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FRIDAY,

APRIL 13, 2018

VOLUME 112, No.15

www.thevincentian.com

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WPP: COMMITTED TO SERVING THE REGION

Dr Gordon (back turned) examines a young patient as members of the local team look on.

Right: Hannah is flanked by dad Stanley to her right, and mom Esmay, having journeyed from Anguilla.

by DAYLE DASILVA THIS HAS BEEN THE FOURTH VISIT to St Vincent and the Grenadines for Hannah, her mom Esmay and dad Stanley.

Hannah is now 11 years old, and her parents say that she has come a long way,

following the stroke she suffered as an infant, and which impaired her ability to function

normally.

Mom Esmay explained that before Hannah received correctional surgery, under the World Paediatric Project (WPP) five years ago, her daughter was unable to walk.

But now, young Hannah is doing well.

“I think they did a good job,” Esmay said.

The trio journeyed all the way from Anguilla to be here this week for a follow up visit with the visiting orthopedic team that arrived here last week under the WPP. Stanley too was pleased, and expressed his gratitude to the team that has allowed his daughter the opportunity of a normal childhood.

“We had no other option until this (WPP) came on board, and we jumped on it to help our daughter,” he said.

So too, Mikhail from St Kitts/Nevis who was here with his younger brother Gevon.

Mikhail explained that his brother is demonstrating a condition resembling Blount’s

disease, which is a growth disorder of the tibia, or Dr Charles Goldfarb shin bone, that causes the lower leg to angle Cecilia explained that outward, resembling a her son had a condition bow leg. on his foot from birth.

He said that he was in Under the WPP, he was the UK at the time, and able to access corrective his mom contacted him surgery, and he too is explaining that his well on the way to brother’s condition was leading a normal life. getting to the point that And despite their it warranted immediate varying differences in medical attention. medical conditions, all For Gevon, it is the four families shared one first time that he will be having a consultation Continued on Page 3. with the WPP. And the story is the same for Delphine Warren and her son Casey of Calliaqua, and Cecilia, mother of Jayden from Carrierre in the Marriaqua Valley.

Warren explained that her son was born with a condition known as Spina Bifida — this is a type of birth defect commonly referred to as a neutral tube defect and occurs when the bones do not form properly around Delphin Warren, whose part of the baby’s spinal son Casey was born cord - Casey is now 11. with Spina Bifida.

2. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. 3.

News 3 WPP: committed to serving the region

Lauren McIntosh - WPP Executive Director for the Eastern Caribbean.

Continued from Front Page. common belief — had it not been for the

generosity of the WPP team, those based in the United States and in St Vincent and the Grenadines, the joy they share today would be non-existent.

To date, an estimated 122 teams have visited SVG since the inception of the WPP in 2002, boasting 6,640 evaluations, with 853 surgeries being performed.

The consultations, referrals, follow up visits and surgery, if required, are all done free of cost to the affected individual; however if a cost was to be attached, the estimated value of the services provided thus far is put at EC$27,609,246 (USD 10,178,423).

Three teams have visited so far, and the orthopedic team was the fourth, and another

orthopedic team is expected to arrive in September this year.

And among the specialist teams expected this year are reconstructive/plastic surgery, ophthalmology, diagnostic cardiology and urology.

According to Jacqueline Browne-King, Director of the Eastern Caribbean Program, the team would have seen 133 individuals, and performed about 35 surgeries, with individuals coming from across the region including Grenada, St Lucia, Barbados, St Kitts, Antigua and Anguilla.

“We are very excited to be back,” said Kate Corbett, Senior Program Director.

She makes the trek every year with the orthopedic team who

conducts consultations where referrals are made for surgery, therapy or in some instances, the condition needs more observation.

“So it’s giving those families answers for what conditions their kids have,” Corbett told THE VINCENTIAN. The team, which is expected to wrap up this medical mission today, is comprised of 14 individuals which include orthopedic surgeons, operating room staff and a physical and occupational therapist.

Among the two surgeons on the team, Dr Charles Goldfarb is a specialist in the upper extremities, and Dr J Eric Gordon the lower extremities.

The focus of this team was to deal with anything associated with bones and or soft tissue,

Rose to address Comonwealth forum MORE THAN 350 CIVIL SOCIETY leaders from across the 53-nation Commonwealth of Nations, will gather in London, UK, next week for three days of discussion and debate on key issues facing the 2.4 billion people who live in the Commonwealth.

The occasion will be the holding of the Commonwealth Peoples Forum, one of four such broad gathering which will precede the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the others being Forums for business leaders, women and youth.

These Forums have become an integral part of the Heads’ meetings, and are designed to provide broader perspectives to

the meetings of the Heads and the Foreign Ministers of the Commonwealth countries. This year, in addition to their separate meetings, there will be a plenary of all the delegates of the four groupings on Tuesday, April 17.

Vincentian Mr Renwick Rose, a civil society activist for over 40 years, is due to attend the Forum.

He is a member of the Board of Civil Society Advisory Governors of the Commonwealth Foundation, and has participated in previous Peoples Forums in Nigeria, Australia and Malta.

Mr Rose is scheduled to speak on a Panel on Tuesday 17th on the topic, “A Just World Order”.

He has also been asked to be one

Renwick Rose of the civil society representatives invited to engage in discussions with the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers on April 20.

Corbett said.

It was expected to be a busy week, with the running of two operating theatres and, according to Corbett, it was expected that some of the referrals for surgery would be done here, but other more serious conditions may be referred Kate Corbett, Senior Program directly to the Director of the Orthopedic team.

US. She said that 2004, and it eventually it is a good feeling to be merged with the WPP. able to come to the “So with those two Caribbean and offer this organizations, we are type of medical service to stronger,” she said. the children.

“The WPP has been She credited the local involved in St Vincent for team, and the local a long time, and it means infrastructure, saying a lot to me because of my that the even after the son and my passion as a team leaves, the local mother. Coming here is medical team is left to always a joy, and I do carry on the work of feel a sense of family. We seeing patients. see patients once a year, The team does a lot of but they are like family.” teaching, to students There is a vision for enrolled in medical the future, that vision is schools across the to ensure that 100 country, and to students percent of children, from neighbouring locally and from around territories. the region have access to This ensures medical care. continuity, for This initiative was individuals when they referred to as return to their respective ‘Transformation 2023’ countries, Corbett said. and according to Lauren She explained that her McIntosh, Executive involvement with the Director for the Eastern WPP was because her Caribbean who further own son’s life was saved explained that the by the medical expansion role for SVG, community in St Louis, the hub, was for it to Missouri. take on a more Her participation is leadership role. her way of giving back; “We will be working to she explained that she build more capacity to started a non-profit see more children,” she organization back in said.

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4. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Defence caught offguard in murder case Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS DEFENCE LAWYERS in the case involving the shooting death of two brothers, close to a year ago, were caught off-guard on Monday when the Court heard that the matter had gone straight to the High Court for trial.

Former police officer Ricardo Francis, 31, of Layou, Kendine Douglas, 30, and Schemel ‘Jacket’ Dunbar, 29, both of Rillan Hill, were behind bars, awaiting a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) on joint charges of murdering Police Constable Danroy Cozier, 25, and his brother Nicholas Cozier, 19, and agreeing with each other to commit the offence of murder on the elder brother.

The bodies of the brothers, both of Richmond Hill, were discovered at Sion Hill Bay around 1 p.m. May 4, last year. Autopsies showed they died from bullet wounds to the head.

When the matter came up before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne on April 3, it was adjourned to Monday to explore the possibility of a Paper Committal procedure, rather than an oral Preliminary Inquiry.

But attorney Ronald Marks, representing Francis, and Grant Connell, representing Douglas, were caught by surprise on Monday when Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche informed the Serious Offences Court that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) applied for, and was granted,

From Left to Right: Ricardo Francis and his lawyer Ronald Marks, Schemel ‘Jacket’ Dunbar and Kendine Douglas. a ‘Voluntary Bill of Indictment’ for the men to stand High Court trial on the charges.

The application was made under Section 161 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Dunbar was unrepresented during his appearance on Monday.

Marks protested the length of time the Prosecution took to have that procedure dealt with. He expressed the view that if it was done at the initial stages, the matter could have been expedited already. He noted that his client was on remand for almost a year, and argued that the evidence against him was weak.

Marks asked the court to put on record that he protested the length of time taken.

SConnell indicated that he would stand alongside his colleague.

Speaking with THE

VINCENTIAN after, Marks said that, while he was aware that the law provides for a ‘Voluntary Bill of Indictment’ to be obtained, he is upset that his client had to languish in prison, because the Prosecution had not made the application, at the initial stages of the case. He added that he had an interest in seeing the matter ventilated because according to him, the evidence against his client was mostly hearsay, and Francis had given a statement to the police in denial of the offences.

Marks said he had agreed to a Paper Committal procedure, and was surprised when he heard that the DPP’s Office had taken the route of a ‘Voluntary Bill of Indictment’, after his client had spent close to a year on remand awaiting a Preliminary Inquiry.

Lawyer,„Yugge issue will not go‰ WHILE THE VIEW has been expressed, in some circles, that the Yugge Farrell issue is dying or has died, Attorney Kay BacchusBaptiste says that it would never go away until Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves “breaks the silence”.

The Vincentian fashion model, who is out on bail, is expected to return to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on December 17.

Farrell is charged with making use of abusive language, in circumstances likely to cause a breach of the peace, to Karen Duncan-Gonsalves of Prospect, to wit, “You dirty bitch”.

The offence was reportedly committed on January 4 at Granby Street, Kingstown.

Duncan-Gonsalves, who was at the time Senior Crown Counsel at the Attorney General’s Chambers, is the Finance Minister’s wife.

Farrell, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, had been sent, by the Court to the Mental Health Centre for 14 days observation, and a medical report submitted by that institution concluded that she was not fit to plea. The report was signed by Dr. Sonasree Jammulapati, District Medical Officer attached to the Mental Health Centre who is qualified in the field of Psychiatry.

Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett accepted the findings of the report,

and based on another report from the Mental Health Authorities, Farrell was granted bail in the sum of $1,000 with one surety.

Bacchus-Baptiste, who has repeatedly said she was dealing with the human rights aspect of the matter, told THE VINCENTIAN on Monday that to date, she had no information regarding the findings of a report of an evaluation done on Farrell by an independent Psychiatrist, Dr. Hazel Ortello, who she (Bacchus-Baptiste) had brought in from Trinidad and Tobago. The evaluation was done on January 29.

According to Bacchus-Baptiste, the last information she received was that Dr. Ortello was awaiting some background information on Farrell from the Mental Health authorities here, to complete her report.

Bacchus-Baptiste was also not aware as to whether Farrell was still in the country.

“I don’t know where she is, but I hope she is well”, the lawyer said, but added, “This issue is bigger than Yugge, since it has taken on moral and ethical proportions. This Yugge affair is not going away”. She noted that up to Saturday, there was a demonstration by Vincentians in the United States on the continued silence of Camillo Gonsalves, and other demonstrations were planned. She added that protest actions were also planned for England and Canada.

“Camillo Gonsalves must realize

Trini jailed in major ganja haul JUNIOR GOMEZ, a national of Trinidad and Tobago, received prison sentences on Tuesday, in connection with a major marijuana seizure here.

Gomez, a self-employed man residing at Cane Garden, was sentenced to 22 months for possession of 48.57 pounds of marijuana for the purpose of drug trafficking, and 18 months for having the drug with intent to supply.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne handed down the penalties at the Serious Offences Court after the 29-year-old pleaded guilty to both charges. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Gomez was charged jointly with Yonette

Small, 28, of Campden Park, who pleaded not guilty. The Prosecution did not proceed against her. Gomez was not represented.

The drugs were revealed in several taped packages contained in a cardboard box found in a bathroom when police, acting on information received, executed a search warrant at Gomez’s home at Cane Garden around 9:40 a.m., April 8.

Small was also an occupant of the apartment.

When cautioned, Gomez admitted, “Officer, is weed and is mine”.

In sentencing, Browne followed on precedence set by the Appeal Court.

Police still probing cocaine seizure HEAD of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Assistant Superintendent of Police Hesron Ballantyne has confirmed that a major cocaine seizure in Union Island March 18 this year, was still under investigation, up to press time Wednesday.

Asked about statements made in some circles that the substance was subsequently reported to be white cement, Ballantyne said he had no knowledge of any report of that nature.

Two persons were detained for questioning following the seizure, but were released, without charges, pending further investigations.

The CID chief confirmed that, to date, no charges have been laid, and the investigations are still open.

Bail granted in Heritage Square shooting

Yugge Farrell (left), and Kay Bacchus-Baptiste that his continued silence is looked upon with total displeasure by the public, locally, regionally and internationally. This issue will never end until he breaks the silence”.

According to Bacchus-Baptiste, “The longer he keeps the silence, the more people will be seeking resolutions. Those abroad are very vocal and demonstrative”.

