals. Good teaching is also about bridging the gap between theory and practice. It’s about leaving the ivory tower and immersing oneself in the field, talking to, consulting with, and assisting practitioners, and liaising with their communities.

3. GOOD TEACHING is about listening, questioning, being responsive, and remembering that each student and class is different.

It’s about eliciting responses and developing the oral communication skills of the quiet students. It’s about pushing students to excel; at the same time, it’s about being human, respecting others, and being professional at all times.

4. GOOD TEACHING is about not always having a fixed agenda and being rigid, but being flexible, fluid, experimenting, and having the confidence to react and adjust to changing circumstances. It’s about getting only 10 percent of what you wanted to do in a class done and still feeling good. It’s about deviating from the course syllabus or lecture schedule easily when there is more and better learning elsewhere. Good teaching is about the creative balance between being an authoritarian dictator on the one hand and a pushover on the other. Good teachers migrate between these poles at all times, depending on the circumstances. They know where they need to be and when.

5. GOOD TEACHING is also about style. Should good teaching be entertaining? You bet! Does this mean that it lacks in substance? Not a chance! Effective teaching is not about being locked with both hands glued to a podium or having your eyes fixated on a slide projector while you drone on. Good teachers work the room and every student in it. They realize that they are conductors and the class is their orchestra. All students play different instruments and at varying proficiencies. A teacher’s job is to develop skills and make these instruments come to life as a coherent whole to make music.

Dr. Leblanc’s guidance to teachers becomes especially useful to those who will strive for teaching excellence.

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

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

My mother had 7 children, and things were difficult at times. But as she has repeatedly said ‘I did a damn good job. None of you went to jail.

None of you are on drugs. All of you made me proud.’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our parliament definitely would not be allowed to degenerate into small talk, misbehavior and

nothingness. Everyone will be reminded that unlike some other countries we have limited resources.

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

The entire country knows that I was a ULP candidate in the last elections. I am still a member of the Unity Labour Party. Nothing has happened that will require me to give up membership or support. The speaker presides over the legislature, and I intend to do that job fearlessly and without bias, fear or favour.

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

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

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

I cannot be captured, bought, sold, or silenced. I am settled and comfortable in my own skin. I seek neither friends, company, fame nor fortune. I am comfortable with the little I have got. I have travelled the world and seen a lot. I am humbled by my experiences. I know that except for an ‘accident’ here or there, I could have been a completely different person in a very uncomfortable place.

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

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

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

V

12. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Massive cut in education in SVG 2016 budget: A human rights abuse THERE IS A MASSIVE cut in education in the SVG 2016 budget. Capital expenditure for education in 2002 was $24 million; however, for 2016, capital expenditure for education has been slashed to only $11.6 million.

The huge cut in education spending is an abuse of the human rights of the children of SVG. Intentionally depriving the children of SVG of free, high-quality education is shameful.

There is no legitimate reason to cut the capital expenditure on education.

Taiwan and the white, super-rich foreigners in Mustique and Canouan are given blanket tax and customs duty exemptions by the ULP regime. If the ULP regime collected this hundreds of millions of

dollars of tax every year, the education budget for the children of SVG could have been increased, not decreased.

Why is the ULP regime not passing an Act to enforce Taiwan to offload its Atlantic Ocean tuna fish catch in SVG? This would create jobs and revenue. Taiwan is using SVG’s fish licence and SVG’s national flag on its fleet of fishing vessels in the Atlantic Ocean. Taiwan should pay hundreds of millions of dollars in fish tax every year to SVG. Further, why are the super-rich in Mustique and Canouan not paying tax and customs duties?

The Leader of the Opposition is mistaken when talking about the fiscal deficits in the SVG Budget Estimates from 2005 to 2016. These

fiscal deficits did not occur owing to the weakness of SVG’s finances or the economy.

The fiscal deficits are intentional.

They allow the ULP regime to keep SVG in poverty and under their control, and secondly, when Gonsalves goes begging and borrowing abroad, the fiscal deficits make SVG look poorer and more in need of financial handouts.

Making two steps forward and three steps backwards is a jackass approach to running SVG. Most of the countries in the Caribbean have high levels of debt, crime and unemployment, and low levels of education.

When USA President Barack Obama came to the Caribbean in April 2015, his advice to the

CARICOM leaders to resolve their problems of high levels of debt, crime and unemployment, was to educate their people.

Obama told the CARICOM leaders that if they had a highlyeducated workforce, they would attract a lot of foreign investment.

Obama said, ‘If you look at some of the most successful countries in the world, they are actually pretty small countries like Singapore.

One of the most important things Singapore did is that they made a massive investment in their people and, if you have got a highly skilled [and] highly educated workforce — if you set up rules of law and governance that are transparent and noncorrupt, then you can attract actually a lot of service industries…’.

SVG Green Party Leader Mr Ivan O’Neal has a BSc (Hons) in Accounting and Finance

from Oxford Brookes University, England; an MSc in Macro Economics, Policy and Planning from Bradford University, England, and an MBA from Leicester University, England, and spent 3 years living in Singapore and has followed Singapore’s economic development over the last 50 years.

Mr Ivan O’Neal has always said that SVG should follow Singapore’s example and educate our people and build universities. Slashing the education budget in 2016 to only $11.6 million shows how economically ignorant the ULP regime is.

Cutting the capital expenditure in education, whilst allowing Taiwan and the white, super-rich foreigners of Mustique

and Canouan to not pay hundreds of millions of dollars of tax every year, is a human rights abuse.

Somebody should be arrested for this human rights abuse, as it will have a long-term, negative impact on the children of SVG, especially poor children.

SVG must tax the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan, and impose a fish tax on Taiwan. It is important to significantly increase the education budget to provide free, high-quality education for all SVG’s children and build our own SVG university. We must act quickly.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org Find us on Facebook and Twitter

War Veteran Kadmiel Mc Fee wants apology I DON’T WANT the PM dead. I want him alive to be brought to justice in a civil court of law.

The Prime Minister is alleged to have raped a police woman. The PM is running an intentional Fiscal Deficit in the Budget, to remain in power by keeping the Poor, poor.

Also in my opinion, the December 9 general elections was a fraud. I am of a strong opinion that there is state influencing in private (independent) bodies in the country, such as, the SVG Television and various newspapers and

radio stations.

I was arrested by the police on Thursday 4th February 2016 for questioning in relation to an alleged plot to kill the Prime Minister, merely on the shallow basis of a person signing an affidavit claiming Kadmiel Mc Fee’s ‘intent to kill PM’.

After several hours of intensive questioning, I was released without charge, after being told the police will continue to investigate, and that I will be contacted if needed.

It is rather ridiculous that the Prime Minister

was accused of rape but, to the best of my knowledge, was never taken into police custody for questioning. Yet, a person makes an allegation against Kadmiel Mc Fee, and Kadmiel Mc Fee is arrested.

I am calling for an official apology from the SVG Commissioner of Police, and pay for causing injury to my image. All moneys will be donated to victims of rape.

Kadmiel McFee SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. 13.

News

Adhere to roundabout rules, urge Police MOTORISTS are being encouraged to adhere to the rule and aceepted practices governing the use of roundabouts here.

The appeal, coming from the police, arises from what appears to be ‘misunderstanding’ when using the recently constructed roundabout at La Croix, and where, admittedly, signage and road markings are yet to be placed.

The roundabout was constructed at La Croix, according to Minister of Transport and Works, Senator Julian Francis, partly to provide an alternative route to the international airport at Argyle which is nearing completion.

However, Sergeant Henry Providence of the RSVG Police Force

Traffic Department told THE VINCENTIAN that a visit to that site a few weeks ago, by a team of top ranking officers from the Traffic Department and officials from the Ministry of Transport and Works, revealed that some motorists were unsure of the proper usage of the newly constructed roundabout.

“The general rule of a roundabout is to give way to traffic on the right – so once traffic is on your right, you have to give way to traffic on your right,” Sgt Providence explained.

He assured that the area is expected to be painted and signs erected to assist drivers with ensuring the proper use of the roundabout.

“So once the paint is in, we are hopeful that this will assist motorists.

“We intend to put up some ‘give way’ signs, and once the road signs and markings are there, this should give motorists an indication, and this should ease some of the frustration of the misuse,” he told THE VINCENTIAN. The new but yet unmarked roundabout at La Croix has thrown up cases of misuse by motorists and, therefore, concern for the Traffic Department.

