The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines PRINTER SCANNER COPIER FAX Color scan, Fax forward to email, Network scan, PC/Walkup Fax, Copy/Print speed of up to 35ppm, USB 2.0
FRIDAY,
SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
VOLUME 108, No.37
www.thevincentian.com
„I WANT TO KEEP THEM GUESSING‰
by WILLIAM’ KOJAH’ ANTHONY
PRIME MINISTER Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is keeping the date of the next general elections a secret. “I want to keep them guessing,” he quipped last Tuesday at Cabinet Room. He was updating the nation on his government’s response to the floods caused by heavy rains last Saturday. “I was giving up the power to call snap elections,” the Prime Minister indicated. The reference came as he outlined a series of projects which his government is dealing with. He alluded to the Referendum which was held in November 2009. “I was giving up the power to call snap elections,” he declared. “It will come back to haunt them,” Dr. Gonsalves added. “I move Julian, they start to panic,” the Vincentian leader said. That referendum was aimed at giving the ruling Unity Labour Party the authority to change the constitution. The new arrangement would have outlined a period during which general elections would be called. The opposition New Democratic Party mounted a No campaign, and the government failed to secure the two thirds vote needed to alter the constitution. The government came out with just under 44 percent of the votes
PRIME MINISTER Dr. Ralph Gonsalves cast, while the No campaign gathered nearly 56 percent. The ULP, however, held on to eight seats when the general elections were called December 2010. According to Dr. Gonsalves, floods and landslides as result of the heavy rains caused “significant damage,” but not at a scale where assistance is needed from overseas. The E. T. Joshua airport was closed until four Saturday afternoon because of flooding to
the departure area. River defences were breached in several parts throughout the island, and repair works have been done in places like Buccament, Vermont, Spring Village, as well as other parts of the island. Landslides were numerous, and three properties were destroyed in Buccament. Restoration works are going on in the North Leeward district of Spring Village where the main road was undermined. Heavy vehicles were forbidden to use the highway, while others using it were advised to proceed with caution. Private residences were affected, and some persons were transferred to emergency shelters. The Prime Minister declared that relief assistance was mobilised. He admitted that, while the system was “not perfect, it was working.” Persons were commended for cleaning up their communities. He declared that “while we must be critical, we can’t be hysterical.” Minister of State in the Transport and Works Ministry Julian Francis was commended for his work in the rehabilitation exercise, and workers in the Ministry as well as other citizens were applauded for their actions.
Continued on Page 3.
EC$1.50
The cover of Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams’ latest book ‘Memories of the Hibiscus.
Blazer launches ‘Memories of the Hibiscus’ by KENVILLE HORNE LAWYER, AUTHOR AND CULTURAL ACTIVIST Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams has added another publication to his list of books. Continued on Page 3. Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams
V
2. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
News
Lack of History and Literature in secondary schools unacceptable, says PM
were from the Girls’ High School. This, according to the PRIME MINISTER, Ralph Prime Minister, is Gonsalves is disappointed with unacceptable. He said that the lack of emphasis placed on there are four or five the subject areas of History and secondary schools which do not English Literature on the part of offer Literature, and four or most secondary schools here. five that do not do History, Speaking in the presence of and about three that do not the Chief Education Officer, offer any of these subjects. Lou-Ann Gilchrist during the “That is entirely unacceptable, launching of Lawyer Cecil completely unacceptable, ” ‘Blazer’ Williams, Book emphasized Gonsalves. “Memories of the Hibiscus”, Gonsalves, who is also Gonsalves said “We are not Minister of Finance, said that doing enough, in my view, in the flaw must be corrected. our teaching of History and “The Chief Education Officer English Literature”. knows that I have been riling At the CXC exam, over on this matter for years. I rile 1,560 students from the on it privately, I’ve rile on it twenty-six secondary schools publicly, and I have another wrote subjects; 282 took opportunity again to rile on it History while 361 took English publicly, and I will do it until I Literature. From the 361 that see some improvement, Of sat English Literature, 144 course I don’t run the Ministry by KENVILLE HORNE
of Education, but I believe that I have a sufficiency of influence to speak on ……. But I can’t believe we can’t deploy our staff in such a manner that we can’t have more persons doing History and Literature,” Gonsalves opined. The Prime Minister said that, because there is an emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), some schools exclude subjects like English Literature and History. “This is why am making the point, not just for STEM, but for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics). Gonsalves stated that he is aware that it is difficult in the time table to work everything out, “and am not
underestimating the challenge which is presented to the Chief Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Ralph Education Officer and her Gonsalves praised Cecil ‘Blazer’ team, and the Honorable Williams on his recent Minister of Education; but I accomplishment. believe we can do better than we are doing. there is a lot of good Certainly, there should be no materials,” attested the Prime school, no secondary school in Minister. the country in which it doesn’t Earlier, Gonsalves had have History taught for CXC, made it clear that the fact that or no school where Literature, he has recognized weakness in is not taught,” proclaimed the the education revolution does PM. not mean it does not have “I mean the substitute of phenomenal strength, “and Social Studies and Principles that we have made of Business and so forth, as tremendous advances; so only important as they are, don’t those who think that we have provide in my submission, the reached the limit would do us rigor of an analysis of History a disfavor, because we always and of Literature, including a have to be pushing the familiarity with our own boundaries to do better and Caribbean literature, our own better”. Vincentian Literature, and
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. 3.
News 3
„The quality of our conversation needs to change,‰ says Speaker of the OECS Union, “hasn’t dawn on us FORMER MINISTER OF because the political CULTURE and current splash was not a big Speaker of the OECS splash to wet you down Assembly, Rene Baptiste is yet”, and she advised “we adamant that the quality need to gravitate to the of our conversation needs historical, cultural and to be a lot better. political background.” Baptiste, one of the Baptiste, who has most decorated female been an attorney at law cultural and political for over 35 years, figures in SVG, said that recommended Williams’ when she listens to the expressions of many persons on the radio stations, she comes to the conclusion that we need Continued from to occupy ourselves with our history and culture if Frontpage. we are to advance. On Monday, Williams Baptiste was at the time launched his latest book speaking at the entitled “Memories of launching of Cecil The Hibiscus,” at ‘Blazer’ Williams’ latest Frenches House. publication “Memories of Tributes and the Hibiscus,” on Monday commendation came at Frenches House. from Senator Luke She singled out the Browne; former Cultural age group of 18 to 25 in Minister and Speaker of this regard. “ We have to the OECS Assembly, start to occupy ourselves; Rene Baptiste, and we are losing trend of the Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. Senator fact that we are not Leacock, Minister living in our little world called St.Vincent and the Frederick Stephenson, Grenadines anymore, we Chief Education Officer Lou-Ann Gilchrist, are living in an OECS Commissioner of Police Union,” said Baptiste. Michael Charles, were She further said that amongst the specially the notion of being part invited guests gathered by KENVILLE HORNE
latest book, as one which incorporates what our Vincentian society should gravitate to. According to her, the book offers a lesson on the other political thinkers, “Where did they get their grounding from to move to this stage in political maturity.” Quoting from the book, Baptiste queried whether any
young person in the Former Minister of Culture and current Speaker of the OECS audience knew Assembly, Rene Baptiste, reading an excerpt from Williams’ about a certain book. historical location. “I me where is Was-a-Guni quoting from Williams’ love the colour of her and Carpenters Yard?” book, while displaying clothes, I love the market Baptiste asked, before her knowledge of place,” quoted Baptiste, adding “They’re right in Vincentian history “Very few of you might town still, they haven’t ,before adding, “So this remember or even know moved”. book is perfect for those where Wash-a-Guni is. The former cultural who were not born in the Any 15-year-old can tell minister continued 1960s and 70s”.
Blazer launches ‘Memories of the Hibiscus’ in the audience to show support. Baptiste, commonly referred to as Mama Culture, said that when Williams sent her the manuscript for the book, she got stuck on the first few pages, “because I was more taken up in the joy of looking at the way he would describe the women, what they were wearing, what time of the day,” explained Baptiste, who conveyed her happiness that Williams was able to get the book out, at the beginning of the school term. The former parliamentarian expressed her hope that the book become a required reading
“I want to keep them guessing” of projects. The Calliaqua Town Hall, The Vincentian leader detailed Vermont/Francois Bridge will be fixed, projects which will be dealt with. as well as the South Leeward These included Vigie Highway Highway. Rehabilitation from Belmont to Crick Studies are being done for works at Corner. That is slated to start in Sandy Bay and Dark View coasts. October and will cost $3.9M. The Vincentian leader wants to see With restorative efforts from the a drive towards “educational tourism,” December Floods still taking place, and the idea of making money from Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves echoed teaching English to Ecuadorian measures to continue with the students is being promoted. rehabilitation process. “We spend a lot in the education If things work out the way he plans, revolution. Why not make back some a pitch (cricket) will be put in at the money?” he asked. Cumberland Playing Field, and two The Prime Minister noted that the basic changing rooms will be built. economy was changing from goods to Pavilions to be erected later. services, and that: “if we do not adapt, “Let us get the playing field in we will not survive and we will not order,” Dr. Gonsalves suggested. thrive.” He mentioned funding for a number Continued from Frontpage.
material in the schools. She recounted a couple years ago, after her retirement from active politics, forming an organization called the Vincentian Association of Artists, Writers and Producers, with Williams and Mark Cyrus. Baptiste said the three of them would sit in her chambers and talk for a few hours about the goals that they have set out for the organization, “I said, ‘but Blazer, you have already published so many works; what could you possibly add? He said as long as he is alive, he would keep on creating, and keep on writing, and I was so happy to hear that.” Making a strong case for the book to be utilized, Baptiste said that it is why young people should read the book, “: look at the formulation, the style of the paragraphing, the change of the subject matter as you move from chapter to chapter, and you will find an enrichment of your own style of how you expressed yourself; and this is why I think Blazer outdid himself in this novel,” she concluded. Prime Minister Gonsalves joined in the praise for his personal and long time friend. “We have an extraordinary talent in our midst and we must
really appreciate him. “We must not wait until he is gone to the great beyond for us to be able to say to Blazer, Thank you very much for all that you have done and that we love you very much,” said Gonsalves. He hailed Williams’ Book launch as a major event in the year 2014. Gonsalves in his review of the book said that Cecil Blazer Williams has written a splendid novel, in beautiful evocative language, oft-reminiscent of a playwright. He said Williams has mopped skillfully the contours of colonial and plantocratic authority, the twin constants of class and race, personal pain and suffering, love and redemptive grace. “In the process we get more than a glimpse of the folk and the making of our Caribbean civilization and its Vincentian (Yurumei) dimension”. The Vincentian Prime Minister further declared that Memories of the Hibiscus is a masterful piece of creative writing lodged in real history. “That’s my honest view of Blazer’s novel” declared Gonsalves. “We need to put Blazer’s works in the context of writing in the creative imagination in our own country,” said Gonsalves .He said the novel contains themes
very particular to a period in our history, which is the first 35 years of our 20th century, “but there are several universal impulses which are contained in these pages and reflected in the personalities”. Senator Browne said that Williams is one of the inspirational figures on the literacy landscape of SVG, “so am happy to draw from him, even as I continue with my own pursuit along those lines,” said Browne. He described Williams as a prolific writer, who has already released a book called Esperanza! Hope! Esperanza! “So prolific is his writing that I have decided that in my own library at home, I cannot just keep a few spaces for his work, but I might have to add a separate bookshelf for the work of Blazer Williams” said Browne, in tribute to Williams. Williams in his reply, told the audience that he started the novel in the 1970s and continued last year, and he described it as a historical novel. Williams revealed that he has already started writing another novel. In order to produce the book, he had to do a lot of research. The renowned author commended those who assisted in making the book a reality.