Andrew Pilgrim Q.C of Barbados and local Attorney Grant Connell are representing Farrell pro bono in the Court matter.

When Connell was contacted, he declined to comment, saying that the matter was before the Court. He also indicated that Pilgrim was the lead attorney in the case from whom he would have to take instructions.

Up to press time Wednesday, efforts to reach Pilgrim were unsuccessful.

ROCKIES resident Kishron Jackson was, on April 3, granted $40,000 bail with one surety after Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche informed the Court that the two persons he is accused of shooting, were discharged from the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Jackson has been charged with the attempted murders of Security Guard Errol Hinson and Veron Williams, an employee of the Lion Club which operates the Lotto Booth at Heritage Square where Hinson and Williams are said to have received gunshot injuries March 15.

Jackson is also charged with conspiring with others to rob the Booth.

When Jackson had returned to the Serious Offences Court March 26, Delpleche indicated that while Williams was discharged from the hospital, Hinson was still there in critical condition and was expected to undergo surgery.

As a result, Jackson who had first appeared in Court the previous Monday, was further remanded.

However, on his return to Court on April 3, the Prosecutor informed Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne that Hinson was discharged from the hospital, and that he had no further objections to bail. He, however, asked for a curfew and other stringent conditions.

Jackson was placed on a curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., and ordered to report to the Central Police Station three times per week.

A Preliminary Inquiry (PI) is slated for June 28.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. 5.

News

Need for foster homes/parents THE CHILD PROTECTION UNIT, within the Ministry of National Mobilisation, is facing a problem – while there has been an increase in the number of reported child abuse cases, there is a decrease in the number of foster parents and homes.

According to Jemma Alexander, Director of Child Development, while speaking at a press briefing on Monday, in 2017 there were just over 300 cases of child abuse reported — 20 percent of this was sexual; 37 percent was physical and emotional abuse, and 43 percent were reported instances of neglect.

Even more alarming, there was an increase in the number of acts of sexual abuse committed against children and, based on the data collected, 63 percent of the children abused were girls, and 53 percent of the overall instances of child abuse reported were committed against children under the age of 12, Alexander said.

She explained that the state intervenes when parents fail to provide responsible care, and will place the affected children in alternative care.

To date, she said that there were 127 children living in foster care, 34 living in kinship care — or with relatives — and 52 living in institutional care.

However, the foster care programme is facing a number of challenges.

Alexander explained that a lot of people are unwilling to foster adolescent children for fear of delinquency and violence; there is the perception that teenagers are difficult to look after; and finding foster placement for differently abled foster children is difficult.

The month of April is being celebrated as ‘Child Abuse Awareness Month’, and a number of activities aimed at getting people on board in the foster care programme is planned with the theme selected: “Every child safe, every community awake.”

Alexander explained that there will be a yearlong sensitization drive beginning this month.

“This month is not about any celebration, but is an ongoing public education campaign to encourage persons in society to acknowledge the prevalence of child abuse and provide information on how to respond and where to access service to help both victim and perpetrators,” Alexander said.

And as part of the month of activities, the child development division will be hosting a series of foster care training and recruitment drives, with the first scheduled to be held on April 27.

“Through public awareness, we hope to increase promotion and the recruitment of families to participate in foster care,” the Child Development Director said.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Nerissa Gittens-McMillan said that special attention will be paid to the issue of child sexual abuse.

The abuse of children, sexually, is a reality, and it is necessary to arm the public with information in order to make them better aware of identifying instances where children are being sexually abused, and to be able to intervene in situations where children are being

Jemma Alexander, Director of Child Development, has called for more individuals to become involved in the foster care programme.

Nerissa GittensMcMillan, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Mobilisation, said that special attention is going to be paid to the issue of child sex abuse. sexually abused.

The Permanent Secretary said that looking out for the children was an issue not just for the government, but for all.

She said too often the officials are made aware of a situation long after it has already started happening. (DD)

Missing man recovering JULIAN JACK, A FORMER Manager of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cooperative Credit Union, was recovering at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital yesterday. Jack’s admittance to the institution was for precautionary reasons after he went through an ordeal that worried loved ones and mystified the nation.

Jack was found last Wednesday at a Green House in the Central Leeward district of Peters Hope. The day before, Jack sent off alarm bells when his vehicle was found in the Peter’s Hope vicinity with the keys in the ignition.

How Jack became involved in the incident remains a matter of conjecture.

A former president of the St. Vincent

and the Grenadines Cricket Association, also a past national cricketer who opened the batting for this country, Jack is noted for his contribution to indigenous growth and productivity.

Julian Jack, former Manager of the Continued on Page 6. SVGTCCU.

V Student nurses taking advantage of system 6. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Right: Minister of Education, St Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince explained that some student nurses were exploiting the monthly stipend when they became pregnant.

THE RECEIPT OF A STIPEND has always been a privilege and not a right; however, some student nurses here have taken advantage of the policy and therefore it needed to be revised.

St Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince, Minister of Education said that as part of his response to a question posed by Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) Senator, Marcia Barnwell in Parliament last week Thursday, for the Minister to explain why registered student nurses at the Division of Nursing Education at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College will only receive half month’s salary for one year in the event of a student nurse becoming pregnant.

According to Prince, there were a lot

of misconceptions about the issue, and he went on to explain that in 2003, government made a decision to train 100 nurses a year, and that while they did not become salaried employees within the Ministry of Health, it was thought fit that they receive a monthly stipend.

In the event of a student nurse becoming pregnant, she was then required to proceed on pregnancy leave at 33 weeks, followed by four months maternity leave.

Following this leave, the student nurse was allowed to re-join the programme, and according to Prince, in order to avoid the loss of critical hours of instruction time, and to ensure that she receives the required hours of training, it

was a requirement that students re-join the group one year behind their original batch, thereby extending the training period by an additional year.

The education minister further explained that prior to 2008, there were no restrictions placed on the payment of the stipend, and there was a case where a student nurse became pregnant twice, therefore prolonging her training period to five years — all of which she received the monthly stipend.

“She argued successfully that there was no agreement that prevented her from receiving such,” Prince said.

It was because of, that it was felt that there ought to be an agreement to deal with such issues, and in January 2017, a new clause was drafted and enacted to reflect a clearer interpretation of the

original Cabinet decision regarding the monthly stipend.

There are two new clauses addressing this issue, Prince said, the first which states that students will receive a monthly stipend for a period of three years, beginning in January and ending in December; and the second — in the event of a pregnancy during training, they will proceed on pregnancy related leave at 33 weeks, at which time the stipend will be suspended.

When they re-join the programme, however, rather than leaving the new mother with no stipend during the additional year of training, they will receive half the usual stipend amount.

(DD)

Salesman picks up Lotto draw FOUNTAIN RESIDENT Alric Samuel is a salesman. As former Customs Broker, he is used to doing business. When he bought a quick pick ticket at MS Lotto Booth at Mahogany Square last Friday, he had no idea that his decision would have been worth $83,000.

When the Alric Samuel (right) receives prize from Anthony Dennie, draw was made later that Friday, Marketing Officer at the NLA. the numbers 7, 8, where he was visiting that day, he made 17, 22, and 30 turned up. Those were further inquiries and found out that he exactly the digits on Samuel’s ticket. was indeed the Jackpot winner. He did He must have had an inkling that not know then what the extent of his something was mysterious about his winnings were. purchase, because the following Matters came to a conclusion on Saturday morning he checked in at a Wednesday morning, with Samuel Lotto Booth and inquired as to the receiving his prize in Kingstown. He status of the ticket. According to him, the saleswoman informed him that “the didn’t outline any plans to spend the cash, but disclosed that he has to do machine said take the ticket to the some “repairs” and had “some bills to Lottery.” pay.” (WKA) When Samuel reached Georgetown,

Missing man recovering members when required.

In Jack’s vehicle was a Information is that pot of pelau, supposedly Jack was on his way to for members of his team. the Cumberland Playing When the vehicle was Feild last Sunday where found, and there was no his team Radcliffe was trace of Jack, an outcry scheduled to play against went up, and news reports a North Leeward team. over National Radcliffe lost the match by Broadcasting Corporation default as they failed to (NBC) last Tuesday come up with enough evening highlighted the Continued from Page 5.

missing man.

When he was found on Wednesday morning, there was a sense of relief.

The search crew included units of the Police, members of Vinlec’s Transmission and Distribution Crew, Jack’s family members, and residents of Peter’s Hope and Barrouallie.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. 7.

News

Parliament/Court building to get restorative work THE BUILDING that houses the Parliament and High Court in Kingstown is expected to undergo some renovations and restorative work.

Minister of Transport and Works Senator Julian Francis said in Parliament on April 5, that the extent of the

deterioration was evident.

“These types of buildings have a lot of hollow areas that termites live in, and to get rid of them is almost demolition and fumigation,” Francis said, adding that the discomfort being felt by

the occupants was increasing.

Water is seeping into the judge’s and master’s chambers, and there are areas in the wooden flooring that need to be replaced.

Some work was done to the building shortly after the present Unity

Labour Party (ULP) administration formed government in 2001, but according to Francis, the present facility replaced the pre-existing one back in 1798.

Francis further explained that it was the intention to maintain the

NP and NIS enter debt agreement NATIONAL The former Ju-C PROPERTIES (NP) has building in entered into an Kingstown. agreement with the National Insurance building was Services (NIS), worth purchased at EC$8.4 million, for the EC$6.325 transfer of the former million, but ‘Ju-C’ building in was not with Kingstown. funds from the According to Prime consolidated Minister Dr Ralph fund — usually Gonsalves, this is referred to as essentially repayment for ‘tax payers’ moneys borrowed by money.

National Properties from And since the state’s social security being institution as part of the purchased, there have financing arrangement been a number of rental for the construction of arrangements with a the Argyle International several tenants, Airport. including telecomHe was responding to munications company a question posed by LIME, and it was also Leader of the Opposition, used as the ‘Yes’ vote Dr Godwin Friday in headquarters during the Parliament, last week lead up to the Thursday, for an referendum in 2009. overview on the present Gonsalves explained status of the property that nothing was done following its purchase a on the site because few years ago. government was already “The price agreed has involved in the been agreed upon, and construction of two there is an outstanding properties, one being the sum owed to the NIS, Reigate building and and that would be which was sold to the deducted from the Bank of St Vincent and proceeds of the EC$8.4 the Grenadines (BoSVG). million.

He added that a “It is also expected foreign commercial bank that moneys collected had expressed an from this agreement will interest in partnering deal with the purchase of with the government for a property at the back of the construction of a the former ‘Ju-C’ four-storey building. compound,” the Prime That deal fell apart Minister said. following the 2008 He explained that the economic down-turn, and

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the financial institution indicated that it was no longer interested.

In relation to the new transfer agreement, Gonsalves said that NIS

had already indicated developmental plans for the site, and that Cabinet had given its blessing in that regard.

(DD)

original aesthetics of the original building as the National Trust has an interest in the facility.

Specialists will have to be brought in to do this type of work, he said, and it was expected that the restorative/renovation work may take up to two and a half years to complete.

This meant that the occupants of the building will have to be temporarily re-located, and Francis identified the area that housed the terminal area at the E.T Joshua Airport and the Lyric Building in

Minister of Transport and Works Senator Julian Francis said that the time had come for the building which houses Parliament and the High Court to receive some muchneeded work.

Kingstown were being looked at.

“We believe that the E.T Joshua terminal building may be more sound,” the Minister of Works said, but a report on the structural soundness of the Lyric building was expected to be presented by the end of this week. (DD)

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8. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. 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

Sporting success highlights need for investment and support THE SPORTSMEN AND WOMEN of St Vincent and the Grenadines, our athletes and swimmers in particular, have enjoyed almost unprecedented publicity over the past couple weeks, after being catapulted into the regional and global spotlights. Our young stars of the track and pool have risen to the occasion winning for their country gold for the first time in events, both at the Junior CARIFTA Games in the Bahamas and the CARIFTA Swimming Championships in Jamaica. In addition, some of our athletes at the Commonwealth Games in Australia, have put in creditable performances, achieving personal-best times.

Our heartiest congratulations go out to these sons and daughters who have made their country proud, but also to their dedicated coaches, trainers and support staff, as well as the administrators who facilitated their participation, and all those who contributed in one way or another to their success. They have created a ‘feel-good’ factor in the nation, always a positive contributor to nation-building.

The performances of these athletes and swimmers have had the effect of highlighting our greatly untapped potential in sport, but also exposing our many limitations. It has in turn sparked much national debate on these limitations and possibilities, with our politicians, on both sides of the political fence, not missing the moment. It can prove to be a big fillip for sport if this national discourse takes a positive shape and leads to renewed interest and investment in sport.

The reality is that our young sportsmen and women have demonstrated the latent potential among our youth, the same youth that we are so willing to brand in a negative light and virtually write off as agents of progress. How much more of that untapped potential resides among others, as yet undiscovered, and what can, and must, be done to fully develop and utilize it?