And if motorists are still unsure, they are being encouraged to visit the Traffic Department to seek assistance.

“We have some drawings, and we will be able to assist you,” Sgt Providence said.

He also spoke of the existing roundabout at Arnos Vale, saying that he has witnessed firsthand, instances where he said motorists have been guilty of its misuse.

“Persons have to understand that when it says to give way to persons on the right, it is not saying that when the person reaches right here…. Once traffic is coming in your general

direction, then you stop and give way, it is (as) simple as that; but some persons believe that the traffic has to reach up right on you before they stop,” he said.

And in urging motorists to adhere to the rules, Sgt. Providence said, “We don’t want to see incidents occur because of the misuse of the roundabout.”

The rule of giving way to traffic on the right when using a roundabout is applicable in SVG and the majority of the world’s island nations and territories where traffic flows on the left side of the road. (DDD)

Watchman audit coming THOSE EMPLOYED as watchmen by the government, especially those employed through the Kingstown Town Board, have been fore-warned of an impending audit, as a pre-requisite for identifying ways of improving the service.

So said Minister of Transport and Works, Senator Julian Francis, under whose ministry jurisdiction of the Kingstown Town Board falls.

Francis, while speaking at the laying of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure in Parliament on January 29, questioned the efficiency and vigilance of some of the watchmen, saying that items are stolen from sites although persons are paid to keep watch/guard.

With this in mind, the Transport and Works minister said that he was putting them on notice that an audit will be conducted, to evaluate the watchman service.

“I have heard the Minister of Finance speak on this matter on numerous occasions, and this year, early this year, we will be addressing that matter,” Francis said.

Senator Julian Francis, Minister of Local Government, gave indication of possible changes with respect to the government watchman service here.

V

14. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

This is the second time that the ULP South Leeward constituency office has been damaged.

„LetÊs see where it goes‰

by HAYDN HUGGINS

charge was laid indictably.

Senior Prosecutor SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE of Adolphus Delpleche made Assembly Jomo Thomas an application for Samuel would allow the justice to be sent to the Mental process to take its course, Health Centre for in relation to a matter in observation. Given which a man is accused of Samuel’s mental health having articles intended for history, Delpleche said he use to destroy Thomas’s wanted to be certain as to constituency office. whether or not the Thomas, who contested defendant was fit to the South Leeward seat as understand the a candidate for the ruling proceedings of the court.

Unity Labour Party (ULP) Browne allowed the in the December 9, 2015 application, and sent general elections, Samuel to the institution preferred not to say much for 14 days observation. in relation to the matter, The matter was then as it is before the court. adjourned to March 1.

“Let the matter go Samuel, who was through the system and without legal let’s see where it goes,” representation, had Thomas, a lawyer by earlier told the court that profession, told THE he suffered a nervous VINCENTIAN on breakdown.

Monday, when contacted, Reports are that police minutes after the had responded to a report defendant, Ricardo in the early hours last Samuel, made a brief Saturday morning, that appearance at the Serious smoke was seen coming Offences Court. from the upper part of the Samuel, an out-patient building housing the ULP of the Mental Health South Leeward Centre, has been charged constituency office. with, that on February 7 A window was met this year, ‘had in custody broken, and it appeared as one jug of gasoline, one though something was lighter, and matches thrown inside. intending, without lawful A curtain and a chair excuse, to use the said were reportedly burnt, but articles to destroy the extensive damage to the South Leeward building was averted. constituency office at THE VINCENTIAN Chauncey, owned by the understands that when Unity Labour Party’, officers from the Fire contrary to section 269, Department arrived on Cap 171 of the revised the scene, other police laws of St. Vincent and officers were already the Grenadines 2009. there.

The 32-year-old Samuel was reportedly Questelles farmer was not taken up in the vicinity required to plead when he around 12:45 a.m. the was taken before Chief following day, with the Magistrate Rechanne items in his possession.

Browne on Monday, as the This is the second

Ricardo Samuel is said to have a history of mental illness. incident of this nature to have occurred at the building in the space of four months.

On October 16 last year, the upper section of the building was destroyed, in the heat of the election campaign. It was reconstructed, with voluntary labour, within a few days.

To date, no one has been arrested and charged in connection with that matter.

The recent incident comes in the wake of ongoing investigations into a fire at the Public Works Department Storage Facility at Arnos Vale, January 7, which destroyed approximately EC$1.3 million worth of building materials earmarked, according to government officials, for use in social programmes; and two attempts to fire bomb the headquarters of the St. Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC) at Paul’s Avenue, Kingstown, the previous week.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. 15.

Youth

Young Leaders get lessons MEMBERS of the St. Vincent Grammar School 2016 Young Leaders can count on Alron Harry in effecting a smooth execution of this year’s project.

Harry, president of the SVGS Young Leaders 2015, offered some advice to present leaders at the Assembly Hall of the Grammar School, during the launch of his school’s 2016 venture, Monday 8th February.

Harry gave lessons for them to “practise effective time management.” He wants them to employ this technique with their school work, and extra curricula activities.

Harry told the youngsters that they will have to sacrifice “sleep and leisure activities if they are to use their time effectively.”

Every event undertaken must be planned, Harry reminded. “Lack of planning will lead to failure,” the past President advised.

This year’s theme is ‘Me… You… We… A shared vision for a better society’.

Harry endorsed that tenet with his admonition to students to “work in teams,” advising that, “It is necessary for colleagues to work together,” and that personal conflict be thrown aside in the interest of ensuring “effective communication.”

Harry told this year’s group to “follow up on correspondences,” and urged them to “get involved and spread the workload.”

His encouragement to the new group is that they delegate responsibilities so that the participant is across the board.

The former Young Leader advised the new group to “always have a back-up plan,” and to be “ready to act if circumstances change.”

His involvement in last year’s event has produced benefits for him at a personal level, Harry admitted. He was one of 11 Caribbean

The executive of the St. Vincent Grammar School 2016 Young Leaders. leaders who experienced a United States Ambassadors trip last August.

He pledged his support to their efforts.

Headmaster Curtis King also touched on the aspect of time management, and he praised the sponsors of the exercise for the programme which is aimed at bringing out the talent, leadership skills and team work.

King also commended the coordinating teachers.

King however took the opportunity to urge listeners to “change the discourse from the We versus Them,” syndrome.

He noted that there was the “students versus teachers,” Gang versus Gang situation, and the Unity Labour Party (ULP), versus the NDP (New Democratic Party) syndrome.

“This narrative is not adding value to our people nor our society.”

The Grammar School Headmaster observed the absence of unity in the society, and he agreed that fragmentation was leading to a “decline in in all the things that will help us

(to) enjoy a high standard of living.”

Keishon Browne, Operations Officer at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), sponsors of the competition, pointed out that his institution had shaped 7,000 future leaders since their involvement in the exercise. Browne pointed out that many students had “moved on to become leaders in their own right.”

Dr Kenneth Onu delivered the feature address. He advised that people have to be responsible for the energy that they carry into any room.

This year’s president, Shane Cadogan, anticipates that his school project “will find creative ways to channel feeling of inadequacy, anger and negativity into positive behaviours and outcomes.”

St. Vincent Grammar has taken the Young Leaders title six times of the last eight years that they participated.

April 29 is the closing date for the submission of the final project. (WKA)

Alron Harry, President of the 2015 St. Vincent Grammar School Young Leaders, encouraged the 2016 group to pay attention to planning.

President of the 2016 Grammar School Young Leaders, Shane Cadougan, will be looking to lead the school to a seventh victory.

V

16. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Feature

$ $UJ\OH¶V &$<2 9,//$*( UJ\OH¶V &$<2 9,//$*( Preserving Preserving History

grounds; Dr. Menno Hoogland and Hon. Minister Cecil McKie. Special thanks were given to Mrs. Nyoka Clouden, President of the Returning SVG Nationals, who was in attendance with several of her members. They collectively raised an incredible $150,000 to help fund the project.

Following the remarks of the speakers, Minister McKie, using an authentic primitive axe constructed with a hand carved wooden handle, into which had been wedged a very sharp piece Minister Cecil Mc Kie readies himself to cut of conch shell, effectively the binding material to open the hut. demonstrated his skill with primitive tools. With several firm been in the 16th century. and mostly accurate swings of the archaeo The Leiden University archaeoaxe, he severed the woven binding (L-R): Minister Frederick Stephenson, Dr Dr.. Menno Hoogland, Minister Cecil logical team provided instruction in material stretched across the Mc Kie, Mrs. Kathy Martin and Ms. Jennifer Richardson, in front of the Kalinago building methods, and left entrance of the hut, and the site was reconstructed Cayo V illage hut.