V Lawyer raises objections in gun case 4. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Court
with intent to endanger life, possession absence of his lawyer, despite the of a Glock 17 firearm without licence, fact that police knew that Grant SENIOR PROSECUTOR ADOLPHUS and having 27 rounds of 9mm Connell was representing him at Delplesche is expected to respond today ammunition without licence. the time; the circumstances (Friday) to Defence lawyer Kay BacchusAt the commencement of the trial under which the evidence was Browne’s submissions in a voir dire (trial last Friday, Bacchus-Browne informed obtained, would have an adverse within a trial) to determine the the court that she was going to object effect on the trial; the interview admissibility of a video interview the to the introduction of the interview. was given under oppression, and police conducted with the accused When the prosecution attempted to that Samuel was cross-examined Alaskie ‘Beaver’ Samuel. introduce the video recording of the during the interview, contrary to Samuel, of Redemption Sharpes, is interview later into the trial, Bacchus- the Judge’s rules. charged with possession of a firearm Browne repeated her objection, and the The lawyer argued that the with intent to aid in the commission of voir dire began. burden of proof is on the an offence, possession of a firearm The lawyer objected on the grounds prosecution to prove beyond a that it was not a reasonable doubt that the voluntary interview; that interview was voluntary. promises were held out to After the prosecution responds her client, and those to the defence’s submissions promises were still in today, Magistrate Rechanne operation when he gave Browne-Matthias will give her A YOUNG MAN of adjourned to December 2 the interview; that the ruling on the voir dire to Stubbs was granted bail and transferred to the defendant was determine the admissibility of the in the sum of $1,000 Serious Offences Court. Lawyer Kay Bacchus-Browne interviewed in the disputed evidence. with one surety when he appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court Wednesday on an ammunition possession charge. AS POLICE CONTINUE firearm at Darcy Nicholas, and Romando Andrews, investigations into a spate of assaulting Darcy Nicholas 22, is charged with causing actual bodily harm. having one round of 20 gun-related crimes here in recent months, two men have The offences were reportedly guage ammunition been remanded on a number of committed on August 31 at without licence. Glen. Andrews had initially charges with offences of a Gloster and Pompey were not appeared at the Family similar nature. Court on September 1. Bernard Gloster, 26, and required to plea to the charges He was remanded and Randy Pompey, 27, both of Glen, when they were taken before the matter was are charged with entering the Magistrate Rechanne Brownetransferred to the dwelling house of Julia Antoine Matthias at the Kingstown Kingstown Magistrate’s of Glen as trespassers, and at Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Court. the time had a weapon of offence In objecting to bail, Andrews, who to wit a gun. They are also prosecutor Assistant pleaded not guilty, was charged with possession of a Superintendant of Police (ASP) arrested at Stubbs on firearm with intent to cause Glenford Gregg told the court August 27. injury to Darcy Nicholas of that the defendants were The matter has been Glen, unlawfully discharging a considered to be flight risks, the police were investigating other matters Bernard Gloster Randy Pompey and the recovered. until next Monday, September defendants may The men were represented by 15 for bail review. assist with those attorney Jomo Thomas, who Up to press time Wednesday, investigations, ONE WEEK AFTER ISO Lynch bail review after Prosecutor argued that the offences with nobody was charged with the and the firearm appeared at the Kingstown Constable Shamrock Pierre objected allegedly used in which the men have been shooting death of two men and Magistrate’s Court charged with to bail at that stage, But when charged are bailable offences, the wounding of three others by the commission deception, the Layou resident was Lynch returned to court on and the defendants are not gunshots during another of the offences before the same court on a similar Tuesday, Prosecutor ASP Glenford was not security risks. incident at Glen the same day. charge. Gregg indicated that the The men were remanded Lynch, 33, is accused of prosecution was no longer dishonestly obtaining by deception objecting to bail. He, the sum of EC$300 in cash from however, requested Fitzroy Baptiste of Argyle with the suitable sureties. supply. He pleaded guilty BETWEEN THE LEAVES of around 4:15 a.m. last intention of permanently depriving Lynch was offered bail when he appeared before The New Testament was Saturday in that community. him of it at Argyle on August 27. on both charges in the sum where Dexter Smart concealed The Testament with the Magistrate Rechanne BrowneHe pleaded not guilty when he of $3,000 with one surety a sum of money suspected to money was found in one of his Matthias on Monday, and was stood before Magistrate Rechanne on condition that he report back pants pockets, while 23 fined $1,500 forthwith or six Browne-Matthias on Tuesday, to the Layou Police Station be obtained from the sale of small foil wrappings months. He paid the fine. drugs. September 9. on Mondays and Browne-Matthias allowed The sum of EC$71, containing cocaine were found When Lynch initially appeared in Thursdays between 6 a.m. comprising a $50 bill, two $10 in a mint can in his front left an application by Court last week, he pleaded not and 6 p.m, and not have bills and a one dollar, was pants pocket. prosecutorConstable guilty to dishonestly obtaining by any contact with the When weighed, the cocaine Shamrock Pierre for the $71 found between separate leaves deception EC$400 in cash from virtual complainant. to be forfeited, on the grounds of the holy book when police amounted to eight grams. As Andrew French of Arnos Vale with The matters have been that it was believed to have on mobile patrol conducted a a result, Smart was arrested the intention of permanently adjourned to September 19. search on the person of the and charged with possession been obtained from drug depriving him of it. He was 24-year-old Calliaqua man of the drug with intent to sales. remanded until last Tuesday for Stories by: HAYDN HUGGINS
Youth charged with ammunition possession
Two remanded on gun-related charges
Layou man charged with deception again
Suspected drug money found in Testament
V RBTT gives back
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. 5.
News
RBTT BANK CARIBBEAN Limited continues to demonstrate it’s commitment to the educational development of St Vincent and the Grenadines. This year, as part of this thrust, the Bank has once again
granted a scholarship to Miss Amacada Graham of Lauders for her secondary education at the GHS. The Bank has been granting such scholarships for a number of years, and extends such scholarships to the children of staff
members also. For a second year also, the staff of RBTT, through their Soul to Sole programme, have provided fifty-two primary school students with a pair of shoes for the beginning of the new
school year. Last year, they provided students of the secondary schools with shoes for back to school. RBTT wishes to thank all those who would have assisted them in making this venture possible.
Flashflood damage not sufficient to warrant outside help and Minister of Finance gave an overview of the damage caused by the extreme weather. He said the main E.T. Joshua Airport was severely flooded, with water levels in excess of three feet in the departure section. There were also damage in the VIP Lounge, the baggage scanner was damaged, the circulation roads were impacted with mud Chief Engineer at and other debris BRAGSA, Brent Bailey. deposited by the floods, and a section of the perimeter fence was also Continued from breached. The rivers in Backpage. Vermont and Spring He said that whenever Village encroached on properties and affected there are roads blocked for any period of time “or some residences. There were also landslides at we have a challenge on any of the roadways that Dorsetshire Hill, four it becomes significant. It slides on the Vigie Highway and some doesn’t have to be damage to CWSA lines in overwhelmingly so, but that area. you’d appreciate that There were also again, in a small landslides in Belair, and economy, small society the Belmont area. At like ours, where Morne Garu in North inconveniences occur on Leeward, a 50-feet the road, that they can section of the lower be seen as significant, embankment collapsed but not in a manner which would undermine and compromised the the movement of peoples road. The upper embankment was being in a way which is cut to enable the flow of dramatic”. traffic, and designs for The Prime Minister
retaining systems were being prepared to stabilize the road, Gonsalves said. He also told journalists that the individual families affected have been taken care of, and he has received the reports from NEMO and Godfred Pompey, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security. According to the Prime Minister, there was an incident at Largo Height, where a retaining wall collapsed on the residence of a couple. The female was injured and is hospitalized, while the gentleman, an amputee, is being housed at the Rillan Hill Community Centre, where some persons affected by the floods and landslides in December 2013 are also being housed. The Prime Minister also reported that there are vertical cracks appearing along a 70-foot section of the retaining wall near the Belmont Primary School. He said that the Chief Engineer at BRAGSA, Brent Bailey, was very concerned that the
retaining wall was showing signs of unsettlement. Gonsalves said that Bailey has assured him that there is a solution to cut out parts of the wall and put in some reinforcements. The flashflood formed part of an adverse weather pattern that has hit SVG in recent times.
L-R: RBTT Country Manager, Fleur Nichols with Amacada and her mom Cassandra Daniel.
V
6. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
News
Popcaan and Konshens to celebrate AGD in SVG
by KENVILLE HORNE DANCEHALL SUPER STARS, Popcaan and Konshens are billed as the major acts to perform at the Solidarity Inc Car Park on Thursday, September 25th, Arthur Guinness Day (AGD). Last Wednesday, Operations Commercial Manager at the St. Vincent Brewery Limited Shafia London-Williams announced during a press conference at the Brewery in Campden Park, that the world will once again pay homage to the founder of the world’s number one Stout, with a grand music celebration, featuring some of Popcaan and Konshens to celebrate AGD in SVGthe world’s best performers across global music genres. “The Caribbean will once again celebrate the boldness, vision and legacy of Guinness founder Sir Arthur Guinness, when it joins in the global celebration of the sixth Arthur Guinness Day”, said London-Williams
Locally, AGD will once again be celebrated with a live simulcast of the AGD concert in Jamaica, but this time around, it will be coupled with St.Vincent’s own local celebrations which includes performances from ‘Popcaan’ and ‘Konshens’. In addition to the Jamaican artist and the live simulcast, the local event will see performances from the likes of ‘Royale’ and ‘First Lady,’ while disc jockeys like Sound Definition, Simple Sounds Family, DJ Kal of Predominant Sounds and Hypa-active Sounds will provide music. Entertainment will also be provided by stilt walkers and a number of regional dancers. London-Williams said that patrons can get into the venue for the price of EC$20. Defending the cost to enter the event, London-Williams said “This is $20 for two of the biggest names in dancehall at the moment. One of the artistes
is for the young people, while one is for the more mature crowd. We will cater for people who enjoy different types of music”. Meanwhile, the simulcast will feature some of the Caribbean’s best artistes from Reggae, Soca and Dancehall. The AGD Jamaica concert will be held at the National Indoor Sports Centre, and this year will see performances from singers including ‘Lady Saw’, ‘Bugle’, ‘Mr. Killa’, ‘Assassin’ and Vincentian ‘Skinny Fabulous.’ Marketing Coordinator at the Brewery Lamont Medica, commenting on the local concert, said, “As the tagline says, Guinness is made of more, so we always want to give more”. He said that throughout the month of September, Guinness drinkers are being given the opportunity to win prizes when they purchase Guinness. Medica revealed that one
L-R: Marketing Coordinator at the Brewery Lamont Medica and Operations Commercial Manager Shafia London-Williams. lucky person can be the winner of a trip for two to Jamaica, where they will celebrate AGD in the Very Important Persons (VIP) section of the AGD concert. In order to win, persons must submit six Guinness crowns in an envelope with their contact details, and as a result be entered in a raffle that will be drawn on Friday, September 19th. As a part of the promotion, leading up to the AGD, persons purchasing a six pack of Guinness will get a special edition Guinness glass, while others can partake in the Guinness Spin the Wheel promotions that will see them
winning t-shirts, flash drives, Guinness glasses and other items. “Guinness has always sought to look after their consumers, giving them even more in value, and in keeping with that tradition, we have implemented several trade activations. These activations will give consumers the opportunity to walk away with amazing Guinness prizes”, said Medica, adding further “In addition, throughout the month of September, consumers can enjoy Guinness 2 for $8 specials at their favourite bars, and be on the lookout for the glamorous Guinness girls, and win great prizes”.
V Latin Passion celebrates 1st Anniversary
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. 7.
News
Latin dance lovers having fun during one of their events.
ON THE 5TH SEPTEMBER 2014, Latin provide quality, professional Passion SVG (LPSVG) celebrated it’s 1st instructional Latin dance classes to Anniversary with a series of events the Public by teaching the proper including parties and complimentary techniques, practices and respect classes for beginners. involved in Latin dancing in a social LPSVG currently hosts 3 dance setting. classes per week, and participates in 2 LPSVG offers Latin dance classes Latin party events weekly. and workshops that focus on building During the past year, LPSVG has technique to enhance the ability to hosted a number of visiting dance with confidence, with anyone, regional and international guest anywhere in the world on the Latin instructors from the UK, Ghana, Dance floor! (Even if they think they Barbados & St Lucia, and sent a 5 have two left feet!) member team to Trinidad for T&T The dream of improving Latin Salsa Fiesta, an event, made up of Dancing in St. Vincent has become a A dance class in progress. intensive workshops and parties, that reality. hosts over 300 dancers from the host country, the region and internationally. LPSVG also hosted some 30 St Lucians from Club Expose’ St Lucia for SVG’s first Latin Fiesta EIGHTY Weekend in June 2014, at the SOMETHINGProspect Racquet Club, that year-old climaxed with a extravagant AllBernadine White Party at Flow Wine Bar. Stowe was The main classes and workshops reading her LPSVG offers bible app on her are Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba and LIME 4G ready Cha Cha, with more to come as the smart phone, organization grows. when she was Non-profit, LPSVG is run by a Team of passionate Latin dancers: interrupted by a Anton Jardine (President & phone call- from Founder), Cuthbert Tucker (Vice LIME. President), Chris Pierre (Secretary), Stowe’s call Lori Francis(Treasurer), Kimya from LIME’s Glasgow (PRO) and Keon Murray Senior L-R: Hazelann Foster, Claudette Pope, Keisha Thomas, Recardo (Director). Marketing and Dover, presented by LIME employee Desron Bynoe (back). The Mission of LPSVG is to Corporate Communications Executive Nikala Williams, was to inform her that she was the first grand prize winner of the LIME Head to Toe Makeover, which would see winners receiving hair and makeup from Barnet Fair Hair Fashions, a full body massage, pedicure and manicure from Oasis Spa, and a shopping spree from Amneeja Fashions or the Trend stores. The two other grand prize winners in the sixweek summer promotions are Lasana Ellis for week two, and Hazleann Foster for week three. So far, a total of 13 LIME customers have won prizes in the promotions. Winners of
LIME customers win Head-to-Toe Makeovers pedicures and manicures include Keisha Thomas, Sabrina Richards, Okarrol Dasilva, Aphine Simmons, and Recardo Dover, while Claudette Pope was the winner of a shopping spree; Veitha Tittle won herself a pedicure; Rachel Bailey, a hairstyle; Rochelle Jacobs won a full body massage, and Kevron Kozia received a haircut and grooming. To become eligible to win a prize in the promotion, customers are encouraged to take advantage of LIME summer offers, which include new postpaid mobile or broadband activation, also by activating a one-week or more data package. The winners all expressed their gratitude to LIME, saying that they were happy to be LIME customers, and be a part of the LIME 4G experience to win prizes and be pampered. One customer expressed “I am so happy for this little pampering. I use my phone to watch movies every night so I can’t do without my LIME 4G data.” Another 15 winners are expected to be drawn in the upcoming three weeks.
V
8. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. 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 Natural Diasters present major challenges EARLIER THIS WEEK, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves held another of his customary lengthy press conferences, during which he gave a comprehensive update on progress on the several programmes currently on stream in regard to restoring infrastructure damaged by the spate of natural disasters we have experienced since 2010. In so doing, he was exercising his new responsibility for the portfolio of Transport and Works that he recently assumed, in addition to his prime ministerial portfolio. Those disasters have become almost as the proverbial recurring decimal, given their frequency, and have serious implications for economic and social life in our multi-island state. There is no denying the very disruptive effect on economic development, resources having to be diverted time and again to recovery and rehabilitation. But there are also the lesser noticed but equally important negative social consequences - the impact on education, family life and the trauma caused by losses from such disasters. Overall, in our reaction to these unfortunate events, there have been highs and lows. On a positive note, there has been the demonstration of neighbourly love and community spirit, as we help each other to tide over the difficulties. This solidarity is also given expression at the regional and international levels, countries, organisations and individuals coming to our rescue and providing valuable resources to facilitate our recovery and return to normalcy. But there have been negative reactions as well - the tendency towards selfishness, and, above all, the politicisation of the recovery processes. Such is our obsession with partisan politics, that practically every occurrence is given a political tinge. It has reached the stage where the onset of each disaster is equated in some quarters with possible impact on the outcome of the next elections, not as natural and national disasters requiring a unified effort to put us on the path of recovery. Naturally, our politicians, willingly or unknowingly, play a part in this; but generally, too many of us fall into this political trap and as a result, view each event and action through politically-tinged lenses. Even the accession by the state of resources is viewed in many quarters as getting money for electoral purposes, a view sometimes reinforced by unfortunate public comments in the media. That is why those with responsibility for administering such programmes, whether at the political or administrative and technical levels, have a special duty, not only to ensure that there is impartiality and fairness in their execution, but also to try their best to avoid any perception of bias, neglect or discrimination. It is not enough simply to say that there is no such occurrence, for, as the old adage goes, “justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done”. On the part of the public too, there is not always sufficient appreciation of the hard work and sacrifice of those involved in administering the various programmes. Each disaster calls for sacrifice on the part of those employed with and in charge of the respective agencies. It often requires long hours away from one’s family, being subjected to harassment and sometimes abuse, including in the media, and lack of appreciation. In the same way in which we pounce on shortcomings, we must be equally magnanimous in our commendation and praise for hard work and dedication. Sure, there are weaknesses, and these must not be excused or swept under the carpet. Each recovery and relief effort ought to be better managed and executed than the one before, given our experiences. Those in political office also have a responsibility to ensure that their supporters do not abuse the various programmes, often to the detriment of the national effort and deserving victims. But greed and political opportunism are not traits of some of their supporters alone; many others, politically affiliated or not, attempt to exploit any possible opportunities for their own benefit. These are some of the biggest detractors of national efforts. As we strive to address the latest difficulties, even while trying to carry through and complete existing programmes, let us all show appreciation for the assistance rendered, the initiatives to mobilize such resources, exhibit patience at temporary inconveniences, and all play our part in getting our country back on track.
