THE VINCENTIAN PDF-13-11-20

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER

13, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.46

Cabinet spread Page 2

www.thevincentian.com

Cash: the difference Page 7

Shevern’s case to be reviewed Page 5

EC$1.50

Elections reports Page 18

Another homicide Page 19&28

The Cabinet that begins a new Unity Labour Party administration.

Rochard Ballah, first time senator and Parliamentary Secretary, was perhaps one of the biggest surprises pulled by Prime Minister Gonsalves in his tenure that dates back to 2001.

Curtis King was not a surprise pick for the Education portfolio, he having been intimately involved in education for most of his adult life.

Orando Brewster not only pulled off a comfortable victory as a first time candidate but the PM has placed great faith in him as per the portfolios he has been assigned.

Carlos James may have won by a whisker in North Leeward but that did not prevent the PM from including the important Ministry of Tourism among his portfolios.

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves will oversee the Cabinet for a fifth consecutive administration.

Story on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

DR. RALPH GONSALVES Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Security, Legal Affairs and Information.

MONTGOMERY DANIEL Deputy Prime Minister Minister of Transport and Works, Lands and Physical Planning.

JAUNDY MARTIN Attorney General

SABOTO CAESAR Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Labour, Industry, and Rural Development.

FREDERICK STEPHENSON Minister of the Public Service, Consumer Affairs and Sports.

CAMILLO GONSALVES Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Information Technology.

ST. CLAIR PRINCE Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment.

CARLOS JAMES Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture.

CURTIS KING Minister of Education and National Reconciliation.

ORANDO BREWSTER Minister of Housing, National Mobilisation, Social Development, Gender, Family and Informal Settlements.

JULIAN FRANCIS (SENATOR) Minister of Urban Development, Airports, Sea Ports, Grenadines Affairs, Energy and Local Government.

ROCHARD BALLAH (SENATOR) Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister.

V News 3 Labour persons stayed at home

lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020. 3.

The ULP attracted mammoth crowds to their rallies but some of the faithful still stayed at home on election day.

IN EXCESS OF 3000 PERSONS who would normally have voted for the Unity Labour Party (ULP) stayed away from the November 5 poll.

This was cited by Prime

Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves as he addressed the gathering at his swearing in last Saturday, at Government House.

He attributed this absence

from the polls as being responsible for the opposition New Democratic Party taking the popular vote for the first time in the last six elections.

“They had concerns

lesson which I take away from these results,” admitted Gonsalves.

Directing his attention to the ‘Labour Party family’ who stayed home, he said, “..I understand what you say and I continue to love you as I love every Vincentian dearly and I ask other members of the Labour family, not to be annoyed or angry with them, but reach out to them and let us keep this amazing organization together.”

And as for those persons who might challenge the results of the general election by what he described as ignoble means, Dr. Gonsalves warned, “I advise those who have such an intention to desist from ….about some matters in their is that culture. The people of communities and connected to a this country, including those who stayed away and them personally and we have who are persons of Labour, to address those concerns, will not stand for it…. .” because the electorates have (KH) spoken in that regard and that

New Cabinet sworn in

by DAYLE DA SILVA

THE MEMBERS of the Unity Labour Party Cabinet, following victory in the general elections of November 5, were sworn in at a ceremony last Tuesday, at Heritage Square.

Among the eleven-man (there are no females) Cabinet are four newcomers to ministerial duties: Curtis King, Ornado Brewster, Carlos James and Rochard Ballah.

King, retired Headmaster of the St. Vincent Grammar School, a first time candidate and victor in the West St. George constituency, assumed duties as Minister of Education (including Science and Technology) and National Reconciliation. He is tasked with deepening and broadening the education revolution, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves explained.

Brewster, first time candidate and victor in Central Leeward, who was the target of some maligning lduring the election campaign, effectively replaces Frederick Stephenson as Minister of Housing, National Mobilisation, Social Development, Gender, Family and Informal Settlements. PM Gonslaves noted that Brewster’s portfolios touched on and concerned the poor, disadvantaged and marginalized, and he expressed confidence in him as a “talented and committed young man.”

James, an attorney who served as the last Parliament’s Speaker and who won a nail-biting battle against the

incumbent Roland Matthews (NDP ) in North Leeward, has been assigned duties as the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture. He will also carry responsibility for Climate Change and Oceans.

Ballah demits his position of Lecturer at the SVG Community College, and leaves his large listening audience as a popular radio personality at BOOM 106.9FM, to become a Government Senator, and has been designated Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister.

As such, therefore, he will join the Prime Minister who,in addition to his overview of the of the Cabinet, will carry the primary duties as Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Security, Legal Affairs and Information.

According to the Prime Minister another person, by way of a senatorship, is to be appointed a Junior Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Those continuing in their primary ministerial duties include Soboto Caesar who continues as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, and who will also be responsible for matters related to Labour, Industry and Rural Development.

Camillo Gonsalves will continue as Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Information Technology.

He will also be expected to oversee areas of Small Business, Innovation

and Entrepreneurship.

St. Clair Prince, having given way to King in Education, replaces Luke Browne as Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment.

Browne, the Prime Minister revealed, will be leaving for the UK where he will pursue legal studies.

Frederick Stephenson assumes new portfolios, those being the Public Service, Consumer Affairs and Sports.

It is anticipated that Stephenson’s years as an experienced Customs Officer will serve him in good stead in the quest to reform further the public service, Gonsalves said.

Seasoned Cabinet members Montgomery Daniel and Julian Francis (Senator) return with some adjustments in their portfolios.

Daniel is now the Minister of Transport and Works, along with his previous portfolios of Physical Planning and Land and Surveys.

Senator Francis returns as Minister of Urban Development and Local Government and having shed the Transport and Works portfolio, takes on responsibility for Air and Sea Ports, Energy (VINLEC) and Grenadines Affairs.

Francis, the Prime Minister said, is to ensure that Kingstown develops further as a modern city, assist with the construction of the modern port and further development of the Rose Place area.

Of course, the Prime Minister and his Ministers are joined in Cabinet by

Attorney General Jaundy Martin, who was sworn in last Saturday at Government House.

In addition to the persons named and assigned ministerial duties, Gonsalves announced that lawyer Ashelle Morgan will be appointed a senator, and is earmarked for the position of Deputy Speaker.

Cabinet strong and committed According to Prime Minister Gonsalves, the Cabinet was assembled with the best interest of the nation at the forefront.

“The nine Parliamentary Representatives and Senator Julian Francis who are in the Cabinet are all persons of merit, with varying skill sets and experiences,” he said.

In terms of energy and the way ahead, three members of Cabinet Caesar, Brewster and James - were in their 30’s, Gonsalves said and three were new to ministerial office.

There were seven members who had extensive periods of at least one or more terms and three who have served continuously since 2001 — Daniel, Francis and Dr. Gonsalves.

Dr. Gonsalves, who has already indicated that the 2020 general election was going to be his last as leader of the ULP, expressed confidence in his Cabinet as a group committed to the genuine development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

V Teen ordered to pay ÂIpaÊ 4. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Edinboro, had at the time of the incident, told the Court he LESWAN STEWART, an 18-yearattended the Troumaca old unemployed secondary Secondary School but dropped school dropout, will have to find out in Form 5. He did not $3,047 to pay former national write CSEC, but is currently Calypso Monarch Grantley ‘Ipa’ attending evening classes.

Constance for damaging his Though the Senior property.

Magistrate acknowledged that Senior Magistrate Rickie Stewart was not working, he Burnett ordered the insisted that Constance must compensation at the be compensated.

Kingstown Magistrate’s Court “You can’t damage the on Wednesday after Stewart man’s vehicle and just walk pleaded guilty to damaging out the Court like that. It is a the left rear window (glass) cost to him,” Burnett told the and tail gate of a Rav-4 Toyota defendant.

Jeep belonging to Constance.

When the Magistrate asked The glass and tail gate him what he was doing to earn together valued $3,047. a living, he replied, “Me ain’t If Stewart fails to working, but me does get little compensate Constance, he will pocket change and ting,” go to prison for four months. evoking a chuckle from some Stewart, who is originally persons in the from Rose Bank, but resides at audience.

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

„Heartbreaking‰, says Ipa FORMER NATIONAL Calypso Monarch Grantly ‘Ipa’ Constance has described as “heartbreaking,” the situation regarding Leswan Stewart, an 18year-old unemployed secondary school dropout who damaged his vehicle on Monday.

After Stewart pleaded guilty to the charge, at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, and the facts were read, Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett called Constance to the stand to hear what he had to say.

“My Honour, it’s a bit heartbreaking,” Constance told the Court.

The veteran calypsonian said that the defendant got a start in life, having gone to a secondary school.

“I never went to a secondary school,” Constance added.

He pointed out that he grew up in Paul’s Avenue and underscored that it was very difficult growing up in that community and not get into the mode of life there.

Despite this, however, he admitted there was nowhere else that gave him that feeling of security as the place in which he grew up.

Constance, the father of three sons, told the Court emphatically, “I try to brace them.”

Interestingly, one of Constance’s Calypso Classics, in which he gave his interpretation of the many social ills of society, identified the family as ‘the backbone and foundation of any nation’.

“Mr. Constance now has to repair his vehicle, and wait on you for the money,” Burnett continued.

When the Magistrate asked Stewart whether The RV4 Toyota showing black plastic material covering the he knew that Constance broken rear window and the rear windshield window. was a calypsonian, the youngster said that he Constance was at his home in The matter was reported to heard about him.