The golden performances have at the same time raised the question, “What if?” This relates to the grave limitations in terms of resources and support available. What if our

athletes had a proper track on which to train and compete locally? What if we had a National Stadium, long promised but not delivered? What if requisite resources and support were made available - coaching, medical staff, financial support, more efficient administration?

These are valid questions which prompt the need for urgent action to address our deficiencies and exploit our full potential. We have a great example in neighbouring Grenada, of what an enabling environment can do for sport, for the youth, for country, national pride and development. We too are capable of rising to new heights if we implement the correct measures.

There is certainly merit in the argument for the provision of adequate infrastructure and support.

Sport is not just fun and games, it is an integral element of national development, and must be treated as such. Investment in our young sports stars and in facilities, is investment in the future of our country, as important as investment in other fields, and capable of realising huge economic and social benefits. It certainly must be placed firmly among national priorities, not just in words but in deeds.

There are many who continue to argue for a serious effort to construct a National Stadium, long identified, but even longer in coming. It is true that the past decade has been rough economically for small countries like ours; but even before that, the effort and resources spent on the apparently abandoned Cross-country road were never dedicated to the building of a Stadium or even an international-level track.

We must use the moment for serious discussion on the way forward for sports and the resources necessary to do this. In so doing, it is important that we put aside partisan political interests or the ambitions of those who would use sport to further their personal agendas and ambitions. The performances of our athletes and swimmers, and cricketers like Kesrick Williams who has achieved international fame, give us a platform on which to build.

Let us not squander the opportunity!

The continuing political skirmish: 50 years ago (Part 2) Continued from the issue of March 30th, 2018.

SUCH POLICY HAS ADVERSELY AFFECTED the Public Service whose Commission, like other statutory bodies, is usually an instrument of the party in power. The real problem crops up when the change in Government and the life of these bodies are staggered. Then the system bucks, as the SMO crisis shows, for a new party in power finds itself saddled with a Trojan Horse of the outgoing party. In any event, for reasons of social class, it is a political truism in present day St. Vincent, that whichever party rules the country, a Labour Party Civil Service administers it.

The EFP believes that this situation is only a passing phase, as the breakdown in social barriers between the parties will eventually affect the Civil Service itself.

Further, it is only a matter of time before the bureaucrats get the message that the politicians are entitled and intend to rule as well as reign.

So far so good, but there are other civil service problems which are likely to remain with us for a very long time, unless we overhaul the system. For example, it is well nigh impossible for a strictly professional and independent Service to emerge in the circumstances of our sweaty state of party politics.

The island is simply too small for the tip brackets of the Service to remain anonymous and not identifiable with the ruling group. This in turn may well be the kiss of death so far as the alternative Government Information is concerned. A stop-gap measure may be found in ending the hypocrisy by making a few selected jobs, say, Secretary to the Cabinet, Government Information Officer, and Chairman of the Development Corporation formally political, with their holders subject to change on the fall of a particular Government. Of course, there would be no such problem if a one Party System emerged in St. Vincent.

In such a system, too, there will be

no formal opposition bent on using the Civil Service to undermine the Government, nor inciting its trade union support to harass the Ministries.

We have seen these methods developed into a fine art by the Labour Party in Opposition in St Vincent. We have seen that party exploit to the full its relationships with certain middle class bodies in order to have its way during the Statehood Crisis 1966-1969. Above all, we have stood transfixed as we witness the appalling scene of Opposition politicians of both parties painting a most disquieting picture of the State in order to scare off investors, stop aid, and generally run down the economy to their own selfish aims.

We indict our two party system on the following Counts: it disrupts the society and acts as a generally divisive force; it causes a tremendous waste of our scarce intellectual resources - about half of the State’s intelligent people are not allowed to make a positive contribution when “the other side” is in power; it entrenches conservatism, with both parties being afraid that the other will awaken the cat if the one attempts to bell it; the smallness of the society and the lack of issues lead to the introduction of the personality factor as the basis of political argument; the attitudes generated in a small, poor country dictate that Ministers will for the nuances of the game; the similarity of the parties, size of the legislature, and the stark contrast between the glories of office and wilderness of opposition, ensure that the days of “Crossing the floor” are far over; the grinding poverty of the bulk of the people encourages the recourse to patronage and, sometimes, victimisation.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. 9.

Letters

17 years celebrated as a success fraud and not failure ON THE 8TH APRIL, 2018, thousands of Vincentians who are bored and hoping to get free food attended what was supposed to be a celebration of the nation’s longest serving Prime Minister. The Party presented an attraction to many Vincentians who told British war veteran, GNR Kadmiel Mc Fee with 3 medals, 1 clasp, and red ribbon, that they are fully aware the ULP regime is celebrating 17 years of incompetent governance.

Fidel Castro served 52 years as leader of Cuba.

Today, from his grave, Castro can celebrate 52 years of competent governance, which kept the pace with other developing Latin American countries.

Castro health system was effective. In fact, his health system was well above its regional rivals, and was able to surpass the United States of America in life

expectancy. Whilst SVG is still attaining basic pain killers for patients, it was a daily routine as Castro did much for the Cuban literacy rate.

Cubans’ literacy rate is as good as any developing country.

PM Gonsalves continues to talk of the Education Revolution

and has not yet built a University. Under Fidel Castro, Cubans unemployment rate was very low, and the country remained out of recession. SVG unemployment is over 65 percent, and the nation’s economic ‘begging bowl bottom’ has fallen out.

This writer is calling

for permanent election observers to all polling stations, and metal sealed ballot boxes for SVG upcoming general elections, as the economy does not reflect a need for celebrating 17 years of the nation’s longest serving Prime Minister. I know Vincentians have acknowledged enough to

vote, yet despite 17 years of incompetence, the ULP regime remains in power. So what is wrong in the mathematics?

Could it be 17 years in office a fraud? And what can SVG truly celebrate today as a success after 17 years of ULP? Kadmiel Mc Fee

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10. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Development in Canouan

Introduction THE GRENADINE island of Canouan is easily the consumer of much of the development monies earned by the ULP administration during its seventeen years in office. As a government in office, Canouan has been the focus of a lot of attention by the ULP, and there have been tremendous development projects, which have provided employment. Canouan, which is located with Union Island in the constituency of the Southern Grenadines, has been a bastion of the opposition NDP for many years.

Despite this, Canouan has been abandoned by the NDP between the period 1984 and 2001. When the ULP arrived in office in 2001, it met the island in need of some of the basic infrastructure, thanks to the negligence of the NDP. For example, the police station in Canouan had to be abandoned because of the inhumane conditions which existed for our hard-working police officers.

There is a new administrative building which houses all the agencies of government in one complex. So, the offices of customs, the post office, immigration, the magistrate court and the port authority are located in one ultra modern building.

Canouan has been the centre for employment for many of the country’s artisans. Many masons, carpenters, plumbers and electricians have found meaningful employment on that Grenadine island, thanks to the many projects negotiated by the government and well-meaning investors. Canouan boasts a well-used jet- port. Canouan is also the site of one of the top hotels in the Caribbean, the Pink Sands Resort. Not to be left out, Canouan also has one of the leading marinas in the Caribbean, a venue for medium size to large luxury yachts.

Despite all this the representative for the Southern Grenadines, Terrence Ollivierre, persists in a campaign of criticism, trying to seek some relevance in the current scheme of things. His latest attack using the situation related to the wharf in Canouan will backfire, since it is the NDP which built an under engineered wharf in 1990.

The New Wharf On the 05th March, 2018 severe wave action associated with a north eastern storm resulted in a number of jetties being damaged across the island. On the 07th March, 2018, a team led by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority with technical support from senior personnel from the Ministry of Transport and Works visited Canouan and Mayreau to assess the damage.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority had two assessments done on the temporary pier in the last three (3) months, one by the internal Engineering Department and another by an independent engineering company.

Both reports indicated the structural integrity of the pier is sound for continued use while suggesting some minor repairs. Prior to the wave action, plans were already in place to perform these works to extend the life of the jetty.

Vessels are now using the pier that was initially built with the support of the Venezuelan Government. This pier is structurally sound, however an

extension that was built under the former administration was determined to have been underengineered, resulting in the rapid deterioration of this segment. This segment was removed.

Work carried out since the wave action on the old jetty includes the installation of adequate lighting, removal of debris, removal of damaged segments of the old pier.

Ongoing works include the installation of fenders and additional bollards to increase the safety level of operating on the jetty. Load limits have been given to the vessel owners and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard is working with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority to monitor the situation.

The cost of remedial work is $30,360.00. The temporary jetty would be retrofitted in the near future to accommodate the landing of barges; this would reduce the workload of the older piers while maximising the usage of the piers. Work is scheduled to start on the 03rd April, 2018 and continue for ten (10) days.

Plans for the construction of a proper wharf at Canouan are being finalized. Correspondence from the Legal Counsel representing the Developers on Canouan dated 11th March, 2018, signaled the commitment to commence construction to replace the existing wharf. Advance work was undertaken with respect to the Environmental Impact Assessment of the area earmarked for the construction of the New Facility.

The Chief Surveyor in correspondence dated 20th March, 2018 granted a no- objection to the reclamation of 10 acres of lands for the construction of the Industrial Jetty. An application is presently before the Quarry Board to operate a quarry at Kate’s Hill, Canouan, which will provide a landfill for the Project. The lowering of Kate’s Hill will further enhance the operation/safety of the Canouan Jet Airport, and the Airports Authority is in full support of this initiative.

The Project was approved by the Planning Board in 2014. CRD Holdings Ltd has submitted an application to carry out engineering works (land reclamation) on 23/06/2014. The application was approved on 30th December, 2014, and an EIA has already been adopted as a precondition to Planning approval.

The site to be developed is located in the Taffia landfill area, at the south of the island. The new area is to be created by reclamation in Nens Bay and construction within the Taffia disposal area. The site is bounded at the southern end by the airport runway and by the Taffia Hill.

Once the approval is granted by the Quarry Board, contractual arrangements to commence construction will be finalised.

All this is being done, while the parliamentary representative for the Southern Grenadines, Terrence Ollivierre, continues to sleep on the job.

17 wasted years under the ULP regime ON MARCH 28th 2018, the Unity Labour Party (ULP) regime celebrated seventeen years in power. It has been seventeen years of economic decline; seventeen years of economic hardship, seventeen years of broken promises; seventeen years of victimization, corruption and nepotism. No wonder its celebration rally at Calliaqua was poorly attended because the ULP regime has failed Vincentians.

In its 2001 manifesto, the ULP outlined ten (10) policies, among them: making job creation, especially quality jobs and sustainable economic development our main priority; being tough on crime and the causes of crime; moving resolutely against corruption in government; deepening political democracy, strengthening individuals rights and freedoms, and upholding the law and the constitution; modernizing and reforming government to better and more efficiently deliver all the services provided by the government; and developing as never before in our country, sports, culture and the arts.

After seventeen years, which one of those policies has been implemented?

Furthermore, Vincentians are still waiting on the 1500 jobs that were promised in the first year of the ULP’s government. Thousands of young people are home, unemployed after graduating secondary schools, colleges and universities, and they are often referred to as lazy by members of the ULP. But, where are the jobs? The ULP has failed miserably in creating jobs. Our country is grappling with a high rate of unemployment, particularly among our young people.

As a matter of fact, unemployment is worse when compared to 2001; the very year the ULP gained power.

According to the 2017 IMF report, “The overall unemployment rate was 25 percent and reached around 46 percent among the youth (15-24 years of age). Unemployment was 20.9 and 21.5 percent in 2001 and 2012, respectively.

Sports development remains a burning issue for most Vincentians, and the ULP regime appears clueless about its development. This is what the ULP said in its 2001 manifesto on sports, “The Unity Labour Party regards sports, culture and the arts as vital to individual and national development. The ULP is deeply committed to the advancement of sports and sportsmen/women, of culture and cultural artistes, of arts and writers or performers of works of the creative imagination in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.” It further stated that they would have built a National Stadium and a Creative Arts Centre. Today, Vincentians are still waiting for the National Stadium and Creative Arts Centre. Our athletes continue to compete on grass, while our artistes are without a home. However, our athletes should be commended for their recent performances in the just concluded CARIFTA GAMES. Moreover, violent crime is another critical issue that has been confronting Vincentians under the ULP government. In 2016, St. Vincent and the Grenadines recorded forty (40) homicides which to most Vincentians was alarming. It was a record-breaking year of homicides. In 2017, we had the distinction of breaking that record and setting a new mark of forty-two (42) homicides.

Undoubtedly, a sense of lawlessness pervades the land. The country

appears, to be ungovernable. We recall that the same people who are in government today and appear impotent in the face of the rising tide of crime and violence, when they were in opposition, blamed the Prime Minister, Sir James Mitchell and then Commissioner of Police, Randolph Toussaint, for all the crime in the country. Murders, drug trafficking, burglaries, you name it; it was Mitchell’s and Toussaint’s fault. Who must take responsibility now? Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, as Prime Minister and Minister of National Security must bear responsibility for the situation in the country. As Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, he has permitted the situation to get out of hand, and evidently can no longer control it.

