TEH VINCENTIAN PDF - 12-04-19

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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FRIDAY,

APRIL 12, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.15

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

M. V. Gem Star engulfed by flames on Tuesday afternoon.

by DAYLE DA SILVA IT WAS A CASE LATE INTO TUESDAY afternoon where hundreds of persons sought to find suitable location from which to view M.V. Gem Star, engulfed in flames, as it drifted aimlessly in the Kingstown Bay. M.V. Gem Star, owned by

Augustus De Roache, was a staple provider of transportation — passengers and cargo - between Kingstown and the Southern Grenadines.

Fire on board the vessel was first seen and reported on Monday when Continued on Page 3.

M. V. Gem Star is near pristine condition.

BISHOP’S MURDER CASE SENT HIGHER Jack was a 24-year-old Security Guard at the time A FORMER SECURITY of the incident.

GUARD of Georgetown will After the Prosecution, face a judge and jury in Defence and Magistrate connection with a killing reviewed all the evidence which attracted widespread and witness statements in public attention here the case, Browne concluded August last year. that a prima facie case was Following a paper made out. committal procedure at the The body of the Trinidad Serious Offences Court last and Tobago national who week, Chief Magistrate worked here as a Travel Rechanne Browne Agency Supervisor, was committed Anwar Jack to discovered in one of the stand trial for the murder huts at a tourist attraction of Spiritual Baptist Bishop area in Argyle known as Ian Enoch, 50.

‘Carib Village’, August 18

BY HAYDN HUGGINS

Anwar Jack – all it took was a paper committal procedure for his matter to be sent to the High Court.

last year, shortly after the police had received information that he had gone missing. Enoch was at the time residing at Brighton.

Reports are that he was chopped about his body with a cutlass between 8 p.m. August 17 and 10:40 a.m. August 18 last year.

Attorney Grant Connell represented Jack during the paper committal procedure, while Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche appeared for the prosecution.

Ian Enoch was a well-known Bishop of the Spiritual Baptist faith here.

2. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. 3.

News 3 New ULP candidate for Central Kingstown

Dominic Sutherland and his wife La Ferne during last week Thursday’s 18th Anniversary March.

THERE HAS BEEN MUCH SPECULATION that the incumbent Unity Labour Party (ULP) could be fielding a slate of candidates that includes a number of ‘new faces’, come the next general election.

Of the eight parliamentary representatives that the party put in parliament at the 2015 general election, at least three of these would have contested in 2001, when the ULP recorded its first victory at the polls.

Albeit, of the three Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Montgomery Daniel and Sir Louis Straker - Sir Louis did not contest in 2010, but the other two stayed the course since 2001.

Indications that there would be new ULP candidates, was given some fuel when, last week Thursday t an 18th Anniversary Rally at Heritage Square, Accountant Dominic

M.V. Gem Star burns It continued to burn well into the the vessel was berthed at the night, and reports Grenadines Wharf. are that it drifted Needless to say, the report of into the area of the the fire caused a build-up of Edinboro Bay vehicular and pedestrian traffic where it showed on the Wharf. signs of going It appeared that the fire had under. been brought under control by With the Monday evening, but this was not assistance of Port to be, as by mid-afternoon Authority vessels Tuesday, flames had reappeared and the expertise of on the vessel. local sea captains, the vessel was When, by Tuesday afternoon, towed further out to sea on local, supposedly trained fire Wednesday, and was last seen, officers, dressed in and equipped still above the water, off Ottley with what appeared to be Hall. appropriate fire fighting The cause of the initial blaze is requisites, were unable to quell yet to be determined, but the flames, harbour officials speculation moves from an ordered that the vessel be towed accident as a result of welding on out to sea, so as to prevent any the vessel, to a sack of coals that threat to other vessels berthed at was smoldering when loaded and the Wharf. which self-combusted and ignited There was, of course, the fear other cargo. that the fuel on board could Checks with relevant become heated and cause an authorities indicated that a report explosion. is forthcoming .

Drifting aimlessly in the area of THE VINCENTIAN reached the Kingstown Bay closest to Rose out, to no avail, for some Place, the vessel could be seen to indication with respect to this and become engulfed by more and other relevant issues, safe and more flames. except to be told that a report

Sutherland was introduced as the ULP candidate for Central Kingstown, replacing Beresford Phillips who contested in 2010.

The Central Kingstown seat has become something of an opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) stronghold, with St. Clair Leacock winning there in 2010 and 2015.

In brief remarks last week Thursday, Sutherland said, inter alia, “It’s time to put the people of Central Kingstown first. We don’t have to wait for the pie to grow for our constituents’ needs to be attended to.”

And as far as Sutherland is concerned, the watchwords of all politicians should be decency, humility, and honesty, and being so inclined, he is confident of re-taking the Central Kingstown seat, last won by the ULP in 2010 when Conrad Sayers defeated Below: The burnt remains of M.V. Gem Star.

Continued from Front Page.

should be forthcoming.

“The Gem Star has been buried appropriately at sea,” quipped one observer.

Meanwhile, reports reaching THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday evening, said that M.V. Bequia Express 11 was moving to fill temporarily, the void left by the loss of the M.V. Gem Star to the service to the Southern Grenadines.

The schedule given for the Express is that it will commence a service to the Southern Grenadines today, Friday 12th April, leaving Kingstown at 10:30 am and returning from Union Island at 4:00pm.

Further updates on this service will be forthcoming.

St. Clair Leacock by a mere 14 votes.

Meanwhile, there was something of a buzz in the air surrounding a replacement for Sir Louis Straker — incumbent in Central Leeward.

The name of Orando Brewster surfaced as the most likely replacement for Sir Louis, though there was no confirmation of this at Orando Brewster is being tipped to replace Sir Louis last Thursday’s rally Straker in Central Leeward. or since.

Wrongdoings in 1991 election MONTGOMERY DANIEL, Parliamentary Representative for North Windward, said that the Unity Labour Party had “credible evidence” that there were wrongdoings during the 1998 General Elections when he lost.

Daniel, while speaking at the Unity Labour Party’s 18th Anniversary Rally last week Thursday, said Montgomery Daniel, MP that he lost by a mere for North Windward, 58 seats against the ‘broke’ his silence on New Democratic what he described as Party’s (NDP) Monty ‘wrongdoings’ in the Roberts, and that the 1998 general election.

ULP went on to lose the election 7 seats to 8.

“Since the petitions were lodged, I have not said much,” Daniel said.

The first bit of evidence was that only 14 election writs were published as opposed to 15, the missing one being for North Windward.

He said that he contacted Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, then the Deputy Leader of the ULP, who, on contacting the then Supervisor of Elections, was told that the omission of North Windward’s election writ was due to human error.

Daniel added that there was also evidence which suggested that the final list of names published contained 21 fewer than the preliminary list.

“Remember I lost by 58, but 21 were not there.”

It was also revealed that individuals under the age of 18 voted in the 1998 general elections.

“Again, it was said that was due to human error,” Daniel told supporters at Heritage Square.

Daniel, who is also the Minister of Housing, said that he won his seat in 2015, amassing 2,700 votes — the NDP’s candidate, Lauron Baptiste received 2,300.

“They can go high, low, to any court — 2,700 is more than 2,300,” he said. (DD)

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4. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Two jailed for vicious stabbing JUSTICE BRIAN COTTLE stressed the need to protect society, as he sentenced two men on Wednesday in connection with a vicious stabbing incident at Georgetown, about five years ago.

Kimani Joe, 30, was sentenced to 14 years in prison while Tyson John, 31, received a term of six years behind bars.

At the conclusion of a trial at the High Court Criminal Assizes March 7 this year, a nine-member mixed jury found the men guilty of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Georgetown resident Orde Pompey with intent, but sentencing was postponed pending Social Inquiry Reports.

Pompey, now 56, suffered multiple stab wounds at the hands of both men, who resided at Calder, but had girlfriends in Georgetown.

The Prosecution’s evidence revealed that on January 28, 2014, while at a shop, Joe and Pompey had an altercation during which he slapped Pompey, left the shop and returned with a cutlass.

However, the shopkeeper and others did not allow him to re-enter the shop.

The following day, Pompey was again at the shop and the accused men were also there.

Joe proceeded to behave in an aggressive manner. The complainant picked up a stone to protect himself, but the men attacked and stabbed him several times.

Tyson stabbed him in his back and shoulder, while Joe stabbed him in his throat, despite efforts by the female shopkeeper to subdue them.

Pompey managed to run from the shop, but Joe pursued him, with the complainant, all the while, begging him to behave himself and leave him alone.

Pompey tried to jump over a wall but was too weak to do so. Joe caught up with him saying, “You go see who name killer here today”.

Fortunately, a police patrol arrived on the scene at that time and the accused men ran.

Pompey was taken to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he underwent surgery.

John had no previous convictions and based on the Social Inquiry Report, was a good candidate for rehabilitation.

On the other hand, Joe had several previous convictions, including firearm and ammunition possession and using threatening language. He was described as a problematic inmate, who was always getting into violent activity. His mother, according to the Social Inquiry Report, said he had a temper which he seemed unable to control.

Persons in his communities described him as aggressive, violent, quick-tempered and a menace to society.

Pompey, who was employed as a brick builder, is unable to ply his trade because of the injuries. He believes Joe would repeat his attack on him if he is released.

Wounding with intent carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Using precedence and sentencing guidelines, the Judge adopted a starting point of ten years and went up by two years for both men, as a notional sentence for aggravating factors.

Justice Cottle stressed there was pre-meditation, and multiple stab

WHILE VENUS BAPTISTE, an employee of Glossy Bay Marina, Canouan, has been charged in connection with the seizure of 96 grams of cocaine on that Southern Grenadines island, Friday, April 5, a police officer and a former police officer, who were also held on suspicion in relation to the matter, were released without charges.

Commissioner of Police Colin John confirmed to THE VINCENTIAN on

Wednesday, that a police officer and a former police officer were arrested on suspicion in connection with the matter, but were subsequently released pending further investigations.

Baptiste had appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on Monday, charged with possession of 96 grams of cocaine with intent to supply. He pleaded not guilty and was granted

$3,000 with one surety, and the matter was adjourned to June 7.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday, Baptiste’s lawyer Grant Connell said, “It is unfortunate that you have to charge someone without full investigation, given the possible ramifications when that person is employed.”

Connell declined to comment further as the matter is before the Court.

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

wounds were inflicted in the presence of bystanders.

In mitigation earlier, the men, who were unrepresented, begged for leniency and said they were sorry, to which Justice Cottle responded, “I do not consider what the prisoners said as remorse, because they did not accept responsibility of their actions.”

He contended that the aggravating factors outweighed the mitigating ones. He, however, considered John to be less culpable. He referred to the Social Inquiry Report which revealed that John had a clean record, was held with high esteem by members of his community, and that he underwent hardships with his children.

As a result, Justice Cottle went downwards from the 12-year notional sentence, and sentenced John to six years, but in relation to Joe he went upwards to 14 years.

Ottley Hall men on Cop, ex-cop released without charges cocaine charges

‘Field Day’ for Traffic Department THE PERIOD inclusive of Wednesday 27th to Friday 29th March was not only track and field days for young male and female athletes here, but it was also a ‘field day’ for officers of the Royal SVG Police Force Traffic Department.

A release for that Department said that on those days when the Inter Primary and Secondary Schools and Colleges Athletics Championships were held, and when there was a marked increase in traffic on the roads, especially those leading to and from the Arnos Vale Plating Field, special measures were taken to regulate the traffic, so as to ensure safety and that the traffic laws were being upheld.

When the stepped-up three-day

exercise was complete, sixty traffic tickets were issued to several drivers for playing loud and amplified music in their motor vehicles without the approval of the Commissioner of Police, contrary to regulation 31 of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Regulation 483 of the Revised Edition of the Laws of SVG. Some drivers were issued as many as seven tickets each for failing to comply with the aforementioned regulations.

In addition, twelve omnibus drivers and two conductors were charged for carrying excess passengers, arising, for example, from a case where twenty-eight passengers were being transported in an omnibus that was licensed to carry eighteen passengers.

Omnibuses came in for special scrutiny during the Mar 27 – 29 period of heightened movement on the roads.

Six omnibus drivers were also charged with dangerous and reckless driving, with one driver being charged twice for the same offence. All six drivers had their drivers’ licences suspended by the Commissioner of Police pending the outcome of the charges.

And even as the Traffic Department appeals to the driving public to abide by the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act Regulations, the public is also being reminded that reckless and dangerous driving will not be tolerated on the roads of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

OTTLEY HALL residents Joseph Sutherland and Junior James were each granted $15,000 bail with one surety, when they appeared in Court Monday on charges of cocaine possession, drug trafficking, and conspiracy.

Sutherland, 52, and Joseph, 48, are charged jointly with possession of 345 grams of cocaine with intent to supply; possession of 345 grams of the drug for the purpose of drug trafficking; and attempting to import the drug.

Those offences were reportedly committed April 5 this year at Kingstown.

The men are also charged jointly with conspiring to commit the offence of drug trafficking.

The two pleaded not guilty to all four charges when they stood before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court on Monday. They were unrepresented.

The Prosecution did not object to bail, but requested suitable sureties and conditions.

As part of their bail conditions, the men were ordered to report to the Central Police Station Mondays and Thursdays, and surrender their travel documents.

Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit, and they are not to leave the state without the Court’s permission.

The men’s arrest reportedly stemmed from a police action at the Kingstown Port, April 5.

The matter has been adjourned to June 7.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 12 , 2019. 5.

