THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 12-07-19

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

JULY 12, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.28

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50 Derron ‘Magilkal’ Rouse 2019 Soca Monarch See P-age 13.

Rondy ‘Luta’ Mc Intosh Road March Winner See Page 17.

Shaunelle McKenzie 2019 Calypso Monarch See Page 3.

Band of the Year 2019 – Lynx Mas Band’s ‘’Come Fly With..’, led by Cornelius ‘Pete’ Thomas (inset) – See Page 14.

Best Section of the Bands 2019 – ‘Angels of the Morning’ from Imagination’s ‘Watch out for this’- led by Derrick Woodley (inset) - See Page 16

2. FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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

News 3 Shaunelle rules two kingdoms SHAUNELLE MCKENZIE IS THE 2019 National Calypso Monarch. She was so crowned last Monday morning at Victoria Park, just nearing two weeks after she was crowned Queen of Calypso.

As such, therefore, Shaunelle will rule over two kingdoms until the times comes around in 2020 when she will decide whether she would defend her kingdoms.

She copped the prestigious National Calypso Monarch title with the numbers: ‘What is your role?’ and ‘Crown me now’.

The first challenged the churches to get relevant, and the second beckoned for recognition to be bestowed on her while she was still alive and well.

But Shaunelle is no stranger to royalty. She established herself as an invincible junior calypsonian, and by 2002, she had chalked up eight Junior Calypso crowns, including completing a beaver trick that very year.

And as she matured, she traversed different genres of music and styles, and became a staple on the cultural and entertainment scene.

Shaunelle accepted her most recent elevation with humility, reminiscing on the doldrums she experienced over the period. She used the opportunity Zamfir ‘Man Zangie’ Adams was his usual Shaunelle Mc Kenzie copped her first National Calypso Monarch of her early reign to encourage other melodious, passionate self in putting up a welltitle after having paid her dues by consistently competing since artistes to “keep trying.” executed defence of his throne. she joined the ranks of the senior calypso fraternity.

Shaunelle dethroned Zamfir ‘Man Faced with questions surrounding himself over track record, showing she was no flash Zangie’ Adams, who was on the verge his singing style and his sustained the years. He called for politicians to in the pan, with her fourth position in of his fifth title in six years. He did position at the helm, ‘Zangie’ get their act together and in order.

2019. the numbers ‘Priority,’ and ‘Born to responded to the detractors in his Third place went to Robert ‘Patches’ The other 2019 finalists were: sing’ with much gusto and second song ‘Born to sing’, with the Knights/King who did ‘Yard Boy’ and Maxwell ‘Tajoe’ Francis - ‘Reflections’ accompanying theatrics. reminder that whatever they could ‘Stand up and fight’. A social activist and ‘Farmer Jack’s Diaries’; Dennis throw at him, he was ‘born renowned for his Afro-centric outlook, Bowman - ‘The Truth’ and ‘Termites’; to sing calypso’.

Patches was critical of aspects of Elvis ‘Abijah’ Abbey - ‘Borrow ah His ‘Priority’ was Vincentian behaviour, especially as it brain’ and ‘Patriots’; Lornette ‘Fya somewhat uncharacteristic pertained to support for the current Empress’ Nedd - ‘Solidarity’ and ‘The of the trend he had set for national administration. poor man’s needs’; Fitzroy ‘Brother Fourth position went Ebony’ Joseph:- ‘Age,’ and ‘Society to Shena Collis with based on love’; Roland ‘Chico B’ Veira ‘Queen’ and ‘Never say ‘Live in the music’ and ‘Licks’ and never’. Shena had Cleopatra Hendrickson — ‘Save the stormed into the 2017 children’ and ‘Frenemy’.

Calypso Monarch finals The finalists were accompanied by and repeated in 2018, the Royal St. Vincent and the with nothing much of a Grenadines Police Force Band. (WKA)

Robert ‘Patches’ King continues to show how political and social commentary can be packaged in few appropriate words and pleasing musical arrangement, not to mention vocalisation.

Shena Collis showed that even in her youthfulness she was not far away from being a ‘Queen’.

As usual, there was much drama that accompanied the renditions by the finalists.

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4. FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Courts

Shoplifter advised to „stop it‰ pleaded guilty to stealing food items, amounting to just over $16.00 and CASMORE FRAZER, a 42- including a piece of year-old man who was pudding valued $1.00, recently caught shoplifting from the Supermarket at Coreas Supermarket, The incident occurred Kingstown, has been around 8:30am just after advised to stop that type the business place was of behaviour. opened for business.

The advice came from Responding to Senior Magistrate Rickie questions from the Burnett at the Serious Senior Magistrate, Offences Court on Frazer, who was Wednesday after Frazer unrepresented, said he Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

worked occasionally as an auto mechanic. He said the last time he worked was last week Thursday and was paid $175. He explained that he used some of the money to pay his rent, and spent some on his three children, ages 11, 13 and 17.

“Store open at 8 o’clock, and half an hour after you went in to steal. Explain that to me.

Couple charged in massive ammo haul AN ARNOS VALE man and woman were taken before the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, reportedly in connection with a major ammunition haul at Arnos Vale last Sunday.

Sealy Mathias, 56, and Francella Thomas, 52, are charged jointly on multiple counts of possession, without licences, of ammunition amounting to 396 rounds.

They are accused of having 107 rounds of .40 ammunition, 31 rounds of 12-guage ammunition, 200 rounds of .22 ammunition, 25 rounds of .38 ammunition, 12 rounds of .357 ammunition, 10 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, 3 rounds of .38 ammunition, 2 rounds of .32 ammunition and 6 rounds of .44 ammunition.

The two were arrested, reportedly following a police action at Arnos Vale last Sunday.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges when they appeared before Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Mathias has been charged separately with possession, without licences, of 1 Smith and Wesson .40 pistol and 107 rounds of .40 ammunition, reportedly in connection with an earlier police action at Stubbs last Sunday.

Mathias pleaded guilty to those, and was expected to be sentenced at the Serious Offences Court yesterday (Thursday).

On the joint charges, Thomas was granted bail in her own recognizance, in the sum of $15,000.00, while the issue of bail for Mathias, on those charges, was expected to be dealt with at the Serious Offences Court yesterday.

What motivated you to do that?” Burnett asked the defendant.

Noting that Frazer had a conviction in 2015 for a similar offence, the Magistrate added, “You are in the habit of doing these things. You did it in 2015 and you are back, same type of conduct.

“I don’t understand. A big man like you. All the stores have cameras.

What do you expect?”

When the Magistrate asked what he was going to do with the items, Frazer said he was going to take them for his children.

Burnett replied, “Well, you can’t steal to maintain your children.

Your name is going to go all over the world for stealing items valued

less than $20. Your children are going to read this in the papers.”

Burnett then asked Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche and attorney Michelle Fife, both sitting at the Bar Table, for their input.

Fife recommended leniency in the circumstances, noting that Frazer is a father of three and worked occasionally. She added that Frazer said he stole the items for his children, and they were basic food items, not luxuries.

But the Senior Prosecutor pointed out that Frazer was a 42year-old man and an auto mechanic, who said he had received wages for his labour as recent as last week. He then

referred to the defendant’s record of dishonesty.

“What it tells me, is that he has a propensity for stealing,” Delpleche said.

Burnett then sentenced Frazer to three months imprisonment, but suspended that sentence for one year.

However, the defendant did not leave the Court without sound advice from the Senior Magistrate.

“You have to stop this.

You have children, you are embarrassing them.

“I am seeing about four journalists in Court.

They are going to publish this. The world is going to read about this,” the Magistrate told him.

Cartman told to be tolerant SENIOR Magistrate Rickie Burnett told 43year-old cart operator Clinton Francois on Wednesday, that “all of us have to live,” just before ordering him to pay another cart operator $750 compensation.

Francois, a Long Wall man, was ordered to compensate New Montrose resident Chris George by October 30 or go to prison for two months.

Francois was charged with wounding George by striking him with a

Carts are a popular means of transporting goods around Kingstown. bottle on his shoulder, causing injury.

The facts revealed that around 4;15 p.m. on June 29, George was pushing his cart in Kingstown with some groceries in it, and blowing his horn.

Francois, who was in the area, told George to stop blowing his horn because it was annoying him, but George ignored him and continued

ÂSafe and peaceful CarnivalÊ, says CoP COMMISSIONER of Police Colin John has lauded the public for the disciplined manner in which they conducted themselves, as well as the police for effective and proactive policing, during the Commissioner of Police Carnival season.

Colin John lauded the The top cop described public for its disciplined the period as relatively behaviour during the safe and peaceful. recent carnival.

John told THE VINCENTIAN that, based on statistics, there were no major incidents during the 10-day period. He noted that there were 37 reports compared to 58 in 2018 and 48 in 2017, over the same period.

The Commissioner said that this year, the police took a number of proactive measures towards crime prevention, and more police officers were deployed in areas where there were major events, which helped to minimize incidents of vehicle break-ins, theft and violence.

He added that the public adhered to a lot of the Crime Prevention tips.

blowing.

Francois got vex, and struck George with a bottle on his shoulder.

The Magistrate told him that George was not doing a bad thing by blowing his horn.

“You have to live and let others live. All of us have to live. We have to tolerate each other,” Burnett told the defendant.

Francois offered to compensate George, and indicated he would do so in the sum of $1,000, when the Magistrate asked how much he was offering. But Burnett ordered $750 instead, saying that in this case he would go for compensation rather than a fine or custodial sentence.

Francois accepted the Magistrate’s decision, and even offered to pay some of the money on Wednesday.

“I am not a violent man, but at the moment it (horn) annoyed me,” he told the Court.

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

V Hance regains Ragga Soca title 6. FRIDAY, JUYLY 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Carnival

Ragga Soca title with his composition ‘Sugar Mami’.

HANCE JOHN won the Junior Soca crown He was dethroned last year when in his first attempt in 2003. He placed his ‘Déjà vu’ was upstaged by Fimber third in 2004, but returned to the top in ‘Fimba’ Jardine’s ‘Funky business’, 2007 and proceeded to do a hattrick. which went on to cop the Road March That defined his pedigree as a topas well. level performer. In 2017, Hance This year, Hance did the number returned to regal splendour, taking the ‘Uptown Party,’ incorporating the Photos by Oris Robertson

Hance John, Ragga Soca Monarch 2019, is beginning to make the Ragga Soca Competition his territory. works of violinists Darren Andrews.

Even as he is employed in the field of accounts, Hance has aspirations of being an international performing/recording artiste, producer and song writer. He just might have enhanced his chances of fulfilling his aspirations with this Ragga Soca title.