Also, the ULP is viewed by many as the most corrupt to govern St. Vincent and the Grenadines since conquest and settlement. They have failed to adopt the principles of good governance. Over the years, there have been allegations of corruptions in a number of government ministries.

Further, the alarming lack of accountability in the use of public resources more so at the International Airport Development Company, Petro Caribe and PDV SVG Ltd. The nation is yet to receive an appropriate and responsible response from the then Minister of Finance to these concerns.

Calls have been made repeatedly for the adherence to basic constitutional requirements for accounting of public monies through the channel of parliament. However, to date, no audited accounts in relation to the construction of the Argyle International Airport have been presented to the parliament. We hope that the new Minister of Finance will settle this issue. Moreover, the essential functioning of the Director of Audit to prepare the Annual Report on the public accounts of this country remains unfulfilled.

In addition, we have seen the demise of the agricultural sector.

Health care is at its lowest; the standard of living for most Vincentians has declined tremendously; cost of living has skyrocketed; it’s tax and more tax; VAT has been introduced; the roads are in the worst state ever; an education system plagued with problems. And an ailing economy characterized with negative growth, deficit budgets and a high debt to GDP ratio.

The ULP was critical of the NDP during its tenure in office from 1984 to 2001. As a result, in its manifesto of 2001, the ULP claimed that the NDP was tired, worn out, corrupt and bankrupt of ideas. That was far from the truth. The NDP was forced out of office during a ‘Road Block Revolution’ by a bunch of power-hungry politicians. Today, after seventeen years in power, we can truly say that the ULP is tired, worn out, corrupt and bankrupt of ideas. It is out of touch with the people. It has been seventeen wasted years. There isn’t anything to ‘smile about’ under the ULP regime. The NDP will make St. Vincent and the Grenadines work for all of us.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. 11.

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The Caribbean’s Brightest Stars MLK was one giant of a man

“The OECS Education Strategy is committed to gender equality. The promotion of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is an important element in the education formation of young Caribbean women.”

Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

It is always considered a great honour to interact with young Caribbean nationals. Over the years, many teachers and librarians have invited me to share insights with their wards, in relation to what is required to have them excel as they pursue their studies and/or prepare for the world of work. Some time ago, I was conversing with a group of young persons and sought to encourage them to “reach for the stars” by indicating that “the sky is the limit”, a common expression reminding us that there is no limit to their ambitions, aspirations, and so on. However, one bright young girl in the group was quite polite as she reminded me that this old expression was too limiting. As she pointed out, “We can now reach beyond the sky”.

How encouraging! How inspirational!

We can make the impossible possible with God’s help.

Over the last three (3) weeks, the In Touch column in The Vincentian newspaper highlighted many accomplished female Caribbean scientists. I was tremendously blessed by the number of readers (most of them female) who contacted me via e-mail to indicate how much they appreciated the bio-sketches provided. Many indicated that they were previously unaware that our Caribbean women had blazed such a trail in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. They were encouraged.

They were inspired. They were energized to become more involved in disseminating information aimed at further encouraging their girls to pursue careers in these and other fields that may have previously been considered “out of their reach” because of their gender. They will no longer be satisfied to accept the mental barriers that others have placed on successive generations.

They know that such limitations as gender, ethnicity, nationality, and the like are often created and maintained by the way we are socialised. It is now time to emancipate these young minds from the mental slavery that unfairly held them back, retarding their personal development and our societal progress. Last week’s publication was expected to “bring the curtains down” on the series. Alas, that was not to be. We needed to end the series by also considering some of the initiatives that exist to fuel the imagination of our wards (especially our girls) to encourage them to “reach beyond the sky”.

Part 2 of the article entitled “Caribbean Women in Science and Technology”, published in The Vincentian newspaper on 29th March, featured the outstanding accomplishments of Dr. Camille Alleyne. This Trinidadian scientist is employed in NASA’s Space Program, and seeks to give back to society by encouraging young persons (especially girls) to pursue their noble passions.

She is especially interested in encouraging Caribbean and African youths to consider the opportunities afforded in the field of science.

Dr. Camille Alleyne founded the Brightest Stars Foundation in 2007.

Its mandate was to educate, empower, and inspire young women

in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Since then, this nongovernmental organisation has inspired and empowered over 3,000 globally. This initiative has been endorsed by Dr. Didacus Jules, the Director General at the OECS. He sees this as providing a tremendous amount of support to the OECS Education Strategy, an initiative that is committed to gender equality and the promotion of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Dr. Alleyene launched her 10,000 Girls Tour in Trinidad and Tobago on 15th March 2017. This was accommodated under the RBC Caribbean Limited’s Young Leaders Programme. Over 350 girls from across Trinidad and Tobago participated in the programme. It is anticipated that this most worthy initiative would continue to encourage our youth (and especially our girls) to pursue careers in STEM. However, the influence goes beyond the sciences; it beckons our education administrators and the private sector to partner in an effort to provide enhanced facilities and equipment in an effort to broaden our students’ knowledge base. This is imperative as we seek to ensure that our wards receive challenging education that will prepare them to excel at their choice professions. They have the ability to accomplish so much more.

We have a responsibility and a privilege to provide them with the tools and equipment to do so.

Our Caribbean society must take a multi-pronged approach to the task of encouraging our girls to pursue careers in science. Parents, guardians, education administrators, Members of Parliament, and leaders in business, all have roles to play in sensitizing all of our citizens that such subject areas are not gender specific. The preschools, primary schools, and secondary schools must lay foundations that reinforce the fact that such opportunities for the acquisition of knowledge invite and embrace all students, male and female. Equal opportunities and encouragement must be provided.

The tertiary level institutions have a special role to play in stimulating and sustaining the STEM initiative and innovation also. It is commendable that the Faculty of Science and Technology at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies has launched the Women in Technology Network (WTN). Its focus is largely to encourage female students (and the population at large) to see science and technology as viable career options. The faculty has encouraged links between female students and female professionals in the STEM field in an effort to create opportunities for mentoring. In addition, the WTN continues to focus on taking STEM beyond the confines of the university. To this end, they have embarked on initiatives such as having a Girls in ICT Day to remind citizens that females have made significant contributions to the sciences. Indeed, as highlighted in this series of articles, many are now listed among the Caribbean’s brightest stars.

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

WEDNESDAY APRIL 4, 2018 marked 50 years since Dr Martin Luther King was assassinated. The following essay written

by Dr Cornel West is especially relevant for us in SVG. “In this brief celebratory moment of King’s life and death we should be highly suspicious of those who sing his praises yet refuse to pay the cost of embodying King’s strong indictment of the US empire, capitalism and racism in their own lives.

The major threat of Dr Martin Luther King Jr to us is a spiritual and moral one. King’s courageous and compassionate example shatters the dominant neoliberal soul-craft of smartness, money and bombs. His grand fight against poverty, militarism, materialism and racism undercuts the superficial lip service and pretentious posturing of so-called progressives as well as the candid contempt and proud prejudices of genuine reactionaries. King was neither perfect nor pure in his prophetic witness, but he was the real thing in sharp contrast to the marketdriven images of our day.

We now expect the depressing spectacle every January of King’s “fans” giving us the sanitized versions of his life. We now come to the 50th anniversary of his assassination, and we once again are met with sterilized versions of his legacy. A radical man deeply hated and held in contempt is recast as if he was a universally loved moderate.

These revisionists thrive on the spectacle of their smartness and the visibility of their mainstream status — yet rarely, if ever, have they said a mumbling word about what would have concerned King, such as US drone strikes, house raids, and torture sites, or raised their voices about escalating inequality, poverty or Wall Street domination under neoliberal administrations — be the president white or black.

The police killing of an innocent young black man in America may stir them, but the imperial massacres in Yemen, Libya or Gaza leave them cold.

Why? Because so many of King’s “fans” are afraid. Yet one of King’s favorite sayings was “I would rather be dead than afraid.” Why are they afraid?

Because they fear for their careers in and acceptance by the neoliberal establishment. Yet King said angrily: “What you’re saying may get you a foundation grant, but it won’t get you into the Kingdom of Truth.”

The neoliberal soul craft of our day shuns integrity, honesty and courage, and rewards venality, hypocrisy and cowardice. To be successful is to forge a non-threatening image, sustain one’s brand, expand one’s pecuniary network — and maintain a distance from critiques of Wall Street, neoliberal leaders and especially the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands and peoples.

King said angrily, ‘What you’re saying may get you a foundation grant, but it won’t get you into the Kingdom of Truth’. Martin Luther King Jr turned away from popularity in his quest for spiritual and moral greatness — a greatness measured by what he was willing to give up and sacrifice due to his deep love of everyday people, especially vulnerable and precious black people. Neoliberal soul craft avoids risk and evades the cost of prophetic witness, even as it poses as “progressive”.

The killing of Martin Luther King Jr was the ultimate result of the fusion of ugly white supremacist elites in the US government and citizenry and cowardly liberal careerists who feared King’s radical moves against empire, capitalism and white supremacy. If King were alive today, his words and witness against drone strikes,

invasions, occupations, police murders, caste in Asia, Roma oppression in Europe, as well as capitalist wealth inequality and poverty, would threaten most of those who now sing his praises.

As he rightly predicted: “I am nevertheless greatly saddened … that the inquirers have not really known me, my commitment or my calling.”

If we really want to know King in all of his fallible prophetic witness, we must shed any neoliberal soul craft and take seriously — in our words and deeds — his critiques and resistances to US empire, capitalism and xenophobia.

Needless to say, his relentless condemnation of Trump’s escalating neo-fascist rule would be unequivocal — but not to be viewed as an excuse to downplay some of the repressive continuities of the two Bush, Clinton and Obama administrations.

In fact, in a low moment, when the American nightmare crushed his dream, King noted: “I don’t have any faith in the whites in power responding in the right way … they’ll treat us like they did our Japanese brothers and sisters in World War II. They’ll throw us into concentration camps. The sick people and the fascists will be strengthened. They’ll cordon off the ghetto and issue passes for us to get in and out.”

These words may sound like those of Malcolm X, but they are those of Martin Luther King Jr — with undeniable relevance to the neo-fascist stirrings in our day.

King’s last sermon was entitled Why America May Go to Hell. His personal loneliness and political isolation loomed large. J Edgar Hoover said he was “the most dangerous man in America”. President Johnson called him “a nigger preacher”. Fellow Christian ministers, white and black, closed their pulpits to him. Young revolutionaries dismissed and tried to humiliate him with walkouts, booing and heckling. Life magazine — echoing Time magazine, the New York Times, and the Washington Post trashed King’s anti-war stance as “demagogic slander that sounded like a script for Radio Hanoi”.

And the leading black journalist of the day, Carl Rowan, wrote in the Reader’s Digest that King’s “exaggerated appraisal of his own selfimportance” and the communist influence on his thinking made King “persona non-grata to Lyndon Johnson” and “has alienated many of the Negro’s friends and armed the Negro’s foes”.

One of the last and true friends of King, the great Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel prophetically said: “The whole future of America will depend upon the impact and influence of Dr King.”

When King was murdered, something died in many of us. The bullets sucked some of the free and democratic spirit out of the US experiment. The next day, over 100 American cities and towns were in flames — the fire this time had arrived again!

Today, 50 years later, the US imperial meltdown deepens. And King’s radical legacy remains primarily among the awakening youth and militant citizens who choose to be extremists of love, justice, courage and freedom, even if our chances to win are that of a snowball in hell! This kind of unstoppable King-like extremism is a threat to every status quo”!

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

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12. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

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Poor-quality education, lowskilled and cheap labour bad for economic development THE FOCUS by the ULP regime on poorquality education and low-skilled and cheap labour for economic development in SVG, is very bad and highly counterproductive.

Since 2001, the ULP regime has used this strategy for economic development. One only needs to look around the country to see that this has caused extensive poverty, crime, hunger, destitution and a massive amount of squalor.

The problem is that the wages lowskilled and cheap labourers receive are not enough to support their families, and this leads to increased poverty, crime, hunger and destitution. It also leads to poorer education as parents cannot afford the costs associated with sending a child to school.

In the long run, this strategy of the ULP regime will make SVG poorer and weaker than Bangladesh and Haiti. SVG already has the fourth highest murder rate per capita in the world, and is heavily in debt; we do not want things to get worse.

This ‘poor-quality education and low-skilled and cheap labour’ focus is also wrongly based on the assumption that white, migrant foreigners should be the employers and the local indigenous black population should be the employees.

This is bad, as it means the white, migrant foreigners get richer and the local indigenous black population are kept poor and in servitude. It perpetuates generational poverty in SVG. In SVG, we need to get away from the ULP regime’s strategy of poorquality education and low-skilled and cheap labour, which is making our country poorer, and focus on a model of economic development that is based on free, high-quality education, highpaid jobs and high foreign investment, as seen in Singapore, Germany, Malaysia and other countries with a high standard of living.