Paul’s Avenue when he heard the police and investigations In addition to having to pay a hammering sound. Turning led to Stewart’s arrest and compensation, Stewart was subsequent charge. in the direction from which bonded for one year. In breach the sound originated, he saw Stewart told the Court that of the bond, he would have to a man who was in the jeep the defendant with a piece of pay the Court $1,000 made certain inappropriate wood in his hand hitting the forthwith or go to prison for jeep which was parked in front remarks to him, and he got three months. annoyed. He said the man told his home.

In presenting the facts him the jeep was his, so he Stewart, on realizing that earlier, Prosecutor Curlene (Stewart) damaged the vehicle, he was seen, ran. Constance Samuel told the court that as he could not get to the man. ran behind him but failed to around 5am on November 9, catch him.

Problematic teen dropout bonded THE SENTENCING of some persons may be difficult at times.

And 18-year-old Danroy Delpleche of Kingstown seems to have fallen into that category.

Delpleche, on Wednesday, pleaded guilty at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court to stealing a Digicel cellular phone valued $35, and sim card valued $15.

In response to questions from Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett, the youngster told the Court he attended a secondary school but dropped out in Form 1, and is unemployed.

“If he dropped out at Form 1, he has no skill. He just going to be on the streets of Kingstown, and he is just going to keep coming before the Court,” the Senior Magistrate reasoned.

“I don’t know what to do. I can’t get a job for him. Because he is young, sending him to prison may be out of the question,” Burnett contended, adding, “Clearly, if he dropped out at Form 1, he is not doing anything, he is just going to create problems,” But while agreeing with the factors outlined by the Magistrate Prosecutor Samuel highlighted another side to the equation.

“We have a virtual complainant who is without a phone,” she stated.

Burnett, however, concluded that he would bond the defendant for one year, and in breach of the bond, he would have to pay the Court $1,000 forthwith or go to prison for three months.

In presenting the facts earlier, the Prosecutor told the Court that around 8 p.m. on September 7, the virtual complainant, Rodney Dellimore, who was ‘hanging out’ at Heritage Square, left his phone to charge in an area there. A shower of rain followed and he placed the phone where it would not get wet, and went under a shed to shelter. When he returned to where he had left the phone, it was not there. He reported the matter to the police, investigations were carried out, and Delpleche, who became a suspect, was taken into custody.

He told the police he gave the phone to his mother who then gave it to his brother, who claimed that it was then stolen.

Youth on gun, ammunition charges JUNIOR BIBBY, 25-year-old labourer of Redemption Sharpes, will return to the Serious Offences Court on December 7.

That’s the date set for him to be tried on gun, ammunition, assault, and resisting arrest charges.

Bibby has been charged with possession of a .22 revolver without license, possession of six rounds of .22 ammunition without license, assaulting and resisting the arrest by Police Constable Dilford Collins, he being a police officer acting in due execution of

his duties.

When Bibby appeared at the Serious Offences Court on Wednesday, he pleaded guilty to the charges of assault and resisting arrest but maintained his innocence on the firearm and ammunition charges.

However, as all four offences, allegedly committed on November 7 at Redemption Sharpes, reportedly stem from the same circumstances, Bibby will face a trial on the four charges.

The Prosecution did not object

to bail, but requested suitable surety and conditions.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne then grant bail in the sum of $15,000 on condition that Bibby surrenders his travel documents and reports to the Central Police Station every Monday and Thursday.

Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit, and he is not supposed to leave the state without the permission of the Serious Offences Court, or a higher Court.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020. 5.

News

GG urges PM to mend ways with the NDP ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES’ GOVERNOR GENERAL, H.E. Dame Susan Dougan has urged the country’s Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves to reach out to the opposition New Democratic Party (ULP), after it was able to secure the popular vote in the November 5 general elections.

The Governor’s General’s appeal came as she addressed the swearing in of the Prime Minister to his fifth consecutive term in that office. This, after his Unity Labour Party scored a 9-6 victory, also its fifth consecutive win, over the NDP in the recent general elections.

Dame Susan congratulated all the candidates who contested the general elections and highlighted Dr.

Gonsalves’ unprecedented feat of five consecutive victories.

“I am sure that you are going down in the annals of history in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and throughout the Caribbean,” Governor General Dougan told the Prime Minister.

But it was the Governor General’s appeal to Gonsalves to reach out to the New Democratic Party that struck a chord with many Vincentians who would love to see a more united country. “… I think it is important to draw on your experience, your maturity, your confidence, and your skills to take us through these difficult times. It’s going to be challenging and I also urge you to reach out to the NDP because

Shevern’s issue to be addressed IT APPEARS FROM WHAT PRIME MINISTER DR. RALPH GONSALVES said at his sweraring in last Saturday at Government House, that he is prepared to revisit the case of defeated New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate- Shervern John.

John, a teacher, was made to resign her post in order to contest the election in the North Leeward constituency.

This followed as a consequence of her being denied approval for ‘election leave’ without pay.

Ms. John’s case followed on that of a trio of teachers — Kenroy Johnson, Addison

Thomas and Elvis Daniel — who, in order to contest on an opposition NDP ticket in the 2015 general elections, had to resign their positions.

They were not reinstated as they had hoped.

In both cases — the 2015 and 2020 general elections — the teachers had argued that ‘election leave’ was permissible under the terms of the 2005 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the government and the SVG Teachers Union.

Dr. Gonsalves had said that this expectation was nothing more than an ‘aspiration’, and the country’s constitution was the only reference, and, as such, did not allow for ‘election leave’.

However, last Saturday, Prime Minister Gonsalves said he will hold “a conversation with the Chairman of the Public Service Commission.”

He expects that that conversation would give him an indication of if and how the PSC Chairman and the Chief Personnel Shevern John, a first time Officer can work with candidate, reduced the Ministry of Montgomery Daniel’s Education and the margin of victory from 413 Cabinet Secretary, to in 2015 to 69 in 2020. see whether the

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, speaking at his swearing in last Saturday at Government House, gave indication that he was prepared to revisit the issue of reinstatement of teachers who resign to contest elections. teachers who are not yet at retirement age and wish to return to the teaching service, can make that known formally to the PSU. The result of that conversation the Prime Minister anticipates would be submitted to the Cabinet Secretary who will forward it to him, after which he will converse again with the Chairman of the PSU, at which time he would think the PSU chairman would be able to advise whether reinstatement is proper in all circumstances.

If that is the case, Dr. Gonslaves assured, it will be effected.

He, however, emphasized “…I can’t direct it, because the Chairman holds an independent office.”

the popular voices have spoken and there is a clear message in those voices,” the Governor General told the Prime Minister.

“I will also like to ask you to create a structure for healing in our society because I know emotions are high, and we will like all persons at the end of the election exercise ….. we all have to continue to build our country,” Governor General further advised the Prime Minister.

In a wider appeal, Governor General Dougan said that it was “important for all of us as citizens to move on as the election seems to be behind us, and we must start to build our country back again.”

The Supervisor of ElectionsMrs. Dora James, her Deputy Sylvester King and the team at the electoral office also came in for recognition by the Governor General, for ensuring that the democratic process unfolded without contention.

Also on Saturday, North Windward MP Montgomery Daniel who was also

Governor General Dame Susan Dougan had a clear message for the Prime Minister: Unite the country! marking his fifth consecutive victory, was sworn as Deputy Prime Minister, along with Jaundy Martin who returns as Attorney General. (Stories by KH)

V

6. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

International

Joe Biden not bothered

by Trump

Vice president-elect Kamala Harris gave the assurance that she and president-elect Joe Biden are ready for the road ahead. (Photo Source: thehandsindia.com)

President Donald Trump returns to the White House from playing golf. (Photo Credit: Getty; Photo Source: Yahoo News) USA PRESIDENT-ELECT Joe Biden has said it is “time to heal” the US. On Saturday 7th November, 2020, in Delaware, his home state, in his first nationwide speech as president-elect, Biden vowed “not to divide but to unify” the country.

“Let’s give each other a chance,” he said in what seemed to be an appeal to those who did not vote for him.

On all counts, Biden defeated incumbent President Donald Trump following a cliff-hanger vote count after the Tuesday, November 03 election.

However, as of Wednesday, Trump had yet to concede and in addition to his act of defiance when he left the White house last week Wednesday, one day after the election, for a round or two of golf, he has taken to the courts in an attempt to have the result overturned in his favour. This even though many of his

Republican colleagues say he would be hardpressed to prove fraud in the voting process or the count.

Biden begins Covid-19 response And in advance of his inauguration on January 20, 2021, the presidentelect, in his first address as referenced, said he would unveil a group of scientists and experts the following Monday to help him craft a plan to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout.

He was adamant that “our work begins with getting Covid under control,” adding Americans “cannot repair the economy, restore our economy or relish life’s most precious moments without doing so.”

The Trump administration’s response to the pandemic was at the centre of the presidential campaign, and drew heavy criticism from Biden, who said his plan would be “built on bedrock science”.

True to his word, by Monday Biden had named a 13-member Covid-19 Task, comprised of doctors and health experts, signaling his intent to seek a science-based approach to bring the raging pandemic under control.

The Task Force will have three co-chairs: Vivek H. Murthy, Surgeon General during the Obama administration; David Kessler, Food and Drug Administration commissioner under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton; and Marcella NunezSmith, Associate Dean for Health Equity Research at the Yale School of Medicine.