Second place went to a former Ragga Soca winner and veteran performer Delroy ‘Fireman Man’ Hooper.

Another former Ragga Soca winner, Chewalee Johnson, took third position with his number ‘Rum cheaper than woman’. He had won this title in 2016 in his debut year.

Last year’s Ragga Soca Monarch, ‘Fimba’, could find no position in the top four. His contribution this year was ‘Neighbour’, not dissimilar to his 2017 ‘Funky Business’.

The other contenders were: Shernelle ‘Skarpyon’ Williams ‘Rum do that’; Claydon ‘Dymez’ Roache and Elrico Dapixel’ Hunte - ‘Winning’; Cleopatra ‘Cleo’ Hendrickson - ‘Mr DJ’; Colville ‘Shady’ Layne - ‘More’, and Glenroy ‘Homey’ Delpeche ‘Tie like a goat’. (WKA) Second placed Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper maintains his place among the leading Ragga Soca artistes in SVG.

Chewallee Johnson, third place, has made the finals of the Ragga Soca on each of his three years in the business, with victory in his first.

Fimba ‘Fimber’ Jardine couldn’t reproduce the hype he created last year.

V Starlift wins another Panorama title

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

News

Sion Hill Euphonium slipped one place down from last year and finished in third place.

Hennessy Starlift Steel Orchestra on their way to capturing their 22nd Panorama title.

HENNESSY STARLIFT ARE REVELLING in another Panorama title. Their rendition of L Pank’s ‘Whole Night’ gave them that honour.

They appeared in position number three of the night’s complement of six steel orchestras.

Their 72 players combined to render an arrangement by leading Trinidadian arranger Duvonne Stewart, fresh off his Panorama victory in his homeland.

As has been the case for some time now, the Symphonix Steel Orchestra moved up from last year to occupy the night was primarily a third place in 2019. showdown between South East Steel Orchestra played Starlift and Sion Hill Euphonium.

Winston Soso’s ‘Ah feel to party tonight’.

The excitement was heightened, battle lines Their arranger was yet another Trinidadian drawn even more pronounced, as both bands had - Akil Browne, and they used 57 players led chosen the same song for rendition on the night.

by Dencil Ollivierre.

And quite a showdown it was, with the judges The other two competitors were Elite separating the two by a mere one point (277 to 276).

Steel Orchestra and National Properties Sion Hill, captained by Tillal Webb, carried 60 players, was the last band on stage and rendered an Ltd. Epic Sounds Steel Orchestra.

Elite belted out ‘Move yo Front,’ arrangement of ‘Whole Night’ by another popularised by the band Touch, and Trinidadian Terrance ‘BJ’ Marshall. arranged by Kesslon ‘Taffa’ Wilson. They Third place went to Symphonix Steel Orchestra who played Touch’s ‘Loving can’t done,’ arranged by were led by Angus Browne and boasted 25 players. local arranger Jomoro Francis. This band had 43 Epic Sounds Steel Orchestra were making players captained by Earlson Cruickshank. They their second appearance in the Panorama. picked up 233 points.

Their tune of choice was Shaunelle Ebony Pan Jammers got the competition rolling McKenzie’s ‘Iron Woman.’ Their musical with Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper’s Soca Battlefield. director/arranger was Johnny Pompey and The driving force behind the band is Vincentian born Natalie Bristol. She is an Assistant Teacher at the band made up of 55 players, was captained by Daniella Payne. the Dow’s Musical Foundation in Sint Maarten.

The night was filled with its usual The Band, captained by Akeem Matthias, boasted attractions other than the riveting music of 77 players and played an arrangement by Sint the steel pan.

Maarten born Isadore York.

The arrangers acted as more than York expressed mixed feelings about the band’s conductors, as their antics, actions and acceptance here. He is of the view that the sometimes inactivity, added to the drama, contingent was not given the reception he thinks choreography and overall impact of the they ought to.

He lamented a “fight down” in some quarters, as performance.

In addition to the uniforms of the players if to suggest that “outsiders are not welcomed.” He which made the competition something of a considers himself a regionalist, and confessed his fashion display, the dance moves by players, love for this country. But he feels that regional contributed to constructing a whole unity is being sacrificed at the expense of Ebony theatrical affair. (WKA) Pan Jammers.

National Properties Ltd. Epic Sound told of things to come in the future.

South East Steel Orchestra played well within their range.

Ebony Pan J, with Vincentian roots out of Sint Maarten, was making their second appearance in the SVg Panorama.

Elite Steel Orchestra was the smallest outfit in the competition.

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8. FRIDAY, JULY 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 Play ‘mas’ with the Carnival (Reprinted from THE VINCENTIAN Editorial of July 10, 2015) AS HAS BECOME the custom at this time of the year, we declare: Another Carnival is over!

And, as usual, there will be a post-carnival debate on how well the carnival was; a ‘post mortem’ to determine what we did and didn’t do; and deliberation on what we can do better.

Same old khaki pants … year in, year out… and as one patron said to THE VINCENTIAN, “Nothing comes of it (the post carnival discussion).”

But if the truth be told, in recent times, the Carnival never closes.

The Carnival has thrown up a certain attitude that, unfortunately, does not respect nor promote the legacy of our fore-bearers, who used the carnival — costume and music — to mock the plantation owners, their wives, the white establishment in general.

There has been, admittedly, a struggle to keep alive the traditional but genuine representations of what our carnival truly is. It appears, in defeat, we have allowed the carnival to become the mother of all parties — a Hiroshima-type explosion of energy — pent up or otherwise, which, if not carefully monitored will, like the atomic bomb, have repercussions for generations to come.

Once upon a time, the once-a-year festivities were considered a ‘time of release’ for pent-up energy and stress; psychologists dubbed it a type of mass therapy - unscientific but workable.

Now, a distorted version of that is carried throughout the year — the attitude — the overindulgence in partying. Even the masqueraders, a far removal from who he/she used to be - no sooner has the carnival ended than they begin to make plans for the next one — deciding not only with whom they will play, but that they must prepare themselves for the next carnival, by partying the whole year through.

Is it not true that, in these times, we look for every occasion - every DJ event, every river lime - to get together to have carnival-type fun?

Time we stop, take a deep breath, and then a hard look at our Carnival, to discern whether we are playing ‘mas with the mas’; whether as we indulge incessantly in the ‘party’, we overlook those who create the real work that ensures there is a time for partying.

The Carnival touches the lives of more than those who enjoy the

party. The mas component, for example, touches the lives of artists, crafts persons, welders, seamstresses, and more, who, hidden in the depths of inadequate working conditions, turn out representations of our artistic talent that have become the envy of the world.

Those who hold fast to the ‘party’ appear oblivious of those who labour long and hard to produce costumes of irrefutably exquisite beauty.

These are the ones who are not into the ‘party’, opting instead to labour night and day to create the components — in this case mas around which every other thing about the Carnival revolves.

While the majority ‘parties’, a rapidly diminishing minority of devoted, some say ‘mad’ people, holds fast to their craft, and contributes in unmeasured manner to the survival of the Carnival.

So amidst the ‘party’ that has come to characterize Vincy Mas and many other similar festivals throughout the Caribbean, a band of ‘mad’ people are engaged in more than a ‘cottage’ industry — a fact we would like those in authority especially, not just to pay lip service to, but to ensure its development.

Given the rapid expansion of Caribbean-type carnivals throughout the world, including Nigerian, we ought to be looking to secure a niche for our mas men, in particular, in what is already a lucrative industry.

Are we going to continue to sit idly by, wait for another ten days in June-July to display our artistry, while the rest of the Caribbean, some far less gifted than we are in the rudiments of mas, capitalize on this developing market?

Yes, there will have to be some adjustment in how we approach our production as we delve into the international mas market. The need for increased production is paramount.

The first step, therefore, is to recognize that we need an industry to support this export of our talent.

When we begin to think ‘this big’, when we look beyond contributing to the ‘party’ and recognize the potential that exists for our talent, then we will, in the process, guard against our own Carnival becoming one of import.

What a sad day it would be, if the ‘party’ should wag the real meaning, the true body and wholesomeness, of the Carnival.

It is instructive to learn from the Roman Emperor Nero who fiddled away while Rome burned.

The trials of De Man Age and company (Mostly a reprint from 2007) “ERROL ROSE, De Man Age has been in the calypso business for over 30 years now. Certainly that calls for celebration among carnival revellers in general, and the devotees of the calypso in particular.

It was not easy. From start to finish, De Man Age has had to fight the powers-that-be for the right of kaisomen and by extension the masses for whom he speaks, freely to express themselves.

In 1977, as if to greet the new Carnival’s shift from the pre-lent season, the climax “Carnival in July”, De Man Age burst on the scene with a vengeance.

His double barrelled “This Society Needs ah Spectacle” and “In the Ghetto” were explosive stuff. The Labour Government of the day did what they did best, ban any song that spoke the truth and disturbed the peace and quiet as of a cemetery!

It was the same pattern of behaviour that was used against thinking people: restrict the movement, ban their friends from coming, and the books which inspired them.

In fact, De Man Age grew up in poverty and fought to attain a broad education — he was a qualified teacherthat question most things about him. He was an ardent member of the radical Teachers Union which was badly brutalized by the Labour Government in 1975.

Radical calypso was his way of carrying the fight beyond the four walls of the classroom.

A group of us in the Democratic Freedom Movement at the time spotted a kindred soul. So our 1976 convention held at the Market Square featured the playing of steel band, Abucalypse, and more so the De Man Age himself, defiantly singing the banned song for all to hear.

To add fuel to fire, so far from being cowed into submissiveness, De Man Age produced a challenging song for the next festival, “Dey Go Ban it”. And you know that “All ah them Bald-heads” actually banned it, just as he had anticipated!

But that did not stop De Man Age who had become the people’s favourite, the poet laurette of the ghetto, the spokesman of the masses, a virtual folk hero, from copping the crown.

Owing to the circumstance, De Man Age lived for some time like a king in exile. His abdicated throne was filled by

several persons who did credit to his themes- Poorsah, Professor, Skakes, Sulle, among them.

But, with the narrowing of the world and the growing concept of the diaspora’s role in nation building at the roots, increasingly the calypsonian saw his rightful place to be back home amongst his people. Persons, headed by De Man Age, took advantage of this duality to sort out their livelihood in a foreign market-place, while reserving their commitment and love to the life back home.

In a sense, they carried on a doublelife, enjoying both worlds, an arrangement born of necessity. It could be said that they were allowed to eat their cake, and still have it.

During the Mitchell years, De Man Age remained mildly pro-NDP based on the party’s people oriented programmes, but moved on the attack whenever the Prime Minister smacked of one-manism.