Responding to Renwick Rose History of the past 40 years I TOTALLY AGREE with Renwick’s opening line in Part 2 of his message. “Making the connection with our history is an essential part of the process of political development, and one can only hope that by revisiting our past, we can learn something which will help to guide our future”. That can only be achieved if Renwick paints the total picture of the past indiscriminately, with no concern of the pain it may cause; but if he selects and gives currency only to such as tickles our nostalgia and indeed harks back to the good old days, such an approach paradoxically is self-defeating, at worst hypocritical. I believe that our present day political problems stem largely from the question of ideology and leadership, which are closely related and had their manifest origin in the 1960s, the era to which Renwick devotes much of his narrative. In fact, there is nostalgia in the way Renwick speaks of two progressive groups at the time Yulimo, formed of the YSG, BLAC and OBCA, and the Forum which later graduated into the DFM. We heard most of the back- breaking toil and mass proselytising work of Yulimo at the time, of constant police harassment, official victimisation, dragging before the Courts, which were largely circumstances that were common to DFM. In fact, I in particular, was personally involved in several activities with which Renwick was impressed. For example, Elly Bowman and I scoured the entire country seeking recruits for the NYC to which I was named as the first patron of the group. I was close to Blazer in the early movements of NAM, offering the sole vehicle to the team of dancers and actors to travel to Troumaca and Georgetown to stage “In the clearing”. Forum members, notably Parnel, Kerwyn, and John Cato had their homes searched for illegal arms, their books declared prohibited, and themselves dismissed from the public service. In the period under review, there were few “progressive” lawyers around, so I had a busy time defending Calder Williams of the NRM based in Chateaubelair, and Solomon Butler of Arwee based in Diamond Village and I think, Junior Bacchus. And in a defence for “Patches” Knights for his “disloyal” demonstration at the visit of Princess Margaret, which Patches himself had stoutly defended in a classic speech in the Magistrate’s Court. In 1974, the DFM nee Forum had entered the national elections with only two members, Eddie Griffith and myself, both of whom were mauled at the polls. It is important to note that Yulimo did not support us, claiming that they had no use for bourgeois elections. Indeed, Yulimo marked the Forum down as a bunch of middle-class graduates, bent on exploiting their unfortunate brethren, certainly not to be trusted in dealing with the masses from whom they came. Yulimo was represented as the genuine article. They went to ridiculous
extremes to prove their point-they adopted African names, walked only on Middle Street and Back Street, spelt the names of Western countries with a common letter, and committed several other juvenile inanities as, for instance, showing a disinterest for graduate studies in Western universities. The following year, Carlyle Dougan, a Labour acolyte who was soon to form his PUC, joined me as defence lawyer in the famous murder of the Attorney General, Cecil Rawle, which was won at Privy Council level, Carlyle having been pressured by his Labour friends to quit the Defence team, his place being taken by Hilary Samuel. I was also the lawyer that won at Appeal Court concerning the teachers so-called illegal march. 1975-1978, there was much political turmoil in the society. We jump those years to arrive in 1979, the year of Independence and new Elections. As elections drew near, Yulimo, forgetting its stand of the past, made overtures to join with the DFM in forming a solid left-wing party with an ideology of “socialist orientation”. In spite of all, the DFM agreed to come together with them. First of all, the negotiation largely took place between teams led by Renwick and myself. The ideological problem was handled by choice of a nondescript label of “social orientation”. The leadership struggle was a much harder mountain to climb. Yulimo rooted for Ralph, and PDM settled on P.R only. Until I got my group to plump for Renwick, which generally was accepted. Surprisingly, we learnt on the following Saturday that Yulimo wanted another meeting. Under immense pressure of time, we finally agreed to change the leadership to a troika of Parnel, Ralph and Renwick, which the ruling Labour party gleefully and mockingly likened to a three-headed monster. In a matter of weeks, Parnel and I walked out of a meeting at which Ralph presented a paper again calling on us to adopt a communist label. Thereafter, UPM crumbled when Ralph abandoned ship in 1982 to emerge with his own MNU. Then after being led by Oscar Allen, followed by Adrian Saunders, the UPM quarrelled with the MNU over its stand with the Bishop faction in the infamous Grenada Revolution spilt, in which Yulimo sided with the Coard fraction, and MNU stuck with the Bishopites, the MNU organ “Unity” calling for the hangman’s noose for the Coardites who had beheaded their revolution: “Hang em all”. The political development after that is fairly well known, ending with the remnants of Yulimo faction again linking with Ralph through the ULP, which today has been running the country for 13 years plus. Without pointing fingers, Renwick should ask himself what he thinks might have been the outcome, had he stood his ground as sole leader of the UPM to which he was originally voted in 1979.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. 9.
Letters
Clued in or clueless? IN AN ARTICLE on 30th August, 2014 in the Economist, one of the world’s leading English language journals, the jury system in the Caribbean was berated. The main ideas of the article are as follows: 1) Trinidad and Tobago’s Chief Justice Ivor Archie desires to remove the jury system, as it slows down trials which make them last very long (up to a year) and so chokes the Court system. He further contends that there are more than 500 jailed suspects awaiting trial. 2) The detractors in the Caribbean say that juries have other faults. Unpaid lay jurors, with no legal training, find it hard to understand Judges’ rulings on points of law or their explanations on detailed and complex rules of evidence. “In Trinidad and Tobago, most educated professionals are exempt from jury service. The Chief Justice has concerns about the functional literacy of the remaining pool. He talks of a murder case where a jury foreman misunderstood the word “unanimous,” and reported a guilty verdict when he should not have done so. That mistake, when it came to light, could only be unpicked by a Presidential pardon. Better for trained lay assessors to sit aside trained judges”. These comments have never been said of a Vincentian jury. The rest of the article is summarized as follows: a) Unbiased jurors are difficult to find or to hide from intimidation. “In a 1996 murder trial, where the 9 defendants were eventually hanged, the defence challenged 205
potential jurors. With the jury pool exhausted, substitutes were pulled from a neighbouring beach”. Doubts about jury trials are shared in some other parts of the English speaking Caribbean, although not in Jamaica which has the largest population. b) Belize in 2011 abolished juries for murder cases and some other trials. Prime Minister, Dean Barrow, argued that “for gangsters to buy and intimidate jurors was the easiest thing in the world” c) In the Turks and Caicos Islands, Michael Misick (a former Premier) and four of his ministers face corruption charges. Mr. Misick’s brother is the country’s finance minister. The special prosecutor in Mr. Misick’s trial said that it would “be very, very difficult” to find an impartial jury. In 2010, the British Government, introduced a procedure for trial without jury. Jury trials have been a fundamental feature of serious criminal cases from time immemorial. There are those who favour it, and those who oppose it. Some Asian and African members of the British Commonwealth, including South Africa and India, have abandoned it for various reasons which do not guarantee a fair trial. Even some members of the judiciary feel that juries are more right than judges in deciding the outcome of jury trials. However, Oppenheimer, who wrote the book ‘ Trials by Jury,’ opines “… we commonly strive to assemble 12 persons colossally ignorant of all practical matters, fill their vacuous heads with law
The N word?
I WAS SHOCKED and dismayed to see the N-word used with such flagrant abandon in a weekly column of one of the leading newspaper in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It was printed in the August 29th edition without any effort made to abbreviate the offensive word. This word is an affront to black people. It is an offensive and contemptuous expression, designed to disparage us as an African race. Its use cannot be justified in any context that would render it less disturbing and insulting. The author went on to describe one John Wilson as ignorant, a cunumunu, ignoramus, dog, rat, liar, racist scum, sleazebag, toad, rabble rouser, propagandist, Marxist scumbag, internet crazie. Is this really journalism? Andy Prince
which they cannot comprehend, obfuscate their seldom intellects with testimony which they are incompetent to analyse or remember, permit partisan lawyers to bewilder them with their meaningless sophistry, then lock them up until the most obstinate of their number coerce the others into submissions or drive them into open revolt.” On the other hand, a jury of twelve men and women who all come from the same society, are often alert and knowledgeable as to right and wrong. They are the peers and countrymen of an accused person, and so are fit to decide whether he is to be included or
excluded there from, on account of the crime he is alleged to have committed. Shouldn’t this be the critical test? From where does the writer of the article, in the esteemed Economist, get the intelligence which makes him think that “there’s a drive to abolish jury trials” that much of the Caribbean seems likely to follow? We must address the issue with an open mind before anyone else is to impose upon us what he/she considers to be in our best interest. Let’s open the subject for discussion/debate in a civilized way! Contributed by R. Andrew Cummings
Gated communities,
Dirty language I WISH to support John Wilson in demanding that our national newspapers rid themselves of the numerous amount of expletives used in some columns. No matter how ingenious their disguise, dirty words are unacceptable, and no self-respecting journalist should use them. What kind of example are we setting for our children and young people when we pursuit this culture of filthy language? It has become ubiquitous within our society, and now it has infiltrated our newspapers. This is distasteful, and must be addressed by our community leaders and the reading public. We never find this kind of language used by Dr. Kenneth John, Jomo Thomas, Dr. Adrian Fraser, Blazer Williams, Dr. Jules Ferdinand, Renrick Rose or Bassy. These are people of the highest calibre, who understand the need to conduct themselves in a respectable manner. Please, newspaper editors, keep our newspapers clean. Maurice John
armed citizens and close friends IT HAPPENS all the time, in every society, in every age. Criminal elements target each other in turf wars, with the gruesome results splashed on our newspapers and talked about from rum shops to dining rooms. The generally peaceful populace sit back and hope that they would eventually kill themselves in a sort of natural realigning of the human landscape. Like the natural environment which seeks to maintain balance, we hope that balance will be restored as they, the violent and criminalized, die young and childless, thereby preventing another generation of violent men, and in some cases women. However, this hardly happens. In time, violence becomes widespread. The criminals become younger and smarter, the innocent get caught in the crossfire until they become the target (the list of friends who have suffered at the hands of criminals is growing). The security forces respond with greater force and other well intentioned efforts; policy makers create harsher penalties, and fear sits like a slow moving fog on the land. To arrest this seemingly inevitable slide, I have a few suggestions. 1. Law-abiding citizens should seek to be armed, and trained in using firearms. With these licensed, the innocent will have the capacity to defend themselves in the face of violence. The right to defend one’s self and property is a universal principle. The balance of power will remain in the hands of the peaceful and law abiding. 2. People who are able to and like-minded should form gated communities. I have had the privilege of spending time in one such community. Doors are locked and protected by a password, neighbours are cordial, evening primroses compete with the smell of curries and baking bread, dogs are leashed, and the street is clean. When the night falls, chairs are filled with smiling bodies on porches that give you a wonderful view of the starry nights. Form a gated community with armed neighbours. 3. Employ armed guards for your property and person. Again, this can be done on a community level. Guards patrol and make sure safety is maintained and enjoyed by all. For those desirous, they can hire well trained unobtrusive personal guards who provide 24 hours security. 4. Institute longer sentences for gun-related crimes for first time violators. For second time offenders, the death penalty should be considered as a viable option. We are compelled to look at the present situation with a clear set of lens, and make decisions that are borne out of reality and a visionary perspective. The past teaches us that what is considered extreme in one age becomes normative in another. Act now and
decisively, and prevent further societal disintegration. OR The foregoing is one position that can be taken on the issue of escalating gun related crime in our society. It may seem attractive for some and detestable for others. However, there is another perspective that one can take. 1. The majority of people in St Vincent and the Grenadines desire to live in a society that is peaceful and orderly. In the face of violence, they can become fearful and anxious. Or they can choose to take steps to remain unafraid and undaunted in the face of violence. This takes effort and prayer and a conscious choice to believe in a good God who will bring all things to completion. Remain fearless. 2. Those that choose a life of crime are in a minority. The majority of men (most crimes are done by men, but not all) are not thugs or criminals. Every effort should be made to prevent these men from filling the ranks of those who choose to be criminals. At the macro level, they should be given every opportunity to engage in productive, ennobling activity. And though this may seem overly optimistic, I believe that many men want to work, live at peace and enjoy the fruit of their labours. In other words, do whatever it takes to remove the environment that breeds criminals, and yes, being criminalized is partly the result of our environment. 3. Strengthen by emphasizing the values and cultural norms that when practised will aid in creating a society of peace. This can take many forms, but the arms of our culture, business, art, religion and education can all aid in promoting these values. 4. Community engagement should be proactive rather than reactive. Evidence can help us identify those possible “hot spots” that are close to the boiling point. Through mediatorial work in conflicts and community enhancement, we can arrest some of the ills that exist in certain communities, that allow those that live there to incorrectly think that they are fated to become criminals. It is true that these suggestions, at least the most recent list, are broad-based and long term. They demand more effort to flesh out the general concepts. They demand multiple stakeholders involved in deep dialogue and sacrifice. But the issue is on our doorstep; we need to start acting now. I am sure the authorities are already on the ground, thinking through these issues; so maybe in some small way these can help. K.S.E. Lewis
V
10. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Views
Public Works In Full Swing
THE ISSUE ON-GOING AND PREPARATORY public works are in full swing throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Much of these works are as a consequence of the natural disasters of Hurricane Tomas (October 2010), the April Floods (2011), and the Christmas-Eve Landslides (2013). But others are hitherto planned physical infrastructure projects, principal of which is the Argyle International Airport. Meanwhile, the ULP government has been mobilising substantial sums of new monies to be spent on capital works over the next three or so years. As at last week, these new monies amount to EC $278 million, and counting! In this article, we highlight some of the important on-going and preparatory public works being financed by mainly Taiwan, World Bank, European Union, the Caribbean Development Banks (CDB), Ecuador, Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Mexico, and the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We do not highlight here the Housing Project. We address some of the other infrastructure projects. MAJOR TAIWAN-FINANCED PROJECTS The major Taiwan-financed public works currently are: 1. The Rehabilitation of the Langley Park River Basin with three components: (a) The Langley Park River Defences: This contract was awarded to Sea Operations SVG Limited at a value of EC $891,000. These works entail the installation of 1000 ft. gabion basket walls, lined with geo-textile materials. These works are basically completed. (b) Rehabilitation of Basin Hole and Coastal Defences: This contract was awarded to Bailey Contractors in the sum of EC $850,000. These works involve the installation of 576 ft gabion river defences; and the construction of 135 ft of rubble sea wall. The contract is 75 percent completed. The process of finalising some land acquisition as a prelude to completion is underway. (c) Rehabilitation of Basin Hole: Construction of Bridge: This contract was awarded to Franco Construction in the sum of EC $1.6 million. These works involve the demolition and reconstruction of the Basin Hole bridge and wing walls, and the realignment of the road and drains. The pre-cast beams are now being installed. The project is 70 percent complete and should be finished by the end of November 2014. 2. Rehabilitation of Swamp Gut Road at the cost of EC $1.1 million and the Carapan Road at a cost of EC $490,000. The review of the tender documents is underway. Works are expected to start by the beginning of November 2014. 3. Rehabilitation of Murray’s Road from Sally Spring Gap to Bay Street. Franco Construction will begin the resurfacing work this weekend. 4. Vigie Highway Rehabilitation Project (Phase 3): Belmont to Crick Corner: The contract has been awarded to Kelectric/ Kelcom in the sum of EC $3.9 million. Works are projected to start in mid-October 2014, with a duration of 8 months. 5. Rehabilitation of Majorca Feeder Road: The designs are under review. The project budget is $900,000. 6. Rehabilitation and River Defence — South Rivers: The designs are under review. 7. Cumberland Sporting Facility: Work to resume soon. 8. Calliaqua Town Hall: Work to be completed soon; it is 90 percent completed. 9. Vermont — Francois Bridge: Work to be resumed soon and with swift completion. A technical issue held us up.