And it has a bipartisan feel about it since it also includes former Trump administration officials Rick Bright, former head of the Biomedical Advanced Research and

Development Authority, who, after being demoted, spoke out against the administration’s approach to the pandemic; and Luciana Borio, Director for Medical and Biodefense Preparedness on Trump’s National Security Council until 2019.

The US has reported more than 237,000 deaths caused by Covid19, the most of any country.

Harris impresses Meanwhile vice president-elect Kamala Karris, who is about to become the first female, first black and first Asian-American vicepresident of the USA, made her own impression in a speech that preceded Biden’s last Saturday.

Reflecting on the election campaign, she told supporters: “When our very democracy was on the ballot in this election, the very soul of America at stake and with the whole world watching, you ushered in a new day for America.”

She added: “You chose hope and unity, decency, science and yes, truth — you chose Joe Biden as the next president of the United States.”

She admitted that the road ahead “will not be easy but America is ready, and so are Joe and I.” Harris paid tribute to her late mother, an Indian immigrant to the US, and the other generations of black, Asian, white, Latina, and native women who “paved the way for this moment tonight.”

And she had a message for all the “little girls,” telling them, “While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last, before she introduced president-elect Joe Biden. (Primary Sources: BBC, Washington Post)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020. 7.

News

‘NDP encouraged,’ says Friday According to Friday, the NDP had been able to shift the political landscape to the 1980s and he referenced that it was the first time since 1994 that the NDP had garnered the majority of the votes.

“This is the silver lining in what has been a disappointing general elections for our supporters and for the majority of Vincentians because the majority voted for us,” he said.

“We have to take the Changing the fight and continue to landscape battle to bring that vision to reality, because Although the ULP the people voted for gained a seat for a 9 to 6 change and we have to victory, the NDP is keep fighting for that slightly ahead in terms change,” Friday of the popular vote. The continued. final figures indicate that He thanked all who the ULP recorded 32,353 worked during the votes compared to the campaign saying that the 32,847 for the NDP. team worked hard to

and Leader of the Opposition said that he and his colleagues are disappointed in not forming government, but are encouraged by the numbers.

“We are now the majority party,” Friday said on the ‘New Times’ Radio Programme on Monday.

The NDP, for the fifth straight time, lost the general elections to the incumbent Unity Labour Party (ULP).

Dr. Godwin Friday, President of the New Democratic Party (NDP), says that he is not going anywhere and will continue to stand with and for the people.

DR GODWIN FRIDAY, President of the New Democratic Party (NDP)

bring the message “of the people to the people.

“We are disappointed with the result but we are not despondent. We hear the voices of the people,” the NDP’s leader said.

“It’s not about me but what the people want.

We have articulated a vision for the country and the people said they want this for St Vincent and the Grenadines.”

The past few days have been difficult, but Friday pledged his continued commitment to the people and to brining a change.

“I just want everybody to know that I am not going anywhere, I am standing here — the people have put confidence in me and I take tremendous courage and support from that,”

Cash made the difference Never once to mince his works, St. Clair Leacock, three-times MP for Central Kingstown, cited a surge of ‘ready cash’ for the other side, as undoing the NDP.

VICE PRESIDENT of the New Democratic Party (NDP) St Clair ‘Major’ Leacock has said that raw cash made the difference in the turnout at the 2020 General Elections.

“Bribery of the highest order flying under the radar,” he alleged while on the November 9 edition of the New Times Radio programme.

According to Leacock, who was returned for the third time as Parliamentary Representative for Central Kingstown, the NDP beat the Unity Labour Party (ULP) in every aspect of the campaign except at the end, when he said that persons began collecting bribes.

“Some of the examples

are glaring, nobody will dispute the fact that in virtually all of the constituencies they (ULP) went around with their bags of money,” Leacock said.

“It’s amazing that people can sell their vote and their freedom and their future,” he continued.

These are the sorts of things that happened, Leacock contended.

“So in my view, the NDP and Dr Friday did everything that was necessary to get us into

government and at the end, it really is the people … their will, their right, their prerogative.

They have decided in a particular way,” the NDP VP said.

According to the MP, it was difficult to see the party with what was positive, practical and which exchanged deliverable promises lose the election.

He further contended that it was sad in a democracy that the status in the police force is a negotiating point.

“That they can promote people from the rank of constables to corporals all the way up to assistant commissioners — that must count for something.”

“So I am not laying blame that we are not in government today at the feet of the NDP; it is the will of the people that they are willing to spend the next five years waiting on handouts,” he added.

Stories (DD)

Friday, there were at least three ballots that the NDP thought ought to have been counted in their favour — which he said would have changed the outcome.

North Leeward He said that he met According to Friday, with the team last the team of the NDP weekend to discuss what spent 17 hours in the their options were with respect to the three recount process for the constituency of North ballots which had had Leeward. inscriptions on them.

They were rejected Initial results had indicated that the ULP’s after it had been ruled Carlos James had won by that the identity of the a margin of 7 votes voter could have been against the incumbent revealed.

Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews “We felt that those should have gone our of the NDP. The recount, however, way, but that is the brought that figure down ruling,” Friday said. to 1 and according to he said.

“And we will stand for the people of this country to bring change and vision that they want.”

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8. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020. 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

‘The truth shall set us free’ A GROUP, institution and country that are built on lies, ‘half-truths’ and propaganda will ultimately fall.

Politicians lie. That has become one of the most universal claims anyone can make.

Yet, we continue to accept it as the norm, failing to see that the truth is still available, but only if we desire it and demand it of those who seek to influence us that the ‘lie is the truth’.

It is a pity that we consciously or unconsciously give concessions to the politicians. We allow them the elbow room to employ a certain amount of ‘economy’ with the truth and in the process, allow this to shape the minimum expectation we have of our politicians.

And they go on their merry way, campaigning in poetry but governing in prose.

So, economy with the truth has become what electorates expect. The consequence of this is that the politicians retreat from what is rational to what is emotive and manipulative and which, for obvious reasons, falls short of the truth.

There are enough signs to speak to a situation in which the public/electorate has got to a point in which it no longer even seems to care about truthfulness at all.

Here’s the take of one person: “I voted for Dr. Friday but I didn’t believe a lot of what he said.” This is clear indication that people still do not rely on the facts on which to base a decision.

On the other hand, there is the voter who said he voted for Dr. Gonsalves, because he believed the “talk about selling passports and all that,” giving the benefit of the doubt to the politician without researching the truthfulness of a deliberately crafted response.

It is clear that many of those who would lead or would want to lead a development plan, those who jostle for the people’s votes, use their suave and their intellectual shenanigans to manipulate the truth, i.e. even riding on the ‘maxim’ that half the truth will keep the people encouraged.

Yet, the truth can be made known by the click of a button.

The internet is a source of both truth and lie; it stands to be interpreted accordingly. The reality is, though, that the vast majority of ordinary folk do not have the wherewithal — skill, equipment and capacity to deduce far less to assimilate what they are fed.

So, it’s back to square one in which the people rely on the ‘goodness’ of their leaders for the truth.

But the people must see even further and make the distinction between truthful sincerity and deception. The thing to understand is that a politician can deceive without technically lying. This should never be accepted as reasonable economy with the truth.

The single result of the people’s ‘readiness’ to accept anything less than the truth is a mismatch between word and deed. Politicians end up saying one thing and doing another.

This, some argue, might win a party power once, but as soon as that party is ‘defrocked’, trust is lost and hard to get back. If the truth be told, the history of our modern day politics does not bear testimony to this deduction.

The answer to exposing the lie and revealing the truth lies in every citizen playing a role in suppressing propaganda, by utilising the unlimited access that is available to them. In so doing, they become a part of the solution and not the problem which prolongs the tarnished reality of our politics.

The truth is, only by demanding the truth can we build a country where honesty, integrity and decency become the norm and not the exception.

Perspectives on political leadership in SVG (First published in THE VINCENTIAN Of January 08, 2016) MANY PERSONS have been drilled and brain-washed, especially over the past fifteen years, into believing that Dr. Gonsalves is invincible, a populist figure, a charismatic leader who possesses magical qualities, if not spiritual grace.

The truth is that Gonsalves is a top-notch politician, a superb operator, an inspired calculator versed in the machinations of political warfare, with a particular gift for infighting.

The foregoing does not seek to derogate from Dr. Gonsalves of the good that he has the capacity to accomplish but simply infers that he tends to get carried away by his string of successes, and drifts into his own world of self-promotion and selfaggrandisement.

Let us take an objective look at four Vincentian political leaders since adult suffrage, and see where Ralph fits into the schema.

Joshua won elections 1951 to 1979, 28 years. He led his PPP to power, such as it was, in 1957, 1961 and 1966 — 3 in a row. He won his seat from Day One and lost only in 1979. In 1957 he had left his constituency of North Windward and pitched camp in Central Windward where he fulfilled his promise of toppling George Charles the leader of the 8th Army of Liberation, which had launched Joshua into Politics.

Milton Cato lost his first election in South Leeward in 1957 and switched to East St. George in 1961 which he won in 7 straight elections, leading the country as the first Premier and Prime Minister until he resigned after the 1984 elections. In sum, he had led his SVLP to victory in 1967, 1974 and 1979.

Altogether he served his country for 23 years not counting one year in the West Indies Federal Parliament.

James “Son” Mitchell’s political career spanned 34 years, 1966 to 2001, during which he led a coalition Government of himself and the PPP for 2 ½ years and the NDP for 4 terms in a row 1984, 1989, 1994 and 1998, 1989 being the year the NDP won all 15 elected seats!