At the tail-end of the Mitchell regime, Man Age could advise his countrymen, “We Have a Country to Build”.

With the governmental change in 2001, however De Man Age virtually saw Red with Ralph’s clear moves to control calypsonians in the interest of Party. In championing Princess Monique, for instance, the PM had entered a field which the calypsonians jealously guarded as their own natural preserve, sacred, sacrosanct.

On the other side, the comrade’s “Gravy Train” is in full flow. It caters not only for favoured calypsonians, but, selected carnival officials as well. In fact, this act of discrimination permeates the entire society.

Through it all, De Man Age has stood firm and weathered the storm. Indeed, he has danced about, producing lovely songs like “Anselma” and above all the wonderful “It’s Christmas time” to ease the tension.

We welcome De Man Age home, having chalked up thirty years in the business, in trying circumstances.

But there can be no sitting on his laurels. He may have won one or two battles, but the war still stares him in

Cont’d on page 17

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

Letters

A ‘retreat’ for West Indies cricket

THERE WERE two very interesting letters on West indies cricket in your last week issue. It seems West indies cricket will always be the subject of interest whether we are doing well or in the doldrums, as we are currently.

I just want to get in one point very quickly, Mr. Editor, and that is that I did not agree that the new boys (Skerritt and Company) should have dismissed the coaching staff so soon before the World Cup. Mind you, we will never know whether they would have performed any better, notwithstanding that if we understand your two letter writers from last week, they would have underperformed anyway.

I would want to suggest that we take a little ‘breather’ and organize a ‘retreat’ to reflect on the state of our cricket, starting with the captaincy. Now I am not suggesting that Holder should be replaced, but when we do a ‘retreat’, we have to examine every facet of the operation, and the captain is crucial in this regard. So too are the coaches and the managers. They too must be assessed so that we will know what expertise to look for going forward.

Then there are the players. We must so facilitate the ‘retreat’ that they will air their feelings honestly about the captain, other players, coaches and

managers, and more importantly admit to their weaknesses.

This ‘retreat’ should be conducted by someone far removed from Cricket West Indies and, for that matter, a person who is as far away from cricket as possible. In other words, the facilitator must be someone who is a literal unknown to our cricket bosses, perhaps somebody from a university outside of the Caribbean. This ‘retreat’ approach is nothing new, nothing novel. It is a measure employed by many corporations and non-governmental organisations across the globe.

You see, it makes no sense admitting that something is wrong, and

Get rid of the 15 days

continue to respond to that wrong in the same old manner. One has to think outside the box, and do something from outside the box when all else have failed. And it seems this is the story of our beloved West Indies cricket.

Time to ‘wheel (retreat) and come again’!!

John, K Kingstown

Help the NIS pensioners, please I HAVE BEEN retired now for ten years, and I receive the same NIS pension I received on that day I received my first payment.

It seems while all the other categories of workers have some trade union to fight for increased salaries for them, and people like the government ministers only have to go to parliament and pass a law to have their salaries increased, we simple NIS pensioners have no one to beg for us.

While I have to endure the cost of living increases like everybody else, I can’t look forward to a raise, say every three years or so. I have to pay the same high

electricity and water rates, buy the same food that going up in prices every month (check the supermarkets especially those foreign-owned ones), but with the same pension I received ten years ago.

And what bothers me is that I hear how we are using our NIS money to

do this and that — like invest in LIAT and buy buildings — but nothing about investing that money so the profits can translate into a raise in pension payments.

This government likes to say it is a Labour government, a government for the poor

and working class, but they must have a different meaning to all of this.

Would at least one parliamentarian please make a plea on behave of us NIS pensioners with our stagnated pensions.

Suffering

Tribute to Gloria Ballantyne Mr. Editor, a friend recited an extract from a poem at a funeral service for his mother some time ago. He said it was taken from a longer poem written by an African woman in memory of her mother.

As I reflected on the person I knew to be Mrs.

Gloria Ballantyne, I kept going back to what my friend had recited, and I asked him to jot the words down for me.

The truth is, Mr. Editor, I found that they captured exactly what I would want to say about this great Vincentian women. So accept the following as my tribute to Gloria Ballantyne: “You may be gone from our midst But you aren’t gone from our hearts.

‘Cos we will always remember you.

Though you are no more here.

“Your legacies remain alive with us.

You were a mother like no other You were unique in your own ways.

You lived your life the best way you could.

“You ran the race God set before you.

Now that you have gone the way of all men

We are sad that you are no more here But we will always celebrate your memory.

Till we meet again in the Lord’s bosom.”

(Writer unknown) Garnet, N.Y.

I RECEIVED messages for the heads of our country, the “Home of the Blessed”.

While I was in the prisons in Kingstown two Sundays ago, the Universal Creative Energy, the Holy Spirit, encoded my mind with these words: ‘The 15 days (electoral) is a go. Not now. Get rid of it!

Don’t blame Ralph, blame Sir Nancy. He won all 15 seats in the 1990s with those extra 15 days when the elections bell was rung. Dr. Ralph won many elections also under that spiritual wicked witchcraft “15 days extra”.

If the “Home of the Blessed” goes into another general election under this extra 15 days, it will become the “land of the Unblessed”, no more Hairouna.

The Universal Energy of love and Truth told me that the Prime Minister is aware of the injustice and if he fails to get rid of the extra 15 days, he will be blamed for the outcome.

Christian Democrat

The LordÊs employees must be wise NO MATTER what we do or who we work for, Christ is our real boss. He gives us work as a gift, and created us in His image to be workers, equipping us with skills and abilities to accomplish His purposes and do His work. Even if the world associates a job with little respect, it still has value and dignity to Christ. (Read Colossians 3:22-24.)

Though human supervisors may not act very Christ-like, in working for them, we ultimately work for Christ. Therefore, we should ask ourselves: Do we follow their instruction? Do we shirk our responsibilities when they’re not around? Are we more interested in impressing them to gain approval and advancement, than in getting the job done? How would our work ethic change if we saw Christ as our supervisor?

Christ asks us to put all of ourselves into our work whether spiritual or physical. If we serve Him in our jobs, we have more reason than anyone to work with integrity and enthusiasm, even when the work itself is not challenging or unpleasant. Christ asks us to labour with dignity, always giving our very best, knowing that we work for Him as He notices and rewards our good faithful work.

Christ cares not only about what we do, but how we do it.

Bishop Ezekiel Creese Faith Word Ministries Roseau

Unbalanced Justice!!

A SHORT while ago, a case was reported via the media of a gentleman driving with no valid licence, no tax, no insurance and false number plates.

As is well known, he drove into a crowd at a political rally, killing one person and injuring several others.

His court penalty, for what amounted to death by dangerous driving, was merely a 2-year suspended sentence and fines of $1,500.00 and $ 1,000.00.

I appreciate that there are extenuating circumstances as to why this gentleman was not jailed. But even so the imposed penalty seems very, very lenient, given the circumstances of his action.

By comparison a further case has been reported in the media. That of a lady found guilty of attempted jury

tampering. Her penalty was a $10,000.00 fine to be paid by Oct. 01 this year or face a 9-month prison sentence plus a 1-year suspended sentence.

In no way do I condone or support her actions, but by comparing each offense and their respective imposed penalties, it seems to me that the balance of justice is way out of line!

I look towards the more learned members of the legal profession here to explain why a non-injury offense results in a far, far higher penalty than death by dangerous driving, not to mention the other various driving offenses.

A Indupp

10. FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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Pleasure, passion, and purpose Some takes from this year’s Carnival

“Hard work is painful when life is devoid of purpose. But when you live for something greater than yourself and the gratification of your own ego, then hard work becomes a labor of love.” - Steve Pavlina - American selfhelp author, motivational speaker, sense of purpose. and entrepreneur.

We all need to have activities or individuals in our lives that would THE DESIRE to share insights in relation energize us, making us feel that life is to this topic emerged after listening to a worth living. We need something or presentation by Dr. Jozelle Miller, Health someone in our lives that will make Psychologist with the Ministry of Health, us feel alive; someone or something Wellness, and the Environment at the that is not merely pleasurable but Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, that whips up a heightened sense of Kingstown, St. Vincent and the passion within us. Activities and Grenadines. The accomplished lecturer, individuals that provide a sense of newspaper columnist, and author had achievement, of fulfilment; driving us noted that research has suggested that to find purpose in life and living. Too there are three levels of happiness: many of us wade in the shallows of pleasure – a fleeting form of happiness; pleasure when we have the ability to passion – a more sustained form of venture out to deeper waters of happiness that continues to deliver as passion and purpose. However, to long as you are performing the activity venture out into the deep of purpose, about which you are passionate; and we must be prepared to be vulnerable, purpose – the highest level, which to take calculated risk. Our choice of permeates your daily life with happiness friends and our choice of careers or and energy. professions, all play major roles in Based on the foregoing, it may be determining whether we will or will considered a useful exercise if we not venture forth. The attainment of were to reflect on the various full joy and happiness is often linked activities and functions that we to whether or not we accept the perform to ascertain whether they can challenge to chase after that “thing” be categorized as fulfilling pleasure, or “someone” that has the capacity to passion, or purpose. The pursuit of energize us most. our goals, our ambitions, our The story of Steve Jobs, the coprofessions, and our relationships, founder of Apple Inc., helps us to should really fall into one of these value the importance of having our categories. pleasure and passion transition to Conducting such an exercise, as purpose. He advocated that it is that recommended in the previous sense of purpose that drives the paragraph, may very well assist us in individual to persist against great determining how strongly we feel odds. He notes that, “I am convinced about the various activities that we that about half of what separates engage in. We should ascertain successful entrepreneurs from nonwhether we are motivated to engage successful ones is pure perseverance.” in these because of the “fleeting That perseverance identified here is pleasures” derived. The revelation often linked to the discovery of that may be that our pursuits are more sense of purpose. Sometimes it is not long-lasting than this, and that we until we have found our purpose in are actually passionate about what we life, that we can allow the best in do. And then, we may well discover ourselves to shine through. It is at that our pursuit is driven by the that apex of our motivation that we much higher “calling” because we see realise how much we can drive a life purpose for the engagement. ourselves to make the impossible This could be just as valuable an possible. The sense of purpose will exercise as we examine aspects of our encourage missionaries to leave the profession, our hobbies, our church comfort of their home, family, and involvement, and so on. Additionally, friends to share valuable life-changing we may very well discover that the experiences in the most remote parts activities and/or relationships that of the planet. It is that sense of reside in the “passion category” purpose that enables a medical provide no external incentives — we do practitioner to go for long hours to these because there is a strong bring relief to a suffering patient. It resolve. Come what may, we move in is that sense of purpose that the direction of making the impossible eventually separates the great from possible. No obstacle is able to match the good. our tenacity. We are not deterred.