Regional

T&T paint heads for Cuba

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO has expanded the range of products it sells to Cuba.

Already accounting for eighty percent of the goods from the region entering Cuba, the twin island republic has added paint to that list of goods.

Last week Wednesday, Trinidad and Tobago paint manufacturers ANSA Coatings Limited, loaded a container with over $500,000 worth of product bound for Cuba, the company’s newest export market.

ANSA Coatings is a member of the ANSA Mcal Group and was formed as a result of the integration of Penta Paints Caribbean Limited and Sissons Paints. Both brands are still being manufactured in Trinidad.

Minister of Trade and Industry Senator Paula Gopee-Scoon, who witnessed the event, stated that the Government was pleased with the company’s penetration of the additional market.

She said, in brief remarks at the loading site, that she felt assured the newly established

market for Trinidad paint would create jobs, increase exports and generate foreign exchange.

“The Cuban market is significant for us with 11 million people and another three million in tourists. Cuba as a trading partner remains important to Trinidad and Tobago,” Minister Gopee-Scoon told the small gathering that also included Tania Diego Olite, the Cuban Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago.

Ambassador Olite described the shipment as an important step in strengthening economic and diplomatic relations between the two Caribbean countries. She also anticipated an increase in these interchanges in the future.

Toward this end, Minister Gopee-Scoon disclosed that local companies involved in Information Communication Technology, surveying, recycling and energy, petroleum and gas, construction products, electricity and design, transport and shipping and printing and packaging, ice cream are

Right: T&T Trade and Industry Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon (6th from right), Her Excellency Tania Diego Olite, Cuban Ambassador to T7T (6th from left), Christian Llanos, Managing Director, NSA Coatings Ltd. and other Executives pose in front of the container loaded with the first shipment of paint to Cuba.

on the cusp of entering Cuba, ably supported by exporTT’s Trade Facilitation Office in that country.

ANSA Coatings commenced activities to enter Cuba over two years ago. Construction Sector Head of the ANSA McAl Group, Adam Sabga, indicated that access to this new market attests to the quality of its products which was developed in Trinidad and Tobago with local expertise.

Christian Llanos, Managing Director of ANSA Coatings Limited, thanked the Government for the support provided.

This expansion, he said, would earn foreign exchange which is beneficial to both the country and the company. (Source: LOOP News — Caribbean)

Barbados to increase airlift from Germany BARBADOS IS EXPANDING ITS REACH in Germany with a new thriceweekly direct flight from Frankfurt to the Grantley Adams International Airport.

Flight LH 5432, which is scheduled to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Barbados Tourism commence on Marketing Inc. (BTMI), William ‘Billy’ Griffith is excited Monday, about the new deal with Lufthansa.

October 28, 2019, will run aggressive than ever in working with on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, our tour operator partners, local using an A330 aircraft which seats up groups such as the Barbados Hotel to 330 passengers. and Tourism Association and Intimate Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Hotels of Barbados, as well as in our Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. traditional and digital marketing (BTMI), William ‘Billy’ Griffith, said efforts,” he said. his organization will be looking to He added that the BTMI will be capitalize on the extra seats the working closely with the Lufthansa partnership will bring.

Group on co-op marketing plans to “With the addition of some 900-plus ensure the success of the new service. seats per week, we will be more (Source: Caribbean 360)

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6. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

More CARICOM division TUESDAY’S VOTE on a Venezuela-related issue at the Permanent Council level of the Organization of American States (OAS), presented another opportunity for CARICOM member states to demonstrate the extent to which they are divided on the issue.

The CARICOM member states, which are all members of the OAS, were called upon to vote to recognize Juan Guaido’s ambassador as the country’s official representative to the organization.

Juan Guaido is the President of the

National Assembly of Venezuela who took a public oath to serve as Acting President on 23 January 2019, contesting the leadership of Nicolás Maduro.

When the votes were cast, St Lucia, Jamaica, Haiti and the Bahamas voted in the affirmative, while Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, joined Venezuela in voting against the measure.

Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago abstained.

Belize was not in attendance.

Interestingly, the four CARICOM member states who voted in favour of the measure, were the four who had attended, on invitation, a recent meeting with USA President Donald Trump.

This most recent ‘difference of opinion’ comes in the face of CARICOM leaders, at their February 2019 inter-sessional summit in St Kitts-Nevis, reiterating their position of non-interference in the internal affairs of

Venezuela, and offering to mediate in the process toward a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Coincidentally, some say, the OAS votes came on the same day St. Lucia re-affirmed its position that the Caribbean must remain a zone of peace, and that there should be “no third state intervention” in Caracas.

This position was influenced, it is believed,

by President Trump’s threat to deploy USA military forces to oust President Maduro, and

CARICOM Heads at their February 2019 InterSessional Summit in St Kitts-Nevis agreed on a unified position on Venezuela. by presence of Russian troops in Venezuela, there to give support to Maduro administration.

In the final analysis, the OAS Permanent Council voted to recognize Juan Guaido’s ambassador — Gustavo Tarre - as the country’s official representative to the organization, with 18 votes in favor, nine against, six abstentions and one absence.

Venezuela’s foreign ministry condemned the vote, saying the bloc was supporting a coup against Maduro.

“With the illegitimate acceptance of a political puppet ... the OAS is supporting the coup d’etat plan that began on January 23,” the ministry said, alluding to the date when Guaido proclaimed his interim presidency.

Might cannot, must not be basis of right Statement by SVG/Cuba Friendship Society (SVGCFS) THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES/CUBA Friendship Society views with alarm the deteriorating climate in international relations which threatens world peace and propels it closer to the darkest days of the Cold War and global

military confrontation.

In particular, we note and condemn strongly the latest actions of the Trump administration in imposing further sanctions against Cuba and Venezuela. US Vice President Mike Pence last week announced sanctions on 34 ships, owned and operated by the state-run oil firm Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), as well as two

additional companies which transport crude oil from Venezuela to Cuba.

These sanctions, which also apply to two firms, based in Greece and Liberia, are part of stepped-up efforts to undermine the economies of both Cuba and Venezuela. Worryingly, these actions not only relate to differences between the USA and these two countries, but also aim to pressure independent countries not to trade with countries with which the US does not agree. It is a blatant attempt to substitute might for right in international relations.

We believe that might cannot and must not be the substitute for right in international relations. The USA is free to trade with whomever it chooses, and that must also be the right of all independent nations, irrespective of size or wealth. No one country has the right to seize the assets of another, nor to deny third countries the right to enter into relations with whichever countries they might choose.

The SVG/Cuba Friendship Society also condemns the announcement by the Trump administration that it is cancelling an agreement between the Major League Baseball Association of the USA and the Cuban Baseball

Federation which would allow Cuban baseball players, considered some of the best in the world, to play professional baseball in the USA without having to defect from their country of birth.

It is a retrograde step which not only further contaminates US-Cuba relations, but hurts the players, their families and baseball fans in the USA. Renwick Rose for SVGCFS)

V ÂGig up yourselfÊ

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 12 , 2019. 7.

News

NIKALA WILLIAMS, Marketing and Corporate Manager of telecommunications service provide FLOW, has coined a new expression or sales pitch – ‘Gig up yourself’.

This ‘new expression’ she applies to her company’s latest cellular phone plan that gives customers up to 10GBs of data.

Speaking at a launch of the package last Thursday, Williams disclosed that plans range from one to 10 GBs of date, and include free local minutes to call any network and free access to messaging on

Snapchat, Whatapp, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (SWIFT).

Williams was endorsing the activity outlined by her institution’s Country Manager Wayne Hull. He outlined the drive as FLOW’s duty of “making it simpler to share.”

For Hull, “life is about moments,” Wayne Hull- Country Manager FLOW and Nikala and the new phase Williams, Marketing and Corporate Manager FLOW, at brings Vincentians into the “this digital last Thursday’s launch. wave.” That will be to project on the Number with Eastern Caribbean enhanced by the SWIFT Portability drive which is Telecommunications package. expected in May. That Authority, and the Hull used the occasion will be in collaboration national Telecommunications Regulations Commission (NTRC).

Number Portability is the ability of a “customer of record” of an existing fixed-line or mobile telephone number assigned by a local exchange carrier (LEC) to reassign the number to another carrier/service provider.

Hull expressed the will of instilling a “level of passion to our customer service that will require every employee to be focused on delivering the best experience to customers.”

(WKA) not progress as smoothly caused. (Contributed) as planned, and this resulted in an entire system outage at 12:42 pm.

Immediately thereafter, our Technical teams at the various locations began work to restore the system in phases. Customers in the areas of Cane Hall to Daphne were the first to be restored at 1:03 pm.

Other areas across the country were gradually restored, with the final area being completed at 2:40 pm. VINLEC’s records indicate that the previous island wide failure on St. Vincent occurred September 18th, 2017.

The staff at St. Vincent Electricity Services considers the delivery of power to businesses and households a sacred responsibility. VINLEC wishes to advise the public that work is ongoing to minimise the likelihood of such an event occurring in the future. The Company sincerely apologises for the inconvenience

VINLEC reports cause of islandwide outage (Editor’s Note: We are pleased to publish the undermentioned verbatim, as a public service.)

ON THURSDAY April 4th 2019, businesses and residents on mainland St. Vincent were affected by an island wide outage.

A system wide outage is an undesirable event that is usually followed by a thorough investigation. In keeping with our internal protocol, the investigation to determine the cause of the incident began shortly after power was restored to all customers.

VINLEC’s investigations have revealed that the outage was triggered by a series of events which started at 11:59 am. Following the routine maintenance of one of our two 15 MVA transformers at the Lowmans Bay Power Station, the work teams executed a standard procedure to return the transformer to service.

However, in executing this procedure that has been in place for the last 12 years, the system experienced a current inrush that was notably higher than previously encountered or anticipated. This caused a partial collapse of the system which accounted for approximately 75% of our customers. The process of restoring power to customers did

Dead fish – the result of poisoning the water in which they live.

Desist from poisoning our rivers (Editor’s Note: We are more than happy to carry verbatim this Release from the Ministry of Agriculture.)

DURING THE EASTER SEASON, many persons attempt to catch aquatic (river) species by poisoning the water in which they live.

The Forestry Services, in the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Transformation, Forestry and Fisheries, is appealing to the public to avoid the use of hazardous substances to capture River Lobster, Crayfish, Shrimp, Fish and other aquatic wildlife.

Hazardous substances can be: a. Any electrical device designed to frighten any protected or partially protected wildlife; b. Any article of any nature which is likely to cause injury to any protected or partially protected wildlife; c. Any noxious substance for the purpose of killing and or injuring any protected or partially protected wildlife; River poisoning is ILLEGAL; it can disrupt the natural processes of the rivers, streams and springs, and may endanger the lives of the people in entire communities downstream, as well as other persons who may eat the fishes.

Persons guilty of such an offence are liable to a fine of two thousand dollars and to imprisonment for six months.

This is in accordance with Section 29 of the Wildlife Protection Act No. 16 of 1987.

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8. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

Leadership in our time WE ARE AT A PARTICULARLY INTERESTING period in our path to greater political maturation.

Of the two major political parties here, one is steeped in the personality of its leader, and looks unlikely or unable to shake him off his pinnacle; while the other is hell bent on moulding one into their ‘own image and likeness’.

It is as good a time as any, therefore, to reflect on the question of leaders and leadership, and why even good leaders are wont to lose their way; and to be reminded that all leaders have a certain appetite, albeit in varying degrees, for power Let’s begin by asking ourselves: Is our situation one in which our leaders, some known for their integrity and leadership, engage in unethical activities?

Why would individuals risk secure and rewarding careers and unblemished reputations for the ephemeral gains of a career in politics?

Leaders who lose their way are not necessarily bad people; if the truth be told, they lose their moral bearings when they yield to the temptations in their paths.

We would want to believe that very few people go into political leadership roles, with an intent to cheat or do evil, notwithstanding that we all have a capacity for actions we regret.

Why then do some yearn for political leadership? If the honest answers are power, prestige, and money, leaders are at risk of relying on external gratification for fulfillment; relying on others to gain satisfaction and eventually become self-centred and egotistical. Those leaders begin to believe in their own press, and believe that that which they lead cannot progress without them.

Those who seek power, prestige and money, fuel increasing desires for more, to keep it going, as though driven by another desire to overcome narcissistic wounds from childhood. These leaders are the ones likely to breach the ethical standards of which they boast about possessing.

Getting to this point means losing ground, and often this leads to a rejection of the honest critic who speaks truth. Instead, they - leaders - surround themselves with sycophants who

tell them what they want to hear, and over time, they are unable to engage in honest dialogue.

In that milieu, leaders are prone to develop what some call an imposter complex which, experts say, are caused by deep insecurities that may be unmasked, sometimes with disastrous results.

To prove they are not imposters, they take to driving even harder to deliver on promises, so much so that they become incapable of acknowledging their failures, convincing themselves and others that these failures are neither their fault nor their responsibility.

Using their power, charisma, and communications skills, they manipulate people into accepting these distortions and lose touch with reality.

It is at this stage, if leaders ever get there, that they are most vulnerable to making big mistakes, such as violating the law or putting the institutions they are tasked with upholding into a state of risk.

It’s lonely at the top. Yet many leaders deny that loneliness, even as they lose touch with those closest to them even their blood relatives.

Eventually, those leaders, looked up in themselves, lose the capacity to think logically about important issues, for they see only that which their own selfishness allows.

Undoubtedly, leading, especially national leadership, is high stress work. There is no way to avoid the constant challenges of being responsible for people, organizations, outcomes, and uncertainties in the environment.