Village the completion of the initial phase of officially turned over to the Ministry Ministhe project in the hands the Minisof Tourism, Sports and Culture.

by BEN HARRISON and DR. SHEILA by Kalinatry of Culture, the Departments of The ceremony ended with the preserving the history of the KalinaPENNINGTON PENNINGTON Forestry and Parks, a building traditional act of pouring a portion go in St. Vincent. consultant and volunteers. They of St. Vincent rum into one of the A memorial of this magnitude MY THOLOGY, the th phoenix is IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY, returned to The Netherlands last post holes for ‘the spirits of the cannot happen without the a long-liv ed bird that is regenerat ed or long-lived regenerated Saturday morning, and plan to ancestors’. combined efforts of many people and reborn. The phoenix obt ains ne w lif e obtains new life return to the site in April or May. The completion and opening of the organizations, including The InterInterb predebyy rising from the ashes of its predeLast Friday afternoon (February Cayo Village site for visitors and national Airport Development Co. cessor o paraphrase a statement statement b cessor.. TTo byy 5), in spite of threatening rain, tourists, is planned to coincide with (IADC), who acquired the land and century historian historian Car 19th century Carter ter J. Internaapproximately 75 guests, including the opening of the Argyle Internafinanced the excavation for the Cayo Woodson, “If a race has no his Woodson, history, tory, it collecstudents from the Argyle and New tional Airport. Until then, a collecVillage site, as well as the new worthwhile tradition, and has no worthwhile Prospect Primary schools, crowded tion of artifacts may be seen at the Cultural Heritage Park where the factor in danger becomes a negligible factor into the newly constructed hut and National Trust in Kingstown and a airport petroglyphs have been exterminated.” of being exterminated.” learned about the history and large model of the original Cayo re-located.

Cayo Village, inhabited by the discovery of the site and its early Village is on permanent display at Other key players include the Kalinago or Island Caribs in St. inhabitants. The students held and the National Library.

National Trust and the work and Vincent in the 16th century, is being examined the primitive vision of its former chair, Kathy resurrected on a 3.5 acre site at its tools, questioned the Martin; the Archaeological Faculty original location, overlooking the sea Netherarchaeologists and made of Leiden University in The Netheron the east side of the Argyle copious notes for their lands, and the SVG Ministry of Airport runway. It has been desig desig-classroom studies.

Tourism, Sports and Culture. nated a National Historical Site and A short programme During the initial excavation of will be a tourist attraction with Richchaired by Jennifer Richthe Argyle Airport site in 2009, kiosks, for the sale of native handi handi-Comardson, Director of Comevidence of its Kalinago history was crafts and indigenous foods. Most munications at IADC, uncovered. Post holes where houses importantly, it will be a memorial heard comments by Mrs. had been, were discovered as well as Kathy Martin, former pieces of pottery, beads and tools. archaeologiChair of National Trust; When news reached the archaeologiarchaeoloStephenHon. Frederick Stephencal community, a group of archaeoloson, whose constituency gists from Canada’s University of The pouring of rum in respect of the ‘spirits of includes the Arglye Calgary visited petroglyphs near the the ancestors’. site.

ArchaeoThe Leiden University Archaeological faculty, who were doing work in Grenada and the Dominican Republic at the time, also visited the site and made plans for further exploration. They returned in 2010-2012 with archaeologists and students, further unearthing proof that the site was indeed genuine, worth exploring and preserving.

This year, in less than two weeks, under the leadership of Dr. Menno Hoogland, a team from Leiden University, plus members of St. ForestVincent and the Grenadines Forestry and SVG Parks departments and several volunteers, constructed the first of what will be six huts and a long house. All materials for the project have been sourced in St. Some of the excavated pottery on Vincent, just as they would have School children and others caught up in the excitement of the moment. display in the hut.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. 17.

News

LIME Fashion Caribbean:

Takes the stage tomorrow night

Soka by Karen DeFreitas from St. Vincent.

AFTER A FIVE-YEAR hiatus, the Image Modeling agency brings Fashion Caribbean back tomorrow, Saturday February 13th, 2016. The show, which is being held at the SVG Community College, is anticipated to be the agency’s largest one yet. Construction at the venue site began on Wednesday evening and was still ongoing up to press time.

The show will boast a never before seen 100 foot runway and backdrop that spans 60ft wide. Maxin Browne, who is in charge of the stage design and set up, has pushed beyond the boundaries of what is considered the norm for local shows, and the agency expects Saturday’s event to be on par with top class fashion show runways.

The show’s roster now boasts seventeen designers, including Ecliff Elie, Millhouse, Kimon Baptiste, Calvin Southwell, Sew Lisa, Kimya Glasgow, Fashion is Payne, Reve Jewellery & Accessories, Soka, Shernicia Mayers, J’Angelique, Peta Odini and four Fresh Face of Fashion Designers Olecia Lynch, Rachel Bailey, Jamal Jacob and Chenise Hendrickson.

Over the years, Image, through Fashion Caribbean, has helped launch the careers of many Vincentian designers, including Kimon Baptiste, Shernicia Mayers and Kimya Glasgow, and past Fresh Face designer Jeremy Payne is also now a very well known brand and will also be showing his new “Caribbean Chill” collection on show night. The agency therefore is hoping to continue this trend, with this year’s Fresh Face designers who will show collections for the very first time.

Patrons attending LIME Fashion Caribbean tomorrow night can expect an amazing fashion experience from complimentary Ciroc, Viniq & Bailey’s on entry, compliments sponsors

Corea’s Distributors Inc. to the theatrical introduction, which has been choreographed by Image Executive team members. The models that will be featured in the introductory sequence have been preparing for the past four months, so persons are asked to be seated by 7:30 pm, as the show is scheduled to start promptly at 8pm. After the show, the after party “Jazz on the Verandah” takes place at the French Verandah, and the weekend of fashion culminates on Sunday February 14th with the Fashion Caribbean Trunk Show which is the retail event being held at the Grenadine House. This event is open to the general public who wish to see the collections that walked the runway the night before, and the opportunity to network with all of the FC 2016 designers.

LIME Fashion Caribbean has been an annual mainstay in the Vincentian event calendar, and the Image Modeling Agency aims to re-establish the show as the top fashion event in the island. This year’s show also acts as a preview for next year, when Image will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary, and as such, plans have already begun for Fashion Caribbean 2017 which is expected to be the high point of the agency’s celebrations.

LIME, Massy join forces LAST FRIDAY February 5th, tele-communications provider — LIME introduced a new line of convenience services available at Massy stores. Joining the PhoneTo-Go family is SIM-To-Go. Massy customers, whether visitors to St Vincent and the Grenadines or residents, can get a LIME SIM card pack easily without visiting a LIME store location. SIM-to-go comes with user guide information as well as a SIM card with $5 free introductory credit. This is available at the customer service desk at all Massy stores.

Partner Sales Manager at LIME — Recardo Jackson said “Many persons visit the supermarket on a regular basis and sometimes do not have the time to visit the LIME store

Reve Jewellery & Accessories from Jamaica.

locations. This makes it easy for them to complete their transactions conveniently and hassle free.”

LIME Corporate Communications and Marketing Manager — Nikala Williams also expressed “This is a perfect marriage of conveneince. Massy customers can now get their groceries, prescriptions and telephone needs under one roof. Visitors (L-R): LIME Partner Sales Manager - Recardo from the cruise ship Jackson and Massy Marketing & Corporate berth can now easily Communications Assistant - Petra Plato. get a LIME SIM card with free credit, place our one flat local calling rate on it in their phone and benefit from the spot.”

LIME Fashion Caribbean is being sponsored by LIME, the St. Vincent & the Grenadines Tourism Authority, Liat, The Grenadine House, Felly Belly, Eyes R Us, Ciroc, Viniq, Jergens, First Citizens Investment Services, Corona, Max Digital Darkroom Photography and the Oasis Spa.

V

18. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Youth

Young Leaders value self-esteem

THE ST. MARTIN’S SECONDARY School on Friday 5th, launched their 2016 Young Leaders project, under the subtheme: ‘Believe in me as I help you, together we build a better SVG’.

Young Leaders from St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, the Girls’ High School, and the St. Vincent Grammar were in attendance at the launch, which took place in the school’s library.