The good news is that each of us, We are not distracted. We focus on regardless to our defects and completing the task. We are shortcomings, can do great things determined to finish the race (and to if/when we discover our purpose. We do it well). We may appear battered, may seem unstoppable on the journey beaten, and bewildered, but we carry to our noble dreams when we can on regardless of the physical and/or wade through beyond having the emotional pain. That is what purpose tasks appear to be merely does. It hears the nay-sayers but pleasurable. We seem indestructible refuses to be dissuaded. It sees the when we challenge ourselves to go obstacles but, with a fortified will, beyond the things that we perceive to proceeds to climb the mountains of be passionate about. That sense of life, or tunnel through them, or go purpose will enable us to work around them, or dig beneath them, or tirelessly on projects and patiently wait at the base to make the assignments. That sense of purpose best of what we may initially perceive enables us to look beyond ourselves to to be a bad situation. We can be tasks that can impact others for good. assured that we all have the capacity (the potential) to generate and Send comments, criticisms & maintain a strong sense of suggestions to satisfaction, of accomplishment, when julesferdinand@gmail.com our noble pursuits are energized by a

THE BIGGEST WINNER in Vincy Mas 2019 is not Shaunelle Mc Kenzie, who won her first calypso monarch after years of effort; Hance John, who took home his 2nd Ragga Soca trophy in 3 years; Lynx mas band with Band of the Year and King of the Band titles; Little Chris and his sister Kristiana for their continued domination of Junior Calypso, or Starlift for recapturing panorama from Sion Hill. Not even the youth and energetic Magikal who sent Soca lovers ‘bloody hell crazy’ on his way to winning the Soca Monarch Title.

The biggest winner was Rum. In 2019, rum was proclaimed cheaper than woman by Chewalle the Rummist. Skarpyon was so drunk he forgot which women he took to the party. Fonando cared not for soda or any form of chaser because he refused to go home sober. And so it was Rum, Rum, Rum. Carnival is merriment and nakedness, fun and joy, creativity and festivity, but the re-emergence of rum is a negative that we neglect, to our pain and sorrow. Young people, especially our women, are consuming alcohol like never before. Gone are the days when malt was the drink of choice for our women. Guinness is no longer bitter and drinks with strong alcoholic content are now craved.

Everybody gleefully demands rum.

What a reversal of fortunes. One of the many positives of Rastafarians was the serious assault they launched on alcohol. They also took aim at salt and sugar. Alcohol was aptly labelled the ‘devil’s soup’ for its destructive impact on the human body, as well as harm done to positive and friendly relations among citizens. Yet it’s rum, rum, rum ‘til carnival done and beyond.

What must Patches do to win the crown?

Patches is one of the giants in the calypso business. He has been knocking on the door of the calypso palace for a long time. The judges refuse to let him in so that he can sit on the throne. People say I like Patches because he sings about the government I like to hate. Nonsense! I love Patches’ style of singing, his writing, his authenticity and his energy. Patches has to be about 70, and if you ask him, Patches will tell you that Jomo is a yard fowl, a jimbo and a man who loves Massa more than Massa loves himself. So what?

That is Patches’ take of the Vincentian reality. Maurice Bishop, the former revolutionary PM of Grenada, once called Barbadian Prime Minister, Tom Adams a ‘yard fowl.’

Words have meaning. If you can’t recognise big men and women in SVG busily acting like yard fowls, as De man Age said you like the society we live in need a spectacles.

Some say Patches is not deserving of winning because he only sings on the government. Do these people know anything about calypso? Calypso has its origins in rejection of the status quo. It speaks to the people’s pain and suffering. Patches captures the feeling of a section of the Vincentian population. There is none with his originality, melody and simplicity of delivery. He is the master of ridicule and biting satire. That is calypso.

Calypso is not polite.

The latest slander is that Patches has joined Rasta Man I to sing in volumes. If we take similarity of topic as a yard stick, then the most voluminous of calypsoians is Mighty Chalk Dust. Yet he won the monarch

in Trinidad and Tobago 9 times, the last at the ripe age of 77 years. Based on this yard stick, De Man Age could not win the crown now, even if he sang ‘Spectacles’, Who cares’, ‘Dey go ban it’ and ‘Miss Penniston’. Cro Cro would be stoned off the stage and CP will not make the semi finals even if he sang ‘Jesse Gambler’.

Last year Patches sang Halleluya which mocked what goes on in our nation’s churches. What did Shaunelle Mc Kenzie win with this year?

‘Change’- same theme -change- a call on church leaders to leave the safe haven of the church buildings and go to the people. Originality! Melody!

Catchy lyrics! Which will we remember? We don’t hate any calypsoians. We just love calypso more.

Calypso ain’t dying; the judges killing calypso. If a contestant could ‘buss’ and still win the crown, why throw out singers of the calibre of Sulle, Scakes, Age and Abijah, all with a well crafted calypso in the true tradition of the art form, simply because some competitors with mediocre lyric could sing better?

Calypso judges need to reclaim the knowledge that a calypso competition is much more than a singing competition. A calypso is not just a song.

Mash up everything In 1983 Mighty Arrow sang ‘Raise yo hand.’ The raise yo hand’ anthem reigned for about 2 decades. Every artiste called on fans to raise yo hand, forcing Becket to cry out in disgust ‘me hand tired.’ Chalky ‘Too Much Quacks’ lambasted the imitators ‘since Arrow get through with raise yo hand, all man feel he is big, big Kaisoian.’

These days the new irresponsibility in the name of fun and fete is break down this and mash up that. Tear up this and pull down that. It is absolutely surprising that this called mixed with the high level of intoxication has not resulted in visible and serious acts of destruction. One artiste had the good sense to say ‘we go break it down and build it back.’

We hope what is built will be better than what was torn down.

Child abuse in Calypso Finally, child abuse in calypso must be called out and brought to an end.

The content of many of the songs rendered in junior calypso competition is way beyond the comprehension of children. Take Little Kris, the primary school calypso monarch. In celebrating our country’s successes, Kris reminds us that we are chair of ECOSOC, the United Nations economic and social council that deals with sustainable development goals and of our elevation to the UN Security Council. Does Little Kris have a clear understanding of these institutions or is he simply singing what was given to him?

We cannot dumb down our culture to satisfy our lower taste. If culture is to be a weapon of liberation, it must be uplifting.

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

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NGOÊs pivotal to Climate Action I RECALL in the 1990s, leading up to the Fourth World Conference on Women, I had a visit from Mr. John Harrison of the British Development Division, based in Barbados. I was at the time, very much involved in dealing with women’s issues, but he told me he was not visiting me in that capacity, but in my capacity as President of the National Association for Mass Education (NAME). He saw NAME as the vehicle for public education on women’s issues, leading up to the Conference. Indeed it was.

Mr. Harrison’s wisdom is to be applauded.

As we address Climate Change, the ‘new’ buzz in the air, it is imperative for NGOs — including those who focus on women’s issue - to be empowered and become vehicles through which Climate Change Action can take solid foundation. NGOs should not allow themselves to be mere tree trunks with no branches, leaves or fruit, as a result of a misguided approach to their mission, reluctance to engage in matters of national interest or influence by other parties.

Admittedly, there are NGOs that can make a difference, but they are the ones starved of resources and squeezed into a state of limited action.

In a recent letter in one of our Newspapers, the writer asked, “Where have the Progressives gone?’ It is my view that progressive people who initiate change and respond to crisis situations never vanish; they work

with the little they have. Those people review financial and administrative who are non-functioning were never support for NGOs; utilize NGO progressive. expertise and information; and create If the writers and signatories to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are serious about achieving the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals, and in this instance, Climate Action, they need to revisit Agenda 21 from the Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) Earth Summit held twenty-seven (27) years ago. Principle 20 states: “Women have a vital role in environmental management and development. Their full participation is therefore essential to achieve sustainable development”.

Principle 22 states: “Indigenous peoples and their communities, and other local communities have a vital role in environmental management and development, because of their knowledge and traditional practices.

States should recognize and duly support their identity, culture and interests and enable their effective participation in the achievement of sustainable development”.

Article 27 entitled “Partnerships with Non-Governmental Groups (Civic Groups” calls on governments and the United Nations System to invite nongovernmental groups to be involved in making policies and decisions on sustainable development; make NGOs a part of the review process and evaluation of implementing Agenda 21; provide NGOs with timely access to information; encourage partnerships between NGOs and local authorities;

laws enabling NGIOs the right to take legal action to protect the public interests.

Cont’d on page 27

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‘Magikal’ takes Soca Monarch 2019 continued.

According to Rouse, winning the Soca Monarch title was something that he always wanted and for which he practised hard.

“This song took a year to write, produce and everything,” the 2019 Soca Monarch champ said.

He thanked fellow competitor ‘Caspa G’, saying that it was he (Caspa G) who helped him to fine-tune the song ‘Bloody Hell Crazy’ which earned him the title.

Feeling great “He told me about changing one or two “No one can explain things, he helped me the way I feel right now,” with the second verse.

Rouse told THE He got the link with VINCENTIAN. ‘Island Shak’ who “The feeling is greater changed the riddim than great,” he (rhythm) a little bit,” Rouse said.

The likes of Rouse and Morris were always looking to dominate the Soca Monarch finals, especially since Rouse made a clean sweep of DERRON ‘Magikal’ Rouse has etched his name in the history books as being the 2019 Soca Monarch winner.

Rouse was one of a handful of young talent going into the Soca Monarch competition and one of the contenders along with the likes of Zavique ‘Caspa G’ Morris and Kenville ‘Fonando’ Horne, who looked likely to dethrone defending champion and veteran of local Soca Monarch competition, Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper.

Vilroy ‘ZJ Tuffa’ Jack – third place – did not disappoint his growing fan base.

Zavique ‘Casper G’ Morris overcame some on-stage challenges to place fourth.

Kenville ‘Fonando’ Horne will look back on 2019 as his breakout year.

Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper had to settle for second place, showing he is still a contender. the Rural Soca Monarch competitions held during the lead-up to the big event on the night of July 6.

“The Rural Carnivals were where I learned; they prepared me for the big stage,” he admitted.

And do not count him out yet. Rouse said that he will be coming bigger and better in 2020.

“I am not going to give away this throne that easily. The same way you have to work to take it from ‘Fireman’, you have to work to take it away from ‘Magikal’.”

Disappointment Meanwhile, ‘Caspa G’, one of the favourites, had to settle for the fourth position with the song ‘Rum Diaries’.

He explained that there were a few mishaps during his presentation — one of which was the inhalation of fog emitted by the fog machine placed at the front of the stage.