This stress can be avoided if not confronted successfully if leaders reframe their leadership from being heroes to being servants of the people they lead.

The reality is that people cannot stay grounded by themselves. Leaders depend on people closest to them to stay centered. These people, therefore, are as much responsible for the failure of their leaders as they are for his success.

We have got to be careful that, in ‘never letting the comrade fall’, or in selling ‘a hand that touches all hands’, we are in fact, not perpetuating a leadership style that has already turned in on us.

How NDP Governments treated “ULP” Public Servants DURING THE HOMESTRETCH to the 1994 elections, I published elsewhere a statement as to how ‘ULP’ top public servants generally fared in an NDP administration.

Perhaps the message was lost in the cloud and din of the frenzied election campaign.

However, it seems to have developed a late kick, exciting after the event the hostile attention of one radio personality.

Time for a re-print with minor changes.

It may not be true, but among the reports being circulated is one which states that the ULPites, intoxicated with the notion of anticipated electoral success, have already drawn up a hit list of the NDP public servants whose heads will roll in the new dispensation.

The reason given is tit for tat, that the NDP had carried out a ruthless policy of victimisation, and that it was pay-back time now.

In fact, public servants of every political colouration have been allowed to enjoy a politically free career under the NDP, as never happened before.

Let us start from the very beginning.

It is usual in these small communities, even if dangerously misleading, to identify top public servants with the ruling party of the day, especially where the current regime had had a reasonably long run.

Labour had conducted government for fifteen years, 1967 to 1984, minus two years 1972 to 1974 during the “interregnum” of the PPP- Mitchell Alliance.

It meant that the NDP Government of 1984 had met the top echelon of the public service with persons who had moved up from the middle ranks during 15 years of Labour.

The long association often led to the perception that these people were “Labourites”.

In fact, Prime Minister Mitchell was so impressed by the professional approach of his inherited Cabinet Secretary, James Pompey, that he immediately reposed absolute confidence in him.

Not only that, within a year or two, the Prime Minster honoured a promise which Pompey said Milton Cato had made to him, and sent him to New York in a diplomatic post. Incidentally, Godfrey Pompey, current Cabinet Secretary, is James’ son.

In choosing other members for overseas mission, Miss Cecile Richards, daughter of John Richards who twice ran for Labour in North Windward, was given the nod.

Dennie Wilson, Labour- appointed Speaker of the pre- 1984 House, was also enlisted in the diplomatic staff in the USA. When Burns Bonadie, Labour’s Crown Prince, had been booted out of the Labour Party for agreeing to sit at a public interview with Prime Minister Mitchell over

Windwards Unity, Mitchell accepted his application to join the NDP, and posted him off to Canada to do a labour-farm contract job as well as perform consular services.

Bonadie took over from Ceford Providence, a Labour Party card-carrying member who, despite having passed the age of retirement, was granted a further extension based on his expertise and experience.

It is, however, true that Joel Toney who had totally identified with Labour and had always been Stalky’s alter ego, had to give up his post, notwithstanding his insistence that he was a professional career diplomat.

Whatever the generosity, the line has to be drawn somewhere!

With Pompey gone to New York, Prime Minister Mitchell chose as his Cabinet Secretary, Mrs Anselma Soso, wife of Hudson Soso a man who had been a perennial thorn in the flesh of the NDP regime!

Significantly, sons of Labour stalwarts were welcome in their own right by the Mitchell Government.

Karl John is the son of Sir Rupert John, foundation deputy-leader of the Labour Party and first native Governor appointed on the recommendation of the Prime Minister Milton Cato.

Karl became Director of Planning, and with engineer Rudy Matthews and financial wizard Maurice Edwards, performed at the highest level of professionalism in securing the necessary capital projects and infrastructure to bring this country near to the “take off” stage.

Today, Karl John brings his expertise to bear on the general handling of the Stabex Funds under an NDP government on which our banana industry, among others, heavily depends.

Randy Cato, who replaced Karl as Director of Planning, and is now seconded to the OECS Secretariat, hailed from a Labour family by name and nature.

Especially in the area of the public utilities, did Mitchell zero in on brilliant sons of Labourite fathers.

Hobbes Huggins, former secretary to Labour and past candidate as well, is father to Joel Huggins, the Manager of Vinlec which in so many ways had illuminated the nation during the Mitchell years. Until a recent hiccup, Mitchell and Joel Huggins have got on like a house on fire.

And Daniel Cummings, son of Samuel Cummings of Kingston Park, a Labour supporter to his marrow, was responsible for turning around the dreadful water situation in St. Vincent, and made the local CWSA an example to follow in these parts. Daniel is now a leading MP in the opposition NDP...

To be continued.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. 9.

Letters

We under threat

THE CARICOM leaders named in the caption were invited

by US President Donald Trump to meet with President Donald Trump (right) meets with him at his Caribbean leaders at Mar-A-Lago, in Palm private mansion in Beach, Florida. From left are Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen Michael Chastanet, Haiti Mar-APresident Jovenel Moise, Dominican Republic Lago two President Danilo Medina, Jamaica’s Prime weekends Minister Andrew Holness, and The Bahamas ago. This summoning Prime Minister Hubert Minnis. (Photo: AP) must have and rule’? The unity of the something to do with their CARICOM nations is under support for ‘regime change’ threat. in Venezuela.

Is this not a case of ‘divide Anon

Naise, naise and moe naise YOU KNOW, Mr. Editor, I doh consider meself a ole man… ah in me late fifties.

Bu yoe see some tings dat hapenin here dat dey calling culture, I go ha foe go live somewheres else, cause some ah dm tings could neva be my culture.

I could put up wid some xtra naise roun carnival, but is like every weekend now is naise, naise and more naise.

An it air matter if is tong or contree, is naise, naise and more naise.

Every weekend is some fete, some black-o or some thin wid the loudest set a music you could tink bout.

And I tink I biggin up d men an dem too much wen ah

call it music. Is nothing but bare naise!!!

Weekend time use to be for chuch, ress, watchin sports or ketching a sea bath. Now is putting on ear plugs and battening down yoe house.

Sometimes you cyar even hear your tv wid all de naise.

Ah sorry for dem people who live in Arnos Vale.

S, if all dar naise and partying every weekend is Vincy culure, I am not a Vincy, but yoe still cyar tek way me birthright.

Gettin ole PS. Ah like yoe editorial from las’ week.

GO

Our politics I WILL NOT, even in another lifetime, understand our politics.

Here this: Once upon a time, the Movement for National Unity (MNU), with which I flirted and which was led by Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, was held bent on getting rid of the St. Vincent Labour Party. You couldn’t find a more vocal party and political leader who gave Milton Cato, leader of the Labour Party, such a hard time. The MNU was more interested in some sort of arrangement with Mitchell and the NDP. What happened?

After Mitchell ….. in Gonsalves’ face, Ralph hug up Labour Party’s Vincent Beache, the two of them sidelined Stanley ‘Stalky’ John, the bona fide leader of the Labour Party, and they formed a single party called the Unity Labour Party. Now Gonsalves talking about making Milton Cato a National Hero, after all he had to say about how Cato fell short as a leader and Prime Minister.

Once upon a time, the MNU and Dr. Gonsalves had fraternal relations with the Democratic

Poor leadership means public crisis

LEADERS ARE PEOPLE who have knowledge, experience, trust, love and understanding, just to name a few attributes.

However, over the years, I have seen governments, churches, and the private sector, take people and put them into positions where they can’t handle the work. Most of the times, these people receive these positions, because of their support of a particular political party. Also, some of these people ‘donate’ to political parties for their campaigns, so that their sons and daughters, who do not qualify for positions, receive jobs nonetheless.

A lack of proper leadership inevitably leads to public catastrophe. As God’s people, we should work to prevent a leadership void from forming in our society. We should aim to recruit and appoint the wisest available candidates for a position; elect men and women with high moral character and proven leadership skills.

We must appropriately reward people for their faithful service, and we must also support leaders when they promote good government and prevent social economic and moral deterioration.

We must raise our

children with the tools to carry on the work of good leadership and support those in authority. If we do not train them now, they would become selfish.

People with no experience should not be allowed to run the institutions of society, especially when they have no respect for the people who carry skills, they do not enjoy the trust of the people, and they do not possess the wisdom of the past.

Oppressors will abuse the poor. Let us put people in the right positions and grow our nation.

Bishop Ezekiel Creese Faith Word Ministries Roseau

Labour Party (DLP) of Barbados… a party founded by the late great Errol Barrow.

This was understandable. After all, it was the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) and its leader Tom Adams who kicked Dr. Gonsalves out of Barbados, where he was a lecturer at the UWI. What happened? Gonsalves, now joined to the St. Vincent Labour Party, shifted and aligned the ULP with the BLP which was led by his friend Owen Arthur.

It is said that Gonsalves had not taken a liking to the late David Thompson who became leader of the DLP and Prime Minister of Barbados.

Some people say that while it looks like all smiles in the public, Gonsalves and Mia Mottley, who ousted Arthur as leader of the BLP and is now Prime Minister of Barbados, are not so chummy as it looks.

Once upon a time, believe it or not, Gonsalves and the ULP had established fraternal relations with Basdeo Panday and the United National Congress (UNC) of Trinidad and

Tobago. I think, Panday had even delivered the feature address at a convention of the MNU. What happened? It didn’t take long for Gonsalves to swallow an old Labour Party pill and send Panday, his successor and the UNC to the side of the road, and run and embrace his friend Patrick Manning and the People’s National Movement. I wonder, though, about the relationship between current PNM leader and Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and Gonsalves and the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Then, not so long, what appeared to be the widest possible gap between Gonsalves and the ULP, on one side, and Dr. Timothy Harris and the Unity Government in St. Kitts/Nevis on the other, has been mended, i.e. if what I understand happened home recently with Harris appearing on a ULP platform, not a ‘government platform’, is anything to go by.

The love of $$ THERE IS AN OLD saying, ‘Money is the root of all evil’. However, I am not one to accept this just so. I think the truth is that the love of money is the real root of all evil.

I can’t help but think of this as being the truth, when I think of three women here who recently committed theft of large sets of money.

First was the woman at Customs in Bequia. Then there was the lady from Star Garage. The latest is the cashier at Coreas.

I don’t know if it was simply a case these women being hitting with real hard times - like they were struggling to support their families, or it was a case of them trying to live well above their means. If it’s a case of living beyond their means, then that’s nothing else but a case of

downright greed.

And that is where the problem with money is.

Money can solve many problems in life, but the love of it and more and more of it, creates problems and temptations.

Human life is supposed to be precious, but to some it seems that their lives have no meaning. Why else would they fall into temptation?

The love of money is therefore the root cause of all evil. We need to stop this foolishness about preaching that ‘money is the root of all evil’, and start preaching the truth.

And this call is for all government leaders, church leaders, trade union leaders and all those who claim to represent people.

Simon

Are we to assume that Gonsalves has sidelined his friend Denzil Douglas for a new friend in Harris?

Or is Gonsalves keeping chummy with Harris from whom he is hoping to get some bailout money for LIAT? You see this politics thing? I can’t make any sense out of it.

Garnet and Co., N.Y.

* Is Curtis King, recently retired headmaster of the Grammar School, set to replace Ces Mc Kie as the ULP candidate in West St. George? * Anybody ever stop to study how Dr. Gonsalves and Dr. Friday are alike? * Which carries more weight in politics, victory among the people (i.e. the court of public opinion) or victory handed down by the court? * How come this government could never tell us with whom they negotiating and how many people they negotiate with before they come to some agreement? * The latest is this hotel in Mt Wynne.

Who will be the next ghost party we talk to? * Is this fellow Donald Trump, the President of the USA, the same fellow the ULP government was trying to get to invest in Canouan?

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10. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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The Unity Labour Party flexes its muscles “Red blood in yo veins”

Election Petitions: Trial, judgment and appeal

Introduction

(Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s Press Statement)

ON THURSDAY, April 4th 2019, close to ten thousand members and supporters of the Unity Labour Party, answered the whistle by their general secretary, Julian Francis, for a march and rally in the capital city, Kingstown. It was an event that captured the imagination of the entire country, as well as followers in the Diaspora on Facebook.

As the spectacle of the Red Machine unfolded, many persons were caught off guard and were surprised.

The opposition NDP was in fact shellshocked at the sight of thousands of ULP supporters in their red, marching peacefully in Kingstown, without creating any obstacles to the traffic and the general public in particular. By and large, observers were surprised at the number of young people who were marching, in their red, a sign of their continued support for their progressive party.

While marginally smaller than the 2011 march, the intensity was still there. These were supporters of the ULP who came out to make a statement, that the ULP was still strong, vibrant and active, in love with the people, and ready for “five in a row”. In fact, the slogan “red blood in yo veins” was the order of the day, and showed the commitment of the marchers to the philosophy and strategies of the ULP. And finally it was a massive shock to Godwin Friday and the NDP, who, since 2016, were laboring under the impression that they were gaining some traction with the Vincentian public, and that the ULP was on a downward trajectory. Nothing could be further from the truth, but then we all know that the NDP is not interested in truth and facts, deciding to deal in lies and dirty propaganda.

Even their supporters in the Diaspora, in particular the internet crazies, were stunned into silence, having to face the undisputable truth, that the ULP is as strong as ever, and likely to gain more strength as the countdown to the 2020 elections begins. It was indeed a miserable feeling for the NDP, with the realization that they are doomed to spend another five years in opposition.