President of the 2016 Young Leaders, Mikal Quashie, addressing the launch, declared, “We are living in a world where there is an epidemic of low self-esteem that affects almost every aspect of our life - from what we think about ourselves, to the way we think about or react to a situation.”

He proffered that negative thoughts or actions are generated from within individuals, transferred to others, and eventually affect the way we feel about ourselves.

Among the activities his group will be embarking on are: an awareness

walk, clean-up campaign, and a visit to the Golden Years Retirement Home.

Other activities include bakes sales, and random football matches, and an overnight camp at the school’s compound.

Feature speaker, entertainer and songstress extraordinaire, Kahalia Beache, gave an animated presentation on the issue of self esteem.

She drew on her past experience, and how she became the confident woman she is today.

The former Girl’s High School student alluded to having to overcome issues of prejudice.

She recalled the tendencies during singing and drama auditions at school, when the inclination was to pick ‘the light skin’ students from the crowd.

“I don’t know why.

Perhaps it was because of the engrained thing in our psyche that being lighter was being better, or being lighter afforded you better opportunities,” said Beache.

She said that her music

VINSAVE receives New Year’s gift THE LIVES OF STAFF and children at the VINSAVE Child Development Centre have been made much easier, as a result of a donation by the Toronto SVG Support Group…

The donation consisted of a popcorn machine, a projector and groceries.

VINSAVE (SVG Save the Children Fund) Director, Mrs. Janice Fraser, in thanking the Toronto-based donors, indicated that the popcorn machine “will not only serve as a means for raising funds for the Centre, but will also be used in providing snacks for the children”. The projector, she said, will be used as a tool for delivering workshop presentations.

The Save the Children Fund was established in the Windward Islands by the British in 1963 to address the nutritional and health needs of children — St. Vincent being the headquarters. It also serves as a Training Centre in Early Childhood Education.

The Canadian Save the Children Fund (CANSAVE) took financial responsibility for the programme in 1969 when the British opted out, but are now no longer involved at that level.

The donor, the Toronto SVG Support Group, was launched in 2012 and has, among its objectives, to “aid in the socio-economic development of young Vincentians at home and abroad”.

Since its formation, the Group has made donations to the Liberty Lodge Boys’ Training Centre, Rotary South for its children’s Christmas parties, Lions’ Club South for presentation of groceries to needy families annually at Christmas time, flood relief efforts following the December 2013 disaster, among others.

The donation to VINSAVE from the Toronto SVG Support Group was valued at approximately EC$2,500.00.

Mikal Quashie, President of the 2016 SMSS Young warned that low self-esteem was contagious.

The SMSS 2016 Young Leaders. teacher recognized her talent, and with that assurance and supportive parents, she grew in confidence.

“So when you have a high self-esteem, and a high sense of self, it does not matter your circumstance, your environment. You will get through; your light must shine…. .”

Beache implored the young leaders to associate themselves with likeminded people. “You ever seen a lion and an elephant liming? You ever seen any pack of lions mixing with other animals? No, because lions

stick together; they are leaders.

“If we are all likeminded people with high self-esteem and positive energy, rolling together, you know what could happen? Mountains will move , because you all have each other to lean on, , to encourage each other, to bounce positive energy back off, and sparks start to fly and things start to happen. That’s ’s how societies grow ; that’s how societies become productive, and progressive,” Beache asserted.

Past student, and former Soca Monarch

Orande ‘Bomani’ Charles was also on hand to deliver words of advice to the Young Leaders.

Senior Accountant at RBC, Vonetta Rodgers, in her brief remarks, said that for the past nineteen years, RBC has been a pioneering vehicle in the shaping, nurturing, developing our nation and the region’s young leaders.

“From its inception, we have set out to provide the young people of SVG with the opportunity to develop leadership skills and teach them how to work as a team, to create sustainable projects that improve lives, conserve

Kahalia Beache spoke to the need for likeminded persons to band together. our natural environment , engage communities across the region, and promote social and financial responsibility,” said Rodgers, concerning the bank’s role.

The theme of this year’s Young Leaders project is: Me… You… We… A shared vision for a better society.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. 19.

News

The political victimisation of Phillip Jackson? endorsement made with the underlying condition that he supports the ULP, and so not having PHILLIP JACKSON is a gifted son of the soil from supported them, he is being punished in the Marriaqua. He is blessed with a brilliant mind and harshest of ways? excellent communication and analytical skills. This can It is worth knowing that leading up to the last be easily seen and appreciated in his numerous general elections on the 9th December 2015, Phillip writings, conference publications and presentations openly supported the New Democratic Party (NDP) that can be found online. Most of you who know him and its candidate in his constituency of Marriaqua. will agree that speaking with Phillip on any topic is a Did that support, in any way influence the decision real treat. He is the last of 12 children for his parents, to deny him study leave to enable him to move to Alfred and Jermine Jackson. He was raised with strong the next level which, according to UWI, will equip Christian traditions and sound family values. His him with “skills and knowledge to drive change and parents, particularly his dad (of blessed memory), have contribute to national development” - which no been pillars of the community in which Phillip was doubt will be of immense benefit to SVG? Is Phillip, raised and still resides. Phillip obtained his early therefore, being politically victimised or will we hear education in Marriaqua before moving on to the Boys the usual excuse and denial?

Grammar School for the culmination of his secondary education (having begun at the Mountain View Academy). During his time at the Grammar School, he won multiple awards at science fairs, and went on to represent St. Vincent at the regional level. Incidentally he later taught at both schools, and was at one time the head of the science department at the Grammar School.

From information on his public LinkedIn and Facebook profiles, Phillip obtained a BSc Honours degree in Biological Sciences from Universidad de Oriente in Cuba and later, a MSc in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship from the University of Manchester in the UK. Phillip also holds a Certificate in IP and Technology Commercialization from the University of California in Davis.

Following his tenure as head of the science department at the Grammar School, Phillip became the Science and Technology Coordinator in the government service, and he currently functions in that role in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Commerce and Information Technology.

With his wealth of experience and educational qualifications, Phillip applied for, and obtained, a scholarship to pursue a PhD in Economic Development Policy at the University of the West Indies (UWI). The scholarship is a UWI-12+1 Scholarship and one is available to applicants from each of the countries of Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Island, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts & Nevis and St Vincent & the Grenadines. Phillip was the one, from SVG, that received the award. One of the basis on which the scholarship was awarded is that the area of study is deemed to be a “priority research area” by one’s home country. It therefore means that having been awarded this scholarship, Phillip’s home country, SVG, deemed the area of study (Economic Development Policy) to be a “priority research area”. In addition, in order to be awarded the scholarship, the home country must provide UWI with a “letter of endorsement” stating that the applicant is eligible for acceptance. The award to Phillip therefore means also that the relevant authorities in SVG endorsed him for the scholarship. According to a letter of award that was posted online months ago, Phillip was given two of UWI’s leading economists as supervisor and cosupervisor. Both men are directors of two of UWI’s leading research institutes in Cave Hill, Barbados.

This is a most singular honour.

Having secured the scholarship, Phillip was due to commence his doctoral study in January 2016.

He followed the correct procedure and applied for study leave, and without being given any reason, study leave was denied to him. So what went wrong for leave to be denied when the relevant authorities had previously endorsed him for the area of study? Why is Phillip not at UWI pursuing his PhD in the “priority research area” of Economic Development Policy as approved by SVG? And why is he denied study leave without any reason? Is it because he dared to support a political party that does not have the acronym ULP? Was the

by BRERETON HORNE

Incidentally, and as an aside, both Phillip Jackson and Bigger Bigs are from the constituency of Marriaqua. Is this a mere coincidence or is there more? Is it because the ULP administration does not respect their own representatives (both former and current) for that area, and so continues to castrate their men of intellect and influence, or is it that the representatives themselves acquiesce with their party?

Judge for yourself!

Phillip Jackson

20. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. 21. .

22. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. 23.

V Guyanese form association in SVG 24. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

by JEFF TROTMAN

THE GUYANESE COMMUNITY in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has formed an association the “Guyanese Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Inc.” Forty or so members elected office bearers on Saturday 16th January, 2016 at the Wesleyan Holiness Church, downtown Kingstown.

The Executive Committee comprises: Nigel Russell — President; Rawle Caesar — First Vice President; Keith John — Second Vice President; Jennifer Peterkin — Secretary; Pastor Kerry Kerr — Treasurer; John Dickie Assistant Secretary/Treasurer; Collette Jones-Chin Public Relations Officer; Committee Members — Dianne Charles, Patricia Jones & Denise Craigg.