Morris told THE VINCENTIAN that he almost choked, resulting in him missing a few lyrics to his 2019 megahit.

Nevertheless, he said that he was satisfied with his presentation despite the issues he faced.

In terms of the future

Derron ‘Magikal’ Rouse – Soca Monarch 2019, his first taste of royalty. love, keep the music relevant and the hard work, all things that he has been doing and were responsible for his success.

Rounding off the top four were Delroy of Vincentian Soca music and the young emerging ‘Fireman’ Hooper with ‘Shake it Down’ in second talent, Morris offered some advice, saying that place and Vilroy ‘ZJ Tuffa’ Jack with ‘Liver’ artistes need to come finishing third. together and share the

The other finalists were Lornette ‘Fya Empress’ Nedd, Kamara ‘Keido’ Foster, Kemmy Christopher, Tracy ‘Scarbz’ Cozier, Juniel ‘Lola’ Alexander, Kenville ‘Fonando’ Horne, and the team of Claydon ‘Dymez’ Roache and Elrico ‘Da Pixel’ Hunte. (DD)

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Lynx doubles up ‘Super Storm’ from Blondie Bird and Friends ‘ Climate Change: The Evolution - 2nd in the Band of the Year Competition.

Air Canada from Lynx’s Band of the Year ‘Come Fly with …’

THERE IS AN OLD ADAGE THAT SAYS, “Lightning never strikes the same place twice.” But for Cornelius ‘Pete’ Thomas and his team at the Lynx Mas Camp, it does.

Xtreme FM 104.3 G&T Enterprise Lynx Mas Band, as it is officially known, copped the ‘Band of the Year’ title with ‘Sweet n’ Tangy from ‘Sweet Fuh So’ produced by Mirage – the presentation 3rd in the Band of the Year Competition.

‘Come fly with…’, ‘Purple Sea Dragon’ from Oxygen’s ‘Treasures of the Sea’ – Winner amassing 515 points, Uptown Competition. his and adding to the next ‘Junior Band of the performance.

Year’ title that they had won a week or so before.

Sponsorship remains a major issue, and although The Band also captured the ‘Best Use of Colour’ he is grateful to his existing sponsors, Thomas category, and placed second to newcomer ‘Oxygen’ in explained that financial constraints often inhibit his the ‘Uptown’ category. creativity.

He thanked his team for putting in the hard work Band Leader not surprised and making this presentation what it was.

“It feels good to win,” Thomas told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday when the official Winning is fun results from the Carnival Development Corporation Oxygen Mas Band, in its first year being judged, were released. proved that it was more than just a party band. The He added that he was not at all surprised by the band took the ‘Uptown’ category and placed second results, based on what he had seen at the Victoria in the ‘Best use of Colour’ category.

Park during the Mardi Gras competition on July 9.

“The team feels very excited, we did not expect ‘Tentacle Aeolis’ from SVG Players International “But I must give thanks,” he said. that,” co-band leader Karen Veira said.

Mas Band’s ‘Wonders of Nature’.

Thomas explained that the team caters to “We are a fun Band, so to go out and have fun between 150 to 200 people. and win, that’s a bonus,” she added.

But they know what they are getting,” he Veira thanked the members of her team, continued. particularly her business partner Gamal ‘Skinny Although it is the band’s first ‘Band of the Year’ Fabulous’ Doyle. title, it certainly will not be the last, and according Doyle narrated the band’s presentation as it to the Band’s leader, he already has a few ideas for crossed the stage at the Mardi Gras competition, and performed briefly — plus he was part of the driving force behind getting the presentation ready.

Oxygen managed just over 1,000 masqueraders spread over 8 sections in the 2019 presentation, ‘Treasures of the Sea’.

And while she thanked the members of her team, she commended her fellow competitors in the Band of the Year competition.

She said that she was particularly happy to see that Lynx Mas Band had won its first major title, Mardi Gras from Nelson Bloc’s ‘Fete fo so’. saying that it was commendable it being a traditional Mas Band, and one of the smaller ones in ‘Sweet Fuh So’; Oxygen Mas Band was 4th, and competition today.

SVG Players placed fifth with ‘Wonders of Narture’.

In the ‘Uptown’ category, Oxygen Mas Band The rest (winners) was followed by Lynx, Blondie Bird and And in the ‘Band of the Year’ category, Blondie Friends, SVG Players International and Mirage Bird and Friends placed second with ‘Climate Extreme White from High Voltage’s ‘White: The Change: The Evolution’; Mirage finished third with Production in that order. (DD) Glow Edition’

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King reinstated, Queen dethroned

Atiron Lockhart - King of the Bands 2019 portraying ‘Airlines Serving Argyle International Airport’ from Lynx Mas band presentation ‘Come fly with …’

THE KING AND QUEEN OF THE BANDS competitions threw up a permutation that spoke of one Jennilee Glasgow – Queen of the Bands 2019 portraying ‘Spirobrachus retention and one Giganticus’ from SVG Players’ 2019 presentation, ‘Wonders of Nature’ dethronement.

Lynx retained its King of the Bands title when Atiron Lockhart was announced winner for his portrayal ‘Airlines Serving Argyle International Semone Richardson – 2nd among the Queen of the Airport’, keeping Bands with ‘Mother Earth is Crying’ from Blondie Bird within the Lynx and Friends’ ‘Climate Change: The Evolution.

2019 theme, ‘Come and with the intention of doing a hatfly with … .’ trick. This was not to be.

Lockhart, in the process, added Glasgow copped the top prize and another title to those he captured her fifth title all taken, portraying the between 2007 and 2009, and in 2018 when he and sister, Ateisha Lockhart, costume ‘Spirobrachus Giganticus’ from SVG Players’ 2019 presentation, created history by becoming the first brother and sister to win the King and ‘Wonders of Nature’,.

Richardson placed second with the Queen of the Bands competitions in portrayal ‘Mother Earth is Crying’ the same year. from Blondie Bird and Friends,’ BMC Amerijet Magic 103.7 FM ‘Climate Change: The Evolution.

Blondie Bird and Friends maintained Owen Ralph and the Professionals, their 2018 first runner-up position who tied for the top spot with Blondie with Jelani Niles’ portrayal of ‘Man Bird in 2018, slipped to third with its and Earth living in Harmony’ from their 2019 band presentation ‘Climate portrayal ‘The Natives of Yuremei’ portrayed by Ateisha Lockhart from Change; The Evolution’. the presentation ‘Take another look’.

Veteran King of the Bands There were five other contestants in contestant Gordon ‘Tarya’ Boucher was third with ‘Rumble in the Jungle’, each of the King and Queen of the from Melbourne Artisans ‘It looks like Bands competitions. something we have seen before’.

The Queen of the Bands competition played out like it had for many years previous, i.e. a battle between masqueraders Jennilee Glasgow of SVG Players International Mas Band, and Semone Richardson of Blondie Bird and Friend, who had Jelani Niles’- 2nd among the King of the Bands with ‘Man gone in as and Earth living in Harmony’ from Blondie Bird and defending Queen friends’ ‘Climate Change; The Evolution’.

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”JetBlue’ from Lynx’s ‘Come fly with … ‘, placed second.

IMAGINATION MAS BAND CAPTURED THIS year’s ‘Sections of Bands’ title with ‘Angel of the Morning’, from the band’s 2019 presentation ‘Watch out for this’.

It was an improved showing this year for bandleader Denrick Woodley and his team. They placed third in the 2018 competition.

In a year that many agreed was a poor one for the competition as it related to the number of

Best Section 2019 ‘Angel of the Morning’ from Imagination’s ‘Watch out for this…’

masqueraders in the sections and the nonparticipation of the bigger bands like Blondie Bird and Friends, SVG Players International and Nelson Bloc, Imagination Mas Band stood out as the best on the night of July 4 at the Victoria Park.

Coming off its first ‘Junior Band of the Year’ just a few days earlier, ‘Xtreme 104.3 FM G&T Enterprise Lynx Mas Band was second with the section ’Jetblue’ from their 2019 presentation ‘Come fly with…’.

Metrocint High Voltage copped Third place ‘Surrender’ from High Voltage’s ‘White: The the third spot Glow Edition’. with the section ‘Surrender’ from that band’s ‘White: The Glow Edition’, and Tribes Mas Band took the fourth spot with ‘Rain Forest’ from that band’s presentation ‘Endangered’.

Other competing bands on the night were: Leeward International with ‘Stars of Hollywood’ from Rain Forest’ from Tribes’ ‘Endangered’ was fourth. the presentation ‘A day in Hollywood’; Owen Ralph and the Professionals with the section ‘Peace and Love’ from the presentation ‘Take another look’; Melbourne Artisans — ‘Aztec Temple Guards and Maidens’ from ‘It looks like something we saw before’, and Beautex International ‘Limbo Dancers’ from the presentation ‘Aztec Temple Guards and maidens’ from Melborne’s ‘It ‘Dance SVG looks like something we saw before’, was unplaced.

Dance’. (DD)

V ÂLutaÊ takes Road March

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back to when he was one me hand’ and again in of the vocalists with the band Signal.

His many releases through the years have always been able to captivate the soca enthusiasts here, in the region and beyond.

And he has not been afraid to collaborate with other soca artistes, tentimes Soca Monarch Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper among these, for he knows that he has what it takes to command his own space on a stage anywhere, anytime.

However, in the year of his breakthrough, ‘Luta’ just nosed ahead of ‘Magikal’ and his ‘Bloody Hell Crazy’. The judges had ‘Lehgo ting’ as having accumulated 82 points, to ‘Bloody Hell Crazy’s 81, in a year when judges of CDC shows seem to fancy separating first places from second places by the slightest of margins, a la Junior and Senior Panorama.

In taking his first Road March, Luta became the second Calliaqua native to accomplish the feat. He was preceded in this ‘Luta’ waited some twenty-five years before he got regard by Eardley his first Road March, but he has always been there ‘Gringo’ Bennett who won in 1975 with ‘Leh go and there about as far as popular songs on the road are concerned.

IT IS GOING to be difficult to believe this, but this is the first time that Rondy ‘Luta’ Mc Intosh has won the Road March for Vincy Mas 2019.

The difficulty sets in when one considers that ‘Luta’ has always provided a song for Vincy Mas that captured the

spirit of the road.

But, yes, ‘Luta’ achieved his first Road March feat in 2019 with his ‘Lehgo ting’.