Like Cato, Mitchell had suffered one defeat in his time when, to expand the reach of a developing N.D.P., he had left his constituency safely in the arms of Cosmos Cozier but failed to win the seat of South Central Windward, which was gained by Offord Morris of SVLP.

Unlike Joshua and Mitchell, both of whom stepped out of his comfort zone to extend the reach of their party, Ralph remained glued to his stomping ground of North Central Windward. I thought that in the 2015 election he would have left Camillo with his fiefdom and go and challenge either Eustace for East Kingstown or more wisely, Linton Lewis for East Saint George.

Either the strong man Gonsalves was too cowardly or too selfish to run that risk notwithstanding the constant rhetoric of bragging rights! Actually, he should have recalled that Vincent Beache, who on the U.L.P arrangement 1994 surrendered his hold on North Central Windward to Ralph, and betook himself to the untested ground of South-Windward which both ULPites captured, releasing the party from the Deathstrangle-hold of NO seats since 1989 and, in effect, starting the renaissance of the U.L.P which has climaxed in the glory of a four-in-arow triumph, albeit with two one-seat majorities.

In stark electoral terms the score-card shows that Ralph who entered politics in 1979 lost his first THREE IN A ROW — 1979, 1984 and 1989. Then followed with six victories in a total of nine attempts. As for Arnhim, he has scored FIVE TIMES IN FIVE TRIES — 100 per cent!!

You see how a past-master of propaganda can mislead a nation, particularly the U.L.P chattering nabobs!

In fact, on second thoughts, Ralph remains a commanding and forceful leader but falls short of being charismatic. The charismatic is BORN NOT MADE; as were Alexander Bustamante of Jamaica, Vere Bird of Antigua, Ebenezer Joshua of St. Vincent, Eric Gairy of Grenada and Uriah “Buzz” Butler of Trinidad and Tobago. Ralph accumulated charismatic qualities after toiling for fifteen years (1979-1994) in the wilderness. He had learnt of the traits of charisma when we studied in graduate classes at U.W.I in the 1970’s, and he later cultivated and easily adopted the particular mode and style among an unsophisticated and gullible people.

Finally, a simple error. At the opening of the House the Honourable Prime Minister had hailed defeated candidate for North Leeward Carlos James as the youngest ever appointee to the posts of Deputy Speaker and a senator. In 1966, almost fifty years ago, the PPP had so appointed 27 years old Lawyer Errol Layne with five years practice under his belt, to the said post of Senator (then Nominated Member) and Deputy Speaker!

V WhatÊs next? A response

lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020. 9.

Views

I AM WRITING this before the Nov. 05 general elections back home. So, before I proceed to my point of this letter, let me offer congratulations to whoever wins the race. If it is Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, then he deserves even more kudos for becoming the first politician in the Caribbean to be elected in five consecutive elections.

But to my point which was prompted by your recent editorial, “What’s next..?’

It is clear that your piece headed down the road of saying that the next step for us independent states is to become republics… to do away with the Queen.

That may be so, but the way I see it

is that getting rid of the Queen will make some people feel better about themselves, like those who are referred to as academician, and of course many in the media.

Funny, I wonder how many of those who have accepted knighthoods and what-have-you, would give up their titles like ‘Sir’ and ‘Queen’s Counsel.

The way I see it as stupid as it might sound, is that before we venture into this republic thing, we must ask ourselves: How is kicking out the Queen going to benefit us?

Will it have any economic benefit?

Will it bring more investment into the country?

Will it mean better roads?

Will it put food on poor people’s tables?

And it is on the last question that I must labour a bit. It is ordinary, poor Vincentians who will have to vote to kick out the Queen or not. We owe it to them to explain how being a republic will benefit them in real and tangible manner. Tell them whether being a republic will mean that they will no longer be abused; that their women will not be exploited, sexually abused and treated like items on a supermarket shelf.

If those questions can be truthfully addressed as we push the talk of becoming a Republic, then the answer

from the people will not be a prompted one.

Our leaders, many of them selfimposed, must stop imposing their intellectual and academic ‘superiority’ on ordinary people. We must think before we leap.

And before I sign off, Mr. Editor, allow me to extend congratulations to our alma mater, St. Martin’s Secondary School, for the outstanding performance in this year’s CXC. It is heart-warming to note that we are returning to where we always belonged… at the top.

Garnet, NY

The election The real winners of this elections is over. Now⁄ CONGRATULATIONS to the election winners.

The election is over. Now let’s honour our nation and commit to a way forward that would make our forefathers and mothers proud of what we have become.

I am looking forward to a spirited conversation about how we can convert the many election promises into projects and system changes. Yes, we now must change the conversation from political rhetoric to action, and we must return to showing our friends that we care about them and not their politics.

I’m looking forward to having conversations with people about things other than politics. I would like to be a part of a conversation that discusses food security.

How can we improve farming so that it would become an attractive option for more of our young people? Can we discuss the production of alternative energy and the reduction on the reliance of imported oil?

Can we revisit the

question of land reform?

Hell, can we discuss constitutional reform?

Can we discuss an independent electoral office and election reform in general? Every time I turnaround, someone would like to do something creative, but it never gets done because it is not allowed under the current construction.

I am also looking forward to lighter conversations, I would also like to know about your fears and dreams.

What gets you excited?

How are the kids and grandkids doing? When will the West Indies Cricket return to the top of the world? Would we ever have another National Basketball Tournament? How can I support the things you want for yours, and how can you support what I want for mine?

By looking for ways to support each other, celebrate each other, and make sure we are being good neighbours to each other, we can get back normal.

Horatio

PERMIT ME to forward an objective postmortem of the general elections held last week, and the winners it revealed.

Of outstanding performance is the Honorable Dr. Godwin Friday who is the only candidate to have beaten his opponent at every single polling station in his constituency. He is very worthy of high commendations especially since the leader of the ULP, the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves, nicknamed the “FiveStar General” and “World Boss” did not accomplish this feat.

Of notable mention is the Minister for South Leeward, Nigel Stephenson, who claimed the most votes for any candidate in the elections.

Also of notable mention is the New Democratic Party which secured the popular vote, doing so for the first time in six successive elections.

Of the five female candidates who contested this election, none gained as many votes as Laverne Velox, who did

extremely well in her first outing in the political arena against the Minister of Finance, Camillo Gonsalves.

Merits of distinction must also be awarded to three other first-timers who claimed their seats, notably, the ULP’s Orando Brewster of Central Leeward and Curtis King of West St. George, and the NDP’s Fitzgerald Bramble, the Honorable Arnhim Eustace’s successor for East Kingstown.

Standing ovation is also in order for the tens of thousands of Vincentians who believed in the machinery of the electoral process and for the ULP Gonsalves-led administration, in securing an historic fifth term in office.

But the political victories of these men and women pale in comparison to the unsung victories of the women in our society who get up every morning, amid their many aches and pains; women who have come out of depression and survived domestic violence, who put on whatever clothes they

could, to get to their workplace to work menial and low-paying jobs, among the many more unemployed; women who walk around from stores to stalls looking for foodstuff for their household; women who trudge with their bags quietly across the streets of Kingstown without song or fanfare, many of whom ask for nothing more than a little help, and who sometimes compromise their integrity because the livelihood and education of their children are at stake, and who yet turned out in their thousands to vote on election day, not knowing what reward will come with that risk.

Congrats to all the winners CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners in the November 05, 2020 general elections. I understand that some of the losses on both sides cried.

The work of managing the business of our nation continues. It is not going to be as easy as before. Our people will not sit idly by and allow wrongdoing to continue —

militarization in parliament, victimization, etc. No! The ULP’s campaign targeted a clear demographic, as can be seen in the full nature of the gospel fest. That was playing with the minds of the so-called Christians, and a show of mockery for Christ. Time will tell.

On the side of the NDP, the

young local artistes did well and deserved a healthy congratulation. To our judgement, they are more Christian-like than the ULP youth.

In the end, the NDP are the real winners, but the ULP retain government as the minority. Had the referendum gone the other way round, the

NDP would be in government.

Heavenly Father, the Divine Energy of Creation allow the ULP to remain in government in order to show to the manmade world boss, who is the real boss.

Once more, congrats to all the winners.

Christian Democrat

They are the real winners of this election in my view. Let us not forget these women.

Rodcliff Noel

* Is it ‘a must’ that police officers have to buy from the Police Canteen? * Which group accounted for the increase to approx.

98,000 in 2020 from 89,000 in 2015 of registered voters? Is it that so many people turn 18 during the interim? * Are the leaders of both political parties going to be charged for breaching the Covid-19 health protocols, e.g. for organizing mass rallies far exceeding the 500 people allowed for outdoor activities? * Wasn’t it a shame that the CMO called for people attending these rallies to wear masks but never said a thing about not staging the mass gatherings in the first place? * Who said that the result in North Leeward had a lot to do with those $500 handouts to farmers and others?

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10. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

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Thank you SVG for an unprecedented and historic victory THE JUST CONCLUDED elections held on November 5, 2020 here in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, produced a result that that have been correctly regarded as unprecedented and historic by historians, political and social activist as well as ordinary individuals with an interest in these events. The election of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) for a fifth consecutive term in government here, is something that has never been achieved before in any of the independent countries in CARICOM. The swearing-in of Dr. Hon Ralph E Gonsalves as the Prime Minister of this country for a 5th term, on Saturday November 8, 2020, marked the beginning of a new era in the politics of this region, and puts him in a group of one, the only Prime Minister living or dead to have achieved this.