This change would make our country and people richer. It would end generational poverty and stop the

wealth of SVG going to white, migrant foreigners. We are losing our country to white, migrant foreigners. There is no need for them to be the employers all the time, and for the local black population to be serving them to the end of time.

Our own people can be employers, and our own people can run businesses. A good education would help this to be possible.

Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal lived in Singapore from 1963 to 1965 and saw first-hand the power of free, highquality education. Singapore uses a high-quality education and highlyskilled worker model, and has become a World Bank success story.

Singapore has the highest average wages in the world and one of the highest standards of living in the world. We can build a very strong and sustainable economy by adopting Singapore’s economic strategy.

According to the Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, who has an MSc degree in

Macro-Economic Policy and Planning in Developing Countries from Bradford University, England, SVG should build its own Science and Technology University and adopt the Singapore path to economic development.

The ULP regime’s strategy of ‘poorquality education and low-skilled and cheap labour’ is bad. SVG needs change.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org https://twitter.com/svggreenparty https://www.facebook.com/SVGGreen-Party-154937087877631/

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. 13.

Feature

Graham confident

Miss Metrocint Insurance strikes a pose with Desiree Richards, Managing Director (centre) and members of staff during her visit on Wednesday.

TWENTY-YEAR-OLD NAZIRA Graham is determined to bring home the crown to her sponsors, Metrocint General Insurance Company Limited.

Graham, a resident of Edinboro, is among the seven selected to vie for the 2018 Miss SVG crown scheduled to place on June 2 at the Victoria Park.

She sat in for an interview while making her rounds to the offices of Metrocint General Insurance last Wednesday as part of a planned list of activities for the contestants leading up to the show.

This, added to the long hours she said that she has had to put in while

prepping herself for the big night.

The days are long, she said — sometimes she puts in as much as 12 hours, in preparation, to ensure she delivers a good performance.

“It has been a life-changing journey,” she said.

And it was a bit difficult in the beginning, she added.

Preparations are coming along well, but still needs a bit of tweaking.

Graham admitted that she is paying special attention to the impromptu segment, for it can be difficult putting a logical response to a question posed and being able to do so in quick time — and having to deal with the crowd.

Her experience as a model — already comfortable with stage presentations — and her participation and placing second runner up in the 2011 Miss SJCK (St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, her alma mater), she is confident that she is a top contender for the crown.

Graham said that her selection for this year’s pageant is fulfilling one of her dreams.

And it is more than etching her name in the history books, or the opportunity of a scholarship, but as a way to motivate herself.

She was careful not to give too much away but promises the patrons on the Miss SVG Contestant Nazira Graham, sponsored by Metrocint General night a creditable performance.

Insurance Company Limited.

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14. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Grace Walters (right) with L-R:Jeneph Cruickshank, Gwenneth Duncan, Monique Bailey and Keith Boyea.

Timely intervention

GRACE WALTERS is in no doubt about the timeliness of a donation to her institution last Friday. “It came at a point where we are in need. All the items can be readily disbursed.”

Walters is Administrator at the Milton Cato Memorial

Hospital. She was responding to the generosity which included Digital Pulse Oximeter, cotton rolls, cotton balls, suction tubing, latex finger cots, swab sticks, seal tight shower patches, adhesive wrap bandages, betadine pints, and mask boxes.

Walters gave the assurance that the items will be stored in a secure location. She outlined that that was “no concern that these items will be removed without permission.”

The gifts came through the initiative of a team dubbed MRI: made of individuals who have assumed the responsibility of taking care of that piece of equipment handed over to the MCMH through the National Insurance Services and the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

That body comprises Derry Williams, Ossy Davy, Joel Providence, Lennox Bowman, Andre Iton, Keith Boyea and Dionne Harry George.

According to Boyea, their objective is “to assist with the continuous improvement of the health sector.”

It is within that vein that the donation was

made to the hospital.

Other contributions have seen up to $105,663.73 released by the MRI contingent to places like the Lewis Punnett Home, Mental Health Centre, National Parks Authority, National Society of and for the Blind, and Special Olympics Association as well as to civic groups and individuals seeking medical assistance.

They raise their money from a series of activities, one of which is a ‘Carnival Escape’ held over the last nine years.

This started at Boyea’s residence, and has been taken to the Balcombe’s residence at Indian Bay. It caters for mature adults, and has become a feature of the festivities.

Boyea noted that the affair has been expanding. “All the money goes to charity,” Boyea outlined.

Richardson, Senior Nursing Officer (Acting) at the MCMH, admitted that the items received last Friday are “very useful. We will make the best use of them,” she outlined.

Richardson threw out an appeal to more donors, and quipped: “They need to continue.”

(WKJ)

Pan fortunes fortified THIS YEAR MARKS a milestone for the Youlou Pan Movement (YPM). They are 40, and to highlight the event, the YPM is handing over a $40,000 first prize to the Panorama Champions.

President Oneka Morgan made the disclosure on Tuesday.

The president promised a “Pantastaic Vincy Mas for 2018”, and predicted that the “friendly rivalry will intensify.”

A series of activities kicks off Sunday with WE FM and Star Radio link for the ‘Issues at Hand’ programme.

Pan enthusiasts can take in their favourite music in the atmosphere of Russell’s Auditorium at 10 am and 7 pm Tuesday April 17.

An Open Forum at the Peace Memorial Hall is scheduled for Thursday 19. Activities heighten at the Treasury Parking Lot, and Heritage Square, with a climax at the Calliaqua Hardcourt over Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

A ‘Pan on Air campaign’ expands the cultural crusade. An awards and recognition ceremony is carded for August. Pan rides a crest of revival sparked by the initiation of the ‘Pan against Crime’ objective. This measure has broadened the reservoir, as reflected in the number of bands that are unfolding. Some schools have maintained their posture as Pan inclined institutions. Communities are also identifying with their area bands, and the competition at the Senior level has subconsciously permeated the Juniors, more so at the Community level.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. 15.

Carnival

Mas Bands will Ignyte you IT MAY BE some time off.

But as far as the Carnival Bands Association is concerned, May 26 is a date that Vincentian Mas lovers and those with an eye for creativity will be keen about.

Juanita Alexander, representing the Carnival Bands Association, described Ignyte as the “signature” event for 2018. She added “It will set in motion the intense competitive spirit of masquerade producers, as the Bands vie for the premier Band of the Year title at Mardi Gras.”

The lull in the period before the Mas showdown will provide

the time for secondary school students from forms one to three to complete their copies for a design competition on the theme ‘Climate Change’.

Hugh Ragguette from the Carnival Bands Association describes the competition as aimed at “stimulating creativity.”

Judges will be looking at creativity, balance of colour, relation of colour to the theme, and presentation.

Students have until April 20 to send in their copies.

Alexander listed “emphasis on education for children and youth” as part of the CBA’s

projection.

Alexander added that the Association will be making greater use of technology in promoting and marketing the masquerade art form.

“This will serve to establish our strategy of providing something to see, something to sell, something to experience in our traditional, creative and party costumes,” Alexander stated.

Fifteen bands are slated for this year’s parade. Defending champion SVG Players International Mas Band presents: ‘Legends of Soca Monarch.’

PB Lynx Mas Band

L-R: Minister of Sports and Culture, Cecil McKie, Oneka Morgan, Juanita Alexander, Elsworth Roberts and LaFerne Fraser. brings ‘Devastation,’ while Nelson Bloc is taking a ‘Journey through Africa.’ Xtreme Fanatics is “Moving on up.’ High Voltage Mas Productions is living it up on ‘Exotic Beaches,’ while Tribes Mas Band will be looking at ‘Sunrise to Sunset.’

Owen Ralph and the Professionals has

perhaps heard what ‘Old people say,’ and BMC Agencies Magic 103.7 Blondie Bird and Friends has a ‘Phobia.’

‘A toast to Vincy Mas’ is what Beautex International, led by Pearl Williams, will be depicting.

Melbourne Artisans portrays ‘Dedicated memories,’ and Oxygen

Calypso taking front stage AS SOON AS April 27, cultural lovers will be exposed to elements of the 2018 calypso season. The Up Stage Experience launches its cast with a session at the Calliaqua Hard Court.

Reigning Calypso Monarch Lornette ‘Empress’ Nedd, is in that line up, and so is the man whom she dethroned, Zamfir ‘Zangie’ Adams.

President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Calypsonians’ Association Earl Bennett noted the quest for the monarchy at the Tent level. He President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Calypsonians’ Association Earl Bennett (right) in conversation with Stephen Joachim at the launch.

assured the gathering at Tuesday’s launch that other Tents were “yapping at Upstage Experience” for the crown.

Bennet made it clear that his Association was “all embracing,” hence there is no distinction including Ragga, and Soca.

Preliminary judging begins June 9 in New York with Dynamites Calypso Tent. Graduates’ is on the 12, Upstage Experience 13, and On Tour 14 complete that routine.

That will set the foundation for Fantastic Friday, June 29.

A Junior Calypso caravan is slated for Layou May 12, Sandy Bay May 26, and E.T Joshua Tarmac June 9.

The Ragga and Soca Semis are

More opportunity; more growth TOURISM, Sports and Culture Minister Cecil McKie is under no illusions as to what is happening with the opening of the Argyle International Airport.

For starters, more persons came last year than previously, as a result of the improved air

access. The figures will increase this year as direct flights from Toronto and New York have been established.

McKie anticipates the network will widen to Miami, and he expressed hopes about sealing a London connection.

“The stage is set. The

framework is there,” McKie stated at last Tuesday’s media launch.

He commended the Band Showcase which he contends has added to the pool of musicians.

McKie took an inclusive look at the Carnival Development Corporation and mused: “We have to step up our game.” He urged the CDC to review what they have been doing and “recognise what has been working for you.”

McKie pointed to the need to “grow the economy.”

While Vincy Mas is launched in Kingstown

May 5, a similar promotion will be taking place in New York.

McKie sees that as a chance for more people in the diaspora to keep up with home. The platform will be laid for more international media attention, which McKie sees as a time to “sell the Vincy Mas product.”

Minister of Sports and Culture Cecil Mc Kie (R) receiving gift of appreciation from Chairman of the Carnival Development Corporation Rickie Adams.

Mas SVG takes a look at ‘The Beauty above.’

Leeward International, based in the Central Leeward Town of Layou, presents ‘Sail AhoyTribute to Sheggie John.’

Adrenalin Carnival presents: ‘Peccatum,’ with Imagination Mas Band: ‘In time to come’ and Mirage Productions; ‘With Flying colours.’

(Stories by WKA)

June 23 at the E.T. Joshua.

The Queen of Calypso Competition is carded for June 8 at the Russell’s auditorium.

An Extempo Competition is being “explored.” President Bennett thanked Flow for $5,000 for use of the Russell’s auditorium.

He paid tribute to Olsen ‘Caribbean Pete’ Peters. A four-time monarch, Pete was royalty from the use of the microphone, majestic in musical accompaniment on trumpet, and a foremost calypso arranger.

Bennett praise Stephen Joachim for his contribution to calypso. He commended Stephen’s son Alex as this country’s Most Decorated Athlete in a single outing. Alex won Gold, silver and bronze in the recently concluded CARIFTA Games Swimming in Jamaica.

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16. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Flow family celebrates CARIFTA success

FLOW CONTINUES TO MAKE SPORTS a priority for the development of this nation’s youths. This has been echoed by the company’s Country Manager, Wayne Hull.

Celebrating the success of Team Athletics St. Vincent and the Grenadines (TASVG), who participated in the Flow Carifta Games 2018 held in the Bahamas over the Easter weekend, Hull noted that this year has been SVG’s best year yet highlighting the achievement of two Gold medals in

the track and field arena.

Singing praises to athletes Flow Country Manager, Handel Roban who won a Gold medal in the 800m in the Under- Wayne Hull.

17 Boys, as well as those who resonates the participated in the Girls Under-20 potential of 4x400m relay team comprising athletes in the Tamara Woodley, Zita Vincent, Caribbean and Shafiqua Maloney and Annicea Alex Joachim became the first Vincentian swimmer to Richards. This achievement resulted in more so that of win gold at the CARIFTA Swimming Champianship.

SVG finishing 5th place overall in the SVG, Hull also congratulated Alex track and field games.

Joachim, who is Noting that the CARIFTA Games now deemed as the most decorated Vincentian athlete, after making history by becoming the first swimmer to win a Gold medal for SVG. The Country Manager said Flow’s involvement has been significant in the CARIFTA games, as it has helped to TASVG CARIFTA Medalists. inject the muchneeded technology, making it more available to a wider majority of customers and sports fanatics alike. He further stressed on the new innovation of the Flow sports app where the games were available live via customers’ smartphones. This he said gave the games the visibility it deserves while harboring unity amongst Caribbean nationals.

Athletes and members of the Flow team.