Known as the ‘Crowd Motivator’ for his uncanny ability to arouse the ‘deadest’ of crowds, ‘Luta’ has always been a crowd favourite, dating

The trials of De Man Age and company word by telepathy to his media minions to do something about it”. the face, the struggle continues. Nay, The Brother is in for a rude intensifies” awakening for, of all people, folk Eventually, the Man Age settled in culturalists are the most jealous of the USA but continued his good their profession. That is why Abijah calypso work here. has already noted that he would But this year was disappointing, stand his ground and bear the him failing to make it beyond the consequences. semi-finals stage like Patches, Abijah, It seems that the doctor wants to Sulle and others. Patches even made bend everything, including history it to the top three. and culture, into a shape that he finds No reason to be disappointed, comfortable. Traditionally, chances are they will stage a glorious calypsonians speak for the people, the come-back in the next three years or grass-roots, and the folks in whose so; once they realise that the fight is interest the ULP claims to work. now, and that in changed Whenever there is a failed circumstance they too will have to deliverance, real or perceived, the institute change. people hit back with whatever So the calypsonians need not treat weapons they have at their disposal. seriously the charges I had against In the days of slavery, it was the Tea the government. Around 2003, I Meeting where they ridiculed and wrote: “News making the rounds laughed massa to scorn. claims the maximum Leaded is In modern day, the voting cattle annoyed with certainly calypso strike back at the leaders in calypso. compositions, notably De Man Age’s You stop that in the Caribbean, you “Back to Square One” and Abijah’s destroy democracy.

“Ah Ready to Vote” and has beamed All be well that ends well.

From page 8

1977 with ‘Doh lock me

up’.

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HOTEL ALEXANDRINA, a boutique hotel in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has become the latest in the Caribbean to be Hospitality Assured (HA) certified, an international certification programme for service excellence.

“Hotel Alexandrina is extremely proud to be part of the Hospitality Assured family. The selfevaluation of our company to see where we are, and the steps taken to improve our operation was extremely effective,” said Ruth Stevens, Managing Director of Hotel Alexandrina, one of the host hotels for the upcoming Sustainable Tourism Conference scheduled for St. Vincent and the Grenadines from 26-29 August.

The HA certification is owned by the Institute of Hospitality and managed

by Hospitality Limited based in the United Kingdom. It was developed specifically for the tourism sector, to promote and reward the highest levels of service and business excellence.

The programme is managed in the Caribbean by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).

The programme consists of nine key areas and 44 criteria that must be addressed to gain the Hospitality Assured certification.

The key areas focus on:

Customer Research, The Customer Service Promise, Business Leadership & Planning, Operational Planning & Standards of Performance, Resources (people, equipment, facilities), Training and Development, Service Delivery, Service Recovery and Customer Satisfaction Improvement.

Stevens said the steps to certification helped the hotel become more focused on customer satisfaction. “The exercises set forth in the programme helped us to recognise that customer satisfaction is the best indicator of our company’s performance and that our primary focus must be on our customer service promise.”

And as for rewards from the programme, Steven said, “Now, our business is operating at a higher level understanding of the importance of customer expectations and satisfaction and already receiving accolades and reaping the financial benefits because of our improved standards.”

In its promotional material, Hotel Alexandrina is described as offering “a unique, tranquil, elegant but casual setting with an array of services and amenities.”

These services and

Hotel Alexandrina is 15 minutes from the Argyle International Airport and 20 minutes from the capital, Kingstown. amenities include: A Wedding Package that includes accommodating awedding ceremony as well as access to picturesque locations on the property for photographs; Conference Center catering for business conferences, seminars, workshops, retreats, luncheons/dinners; Events planning for and/or catering to banquets, cocktails, and other social events; Day Pass Special that overs a room, lunch, pool access, etc.

Hotel Alexandrina prides itself on being “a tranquil, elegant but casual setting within a supportive environment, where our guests can rejuvenate in mind, body and soul.”

Hotel Alexandrina is a 27-room, modern and exclusive hotel, which opened for business in 2008.

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Incendiaries at CDC shows

In full blaze at the Ragga/Soca Monarch finals

Police moved in on this display at the Ragga/Soca Monarch semi-finals IT SEEMED, GIVEN WHAT OBTAINED at some of the official Carnival Shows, that preventing the use of aerosol cannisters as flame throwers at Carnival Shows was easier said than done.

The initial reaction to a story carried in the May 31, 2019 edition of this publication, was that effecting such a ban was going to be near impossible.

When contacted on the issue, and as reported in the May 31, 2019 edition, Ricardo Adams, Chairman of the CDC confirmed that measures will be in place to prohibit the use of incendiaries (aerosol cans) at CDC, events.

He stated categorically then, “The Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) will not be sanctioning use of any type of flame thrower by any artiste.”

What has been the case, though, is that the use of aerosol cannisters, as the source of blowing flames, was very much in vogue, so to speak, especially at the ‘fete-type’ shows sponsored by the CDC. The Soca and Ragga Monarch semifinals and finals were decorated by these flames.

While there seems to have been an

early attempt to curb the practice as witnessed when police moved against perpetrators at the Ragga/Soca Monarch semi-finals held at the Solidarity Car Park, the repercussions of that action may just have caused a rethinking on the part of the police.

It would, after all, as certain persons opined,be a rather dangerous thing for the police to take action in the midst of crowds that counted in the thousands of people, some intoxicated, the majority overcome by and heightened frenzy of the patrons.

Police actions could have prompted further widespread reaction, was the reaction.

It seems, therefore, that while the idea of banning the use of aerosol cannisters for the purposes of ‘blowing flames,’ is a noble one, the measures must be one of prevention, where, if possible, the cannisters are removed off the persons at the entrances to a particular show, and not during the actual show.

As one observer remarked, perhaps the CDC could start from day one after the carnival, to spread the message of desisting from using these devices as flame throwers at all shows.

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20. FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Dignity is not for sale

Dear George, I AM IN A situation in which I am not working and I do not have the money to purchase all of the books for my 3 children. The oldest child is in fourth form and the youngest now entering 1st form.

So, I approached a good friend of my late husband to ask for help with my children’s books, and his answer really surprised me.

He told me I would have to ‘help back’, meaning I must sleep with him.

I refused, and his response was I can put him on to my oldest daughter instead. My late husband would roll over in his grave if I should stoop so low with this man.

I’m looking for work, but nothing yet. It seems like I might have to swallow my pride and go against everything I’ve believed in and give this bastard of a man what he wants.

What do you think?

Disappointed Dear Disappointed, Your dignity is worth much more than the money you would receive from that man. There is still time to secure those books. Check to see what’s happening with the book loan schemes, and whether you qualify for benefits from it.

Also, now may be the time to get creative and use whatever skills you may have to generate income. It can be useful for you to speak to a counsellor to help you explore and find hidden skills that would be your gateway to achieving your goal.

George

Saving a marriage Dear George,

Grieving.

I WALKED in on my wife having sex with another man in our bed, and when I asked her to explain, she told me it was self-explanatory.

I asked her what she meant by that and she responded by telling me to leave the room if I was done talking so she could finish the job at hand.

George, I didn’t know what came over me, but I started begging her to send the man away. Instead, she asked the man to resume business. I ended up leaving the room, and to this day she has not spoken one word about that day.

What can I do to get my wife to start respecting me and loving me the way a wife should love her husband?

Dear Grieving, This sounds very much like you are the one who is married to your wife and not she to you.

She pretty much summed up the marriage when she said what you saw that day was “ self-explanatory”. This has every appearance of the end of the road as far as she is concerned.

If you want to remain with her, you need to find out from her the source of her unhappiness, and see whether something can be done about it. Both of you should think about signing up to see a marriage counsellor to help sort things out.

George

‘Take time to know her…’

Dear George, IS TWO MONTHS too short a time to meet someone and want to marry them?

I met this Bajan chick exactly two months but have seen her for only three days during that time. Unbelievably, she is pushing me to marry her, and even wants to open a joint bank account to prove how much she loves me.

When I talked to her last, she told me she had already ordered the wedding dress on line. I have not even agreed to marry this girl and the dress is on the way?

I never planned to be in such a situation but, here I am smack in the middle. What should I tell her?

s and dot the I s.

Marriage is not something that should not be entered into Dear Confused, lightly. Two months There is nothing to be may be a good enough confused about here. I’m time for her, but you sure you’re thinking this need to take your time to is all quite bizarre, and be sure of the woman it sure is. Ask this you’re marrying. individual to please pause for a bit and allow George more time to cross the T

Confused

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You will not be able to trust someone you work with. You may find that your generosity has been taken for granted.

You may want to try your hand at a little creative writing. Don’t let your boss get the better of you.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Your sensitive, affectionate nature will capture the heart of anyone you are attracted to. Real estate investments will be profit able. You may find that doing odd jobs around the house will be successful.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Business conducted in your own office will proceed smoothly. Remember; talk to them, not at them. Insurance pay outs, tax rebates, or just plain luck. You may have taken on a little too much, but you will enjoy every minute of it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Partnerships may be strained if one of you has been erratic and hard to deal with. Unreliable people will be negative about your ideas. You must strive to get the most important projects completed properly.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Be on your best behavior. You will be too quick to point your finger at your mate.

Try making some changes to your appearance and your attitude that will reinforce just that.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Try to be considerate in your personal obligations. Your suggestions for fund raising events will be well received. If you can work at home, do so.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You can ask for favors and get sound advice from close friends or relatives.

You can make money if you pursue your own business. Changes in your home environment are likely.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You are best to avoid confrontations.

Don’t let other people meddle in your private affairs. Move into a leadership position if you are determined to do so.

Snap out of it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Your communication skills may win you points. You may find that relationships are not going as well as you’d like. Stop telling others about your problems.

Social functions will bring you in touch with new lovers.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Your contributions will be valued and helpful. You can expect opposition at work. Don’t let your competition be privy to information that could be in criminating. You are best to sit back and think it through, rather than add to the ranting and raving.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Use your inventiveness to find solutions.

Trips should be your choice. Your partner could make you angry if they steal your thunder or embarrass you in front of others.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Compromise may be necessary. Be honest in your communication and don’t lose your cool. Problems with ear, nose, or the throat are likely.

ACROSS 1. Auditory organ 4. Durable metal 8. Sailor’s cry 12. Fight (for) 13. Moved hurriedly 14. Cherish 15. Human limb 16. Bear’s “toenail” 17. Graceful waterfowl 18. Very pale 20. Toy figurines 21. Highly reflective 23. Icky stuff 25. List at a café 26. Retained 27. Chemistry room 30. Washington neighbour 32. On dry land 34. Ra or Thoth 35. Cereal holder 37. Printing fluids 38. Be obligated to repay 39. Prom garment 40. Dial up 44. Towels (off) 46. Positive review 47. Grows mature 48. “Gotcha!”