This result wasn’t achieved without hard work, but even at his age, Dr Gonsalves displayed a level of energy absent in most of his age-group to lead a very vigorous

advancements made were many and the electorate was given a clear roadmap of how a re-elected ULP Rejection of the NDP and its Neo-colonialism would build on those successes to create a more vibrant economy that would present opportunities to The ULP put before the electorate, its report card all Vincentians for wealth creation and and offered an agenda going forward that would see advancement. a continuation of its policies, building on the By contrast, the New Democratic Party offered excellent work that was done over the last 19 plus the electorate a mishmash of watered down rhetoric, years. The electorate was reminded of the strides pieced together with the use of a few overused buzz this country has made in education, healthcare, words and phrases as adhesive in what was agriculture, housing, infrastructure development, otherwise an incoherent platform of confused airport construction, poverty reduction, youth messengers and confusing messages. The lack of entrepreneurship and employment creation. The real substance and details in their plans was evident as they scrambled from issue to issue in the hope that one would stick and gain traction with the electorate. This never materialised! Their trump-card of selling passports and citizenship to the highest bidder, be they criminals or vagabonds in a veritable race to the bottom, was rejected by the electorate even with the best effort of the NDP to try and disguise this plan with the most fanciful references. The invitation of foreign mindbenders, intent on taking us to a new era of colonialism where Vincentians would become second class citizens in their own land, with the interest of foreign “lords” put before our own was not something the Vincentian populace was willing to allow.

The most telling moment of the campaign for the opposition NDP occurred when its leader Dr Godwin Friday addressed the students at the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Community College. During the question and answer segment, one student challenged the Leader of the Opposition to provide some hope to the youth as his party has so desperately tried to convince the electorate that it offers. She questioned “having listed a number of failings of this country, can you list just one thing we are good at”? The question caused an unprepared and “stumped” Godwin Friday to squirm and move about in his seat displaying clear and obvious discomfort. “We have done well in you” he responded, “done well in our students, our people…”

Godwin Friday had, because of the preparedness of this community college student, given a solid endorsement of the education revolution and by extension the people-centred policies of this ULP government.

The NDP presented among its 15 candidates 6 new candidates to complement its 7 parliamentarians and 2 candidates who were facing the electorate for a second time. The voters of this country rejected 9 of them, choosing instead to elect with an increased parliamentary majority, 9 of the 15 candidates offered by the ULP. Vice President and a potential leader of the NDP, Roland Matthews, the incumbent in North Leeward, failed to defend his seat against Carlos James who is now the duly elected Member of Parliament for the constituency of North Leeward. This was not just a rejection of candidates, but also a rejection of the direction the NDP wanted to take this country, preferring instead to stick with the ULP, showing confidence in its policies presented and its proven ability as a government to implement their policies.

campaign throughout the length and breadth of this country, to ensure that the message of the ULP was delivered personally to the electorate. In the end, the wise and informed electorate chose to return the Dr Gonsalves ULP to office to continue its development agenda designed to lift SVG higher!

Conclusion The results of the last general elections, with the Unity Labour Party improving its parliamentary majors to 9-6 indicates a strengthening of the legislative position of the executive arm of government. The ULP can be pleased that in campaigning for a 5th term in government it didn’t just see a return, but a return with strengthened majority. The party didn’t just achieve something that was never achieved before, but it did so, making it look easy from the results. Dr Gonsalves asked the electorate for an increased majority from the one seat 8-7 majority that it held in the last parliament, and they responded.

The ULP thanks all those voters who went out on election day and voted for the Star, giving the party a strengthened position from which it can now govern and creating history in the process. We give you the citizens of the country a solemn pledge that we would continue to work and govern this country for the benefit of all in our quest to “Lift SVG Higher”.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020. 11.

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Patience, Persistence and Perspiration

Election 2020: Results and Reflections

“Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” Oliver Napoleon Hill (1883-1970) – American self-help author. He is best known for his book “Think and Grow Rich”; one of the ten best-selling self-help books of all times.

‘The thing I dread most is to be walking down the street and hear someone whisper ‘There goes Walter Rodney. He uses to be a revolutionary.’ Dr Walter Rodney

CABLE TELEVISION, smart phones, and tablets can become very addictive. This is especially so in relation to our youthful citizens, as they seek “entertainment” rather than engage in knowledgeenhancing activities such as reading a good book. Many of my generation found books very captivating. We appeared ever ready to imbibe the knowledge captured in many of their pages.

However, we were not faced with the temptations and distractions of our modern-day youths. In addition, many of the adults in our homes and neighbourhoods would have encouraged us to read “good books” … like Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich”, Norman Vincent Peale’s “The Power of Positive Thinking”, and “Rich Dad Poor Dad”, written by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter. These books helped us to focus on what was required to achieve the noble goals that we were setting. These authors reminded us to be patient, persistent, and to dedicate the effort and energy needed to accomplish our virtuous ambitions.

It is so very important to develop the discipline needed to be patient even as we face delays and distractions as we pursue our dreams. That ability to unwearyingly wait as events unfold is so very important. Life’s journeys will not always take us along the path of least resistance. We must be prepared for detours and delays along the way. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly slowed down or dismantled the pursuit of many academic and career goals. But all is not lost. Regardless of the disappointments and frustrations caused by this unforeseen “tragedy”, there is still reason to hope. We just have to be patient with ourselves and with others as we await the resumption of the exercise.

The late Professor Richard Telloni of the State University of New York (SUNY), once presented me with some very useful advice when he was conscious of an unforeseen “detour” in my life. He then provided some very wise and friendly advice when he said, “Don’t worry about anything that you do not have control over.” He then explained that if we have control over the particular circumstance then it would make sense to focus our attention on resolving it. However, if the matter is beyond our control (as is the case with how COVID-19 has disrupted our lives) then we need not worry; we simply need to adjust our lives to cope with the changes that have been imposed upon us. These words or wisdom ricochet through the years to remind us of the value of being patient even if we do not understand or appreciate life’s detours and disappointments. It is highly unlikely that engaging in worry exercises will enhance our coping mechanisms or resolve the challenges that we face.

The preceding paragraphs must not be interpreted to mean that we abandon our goals or objectives even as we wait for improved circumstances.

Amidst the challenges and frustrations we must keep hope alive. Persistence

must be the hallmark of our endeavours. We must be prepared to do whatever it takes (that is honest) to continue the journey. Even as we face delays we must retain the focus on being able to surmount the challenges that have been presented. Dr. Robert Schuller said it so well in his bestselling book entitled “Tough Times Never Last But Tough People Do”.

Using the analogy of a mountain being in our path he recommends that we must have the determination to climb over it, maneuver around it, or tunnel through it. That is the kind of persistence that is often required when we encounter life’s varied challenges.

My mathematics teacher at St. Martin’s Secondary School, Brother Francis, regularly prompted his students to develop the tenacity to persist even against great odds. He would regularly remind us that, “Any dead fish can float downstream. It takes a life, dedicated, committed fish to swim upstream — against the flow.”

Persistence is an imperative if we are to achieve our noble ambitions. This is as true for the athlete seeking to better her best performance as it is for the student who may have failed an examination but is determined to make it right next time around. He may have failed but he is not a failure.

He will persist. He will do what it takes to make sure that he develops the requisite knowledge, skills, and tenacity to succeed.

Too many persons appear to be looking for “handouts” and expecting success without exerting too much effort and energy. There is an old saying that we seldom hear in our modern society but that is still relevant today … too many persons want to “live light and weigh heavy”.

Too many students falter and fail because they relied on “luck” to pass with a high grade rather than to develop the discipline of regular and indebt study to make that happen.

Too many workplaces are plagued by having employees who want to do the least amount of work but expect a “big fat cheque” at the end of the month.

We will accomplish so much more in our schools, homes, and workplaces if/when individuals commit to exerting the necessary effort and energy to enhance productivity and performance.

A biblical passage beckons to be considered here. It is the example that Jesus Christ of Nazareth provided in the gospel of Matthew. In Chapter 6, He refers to the birds not reaping or gathering into barns but still trust the Father to provide for them. The birds do not sit idly by (except for the little chicks that are unable to gather their meals). They must go searching and hunting for their meals. The provision is there but they must work to help themselves and their offspring. Thus, while we focus on being patient and persistent, we must also be prepared to perspire (exert the necessary effort and energy to accomplish the task).

Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.

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

‘If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

1 Corinthians 13:1 ‘For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, but lose his soul?’ -Mark 8:36 HISTORY HAS MINTED Ralph Gonsalves in the pantheon of Caribean political leaders following his party’s historic 5th consecutive victory on November 5th.

During the elections campaign, Gonsalves pulled out all the stops in what will go down in Vincentian history as the most perversely vulgar, repugnant, repulsive and reprehensible misuse of the Vincentian state by a political leader and his party, to achieve the narrowest of election victories since occupying the corridors of power in 2001.

Gonsalves, who won the elections, 9 constituencies to 6, proudly wears the crown ‘world boss’, even as citizens mocked as his high-speed police caravan careened recklessly from one campaign stop to another. Voters knew the emperor had no clothes. Gonsalves and his minions joyously proclaimed that he was dressed in an impressive golden suit.