ON FEBRUARY 11, 2019, the longawaited trial of the election petitions filed by two of the candidates for the New Democratic Party (NDP), Mr. Benjamin Exeter and Mr. Lauron Baptiste, began. Evidence presented by the petitioners’ witnesses and in crossexamination of the Respondents’ witnesses revealed that all was not well with the 2015 elections in Central Leeward and North Windward constituencies.

The evidence revealed many irregularities and illegal conduct on the part of election officials in the conduct of the elections. After several days of evidence and crossexamination of witnesses, the trial concluded, and the parties were invited to make oral and written submissions to the Court. This they did. It was then up to Acting Justice Stanley John to consider all the evidence, relevant to the cases and the arguments of the parties and render his judgment in the matter.

As promised, he gave his decision on March 21, 2019. To our great disappointment and, indeed, consternation, Justice John found that, save for the complaint of partiality on the part of election officials in Central Leeward; there was “no evidence” to support the complaints of the petitioners. With all due respect to the Court, we in the NDP do not agree with that judgment.

Our lawyers have advised that the judgment of the Court is flawed in many respects and that there are solid grounds for appeal. In the Court of public opinion, the decision of the Court has also been found wanting, and the general public sentiment has been critical of it. For the petitioners, for the lawyers who have ably represented them, for the NDP and for the wider public the matter is not settled. After three years of struggle, of ups and downs, of highs and lows, of triumphs and setbacks, the matter remains unresolved.

The petitioners, with the full support of the NDP, have therefore decided to appeal the decision of Acting Justice Stanley John to the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal. I support that decision and the NDP will, as always, stand firmly behind the petitioners, as the parties in the matter, and our legal team as the case proceeds to the Court of Appeal. Our lawyers are in the process of preparing the necessary documents to file the appeal. When this work is complete, the appeal will be filed without delay.

When the petitions were filed immediately following the 2015 general elections; we in the NDP gave the commitment to the people of this country that we would pursue the petitions to their just conclusion. We had hoped that the moment would have been March 21, 2019 when Acting Justice Stanley John delivered his decision. Sadly, that was not to be.

Despite the testimony of many witnesses and the cogent and wellsupported submissions of the petitioners’ leads lawyers, Mr. Stanley “Stalky” John, Q.C. and Mr. Keith Scotland, the Court ruled against the petitioners.

We are profoundly disappointed

The March It took the general secretary Julian Francis, a mere three days to organize the March and Rally. This has confirmed him as the political organizer extraordinaire in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This is not good news for the opposition NDP, having to face the combination of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves along with Julian Francis. This combination beat the NDP in 2001, 2005, 2010 and 2015, an amazing four in a row.

Vincentians were pleasantly surprised at the way the marchers conducted themselves, following the instructions of the police and the ULP marshals who were on duty, and ensuring that there was no encumbrances to the general public.

This is in stark contrast to the protest by a rabble of NDP supporters, on

March 21st, 2019, when Justice Stanley John threw out the election petitions. That illegal protest was led

by Godwin Friday, and was aimed at disrupting the business activity in Kingstown. What a contrast it was!

The Rally was another great event, with some progressive addresses coming from Camillo Gonsalves, Saboto Caesar, Carlos James, Luke Browne, René Baptiste, Montgomery Daniel, and the new kid on the block, Orando Brewster from the constituency of Central Leeward.

Orando Brewster, a product of the education revolution, from the Central Leeward area, is an exciting young prospect, and many ULP supporters will be keeping their eyes on him.

Then came the address from the party leader and Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who outlined the plans of the ULP administration in the period leading up to the period 2020 and beyond. It was the sort of address that endears the Comrade to his supporters, taking them from year 2001, when the ULP arrived in office, to the present, with a detour to 2020/21, and the exciting projects to come.

This was a massive showing by the Unity Labour Party, and is a clear demonstration that the party is alive and well, and ready to do battle to ensure a fifth term, when the Comrade rings the bell.

Conclusion In the face of this display by the ULP, the NDP, of course, could only resort to their dirty campaign tactics.

They launched a massive attack against the Prime Minister of St.Kitts/Nevis, Timothy Harris, calling him all sorts of names. The unfortunate power outage by Vinlec, was also used as part of their propaganda, as some NDP spokespersons claimed that the ULP caused the power outage, to get more people to attend the march and rally.

And then we have the leader of the NDP, Godwin Friday taking issue with one of the slogans of the ULP, “put on yo red and hurt up they head”. Here was Godwin Friday clutching at straws, trying to state that the slogan means that ULP supporters want to do harm to Vincentians who support the NDP. What foolishness from a man who has no leadership skills, and continues to disappoint his followers. The ULP is a party of love, togetherness and camaraderie. The ULP has a profound love for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, individually and collectively, that is unmatched in the history of the country.

One thing is for sure - there is new spring in the steps of ULP supporters as they are more assured that their beloved party is in fine shape, and ready for the upcoming election campaign.

with that decision, and will persevere.

The route of appeal has been used successfully by us before, and we will return to that arena again in our continuing and legitimate search for a just result in the matter. I am hopeful that the Court of Appeal will review the evidence and the jurisprudence and come to a different decision from that of the trial judge. We have good reason to hope that this will happen.

Our lawyers have advised us that the judgment is deeply flawed and that it presents many good grounds for appeal.

Some may say that general elections in SVG are close at hand and voters can settle the matter conclusively in how they vote at that time. So, why appeal? The short answer is, we must know; the people must know; definitively that what happened in the 2015 general elections was wrong and will not be allowed to stand. This will give greater confidence to all that such conduct will not happen in future elections in SVG. We will do all in our power to ensure that the appeal is prosecuted without delay. We believe it is critical that we have a final decision before elections are called again in this country. The people need to know that what happened in 2015 general elections was wrong and that it will not stand. Moreover, they need the assurance that these illegal and irregular practices by election officials, many of them who are patently partisan, will not be allowed to affect elections in the future. In short, public confidence in our electoral system needs to be restored so that whenever there is an election in this country, they can trust the system to deliver a proper result that reflects the will of our people. This is why we must continue with the case.

Unfortunately, the history of this matter has been marked by repeated delays instigated by the Respondents.

We hope that the progress of the appeal will not be deliberately slowed by the Respondents and that the matter will be completed as quickly as possible. I wish I could say to you that I am confident that that would happen. But, sadly, I cannot. I have learned from experience over the past three years that the Respondent will delay and prevaricate as much as possible. But, make no mistake, we will persevere and push as much as we can to bring the matter to a hearing before the court of appeal.

As you know, we are not the only ones who believe the judgment is flawed. The lawyers for the Respondents also think so and have written to the Registrar of the High Court saying that the decision is flawed and urging that Justice Stanley John fix it by giving additional reasons for his decision.

This is extraordinary! The people who claimed they won the petitions cases are now complaining that the decision of the Judge in respect of the North Windward constituency case, is seriously flawed.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. 11.

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Beyond Inspiration

“Inspiration will get you started on the journey but it is dedication that keeps you going all the way.” Dr. Rolph Balgobin, former Executive Director of the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business, UWI, Trinidad.

“BEGINNING IS HALF DONE!” Those words were regularly pounded into our heads at the St. Martin’s Secondary School when Brother Francis taught mathematics there. He sought to inspire students to commence their assignments as soon as they were announced. He knew the dangers of procrastination. He encouraged us to develop a “do-it-now attitude”, and regularly reminded us that it would serve us well in all aspects of our life.

Similar views were expressed by Dr. Rolph Balgobin when I invited him to address a group of my students at Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business in Trinidad and Tobago several years ago. These youngsters, pursuing their Masters Degrees, were engaged in some healthy discussions on various aspects of Corporate Turnaround. Dr. Balgobin shared some useful insights in relation to this topic and, among other things, reminded the students that winners in business (and in life in general) are required to create and sustain habits that will enable them to keep going even as they face a multitude of challenges. In other words, we need to develop the fortitude to persist in our pursuit of noble goals even after life has hit us on the blind side; sometimes knocking the wind out of us.

Inspiration is good. We need to be inspired to do exceptionally good work. We are also encouraged to look for opportunities (and many abound) to inspire others to great heights of success. But inspiration alone will not do it. Success demands hard work and “stick-to-it-ness”. This holds true in every aspect of our life: business, academic pursuits, social responsibilities, physical fitness, relationships, spiritual growth, and so on. We all need to develop the skills and techniques that will keep us fired up and going after the initial burst of energy fizzles away. How is this possible? We can learn from those who have gone that road before.

Students will approach me from time to time as they seek to ascertain what they must do to retain that energy and determination that are required to do exceptionally well. My responses often seek to get them to focus on how we take information in; how we learn. Reflect on this for a moment: persons learn through their senses: what we see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. For those of us who have all of these faculties intact (i.e. we are not blind or deaf), a significant percentage of our learning comes from what we see and hear. Some scientists claim that more than 85% of what we learn comes through these two senses. There is therefore value in teachers (this includes lecturers at the tertiary education level) prepare learning opportunities that engage these senses. As students write (take notes), this also enhances the learning

process. Writing creates yet another opportunity to sear the new knowledge into their consciousness.

Those who continue to excel will testify that they gain tremendous momentum by associating with positive thinking persons; persons who will provide them with mental stimulation to achieve the impossible; they encourage them by example and also by sharing thoughts and various learning materials with them. Again, the value of what we hear and see come into play. We must therefore be guardians of our thoughts. Our normal tendency is to be negative and we must therefore strategize to “swim against the negative tide”. This happens when we read positive books and articles; listen to positive messages (CDs, audio cassettes, radio programmes, etc.); associate with positive persons; search out positive websites (and there are many on the Internet). All of these examples of habits that we should develop to keep us focused on achieving greatness in all aspects of our lives.

As indicated earlier, we are all prone to embrace negative thoughts.

However, we can take positive actions to eliminate and/or minimize their impact on our lives. We will always have mountains to climb and rivers to cross. The grass will not always be green. The seas will not always be calm. Life would be boring if we had no struggles, failures, and/or setbacks.

We are programmed to be winners, but this requires that we embrace winning attitudes. We must constantly seek to better our best; to improve our performance with each successive assignment. We must remind ourselves that any obstacle that we face, every setback that we encountered, was overcome by someone else who went before us; if they can do it, we can too; we must embrace a can-do attitude. And we must shrug off the temptations to put things off; winners know the significance of beginning early … of starting tasks promptly. This is as true for the preacher who prepares a sermon as it is for the athlete who needs to train for competition. This is also especially critical for students preparing for examinations. They, too, will benefit from developing the discipline to be proactive and determined as they study various subject matter.

We are encouraged to be inspired as we pursue great heights of success.

But we must go beyond inspiration and embrace the habits that will sustain winning ways. We must remind ourselves, and the significant others around us, that inspiration will get us started on the journey, but it is dedication and determination that will see us through to the end.

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

Taking our Troubles, Trials and Triumphs to the world LAST MONDAY, St Vincent and the Grenadines took a small but important step when it became the 179th member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). The union is a grouping of world parliaments that has a strong emphasis on democracy, the rule of law, peace, women’s empowerment and parliamentary independence. The decision came less than two months after our Parliament voted unanimously to join the IPU following a resolution piloted by Speaker Jomo Sanga Thomas.

The 140th Assembly of the IPU, which had as its theme “Education for Peace, Security and the Rule of Law”, was held in Doha, Qatar from April 5th to 10th. A Three-member delegation comprising Senators Debbie Charles and Kay Bacchus- Baptiste and Speaker Jomo Thomas represented SVG. In an address delivered to the body last Tuesday, Thomas gave a brief history of our country. He outlined that at Independence in 1979, the former British enslavers and colonialists left our country with only two secondary schools and a ramshackle former military barracks as a lone hospital. He pointed out that at Independence, our country had a functionally illiterate population of over 50 percent, a deepseated, but latent racism, where people of African stock were despised and light-skinned blacks or whites had a clear and distinct advantage in all areas of life.

Thomas informed the Assembly that a mono-crop agricultural economy over the entire period of British colonial domination, guaranteed that all of the chronic indices of underdevelopment still persisted, 40 years after our country reclaimed its sovereignty from the British.

And then he asked, “What does all of this history to do with the theme ‘Education for Peace, Security, and the rule of law?” He then answered that we in St Vincent and the Grenadines are convinced that development is fundamental to the rule of law, security and peace.

Thomas told the gathering that the system of genocide, slavery and colonialism instituted by the British, guaranteed that our country remained underdeveloped. It was out of this recognition that the leadership of our country worked tirelessly to ensure that all of CARICOM embrace the concept of reparatory justice.

Delegates were told that in 2013, Caribbean countries proclaimed that the former enslaving nations of England, France, Spain and Holland had a case to answer for their policies of conquest which resulted in genocide, slavery, colonialism and underdevelopment.

These actions, he told the representatives of the world parliaments, constituted crimes against humanity for which there are no statutes of limitation. He then called on the leadership of the IPU to lend its voice and support to the righteous claims of Caribbean countries for reparations. He reminded the delegates that a reparatory conversation that resulted in meaningful developmental assistance would go a long way toward assisting with the further education of our people and bring much needed development.

As regards the issues of peace, security and the rule of law, Thomas said that all Caribbean people were concerned with the region remaining a Zone of Peace. He told the gathering that St Vincent and the Grenadines was very disturbed by the actions of some rich and powerful countries that have been working overtime to destabilize the neighbouring Caribbean country of Venezuela.

Parliamentarians were reminded that if international law were to have real meaning, concepts such as non-interference and nonintervention into the internal affairs of countries; independence, sovereignty, self-determination and the right of nations and peoples to choose their own path to development have to be respected by all peoples and governments.