51. Guinness of film 52. Disclose (a secret) 53. Do lawn work 54. See 7-Down 55. Egyptian vipers 56. Slithery fish

State 8. Too 9. Canine wail 10. Track shape 11. Strong urges 19. Tightly fitting 20. Tiny specks 21. Choking haze 22. Brave fellow 24. Semiprecious gem 26. Are familiar with DOWN 27. “__ Dove,” 1. Entertainer Gabor McMurtry 2. Broadcast novel 3. Stayed 28. River vessels 4. Like a rash 29. First Lady 5. Part for 51-Across or 1-Down Truman 6. With 36-Down, fruit snacks 31. Woodwind 7. With 54-Across, The Empire instrument

33. Bring on board 36. See 6-Down 39. Round platelets 40. Say the rosary 41. Angelic glow 42. All finished 43. Collar site

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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

45. Collect (crops) 47. In imitation of: 2 wds.

49. Garden implement 50. “Wise” night bird

22. FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V SVG Women get second hold of WIFA Title

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

INAUGURAL WINNERS IN 2015 of the Senior Women’s Windward Islands Football Association title, St Vincent and the Grenadines returned to the pinnacle of Windward islands football when they claimed the 2019 crown at the Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St Lucia, last Saturday night.

But St Vincent and the Grenadines had to depend on Grenada to beat St Lucia, before they could have celebrated their second hold.

As it stood on Saturday, the final evening of the Tournament, St. SVG’s Zeanna Charles was the Lucia needed a victory or even a tie Tournament’s Best Defender. against defending champions Several of the females who Grenada, to take the championship. comprised the Senior team to St. Lucia St. Vincent and the Grenadines, were set to head out yesterday, on the other hand, knew that they Thursday, for St Kitts and Nevis, to had to beat Dominica by a represent St Vincent and the resounding margin and hope that Grenadines in the CONCACAF UnderGrenada got the better of St. Lucia, 20 Qualifiers. if they were to take the title.

There, St Vincent and the After defeating Grenada 1-0 on Grenadines will face Anguilla, Tuesday evening, thanks to a Barbados, Grenada and St Kitts and Kristianne Wyllie 53rd minute Nevis, in the Qualifiers, which run goal, St Vincent and the The victorious St. Vincent and the Grenadines Senior Women’s Football team from 13th to 21st July.

Grenadines were beaten by St Champions of Senior Women’s Windward Islands Football.

The U20 team reads: Samonique Lucia 1-0 on Thursday night.

LaBorde, Cassey Samuel and Chelsea team- Shevorn Trimmingham was each.

And, with St Lucia edging out a Cordice — goalkeepers; Shaielle bubbly, when the team arrived last St Vincent and the Grenadines, plucky Dominica team on Tuesday Williams, Arenna Grant, Kendra Sunday at the Argyle International though, emerged Champions on the night 3-2, it meant that St Vincent Findlay, Rae Dawn Nanton, Ashanti Airport. basis of a better goal differential and the Grenadines had to make good Douglas and Angel Maxwell — Referring to the Tournament as of the permutations on the final night, with five goals for and one against to finish with a plus four goals, compared “competitive,” Trimmingham was high defenders; Antoneek Commissiong, Saturday.

Shannel Lampkin, Kitanna Richards, in praise for the players and the St to St Lucia who scored four goals but As fate would have it, the Kristiane Wyllie, Dionte Delpeche and Vincent and the Grenadines Football conceding the same number, thus Vincentians romped home victors 4 Aleyka Shallow —Areka Hooper, Denel Federation Female Programme . ending with a goal differential of nil. goals to nil, just enough to edge them Creese and Sherese Cyru - midfielders; “I appreciate all the girls for their Meanwhile, the 2017 champions ahead of St. Lucia in the title race. and Kristal Foster and Nia Miller — effort and hard work that they put in Grenada, which drew 1-1 with A pair of goals each by Areka attackers. and it actually paid off”, Dominica, ended on four points to take Hooper in the 11th and 45th minutes, Shevorn Trimmingham travels as Trimmingham commented. third place and Dominica, with a and Chrislyn Browne in the 77th and the manager, Cornelius Huggins and As it relates to the SVGFF input to solitary point, was last.

85th minutes, accounted for the Alnif Williams as head coach and the success of the Women’s team, Vincentians’ margin of triumph. assistant coach respectively and Urtis Trimmingham said, “It says that we This left Grenada to ensure that St Awards are doing a lot and we are on the right Blackette as the goal-keeping coach.

Lucia got no point from their final St. Vincent and the Grenadines road to progression and development.” Shevon Smith is the team’s encounter, if St. Vincent and the physiotherapist and Dr. Alisha Grenadines were going to take the tile. captured three awards which were Bonadie its medical doctor. presented last Saturday night.

Under 20’s for Qualifiers A buoyant St. Lucia, though, would Zeyanna Charles have had their eyes set on dispensing with defending champions Grenada, on copped the award of Best their way to claiming the title.

Defender, and This was not to be as Grenada, Altica Benn was already out of contention and with voted Best Goal nothing but their pride to play for, Keeper and the threw caution to the wind and Most Valuable mounted an all-out attack. To the Player (MVP). dismay of the home supporters, The other Grenada deservedly went into the lead individual award in the 5th minute through Carena presented on the Noel. night, that of They added to this lead when Best Midfielder, Shaniah Johnson converted in the went to Merissa 25th minute.

Charles of Try as much as they could, the St. Grenada.

Lucians, even with the advantage of home support, could not breakdown a Manager’s stoic Grenada defence, and the Delight Grenadians held out to the final Atticia Benn was named the Best Goalwhistle to salvage some pride.

Keeper, and was also adjudged the Manager of However, the results on the last SLFA Vice President Southern Region, Emmanuel Bellase Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the the St Vincent night left St Vincent and the presents the championship trophy to Captain of the SVG Tournament. Here she is pictured with Grenadines and St Lucia on six points and the Senior Women’s Football Team. her goal-keeping coach Urtis Blackette.

Grenadines

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24. FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Three Vincentians in Windwards U19 Squad

THREE VINCENTIANS have been included in the 13member Windward Islands squad to participate in the upcoming Cricket West Indies (CWI) Under-19 Tournament, to be held here in St Vincent from July 25th to August 10th.

The three are batsmen Camelo Cain and Jaheil Walters, and batting allrounder Tijourn Vincentian Romando Browne has been named a reserved.

Pope.

Kimani The players were Melius, selected following their Captain of good performance in the the just concluded Windward WINLOTT/Windward Islands Islands Under-19 Under 19.

Cricket Tournament, which was held in Captain.

Dominica. All rounder The Romarno Browne is the rest of the squad reads: lone Vincentian reserve from Dominica - Lincoln named in the four Rurand, Savio Anselm reserves. and Malakai Xavier; The team will be led from Grenada - Teddy

by West Indies Under-19 Bishop, Seandell Regis, and West Indies B team Jamie Buddy, and Ronel player Kimani Melius of Williams; from St. Lucia St Lucia. He will have - Ackeem Auguste and wicket-keeper/batsman Simeon Gerson.

Tahj Tavernier from Four reverses have Dominica as his Vice been named, they are:

The Three Vincentians in the 14-man Windwards squad (L-R) Camelo Cain, Tijourn Pope, Jeheil Walters.

Micka Joseph of Dominica; Tyrel Chicot and Jaden Elibox from St. Lucia; and Romarno Browne from St Vincent

and the Grenadines.

The Team Manager is Inspector Randel Baptiste of Grenada, while the

Coach is Mr. Clifford Mervin Thomas of Dominica.

I.B.A.ALLEN

National Table Tennis shoots off Gaymes The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Table Tennis Association has announced the seeding ahead of this year’s National Table Tennis Tournament.

The 2019 National Table Tennis Championships will commence today, July 12, and run until July 20.

According to a release from the SVG Table Tennis Association, the seeding for the men is: Damion Dublin #1; Carlton Daniel #2; Robert Ballantyne #3; Romano Spencer #4; Caleb Howard #5; Akeil De Roche #6; Juwan Howard #7 and Mike Creese at 8th.

Among the Boys,

It is not yet Caleb Howard is confirmed that the top seed, followed by Akeil overseasbased Sky De Roche, Mikel Creese and Antan Llewellyn, who is currently Tannis in that home, will play order.

Overseas-based in the Championship. players Kavir Gaymes, Sky Doubles, Llewellyn and Kamal Hunte did not compete in and men and women masters. this year’s Assessment Matches for the UCompetition held earlier 10’s, Cadets and Juniors this year, and were begin at 10:00am and the therefore not seeded. seniors will begin their The 2019 National matches at 5:30pm daily.

Table Tennis Matches will be played Championships will see at the complex of the competition in the Boys Church of Jesus and Girls Infantile Christ of Latter-day Under-10, Cadet Under Saints (Mormon Church) 15 singles, Junior Singles and Doubles (U- at Kingstown Park.

18), Open Men’s and Damion Dublin has I.B.A.ALLEN Women’s Singles and been seeded #1 going into this year’s National Table Tennis Championship.

advances as Netball umpire VINCENTIAN Netball Umpire Moeth Gaymes has attained an Advanced Level certification.

Gaymes’ elevation came when he was assessed during the staging of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank/ Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States International Netball Series, which was staged here at the Arnos Vale Netball Complex, last month.

His assessment was both practical and written, and he Moeth successfully attained the required Gaymes standard in each of the methods of testing.

As such, therefore, Gaymes is now eligible to officiate in matches involving teams that are ranked above 20, on the International Netball Federation (INF) list.

Responding to his elevation, Gaymes spoke of “feeling good” on the attainment, and projected that he will not stop until he reaches the highest levels of Netball officiating.

Apart from being an accredited Netball Umpire, Gaymes has served as Coach of St Vincent and the Grenadines Under-16 and Senior Level Netball teams.

Gaymes is also a member of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Male Netball team.

Additional to his Netball accomplishments, Gaymes is the lone Vincentian on the FIFA list of referees.

His most recent Football appointment was last week in St Lucia, at the Senior Women’s Windward Islands Football Association(WIFA) Tournament.

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

Sports

Tribute to Vincentians CONGRATULATIONS to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Under-19 Cricket team. They secured the 2019 Windward Islands championship. It was a landmark performance for the Vincentians, having reached the final by way of having more bonus points over St. Lucia.

Up to the final, Grenada had played unbeaten.

As most tournaments go, something is likely to give. Grenada found that fate at the worst moment.

The Vincentians owed their triumph to Carmalo Cain, the tournament’s only centurion. That came in the final and steered the team to 193 for 6 off 37.3 overs. Cain was supported by Ojay Matthews 33.