These elections, in which the ULP lost the popular vote for the first time since 1998, is clear proof that the 5 star general sacrificed his troops for his stripes. It was sickeningly sad to see the ULP which stormed into power promising change reduced to intimidation and buying of support. It ran a dark, fear-mongering, antiChinese, subliminal anti-communist campaign which compared unfavourably with the electioneering assaults launched at Gonsalves and the progressive UPM when they challenged the status quo in 1979.

It remains heart-rendering and mind-boggling to watch as so-called progressives, either joined in or remained silent, in the face of this auction sale type, desperate dash for power. Those who mean well for SVG need to abandon their knee jerk real politick and get back to progressive politics which encompasses a struggle for Genuine Independence, People’s Ownership and Control. All too often, careerism and close proximity to power obscure and trump our hitherto foresight and vision. A true commitment to our country and its people mourn the scarcity of recruits.

The ULP disrespect for citizens as well as disregard and abandonment of many of those who voted for the party made the most ordinary opposition candidate look impressive. As the numbers came in on elections night, Gonsalves appeared more like a general destined for a war crimes tribunal, as opposition candidates cheerily galloped through constituencies Gonsalves boastfully claimed as a virtual ‘Cardon Sanitaire’. Had the opposition mounted a few more young and attractive candidates, Gonsalves would have been a goner.

As it stands now he is the victorious general whose troops are humbled, miserable and vulnerable. Gonsalves’ heir apparent, son Camillo, who parachuted into the safe East St George seat in 2015, limped to a 181-vote victory. His rival, Laverne GibsonVelox, who entered the race a mere 2 months before election day, landed dangerous body blows but failed to score a knockout.

Saboto Caesar, the ‘son’ with whom Gonsalves claimed he was ‘well pleased’, did marginally better surviving by 229 votes against the crusading insurgency of the boisterous and confident

challenger, lawyer Israel Bruce.

The dismal showing by Camillo and Saboto is ominous for the ULP transition. Either or both could suffer a humiliating defeat in the upcoming contest.

Montgomery Daniel, touted as the ironman, nervously watched in realtime as teacher Shevern Lewis-John scared him into a pretzel-shaped metal before faltering by 69 votes. Lewis-John may have counted her chickens before they hatched, thus becoming over confident.

Jimmy Prince, dubbed the ‘Prince of the Marriaqua Valley’ because of his impressive 756 victory margin in 2015, suffered a severe bout of buyer’s remorse. Voters chopped him down to size forcing him to settle for a 353 success margin.

Gustaus Stephenson, the 3-time victor in South Windward and celebrated as the ‘humble African’ in ULP circles, must have displayed his true colours to constituents. The voters roughed him and reduced the size of his victory from 759 five years ago to 217 votes.

Carlos James, our new Tourism/Culture Minister, in what can only be described as the constituents wholesale rejection of his candidacy, crawled from minus 12 in 2015 to a plus 1 victory. James’s triumph was aided by massive giveaways by the ULP up to and including election day. As ole people say, it does not hurt to be born fart frightened, cocky and lucky.

Curtis King, a former head teacher and current Education minister, won by 443 votes. Even with his strong links to the constituency, he underperformed and was pulled down by his opponent, Attorney Kay Bacchus Baptiste’s aggressive campaigning and the albatross of the ULP staleness and sense of entitlement.

The only bright, endearing and possibly enduring futuristic spot on the ULP slate was Orondo Brewster’s sound whipping of Ben Exeter by 521 votes.

Having underestimated Exeter in 2015, the ULP left nothing to chances. It recruited the vibrant and energetic Brewster who was ably assisted by the retiring Sir Louis Straker and bales of ULP largesse.

Among the truths revealed in the elections are the following: Gonsalves’ gravitas has irretrievably evaporated while control his over the minds of the population has loosened. Also in doubt is his grip on political reality. He damaged his party’s 2015 chances in South Leeward by conspiring against his own candidate. He put in place an unconnected and touchy candidate who was roundly humiliated by South Leeward voters. The party failed to muster the 2620 vote count of 2015 and has guaranteed the sub-par parliamentarian, Nigel Stephenson, who won a 3rd term by 505 votes, into a surety for at least 5 victories.

Most importantly, Gonsalves narcissism goaded him to stick around long enough to preside over what appears to be the terminal decline of his Unity Labour Party. Having entered the political fray as a progressive policy, programme initiating, agenda-setting leader directing a forward-looking political vehicle, the electorate relegated him to a political buffoon in a general’s uniform while his party was fed humble pie.

Gonsalves gloating is nothing more than a pyrrhic victory. All that remains is the colourful afterglow of an imploding star. Meanwhile, the people, who harbour contempt and pity for the degenerate, unprogressive, win at all cost electioneering tactics, laugh louder than ever as the emperor appears stark naked.

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

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12. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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Concern for the next generation of Vincentians

case after case where male youths are shot dead. Under Gonsalves, FIVE TERMS IN A ROW, but households and under an lives of Vincentians in make a meaningful the ULP regime has will the ULP regime contribution. years to come. appalling education created a conveyor belt replace Haiti with SVG as When we look at Tourism is dead. system. where many male youths the poorest country in the countries such as The poor education Agriculture is dead. leave school world? Under the ULP Singapore, which is a Education is poor. system offered by the regime, poverty, World Bank success story prematurely. Some of Kingstown is a slum.

ULP regime, coupled these embark on a life of destitution and The economy is virtually with one of the highest with a badly run unemployment are high, dead. The ULP regime’s standards of living in the crime and then end up in economy, has led to a and an environment of management of the world, we know that very jail or being shot dead, vast number of young while still young. crime is what the next high-quality education Public Accounts and people leaving school Will anything be generation in SVG will be (free from Pre-School to a Finance is hopelessly with little or no different for the next born into. education, the prospect of incompetent. There is no Science University) generation of There is a whole driving a knowledgelong-term unemployment Fiscal Surplus to drive Vincentians? The ULP generation of young and a life of destitution sustainable development. based economy, is the regime has locked up people who have grown formula for success. In and poverty.

There’s no money many of our male youth. up with or were born SVG, the opposite is Will anything be circulating the country.

The big ULP regime jail under a Gonsalves being done and it is a different for the next SVG is in a very bad government (2001 — generation of place and getting worse. formula for failure - high in North Leeward is already crowded and it 2020). This generation Vincentians? Policies and SVG is in a very serious levels of poverty, believed that 9 out of 10 has seen their life unemployment and projects concerning our mess financially, and in males in the ULP regime opportunities diminished; economy and society the hands of persons who crime. many have grown up in In the newspapers and jail cannot read. carried out over the next are grossly incompetent Warrant Officer Ivan poverty, low income few years, will affect the and highly unqualified to television carry reports of

Bertie O’Neal BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA lived in Singapore with his wife and three children from 1963 to 1965, and witnessed first-hand the incredible transformation of Singapore from deep poverty to having one of the highest standards of living in the World. The ULP leadership is far too narrow and far too selfish to move our graceful country out of poverty into prosperity.

The ULP Regime has the attitude that can replace Haiti with SVG as the poorest country in the world.

What hope for the next generation of Vincentians!

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020. 13.

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14. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Regional

JamaicaÊs PNP gets new leader MARK GOLDING is the new president of the People’s National Party (PNP), Jamaica’s main opposition party, and was sworn in as

Leader of the Opposition last Tuesday.

Golding, who is the St Andrew South MP, was elected in the PNP presidential election held on Nov. 7, in which he defeated the only other candidate, Lisa Hanna, by 1740 to 1444 votes.

More than 3,300 delegates were eligible to vote and reports indicate that there was a 96%voter turnout.

Golding takes Lisa Hanna, who was crowned Miss World 1993, is said to be popular with the PNP youth members.

over from Dr. Peter Phillips, who had been the leader of the party since 2017.

In a five minute speech following the declaration of the result, he thanked Hanna for an intense campaign and assured Party members that inclusivity would be a forefront feature of his leadership.

“I am ready to sit with Comrade Hanna to share my vision and hear her own vision, so we all can work together as a party to rebuild and refocus our efforts as a stronger PNP,” said the new Leader.

“We are ready to bridge the gaps of disunity and discord, I’m inviting all comrades to

come under this big tent for a stronger movement,” he continued.

Golding’s campaign was founded on a commitment to rebuild the party and bring back unity to the PNP — the lack of which was highlighted as one of the main reasons for their 49-14 crushing defeat at the hands of the incumbent Jamaica Labour Party, in the September general election.

He has pledged to provide support through an endowment fund for party workers; to provide inclusivity in decision making; to strenghten the organisation’s structures through a

robust political education programme; to provide mentorship for the youth organisation, technical support for groups and affiliates, and charting a path to stability for the party’s finances.

Golding is the sixth president of the 82-year-old party.

The other presidents were Norman Manley, his son Michael Manley, Percival James (PJ) Patterson, Portia Simpson-Miller and Phillips.

He was a member of the Senate of Jamaica from 2007 to 2017 and served as Minister of Justice in

Mark Golding has committed to mending the many chasms within the PNP. (Source: Buzz Caribbean) the PNP administration from 2012 to 2016. He was elected as a Member of Parliament in 2017.

(Sources: Jamaica Observer, Buzz Caribbean, cwd=info-org)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020. 1a.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020. 15.

News

Elma Constance Francois

Tribute to unheralded women She quickly established herself as an advocate on behalf of the poor and disenfranchised and became a founding member of the Negro Welfare Cultural and Social Organisation (NWCSA). The NWCSA organized many ‘hunger marches’, and following the 1937 uprising, instigated the first strike in Port of Spain. Elma Francois was arrested and charged with sedition. She defended herself and was finally acquitted. When the prosecutor asked her why she persisted in making speeches which were causing disaffection among his Majesty’s subjects, she replied,“I don’t know that my speeches create disaffection, I know that my speeches create a fire in the minds of the people so as to change conditions which now exist”.