Thomas noted that for these principles of international law to have real meaning, major international organizations such as the IPU cannot, indeed must not simply genuflect to their vitality and importance while turning a blind eye or wink at the naked aggression of nations, especially the United States, in Venezuela. He denounced the sabotage directed against Venezuela by rich and powerful countries, and called on the IPU to follow suit.

An IPU resolution condemned those states that unilaterally impose sanctions and blockages without a United Nations mandate. The IPU resolution also called on all states to respect international law. The Speaker of our Parliament reminded the IPU that only when important bodies like itself speak out, would the rich and powerful be checked.

Speaker Thomas called on the delegates to pay closer attention to the reality unfolding before their very eyes.

Rich and powerful countries, he declared, cherry pick and single out those nations they want to demonize and destroy. They make their economies scream in an attempt to turn away the very people whom the processes are intended to assist, mainly the poor, suffering and vulnerable.

Egregious violators of human rights and the rule of law are egged on and sanitized by these same forces that pick on leaders and countries that are trying to transform their societies in the interest of the majority. Thomas noted that these same forces are a threat to the peace and security of our region. If they succeeded in regime change in Venezuela, he posited, then all of the Caribbean would be destabilized. Many more refugees will cross borders, and our societies will be at the mercies of those who traffic in illicit guns and drugs intent on benefiting from the chaos and confusion that are bound to ensue if the situation in Venezuela is aggravated rather than be allowed to stabilize.

Thomas offered historical proof which showed that those forces currently terrorizing the Venezuelan government and people, have no real interest in democratic elections or the rule of law.

He insisted that these countries were the ones that actively supported the military overthrow of the democratically-elected government of President Salvador Allende in Chile (1973), Hamas in Palestine (2006), President Manuel Zelaya in Honduras (2009) and President Mohamed Morsi in Egypt (2013) the illegal and terroristic destabilization of Prime Minister Michael Manley in Jamaica (1972 to 1980). He reminded that these same countries also supported the legally suspect jailing of the popular Brazilian leader, former President Lula Da Silva to prevent him from returning to power.

Thomas concluded his address by warning the gathering of parliamentarians that all of their deliberations would be meaningless unless they can transform their words into meaningful and sustainable action.

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

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12. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

School of Engineering and Technical Training needed SVG NEEDS A SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING and Technical Training to boost our economy and create thousands of new jobs. The lack of engineers and technically trained people in SVG is holding our economy back and impedes prosperity.

Presently, in terms of Gross Value Added, the contribution of engineering to the UK’s GDP is 26% — more than that of the financial, insurance, retail and wholesale sectors combined — according to analysis by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR).

For the financial year March 2015 to March 2016, engineering enterprises registered for VAT and/or PAYE in the UK generated 23.2% (£1.23 trillion) of the UK’s £5.3 trillion total turnover from all registered enterprises.

These figures about the contribution of engineering to the UK economy, highlight the vast gap in the SVG economy. Engineering has the potential to be a billion- dollar economic sector in SVG. We must invest in our young people and build a School of Engineering and Technical Training.

The ULP regime has been a backward-thinking government.

Rather than invest in our people, it has chosen to condemn our people by

building a jail instead of a university or school of engineering.

There are around 580,000 engineering companies in the UK. The potential for an engineering industry in SVG is enormous. We have to train our people though. This will help create many engineering businesses in SVG. As well as boosting the economy, engineering can create thousands of technical jobs and thousands of other jobs in secondary sectors. Starting salaries for graduate engineers in the UK are around £18,000 to £35,000.

According to the CEBR, engineering activity in the UK has a wider employment multiplier effect than most sectors, with each engineering job supporting another 1.74 jobs in secondary sectors. On top of the jobs engineering projects have to offer, there is a positive ripple effect in other sectors in terms of more jobs. In the UK, the engineering sector currently employs 5.7 million people.

For any young person wishing to pursue an engineering career, there has never been a better time to train.

Investment in engineering will bring a much higher yield and rate of return on capital invested than anything we will ever see in tourism in SVG. The focus of tourism in SVG is killing our economy and perpetuates

generational poverty. A focus on engineering in SVG will bring prosperity to the people.

According to Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons) MSc, MBA, since Independence in October 1979, our socalled leaders have done absolutely nothing to drive industrialisation and engineering to boost employment and the economy. We have seen the converse: there is no engineering sector in SVG that can provide employment for 15,000 people.

Engineering is a crucial factor

needed in building our nation’s and people’s prosperity. As the global economy continues to evolve, engineering innovations in SVG are needed to make us competitive in the global market. It is only with proper investment in an engineering sector, that we will ever be able to obtain sustainable growth in SVG. A Green government would build a School of Engineering and Technical Training to bring billions of dollars into the SVG economy, and create thousands of jobs for our people.

SVG Green Party

The state of our national consciousness – reflections from Barbados

by RONNIE DANIEL ronnie.daniel@mycavehill.uwi.edu Part One AS I CRUNCH the keys to add another sentence to my paper, I cannot help but glance to my left which leads to an open door with a panoramic view of the beautiful Caribbean Sea that surrounds Barbados. I am in Prospect, St. James, and so you could imagine the soothing but tempting effect this sight would have on the human soul. What makes it such a pleasurable distraction is the constant movement of ships, boats and jet skis along these pristine waters, presumably, with happy visitors and locals alike. It is harmonious and infectious.

This idea of the movement on the horizon and near the sea shore has given me cause to think about and reflect once more on our society. In a real sense, the state of our national consciousness can be seen from the vantage point of the movement of waves. Waves are the back and forth movements of the tides. They are most critical in helping captains of large ships, fisher folk and swimmers reach their intended destinations safely.

While knowledge, skills and perhaps temperament are without doubt important assets in determining whether one reaches his destination or not, it is also without question that how one navigates the movement of the waves, will to a large extent decide the outcome. Of course, to borrow some ideas from the Cuban essayist, Benitez Rojo, as used by Dr. Steed Davidson in ‘Islands, Islanders, and the Bible: ‘RumI-nations’; Islands like waves are subject to moments of flows and interruptions. And given the nature of small Island societies, like St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with limited natural resources and a political system that is by its very nature divisive, the notion of waves is as unpredictable and a constant source of interruption when applied to Island states.

In a previous reflection with the same title, I made the point that there is a level of national indifference,

intolerance and viciousness that characterises our national consciousness, and if we don’t devise interventions to reverse this trend, we will not recognise our society in a few years’ time. Certainly, some of us may not be able to live in such a society.

But the truth is, most of us don’t have anywhere else to go. And even if some of us do, half (population and person) of us would have already been damaged from the toxicity of our politics.

Consider, therefore, the pain in the words of Kenroy Johnson, one of the three teachers who were vindicated in the recent judgement by the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal, at a press briefing held by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union, when he said, ‘It is as if I found myself in a deep dark tunnel’, to describe his experience of the 8 years prior to this judgement. Kenroy admitted then that he, in fact, as the learned high court judge had pronounced at the beginning of that case, felt very hopeless in this situation. Thank God for the Courts. And there is no sarcasm in this ehh! He has reason to be hopeful again. The point is, there are many Vincentians who are dehumanised by the actions of the state or corporate institutions alike.

Do we ever stop to think about the impact on the family and what this means for patriotism, productivity and the peaceful order and well-being of our society? If you don’t, I do, and I am sure many Vincentians do think about these things.

The picture before us is one in which we continue to be victims of our own violence to each other. What legitimate explanation can one reasonably offer for the lack of promotion of a public servant who continues to serve his country well?

How does an employee work for 35 years and not be promoted in 28 years? Well, Forestry Officer, Joel Poyer is either a most terrible employee or he has been just another subject of structural violence by the state machinery over and over again — well, at least for 28 years. How much can a man endure? (To be continued)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. 13.

People/ Congratulations

ÂA Match Made In HeavenÊ

Popular Vincentian sports personalities Stanley “Luxie” Morris and Dr. Roxie Irish tied the knot, Saturday 6th April, 2019, in Brooklyn, New York.

Congratulations and Best Wishes!

Dr. Ferdinand is Top Lecturer again DR. JULIAN FERDINAND has been selected as the best Lecturer at the UWI Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business for 2018.

In fact, this is the fourth occasion on which Dr. Ferdinand has been so honoured, having previously received such an accolade in 2014,

2015 and 2017.

The Top Lecturer is assessed, based on evaluation scorers and a lecturer’s teaching by students, and on written comments they provide.

In a congratulatory note to Dr. Ferdinand, Professor Wayne Hunte, Academic Director at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, said that students speak highly of Dr. Ferdinand’s “quality of teaching materials and the conduct of lecturers and discussion”’; and described him as “an amazing lecturer who not only taught the course but also life lessons”, and his feedback on assignments as timely, comprehensive and meticulous, addressing both content and writing quality”.

The students, Professor Hunte said further, considered Dr. Ferdinand to be “truly an invaluable asset to Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business.”

THE VINCENTIAN congratulates Dr. Ferdinand on yet another achievement.

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14. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Fashion

Vincentian designer featured in regional article

Turning heads with an enticing Kimya’s design.

DESIGNER Kimya Vincentian Glasgow has been born, Trinidad featured in the raised current edition of Caribbean Caribbean Export’s citizen, DIGEST newsletter fashion published on designer 26th March 2019, extraordinaire. in an article captioned: ‘The ness Fashion Start-Up Poised to have a Take Caribbean Style To great the World’. deal to The article focuses on offer the origins of Ms their Glasgow’s business, the commuhighs and lows of being a nities female entrepreneur in and the world. It’s time the Caribbean, and we diminish unnecessary advice to Caribbean obstacles on their path to women entrepreneurs. success.”

“Know your worth, she Kimya Glasgow is says. Women in busicurrently one of 19 participants from around the Caribbean region in the Caribbean Export “Empowering Women Through Export” Programme - We-Xport.

During this programme, participants received business coaching, participated in workshops on access to Finance, Angel Investment, access to buyers, access to

technical assistance grants, and support in attending the 2019 BMEX Tradeshow in Barbados.

According to Ms Glasgow, “I may not be new to the Vincentian public, but the move beyond being a local or regional brand is a big leap, and knowledge is key when scaling a business. It is not a sprint, it’s a marathon.”

Ms Glasgow is also currently a participant in TEECA (facilitation of Trade Enhancement in the Caribbean Region) — a 2-year programme funded by the French government through the Martinique Chamber of

A Kimya’s design on parade at Barbados Fashion Week 2017.

The males are not forgotten – Male Resort QWear by Kimya.

Industry & Commerce, in conjunction with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Caribbean Export, to promote trade between Martinique and the Eastern Caribbean, and is a Cherie Blair Foundation Mentee Alumni. She has entered a second round of mentorship in the global programme that offers a year of professional mentorship to women around the world.

(Submitted)

Resort Wear – a specialty of Kimya’s Design.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 12 , 2019. 15.

Education/Youth

Top CPEA, CSEC performers recognized Performer at CSEC, and Top Performer in Business and Science. (See separate article) Top Female CSEC Performer was adjudged to be Kelcey Allen of the Girls’ High School, while Jolene Douglas (see separate article) of St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown was the Top Performer after Remediation.

The top performers in the other subject disciplines were: Creative Arts/ Performing/ Physical Education - Tamika Gloster of the Girls’ High School (GHS); Home Economics and Humanities - Chelsea Kelcey Allen - Top Female CSEC Performer 2018, Glynn and Madison is a student of the GHS now enrolled at the Lawrence respectively of SVGCC. Here, she accepts her award from the GHS; Industrial Technology — shared by Elizabeth Walker, Chief Education Officer (Ag).

Ghonta Rawlins of the Thomas Saunders THE TOP PERFORMERS in company FLOW. Secondary School and the 2018 Caribbean Primary Christian Exit Assessment (CPEA) and Gieowarsingh, formerly of Savio Davis of the St. Vincent Grammar School.

Caribbean Secondary the Kingstown The award for School Education Certificate Preparatory School, was (CSEC) examinations were on hand to collect his prize with the Most Improved recognized at the Annual for placing first at CPEA. Results was taken by the Bequia Community High National Awards Ceremony, Makaya Gumbs of the School while the held on Friday 15th April at Georgetown Secondary Barroullie Secondary the Lecture and Theatre School, second; Oniel School, had the Best Building at the SVG Sprott of the Kingstown Results after Remediation, Community College, Villa.

Preparatory, third, and and the Girls’ High School Parents, relatives, the other top ten continued its dominance school and education performers were also as the School with the officials and members of recognized.

Best Overall Results. the media were on hand to Kyle Dasilva of the Students who gained witness the event which, Mountain View Adventist passes in 5 or more for the past 15 years, has Academy took the coveted been sponsored by award of Top Performer at subjects were rewarded for their effort. telecommunication CSEC and Top Male Thirty-nine students

from the Girls, High School, eleven from the Grammar School, five from the St. Joseph’s Convent, four from the Mountain View Adventist Academy and one from the St. Martin’s Secondary School passed 11 or more subjects.

Twin sisters Jesse James and Jesseica James tied for recording the most subjects sat and passed (17).

In addressing the gathering, Acting Chief Education Officer Elizabeth Walker congratulated the performers and said, “ It is my profound wish that you will continue to pursue excellent in all that you do, set realistic goals, persevere to challenges, and most importantly place your hopes and trust in God.” Country Manager at FLOW, Wayne Hull told the gathering that recognizing people for their excellent work sends a strong message and inspires others to lift their overall standards, whether in their education or just life in general. “It is also a tested fact that when recognition is given, this drives higher performance at all levels of the society,” he said.