$1.5 million) due to start by March 2015. (c) Byera Bridge, Perseverance Road, Campden Park Community Centre, London jack Road, River Training (Colonarie, Caratal, Langley Park and Byera Rivers): Works to start between late 2014 and early 2015. 3. Natural Disaster Management — December 2013 Flash Floods: This project is EC $24.4 million in total. The main components are: (i) Immediate Mitigation Works: EC $4.78 million, to start in first quarter of 2015, namely: Union River Bridge, Yambou River Bridge, Teviot-Zenga River Bridges, Red Dog Bridge (Mespo), Tourama/Noel, Glenside River Defences. (ii) Rehabilitation and Upgrade Works of EC $8.5 million to be tendered in fourth quarter of 2015, namely: River Defences at Yarabaqua River (Belle Vue) and Caratal River; Roads at Gracefield, Roway, Bower, Fergusson Mountain Road, and Overland/Magum. (iii) Orange Hill Slope Stabilisation Works valued at EC $4.05 million, scheduled to start in early 2016. PROJECTS FINANCED BY BANK OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Projects being financed by EC $8 million loan from Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines include: (1) Caratal Bridge and River Defence: Contract in the sum of EC $2.99 million awarded to Bailey Contractors. Work to start by end of September 2014 and is projected to last for eight (8) months. (2) $3 million in rehabilitation of feeder roads and village roads all over St. Vincent and the Grenadines to be done under BRAGSA. These include Road to Overland school and the Rehabilitation of London Bridge. These are immediate projects. (3) EC $2 million through Ministry of Works for private contractors, including for river defence projects at Zenga, Karo, Point and Fancy. ECUADOREAN PROJECTS Four bridges are to be built by the Government of Ecuador costing EC $11.3 million. These are Hope Bridge, and Bailey Bridges at Kakarta (Fitz Hughes), Sharpes, and Plan (Chateaubelair). These are scheduled to start by October 2014. MEXICO PROJECTS The major projects to be financed by Mexico are: The rebuilding of the Spring Village (Leeward) Bridge, and the river training/river defences along the Cumberland River. The Mexicans will be in St. Vincent and the Grenadines this week for further preparatory work on these. GINGER VILLAGE (MAIN ROAD FROM MESPO) This huge project is being financed through the World Bank. The designs for this massive road rebuilding are underway. Construction is due to start in the first quarter of 2015. Meanwhile, further improvements to the diversions will be shortly undertaken. EU PROJECTS The main European Union Infrastructure Projects are financed under the EC $34 million Modernisation of the Health Sector (10th EDF). Major projects are already started or about to start. These include: Rehabilitation of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital; Rehabilitation of the Mental Health Centre; Construction of Polyclinics at Buccament and Mespo; Construction of three sets of Doctors’/Staff Quarters at Union Island, Sandy Bay, and Canouan.
RESOURCE MOBILISATION Since the December 2013 disaster, SOME MAJOR CDB-FINANCED PROJECTS the ULP government has mobilised 1. South Leeward Highway large sums of money to be programmed Rehabilitation: The contractor, Dipcon and spent over the next three (3) years. Engineering, has commenced the works This resource mobilisation has already valued at EC $26.2 million. The yielded EC $278 million, and counting. construction period is 18 months. The World Bank is the major 2. Natural Disaster Management — contributor alongside the EU, CDB, Hurricane Tomas and April 2011 Floods IMF, Mexico, Ecuador, Bank of St. (a) Coastal Studies for Sandy Bay Vincent and the Grenadines, and and Dark View are being done and others. reviewed. Works are targeted to begin The ULP government is moving full by March 2015. Works projected to cost steam ahead! Leadership counts in the EC $12 million. mobilisation of resources, and the ULP (b) Gorse Mountain Road (EC $1.13 has that leadership! million) and Jennings Valley Road (EC
The NDP and Education IN 2005, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) implemented universal access to secondary education as part of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Education Reform Strategy. Universal access to secondary education was also introduced in Dominica the same year. However, the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been referring to universal access as the ‘Education Revolution’. Over the years, most Vincentians have been wondering why the term, ‘Education Revolution’. Bearing in mind, since the ULP gained power, there has been only two innovations to the schools’ curriculum. The innovations are universal access to secondary education and most recently, the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA). Just to reiterate that all of the other programmes in education were in place before the ULP got power. For instance, there has been discussion about the increased number of students who are currently studying at the University of the West Indies (UWI). But it was the New Democratic Party (NDP) that laid the foundation and created the opportunities for more students to pursue studies at universities. For example, the NDP began paying students’ Economic Cost at the UWI. The NDP also introduced the Student Loan programme which assisted the students significantly with the payment of their tuition fees, and most importantly the Economically Disadvantaged section of Student Loan which assisted those students who did not qualify for the regular Student Loan. In addition, the establishment of the Community College played a crucial role in the process. It means more students are now qualified to pursue studies at universities. Prior to the existence of the Community College, only a small number of students did A-levels at the St. Vincent Grammar School. With the Community College, more students are now given the opportunity to do their Alevels, which results in more students being qualified to enter universities. While the ULP regime continues to boast about its ‘Education Revolution’, it is plagued with a number of problems. One such problem is the high dropout rate among students of secondary schools. The table below shows the number of dropouts for the given period.
The number of dropouts is too high, and we call on the government to develop and implement programmes to stem the flow of dropouts. Plans for the development of education The NDP will improve the quality of primary and secondary education, with a greater emphasis on the allocation of resources to primary education. To accomplish this, there is need for improvement in teaching quality and facilities, relevance of curriculum, learning materials and the introduction of continuous assessment systems and remedial programmes for slow learners. Moreover, the NDP will ensure that quality, fairness and justice are central to the practice of education. We will provide opportunities for all, regardless of their position in life, and ensure that all persons and institutions are dealt with fairly and according to objective procedures and standards. We will also ensure that all children can attend school, by providing resources to assist all those who are in need, provide direct
funding to the poor and students from rural areas to enable them to easily access quality education and to take advantage of such opportunities, ensure that all children have access to learning resources such as text books, computers and other relevant learning materials and establish a national curriculum framework on numeracy and literacy. In addition, the NDP will implement strategies to effectively deal with undiagnosed and untreated developmental and learning difficulties, and the establishment of remedial education programmes to effectively deal with such learning difficulties, revisit the school feeding programme to establish a policy that includes emphasis on the nutritional content of the feeding programme, and ensure the use of more local produce. We will also make skills training more accessible throughout the country, ensuring that targeted interventions are well designed and are appropriately linked to the labour market demands, national development and the global economy. Also, promote education as a lifelong process, and ensure that learning opportunities are available to all, and establish national criteria for national student awards in recognition of students’ achievements in academic, technical, vocational and extracurricular activities. Human Resource Development It is a known fact that the most valuable resource a nation can have is its human resource. Human resource is sustainable and can be transformed to meet the changing needs of national and international economic climate. The NDP is committed to expanding the supply of highly skilled manpower to support the development of a knowledge based economy. Our manpower development will be the structured on an educational path that will lead to increased productivity. Therefore, the NDP will assess the manpower requirements for the successful implementation of sustainable economic development, improve the quality of education and training delivery system to ensure that manpower supply is responsive to technological changes and market demand, increase the accessibility to quality education and training to enhance income generation capacities to all, and restructure the education system in order to enable students to acquire a higher level of innovative knowledge and entrepreneurial skills. Furthermore, the NDP will develop the education system to provide for seamless transition through all stages from early childhood to tertiary level for all, increase the supply of science and information technology persons in the workplace, ensure that the education curriculum focus on generating creative and independent thinkers, as well as incorporating new aspects of knowledge and technology transfer. The NDP will also provide suitable accommodation at all times to meet the demands of quality education at all levels and at all aspects, intensify efforts to develop and promote St. Vincent and the Grenadines as the centre of technological education for the OECS, and give top priority to improving the capabilities and conditions for the teaching service so as to ensure that quality education becomes the norm. The NDP’s education programme will definitely unlock the potential of our people and create what we call a knowledge-based economy.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. 11.
Views
Reputation
“Reputation is fragile; once it’s damaged, it’s hard to restore. It is not uncommon to sacrifice a good reputation on the altar of power, prestige, or profit.” - Poh Fang Chia WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (15641616), writing in his famous play Othello (Act 3, Scene 3), noted the now popular words, “Who steals my purse steals trash; … But he that filches from me my good name, Robs me of that which not enriches him, And makes me poor indeed.” Powerful words, written over four hundred years ago, but still hold true today. And reflect on the fact that there will be individuals who will seek to steal from us as we go through life. Some will focus on stealing our material possessions, others will venture to steal our ideas (intellectual property), and there are still others who will venture to steal our good name. In doing the last named, they may engage in character assassination. Their motives may be many and varied. Some will seek to do so as a result of envy and jealousy. Others may engage in such activities, wrongly assuming that, as they seek to pull others down, they automatically elevate themselves. They mistakenly conclude that, by seeking to mess up an individual’s name or reputation, it automatically results in cleaning their own image. But this is so far from the truth. The God-inspired writer of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes reminds us of the importance of creating and maintaining a good name (good reputation). There we read, “A good name is better than precious ointment” (Ecclesiastes 7:1). The imagery presented here is really quite powerful. The ancient civilizations valued their “precious ointment” or perfume. And a good name is considered to be of greater significance; greater value. We should therefore not take it lightly when persons in our homes, workplaces, or in the wider community, attempt to discredit or devalue our reputations. And we most certainly must make a concerted effort to develop characters (reputations) that are noble. The Apostle Peter, writing in the fourth chapter of his first epistle, cautioned believers to make sure that their reputations are kept intact (my summary). We, in today’s world, could benefit from the words of wisdom that appear throughout that entire chapter. We are invited to maintain behaviours and attitudes (reputations) that reflect purity, decency, and righteousness. We are cautioned to make sure that we avoid those situations that would result in our being described or identified as “evildoers”. The bottom line is that reputations matter. However, the Apostle Peter notes that there are likely to be times when we will be engaging in behaviours or activities that are right and just, but that there will be others who will speak evil of those activities. We are encouraged not to be unduly concerned. The important thing here is to make sure
that our lives are reflecting righteousness; that we are living right with our God. And if in doing so there emerge individuals who will seek to tarnish the reputations of such individuals, we are to be encouraged (not discouraged) appreciating that a reputation that reflects light, will dispel the forces of darkness. So we are challenged to advance the causes of purity and righteousness. Our reputations should also revolve around love for our fellow men. We are to champion causes that will aid in the development of those around us. This focus on building others may demand that we sacrifice time, effort, energy, and money to ease the burden of others. What a reputation to create and maintain! What a legacy to leave behind! Many readers will agree with Poh Fang Chia’s comment that “Reputation is fragile; once it’s damaged, it’s hard to restore. It is not uncommon to sacrifice a good reputation on the altar of power, prestige, or profit.” It therefore behoves us to pay very close attention to building and maintaining a positive reputation. We may be periodically enticed to compromise principles en route to power, prestige, and material gain. But we must hold firm to those standards that enable us to shine forth a light in an otherwise dark world. We must never seek to rationalise or justify wrong doing — regardless of how attractive the end result may appear. Unethical practices must never be affixed to our reputation. In spite of how strong the temptation may be to achieve power, prestige, or profit, we must develop the fortitude, the strength of character, to turn away if ever or whenever they invite us to traverse a path that is not considered to be noble. We must never give in to the thought that the end justifies the means. We must never seek to rationalise wrong doing by claiming that many others are doing “it” ... and so can we. The majority is not always right. We must be prepared to stand up and stand out for what is right and honest. That is the kind of reputation that we should pursue and maintain. Others may venture to call us foolish as a result of taking such a stand ... but we will know, deep down inside, that we would have acted wisely. And in so doing, we create a reputation that many will admire and seek to emulate. With such a resolve, we discover the path to true happiness and sweet peace and contentment. A good, clean, noble reputation pays great dividends. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
Architecture in St. Vincent and the Grenadines THOUGH ARCHITECTURE has inspired and created great civilizations the profession is given the respect and importance it deserves in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and it is now the common misconception that anyone who can draw a set of plans is likened to or referred to as an architect. Architecture is one of the most prestigious professional pathways and it paints a very daunting picture for the future of architecture as a profession in St. Vincent and the Grenadines based on this current misconception. As an Architect I would like to share some information that will correct this misconception and enlighten the general public about the profession of architecture and the use of the title “Architect” The word architect is derived from the Greek word ‘arkhi-tekton’ - ‘arkhi’ meaning ‘head’ and ‘tekton’ meaning ‘builder’. As the name implies, he is the head or master-builder, the leader of the team which constitutes the building industry. An architect is a design professional who uses his creativity and working knowledge of structures and materials to provide living, working and recreational environments. To design these environments, an architect combines the practical considerations of the site, the clients’ needs and costs with a creative understanding of materials, aesthetics, and the socioeconomic, cultural and physical contexts. Architects are not just concerned with buildings but with improving the built environment as a whole; they have to balance the private needs of their clients with the interest of the community at large while maintaining a minimal carbon footprint. For those who chose to be architects, it is a culture, a commitment and a lifelong path to discovery.