In his inaugural address, President Russell said, to the surprise of the gathering, that “Guyanese form the biggest Caribbean immigrant community in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.”

He noted also, that “Guyanese who reside in SVG have contributed largely to its development, especially

in the Nursing and Education Sectors, and will continue to do so”.

Russell, a resident of this country, along with his wife, for some twenty-five years, said he has always wondered why there was no association of such in SVG, and was hoping that one day he could be a part of the development of one.

The interest, he said, was awakened when Mrs. Patricia Jones and Mrs. Dianne Charles “pulled a few Guyanese together” to celebrate the victory and inauguration of President Granger.

Soon after, a group was formed, an interim committee was set up, and the rest is now history.

The non-political, nonreligious and non-profit Association is founded on five basic tenets: to promote the integration of Guyanese into the Vincentian society; to endeavour to preserve and exhibit Guyanese culture in the Vincentian society; to provide resource information to recent Guyanese immigrants and Guyanese immigrants in need of assistance within the scope of the law and the constitution; to organize celebrations

Nigel Russell - President of the recently formalised Guyanese Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Inc. Left: A cross-section of those in attendance at the meeting that formalised the Association. around Guyanese affairs of the community national events; to be and to cooperate with active as a group with an other national groups, effective voice in the especially groups with

Membership of the whom the Association shares similar ethnic and Association is open to the Vincentian spouses of cultural traditions and Guyanese residents here. aims and objectives.

JCI hosts installation and awards ceremony THE JUNIOR CHAMBER International (JCI), formerly known as Jaycees, is a nongovernmental, voluntary organization, with the main objective of developing and empowering young people, and contributing to community growth through active involvement. In 2015, the organisation celebrated 100 years of impact with

over 200,000 members in more than 5,000 local organisations across the globe.

On Saturday January 16th, 2016, JCI St. Vincent Executive hosted a ceremony to install its recently elected Executive for 2016, and recognise the contribution of members and stakeholders during 2015.

The event, held at its Stoney Grounds headquarters, saw turnout from members, Senators, observers, guests and the media.

An inspiring message was delivered by the 2016 President Elect Shevern Lewis-John, who outlined that JCI was a vibrant global community of active citizens with responsibility for investing in the future of their community. She highlighted that many skills, knowledge and understanding are developed through involvement and service as active citizens.

Following the President’s message, the elected officers took their oaths to signal their formal swearing in.

They were: President Elect Shevern Lewis-

members taking their oath of office.

John, Vice Presidents received the ‘Above and Keithaa James and John Beyond’ award, with Keil, Secretary Cametha Gabriel Glasgow taking John, Treasurer Iasha the ‘Membership Growth’ Sutherland, and award. Senator Immediate Past Alice Mandeville received President/ Legal Counsel the President’s Mandisa Stephens.

Medallion, while Best Several organisations Chairman 2015 was were recognised for their awarded to Cametha contribution to the John. Awards of success of projects and Appreciation were activities executed in received by Keithaa 2015. Receiving the James and Shevern Active Citizens Award Lewis-John. was the SVG Planned Parenthood Association, while awards of Appreciation for partnering with the organisation were given to the Vector Control Unit, SVG Coast Guard, SVG Royal Police Force - CID Unit and Health Solutions Inc. Within the Planned Parenthood Association organisation’s representative Ms. Chance membership, receiving Award of Appreciation Past President from President Shevern Lewis Ryan Hazell (right).

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Money problems will get worse if your partner hasn't been playing by the rules. A better diet, exercise, or a change to a relaxed atmosphere could be ways to soothe your nerves. You will be too quick to point your finger at your mate. Much knowledge can be obtained through the experiences you have.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Jealous colleagues may try to undermine you. Someone you live with will get angry if you are neglecting your duties. Home improvement projects will go well if you delegate work to all your family members. Extravagance will be a problem.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) New romantic partners may attend a function that puts you in the limelight.

Make sure that new mates live up to your high standards. Discover opportunities based on the individuals you mingle with this week. Help an older member with a problem that faces them.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You need to put some trust in others.

You will attract members of the opposite sex readily. You can get ahead if you are willing to take a partner. You will do well in social settings, and new and interesting individuals may spark a romantic curiosity.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Difficulties with your mate may lead to estrangement. You may find yourself changing plans for some form of entertainment. You can't win and they won't listen. Money can be made if you use your ingenuity.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don't be too quick to react. You will be relentless when it comes to getting yourself back into shape. Uncertainties about your home may cause tension.

You are best to sit back and think it through, rather than add to the ranting and raving.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You can bet that you'll draw attention to yourself. Double check your work and be sure that your boss is in a good mood before you do your presentation. You can utilize your versa tile mind and dazzle others with your speed and accuracy. Your emotions may be hard to control if your mate is forcing you to undergo drastic alterations in your relationship.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Nagging has never been something that you could tolerate, and it's once again driving you into a lonely state of affairs.

Things aren't as they appear. You can accomplish a great deal.

Underhandedness regarding legal matters or contracts must be counteracted.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Your dedication and fortitude when dealing with humanitarian groups will enhance your reputation. Your high energy must be directed into productive goals, or frustrations will occur. Avoid being intimately involved with clients or colleagues. You can't always have your own way.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Visit friends who have not been well.

You are best to work behind the scenes on projects that require detail or precision. Enjoy some socializing this week. You can make some favorable changes to your looks.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Minor health problems may flare up if you haven't been taking care of yourself or have been burning the candle at both ends. Don't let your work and your personal life interfere with each other.

Your temper could get the better of you if you confront personal situations.

Don't be shy; show your abilities!

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Opportunities to get involved in investment groups will payoff. Travel is evident, but be cautious while in transit.

Control your anger. Don't let your family put demands on you.

ACROSS

41. Rex Stout’s fictional 1.It follows detective morning (2 wds.) (abbr.)

47. AFL’s 4. Pallid partner 7. Messy place 48. Locket prize 10. River (Sp.) 49. Buenos 11. Bush Aires’s 13. Biblical “yes” country 14. Breaded and (abbr.) fried tidbit 50. Wayfarer’s 16. Brief sleep stop 17. Social 51. New Year’s reformer __ Nellie 52. Super-sized 18. Cleverness 20. Frisbee, for DOWN one 22. Despise 1.Curve 25. Performed in 2. Evergreen marathons 3. Moreover 26. Becomes 4. Partner of rough curds 28. Landon of 5. Sculpture, politics e.g.

29. Throttle 6. Zany one 30. Hanoi holiday 7. Like cubic 31. Lacking zirconia protection 8. British 33. “__ Believer” beverage (2 wds.)

9. Shrill bark 34. Comedic 11. Mope takeoff 12. Be on guard 35. Early TV’s 15. Gridiron redhead VIPs 37. Mao __ -tung 19. “__ a 38. Trio after C living!”

39. __ mask 20. Broad

valleys 21. Expansion 22. Untied 23. Acorn sources 24. Yank, to a Reb 25.Cheerleader’s shout 26.“Moonstruck” star 27. RR stop 29. Lawyer’s customer 32. Liquid measures (abbr.)

35. Ayres and Wallace 36. Flying saucer

(abbr.)

38. Medicinal amount 39. __-fi 40. Relative 42. Bard’s “before”

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. 25.

43. Gun an engine 44. Scientist’s rm.

45. Follower of Thurs.

46. Easter __

V

26. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Put your foot down now!!

My wife (his mother) wants me to put him out but I have been lenient I HAVE A PROBLEM with my son. He has with him. I want him to change his ways but it does not look like he will gotten to the point where he wants to take over my house. I cannot talk to him anytime soon. I have given him many chances to get his act together but he without him starting an argument. I cannot correct him on anything without is just not accepting any responsibility for anything. He is 25 years old now him accusing me of wanting to be and it is taking a mighty long time for “Mr.Right”. him to come around to being a man. I I have told him repeatedly, to no cannot even get him to lift a finger to avail, that I do not want any alcohol do something around the house! in my house. Sometimes he would I don’t want to put him out and come home highly intoxicated. He has later regret it. Please help me sort a job but spends all of his money on this out. women and alcohol.

Dear George,

right. You have your house rules and your son needs to know that any departure from and violation of those Dear Wishing Dad, rules will lead to him being put out permanently.

Parenting sometimes calls for tough This is no time to play baby love and this is a case where you need house. Listen to your wife and do what needs to be done. Let him know to exercise tough love.