Minister of Education St. Clair Prince expressed his ministry’s gratitude for FLOW’s continuous support.

Da Silva is top CSEC performer KYLE DA SILVA, a former student of the Mountain View Adventist Academy, is this country’s top performer in the 2018 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination.

Kyle, the son of Rhonda Sutherland, a teacher at the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, and Hanif Sutherland, IT Manager at NIS, achieved passes in 16 subjects, including 15 Grade Ones and one Grade Two, in: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Information Technology, Electronic Document Preparation Management, Principles of Business, Office Administration, Spanish, History, Social Studies, Geography, Agriculture, Additional Mathematics, Mathematics, English Language and Human and Social Biology.

Kyle was a student of the Richland Park Primary School from which he placed seventh in his CPEA exam. He opted to remain in Richland Park and attend the Mountain View Adventist Academy.

He explained his decision this

way to THE VINCENTIAN: “Everybody around expected me to go to the Grammar School because I actually placed seventh in common entrance so everybody was wondering why?

Honestly it was my friends because most of my friends from primary school went there, so I wanted to be with them, and also I am Adventist so the Christian educational part of it was also something that I like and was used to from primary school.”

It was no easy task handling sixteen subjects, Kyle admitted.

There were times he wanted to give up, but credited his staying Kyle Da Silva – Top Performer 2018 the course to his faith in God, CSEC – with his mother. hard work, and support from his yourself, and no matter what you parents, grandparents and his do, once you do your best, that is girlfriend. what is important.”

He and his girlfriend were With eyes set on becoming a enrolled in the same class and they Cardiologist, Kyle is currently studied together, which, he said, enrolled in the Arts, Science and “had a big influence on my success General Studies Division of the as well,” SVG Community College, but finds And as far as encouragement to other young people is concerned, he time for a game of cricket and for cooking. said, “Never underestimate

He congratulated all the performers, but singled out the Rremedial Programme for special mention, stating that remediation was an important exercise in the school system and must continue to be so.

He appealed to parents and teachers to take note that Bequia Community High School recorded a pass rate of 76.47% and J.P. Eustace Memorial 74.09%. representing increases of 25.21% and 24.8% respectively.

“It is only right and fitting that in a learning community like ours, we take pride in what we

Christian Gieowarsingh – Top CPEA Performer 2018 as a student of the KPS, now enrolled at the St. Vincent Grammar School. accomplish… that we take pride in what others have done as well,” the Education Minister told the gathering. (Stories by KH)

Douglas overcomes challenges A 17-YEAROLD STUDENT, who had her hopes of attending either the Girls’ High School or the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, crushed after not performing well enough in her CPEA exams, has risen above Jolene Douglas (left) – Top that disappointment to Performer after become a success story Remediation CSEC 2018 with her mother. of the 2018 CSEC exam.

Jolene Douglas of Murray’s Village, gained 9 subjects at the 2018 CSEC exams to become the Top Performer after Remediation.

Following her CPEA results, she was placed at the Dr. J.P. Eustace Memorial Secondary School, but was later transferred to the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown where she had to do remedial work.

The extra work which the remedial programme demanded, did not deter her from enjoying a full school life. In addition to progressing steadily with her “school work,”, Jolene involved herself in extracurriculum activities, was made a prefect, and became President of the Home Economics Club.

The young lady is currently enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education Division of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC).

She summed up her journey thus far in a conversation with THE VINCENTIAN , saying: “I had a very bad start, but at the end, I was successful, and I am grateful to my friends and my family, especially my mother and my two sisters.”

Her advice to other students who might be struggling, is to remain focused. “Never let a bad grade make you feel bad or push you from achieving your main goal.”

For being the Top Performer after Remediation in the 2018 CSEC, Jolene received a two-year scholarship to the SVGCC from FLOW, and a new Samsung S9 phone with free one- month data plan among other prizes.

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16. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Security

RSS Council of Ministers discuss crime and violence

VINCENTIAN PRIME MINISTER Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is in no doubt as to what is required of the Regional Security System (RSS).

The RSS, he said, needs to put plans into operation.

He made the appeal during his address at the opening ceremony of the 37th Annual RSS Council of Ministers Meeting was convened here at the Beachcombers Hotel, Villa, last Friday, April 5.

“We have to take the decisions and have the will to follow through with them with all the partners,” the Vincentian leader added.

In that regard, the RSS is a “critical bulwark to our defence and security,” the Vincentian leader asserted, and admitted that effective security of the region rests with (the region’s) co-operation with traditional partners like the United States of

America, Britain, Canada, France, Holland and the rest of the European Union, but contended that the “partners helping us are just helping themselves.”

The region’s people had a right to enjoy a safe and secure life, Dr. Gonsalves asserted, as he referenced the importance of the RSS and the region’s ongoing co-operation on the matter of security.

And he stressed on the importance of preserving “those things that are fundamental to us,” as he blasted “criminals” who he cited “want the power of the gun.”

Persons bent on disrupting society were deemed “selfish” by the Prime Minister and he insisted that “…we must not cower to cowards.”

Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley also weighed in on the concern for crime and violence She is not pleased with the gun culture, and

RSS Council of Ministers, Ambassadors and High Commissioners and representatives of international and regional organisations met in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the 37th Annual Regional Security System (RSS) Council of Ministers Meeting. fears that “guns hold us to ransom,” and have become “the new currency,” and lamented situations like “when people are placed with their back against the wall,” or where they don’t know where their next meal is coming from, and acts of desperation occur.

The issue of crime and

violence was also highlighted by Captain Errington Shurland, Executive Director of the RSS, when he spoke at last Friday’s opening.

Shurland noted that there has been a noticeable increase in gun violence with telling consequences.

He urged the policymakers to quickly devise

and implement both hard and soft responses to the predicament.

Friday’s opening ceremony was also addressed by diplomatic representatives from partner nations, and saw the signing of an agreement for the development of maritime security strategies, and a memorandum of

understanding between the RSS and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). (See accompanying articles) The Barbados-based RSS is tasked with the responsibility of assisting member territories in maintaining peace and stability, through engagement with partner nations.

Regional security in focus MONICA LA BENNET, the RSS Errington Shurland, Vice President and Director General of the (Operations) Caribbean Organisation of Eastern Development Bank (CDB), Caribbean States Didicus is optimistic that the Jules.

Caribbean region can A number of Ambassadors benefit from the gifts of to the Region, and whose nature with which it is countries had input into the endowed, but she is also RSSS, spoke at the opening. aware that the security is United States’ Ambassador of vital importance. to Barbados and the OECS La Bennet was on hand Linda Taglialatela confessed Linda Taglialatela - to having gained an last week Friday, April 5, at Beachcombers Hotel on United Sates’ appreciation of RSS relevance the south eastern coast of in its response to the Ambassador to mainland St. Vincent, for hurricanes in 2017, and of its Barbados and the the opening ceremony of role in evacuating US citizens.

OECS. the Regional Security She projected on her country’s System (RSS) Council of involvement in the staging of Ministers Meeting. the 2019 Trade Winds She exchanged letters Exercise slated to be held here of the cooperation with in June. respect to Development of Lieutenant General Michael Maritime Security Plehn, Deputy Military Strategies for member Commander US SOUTHCOM, states, with outgoing noted challenges prone to the chairman of the Council area including humanitarian Vincentian Prime Minister man-made disasters. He Dr Ralph Gonsalves. pledged to uphold human That co-operation values, and noted that these included assistance to the Lieutenant General transcend political and tune of US$335,000, which Michael Plehn, national borders.

Deputy Military La Bennet said was a “We are more effective when Commander US “small intervention,” but we collaborate and work SOUTHCOM. “promises big results.” together,” Plehn indicated.

She stressed the The Deputy Commander importance of border security, while elaborated on the prospect of the RSS acknowledging that there are “enormous taking over roles traditionally marine resources at our disposal.” maintained by his outfit. He is looking A Memorandum of Understanding forward to the RSS Headquarters was also signed by Executive Director of becoming a Training Centre so as to

(L-R): Janet Douglas - British High Commissioner to Barbados/Eastern Caribbean, her Canadian counterpart High Commissioner Marie Legault, and Ovidiu-Viorel Naftanaila of the EU Delegation to Barbados/Eastern Caribbean. enhance the region’s ability to “prevent and respond to natural disasters and other threats.”

British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Janet Douglas proffered that it was “crucial that we cooperate for the greater good of individual countries.”

She reflected on the depth of humanitarian assistance which was shown in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Canadian High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Marie Legault highlighted her country’s role in airlifting Jamaican defence personnel to Dominica, to assist in relief efforts following the 2017 hurricanes.

Aspects of hatred, race, gender and sexual orientation are linked with

Monica La Bennet, Vice President (Operations) Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

questions of security, as far as the Canadian High Commissioner is concerned.

Ovidiu-Viorel Naftanaila, Head of Political, Press and Information at the European Union Delegation to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, emphasised the need for regional cooperation in light of the broad expanse of water surrounding the islands.

But he hastened to add that security is not just a regional concern, it had global proportions.

Naftanaila pointed to his institution’s role in training law enforcement agencies in this area, including in the area of “financial criminality,” and he assured that the EU will remain a stable partner in the quest to ensure security for the region. (Stories by WKA)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 12 , 2019. 17.

18. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V Rose Hall holds 10th Culture Fest

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 12 , 2019. 19.

Arts

THE NORTH LEEWARD COMMUNITY of Rose Hall held its 10th annual Culture Fest, Saturday 30th March.

Activities were staged both outside and inside the Community Centre.

There were: a craft display, sale of indigenous foods, story-telling, folk song singing, drumming recitals, some speeches and an after party that transformed the community center into a concert hall.

As far as speeches were concerned, President of the Rose Hall Cultural and Development Organization Selwyn Patterson addressed the audience, reminding them that this was a milestone year, since it marked the 10th time that the organization was staging Culture Fest.

Pleased with the turnout, he commented, “This year, our theme is ‘Culture is Power’, and we’ve seen the people from as far as Fancy coming out to celebrate with us.”

He expressed thanks to those who participated in and supported the event, especially the sponsors, “Who,” he said, “have partnered with us to make the event possible, so that we can continue to showcase our talents.”

Founder of the Kenville Horne Sport Academy, Kenville Horne extended a special welcome to the visitors to Rose Hall, and commended the organizers for staging another Culture Fest.

“The community needs activities like these so as to enhance our

Selwyn Patterson, President of the Rose Hall Cultural and Development Organization, delivering remarks. cultural heritage and to keep entertainment alive in this small but beautiful village,” said Horne.

He also emphasised the importance of sports to combat idleness and boost healthy living, and he thanked all the parents who have been sending their children and supporting his programme.

Former parliamentary representative for the North Leeward constituency, Jerrol Thompson delivered greetings. He also spoke of the importance of eating properly, and made reference to the developing medical cannabis industry which, he said, can only benefit the country.

Among those performing were: Soca Monarch Champion and North Leeward’s own Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper; former Calypso Monarch and cultural activist ‘Tajoe’ from North Windward; storyteller Jen Prince; soca artistes Those in attendance included nonCaribbean persons who came to learn and enjoy SVG culture.

Jen Prince rendered her stories and folk songs, to the accompaniment of Resistance Heartbeat Drummers.

Local, handmade jewelry on display at Culture Fest 2019.

Kenville ‘Fonando’ Horne and ‘Lectric’; drumming groups Rose Hall Youths singers and poets Denise Dublin, Drummers, Rose Hall Drummers and Mount I, Gello, Egga Kwame; and Resistance Heartbeat Drummers.

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20. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Come clean!!!

Dear George,

here?

Cautiously Optimistic.

Dear Cautiously Optimistic

I HAVE BEEN a good girl for most of my life until I decided to experiment a little with the same sex. I discussed this with my boyfriend, and he had no problem so I proceeded. Now, George, I am hooked and, in a bind, i.e. I don’t want to leave my boyfriend but neither do I want to leave the girls I’ve been with.

My boyfriend thinks I had a fling just once. He keeps on telling me he was glad he let me do my experiment because since then, I have improved tremendously in bed.

He does not know the source of my motivation, and I do not want to tell him for fear I will mess things up for the both of us.

The way I see it, we both are happy right now, so why try to fix what is not broken. Am I on the right track

The day you chose to introduce third parties into your relationship, was the day you caused fundamental damage to your relationship with your boyfriend.

You need to think about what kind of future you wish to have with your boyfriend. Straddling the fence will not cut it, and sooner or later you will be forced to choose between East and West.

Your boyfriend needs to know where you’re at in terms of sexual partners so that he can make a decision.

Your choice is your choice, but in all fairness, he should be given the opportunity to choose as well.

George

Plead with him this man’s life and family. He is a man of high standing in the community and so is his wife.

I’ve pleaded with my husband not to do this, but he said it’s either that or a divorce. My dilemma is I do not know how to choose.

realizing the collateral damage it could cause.

Bring this to his MY HUSBAND recently attention so that he found out about the man could consider whether I’ve been seeing on the or not that is what he side. The truth is, every really wants. time he is away, I would Tell him you wish to invite this man into my remain married and are house to keep me warm. ready to turn over a new I’ve repeatedly warned leaf with help from a my husband not to go marriage away so often, but he counsellor/therapist. He refused to listen and now Tough spot needs to see your is upset that I found a Dear tough spot, sincerity in wanting to way to cope during his make things better. absence.