ELMA CONSTANCE FRANCOIS was born in Overland, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, on 14th October, 1897. From an early age, she struggled for the betterment of her people since life was hard for labourers.

Some women worked in the cotton fields, some as domestic workers, while others worked at the Mt. Bentick Sugar Factory.

The outspoken Elma quickly set about trying to organize the labourers of the Mt Bentick Sugar Estate and Factory where she worked, and was promptly fired. She then migrated to Trinidad, where she worked as a Domestic.

On September 25, 1987, forty-three years after her death, Elma Francois was declared a national heroine of Trinidad & Tobago for her role in drawing attention to human dignity, and effecting radical change towards eradicating mass unemployment and hunger. She demonstrated political will, temerity to speak up in public, tenacity in educating herself, and in using that education for a cause - an Ideal Caribbean/Vincentian person in her time.

Vincentian women abandoned their daily chores to protest against the rising cost of living. This action was sparked by a government plan to increase customs duties on basic items, among them oil and matches.

The women stormed the Court House in Kingstown, brandishing sticks and stones. In the process they freed fifteen prisoners. Bertha Mutt, a Vendor, was one of the women in the forefront of the uprising. She is reported to have led the march into the courtyard and prison.

Bertha Mutt and others Among the other women who took part in this activity were Ermine October 21st 2020 marked the 85th Potenor, Lydia Laidlow, Hermina Anniversary of the 1935 uprising in St. Oliver and Beryl Ollivierre. The Vincent & The Grenadines, as a women were soon joined by two dispossessed predominantly black hundred men, also armed with stones, population protested their condition of sticks, sledge-hammers, cutlasses, poverty, hardship and degradation. A knives and pieces of iron. The women small group of group of fifteen were among the protestors who were arrested and were given prison sentences of eighteen months to four years hard labour, for their role in the events leading up to the uprising.

The uprising signaled significant change in the social conditions of ordinary working people and, according to the Honourable Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, “marked the beginnings of the democratic evolution in St. Vincent & The Grenadines, and laid the basis During his tenure at the for the country’s democratic Reginald Thomas, NIS, Mr. Thomas did a awakening”. former Executive remarkable job and I asked However, the contribution of these Director of the NIS, him why they did not introduce attest to the fact women to the socio-economic development of our Caribbean National Health Insurance and that a National Civilisation goes largely unnoticed. mentioned the scenario from health Insurance Bill my previous paragraph. He was already drafted Women are hidden in clear sight said, “…Interestingly, the just NDP lost office legislation which is necessary in 2001.

It was the Hon. Camillo Gonsalves to make NHI happen has who, in his maiden speech on entering already been drafted but not allow for the Parliament, said, “he would like to see brought to parliament for discussion Parliament reflective of the people in best health and ratification”. the Gallery — men and women”. Yet in care delivery To which I replied by saying that the recently concluded 2020 General service to the general public, that Bill could not have been Elections, none of the four women especially to the elderly, many of presented by the ULP, because the offered by the competing Political whom are returning nationals. public would have known about it.

Parties were successful in gaining a This development will also serve He noted that the draft legislation seat. Clearly, their competence is not the country well, as visitors would feel had been prepared by the NDP in question. In my view, it is due to comfortable knowing that if they administration but that they lost the the age-old belief system that in became ill while on vacation that this election in 2001 and never bothered to choosing a Member of Parliament, country has facilities on par with bring it up for discussion in woman is second best, and therefore international standards.

Parliament … a grave error among not placed in safe seats. How do we And in closing, our farmers need to other issues that has caused them to change this mindset? There has to be ramp up on the production of strong political will and actions. remain in opposition so long. Even organically produced foods. Most of The Hon. Prime Minister has made during the recent campaign, NHI our health problems can be traced to a step in the right direction by should have been their ‘trump card’, improper diets and processed foods, declaring 2020 the Year of the but was not trumpeted, if mentioned but I will leave that to the experts in Domestic and Casual Workers. This is at all. nutrition to expand.

Suffice it to say, a great acknowledgement of the part But it is not too late, because NHI organically produced foods fetch far played by these sectors of workers to is absolutely necessary along with a better prices and are healthy to the national development. modern hospital to complement the I have often advocated for Elma consumer. diagnostic facility in Georgetown, as Francois, who currently enjoys the I sincerely hope that both well as dialysis facilities, with the status of a National Heroine of government and opposition can work latter being required on both sides of Trinidad and Tobago, to be chosen as a the island and one in the Grenadines. together to make these ideals a National Heroine of St. Vincent & The reality.

The inherited British NHI will also be beneficial for all Grenadines, the land of her birth. parliamentary system is cramping specialist doctors, including private This honour to Her Excellency Elma doctors who won’t have to worry about and paralyzing our development and Francois, seventy-seven years after her has divided our country into two being paid for their services, as death, will be a fitting tribute to hostile camps, when we should be payment for each procedure will be women in the Year of the Domestic pooling our resources and talents for agreed to by the NHI. Worker, elevating and illuminating the the benefit of the entire country.

This development will also allow status of women in St. Vincent and the private doctors and Ministry of Health Let’s continue this discussion!

Grenadines. to invest in better equipment, and so Submitted by: Donald De Riggs Nelcia Robinson, Co-ordinator CDW

There has long been a call, including by this writer, for Elma Francois to be recognized as a heroine in her land of birth, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Elections 2020 – Where do we go from here? NHI???

FIRST and foremost, congratulations are in order for the Comrade and his team for creating history, not only in SVG but in the region, in their unprecedented 5 straight electoral victories under the ‘first-past-the post’ system.

Secondly, hats off to the electoral office for the excellent conduct of this elections. Independent regional analysts have lauded the manner in which the data was disseminated to the public, noting that even in their country they were not able to get results in a spreadsheet format online, so that results could be analyzed and tabulated in real time by the electorate.

So where do we go from here?

There’s still more to be done in the fields of health and agriculture among others. One of my major concerns and what I would like to see addressed in the first 100 days of the new ULP term, is the introduction of a National Health Insurance (NHI). NHI is critical in easing the financial strain occasioned by the cost of providing essential health care. Moreover, it will offer support for a population that is increasingly becoming victim to improper nutrition and unhealthy lifestyles.

Almost every Monday morning the public is bombarded with appeals for monetary donations for a relative who has a medical condition that cannot be dealt with here. With NHI, that would be a thing of the past.

Let me share a conversation that I had with former Director of the National Insurance Services (NIS) Reggie Thomas, while on a flight en route to a family reunion in St. Maarten, circa 2015.

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16. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Regional

CONGRATS TO THE ULP

Government and People of Antigua and Barbuda “THE ELECTORATE has spoken and, has five times over, demonstrated the confidence placed in the Unity Labour Party under your (Dr. Ralph Gonsalves) leadership. They have further entrusted you with the task to manage and mitigate the economic challenges being faced regionally and globally.”

I look forward to further strengthening our friendship, fraternal relations, and continued engagement to bolster regional connectivity, and to navigate issues that affect all OECS and CARICOM members.

Gaston Browne Prime Minister Antigua and Barbuda

Government and People of Barbados “Let me be among the first to congratulate you, on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, on your resounding victory at the polls.

“This victory of your Unity Labour Party (ULP) and your fifth consecutive

term as Prime Minister is testimony of the confidence and high esteem, which the Vincentian people place in you.

“I am confident that Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines will continue to build on our strong fraternal and friendly relations and our shared vision for regional integration. I look forward to continuing to working with you as we push for the recognition of the inherent vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and a new order that would redound to the benefit of our region.

“Your position as current Chairman of both the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the United Nations Security Council exemplifies the tradition of leadership at the highest level for which the Caribbean has distinguished itself and places on you the weight of advocating on behalf of our region and SIDS. “Please accept, dear friend, my best wishes for your continued good health and that of your loved ones, as you strive to secure a brighter future for the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Mia Mottley Prime Minister Barbados

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020. 17.

Entertainment

Vincy music abounds

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT is about to go audible several Vincentian recording/performing artiste are scheduled to launch their 2020 Christmas releases.

A quick survey by THE VINCENTIAN revealed that most releases are scheduled on or around November 16.

Inclusive of the first crop of songs is the ‘FIFTITHIRD’ Christmas release from the Bowmans. This information was eased out of one of the Bowmans… Roland (Rollie).

Also scheduled for release is at least one number from Fireman Hooper, who THE VINCENTIAN caught in the studio.

And when the publication finally caught up with Carlton CP Hall, he stated he is also scheduled to release on the November 16.

Hall highlighted that his would be in support of the Ministry of Health as it grapples with its ongoing effort to advise on Covid-19 related protocols.

And as for how COVID-19 affected the recording industry, it seemed not to have hardly indented it, since the

political/election season provided another, some say ‘bumper’ opportunity for many local recording artistes.

Moved to support one major party or the other, songs by Skinny Fabulous. Luta, Fireman, Flanka, to name a few, permeated the charged political atmosphere.

Also in the political song category was one entitled ‘Fact Check’, a contribution from USA-based Vincentian singer/song writer/producer/keyboard player Lancelot Michael James.

A sneak peak of this song was aired on NICE Radio last Saturday on the CTVIEW Saturday Show hosted

by Carlyle Douglas.