It could be a difficult undertaking that he can drink as much as he for you to start to teach your son wants, spend his money on whatever responsibility at this age, if it had not he wants to spend it on and argue as been taught from an earlier much as he wants, but just not while age. Notwithstanding, he needs to be he is under your roof. made to realize that being at home George now is a privilege and not a

Wishing Dad

Stop fooling yourself come to the point where I no longer find her attractive.

I want to get a younger looking I AM 55 YEARS OLD and I have discovered lately that I am gravitating woman who has more zest. I do not care how much it costs me in terms of towards younger women. Moreover, money - I have the money. I have not my wife is my age, but I am not told this to my wife, but she is asking finding her attractive anymore. Her me lately how come I don’t pay much breast sags, her hair is grey, and her attention to her anymore. I cannot legs are not as tight as they were answer her because I know the truth when I first met her. I fell in love will definitely hurt her feelings. with a woman who looked sexy and who had tight skin and firm breasts, Regrets and I never thought I would have

Dear George,

Dear Regrets, What you are experiencing could be a phase that some men your age go through. It is that phase where you become terribly insecure about your manhood, and in order to prove that everything is still intact, and that you are not ‘over the hill’, you yearn to be with younger women so that you can test your manhood, your energy levels, so to speak.

This not the time to quietly conspire to be with other women, far less younger women. Take the time to reflect on what attracted to you to your wife, how good a wife she has

been, and how often she has been there for you. You may not believe this, but you too would have aged and your skin would not have the elasticity it once had when you first met. She accepted you as you were when she first met you, is accepting you as you are now. The least you can do is to return the favour ten times over.

It takes more than money to maintain a happy union. Count your blessings now and find new ways to love your wife and maintain the marriage.

George

Come clean, man myself? I cannot be with one woman, and I am not going to change that.

I HAVE CHEATED I am a strong Black man on my girlfriend many and I need sex all the times over. During the six months we have been time, and with different women. I love my girl, I together, I have slept do not want to lose her, with over 30 women. but she is not enough Now, I am feeling very for me. guilty about it.

The question is: Do I Plain talk tell her or keep it to

Dear George

Dear Plain talk, You have made your mind up — you can’t be a one-woman man — and therefore, you ought to let your girlfriend know the truth. It is unfair to her to keep this from her. You are leading her on, and it us not fair that she should be made to believe that she has a man who thinks of her only.

Tell her where you stand, and leave it to her to decide if she wants to continue sharing you or cutting the rope altogether.

Sleeping around is not the way to go, and your girl deserves to know what she is exposed to from being in a relationship with you.

George

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. 27.

Sports

Northern Stars, Lime Radcliffe maintain good form

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT NORTHERN STARS, and Lime Radcliffe posted comprehensive victories in Saturday’s matches in the NLA National T20 cricket competition at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Lime Radcliffe showed their experience by easily disposing of a game but fragile Bequia Unit at Arnos Vale TWO. Batting first, Lime Radcliffe endured a few anxious moments on their innings and looked shaky at 113/5 in the 13th over.

But once again, the big hitting Rodney Lawrence (56) and Richie Richards (37) raised a partnership of 93*, to take initiative from the Bequia Team.

The pair racked up 68 off the final five overs, as the guys from the Cays wilted under the onslaught.

Lawrence struck five fours and three sixes off the 37 balls he faced, while Richards faced 18

balls in contributing to the carnage with two fours and two sixes. Romano Pierre got 39 (4x4 2x6), and captain Lindon James who was run out 35 (5x4, 2x6). The Bequia bowling was nothing to write home about except to say that Chelson Stowe’s solitary over in which he sent down nine wides went for 21, and Olonzo Billingy gave away 25 from his two overs, thereby epitomising the level at which the visitors lost control in the closing stages of the innings.

With a required rate of over ten, Bequia had no alternative but to ‘have a go”, and captain Cosmos Hackshaw and Dean Browne were on full horsepower from early.

They added 44 for the first wicket before Browne (11) went LBW to Othneil Lewis off the second ball of the fifth over.

Hackshaw (32) was then caught controversially off a high full toss with just three runs added in the

Javon Samuel took 4/23 for Northern Stars.

Bequia’s captain Cosmos Hackshaw (32) put in a brave attempt. same over. After that, the fight left the Bequia team as they slipped to 55/5 to be eventually all out for 132, with Rajiv Roberts 20 and Stowe 19 going out with a late order flourish.

At the Arnos Vale Playing Field, Northern Stars notched up their third win in four matches with a seven wicket win over Radcliffe Too. They dismissed Radcliffe Too for 105 in 16.2 overs, then responded with 106/3 in 10.5 overs, to win in quick time.

The victory, while coming easy in the end,

appeared not so when Radcliffe Too were 75/2 in the 12th over. However, it all fell away with the introduction of spin from both ends.

Winston Samuel (3/21), bowling from the Airport End, had double success in his second over to start the slide. The experienced Javon Samuel, bowling his left-arm spin from the Bequia End, then joined the fray and giving the batsmen little to work, which reaped a good harvest.

He finished with 4/23 from his four overs, as the

Greaves, Williams, Browne among the runs him, he continued to score at will, Daron Greaves hit 88 not out and took 3 for 33.

GUARDIAN GENERAL SAINTS exhibiting confidence and Police TWO recorded satisfying and ease that had and featured in a fourth wicket but tense victories on Sunday, in already helped him to a century and partnership of 68 with Browne. the SVG Cricket Association NLA half century in the tournament.

Parnel Browne took 2/25 from his T20 cricket tournament at the Sion In the end, a miscalculation on four overs.

Hill and Arnos Vale Playing Fields his part in taking a single off the Police TWO fired a fusillade of respectively. second ball of the 20th over, saw shots through openers Mclean Guardian General Saints. batting him at the non-striker’s end, with Williams and Salvan Browne, that first, reached 156/7 in 20 overs, 24 needed. His partner heaved, had Bequia diving for cover from then dismissed Carl Joseph Law swiped, and swished at three balls early.

Chambers ASCO for 132 in 19.4 before perishing off the fourth.

It was Williams who provided the overs to win by 24 runs.

Greaves remained unbeaten on heavy artillery with devastating Saints appeared to be in a spot of 88 which included nine fours and effect as Browne, who went with the bother at 37/3, but were rescued by seven sixes-an innings which score on 45 in the fifth over, a partnership of 77 between the underlined his improved shot contributed only two. experienced Romel Currency (38) selection.

Despite going at a good clip, the and Zane Edwards (37). Daron Police TWO put together one of lawmen were nervously placed at Greaves took 3/33 from his four their better performances to beat 58/3 in the seventh over after losing overs.

Bequia by six wickets at the main two wickets at the same score.

ASCO’s reply opened with the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

But the team’s “cricket brain” loss of three wickets in quick SCORES: Bequia 181/4 (20 overs) Parnel Browne joined Williams in a succession: opener Antonio Barker Police TWO 185/4 (18.2 overs). partnership of 114 for the third (0) swinging wildly across the line; Winning the toss and batting in wicket that all but sealed the win. captain Desron Maloney (0) pushing ideal conditions and on a good Browne got 54 and was dismissed to forward, then Rodger Gibson (3) batting pitch, Bequia, behind a make the score 172/4. He struck six stumped. brilliant innings by Dean Browne, fours and two sixes and faced 33 But while his teammates meekly scored at over nine runs an over for balls. Williams (93*) easily hoisted the white flag, opener most of their innings. administered the final rites in Daron Greaves singlehandedly Browne batted the entire 20 partnership with Gosnel Cupid attempted to take his team to overs and was unbeaten on 90 made (*11). He batted 58 balls, struck victory. Though handicapped by the off 54 balls, hitting seven fours and five fours and seven sixes. Mesach persistent loss of wickets around seven sixes. Jenry Ollivierre got 39 Williams took 3/31.

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

batting team lost 6/13.

Opener Kensley Joseph made 35 with three sixes and three fours.

Northern Stars went about their chase at a frenetic pace, scoring in excess of ten an over, with Elron Lewis 30* (2x4, 2x6), Joe Soleyn 29 (4x4, 1x6) and Kenney Stapleton 26 (2x4, 2x6) indulging in some ball

beating.

In other matches, Saints with 151 for five (Romel Currency 55), defeated Police One who managed only 100.

News Spartans with a formidable 182/7 (Kurtland Davy — 56, Dawnley Grant- 45*) got the better of Triumph United - 154.