Your husband seems If he would not I did not know that my husband had a secret convinced that things are entertain pleas to change beyond repair; that his mind about fulfilling camera in our bedroom his threat, then there is and he has footage of me exposing this on social media would force the nothing you can do but and this man, which he to pray and hope for a is now threatening to put termination of your on social media. George, marriage, hurt the other miracle. party involved but not if he does, it will ruin

Dear George,

George

There is a life after HIV Dear George Dear Shattered, I WROTE TO you a while back about my cheating boyfriend, and you told me to run and not to look back. I did not take your advice; here I am today with no boyfriend and an HIV positive status.

My boyfriend has confessed to me that he knew he was HIV positive but did not know how to tell me.

I, on the other hand, had sexual relations with two other men just to hurt him, and ended up giving them HIV, only because I did not know I had it.

I’m in one big mess right now and do not know what to do or who to turn to. Please do not tell me I told you so.

You may feel like all is lost, but I want to assure you that there is life after HIV. Fortunately, today there is medication available that can help you to lead a productive life yet.

With medication, proper dieting, ongoing support through counselling, you can lead a life that will bring benefit to those around you. You can get to add your voice to those who are presently involved in waging a war against HIV/AIDS, by encouraging everyone to know their status and to do what needs to be done to stop the spread of the disease. Good luck on your new path.

Shattered,

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Romantic opportunities will flourish through travel or communication. You would be wise to socialize with as many people as possible. You may be overreacting to personal problems.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) You can make money if you're willing to push your ideas on those in a position to support your efforts. Minor health problems will cause setbacks if you haven't taken proper care of yourself.

Your flair for dramatic appeal will unleash itself at social functions.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) Attempt to face key issues with lovers or problems could escalate. You have been stagnating for some time now and you need a change of pace. Try not to hurt your partner's feelings. Don't donate more than you can afford in order to impress others.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) They didn't fully understand what was expected. You are best not to discuss your personal life with others. Start sending out those resumes. Social events will be favorable.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Do not react too harshly when dealing with partners. You can make progress if you deal with the right individuals. You must use discretion when talking to others. Gambling should not be an option.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Your need to get away could lead you into greater debt. You may want to take a look at the personal papers of elders in your family. You will have a little more energy than usual. Your tendency to overreact could get you into trouble.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Plan a day of enjoyment with them. You will get bored quickly, so make sure that you have scheduled enough activity to hold your interest. You may want to take extra special care of your luggage if you are traveling this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) You may find out that someone is trying to undermine you. Social activity with friends and relatives will be most successful. Try to ease any disappointment by making amends. Take care of matters involving institutions or government agencies.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) You may find that relationships are not going as well as you'd like. Work hard on improving your living quarters. Love can be heightened if you sit down and discuss your future plans.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Uncertainties about your living arrangements may be unnerving.

Romantic relationships could be under pressure. You must use discretion when it comes to lending money or making donations.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Expect to experience a sudden reversal of fortune. This will not be the best day to sign deals or to take care of other people's financial matters. Keep an open mind when dealing with youngsters.

Some of that extra energy you have stored up might just be put to good use.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Your pilgrimage may end up being fruitless. Family members may feel anxious if you make promises you don't deliver. Try not to upset others with your plans. Rely on the one you love for support and affection.

ACROSS 1. Grassy carpet 4. Barn‐roof gauge 8. Choir participant 12. Bother 13. Freudian forces 14. Bell toll 15. Beautiful 17. Frog home 18. Metal suit 19. Identify 21. Comfy room 23. Pines (after) 27. Petty lie 30. Comedian Knotts 32. Educate 33. Weaving frame 35. Court romantically 37. Farm building 38. Anticipate 40. Dash (off) 42. Morning moisture 43. Vampire repellent 45. Suggestion 47. Agreement 49. Waist straps 53. Accurate 56. Sunrise 58. Created by us 59. Morally wicked 60. Execute slaloms 61. Proceeded 62. Bonding strip 63. Determined DOWN 1. Lengthy narrative 2. Foul smell 3. Campus residence 4. Swerved 5. In time past 6. Sentence subject 7. School composition 8. Seems 9. Horoscope feline

10. Khaki color 11. Ancient 16. Zeus or Mercury 20. Came together 22. “At once!”

24. Invasion 25. Cairo’s river 26. Cold flurries 27. Short banner 28. Midwest state 29. Wild hog 31. Neither hide _ hair 34. Most boring 36. Umpire‐ uttered call 39. Even score 41. Eat sparingly 44. Military student

46. Miles _ hour 48. Volcanic substance 50. Smaller in quantity 51. Accept 52. Humorous

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. 21.

playlet 53. Pull by rope 54. Feel regret over 55. Vase relative 57. Canine yelp

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22. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Training

VINLEC staff receive training in industrial firefighting

FOURTEEN EMPLOYEES at St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) were involved in a oneweek Industrial Firefighting training, which was completed on Friday April 5th 2019.

Jaric St. Vincent Limited conducted the certification training for staff stationed at diesel Power Plants throughout the country.

The advanced firefighting training allowed the participants to be re-tooled in industrial firefighting techniques so that they can skillfully serve as first respondents to a fire. On the first day, participants examined OSHA and National Fire Prevention Agency (NFPA) Standards, the Chemistry of Fires, Fire

Procedures and Equipment Audits, and reviewed the Incident Command System.

Throughout the week, the participants were involved in varying theoretical and practical courses relevant to the principles of industrial firefighting. Some of these pertinent courses were Self Contained

Breathing Apparatus, Foam Appliance and Application, Dry Chemical Agents and Application, Personnel

Protective Equipment, Fire Hose Handling, LPG Complex and Rescue and Live Burn Practice.

The firefighting practical sessions focused on fighting different types of fires, namely electrical fires, flammable liquids fires, combustible metal fires and fires from ordinary combustible products.

The advanced firefighting course is expected to strengthen the Company’s readiness and ability to respond to fires at the diesel Power Plants, if such an event

Participants and facilitators in a photo after a practical training exercise. occurs.

These sessions are in keeping with VINLEC’s thrust to operate in a safe and healthy work environment. In 2018, a firefighting simulation was conducted at Lowmans Bay Power Plant as part of Environmental Health and Safety Awareness month, in conjunction with the local Fire Service.

Some of the participants in a classroom session.

Lineman certification programme (level 3) ongoing A GROUP of eight Linemen at St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) have commenced Level 3 of the CARILEC Lineman Certification Programme.

The programme is a self-study programme with some traditional classroom instructor-led sessions.

It was designed by the Institute for Safety in Powerline Construction (ISPC) and tailored to suit the needs of Line workers who operate within member countries of CARILEC. CARILEC is an association of electric utilities, suppliers, manufactures and other stakeholders operating in the electricity industry in the Caribbean.

During this level titled, Specialties Certification - 3A Underground Cables & 3B Transmission Deenergise, the participants will examine areas such as underground distributions systems, safety in underground distributions systems, cables, cable terminations/splicing and troubleshooting faults.

They will also be required to complete field assessments at various VINLEC sites. The next level of the course, Level 4 - Journeyman 1, prepares Linemen to do hotline/live work using the glove method.

The programme has been accredited by the Institute for Safety in Powerline Construction and the Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies. The first cohort of ten began the Lineman Certification programme in 2013. The Level 1 programme was titled Distribution for Linemen Basics, while Level 2 was Distribution for Lineman Advanced.

The trainees in this cohort are Rodney Duncan, Mowai Latham, Junior Campbell, Brian Deane, Dillon Scotland, Dwight Roberts, Lonnie DaBrell and Les Malcolm. This Level 3 programme is expected to last for approximately nine months.

(Contributed)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. 23.

First TT Champion of Champions a success

St. Lucia contingent with the Girls’ MVP Zarianne Anthony (2nd from left).

page.)

Participation, opened to Under 16 male and female players, came from schools in St. Lucia, Grenada and host St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Competition was held in male and female teams, mixed doubles, male and female doubles, and male and female singles categories.

WHEN THE CURTAINS CAME DOWN on the inaugural Inter Secondary Schools Table Tennis Champion of Champions Tournament last Sunday, April 7, at the West St. George Secondary School, Belair, organisers were buoyant with satisfaction.

The Tournament, considered a ‘brave step’ by host SVG Table Tennis Association (SVGTTA) headed by Orville Haslam OD, proceeded, from all reports and observations, without any major hiccup and/or unnecessary interruptions.

In fact, the host came in for high praise from visiting officials, for the manner in which the Tournament progressed, and for the step taken to inaugurate a tournament for the young table tennis players from the sub-region.

(See accompanying article on this

When the competitive element of the Tournament was complete, St. Lucia headed the medal count with four gold, three silver and two bronze medals.

They took gold as the Overall Girls Teams Champion; in the Doubles Girls category with the pair of Juelle St Clair and Zarianne Anthony; in the Mixed Doubles with Zarianne Anthony and Saneil Bernard; and Zarianne Anthony who trounced all competitors in the Girls’ Singles.

Not to be outdone, St. Vincent and the Grenadines copped three gold, two silver and five bronze medals.

The gold medals were accounted for by: the St Vincent Grammar School (SVGS) Team 1 who emerged Grenada’s representative team. overall team winners among the boys; Mirac Creese / Michel Creese in the Doubles — Boys; and Akeil De Roche in the Boys Singles.

Leading local Junior Girls’ player - Leah Cumberbatch continued to impress with two silvers and one bronze.

Her silvers came in the Girls Doubles when she teamed with Vedel Charles, and in the Mixed Doubles playing with Akeil De Roche. The bronze came in the Girls Singles.

And there was nothing but applause when Zarianne Anthony was announced as the Leah Tournament’s Most Valuable Cumberbatch – Player among the Girls, and SVG’s Top Akeil de Roche as her Female Junior counterpart among the Boys.

Player.

Left: St. Vincent Grammar School team 1 – Boys’ team Champions.

Akeil De Roche – Most Valuable Player among the Boys.

Visiting officials praise SVGTTA highly to Sunday, saw the participation by school teams from St Lucia, Grenada and host St Vincent and the Grenadines.

In lauding the SVGTTA’s initiative, Derrick Destang, the Manager/Coach of the St Lucia team, assessed that it was a good outing for them to gauge where their Table Tennis at the Under-16 age group Alison Greene the head matches against others.

Derrick Destang of the Grenada Manager/Coach of the “I know it was the first contingent.

St Lucia team. one, but for me, it was extremely successful…The inaugural OECS InterTHE EXECUTIVE OF standard of play was THE ST. VINCENT AND Schools’ Champion of extremely high… Getting THE GRENADINES Table Champions Table Tennis them to play, getting them Tournament last weekend, to learn to interact and Tennis Association here at the West St (SVGTTA), under socialize in a competition President Orville Haslam George Secondary School, setting was wonderful,” Belair.

OD, has been praised for Destang said.

The Tournament which its foresight in staging the Destang believes that ran for three days, Friday

the OECS Champion of Champions tournament in full train, will add a boost to the respective countries’ local schools’ tournaments, as it provides an opportunity for the winning schools to represent their country at the sub-regional stage.

Looking ahead, he proffered, “It all depends on the other countries following suit, and if that happens, all will be fine.”

Sharing similar sentiments was Alison Greene, the head of the Grenada delegation.

“The initiative was a really good one; even for that age group, because now we have invested in them … We know that in the next four years, they will be the future to participate in the

Caribbean,” Greene commented.

“The standard of play was high and I was surprised in the players’ ability to loop the ball …This type of exposure was good for them … Now they have to go back home and train”, she informed.

Greene noted that participating in the Champion of Champions’ Tournament was a worthwhile experience; that it has given them an “insight” as to their standings against players of the same age at the OECS level.

Both Destang and Greene expressed thanks to the SVGTTA’s executive for giving their respective teams, the opportunity to showcase their young Table Tennis talent.

Orville Haslam – President of the SVGTTA, giving remarks at the closing ceremony of the Champion of Champions Tournament.

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24. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

SVG to go it alone at Junior CASA 2019 ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES will be competing at the 2019 Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association(CASA) Tournament, set for Trinidad and Tobago, 14th to 19th July, as a single unit.

This was confirmed by Kevin Hannaway, President of both the SVG Squash Association and the OECS Squash Association.

“The decision was taken to have the countries compete as individual rather than as an OECS unit,”, Hannaway disclosed.

Over the years, players from St Vincent and the Grenadines and the British Virgin Islands have accounted for the greater part of the OECS contingent.

Now that the SVG will compete as a single unit, this weekend’s planned OECS Junior Tournament, which was to have been staged at the National

Kevin HannawayPresident of the SVG Squash Association and the OECS Squash Association.

Squash Centre, “has been cancelled,” Hannaway added.

He however did not deny or confirm whether the cancellation was a one-off situation, or that this was the end of the Junior OECS Tournament.

And while the OECS Junior Tournament has been shelved, Hannaway informed that the OECS Senior Tournament, planned for St Vincent and the Grenadines from 4th to 6th June, “will go ahead.”

Members of the SVG Junior Squash team in training at the National Squash Centre.

The OECS Senior Tournament is a precursor to the Senior CASA Tournament, which is scheduled for Guyana, 19th to 23rd August.

Meanwhile, the Vincentian Junior Squash squad selected will continue its training in preparation for the regional tournament in July.

In training are Jayden George, Dru Samuel and Roshawn Paul (Boys Under-11), Ciara George (Girls Under13); Jayden Williams (Boys Under-13);

Nadira Morgan (Girls Under-15); Mikhail Quashie (Boys Under-17); Jada Ross (Girls Under-19) and Rashid Constance and Kai Bentick (Boys Under-19) Othniel Bailey and Amber Glasgow have been assigned as coaches.

Prior to the formation of the OECS Squash Association, St Vincent and the Grenadines had competed at both the Junior and Senior CASA levels, as a single entrant.