It was a team performance, with Grenada restricted to 189 all out from 38 overs, Seandell Regis 39, Sunil Narayan and Josh Edmund 34 each. Tijourn Pope 4 for 39 led the Vincentian bowling attack.

Focus will be on the Windward Islands Under19 party and how they acquit themselves at the regional stage. There is a tendency among young Caribbean players to lose interest in cricket after the Under-20 level.

Whether an absence of commitment, direction, or will, the transition to the senior platform has been missing. Be it coaching, or whatever is responsible, the situation must be looked at.

Decisions face youths as to how much emphasis to place on sports as opposed to seeking a future.

Attractions are numerous on the horizon, not least in sports.

Football remains the game of the people, and is a heavy pull. Basketball has not lost its appeal. In exceptional circumstances, youngsters seem unwilling to endure the rigours of training that is necessary.

There is that aspect of familiarity. The cries have become deafening as to the speed in providing a track for athletes to hone their skills.

Michael ‘Lord Have Mercy’ Ollivierre has been vocal in calls for better facilities for athletes.

Mercy’s echoes have been given ear play but no practical attention.

There is reason to establish a sound athletic base, for it is accepted that every sport needs to have training facilities. That includes a track along with gym resources.

While West Indies fans are still angry with the team’s performance, Sunday’s final will still arouse interest, if not further drive up the irritation barometer of some people.

An interesting sporting and cultural mix was unveiled during the Vincy Carnival Festival. It augurs well for the future. Darren Rouse has injected some Vincentian culture into the Vincy Heat Football squad. He is a known figure in the squad.

The Soca Monarch title in the country’s premier event, plus second in the Road March points tally have signalled a new dynamic as it relates to culture and sports. It could not have been timelier.

Vincy Heat has its Concacaf sojourn in September, and Rouse will perhaps surface.

Going under the soubriquet ‘Magikal’, he paved the way for his elevation with Soca titles in South Leeward, North Leeward and Georgetown.

If one thought those were negligible, Magikal went the distance and perhaps into extra time and outpointed the best in SVG’s Soca arena. A defender on the field, Magikal will be faced with that task next year. By then, he may have gone through situations where opponents may have found “Vincy people bloody hell crazy, bloody hell mad.”

The ECCB/OECS Netball Series AS THE YEARS roll by, we have more and more sports tournaments that I suppose are encouraging those who have identified one of these sports as being part of their future.

During the month of June 2019, there was FIFA U-20 Males; Senior Women World-Cup; CONCACAF Gold Cup; EUFA U-21; COPA South America Soccer Championship; African Cup of Nation; IAAF Championship in various countries; and the ICC World Cup with the West Indies doing their best as usual, just to name a few.

But the most exciting tournament for SVG must have been the inaugural ECCB/OECS Netball Series, held right here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

What excitement did the last two nights bring!

Spectators on both nights left satisfied with the performances of the players.

And all in all, despite the ups and downs with injuries, patrons enjoyed the tournament.

What added to the excitement was commentator Roxel John,

Grenada vs St. Lucia at the Inaugural OECS/ECCB International Netball Series in St. Vincent.

(Photo: ECCB Connects) whose challenging interviews with the coaches helped to bring a new dimension to the activity.

Earlier this year, in a piece I wrote and was published in THE VINCENTIAN, I cited the importance of having each team (in the Netball Premier Division) play each other twice; the return game, being an encouragement to improve. I did not predict the ECCB/OECS Tournament would take this format.

From what I saw, overall, the players on show were fit, skilled, agile, and performed at the highest level.

The teams were well organized, and the confidence among

players made for exciting games throughout. We can conclude therefore, that teams were well prepared.

As for us, areas of weakness must not only be recognized but attended to during practices and local tournaments. Players must note that everybody can play at the same time. It is important that those who lead work to maintain and build on the confidence of the players.

Players must take constructive criticism and work to transform the negatives into positives.

Congratulations to the champions Grenada; your preparation paid off.

Continue your journey and intensify your work to remain champion.

Second was host St. Vincent and the Grenadines; they have to do everything possible to continue to attract large crowds so as to bo0st their confidence.

Third place went to The Grenada National Netball Team that won the St. Lucia; they needed inaugural ECCB/OECS International Netball Series in some speed and St. Vincent.

connection when making deliveries. Fourth and fifth - Antigua/Barbuda and Dominica respectively.

Under-20 players, you were all outstanding representing your country.

The local netball executive must consider expanding the premier division teams to twelve, so players young, new and old can play with the best. It is not enough to play with your peers.

Introduce a month’s fixture with return games at closer dates, so players can accept instructions in a short space of time that will able to help develop psychological and tactical areas of their game.

And a note to spectators: If though the home team did not take the energy of the large home support and put it to victory, it is imperative that you, spectators, continue to turn out in large numbers to support the local teams.

Meanwhile, if you attended, what’s your take on the ECCB/OECs Tournament?

Rollit Walrond

Roban takes NACAC bronze VINCENTIAN Handal Roban placed third in the Under-18 Male 800 M at the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Under-18 and Under-23 Championships, staged in Queretaro, Mexico.

Roban clocked 1 minute 53.39 seconds, last Saturday, to take the bronze.

He had to trail gold medalist Abdullahi Hassan of Canada in a time of 1 minute 52.48 seconds, and silver medalist Chevonne Hall of Jamaica in 1 minute 53.32 seconds.

Last Saturday’s bronze adds to another bronze Roban gained in

the Under-20 800m at this year’s Junior Carifta Games in the Cayman Islands.

Roban, it will be recalled, made his mark on the regional Track and Field scene in his debut year at the 2018 Junior Carifta Games in the Bahamas, when he won gold in the Under-17 800M. Also last year, he claimed four gold medals at the Whitsuntide Games in Grenada, and returned this year to those games to set a new record in the Male Under -20 800M.

Handal Roban – SVG’s brightest Male U-20 track athlete.

26. FRIDAY, JULY 12, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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

Classifieds

NGOÊs pivotal to Climate Action from page 12 Will Government and NGOs be represented at the upcoming Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP 25) to be held in Santiago Chile from 2nd — 13th December, 2019?

Governments and relevant machinery in the United Nations System must channel adequate resources to the NGOs, so that they can engage in public education and fulfil their role as vehicles through which public information will flow. The sap will rise and the barren trees will bud again.

This process includes women’s NGOs, and as per the Chinese Proverb, “When sleeping women awake, mountains will move”.

Nelcia Robinson Chair Commonwealth Women’s Network

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S A L E

FRIDAY,

JULY 12, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.28

Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines that it was cancelling funding for the project, and that it expected that money already expended on the project will be repaid with interest by “the Recipient,” i.e. the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

It is the understanding of THE VINCENTIAN that the letter of objection which prompted the CDB into action, was submitted by Bally & Bally Investments Ltd. which was an unsuccessful bidder for the project.

In its letter, Bally & Bally Investments pointed to what it said was the successful bidder’s inability to undertake gabion wall construction, reinforced concrete construction and river training which were basic requirements/criteria for qualification for the contract.

The party to whom the contract was awarded and from whom it was withdrawn was Reliable

Construction Ltd, whose bid amounted to $1,421,577.00 Bally and Bally

Kingstown Commercial Property on 3,750 sq. ft. $550,000.00 -CC210 Diamond 2 bedrm Property on 5,384 sq. ft. - $325,000.00 -H160 Sans Souci 6 bedrm on 13,272 sq. ft. - $550,000.00 -H159 (784)- 457-2087 office (784)-533-0431 whatsapp (784)-493-9431 cell (718)-807-4376 office donp@vincysurf.com www.aisvg.com facebook.com/airealestatesvg

www.thevincentian.com

CDB REVOKES CONTRACT… WITHDRAWS FUNDING The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has not only revoked the contract awarded for River Defence Works at Yarabaqua River (Belle View), but it has also withdrawn funding for the project altogether.

This was indicated to the ‘Bidder’, the party to whom the contract was awarded, in a letter dated 27th June 2019, signed by Allister Campbell, Chief Engineer (Ag) of the Ministry of Works, the executing agency on behalf of the Government, to whom the funding was allocated.

The letter explained that the CDB, upon receipt of a letter of objection via the Chief Engineer (Ag), mounted a “review” (read investigation) of the procurement of the contract, and “… declared misprocurement for the Contract for the River .Defence Works at Yarabaqua.”

As a result, the CDB, according to the Chief Engineer’s (Ag) letter, informed the

A.I. REAL ESTATE

Investments in its objection went as far as to say that to the best of its knowledge, Reliable

EC$1.50

Construction Ltd. “has not done any Gabion baskets or river training works of that magnitude (what is required by the Project) or at all in this State or elsewhere….”, and further that “it is utterly unfair that contractors expend resources and time to bid on those projects, only to be unfairly treated.”

The Yarabaqua River Defence Works was one

of a number of projects to be undertaken under a Rehabilitation and Upgrade Works Programme of EC $8.5 million, to be funded by the CDB. Some of the other works included were: River Defence Work at Caratal River; Roads at Gracefield, Roway, Bower, Fergusson Mountain Road, and Overland/Magum.

TaiwanÊs President to visit SVG

PRESIDENT of the Republic of China on Taiwan, Her Excellency Tsai Ing-wen is expected to visit this country next Tuesday, July 16, and depart on July 17.

President Tsai Ing-wen will be the third President of the Republic of China on Taiwan to visit this country since the Unity Labour Party took control of the reins of government in 2001.

Prior to Her Excellency’s visit, St.

Tsai Ing-wen is the first woman to be elected President of the Republic of China on Taiwan and is the seventh president of the Republic of China under the 1947 Constitution.

Vincent and the Grenadines welcomed President Chen Shui-bian on September 28, 2005, and President Ma Ying-jeo on August 17, 2013.

While here, the President is scheduled to have talks with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and it is anticipated that the two leaders will sign a renewed cooperation agreement.

A Special Sitting of the House of Assembly will be convened in her honour next Tuesday 3:00pm.

Following the Sitting of

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

Parliament, the President will visit the Public Library where she will view an exhibition recognizing the co-operation between the two countries, and make a presentation of two vehicles to the police.

Her Excellency is also expected to be on hand for the opening of a Taiwanese circus at Victoria Park, following which she will be the guest of honour at a cocktail hosted by the Prime Minister and his wife, at the Prime Minister’s residence.

Her Excellency departs the state on the morning of Wednesday 17th July for a twoday visit to St. Lucia, and then onto the USA for a two-evening transit stop.

Prior to her visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the President had visited Haiti and St. Kitts and Nevis.

President Tsai Ing-wen’s tour of the region ‘is aimed at further strengthening co-operation, exchanges and friendship between Taiwan and its four Caribbean allies’, an official Taiwan release said.

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