registration. Which pathway an applicant takes depends on whether the applicant possesses a professional qualification in architecture or not, and if the professional qualification is from an accredited course or not. Architects Services What does an Architect do? The range of tasks that an architect performs may include: Advising clients on building needs and requirements including maintenance, site selections and regulations. Assisting clients in the development of briefing requirements for projects. Undertaking feasibility studies and interpreting client needs. Preparing sketch plans and coordinating cost estimates. Evaluating alternative options. Preparing detailed designs, working drawings and specifications for use by the builders in constructing the project. Preparing documents for approval by building regulatory authorities (planning, construction, fire, health, etc.). Calling and evaluating tenders from builders and specialist sub-contractors when required. Monitoring and inspecting building work to ensure it conforms to the contract documents. Researching improved planning, design and management techniques. Evaluating the completed project Architect Advantage
ARCHITECT ADVANTAGE #1 When you hire an Architect we will make sure that your interests are protected. Choosing to build is one of life’s Who is an Architect? biggest decisions so it makes sense to have your project designed by an Architects are fully qualified architect. The Council registers professionals. architects to protect the interests of the While virtually anyone can draw up public. It’s one less thing you need to plans and call themselves a building worry about when you build. designer, only a person registered by ARCHITECT ADVANTAGE #2 the Architects Council of St. Vincent Architects are regulated by an act of and the Grenadines should use the term parliament. ‘architect’. But the difference is more Is your building designer an substantial than just a name. architect? It is an offence under an Act Architects must have gained of Parliament for anyone not registered approved professional tertiary with the Council to call themselves an qualifications or equivalent, have architect or claim to practice undertaken a minimum period of architecture. When you build or practical experience, and have renovate, ‘architect’ designed is the successfully completed the oral and smartest decision you can make. written examinations if necessary ARCHITECT ADVANTAGE #3 before becoming qualifying for if it’s Architect designed you know your registration and qualifying to use the project is in professional hands. title “architect”. It takes at least seven years to Once registered, practicing architects become an architect. There is a should undertake continuing minimum of five years study for a professional development activities each university degree, plus at least two year to ensure their knowledge; skills years practical experience and a and competence remain current and up nationally accredited exam to pass. to date. Only then can a person be registered by So, when you are working with an the Council and call themselves an architect you will know you are dealing ‘architect’. That is why when you are with a fully qualified professional. working with an architect you know you are dealing with a fully qualified Becoming an Architect professional. So the next time you hear or know of In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, someone using the title “Architect” the Architects Act 2011, an act of inappropriately please correct them and parliamentary statutes requires that let us try to maintain what’s left and try any person carrying out the practice of to rebuild what we have lost for the architecture under the title of profession of architecture in St. Vincent “architect” is to be registered with the and the Grenadines. Architects Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Sincerely, In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Observer. there are different pathways to
Mr Jomo Thomas’ article will return next week.
V
12. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Views
ULP regime has mashed up SVG economy WHEN THE ULP REGIME took office in 2001, most Vincentians were hoping for a positive change. However, continued ULP regime incompetence has left the nation bitterly disappointed. The ULP regime has displayed poor governance, a lack of job creation, an inability to create sustainable revenue, and has weakened the economy so much that crime seems to be out of control. As a consequence, thousands of Vincentians have been forced to live in poverty. The ULP regime’s reliance on begging and borrowing, has devastated our economy. There have been ten consecutive years of fiscal deficits, from 2005 to 2014, high public debt, and the ULP government has failed the audit of public accounts in 2008, 2009 and 2010. The ULP regime has failed to get the basics right for our people. The price of electricity and water is so high that thousands of households do not have mains water and electricity. This is due to incompetence at the top. Many households that do have mains electricity are forced to spend a large part of their income on bills, leaving little left over for food.
The attempted construction of the Argyle airport is a colossal act of economic madness. It has been a billion dollar white elephant. It will take SVG decades to overcome the opportunity cost of the money wasted on this project. It is unacceptable that the needs of tourists have been put before the needs of Vincentians. The failure to properly manage the SVG rainforests means that whenever SVG gets heavy rains, there are landslides and floods. SVG is being turned into Haiti, and the floods and landslides have a colossal negative impact upon our people, and could do so for future generations. ULP regime’s economic incompetence has resulted in high food prices, and risks the stability of the nation. In Haiti, there were food riots some years ago, as the price of food had risen beyond the reach of poor households. The rising cost of commodities threatens to deepen instability. The ULP regime has failed to respond to the basic needs of poor households. Under the economically incompetent ULP regime, imports have risen massively from $463 million in 2001 to $964 million in 2012. This is part of the
cause for high unemployment, businesses closing down, and our economy becoming dangerously weak. The situation is so bad that, at present, we have children in classrooms without chairs. Meanwhile, the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan get tax and customs duty exemptions. A Green government is needed to create jobs and revenue. A Green government will create a strong private sector to enable SVG companies to compete internationally. We will also create an economic environment where innovation and entrepreneurs can flourish; and we will build our own SVG university to provide skills for our young people. A Green Government will create a tuna fishing industry and fish processing for export. Fish will then be affordable for all families. A multi-billion dollar fish industry will play a pivotal part in promoting good health, creating jobs and bringing prosperity for all in SVG. SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org
Meet SVG’s legendary baker – ‘Yank’ effort and the machine were vitally important to the successful production AROUND 1963 or thereabout, Philbert of his enterprise. ‘Yank’ Browne, in alliance with his Yank’s penny bread and his twentydevoted wife Lillian, established a five cents big bread on weekends were bakery at Kingstown Hill which would always in great demand. There were become in the ensuing years, the most special requests from time to time popular bakery in St. Vincent and the coming from the Grenadine island of Grenadines. Mustique and mainland communities “I never work in a bakery. Not a such as Chateaubelair, Mesopotamia minute no where”. Those were the and Sandy Bay. With regard to the attestations of Philbert Browne, last named, a community group was popularly known in his time as ‘Yank’. sent by Father Tusk to Yank’s bakery His bakery was his alter ego, and for the purpose of gleaning valuable along with his goodnaturedness, information on the fundamentals of enabled his national reputation to soar baking. like an eagle. Other community groups and People from all walks of the individuals also opted for assistance national landscape flocked to ‘Yank’s’ concerning efficiency in the baking bakery in droves, eager to purchase domain. his unique, unpretentious pastries. Yank had this to say: “You have to In retrospect, Yank himself, do it in time and know how much time unamazed at his own talent, to do the batch”, adding that the humblyaffirmed, “Is God who gave me machine “give you an hour or little that talent”. He recalled as a boy less. Once the time pass, you have to helping his parents with household do it over”, a drudgery which no baker chores, and would pay some attention wanted to undertake. to his mother’s prowess at baking. In relation to economising, Yank Commitment, according to the discovered that it was a necessity to veteran baker, is an important grind back that batch of bread that hallmark in the domain of baking, was not sold, into flour. In this way he citing that a combination of human avoided waste. by PATMOS RICHARDS
‘Yank’ and his wife in the bakery. Philbert ‘Yank’ Browne recollected with pride the struggling stages of his baking career; he started with the cement drum as an oven, then improvised with the oil drum, moved up to the gas oven, and then the modern machine and mixer. It is Yank’s view that the present generation of bakers would regard his style and method of baking as outdated, hence it would be difficult to get across to those bakers. At 82, Yank is concerned about his legacy being kept alive after he departs. His son,
Bernard, however, is contemplating getting back into managing his father’s business, he having had a short stint at the bakery. Presently, Yank’s bakery is leased and is managed by iconic businessman Orniston Ken Boyea. The bread and pastries carry the brand name ‘Yank’. Ill-health has afflicted Mr. Browne in recent years, but with God on his side and a loving and caring wife in Mrs Lillian Browne, ‘Yank’, in the evening of his years, is enjoying halcyon times.
V SVG joins CARICOM in addressing sustainable use of marine biodiversity
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. 13.
Diaspora
by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; naking@msn.com US Correspondent ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES has joined other members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in supporting an agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to address the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction. “Such an implementing agreement, we believe, would assist in halting the loss of marine biodiversity and create an enhanced form of oceans governance for the integrated and sustainable development of the oceans and seas, as well as regulation of new and emerging activities,” UN Ambassador I. Rhonda King told a side event last week on the margins of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Apia, Samoa. Against this background, King said she was “pleased to share” that, in May, she participated in a workshop hosted by the Government of Jamaica in Kingston, for CARICOM countries to consider the potential of such an agreement for the region. The workshop was held in collaboration with Pew Charitable Trusts and the High Seas Alliance. The Vincentian envoy said it provided an “excellent opportunity” for distinguished scientists, political leaders, government officials and stakeholder representatives from the region to engage in a comprehensive discussion about the potential impact of an implementing agreement. “Much of what we discussed could apply to all small islands developing states,” she told the side event on
“Protecting Biodiversity Beyond Areas of National Jurisdiction.” King said, while conservation measures for marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) are critical, the reality is that “existing measures are grossly insufficient. “Indeed, the waters of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are surrounded on all sides by the EEZ’s of its Caribbean neighbors,” she said. “But this fact does not diminish the need for an implementing agreement under UNCLOS that would address the gaps in conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in ABNJ. “Species of the region’s critical fisheries migrate through the high seas. And everything that we have learned about the ocean’s interconnectivity suggests that activities undertaken and conservation measures implemented in ABNJ will impact coastal ecosystems,” she added. In addition, King said existing multilateral management tools governing human activities in ABNJ only address certain sectors. The International Seabed Authority, for example, governs mining in the seabed beyond national jurisdiction, but not the water column above it, she said. The Seabed Authority’s mandate, as it currently stands, is designed to promote the equitable sharing of non-living resources not to protect living ones, King noted. She said the region’s regional fishery management organizations manage fish stocks on a species-byspecies basis. “With very limited exceptions, their mandate does not extend to the broader ecosystem,” King said. Additionally, the diplomat said there is no coordination mechanism to unite this sectoral
SVG’s UN Ambassador I Rhonda King.
the conference focuses on “durable partnerships.” She said that SIDS patchwork, making agreement to address “This is a situation holistic management them in a holistic where certain States now have struggled to access ABNJ because “we do not impossible. manner,” she continued. enjoy de facto sovereign have access to the rights over common One consequence of King said marine capacity and technology resources by virtue of this fragmentation, she genetic resources of the needed to reach them,” their advanced said, is that management Areas Beyond National technology and capacity,” adding that scientific tools to marine Jurisdiction should research and the transfer biodiversity in ABNJ are benefit all, stating that an King said. of marine technology will “As a matter of not available. implementing agreement “There is no way to is as much about realizing fundamental fairness, an be “the foundation for implementing agreement sustainable use of establish, for example, opportunities as resources in areas beyond must address not only fully-protected high seas confronting challenges. national jurisdiction. marine reserves. Nor is She said conservation, the conservation of “It will also be a key marine resources in there a way to require while important in its ABNJ, but also how their development driver for that all ABNJ activities own right, also protects states,” she said, stating benefits will be be preceded by resources “so that they that “important work is environmental impact may be sustainably used.” sustainably used and assessments,” King The envoy said genetic shared by all,” she added. being done by, for To this end, King said example, the asserted. resources found in ABNJ International Seabed CARICOM countries “And there is no form part of the last have strongly voiced their Authority in assisting mechanism to global commons, support for the inclusion States in implementing systematically investigate belonging to all states in their international of access and benefitwhen and where these equal measure. obligations with respect management tools should Yet, she said SIDS, and sharing arrangements, to capacity building and including monetary and be applied, and to develop developing countries in technology transfer for non-monetary benefits. common principles and general, lag far behind The ambassador noted deep sea mining. rules to guide them,” she their developed country “Developing an that an implementing added. These are critical counterparts in realizing institutional mechanism agreement is an conservation gaps. their benefits. that addresses the ABNJ “In a time when ocean She pointed out that 90 opportunity to build more broadly will be a resources are under percent of patents derived partnerships in capacity critical component of an building and transfer of increasing threat, as felt from marine organisms implementing most acutely by SIDS, we have gone to the same 10 marine technology, agreement,” King said. stating that the theme of urgently need a new developed countries.
V
14. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Diaspora
VincyCares holds successful school supplies drive
Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT
THE INTERNET-BASED group, VincyCares, has expressed great satisfaction with its recent fundraising drive to provide school supplies for primary school children in St.
Vincent and the Grenadines. “VincyCares’ dream is to make sure that school supplies do not come between a child and his/her education, thus leveling the playing field
for more equal opportunity for a proper education,” VincyCars President Franklyn “Supadex” Richards told THE VINCENTIAN after the group staged its latest
VincyCares members serve patrons at fundraising school supplies drive. drive on Labor Day, Saturday, August 30, at Standard Shippers in Brooklyn, New York. The shipping company is owned by Biabou native Gideaon “Fessy” Yorke. Richards, who hails from Calder, said the purpose of the annual drive, named after VincyCares’ late board member Taswya Cambridge, is aimed at providing school supplies to every needy child in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “This year’s event was much bigger and better than previous years, which adds to the trend of a growing support from the Vincentian and nonVincentian community in the Diaspora,” said Richards about the fifth annual event. “This year also saw a wider variety of local dishes — blackfish, roast breadfruit, bakes, saltfish, tri tri cake, conch, pelau, crab and callaloo, bread and cassava pudding, corn soup and bread nut,” he added about the mouthwatering delicacies. Richards said most of the food was contributed by supporters, and well as well wishers and members of VincyCares. Additionally, he said the sound system was supplied, free of charge, by Nolan Bulze, of the Brooklyn-based Vincentian band Solid, with DJs SupaEyes, Kemmy, Yung Hova, Bajan King and Blondie, and announcer Atiba Williams.