Under-13 football final today BEQUIA UNITED and Camdonia- Chelsea will contest the final of the Under-13 Division of the SVGFF National Club Championships set for today Friday, at the Victoria Park, at 4:00pm.

The teams earned the right to the title match following semi-final wins last Saturday at the Campden Park Playing Field.

Gage Leslie netted the lone goal, as Bequia United edged out Layou one- nil, while a goal

Bequia United

each from Imani Miller, Esric Cruickshank and Juemar Luke, accounted for Camdonia- Chelsea’s 3-2 win over System Three.

Zebian Cunningham and Barrack Barbour netted for System Three.

Before punching their tickets to the final, Bequia United and Camdonia- Chelsea had to overcome their quarter finalists also last Saturday.

Bequia United handed Parkside Rollers a 3-0

defeat, with Gage Leslie, Teurs Telemaque and Zesuron Gordon getting the goals.

Meanwhile, Camdonia- Chelsea had a 4-0 win over Hillview.

Rolando Andrews scored North Leeward in the final of the SVGFF two, and Juemar Luke Predators will square off Knock Out Cup. and Emron Gill, one each.

Preceding the final, Layou and System Three will battle to determine the third and fourth places.

Following the Under13 Final, Je Belle and THE WINNERS of the Zachary Mc St Vincent and the Lawrence taking Grenadines Tennis the Boys’ UnderAssociation’s Easter 10 title.

Junior Tennis Yasmine Tournament were Sandy pouched decided after the six the Girls’ Underdays of action on the 12, and in that courts of the National same age group Tennis Centre, at Villa. among the Boys, Emerging as Girls’ Angello Morgan Under-10 champion was proved to be the Sarah Foster, with best among his peers.

Steadysha Penniston claimed the Girls’ Under14 title and Afi Lucas — the Boys’ Under-14.

Lucas also

Camdonia – Chelsea

Easter Junior Tennis winners decided

Afi Lucas and Steadysha Penniston

Xareah Byron and Suri Noel won the Under-18s Mixed Division title.

And, the pair of Xareah Byron and Suri Noel won the Girls’ Doubles.

Twenty- seven players contested the tournament, which ended last Thursday.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. 25.

Sports

Grenada seals Cricket title GRENADA SENIOR men’s cricket team sealed the 2019 Windward Islands tournament when they played to a draw with home team St. Vincent and the Grenadines last Wednesday. The Spice Islanders owed their victory to that outright victory sealed against St. Lucia at Cumberland Playing Field Sunday.

Set 296 for victory, the St. Lucians folded for 93, wrecked by Denis George 4 for 16, supported

by Sherman Lewis 2 for 20 and Daryl Cyrus 2 for 32. Shadrack Descarte, 25 not out, batting at number 10, spared his team total embarrassment after being 67 for 9. He and Dillan John threatened the unthinkable. But with the target almost out of reach, the 26 run stand was way short.

Grenada scored 146 in their first innings, balanced by Lindon Lawrence’s 56. Larry Edward 4 for 21 was the pick of the St. Lucian bowling.

St. Lucia fell for 115 in their response, with Junior Henry 26. Sherman Lewis 3 for 10 and Darel Cyrus 3 for 18 were the chief wicket takers for the Grenadians. Grenada raced to 274 for 7 in their second outing, thanks to Denis George 61, Johann Jeremiah 58 and Andre Fletcher 57.

George and Jeremiah staged a third wicket 109run partnership, after which Jeremiah linked with Fletcher in adding 72 for the fourth.

Grenada secured first innings points over Dominica also at Cumberland. Dominica was dismissed for 122. Alick Athanaze 31 was the top striker in an innings wrecked by Imran Joseph 5 for 18.

The Grenadians blasted 312 for 7, with Denis Smith 100 and Jeremiah 99 sharing a fifth wicket 197 run partnership.

Dominica reached 150 for 2, with Jerlani Robertson 76 when the match ended.

The Grenadians suffered a blemish of sorts when the Vincentians were dismissed for 364 off 73.4 overs. At 250 for 8 at one stage, the Vincentians were in danger of conceding first innings points. But Keiron Cotty 105, and Obed McCoy 32 rallied in a 96 run ninth wicket partnership which earned the points.

Dillon Douglas 56 and Romano Pierre 67 shared a fifth wicket 59 run stand which took the score to 172. But it was the Cottoy/McCoy combination that made the difference.

Grenada at 22 for 0 in the second innings had done enough to seal the championship.

Desron Maloney was the star of the Vincentian squad in the drawn encounter with Dominica.

Maloney hit 104 in his team’s score of 206 for 4.

Sunil Ambris 66 was the other big knock. The Dominicans reached 201 in their first innings, with Kevin James 67 leading the batting. Kenneth Dember 5 for 59 and Darius Martin 3 for 25 were the main wicket takers.

Alick Athanaze enhanced his claim for reselection to the Windwards squad with an innings of 102 in his team’s 287 for 8, to follow his 5 for 69 which helped to restrict St. Lucia to 203.

Jamaal James 68 and Larry Edward 41 were the main strikers for St. Lucia.

A place on the Windwards outfit is the best chance of exposing oneself to the regional selectors.

Northern Stars advance to semis FRESH OFF HIS double century (211) and a threewicket haul two weekends ago in the NLA First Division Sunday League 50 overs, Shamon Hooper again shone brightest for Jules Anthony Northern Stars last weekend, when he put in another commendable allround performance for his team.

In fact, his performance was primarily responsible for ensuring a semi-final place for his team.

In the match played against French Verandah SVG Community College at the Sion Hill Playing Field, Northern Stars registered a 23-run victory.

Julius Anthony North Leeward Northern Stars won by 23 runs when play ended, North Leeward par score was 122 and finished Shamon Hooper continues to make a difference with both bat and ball.

at 145 from 45 overs.

French Verandah SVG Community College batted first and made 147 all out off 37.1 overs, Rayshorn Durrant top scoring with 37 and Shamon Hooper turning in the enviable figures of 4 for 18 off 8 overs.

Julius Anthony Northern Stars responded with 145 off 45 and were awarded victory on the basis of their par score being 122 when play ended.

Shamon Hooper, opening, led his team’s batting with 45.

The other quarter final match between Ruddy’s Electrical Unique Warriors and Police One, scheduled for last Sunday, was abandoned without a ball being bowled. The pitch at Arnos Vale Two was deemed too wet to allow play.

This match, according to the SVG Cricket Assocviation Inc. will be re-scheduled.

Two quarter finals will be contested this weekend. Keegan’s Bequia XI will play Victors Two at Arnos Vale 2 from 10:00 am, and Edward Conliffe Coreas Distribution Ltd Belfongo take on Smashers at Sion Hill from 10:00 am.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Three Vincies in WÊwards U-15 squad THREE VINCENTIANS will team up with their Windward Islands counterparts to represent the Windward Islands in the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Under-15 Tournament, to be held in Antigua from April 11th to the 21st 2019.

The three are offspinner Luke Wilson and batsmen Solomon Bascombe and Rashawn Lewis.

Bascombe and Lewis

are debutants, while Wilson is in his second year at this level.

The full squad reads Divonie Joseph (Captain and wicket keeper), Stephen Pascal (Vice captain), Luke Wilson, Kervyn Gangadeen, Reshown Lewis, Deshonte Thomas, Mahid Lambert, Solomon Bascombe, Royce Paul, Jelani Joseph, Stephen Abraham, Kevin Gassie, Shawnil Edwards and

Devin Tyson.

Windward Islands will play their first game against the Leeward Islands on April 13th.

I.B.A.ALLEN

The three Vincentians selected to the Windwards U15 Cricket squad (L-R): Rashawn Lewis, Solomon Bascombe, Luke Wilson.

Marriaqua T20 W.S.G. Schools T20 Softball continues final this weekend EXTREME STRIKERS, TK Autobody and Paint Garage Challengers and Israel Bruce Smashers chalked up victories in the Marriaqua Softball Cricket Competition on Sunday, in matches played at the Richland Park playing field.

In the first match, Extreme Strikers beat Dr Thomas Injectors by 4 wickets. Dr. Thomas Injectors, batting first, scored 140 for 7 from 20 overs. Extreme Strikers replied with 143 for 6 wickets. Maxford Ashton of Extreme Strikers hit a match top score of 64.

In the second encounter, TK Autobody and Paint Garage Challengers beat Owia Strikers by 9 wickets. Owia Strikers batted first and were shot out for 57 from 17.3 overs. Kamara Penniston took 3 for 3 in 3 overs. TK Autobody and Paint Garage Challengers replied with 61 for 1 from 17.4 overs.

Bristnol Scott was not out with 38 runs.

The third match saw Israel Bruce Smashers defeating Moznet Strikers by 62 runs. Batting first, Israel Bruce Smashers made 154 for 2 declared in 15 overs. Moznet Strikers in reply managed a mere 92 from 17.3 overs. Linson Peters took 3 wickets for 17.

I.B.A.ALLEN

BDO BELAIR GOVERNMENT SCHOOL and KPMG Belmont Government School will meet in the final of the 2019 KFC West St. George Primary Schools T 20 Cricket Competition this Saturday, beginning at1:00pm, at the Belair Playing Field.

The pair contested last year’s final, with BDO Belair registering a convincing victory.

KPMG Belmont will be going all out to turn the tables and register their first lien on the coveted KFC Challenge Trophy.

Last weekend matches at the Dorsetshire Hill Playing Field and the Belair Playing Field were rained out. The affected teams were awarded one point each.

Thus far in the competition, there have been five (5) half centuries, one century and six occasions when a bowler took four or more wickets in a single innings.

The top individual performers and the winners of the Knockout and League components of the competition will be presented with prizes and awards at the Closing Ceremony following Saturday’s final. .

I.B.A.ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019. 27.

Classifieds

ADELINE CUFFY St. Moriah Spiritual Baptist Church Chester Cottage Sunday, 7th April, 2019 Viewing: ...

Service: 1:00 p.m.

MS. MIRABEL HANNAH ISAACS Campden Park Wesleyan Holiness Church Saturday, 6th April, 2019 Tributes: 2:30 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m

SAMUEL LOCKHART

ERROL VANLEY MORRIS

Community Bible Baptist Church Saturday, April 6, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Church of Christ Langley Park, Georgetown Saturday, 6th April, 2019 Service: 3:00 p.m.

EPHRAIM WILLIAMS

LYDIA HERBERT

St. Matthew Anglican Church Biabou Saturday, 6th April, 2019 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

Belmont Methodist Church Thursday, April 4th 2019 Service: 3:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

APRIL 12, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.15

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GOVERNMENT, RAINFOREST SEAFOODS SIGN AGREEMENT The Jamaican-based company, with plants in Belize and The Bahamas, THREE YEARS in the making, but on April specializes in the export of sea food 10, the government of St Vincent and the (especially lobster and conch) to Grenadines and Rainforest Seafoods out markets in Europe and Asia. of Jamaica officially closed the deal, Caesar said that he visited the setting the framework for the Rainforest Seafood operations in establishment of a projected Jamaica, and studied its operations in EC$20million a year sea food industry.

Belize before advising on the The agreement is in keeping with agreement. strategy by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ plan, inclusive of Meeting the demand establishing an agro-export strategy initiative.

And although the project has had a A plant to serve sea food industry long gestation period, Minister of will be located at Calliaqua.

Finance Camillo Gonsalves said that it Agriculture and Fisheries Minister was a significant event in having the Saboto Caesar, speaking at the signing company here. ceremony at the Argyle International “We have been discussing the Airport VIP Lounge on Wednesday, possibility of Rainforest Seafoods further noted that the goal was to establishing a plant here in SVG for ensure that the export arm of some time now, and it took a while Minister of Finance Camillo production was put in place. longer than we anticipated to get Gonsalves described the project as “We went around not only to everything put together in order to “game changing” and poised to stakeholders locally and within the make it happen,” he said. bring real revenue.

OECS, but also throughout According to Gonsalves, there were CARICOM,” he said. two stereotypes: the first that fisherfolk in the country were pleased with fishing to make enough to cover petrol, feed the family, and some cash; the second, a major “rapacious conglomerate” that comes into the country and extracts, leaving very little.

This arrangement, Gonsalves assured, was different and could change the fishing industry, especially since the numbers have indicated that fish landings and value were up.

But there was one constraint — the ability of fisherfolk to meet the demand.

“It is not the availability of fish, and now with a behemoth like Rainforest Foods, the constraint is not going to be demand, the constraint will be how well our fisherfolk are equipped to meet this growing demand,” Gonsalves said.

by DAYLE DASILVA

Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar alluded to having done due diligence of the operations of Rainforest.

Rainforest Seafoods, Brian Jardim said that the decision to come to SVG was encouraged by the construction of an international airport which allows for easier access for live product to leave, and the relationship that developed between himself and the agriculture minister.

He admitted that the industry was not yet aligned to the European Union’s (EU) standards, but that they were going to build a facility that was EU compliant.

And companies like his, he said, were able to pay fisherfolk much more by offering live product, or debut product.

Jardim referenced the work done in Belize where they have been operating for about seven years, and where they have helped to improve the lobster industry — changes in methods of harvest and the export of live product as opposed to lobster tails only.

Improving the industry Similar work has been done in The Bahamas in the one year or so that Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of they have operated, Jardim said, adding that the intent was the same here, i.e. to St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Chief Executive Officer improve the industry and the livelihoods of those (CEO) of Rainforest Seafoods, Brian Jardim involved. exchange signed copies of the agreement.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.