Stressing that sports in SVG needs much help, he emotional, as they were able to bring stated that Flow has always supported home two gold medals. Morgan added sports and will continue to pave the that the experience was a rewarding way for others to follow in that light. one as he sang praise to his team of He further highlighted the company’s athletes. He further stated that the investment in the development of the experience saw many of his athletes swimming facility, which he boasted achieving personal best. that they are now celebrating the Morgan admitted that it was very fruits of that labour with Joachim’s encouraging knowing that the team Gold medal. Hull added that Flow is had a lot of support from many at heavily involved in scores of sporting home. activities, and with the company’s Gold medalist Handel Roban said recently launched new sports channel, that it is a rewarding feeling to bring a Flow Sports2 as well as the Flow Gold medal to home soil, and stated sports app for its mobile subscribers, it that while he achieved some personal will continue in that light. best goals, the experience in the Meantime, Rawlson Morgan, coach Bahamas has been a learning one. of the Flow CARIFTA Bahamas 2018 Roban noted that he is now preparing team, noted that witnessing the fruits for the Penn Relays scheduled for of his team’s hard work, made him April 26-28 in the US.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. 17.

News

A spectacular Bequia Easter Regatta 2018 Bart (Martinique), 2nd - Exodus (SVG) and 3rd - Zemi (Australia).

J-24: 1st - Shakin (Grenada), 2nd all-female sailors Attitude (St Lucia) and 3rd - Die Hard (Grenada). and Ace Plus from Surprise: 1st - La Morrigaine (St Lucia), 2nd Carriacou, Grenada displayed some great racing skills. The Bequia Sailing Club thanks our sponsors Digilife (Martinique) and 3rd - Creole Sandwhich (Martinique). for our Friday Big Boat Challenge, Darnley The seven J-24 entries included boats from St. Frederick, who has been sponsoring this race for Lucia, Grenada, Barbados competing in six races for many years. Along with our new sponsors this year, Bequia Express Company Ltd. and Dockside Marine. the J-24 Southern Caribbean Championship Title for 2018 which was won by Shakin from Grenada.

Many thanks go out also to NEMO, Knights In closing, the Bequia Sailing Club sends our Trading, Lulley’s Tackle, Laynes Hardware, BOS heartfelt thanks to our Major sponsors Sparrow’s Marine, Richardson Motors and Caribbean Woods Premium Rum (title Sponsor), Flow (Platinum for your kind contribution towards our local double Sponsor), SVG Tourism Authority (Platinum ender races. Additionally, special thanks to our Sponsor) Hairoun (Gold Sponsor), Action Bequia Local Race officer Letty Brown and her team.

The Grand Prize Giving Ceremony awarded over (Silver Sponsor); to those small businesses & 150 prizes and was honoured by the attendance and individual donors who contributed, and without whose support this Regatta would not have taken kind words from Hon Mr McKie, SVG Minister for place. Thanks also to the many volunteers who Tourism, a proud supporter of Bequia Easter stepped up and made it all happen. Look for our Regatta; Dr Godwin Friday, Leader of the 2019 Easter Regatta notices 19th — 22nd April, later Opposition and Phillippa Greaves, SVDL and Title this year.

Sponsor of Bequia Easter Regatta.

BEQUIA WAS HOST TO A spectacular display of yacht 2018 Easter Regatta and double ender’s competing in the 37th Bequia Overall Winners Easter Regatta, with racing over 4 days from Friday Double Ender Division 30th March to Monday 2nd April. The organising Overall Results authority, Bequia Sailing Club, was hosted for the first Divided into 7 classes time at the Plantation Hotel. The venue provided a based on boat length. wonderful backdrop for the race HQ and the social Class 1: 1st - Connie events, not to mention a perfect setting for the Grand and 2nd - Knowledge.

Prize Giving event on Monday 2nd April.

Class 2: 1st - D Shark, A total of 33 Yachts and 23 traditional Double Ender boats registered to participate, with over 250 2nd - Bennita G and 3rd - Never D. Class 3: 1st crew, along with a total of 27 children and 12 optimist boats for the fun race on Monday. Skippers More Worries, 2nd Shanna Lou and 3rd briefing was a combined event for both yachts and Shamu. Class 4: 1st - Y double ender races, and crews from both divisions Knot, 2nd - Ark Royal enjoyed exchanging tips and opinions on racing in and 3rd the challenging waters around Bequia. For such a Lightning. Class 5: 1st small island, Bequia Easter Regatta boasted an incredible international fleet of yachts from all over Camille and 2nd - Kiss.

Class 6: 1st - Eclipse, the Caribbean and beyond, including SVG, 2nd - Ace Plus and 3rd Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia, Grenada, Carriacou, Martinique, St Barts, Trinidad, PSV, UK, USA and Iron Duke. Class 7: 1st Slip away, 2nd - Bluff Australia. and 3rd - Confusion.

The weather proved challenging at times with a YACHT DIVISION postponement of Saturday’s racing due to light Overall Results winds. Sunday racing also necessitated a course Divided into 6 classeschange announcement to the Around Bequia Race Racing (CSA Certified), which was substituted with the Admiralty Bay Cruising 1(CSA Triangle race, again due to light airs. Despite the Certified), Cruising 2 schedule changes, the show went on and did not (Simplified CSA rating), disappoint.

Winward Island Sloop Yacht Division races were officiated by Principal Race Officer James Benoit from Grenada who did an (Simplified CSA rating) outstanding job providing guidance and support for J-24 and Surprise (One the Regatta Race Committee Team, a role he has so Design).

Racing: 1st - Category expertly executed for the past 18 years. Our 5 (Grenada), 2nd - Joia appreciation to the Judges of the Regatta, Harry & (Trinidad) and 3rd Melinda Keith from Florida and Geoffrey Pidduck Enzyme (Trinidad). from Antigua and Time Keeper Randy Mainwaring Cruising 1: 1st - Mah from Grenada.

Jong (USA), 2nd On the double ender side, major a change implemented this year was the on-the-water- starts. Nirvana (Trinidad) and 3rd - Free Spirit After some familiarisation, this new initiative was (Grenada). Cruising 2: well received by all the racers and will now be a 1st - Sail La Vie regular feature for all future Double Ender Bequia (Barbados), 2nd - Hot Easter Regatta racing.

Chocolate (USA) and 3rd A special welcome was extended to the Double Enders that travelled from other Islands to compete. - Allegro (USA). Cruising D shark from Canouan won their class overall. God’s II Windward Island Sloops: 1st - Free in St Angel and Lightning from Mayreau were sailed by

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18. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Sickle Cell Association holds Day Camp

ON SATURDAY, 7th April, the SVG Sickle Cell Association initiated their

novel idea of holding a Day years old, who either have Camp for children between a trait of the disease or the ages of five and fifteen are full-blown cases;

parents and guardians.

The camp was held at the Kingstown Anglican School Annex and was geared towards heightening awareness about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), and the seriousness of the impact of this condition on patients, families and the health system.

Towards this end, the camp functioned as a forum for educating the children, parents and/or guardians about the importance of recognizing and managing sickle cell crises; the triggers of these crises; and the various treatments available for this disease. To facilitate this, the Association gained the expertise and experience of its President, Mrs. AnnMarie Millington; Drs. Mellisa Miguel, Shalen Dennie, La’Ron Browne, and Nicole Cupid; and several nurses and parents.

The camp opened with the children, all decked out in their signature orange polo shirts; along with the parents/guardians and facilitators going through an exciting introduction scenario conducted by the President.

Likewise, Dr. Boyle, Association member, addressed the audience, thanking all for their participation. She firstly gave a quick summary of the Association and its work, then outlined the purpose of the camp. In her deliberations, she encouraged all to share the information which they would receive, and to share experiences with the general population because much is not known about the disease. “You the parents in particular, can go out from here and

A parent, Dr. Dennie and President Millington assist with children session. spread some awareness about sickle cell disease,” she urged, “you might be surprised to know how many people don’t have a clue about the disease.

It surprises me every time the kind of questions I get: ‘Are red cells more that white’; ‘Are white cells more that red’; ‘Is it a cancer of the blood’; ‘Can you catch it from somebody else’; and ‘Who can pass it to who,’ and things like that!”

The rest of the day was spent with the children, who participated in the singalong, did a session of colouring, and then engaged in a treasure hunt. Throughout all of this, they were well hydrated, and meals were provided through lunch and snack breaks.

Similarly, parents and guardians worked in educational sessions, firstly to share their experiences. This session was facilitated by the doctors who, as experiences were shared, provided explanations and additional information for those who had never gone through the particular scenario. This proved to be very enlightening, and parents reported a comforting feeling, having realized that there were others in the

Children at the Day Camp.

struggle too.

The second education session provided insight on how to use the “hydroxyurea” medicine to treat sickle cell disease. “Hydroxyurea” is a chemotherapy medicine used to treat many disorders. It has been tested and approved to treat sickle cell disease. Administering this drug requires very strict protocols. This session was also a productive one, and parents came away with not just information on what the medicine does, but they also learned how to administer it.

The Day Camp wrapped up in the afternoon, with participants giving feedback on the activity.

All were impressed and look forward for it becoming an annual event. The SVG Sickle Cell Association plans to continue to organize such programmes. The motto of the organization is, “Knowing the disease and limiting it”. Its objectives include the creation of awareness among the general population, and educating patients about the disease. Its main goal is the construction of a Sickle Cell Centre to house patients and ease the situation at the hospital.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. 19.

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20. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Wife finds me ‘unclean’ Dear George, I HAVE A PROBLEM with my wife. Since she has professed to have found religion, is that all of a sudden, she does not want to have anything to do with me on the physical side. I cannot touch her in a sexual way without her preaching Hell`s fire on me. She describes me as unclean, and said she is not supposed to touch any unclean thing. My wife is hardly at home and goes to some church activity seven days a week. I am practically living with a stranger and, as a result, there are constant arguments at home. I do not know how much longer I can continue with this, and my wife better wake up before she starts

experiencing a nightmare.

Left in the cold Dear Left in the cold,

wife can have a healthy relationship with her God Unfortunately, some without deserting or people become extremists forsaking you or her in the things they get family. I do not think it is involved in, and your wife what God would want, but seems to be taking things this is a discussion you way out of proportion. can have with your wife Her views on religion and and minister. You may be its relation with personal well served to also get life are extreme ,and you alternative professional may be best served having counselling. All is not a talk with her spiritual lost, but this is going to leader or pastor, with a need a willingness and view to get priorities commitment to make your straightened out. The marriage work, and once church should never be both of you have that goal placed in higher priority in mind, it can happen. over the family, and this must be understood by George everyone. Certainly, your

He is a sick man Dear George,

MY BOYFRIEND just out of the blue admitted to me that a very long time ago he had a fling with my mother. I checked the time period he referred to, was a time when my father was alive, which means my mother cheated on my father with him. I am so disgusted. He is telling me that it does not matter now because my father is no longer alive and my mother has moved on. How can I trust this man who thought it was okay to have a relationship with a married woman, and to compound that, thinks it is alright to have a relationship with her daughter? I think my boyfriend is a sick man and I am very hurt by this revelation from him. He is contending that I always asked him to be honest with me, and now that he is, he is being punished. Does he have a point?

Disgusted Dear Disgusted,

While it is good that your boyfriend chose to come clean with you, he has to realize that there are consequences to his actions, and sometimes these consequences come at the most inconvenient time. He has demonstrated by his past actions that he has a different moral compass than the one you are guided by. If your instinct tells you that this package is too suspect to take home, then by all means follow that instinct and move on. Thank him for his honesty, but at the same time let him know that you are not comfortable being with him with the kind of history he now has. It is your decision to make, and he cannot fault you for making a decision that is in your best interest.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You will gain valuable insight and knowledge through the experiences you have along the way. You may think gifts will win their heart, but it could add stress from lack of funds. Travel should open doors that lead to exciting new adventures. Put your emotional energy into passion not anxiety.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Think of changes to your home that will please and add to everyone’s comfort.

Consider the source before you believe what you hear. You should look into making some physical changes, such as new hair color or toning up your body. Your ability to put things together will be appreciated by your comrades.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Your generous nature could be taken advantage of. You can make personal changes that will enhance your appearance and bring you greater popularity. Get together with those you find men tally stimulating. Your love will not be willing to listen to your criticism.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Children may be less than honest with you.

Don’t let your mate bully you into thinking that you owe them your time and your life.

Your emotional partner may make you angry this week. Unreliable people will be negative about your ideas.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) If you can work at home, do so. Don’t overspend on friends or children. Visitors are likely to drop by and chances are, they may even stay a little longer than you want them to. Those you live with may be experiencing problems.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Be prepared to meet new lovers through colleagues. You will do extremely well if you get involved in competitive activities this week. Keep on your toes when dealing with others. One-sided relationships are likely LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Don’t let relatives make demands of you.

Limitations at work might set you back.