“It was a festive mood that saw Vincentians from as far as California coming to Brooklyn to support a worthy cause,” said Richards, adding soca artistes Luta and Fireman were also on hand in giving the crowd “a mini performance leading up to the show that Saturday night” at Café Omar in Brooklyn. He said VincyCares has successfully distributed school supplies to every primary school in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, “and is continuing the trend to supply school supplies where they are needed.” In addition to school supplies, he said VincyCares has distributed nine scholarships to students throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines, “and will continue to provide scholarships as long as the general public continues to support our cause. “We have seen firsthand the impact the scholarships have on the students’ overall performance, which further strengthen our determination to help those we can to better their lives, hence their future,” Richards said. “The best part of this whole experience is to see how hard the Board of Directors and members came together and worked tirelessly and unselfishly for the future of the children of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” he added.
Some members of VincyCares pose for THE VINCENTIAN.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. 15.
Arts
Taiwan Youth Ambassadors to stage cultural extravaganza A DELEGATION OF YOUTH AMBASSADORS from the Republic of China (Taiwan) will be staging a music and dance extravaganza at the Lecture Theater of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College at Glen on September 16, 2014 at 2:30 pm. The 90minute presentation of Chinese music, traditional and contemporary dance and Chinese opera, is a unique demonstration of the culture and the beauty of Taiwan. The students of the Community College will also join the event in performing music and dances to showcase Vincentian culture. The admission to the event is free. The Delegation comprises 17 youth ambassadors with majors in art, music, dance and some other fields from prestigious universities in Taiwan. They underwent rigorous training for 45 days before embarking on a 3-week tour of San Francisco, Los Angeles, St. Kitts and the Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
They are scheduled to visit St. Vincent on September 14 through 18. The Government of Taiwan has conducted the International Youth Ambassadors Exchange Program since 2009. This year, Taiwan is organizing eight delegations of youth ambassadors, made up of 128 students in total, to tour 36 cities in 32 countries. Each delegation visits four or five nations in such areas as Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, North America and West Asia. They will conduct meetings, attend seminars, and stage performances that combine dance, music and Mandarin language themes, so as to introduce Taiwan to local audiences. The Youth Ambassadors Program is aimed to forge lasting friendships with people from different cultural backgrounds, who will in turn gain a better appreciation of all that Taiwan has to offer.
16. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. 17.
Opinion
Cain offers a better political deal
PLEASE ALLOW ME A LITTLE SPACE to answer some critics, to thank those who support me; and to provide some food for thought for all, after offering myself as one of the contenders in Marriaqua at a time such as this. I have taught French, Spanish, Geography and Economics at three institutions, to hundreds of students over the years. I hold a BA in Economics, and a MSc. in Financial Economics. My political life dates back to 1993, the closing days of MNU, when I was the caretaker in Marriaqua. I was eclipsed by Sis. Girlyn Miguel. I harbour no hard feelings toward her. She is a wonderful and decent lady. I soldiered on in the shadows. When it appeared that the chips were down for the Party following the fiasco that was the Referendum in 2009, I set up a working party group at my house, and rallied the faithful comrades to bolster ULP’s standing in the community to beat off NDP convincingly in 2010 general elections. This comrade held the fort. I take this opportunity to answer those who believe “no one takes him seriously,” and provide some food for thought. Marriaqua has 16 polling stations, 6 of which are in Richland Park/Hopewell, roughly 54% of the votes in Marriaqua. He who knows the electoral arithmetic in Marriaqua, knows that whoever wins Richland Park convincingly, wins the constituency. I live in Richland Park. This fact redounds to a homeboy’s advantage, at a time when the folks of Richland Park are saying that, this time, they want their representatives from Richland Park and living there with them. Also, the rest of Marriqua takes their cue from what the majority in Richland Park are saying. Ask yourself which of the three of us: Jimmy Prince, Kirk Da Silva and Godson Cain, is likely to get the most votes, given the people’s expressed desire to have their representative this time from Richland Park. Some people want to believe that I am not known outside of my
home base. This is a serious understatement, and one designed to sow doubt. I do not know everybody in Marriaqua and everybody does not know me; but I am working my way to them. I do not want them only to know my name, face, but crucially what I am offering is a programme of economic, political and social development. In other words, I am offering a better deal…. one backed by a high level of development and financial economics and planning. Folks in Marriaqua, I am doing it for you. Take a chance on me. Together, we can beat the odds. Therefore, it is not so much a matter of who or what I am; it is a matter of what I can bring to the table to deal with the real bread and butter issues that confront our community and, by extension, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. As I move around the various communities, people, especially the unemployed youths with a number of CSEC passes or A levels, and of late, a growing number of our university graduates, are getting fed up and are increasingly asking themselves why did they bother to study. In a few words, they want jobs, they want action. They are becoming more cynical and dismissive because the current environment, domestic, regional and international, does not offer hope. The media inform us that things are hard everywhere ,and this feeds into a psychology of despair, which, if not dispelled, can lead to voter apathy, as is often mouthed, “all ah yo ah the same and I ain’t voting”. Some feel betrayed. We have to take stock of what are the felt needs and aspirations of our people, and articulate programmes to engender hope. Sometimes, I ask myself how are hitherto prosperous farmers and their dependents making out in a time such as this when their farms have been ravaged by plant disease, hard on the heels of very choppy and unfriendly competition in external markets in Europe, that were once
their safe haven. How are they making out living on extremely discouraging prices for dasheen, a ninemonth crop? What are we contemplating doing for them to lift their spirit? The agriculture sector, the lifeline in Marriaqua, is underinvested, needing scientific guidance in terms of what to plant, when to plant, how to plant and crucially, marketing driven by information (chiefly prices and supply and demand considerations) from the target markets. The information asymmetries plaguing this sector have to be tackled so that farmers will have good and timely information to guide their production, rather than blurting out the pathetic excuse: “Way me go do wid the land; me can’t do better”. Farmers are just groping in the dark. We have to do agriculture more scientificially. What can we do to beef up the marketing intelligence relevant to the farmers and consumers? Marriaqua is on the doorstep of the Argyle International Airport. Marriaqua can become the biggest beneficiary of the airport project;, but what are we putting in place in Marriaqua for it to lift off when the planes lift off at Argyle? The Indian community in their heyday had their hands to garment manufacturing. JAX is the lone survivor, and a successful one too. The late Bunpan Guy showed us how financial intermediation could work to improve and galvanize poor people into bigger things. What has happened to us today? The cooperatives started and developed in the Valley bear testimony to a people with a savoir vivre and resilience. Their earlier cooperatist spirit sparked development. Where has all that gone? It is still there. All it needs is someone with the knowledge and zeal to resuscitate and guide it, rather than wait on the State to do it. By invigorating the private sector to mobilize more domestic saving to be channelled into venture capital that will have linkages to what we produce, can create opportunities for growth
and development. Too many of us have come to expect a hand or are waiting on a hand; but let us be reminded by ‘Razum’, “the same hand does push you down”. Pappy Latham was made famous when he pushed the concept of “Self Help”. Marriaqua has all the ingredients necessary for sustainable economic development, chief among which are fertile soils and brains. We have the
highest concentration of educated folks outside of Kingstown. Some of the top civil servants in our administration hail from Marriaqua, yet we get the smallest slice of public sector investment. Charity really doesn’t begin at home. In closing, a number of pressing bread and butter issues are confronting our folks, and let us not be sidetracked by our faces, frequency at bars, on television, or sponsorship of this or that; but let us intellectually engaged the hearts and minds of
our people so that they share our vision, and fall in line, in our quest to deliver a better deal for the folks living in the breadbasket, and save it from becoming a basket case. Therefore, I am calling on the other two contenders to let us rumble in the Valley in the full glare of our folks. We can put our vision and aspirations before them and feel questions from them. I am ready to rumble. I am calling for the debate. Godwin Cain
V
18. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Entertainment
Splectron to host Stoppallus releases video Party Monarch by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY
by KENVILLE HORNE
BUSINESSMAN, Regis Splectron is once again setting his eyes on putting on another major event, after a four-year dormancy. Known for organizing popular boat excursions, video production and television entertainment shows, Splectron has become synonymous with entertainment here, and on October 4th, he will be hosting a major Party Monarch. The event will showcase unknown, upcoming and established artistes here, who would be competing for a crown and prize monies. According to Splectron, the artistes who will be performing would not have to worry about props, as, according to Splectron, “the only prop they will have is the mike (Microphone)”. He further explained that crowd response will determine the winner. Explaining the reason behind the show, Splectron said that, for the last seven to eight years, the soca monarch crown has either gone to Delroy “Fire Man” Hooper or Gamal “Skinny Fabulous” Doyle, and he is of the view that this trend might
continue for another 6 years. “The show is to give another artiste a chance to wear a crown,” said Splectron. Amongst the artistes that would be competing in the Party Monarch are Sixx Crazy, Vincy Marshall, DJ 20, Demus, Rusty, Keith Currency, Wiz Kid, Johney Rebel, Elegance, Mylo, Recker, Fresh Kid, Madskull and Mr.Bluez. There will also be a Mad Soca party segment featuring Hyper 4000, a back in time party with 2Kool Kris, a big people party with Alston “Becket” Cyrus, and a celebrity game show, similar to that of popular American game show Family Feud. Also Splectron is promising a Kings of Calypso clash, featuring Ipa, Abijah, Skarpyon, and 2014 calpso monarch Man Zangie, while Robert “Patches” Knight, who secured second place in the 2014 Calypso finals will be making a guest appearance. The popular businessman said he intends to use some of the proceeds from the show to assist artistes with recording their songs for the 2015 carnival season,
along with producing music videos. “A lot of artists want to do music videos, but because of the price, they shy away,” explained Splectron. He disclosed that he has already produced two free music for the soca artistes Rusty and Skarpyon. He is Popular businessman Regis calling on Splectron. business firms to Splectron. The funds from sponsor artistes, so that they can have their music the Party Monarch would recorded, to provide much be managed and disbursed needed airplay leading up by an accounting firm here. As for persons who to the show. would not be attending the Splectron is also show, they can view it looking at forming an through VC3 pay per view organization called the channel. Association for Soca A press conference is Artistes (ASA) that would help assist soca artistes by expected sometime soon at the CDC office, but providing work for them, Splectron is already scholarships for their children, and loans which appealing to the public for would assist them in case their support. of late payment by the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC). “If the artistes haven’t received money from CDC, the association would loan the money which would be paid back when they are paid by CDC,” explained
Blame it on Bongo Iley THERE IS A NEW MUSICAL production on the market. It is called Blame it. The person behind the venture is Giles Francois, known in the entertainment industry as Ras Bongo Iley. There are six songs on the album: Who’s gonna rock, Use what you got, Winner, Good things, Celebrate, and Blame it. It was recorded at Sampson’s Musical Studio. The numbers have been released on YouTube, and copies of the compilation have been sent to local radio stations. Ras Bongo Iley is pleased with the appreciation he has received from fans, especially because of the topics he has chosen. “These songs are mainly to raise the black consciousness among us,” Bongo Iley stated. He looks at the compilation as a “tribute to our ancestors, so that we could re-assert ourselves of the contribution that they have made.” Asked why he opted for this form of expression, Bongo Iley stated: “We can’t stay silent and expect that silence is going to work to our advantage when we see wrong things going on.” Ras Bongo Iley is a full-fledged artiste. He was a member of the On Tour Calypso Tent, and took part in the preliminary round for the national calypso competition. He moves around
with the Rising Stars Karaoke outfit and at national events like Heroes Day and Emancipation Day. He reflects on his calypso excursion and that his song was well appreciated. Giles ‘Ras Bongo He has Iley’ Francois already begun preparation for next year’s Calypso season, and is looking forward to establishing his name in the wider circles. A former teacher in his home town of Chateaubelair, Ras Bongo Iley has been involved in music for over forty years. This started as a teacher when he was instrumental in the formation of the band Chally and the Boys. He played drums and sang. He was also a foundation member in the band Music Shock which included persons like Alvin James, Cordel Daisy, Amos Glasgow and Randolph Debique. Bongo Iley was off the music scene for some time, having delved into the Nyahbinghi tradition. But the vibration kept echoing in his brain, and he has come the full circle.
JUNO JOHNSON is the son of legendary Vincentian artist and singer Lennox ‘Dinks’ Johnson. His father is his greatest inspiration; but Juno, known in the entertainment circles as ‘Stoppalus’, is carving out his own identity. He has been singing for the past four years. This Juno ‘Stoppallus’ year he along with vocalist Johnson Kamara ‘Keido’ Foster, did a number called ‘Soca Girls.’ The number was arranged by Adrian Bailey and produced by Gilbert ‘Ice Kid’ DeFreitas. ‘Stoppalus’ was hoping that he would have been selected for the Ragga Soca finals, but it did not make the cut. That has not daunted the Georgetown born entertainer. He and Foster have added a new dimension to the song, and have completed a video, also done at Ice Kid’s Prographixx Studio. ‘Stoppalus’ is passionate about the video which will be released next week. He is satisfied that the song is “very nice,” not just because it is his creation. The disappointment of having not made the Ragga Soca finals, has not daunted ‘Stoppalus,’ and he thinks that the video is a “way to sell St. Vincent and the Grenadines.” Continued on Page 19.