Obed remains positive VINCENTIAN LEFT ARM seamer Obed McCoy earned himself a place in the West Indies team competing at the 2016 ICC Under 19 World Cup in Bangladesh, but had to make an early exit.

McCoy sustained an injury to his left hand which ruled him out of the tournament.

He has since returned home.

Obed McCoy, West ‘Well, I’m disappointed Indies Under 19 that I got the injury a couple left arm seamer. days before the tournament started. I felt bad, knowing that the burst on my left hand would restrict me from playing in the tournament,” McCoy said on his return, adding, “But I’m looking at the positive. I played the warm-up matches and I think I did pretty well at that level.”

He acknowledged that, “It was great experience traveling and competing against players my age, at an international level.”

As far as his focus on his return is concerned, the young man said, “Right now I’m focusing on training hard to make the St Vincent and the Grenadines senior team, and maybe Windward Islands senior team. With hard work, I know I can make it.”

McCoy, who plays for Team Rivals in the premier division of the local cricket competition, said he expects to resume training this coming Saturday.

“Injury took me out of the U19 World Cup, but I see where I’m at, and I just got to focus on working on my weak areas and strengthening,” McCoy intimated.

Meanwhile, Gidron Pope, the other Vincentian in the West Indies Under 19 squad, has performed creditably, with both bat and ball, to help propel his team into the semifinals.

Pope, batting at the top of the order, has returned scores of 60 against England, 76 against Fiji, 30 against Zimbabwe and 25 against Pakistan, for a total of a total of 191. He has captured 7 wickets to date.

The West Indies would have played Bangladesh in the second semi-finals last Wednesday.

Opening batsman I.B.A.ALLEN

Gidron Pope has made himself proud.

V

28. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Interim Committee to Zaronique Forbes: A star run Basketball affairs in the making A FIVE-MEMBER Interim committee will oversee the administration of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Amateur Basketball Federation (SVGABF) for the next six weeks.

Conrad Simon will head an Interim Committee that is tasked with preparing for election for a full Executive for the SVGABF.

Elections for a full Executive is expected at the end of this period.

Comprising the committee are Conrad Simon (Chairman), Karel Bramble, Daron John, Saijay Jaindani, and a representative from the Grenadines (to be named).

The committee was endorsed at an extraordinary general meeting, held at the Xpert Computer Centre Conference Room, Kingstown, last Tuesday.

That meeting was called primarily to elect a President, following the resignation of sitting president Junior Sutton, who has since migrated.

However, it was revealed at the Tuesday’s meeting that several other members of the executive have either resigned or have failed to function.

Among those who had resigned was First Vice President Wayne Williams, who had planned to vie for the post of president.

Rohan Providence, elected Treasurer, also indicated he was no longer a member of the executive, and it was revealed that Second Vice President Sonya Lewis and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Suzette Jackson had not been active in the affairs of the Federation in recent times.

As such, therefore, only Third Vice President Conrad Simon and General Secretary Gailene Gordon were left as sitting members, paving the way for full elections.

Discussions on how to proceed were riddled with heated and various constitutional

interpretations, insinuations and direct attacks levelled against members.

The stalemate was eventually broken when a motion to install the Simon- led Interim Committee was carried.

Among the tasks of the Interim Committee are: to put the elections machinery in place; see the secondary schools’ competition and the SVG Community College inter- divisional competition to conclusion; and complete the Federation’s nominations for the upcoming national sports awards.

Last Tuesday’s meeting followed failed attempts to convene a similar meeting in December 2015 and January 2016, when on both occasions there was no quorum.

ZARONIQUE FORBES, a 7-year-old student of the Kingstown Preparatory School (KPS) is creating quite a buzz within athletics circles here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

In fact, some observers have earmarked her for future track star status.

Forbes, who hails from the community of Sharpsdale, won all of her races in her school’s athletics meet, held on Tuesday 26th January, Zaronique Forbes has and was crowned Under caught the eye of track 9 Junior Champion. and field connoisseurs Zaronique and her here.

Blue House colleagues, Grandiesha Cain and Karonique Sterling who took the Under 13 and Under 11 categories respectively, were the major contributors to their House winning that meet.

Many persons attending the sports voiced how impressed they were with her speed.

Zaronique is the daughter of Rodney Forbes and Claudia Forbes, both former school athletes.

In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, the proud mother said that she was happy with her daughter’s accomplishment thus far, and hastened to add that Zaronique not only excelled in track and field, but academically as well.

She disclosed that her daughter was originally enrolled at the Petersville Primary School where she also participated in track. She was then under the guidance of Team Athletics SVG, but since her transfer to KPS, she trains with Ian Sardine’s Academy.

Forbes said she is hopeful that Zaronique will continue her development thereby positioning her, down the line, for a scholarship.

“I have been giving her a lot of support. I always believe that you have to encourage and motivate a child for them to succeed, because without proper motivation, they won’t have any desire to do things,” said Forbes, who, in a more general comment, advanced the view that, “There need to be more emphasis (on sport) to motivate the youths.”

Zaronique’s next outing will be the Inter- Primary Schools Championship. Observers will be keeping a keen eye on the Under 9 category, in which she will compete. (KH)

SVGOC and LIONS Kingstown in joint youth project From Page 30 .

Speaking on behalf of the SVGOC and the National Olympic Academy, Keith Joseph explained the purpose of the Junior Olympians, highlighting the fact that it offers the nation’s children between the ages of 9 - 11 years, the opportunity to be socialized into the positive values attendant to sport and the global Olympic Movement.

Some 30 children, many with an accompanying parent and or teacher, were in attendance at the launch, which took place at the Conference Room of the Xpert Computer Centre, Kingstown.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. 29.

Sports

FIFA halts payment to CONCACAF: SVGFF not impacted directly, says Coombs

Thin line

SUNDAY, February 14 has its own stigma, where love supposedly takes precedence. That date throws up greater significance in the annals of West Indies Cricket. It could be the day when the Under 19 cricketers in Bangladesh, lift the trophy, symbol of 50 Over cricket at that level.

First, the West Indians have to overcome the home team Bangladesh who disposed of them easily in some warm up matches before the preliminaries.

Since then, the Under 19 have managed to shake off the cobwebs and all the snares aimed at them in the wake of their advance to the quarterfinals.

That came in circumstances that some purists are still not comfortable with.

Having reached the quarter-finals, the youngsters progressed in typical Caribbean fashion with a scintillating win over Pakistan, to take them to the semi-finals.

By yesterday morning, (Thursday 11), the die would have been cast. If the West Indies reversed the fortunes on the host, that will set up a final this Sunday with India.

The next best accomplishment would be the third place play off with Sri Lanka.

It will be fitting for the West Indies Cricket Board for their youngsters to be in the final, and more gratifying if they rise to the occasion and stop the Indians.

It will put into greater focus the new scenario that has surfaced, with the World Cup squad for the T/20 Championship not seeing eye to eye with the WICB. Communications between Captain Darren Sammy and WICB Chief Executive Officer Michael Muirhead placed the situation squarely into the open.

The two representatives seemed to have adopted an approach of no surrender, so it appears that the WICB will have to resort to a second string team to take part in the tournament.

Sammy has outlined that the West Indies Players Association cannot represent them. So the players will conduct their own negotiations, and the board has stated its position, and is in no anxiety to talk with the West Indies players.

I am all for the interest of West Indies Cricket, and I tend to err on the side of the worker.

In this case, however, the West Indies players have to be prepared to abide by the conditions of their employment or, if they are unhappy, they can reject the offer. In which case, the WICB will be under no obligations to them.

It will be interesting, should the Under 19 squad succeed at the World Cup. That will enhance some of those players’ chances for inclusion to the senior squad. The intransigence of the senior players will make it easier for the WICB to look at the youngsters.

It is known that West Indies cricketers are not as handsomely paid as Australia for sure. But breaking out in money arguments every time a tour is on, is not serving as a bargaining tool. And if they were to goto the World Cup with financial grouses in their heart, might as well they remain in the West Indies. The Board cannot afford another episode of the squad abandoning the assignment in the midst of the exercise.

They have until Sunday, February 14 to make up their minds. I do not anticipate that they will alter their position. They have wrapped up some worthwhile pay cheques in their globetrotting T/20 crusade. The pittance provided by the WICB falls out of the league of those superstars.

The WICB and indeed Caribbean fans will be content to know that they have a squad for the World Cup T/20 which is prepared to play cricket rather than games.