Don’t turn down offers that include sports activities or children. Make some notes regarding the changes that you should make.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Self-improvement could bring amazing results. Look into events that you might find interesting, and compromise by doing a few things that you both like to do. Be discreet and don’t present your ideas until you’re certain that they’re foolproof. You may need to lend an ear to an old friend.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You’re in the mood to party. Back off if you want to keep the relationship intact.

Include friends and family members in your redecorating plans. Try not to push your philosophies on others.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You won’t be well received by superiors or by your spouse. Find out all you can; secret enemies may lead you astray. You’ll find it easy to upgrade your environment by redecorating or changing your residence.

Your lover will be extremely sensitive and now will not be a good time to make changes that they won’t like.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You are best to be discreet. You’ll be pleased with the results if you take the time to decorate your home. You may find that female colleagues will be more help than you anticipated. Avoid boredom by being creative in your endeavors.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You will probably have to defend your mate. You may want to put your creative thinking cap on. Plan your day thoughtfully, but try not to rely on others. You can make extra cash by moonlighting.

ACROSS 4. Young bear 8. Pearlescent 11. Periods of history 13. Golfers mound 14. Wasting away 15. Highway 17. Evergreen tree 18. Overdue 19. Boredom 21. Roll of bank notes 22. Large bag 24. Strike 27. Pack of cards 29. Meadow 31. Chart 33. Raised platform 35. Solicitude 36. Earthen pot 38. Foliaceous 40. Path 42. Objectionable 43. Indifferent 45. Dislocate 49. Legal science 50. To be unwell 51. Between the earth and the moon 52. Storage shelter DOWN 1. Dinner course 2. Vast seas 3. Veterinarian 4. Having the form of a cube 5. A person that

uses 6. Baked dough 7. Garden flower 9. Great age 10. Idiot 11. Showy actions 12. Insect 16. Couple 20. Chilled 21. Hairpiece 23. Kilocalorie 25. Escaping fluid 26. Nimbus 28. Capital of the Ukraine 29. Wreath of flowers 30. Part of verb

to be 31. Bog 32. In addition to 34. Mariner 35. Bend 37. Coral island 39. Influenza

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. 21.

41. Son of Isaac and Rebekah 44. Possess 46. Exclamation of surprise 47. Bind 48. Antiquity

22. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN.

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. 23.

Tribute

Robert Andrew Cummings Q.C. My mentor and my friend

Address by Zhinga Horne Edwards at the Special Sitting of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in tribute to the Late R. Andrew Cummings on Thursday April 5, 2018.

I CAN SAY SO MUCH ABOUT THIS wonderful person called Robert Andrew Cummings Q.C., but a lot has already been said. I will limit my words to personal memories that stand out for me that give an indication of the person who I came to regard as a mentor and a friend.

Although my grandmother and Andrew’s mother were extremely close friends, I only really got to know Andrew when I started working at Hughes and Cummings, the firm of which he was partner at the time. That was at the beginning of the year 2000. I had just returned from doing a mini pupillage in England and was offered a position with the prestigious firm.

I recall that it was sometime after Christmas 1999 and we spoke by telephone and we ended with the understanding that in the New Year I would join the chambers.

I, however, expected that he would call to confirm my start date. So I continued to enjoy my time at home the day after New Year’s, when I received a call from Andrew telling me that he had expected to see me that day and I should come in after lunch because he had a matter he wanted me to assist him with in court that Thursday.

I was a bit anxious at the thought of going to Court, but went in to Hughes & Cummings that afternoon full of anticipation. Andrew took me through the file step by step and reassured me that he would also be in court.

When Thursday came, he told me to go ahead of him and he would meet me there. I therefore made my way to Court where I waited…and waited, all the while keeping a look out for my Senior. I even informed the judge, Justice Odel Adams, that my Senior was on his way, but he happily pointed out that I was there and therefore the matter could proceed.

Alas, Andrew never came and I had no choice but to handle the trial on my own, having never even spoken to my client.

I returned to Chambers at the end of the trial where I met Andrew comfortably working in his office. He simply said to me, “Zhinga, that is what Alec Hughes did to me…he

threw me in at the deep end…and so I did the same to you. That is the quickest way to learn!”

That case turned out to be my first success in the High Court….but also my first defeat in the Court of Appeal.

Andrew certainly was an excellent teacher and he loved to teach. He not only loved knowledge but he also loved to share it with whosoever was willing to receive it. Andrew would tell me of the law classes he held with his children and their classmates. At Hughes & Cummings, Andrew also arranged Saturday morning sessions with a small group of young lawyers at the time, where we would discuss the Civil Procedure Rules in addition to other legal issues. He would also hold internal classes at Hughes & Cummings in the afternoons, and these classes were for the junior lawyers in chambers, the secretaries, the clerks and the office attendants. He would buzz each person from his office to tell them that there would be classes that afternoon in the conference room, and there we all learnt side by side about wills, easements and many other areas of law in a fun, interactive way. As far as Andrew was concerned, we were all in the legal world and would all benefit from the knowledge.

Then there were the birthday celebrations at Hughes & Cummings.

Incidentally, Andrew and I shared the same birthday, March 11th. Andrew decided that there should be a celebration whenever any person at Hughes & Cummings had a birthday.

And with 12 or 13 of us employed with Hughes & Cummings at the time, there was a catered get together after work almost monthly for a period of time.

These “parties” were not just about celebrating a birthday and having a good time; they were also about encouraging a sense of togetherness among all of us who worked at Hughes & Cummings, and it did a lot to improve the working environment and our relationship with each other. In the same way, Andrew did a lot to foster camaraderie among members of the Bar, particularly by hosting cricket matches at his property in Queen’s Drive, where colleagues could just let go and have fun. As a junior lawyer at the time, those matches did a lot to remove the intimidation I might otherwise have felt

coming up against senior lawyers in court. I cannot describe adequately in words the neutralizing effect of witnessing lawyers many years your senior in practice, getting bowled out for duck!

I can say so much about my dear friend Andrew, but it would be incomplete without mentioning his sense of humour. Andrew had what can most aptly be described as a “wicked sense of humour”. Almost every year on April 1st, Andrew would catch me with some prank. The most memorable one for me was sometime after I had established my own practice and Elaine, my legal assistant, before putting through a call from Andrew, said to me in a panic, “Mrs. Edwards, Mr. Cummings said the Court House is on fire!!!” I quickly took the call and was informed by Andrew that the Court House was indeed on fire, that birth certificates, deeds, everything was up in flames, and that I should be able to see it if I looked out from my window. I told Andrew I would call him back. By that time, Elaine had already run out onto the street to see, and I was straining out of my window on Back Street in an effort to see whatever I could from that vantage point, but there was no smoke, no-one running in the direction of the Court House, no sirens, and then Elaine returned to Chambers (a bit out of breath) to say she could see no fire and no smoke. I called Andrew who seemed genuinely confused that we couldn’t see the fire and surmised that someone must have been playing a joke on him. It was only then that it dawned on me…I had been duped by Andrew, the consummate prankster.

Fun and jokes were an innate part of Andrew’s personality. There is a funny story of Andrew and his infamous sweet tooth.

Andrew loved anything sweet. He once told me that he just could not resist them even though he knew they were not good for him and despite Mrs. Cummings’ concerted efforts to restrict him in eating them. He told me that, at one time, he went as far as hiding cakes and sweet bread behind his books in his study at home.

Anyway, Elaine, who was also a member of the Hughes & Cummings staff when Andrew was a partner there, recounted to me an occasion when Andrew had called her into his office to make some

notes as he dictated instructions to her. Prior to doing so, he had sent out his longtime secretary, Glenda, to buy what is known as “red belly” cake.

Glenda returned and delivered the requested treats to her boss who was only too pleased to indulge in them. But in the midst of enjoying his red belly cake, there was a knock on the door and, unexpectedly, in walked Mrs. Cummings.

Without missing a beat, Andrew dashed the red belly cake into his waste paper bin, audibly muttering that he did not know why Glenda kept on buying those sweet things for him when she knew full well that he was not supposed to have them!

Needless to say, Elaine who had witnessed everything, and was both dumbfounded and amused, could simply do her best to maintain a poker face.

Andrew will be missed.

I will miss him dearly.

Andrew had always been my biggest cheerleader from the time that I entered the profession and he quickly became my

mentor. As far as he was concerned, there was nothing that I could not do.

His confidence in my ability bolstered my selfconfidence tremendously.

His interest in seeing me excel made me want to excel even more. There is nothing like knowing there is someone in your profession who has your best interest at heart.

Andrew was the person who emphasized to me the importance and the usefulness of becoming a notary public and who initiated my application process to be appointed a notary public and subsequently informed me of my appointment and presented me with my embossing seal that he had ordered from England. It was also Andrew who gave me my personalized robe bag with my initials embroidered on it, again, ordered from England. If I needed a book on any area of the law, I could call on Andrew. Whenever he came upon a case of interest or of particular significance, I was sure to receive a copy of it with a

Andrew Cummings handwritten note in his signature aquamarine ink.

I will miss those personalized notes. His humour. His wit and his wisdom. I benefitted tremendously from working closely with him for almost five years in my early days in practice. I can only imagine the wealth of knowledge and experience that he has imparted to his children, who continue to carry on his practice at Cardinal Law Firm. I have no doubt that they will continue in the tradition of excellence that has been set by their father.

Andrew has left a vacuum in my life as a legal practitioner which, for me, cannot be filled.

However, while the profession is the poorer for his passing, we are the richer for having known him.

May he rest in eternal peace.

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24. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

SV Grammar School off to Penn Relays

The event, which is organized by the University of Pennsylvania, will accommodate athletes from different parts of the world, but most athletes will come from institutions in the United States.

The Grammar School will be represented by Zwicka Charles, Jovania Lavia, Ethan Mayers, Jadyn Deplesche, Javorn Rowlins, Handal Roban, with their coach being Rawlson Morgan.

Morgan fresh from the CARIFTA Games in the Bahamas, with two gold medals, will be looking to further inspire his athletes in a much tougher competition. “Things are going well as it relates to preparation, and based on what I have seen last year, I believe we can match up with the other athletes. The Jamaicans are good, but I believe we can give the others a fight, St. Vincent Grammar School (SVGS) Penn Relay team: From left to right: Zwicka Charles, Jovania Lavia, Ethan Mayers, Jadyn Deplesche, Javorn Rowlins, Handal with Roban and Lavia as the persons to lead. The first objective Roban, Rawlson Morgan. is to do better than we did last Stories by I.B.A. ALLEN performance while exposing more year in regard to time and position, athletes, when they participate in the even though it’s a different team; THE ST. VINCENT GRAMMAR SCHOOL will 2018 Edition of the Penn Relays in while the second is to expose the be looking for improvement in their Pennsylvania, USA later this month.

athletes for possible scholarships, also to help them develop into better persons”.

The head coach believes the team is in better shape than last year, and even with a few injuries, he thinks the guys will give of their best. Morgan recognizes the seriousness and magnitude of the events and urges the athletes that much can be derived from such an experience, and therefore they should strive to be better persons and to be role models for the upcoming athletes.

He believes with Thomas Saunders Secondary School (TSSS) athletes also going to the Penn Relays, this is good for SVG, especially with the rivalry between both schools. “The standard of the sports has improved here since both schools started to go to the Penn Relays, and I really hope that other schools/institutions can take the opportunity to participate in the Penn Relays or any other events in the regional which can only benefit the country.”

The Team leaves on 17 April for the event, which runs from April 26-29 in Pennsylvania.

Be-Fit launches Fitness Dance and 5K

Lindon James, founder and leader of Be-Fit Movement THE BE-FIT MOVEMENT has moved away from their regular fitness workout and extends their effort towards healthy life style and awareness to the public in the form of a Walk for Fitness and Sagicor 5K Run. The event will take the form of the Flow Be Fit DANCE 2 Fitness road edition and the Sagocor Be Fit 5K Run/walk in collaboration with the SVG Diabetes Association with specific focus on kids

Association and raise the awareness of juvenile diabetes in SVG. Luke Brown health Ministry, Wellness and the environment expressed his appreciation of the direction Be Fit is taking towards the awareness of fitness and diabetes in children.

“We should put more emphasis on athletics and sporting talent with physical activities as we do with academics Browne said”. “It is also necessary to create a different culture where we can limit the amount of soft drinks that are consume by out children. “There are certain risks factors associated with Sponsors and others at the head table at the launch non-communicable disease but we can tie in physical activities for greater health, with Diabetes. Addressing the are in need of supplies for launch of the events at the diabetes. ”From this initiative, and principal among those are diabetes and the most Arnos Vale Sporting Complex the kids with diabetes will prevalent being high conference, Lindon James the benefit, it is very dear to me pretention. “We see Be Fit founder of the Be Fit as a person fitness trainer, Movement stressed the and our aim is to prevent this fitting into out plans of the Ministry and would like to importance of fitness among from happening instead of commend Lindon and his team kids and adults and believes taking medication. By doing for the effort they are making Be Fit are making a so, James believe they are towards fitness and a wordy. meaningful contribution. working towards making a Helen Wilson secretary of “We see this as a yearly contribution towards a healthy event and I am hoping that Be living and life style. “We want the SVG Diabetes and High Potential Association said Fit and Sagicor and other to make this as an annual sponsors will get on board for events where the proceeds will there mission is to raise awareness of diabetes and the benefit of the children who go to the SVG Diabetes

high potential and to contribute to the prevention, management and control of the condition. “ Our motto is ‘WE CARE” and our two objectives are to promote the interest of diabetes and high potential and to assist persons in the management of these condition to specifically target groups of persons of these condition and the general public during our outreach program.