V ÂSir DÊ plans a comeback Entertainment
by HAYDN HUGGINS
AFTER ABOUT 20 YEARS’ absence, veteran calypsonian Francis Mayers who sings under the sobriquet ‘Sir D’, is thinking about returning to the stage for Vincy Mas 2015. The 70-year-old, who penned and sang the 1992 hit ‘Woman Gone, Woman Dey’, says the recent singing over of the song by popular young Vincentian artiste Orande ‘Bomani’ Charles, has led to the revival of his interest in the artform. ‘Sir D’ admitted that ‘Bomani’ had injected new life in to the calypso, and that ‘Bomani’s’ covering of the song resulted in him (‘Sir D’) becoming more aware of his moral and economic rights as a writer and calypsonian. “I think it is a blessing in disguise, because it inspired me to continue writing and singing calypso”, ‘Sir D’ told THE VINCENTIAN on Monday. In July this year, through a back page story in THE VINCENTIAN newspaper, ‘Sir D’ sent out a warning that he was contemplating seeking legal advice if whoever was responsible for the covering of the song, without his permission, did not contact him within a reasonable space of time. ‘Bomani’ had told this publication, when contacted on July 15,
that the song was released as a promotional cover. “No CD’s were done by the recording studio, it is not available for sale, it was done strictly for promotion”. ‘Bomani’ added that efforts were made to reach ‘Sir D’, but he could not be located, so the song was done so that people could hear and appreciate it. “Absolutely no disrespect was intended”. The matter was amicably resolved on August 19, resulting in ‘Sir D’ becoming a member of the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO), and the registering of the song, ‘Woman gone woman Dey’. This was done through the assistance of distinguished Vincentian musician Joffre Venner, who is also local director on ECCO’s board, and secretary of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Association of Music Professional (SVGAMP), of which ‘Bomani’ is president. ‘Sir D’ can now collect royalties from the air play of the song, regardless of who sings it. He has indicated his satisfaction with the amicable resolution of the matter, and that he has no intention of taking it further. ‘Sir D’ said that before this development, he had no knowledge of what ECCO was, and the benefits to be derived from becoming a member and from writers having
Francis ‘Sir D’ Mayers their songs registered. ‘Sir D’ said returning to the calypso arena would not be difficult for him, because he has new material, and he is hoping to sing with a calypso tent next year. ‘Woman Gone Woman Dey’, arranged by Olson ‘Pete’ Peters, took ‘Sir D’ to the finals of the 1992 National Calypso Monarch Competition. It didn’t win him a place in the top three positions, but it was undoubtedly one of the most popular calypsos that year. ‘Sir D’ was at the time a member of the Graduates Calypso Tent. His last performance was in 1994 with the Old Brigades Calypso Tent. He did not make it to the National Semi-finals that year, and was not seen or heard of in the calypso field since. ‘Sir D,’ at age 70, is very active and looks much younger than his age. He is originally from Sion Hill, but currently resides at Georgetown.
Stoppallus releases video progress of work there have forced him to consider other avenues of The three minute long musical sign employment. post is his way of “trying to push the ‘Stoppalus’ is not happy with the song outside SVG.” actions of some DJs and Radio “We want to get people to know personalities, as regards their choice about it,” ‘Stoppalus’ added. of selections for airplay. He is multi-talented, in the vein of “DJs have their ego to protect. his father, and besides his They play only what is popular,” the involvement in the construction field, artiste outlined. the art industry is a natural He contended that the “Music inclination for him. business this year was very nasty. He worked on the Grenadine island Some outlets are only concerned of Canouan, but some delays in the about money.” Continued from Page 18.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. 19.
V
20. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Advice
In sickness and health, not so sure
crazy. If I leave, society will say it is because he is sick and he is not I have a big problem, bringing in money. He and I need help before I finds time to text his go mad. My husband girlfriend, but can't text nags me, and nothing I me to find out how I am do seems to make him doing at work. happy. As soon as I Chikungunya affected come home from work, me, but he still expects he expects me to do me to do the same house chores without even letting me rest for a amount of work that I five minutes. Note very am accustomed doing daily in the house; yet well, he can't do when it affected him, I anything to help, but did everything for him, complains. The bible since he could not help says in sickness and himself. Do you think he health; but this verbal needs to see a torture is driving me
Dear George,
How can he take Chikungunya for HIV? Dear George,
psychologist, or should I leave him and not care what society or my church says? It is only who is in the kitchen that feels the heat. I do everything to make him happy, but somehow his countenance does not show gratefulness. We are a young couple, so I
desperately need your advice.
Depressed Dear Depressed, It must be first understood that if your husband was not a happy man at the time of your marriage to him or when you met him, then it is not your responsibility to make him happy. You cannot and should not spend your time trying to make him happy. He needs to find the source of what makes him so unhappy, and yes, engaging the services of a psychologist would definitely help. To continue like this without seeing a professional to help you sort things out, will only bring frustration, and can cause you to make improper decisions. The first option in responding to a problem in the marriage should not be divorce, and seeing that you are a young couple, you can certainly benefit from sound, professional advice.
YOU HAVE TO HEAR THIS ONE! My boyfriend was bold enough to tell me that the reason why he is leaving me is because I have contracted the HIV virus. George, he pointed to the rash on my skin and started carrying on like some crazy man. I tried to tell him that it is the Chikungunya I have and not HIV; but he refused to listen, and started listing the men whom he claims slept with me in the past and still sleeping with. I have not heard from him for a few days now, so I take it that he is gone. I feel so hurt right now, George, and to see that he has made all those promises to me of never leaving me, and look now, he is gone. Men like him are dogs, and I hope he dies like one.
Upset Dear Upset, Your boyfriend leaving you had nothing to do with the virus you have in your body, be it Chikungunya or whatever else. He wanted an excuse to leave, and took this opportunity at the expense of appearing ignorant. If he was interested in you and truly loved you, he would have remained with you and helped you investigate the reason for your illness, with the hope of finding the relevant cure. There is enough information branded about pertaining to the Chikungunya virus for him not to know that it comes with a rash on the body, among other things. One thing you now know, and that is he was not the quality man you were looking for. Use this opportunity to move on.
George
George
My love is not strong enough Dear George,
Desperate.
I MET MY BOYFRIEND with a small bottle of gramoxone in his hand, ready to consume it, and I knocked it away from him. I asked him why was he thinking of taking his life, and he said that he cannot bear the pressure that he is under. He has lost his job a while back, and has to depend on me for everything. I know he has been actively looking for work but has not found anything to do. His mother recently died, and his other family members do not look for him. His father has also died many years ago. I thought that my love for him would have been enough, but I now found out that it is not. I feel so helpless right now, and I am afraid that he will try this again. George, I love this man dearly and cannot afford to lose him. Please tell me what to do, George! I want to marry this man and have his children.
Dear Desperate, It is very important that you encourage your boyfriend to get help. You can begin by going to the Marion House. There they will recommend further help for him if it is necessary. He needs to be able to talk about his issues, and for someone to help him reorganize his thoughts. The people who want to take their own life most times do not really wish to die, but only want the pain to stop. He needs to be given other options than taking his life and that’s why you should immediately accompany him to go see someone. It would not be a good thing to leave him alone in the meantime. Continue to emotionally support him as best you can until he gets the professional help he needs.
George
Leisure
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Be an individual. It’s the person you are that people love. Being stubborn with a loved one could back fire. Work toward win–win outcomes. An opportunity at work promises to be positive. If indulging in retail therapy, ensure the budget can cope.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Nothing ventured, nothing gained! When love is on your mind, don’t be shy. With friends, be bold and a reveal how you really feel. Decisions at work could be taken out of your hands. Good news – unexpected money can boost your bank account.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Love is intense! Get ready to embrace change. You could be making–up or breaking–up. Think before you speak – the way you communicate with others will determine what happens next. Learn a new skill for personal development.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Choose carefully who you share a secret with; make sure they can be trusted. If you want attention at the work place, do something different. Be creative and think outside the box. Love goddess planet Venus sends connections your way, who you meet now can play a significant part in your life.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21) If you need to tell someone where you stand on a matter, get straight to the point. With Mercury moving into your home and family zone, you don’t want any mix–ups. To build a family unit, make your house a home. With money, take notice of your own advice. CANCER (June 22-July 22) It takes two to tango. When looking for a perfect partner, prepare to compromise – life is about give and take. Making and spending money are both necessary, but make sure there’s more cash coming than going. Family demands attention.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Nothing is impossible! Write a wish–list for your dreams to come true. Be careful of holding onto something that’s passed its expiration date. Not everything is forever. A new start at work heads your way. It will happen with the time is right! CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You can have it all, don’t take “no” for an answer. Setbacks and restrictions at work will be a thing of the past. The way you manage money is up for review. Love relationships have a mind and destiny of their own – fate is in control.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Everything you touch can turn to gold! To win at work, combine common sense with experience and you can’t go wrong. If something’s troubling you, share a problem to get another viewpoint. To build a love bond, make the first move.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Get ready to take charge! Sudden change at work can play right into your hands. Your efforts are about to be noticed. Travel is in the stars; have your bags packed. Money matters look positive. To win love, use a soft approach.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Striving for perfection is what puts you above the rest. When you have an air of confidence, it attracts the attention of decision makers. Be passionate about work and money to ensure more comes your way. With love, don’t be possessive.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Lighten up. Don’t take life too seriously. A new start in love can set your heart racing. Leave emotional baggage and trivial upsets behind for good. When investing or saving cash, make sure you negotiate the best deal possible.
ACROSS
in Asian cultures 1.Not on 47. Gigantic 4. Brush’s mate person 8. Librarian’s 50. “__ Man” admonition (2 wds.) 11. Angle starter 51. Teens’ 12. Orange‐red heroes color 53. __ culpa 13. Laughing 55. CPA’s busy sound month 14. First double‐ 56. Driving digit hazard 15. Groucho’s 57. Shucked brother corn part 16. Common 58. Fast jet street (abbr.) name 59. Deborah 17. Author or Jean domain Ferber et al. 60. Tachometer 10. Dress 19. Natives letters bottoms 21. Drama 12. Latin dance division DOWN 18. Bother 22. NYC summer 20. Middle setting 1.Cooperstown’s (abbr.) 23. “Must‐see” 23. Sounded like Mel network a horse 2. At large 27. Crashes into 3. Valuable item 24. Snaky fish 25. Mrs. Eddie 31. River bottom 4. Used a Cantor 32. Axiom Flexible 26. Blocker of 35. “Fool – Love” Flyer “Bonanza” 36. Put your 5. Hockey great 28. It follows hands Bobby __ morning together 6. Shade tree (abbr.) 38. Nullifies 7. Dracula’s 29. One Stooge 40. Boring tool drink 30. Last‐yr. 43. Pierre’s 8. Former NL students refusal stadium 33. Not as 44. Revered one 9. Satan’s rough
34. Conceited one 37. Lily __ 39. Picnic intruder 41. __ broom 42. Cuplike spoon 44. Prejudice
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. 21.
45. Refs’ cousins 46. Old Dodge model 48. U.S. citizen (abbr.) 49. __ tide 52. Above, poetically 54. Sleeve locale
V Special Needs kids get cricket field day 22. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Youth
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY Digicel made sure that students enrolled at the School for Children with Special Needs were not left out of the cricket action when the two-test series between the West Indies and Bangladesh began at Arnos Vale last Friday, September 5th. Digicel treated over 44 kids
and a number of teachers from the Fernside based institution to a day of cricket at Arnos Vale. The kids were chauffeured to the event by Digicel, while the company also provided tickets and lunch for the group. A former student and now
teacher at the school, Terence Davis, described the outing as “exciting”. “It is exciting for them to be here, and for a lot of them this is the first time seeing the West Indies play. It is good to see Digicel doing this, and we hope that they will continue to support the school”, said Davis
who added, “this is really a nice outing for the kids, where they can get Students from the School for Children with together in a Special Needs were among those taking in relaxing the cricket action, thanks to Digicel. setting”. This was the Juno DeRoche and Marketing second dose of West Indies Executive Danielle Cupid. cricket for the The cricketers interacted students, as on with the students during that Wednesday, visit. September 3rd, Commenting on Friday’s four West Indies activity, DeRoche said that cricketers, Digicel always tries to Shivnarine brighten the lives of these Chanderpaul, kids. She said that whenever Jermaine there is cricket at Arnos Vale, Blackwood, Shane they try to get the kids to Shillingford and attend. Kirk Edwards, “We love working with these visited the school kids, and we will continue to along with support them in whatever way Marketing we can”, said DeRoche. Manager at Digicel
The Girls’ High School’s CSEC Performance 2014
Jodi Porter
Rhea Cain
AT THIS YEAR’S May/June sitting of CXC’s CSEC examinations, one hundred and forty-five (145) students of the St. Vincent Girls’ High School were examined in a combination of twentyfive (25) subjects. Ninety (90) students registered for more than nine subjects: (this represents 62.07% of the total number of students registered) the maximum number of subjects offered by the school. The school recorded an overall pass rate of 97.09 %. We deem as significant the 100% passes in thirteen (13) subject areas. The pass rate for the other subjects ranged from 87.04 % to 99.91%. Worthy of particular note is the 97.91 % pass rate in Mathematics, an increase of 11.91% over last year’s results.
Kyra Matthias.
Individual student performances range from twelve (12) to four (4) subject passes. Three of fourteen students who sat twelve subjects obtained all grade ones. These students are Rhea Cain, Kyra Matthias and this year’s Valedictorian, Jodi Porter. Twentythree (23) students passed eleven (11) subjects, while forty-five (45) passed ten subjects. Sixty-four (64) students gained from four (4) to nine (9) passes. We congratulate all of our girls, and wish them well in their pursuit of excellence. We also commend our teachers for their unswerving commitment to preparing our students for success. The invaluable contribution of parents must also be applauded. Their prayers, coaching and support all redound to the success of the students.
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. 23.
West Indies achieved first Test win at Arnos Vale
Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim drives Jerome Taylor to the cover boundary
Players doing mandatory greetings at the end of the match
in arrears behind captain Musgfiqur 116, Mahmudulla 66 and Tamim Igbal Brathwaite featured in century Opener Kraigg Brathwaite plays forward on the final day stands of 116 for the first wicket with 53, were dismissed for 314, one hour into the morning session. Kemar Gayle, 128 for the third wicket with Roach, the lone West Indies player to Stories by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT This time around, a full strength Bravo and 146 with Chanderpaul for have played a Test at the ground West Indies team, led by Denesh the fourth wicket. Debutant left-arm before, finished with 4/64; Shannon THE WEST INDIES recorded their first Ramdin, easily outplayed Bangladesh, spinner Taijul Islam (5/135) led the Gabriel 2/25, and Benn 2/44 shared Test win at the Arnos Vale Playing Field and were it not for a number of drop Bangladeshi bowling. on Tuesday when they beat Bangladesh catches, could have registered a more Bangladesh then put in one of their the wickets. Gayle, nine, and Man of by ten wickets in the first Dhaka Bank comprehensive victory. now customary batting performances, the Match Brathwaite, four, duly Test series. The West Indies, which saw ten of to be skittled out for 182, with captain knocked off the required runs for Prior to this, the West Indies had the eleven players making their Test Mushfiqur Rahim (*48) the only light. victory. Scores: West Indies 484 for 7 dec played two Test matches at the Arnos debut at the ground, were asked to bat Beanpole left-arm spinner Suleiman (Brathwaite 212, Taijul 5-135) and 13 Vale Playing Field, the first in 1997 first and reached 484/7, on the back of Benn, 5/35, took the bowling honours for 0 beat Bangladesh 182 (Benn 5-39) against Sri Lanka which ended in a a maiden Test double century from for the West Indies, with part time and (f/o) 314 (Mushfiqur 116, draw, and the second in 2009 against opener Kraigg Brathwaite, and half spinner Jermaine Blackwood taking Mahmadullah 66, Roach 4-64) by ten Bangladesh which the visitors won centuries from Shivnarine 2/14. against an under strength West Indies Chanderpaul (85*), Chris Gayle (64) Bangladesh, asked to follow on, 302 wickets. team. and Darren Bravo (62).