Sammy and his squad can abandon their duties and continue their demand for enhanced pay packages.

The WICB has to make a stance, and the players can proceed with their stance as a matter of principle.

A DECISION by world football governing body, FIFA, to halt US$ 10 million in payment to the Confederation of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean (CONCACAF) will not directly impact the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation directly.

On Monday 1st , FIFA announced that it will be putting on hold US$ 10 million to CONCACAF, which, like its counterpart South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), is embroiled in a global football corruption scandal. Most of the 41 people and entities that have been charged in the United States, are associated with one of the two regional confederations. “ We can confirm that in light of current proceedings involving individuals related to CONMEBOL and CONCACAF, FIFA has put contributions towards these two confederations on hold until further notice,” a FIFA spokesman said in a statement to the international press. “ We are currently assessing further steps to be taken to increase the level of assurance which may again enable FIFA to release such funds in the future.”

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) is a member of CONCACAF. When THE VINCENTIAN contacted President of the SVGFF, Venold Coombs, for a comment on what possible impact the referred FIFA decision could have on the operations of the SVGFF, he downplayed any significant blow, saying, “CONCACAF has nothing to do with us. FIFA deals with member associations independently.”

According to THE VINCENTIAN’s investigation, the SVGFF receives US$ 250,000 annually from FIFA, under the FIFA Financial Assistance Program (FAP). The finance goes towards youth football, men’s competition, women football, technical development, refereeing, Marketing and Communication, Infrastructure, amongst other things.

Former General Secretary of the SVGFF, Ian Hypolite, said that SVG will only be directly impacted if FIFA held back the finance from FAP. He acknowledged that the FIFA action in question here, will have an indirect impact on the SVGFF, “because we

apply to CONCACAF for special projects, such as buying a bus, helping to light playing fields, paying for coaches’ development. Regional tournaments might not get funded,” explained Hypolite.

CONCACAF, in a letter to its members on January 5th, said that the it had not received $10 million in payments from FIFA. “CONCACAF has fulfilled all of FIFA’s requests for documents and Venold Coombs, information regarding the new administrative President of the SVGFF, has assured that FIFA’s compliance, and decision to halt a procedure processes payment to CONCACAF that have been will not directly affect implemented at the football in SVG. Confederation, to ensure the issue is resolved in a timely manner,” CONCACAF said in an e-mail to Bloomberg news.

Besides the US$ 250,000 under the FAP, FIFA reportedly paid a bonus of US$500,000 to each of its member associations/ federations in 2015.

(KH)

Ian Hypolite, a former General Secretary of the SVGFF, explained the difference between financing received directly from FIFA and that received through CONCACAF.

30. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

SVGOC and LIONS Kingstown in joint youth project Saturday 6 February was a red-letter day, as the St Vincent and the Grenadines Olympic Committee and the LIONS Club Kingstown SVG officially launched a joint project aimed at enriching the youths of this country.

The joint project involves a new approach to entrenching the Junior Olympians as an integral part of

Vincentian culture.

The aim of the Junior Olympians, to paraphrase the mantra lead coordinator Mavis Joseph, is that children develop as individuals and also as good Vincentian citizens through their sports of choice.

At the official launch, Mrs. Joseph

stated, “We believe that as they (children) experience the multifaceted nature of Olympism, they would be able to have a significant impact on the people with whom they come into contact each day.”

The LIONS Club Kingstown SVG’s president, Mrs. Monica Glasgow,

commended the SVGOC for its commitment to the education of the nation’s youth, and expressed her Club’s gratitude for having been given the opportunity to be involved in the collaborative undertaking.

Continued on Page 28.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016. 31.

Classifieds

FOR RENT Office Space Hinds Buiilding, Grenville Street Tel: 492-0616/ 457-2407

DORIS VICTORINE ISAACS

KENNETH KENDAL LYTTLE

Salvation Army Church Kingstown Wednesday 10th February, 2016 3:00 p.m.

Faith Deliverance Church Redemption Sharpes Sunday 7th February, 2016 3:30 p.m.

LYN HAMILTON St. Bethel Spiritual Baptist Church Sunday 7th February, 2016 3:00 p.m.

MR. CLIVE AUGUSTAS CAIN

AUDREY HERMINA CUMMA

Glad Tidings Tabernacle Church Gomea Saturday 6th February, 2016 2:30 p.m.

Georgetown Methodist Church Saturday 6th February, 2016 3:00 p.m.

SHANNON WILLIAM GLYNN better known as Shannie 6W 0DU\¶V Anglican Church Bequia Saturday 6th February, 2016 Service at 2:00 p.m

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R

A.I. REAL ESTATE Questelles 32,414 sq.ft. - $325,000.00 - BB172 Langley Park 3 bedrm Property on 4,646 sq.ft. $145,000.00 - H455

S A L E

FRIDAY,

FEBRUARY 12, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.07

Ross Castle Various Lots $8.00 - $15.00 p.s.f. - CALL BB148 - BB159 (784)- 457-2087 (Office) (784)-533-0431 (Office) (784)-493-9431 (Cell) (718)-807-4376 (Office) donp@vincysurf.com www.aisvg.com

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

PM NOT BOTHERED

BY THREAT Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves displays the memorandum provided to him by the Police, which details the statement allegedly made by Mc Fee.

Stories by DAYLE DA SILVA PRIME MINISTER Dr Ralph Gonsalves said that he intends to continue with the work that he was elected to do, and is not the least bothered by a statement made by a candidate in the last general elections, or those made by other individuals, to do harm to him.

During a press conference on Monday, Gonsalves revealed that the SVG Green Party candidate for East St George, Kadmiel Mc Fee, had uttered statements on a January 30 radio programme hosted by Luzette King on NICE Radio that alluded to a criminal activity to be committed against him.

According to Gonsalves, law enforcement authorities had drawn to his attention that Mc Fee stated on the programme: “…and you look at the way they (the police) escort the prime minister in G7. In front of him you have a massive bunch of police officers, and another 12 to 13 on the back of the truck, and another jeep at the back with another 12 or 13, and you call that tactical policing? That’s

Kadmiel McFee, a former officer in the British Armed Forces, is accused of having made threatening remarks in reference to the person of the Prime Minister. not tactical policing, that’s a joke because, I’m not trying to incite something there, but if someone was after Ralph Gonsalves, they get him, they get him very simple, because all they have to do is aim for the target at the front with automatic and they guarantee fatalities in the same and in the back, and they guarantee fatalities …. and what you got, you got Ralph Gonsalves in the so called soft-skinned bullet proof vehicle driving around left on his own to wonder.”

“Here is someone who, I have been advised, was once a police officer, advising listeners how to get him, meaning me, from behind and from in front,” Gonsalves said.

According to the Prime Minister, he wanted the public to know the type of concerned about, but this is where things that were being said and broadcasting has come, this is where encouraged. political antipathy has come,” he told “It is not the gentleman I am so the press conference.

Meanwhile, Mc Fee has responded by way of letter (see page 12) stating that he ‘did not want the prime minister dead, but alive to be brought to justice in a civil court of law’.

He is also demanding an apology from the Commissioner of Police for “causing injury” to his image, the result of him being arrested, questioned intensely, then released on Thursday 4th February, 2016.

When asked, Gonsalves indicated that he had no intentions of taking any personal court action against Mc Fee.

MURRAYÊS ROAD FOR REHAB WORK AGAIN

MINISTER OF TRANSPORT and Works Senator Julian Francis has apologised to the public for the condition of the section of road along Murray’s Road, beginning at the National Public Library and ending at the Peace Memorial Hall.

“I am the most upset because the contractor is associated with me bloodwise,” Francis said at the laying of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure on January 29. Of course, the contractor to which Francis referred was Franco Construction Ltd., owned and operated by at least two of his brothers.

A new contractor will complete the job, he disclosed. In fact, according to Francis, a new contract is currently

being drawn up for the rehabilitation of the stretch of road beginning at Sally Spring and ending at the KFC (uptown) intersection, inclusive of the repaving of that portion of the road referred to earlier.

Meanwhile, Francis lauded the residents of Marriaqua for their patience and understanding, saying that they have been inconvenienced for some time following a landslide which occurred back in 2013 exposing a section of the main road in the vicinity of Ginger Village.

“This has been a heartache, and I want to congratulate the people of Marriaqua because they have been severely inconvenienced,” Francis said.

The portion of Murray Road whose surface was removed and its concrete base exposed, will be re-paved under a new contract and a new contractor.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.