The events will take place on April 28, 2018 with the Sagicor 5K Run beginning from Villa and climax at the old E.T. Joshua Airport tarmac while the run for fitness starts at the entrance of the Arnos Vale playing field and ends at the E.T Joshua Airport tarmac.

James is however grateful for the sponsors, Main sponsors Flow as the platinum sponsor, Sagicor, Mountain Top, Kingstown Co-operative Credit Union Ltd and Mountain Top. Other sponsors are Boom 106.9 FM, French Verandah, Felly Belly, Oxygen Mas, Stickman Entertainment, 3rd Element Sounds, Grassroot Tennis Club, Arabesque Inc, Carimedix Medical Supplies.

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THE VINCENTIAN.

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. 25.

Sports

Cricket West Indies style CRICKET arouses intense passion throughout the Caribbean. Perhaps as we have been used to that period of dominance, it is painful to see the way in which the West Indies succumb to ostensibly average opposition.

But Caribbean politicians will have to be wary about trying to wrestle control from what they think are officials who lack transparency.

It is easy to fret about the performances. What is necessary is to get to the root of what is going on, on the field and beyond the boundary so as to determine the factors.

It has amounted to a personality conflict.

Players conclude that since they are the stars, they have to “call the shots.”

Players don’t find out about how the administration works. That is until they have retired and are seeking ways of continuing their attachment to the sport.

We have seen a routine of confrontation between players and the Board over a period. One might think that the players are poor. They might not have been as rewarded as Australian, Indian or English counterparts, but on the Caribbean level, they would have been well off.

It was of little consequence for the players to have waged a perpetual feud so as to exact a financial burden on the administration.

The Board, in their frustration, have found themselves at the bitter end of many a legal dispute.

West Indies Cricket has emerged as one of the most obvious symbols of regional unity. It is managed by persons of Caribbean origin. Claims of insularity will remain a part of Caribbean legacy, unless we manage to restore some semblance of regional integration.

Politicians ought to be more proactive about engendering Caribbean oneness, rather than be obsessed by control of West Indies Cricket.

Regional leaders are hoping that something can emerge. They contribute to the tendency of undermining regional cricket and set the basis for insularity. West Indies Cricket remains an attractive proposition. We have to find the formula for ironing out differences.

It will serve the region’s political leaders better to concentrate on national problems and keep up the cause of regional unity.

They can’t hide behind this or that character, and expect to gain respect. The truth is national agenda take precedence over any reason to overwhelm West Indies cricket.

Cricket administrators have no one to report to.

They depend on the success of the team. When the team fails to deliver, it is unfair to blame the Board.

Politicians need a strong West Indies cricket team. West Indies need supportive governments to ensure the marriage between sport and the economy is real. That goes for many aspects of Caribbean culture.

Black Sands represented at Invitational Swim Meet FROM THE 5TH TO 8TH APRIL, the Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre (RHAC) in St Lucia held their 19th Invitational Swim Meet and St Vincent’s number one swim club, Black Sands Swim Squad had 14 swimmers attend. The competition consisted of 22 clubs from across the region, with over 300 swimmers competing.

Leading the way for Black Sands and following her siblings’ example of success in the pool, was 10-yearold Jamie Joachim. She swam herself to 6 medals - 2 Gold (200 Fly and 800 Free); 3 Silver (200 Back, 100 Fly and 400 Free); and 1 Bronze (200 Free). Joachim was also brave enough to take part in the open water event, placing a proud 10th place in her age group.

Akayla Crichton brought 5 medals home to St Vincent: 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 2 Bronze and ended the competition placing 3rd overall for her age group.

The Defreitas siblings, Aaron and Mya both graced the podium, with Mya winning 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze medal, and whilst doing so, she broke the SVG National record in the 800 free and 100 fly and finished 3rd overall in her age group. Brother Aaron brought home 1 Gold, 1 Silver and

2 Bronze medals.

8 Years and Under swimmer Kathryn Cumberbatch was competing in her first regional competition, and managed to successfully win a place on the podium, receiving a Bronze medal in the 25 meter Freestyle.

BSSS from left to right: Jimesia Bowen, Mornnell Adriel Ollivierre, Brandon George, Tia Gun-Munro, Anwar Bullock, Abigail Deshong, Bryson Medjahed, Kathryn Cumberbatch, Aaron Defreitas, Bryson George, Kyle John, Jamie Joachim, and Brandon George, Tia Gun Akayla Crichton, Abigail Deshong, Tyrese Lewis, Adriel Bullock, Mya Defreitas.

Munro, Kyle John, Tyrese Lewis, Anwar coaching the National team at the Medjahed and Mornnell Ollivierre Commonwealth Games in made up the contingent of Black Australia, Head Coach Kyle Sand swimmers, and all swam Dougan was delighted to hear the personal best times in many of their events. Together, the 14 Black news of his team’s achievements, and shared words of Sands Swim Squad swimmers claimed 5th position overall, out of congratulations to all the swimmers and parents that 22 clubs.

On the opposite side of the world attended the competition.

SVGGA hosts Pan American Gymnastics Judges Course excellent hosting. I hope this is ST. VINCENT & the Grenadines to assist coaches and athletes to one step leading into hosting Gymnastics Association (SVGGA) achieve higher levels of gymnastics, by understanding the many more gymnastics events,” hosted the 2018 Pan American rules that govern the said Helen Laliberte.

Gymnastics Union Introductory competitions, and to better Technical Director of the Judges’ Course for Women’s prepare athletes for success at SVGGA, Laprise Harris- Williams Artistic Gymnastics & Men’s higher levels of competition with also commented on this historic Artistic Gymnastics here in St. knowledge of the rules of judging. event. “St Vincent and the Vincent & the Grenadines.

Federation of International Grenadines Gymnastics The course was held at Gymnastics (FIG) is the world’s Association (SVGGA) is dedicated Beachcombers Hotel from April governing body for the sport of to the development of the sport in 6th-10th 2018. There were gymnastics, therefore this course St Vincent & the Grenadines and participants from Aruba, is pivotal when judging athletes the region. It is important that we Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and during competition or conducting take advantage of all measures to daily training. educate and prepare our coaches St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

“As president of the Pan and judges for advanced The coordinators were selected by American Gymnastics Union, I gymnastics. It is the intention of Pan American Gymnastics am pleased to see the the association to submit bids for Association; they were Helen development of the region in the local judges trained at the Laliberte, president of the gymnastics. Having the course this weekend to participate Association from Canada and opportunity to bring together as a judge delegate in Pan Jaime Corredor from Colombia. countries from the Caribbean to American hosted events. This was This was indeed an inaugural share and learn, is a definite step indeed a great effort on behalf of event for the St. Vincent & the leading into International the Association and our newly Grenadines Gymnastics gymnastics. St Vincent should be developed gymnastics Association which was formed proud of their commitment and community.” here approximately three (3) resources. I would further like to years ago.

The participants were thank St Vincent & the welcomed by athletes from The objectives were to certify Grenadines for their commitment Dolphin Gymnastics Team at judges with official judging to excellence in sport, and I certification; to provide and Argyle International Airport. definitely praise them for their (AIA). educate the judges by informing them about the current FIG rules, interpretations and international trends; to provide access to material for judges in order to develop skills appropriate to the judge’s level, corresponding to the needs of the programme, to contribute to the development of gymnastics in the region; Participants and coordinators at the seminar.

26.

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018. 27.

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DOUGLAS ROBERT ETIENNE Cathedral of The Assumption Monday, April 9, 2018 Service: 2:00 p.m.

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6W 0DU\¶V Anglican Church Port Elizabeth, Bequia Saturday, April 7, 2018 Viewing: 12:45 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Funeral Service Chateaubelair Methodist Church Saturday, April 7, 2018 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

NORRIS S. FRANCOIS

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Sandy Bay Church of Christ Saturday, March 31, 2018 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

SDA Church Kingstown Sunday, April 8, 2018 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

MR. JOSEPH EZEKIEL NEVERSON New Testament Church of God Diamond Village Saturday 7th April, 2018 Viewing: 12:30 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

APRIL 13, 2018

VOLUME 112, No.15

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ONLY LAWYERS BENEFIT FROM PIs of the most recent cases to go before the High Court on a ‘Voluntary Bill of AT LEAST ONE lawyer here has admitted Indictment’. The matter stems from that only lawyers benefit from the shooting death of Police Constable Preliminary Inquiries (PI).

Danroy Cozier and his brother But while admitting that lawyers Nicholas Cozier, almost a year ago. have benefited over the years, and “It is very unfortunate that the continue to benefit financially from Prosecution’s application in this this procedure, attorney Grant Connell matter was not done eight months ago. is calling for it to be discontinued.

The unnecessary delay caused a backConnell underscored that, even as up on the Court list. We actually the procedure continues, the Office of agreed on Paper Committal. I have the Director of Public Prosecutions said on several occasions that the (DPP) is permitted by law to apply to existing P.I procedure is a waste of the High Court for a ‘Voluntary Bill of time. It is very unfortunate for an Indictment’ for the matter to be tried innocent man to sit in jail awaiting the in that Court. He contended that in all completion of a PI when there is no such applications made, he cannot evidence to make out a prima facie recall any that was turned down. case, or that the evidence is so tenuous The lawyer said this application that it may not cross the threshold could be made even after persons have mid-way through a trial at the High been discharged at Preliminary Court”, Connell explained. He pointed Inquiries (P.Is. He noted that PIs out that, with several adjournments, cannot be dismissed as they are not the PI process can take more than a trials. year.

Connell represented Kendine “I think that it is time that we do Douglas, 30, of Rillan Hill, one of three away with it. I think this is the agreed men charged with double murder, one view of both Prosecution and Defence,

by HAYDN HUGGINS

and we don’t agree on much”, Connell said.

During an interview with THE VINCENTIAN December 27, last year, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche expressed the view that “Paper Committal is the way to go for 2018 and beyond”, adding that there was Paper Committal legislation in place.

The story was carried on the front page of THE VINCENTIAN December 29, 2017, headlined ‘Paper Committal, the way to go’.

In a Paper Committal procedure, the Prosecution provides the defence with witness statements and exhibits, and both sides would agree as to what editing should be done to exclude any inadmissible evidence. The Magistrate would then look at the statements and exhibits to decide whether the matter should be sent to the High Court for trial. Witnesses are not called and Attorney Grant Connell. cross-examined as in the regular oral Preliminary Inquiries. to the High Court, and a Judge in In a ‘Voluntary Bill of Indictment’ procedure, the Magistrate has no say. Chambers makes the decision based on The Prosecution makes the application whatever evidence is taken before him.

Mirror policy is not one of the Government a policy where road users Francis to indicate if it was a must buy their own mirrors to policy of the government for MINISTER of Transport and be erected on posts. the provisioning of mirrors to Works, Senator Julian Francis Opposition Senator, Kay be placed in areas where said that he was not aware of Bacchus-Baptiste asked for minor roads merged on to main roads, and where it was dangerous to do so, if this was the responsibility of the public.

Bacchus-Baptiste told Parliament on Thursday, there are many areas between Prospect and Arnos Vale where such situations exist, and that the Traffic Department of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines

by DAYLE DASILVA

Police Force was the agent who had indicated that it was the responsibility of vehicle operators and pedestrians to provide mirrors.

“I take it that the member is speaking in the first person, that she inquired and was told that,” the Minister said.

“There is no such government policy. I don’t know if the police independently established their own policy,” Francis continued.

But there was a bigger problem as it related to the placement of these mirrors.

Minister of Transport and According to Francis, Works Senator Julian Francis mirrors have been posted, but said that he was not aware of they tend not to last more a policy where the public was than three months as they are responsible for the often vandalized. placement of mirrors along The mirror located at Gun roadways.

Hill, in Lowmans Leeward has

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

had to be replaced four times — the last time it was a contribution from a private individual.

Francis added that there were other areas, not just the stretch of roadway between Arnos Vale and Prospect where the situation was such.

Some thirty-three areas have been identified for the need of placement of mirrors; however, 16 were currently in possession of the government.

“The mirrors came with a slender post, the bracket at the back was bigger, so we had to re-design the brackets,” Francis explained.

It was expected that they ought to be ready in a month’s time, he said, and then the public can expect them being erected in some “critical” areas.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.