Ramdin unhappy with team’s catching outfield and close to the bat, and has asked his charges to improve ahead of this weekend’s second Test in St. Lucia. The West Indies notched up a ten-wicket win just before lunch on the final day, with more than two sessions to go; but the butter fingers of the fielders, which saw them flooring five catches, left a blot on the triumph. This notwithstanding the exploits of Darren Skipper Ramdhin wants better catching Bravo, who snared six catches in the match, but THE NUMBER OF CATCHES put was also among those who muffed down by the West Indies, and easy chances. ones in particular, is of some concern Bangladesh’s captain Mushifiqur to captain Denesh Ramdin. Rahim scored his third Test ton, and Speaking at a post-match media was helped to the landmark by the conference at which THE West Indies fielders, whose generosity VINCENTIAN was the only local media house present, the West Indies saw him adding more than a hundred runs after his first life. skipper was full of praise for the He got four lives - Chris Gayle bowling and batting, but bemoaned putting him down at first slip on 10 the shabby work by his men in the
and 71, with Bravo dropping him at gully on 25, and finally Jerome Taylor dropping the easiest of chances at mid-on when he was on 115. Kirk Edwards also put down a simple chance offered by Mahmudullah on the fourth day, when the batsman skied the ball straight to cover. “It [the dropped catches] is a cause for concern,” Ramdin said. “It is very important we work on those areas. Our slip catching has hampered us in the past, and in St Lucia, we definitely need to hold all our chances. “I think our team is in a good place. Our batsmen are getting runs and our bowlers are getting wickets. We hope the pitch at St Lucia will be a lot greener than the one we have had here.” Bangladesh had kept the West Indies in the field for the entire fourth day, after being asked to follow on —ending the day on 256/5, paced by a century stand between Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah (66) who added 130 for the fifth wicket, and Ramdin praised
them for the way in which they batted. “I think after the first innings, they came back and batted well in the second innings. They applied themselves. It was going to be hard following on; our bowlers had a good run in the first innings,” Ramdin said. “It was a good pitch, I would say, went better as the game went along. “Mushfiqur Rahim came in and batted really well with Mahmudullah. I think that was the partnership that took it away a little from us. But we bowled in some good areas and created chances. We didn’t take our slip catching as well as we wanted to.” Ramdin praised Kemar Roach’s (4/64) four-wicket haul on the final day and gave high commendation to Brathwaite, who made his maiden Test double-hundred to help set up West Indies’ first innings. Brathwaite, adjudged Man of the Match, said his own performance was as a result of training harder to play against spin, and “working on some things with the bowling machine”.
V
24. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
Parris settling in at University
FOLLOWING HIS DOMINANCE on the local and regional scene, with his impeccable talent and ability in the middle distance running, Brandon Parris, one of this country’s stalwarts, has earned himself athletic scholarships in the United States, and is settling well since. Parris, who is now at
the Caflin University in South Carolina, has been since getting the feel of University life, and is looking forward to the challenge ahead. “With the different surroundings being a new experience for me I was a little skeptical about what I was coming here to meet,” Parris said. “However, my first
week of University and campus life went smoothly”, he disclosed. “It’s a great atmosphere, and the people here are familyoriented, so they made me comfortable,” the former Thomas Saunders student commented. “As I said in a previous interview, it’s definitely a great feeling to know
that the hard work I put out is rewarded,” the top runner said. Parris, who represents the ‘IT-DAT’ Athletics Club here, said his aim for this first year of study is to become an Honor Student during his four-year stint at the University, “and to achieve that, I must attain a GPA (Grade
Point Average) of 3.50. I entered this institution with an average of 3.33, so my goal isn’t too far ahead, but in time, with my commitment during this period, things should improve,” Parris pointed out. Brandon Parris, national athlete
Vincy Heat into Caribbean Cup TEAM SVG ( Vincy Heat) have booked their place into the semi-final round in the Caribbean Cup, following a comfortable 4-nil trashing to below par Anguilla in the CFU qualifying round at the Antigua Recreation Ground last weekend. SVG secured their spot with their second victory, despite one game to play in their round against host Antigua. They beat the Dominican Republic 1-nil in their opening game followed by their second win against Anguilla. The local boys however failed to maintain a clean sheet in their zone when they surrendered a 1nil advantage to be eventually beaten 2-1 by Antigua.
The 4-nil victory over Anguilla which earned the local boys a spot in the semi finals was inspired by the ever impressive youngster Oalex “Bounty”Anderson who captivate the hearts of Antiguans and other visitors, wearing the famous number 10 jersey and scoring the first two goals in the 36th and 38th minutes. The score line was straightened with strikes from the attacking forward Myron Samuel in the 72nd, while Zinhno Solomon completed the victory with a 75th minute strike. Dubbed as the finals of the Caribbean Cup, with the final match between SVG and Antigua team, Vincy Heat deservedly went ahead
with a well taken one on one by Nazir “Naz” Mc Burnette in the 45th minute. But the determined Antiguans finally equalized in the 82nd minute from a looping header. The final stronghold came in the last 2 minutes of extra time, when Antigua broke away with only Tallman to beat, and the substitute player finished smartly inside the near post to break the Vincy Heat heart. Antigua eventually topped the group with 9 points ahead of Team SVG with 6 points, as the two top teams to advance. Both teams will now head to Guadeloupe, along with Curacao and Martinique for the semi final group stage in October 2014.
International Coach Joins SVG Rugby
Sophie Goddard President of SVG Rugby Union
THE SVG RUGBY Federation now has an international coach, as part of their set up, as they continue to uplift the sport throughout the country. Sophie Goddard, president of the SVG RUFC Executive, said she is very excited and happy to announce the newest member to join the SVG Rugby Union is Welsh coach Rory Tonkin from Wales, United Kingdom. “After an extensive application process both
locally and overseas, Rory was chosen out of many highly qualified applicants,” the President said. “The position is a voluntary 6-month role running the Youth Programme and training the National teams,” she further expressed. Rory will be heading the grassroots programme, alongside local coach Nadine Allicott, in schools as well as extending rugby throughout St. Vincent
and the Grenadines. The head coach’s first assignment will be to assist in the preparation to lead the National teams to the NACRA 7’s tournament due to be held in Mexico City in December.
TBPO 20/20 Softball resumes THE NATIONAL LOTTERIES Authority TBPO Softball Cricket 20/20 competition will resume this weekend with the full slate of matches, following last weekend’s break due to the Test match between West Indies and Bangladesh at the Arnos Vale playing field. The competition will recommence when Premium Boys face Older Boys from 1pm, followed by Gomea Bombers against Smart Strikers from 3pm on Saturday. On Sunday, from 10am Mac Little Saints will take on Smashers; at 12:30 Nar Fren Dem will clash with Winter Boys, while Simple Boys oppose Dr. Thomas Injectors from 3pm. Matches are slated for the Dauphine playing field. Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. 25.
Sports
Super40 sees increase in teams, prize monies
Arnos Vale praised THE ARNOS VALE Playing Field, opened in April 1972, and upgraded substantially to accommodate the staging of the International Cricket Council World Cup in 2007, has been praised for its drainage system. Commentators were generous in their commendations and Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves was modest in his acknowledgement of the kudos extended. He referred to remarks from Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Governor Sir Dwight Venner about the efficiency of the drainage system as made by the commentators. Venner, a Vincentian based at the ECCB headquarters in St. Kitts, must have been proud of the appreciation his country received. For, with a near disaster having taken place as a result of the rain, play proceeded at Arnos Vale, once the sky cleared. The West Indies went on to secure their first Test victory at that venue, after three matches. Dr. Gonsalves echoed the figures spent to upgrade the venues at Arnos Vale, Stubbs, and Sion Hill, on which $54M was spent. The playing area dried out quickly, even with little sunshine that Saturday, and when the sun came out days after, Bangladesh enjoyed remarkable conditions and extended the game into a fifth day. Persons were disgusted with the performance of the home team for their lack of positive intent on the second day. But that might be a harsh criticism, given that victory was achieved before lunch on the fifth day. One reason for the level of disappointment was the number of catches that the West Indies put down, which enabled the Bangladeshis to stage a fight back. Captain Denesh Ramdin was also at the receiving end of some criticism for his decisions, but those may have been harsh. Captains can’t be blamed when catches are spilled. Commentators have their role, and their remarks are made on the spur of the moment. When they reflect, they realise that some statements are better not being aired. The Vincentian Cricket Association must be praised for their handling of the situation. It was a new executive, and the exercise must have been a test for President Kishore Shallow. He had some experienced members to assist him, and for them, it was routine. However, there could have been hiccups. Vincentians are keen to put on a good show, and the Bangladeshi arrival on this occasion was not as controversial as 2009. At that time, there was uncertainty over the composition of the team the morning on which the match was played. It is a relief that the feud between the Board and Players Association has ended. It was a matter of action on the field. The team responded, and West Indian supporters will be happy. The perfectionists will ponder on the lapses, but those can and will occur under any circumstance. What may be of concern is the dominance of overseas experts in the running of affairs at Arnos Vale. There is a feeling that local persons are not allowed to play a role in the unveiling of the spectacle which carries an element of Vincentian productivity. With the incursion of the foreign element, there is the risk that some wrong messages could be sent out. West Indies Cricket appears to have succumbed to the outside influence, and it is when things have gone out of control that efforts are made to restore them. There is a danger that we are allowing that situation to fester on us. We have to be careful to avoid it.
Inaugural Super40 winners-Team Rivals
Losing Super40 finalists-Guardian General Saints AN INCREASE IN PRICE monies and an increase in the number of teams are among initiatives taken by the SVG Cricket Association for the second edition of the Super40 which bowls off this weekend, according to a release from the Association. The dates for the tournament as per the release are 13th, 14th, 20th & 21st September 2014. The changes, three in total, see an expansion to five teams; preliminary matches being played at the main Arnos Vale Playing Field and the Sion Hill Playing Field; and the September 21st final expected to feature two West Indies international players. According to the release, the qualifying teams are: First Division champions, IShallz Byam’s Physical Therapy; Premier Division champions, Team Rivals; second place team Guardian General Saints; third place finishers LIME Radcliffe and fourth place Victors ONE. Four teams, three from the Premier Division, and the winners of the First Division, contested last year’s tournament. The First Division team is allowed to draft in four new players,
EC$1,500, 3rd place EC$700, and 4th place $300. Additionally, each Man of the Match would be receiving a bat, compliments Veira’s Courtesy Sports, the release stated. Byam said that, coming out of the Super40, the Association will be looking to publish a magazine for distribution in early 2015. Team Rivals won the inaugural competition last year, when they defeated Guardian General Saints in the final at Park Hill. Tournament Fixtures: • Match 1: Saturday 13th Sept 2014: LIME Radcliffe vs Victors One (Arnos Vale ONE) • Match 2: Sunday 14th while the Premier Sept 2014: Team Rivals vs Division teams are Guardian General Saints (Arnos allowed two draftees, Vale ONE) Second vice-president of • Match 3: Sunday 14th the SVG Cricket Sept 2014: IShallz Byam’s Association Denis Byam Physical Therapy vs Winner said. Match 1 (Sion Hill) Prize monies have • Match 4: Saturday 20th doubled from last year, Sept 2014: Loser Match 2 vs Loser with the winners’ cheque Match 3 (Park Hill) increasing from • Match 5: Sunday 21st Sept EC$2,000 to EC$4,000. 2014: Winner Match 2 vs Winner Runners up get Match 3 (Park Hill)
26. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
V
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014. 27.
Classifieds
Classifieds
F O R
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
A.I. REAL ESTATE Richmond Hill 29,203 sq.ft @ $20.00 p.s.f BB941
- $584,060.00 -
Buccament 4 Apartment Complex. - $800,304.00 - H287
S A L E
FRIDAY,
SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
VOLUME 108, No.37
Ribishi 8,327 sq.ft @ $10.00 p.s.f. - $83,270.00 - BB498 Other listings are available Phone: 457-2087 Fax: 457-1382 Toll Free (USA): 866-978-0951 718-732-0545 Email: donp@vincysurf.com Website: www.aisvg.com
www.thevincentian.com
EC$1.50
Damage at the E.T. Joshua Airport.
Waters passed through and took the soil with it.
FLASHFLOOD DAMAGE NOT SUFFICIENT TO WARRANT OUTSIDE HELP Last Saturday, rain poured down in an DESPITE FLASHFLOODS on aggressive manner , so Saturday which caused much so that many landslides, damage to Vincentians were infrastructure and homes, wondering if they were Prime Minister Ralph about to experience a Gonsalves is of the view similar occurrence of the that the damage was not Christmas Disaster, sufficient to require when torrential rainfall outside assistance. by KENVILLE HORNE
A scene from Dosetshire Hill.
caused havoc across the country. But no life was lost, as in the case of the Christmas Disaster, neither was there as much damage. However, a few infrastructure, homes and business places sustained damage due to landslides or
flooding. The ET Joshua airport was flooded, while its barriers were breached; some business places in Kingstown were also impacted, and as the day got clear, many persons could be seen in Kingstown, cleaning and conducting repair works. At a Press conference hosted by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves on Tuesday , the declaration was that the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has the resources to respond to the damage left by the flashfloods on Saturday.“… the floods which we had and landslides caused significant damage to the infrastructure and to homes, but not at a scale which approaches anywhere where we need to seek any assistance from any entity outside of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” said Gonsalves .
The waters rage in Vermont.
Continued on Page 5.
Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.