James was a former student of the Petersville School located in Kingstown Park.

So, there’s no stopping the creativity and energy of Vincentian recording/performing artistes.

With the ‘politics’ out of the way, it’s time to embrace another round of Vincy Christmas music.

Carlyle Douglas

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18. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Election Reports

NMCM issues

preliminary report elections, Mrs Dora James. The NMCM had observers in all fifteen constituencies on Election day and at the final count in each constituency. Election day saw keen and scrupulous Among other things, the observing by Election NMCM noted that the Observers, party Agents voting process and other party proceeded without any supporters. In at least two serious encumbrances. constituencies the final count was a thorough and Editor’s Note: The rigorous exercise. The following is a verbatim results were declared as reproduction of the 9-6 seats in favour of the report.

ULP, with the NDP receiving about 500 more THE SVG NOVEMBER of the ‘popular votes’. The 05, 2020 General other participants in the elections was Elections received a total conducted without any of 51 votes. major incidents or Our preliminary violence and has been a reports indicate that the relatively peaceful yet Elections were conducted hotly contested one. in a manner that was Leading up to the free and fair. We give elections none of the parties expressed any lack God thanks that, for the most part, the parties of confidence in the and the electorate process and the approached the process management of the of campaigning and electoral voting with a maturity process headed by the and dignity that we can supervisor of the

all be proud of.

We anticipate that the response to the results will continue to reflect and advance levels of civility, maturity and concern for the national good. In the event that there are concerns or objections we encourage that such be ventilated through the proper channels. We are now challenged to work on improving and enhancing the electoral system and building our nation TOGETHER that we may become the best God has created us to be.

A subsequent and more thorough report will be produced and circulated which would include areas of commendation and concern along with recommendations for improvement.

We have a country to build!

God bless SVG! Rev. Adolf Davis Chair, NMCM

CARICOM Mission: SVG election free and fair THE CARICOM Election Observation Mission (CEOM) to St Vincent and the Grenadines has concluded that the November 5 election was free and fair as well as free from fear,and that the outcome presented the will of the people.

This was confirmed in a preliminary statement.

The general election was won for a fifth time in a row by Dr Ralph Gonsalves and his Unity Labour Party (ULP).

On election day the sixperson Mission was divided into four teams.

The Mission noted it did not have the resources or the time to visit the Grenadines but the members visited every polling station.

The Mission’s assessment of election day was that there were no incidents of intimidation of voters inside or outside of the voting precincts.

The agents of the parties also testified that there were no irregularities and that the process was generally peaceful and orderly.

At the polling stations, the voters’

identification card was collected by the Presiding Officer who called out the name and number of the said voter for the benefit of the agents of the parties.

At every polling station, the voters were told about the way to vote and how to return the ballot which was inserted in the ballot box by the Presiding Officer.

The Mission observed that adequate health measures were in place to protect voters against the COVID-19 pandemic at the polling stations visited.

On the day of the election, each voter received a mask. Measures were also put in place for more than 200 hundred voters in quarantine to exercise their franchise.

All members of the CEOM agree that the process was conducted according to law and was done without any intimidation or fear.

They also reported that there was adequate security at each location and that the officers displayed a very professional approach to their duties.

(Source: CARICOM)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020. 19.

Crime

ÂCoolie ManÊ ambushed and killed

him, hitting him in the head. The gunman made good his escape leaving residents in a panic.

Belgreaves died on the spot.

According to a police source, Belgreaves was known to the police and was arrested on a number of occasions, mainly for Devonnie ‘Coolie Man’ burglaries.

Belgreaves was said to Notwithstanding his be very caring of his run-ins with the law, the girlfriend and children.

But had a history of run- mood in Rose Place when THE VINCENTIAN ins with the police. visited the community was a mixture of anger DEVONNIE ‘COOLIE MAN’ and sadness. Members of BELGREAVES, a 19-yearthe Rapid Response Unit old father of two became (RRU) could be seen this country’s 25th homicide victim for 2020, patrolling the area as tension remained high. when he was ambushed and killed while in the company of friends in his Friends have their say home community of Rose Place, Kingstown.

Some of Belgreaves’ The incident is said to have taken place around friends were disposed to speaking of him.

9:06pm on Sunday 8th One described him as November. “liking to party” and that Belgreaves, reports he played football and said, had escaped death “go smoke a weed.” about a year ago after a That friend said he gunman attempted to “hustle hard to maintain shoot him. Luck was on his children and I use to his side as the gun is tell him he can’t study said to have jammed, giving Belgreaves enough war because he have his children to mind.” time to escape. His luck Another friend said ran out on Sunday. that Belgreaves was According to an eye killed about five hours witness, Belgreaves was after finishing a game of standing with some football. In fact, the friends in front of a friend said he saw him house just across from just minutes before he the Rose Place public was shot. bath, when a gunman A male friend recalled came from behind the “chilling” with house and opened fire on

Belgreaves before his death.

“The last thing I do is give the man the ‘Boom Box’ and go home. When I round there I hear bam, bam, bam. I thought somebody was randomly firing gunshots. Then I start to hear screaming, I throw down my phone and come here and a friend just come and hug me,” the friend recalled.

A mother mourns Shelly Belgreaves, mother of the deceased, said she is hurt deeply.

She confirmed that her son attended the Kingstown Anglican School and the Intermediate Secondary School.

“He use to like sports, football … if he backing a team and the team lose, he bawling long water out he eye,” said Ms. Belgreaves.

Ms. Belgreave said she loved everything about her son. “I will miss everything, regardless to our misunderstandings.

We use to argue, make noise.. that never changes nothing because we will still talk to one another. I know he had his ways but he did not deserve to die that way.”

The last time she saw her son alive was on Saturday night when he said he wanted to attend (Sunday) church with her. That never materialized because she slept at her boyfriend’s that night.

Friends and relative gathered after the body had been removed to reflect on the incident and ‘Coolie Man’s’ life.

She learned about her son’s death when she called her sister after she had called to her home in Rose Place and got no response. She remembers hanging up the phone and screaming.

Yet, she held on to the hope it was a prank and called her nephew who confirmed that her son was lying on the ground, dead.

“All I could say is ah miss him, I love him no matter what. He is my

first born and I just leave his body in the Almighty hands. And the ones and dem who kill him, I place their body in the Almighty hands as well,” the mother of three added. (KH)

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20. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Mother, daughter and me Dear George, I HAD A FLING, a one-night stand, with this woman about 15 years. The issue now is her married daughter and I have hooked up and I slept with her several times. To tell the truth, I think I have feeling for her.

As it stands, neither of them knows that I have slept with either of them.

The mother thinks her daughter and I are just friends and she has warned me not to tell her daughter about our sexual involvement. The daughter also thinks her mother and I are just good friends.

I am at the point where I am toying with the idea of telling them about us having a threesome. I have this feeling it might work, but there is a little voice telling me that such a request would damage my relationship with both of them.

Should I just leave it alone and continue playing the game?

Wondering mind.

Why do you think that it is acceptable to toy with other people’s lives? You and this young lady’s mother are two consenting adults, and what you do together is and should remain your own business.

The water gets murky when you decide to mess with her daughter.

Your reckless desire to get sexually involved with both of them at the same time should be dismissed immediately.

It is bad enough that you are wedging yourself between a married couple. Take a few steps back and leave this family to live peaceably with each other. It is a better idea to find someone you can commit to for the long haul and quit trying to be the rooster in the yard.

Dear Wondering mind,

George

Money: Proof of infidelity a note that stated, “Last night was worth more I HAVE GOOD reason to than this amount, but consider this as a downbelieve my wife is payment.” I took the involved with a guy we envelope and hid it away both know very well. A waiting to see if she few of my friends and would ask about it. acquaintances have It has been almost two pinched me about it. I have not confronted her weeks now, and she has not said one word about about it because I know it. Should I continue to she would only deny it. hold on to this money or As it happened, one should I tell her about day I searched her handbag only to find an my discovery? envelope addressed to her and the name of the Looking for the truth sender… the guy in Dear Looking for the question. truth, In the envelope was five hundred dollars and Your relationship

Dear George,

should afford the privilege to have open and frank discussions with each other. This cat and mouse game that you are playing with your wife will not cut it.

Directly address your concerns about her alleged infidelity and seek an explanation for that note and cash. It is only by facing the issues head on that you will get the opportunity to put your finger on what needs to be fixed so as to give the relationship a chance to breathe once more and to grow.

George

Wife gone quiet!!!

Dear George, Dear Unhappy, MY WIFE has not said a word to me now for more than two weeks.

Countless attempts to find out why have failed.

Now, she sleeps in another room.

At nights her phone would be ringing and I could hear her laughing and talking seductively. And, she does not cook for me or do laundry for me.

I must admit, the relationship has been strained. I have to beg her to make love to me, and when we do, I feel like I am raping her.

As far as I know, I have done nothing to offend her. I have been the exemplary husband to her during our two-year marriage. In fact, I am the one who is always first to apologise.

How can I make my marriage work to the point where we no longer have to behave like strangers?

It seems to me like you are the one who is married to your wife instead of both of you being married to each other.

From what you have outlined, it is fair to conclude you have a wife only in theory. It is possible that one person can have a change of heart and start sending coded messages to indicate there’s fire on the mountain.

There needs to be serious discourse between you two. You need to know whether she still wants to be married to you.

You will be better served if you seek professional help immediately.

More than likely someone at The Marion House will be able to unearth the problem and find workable solutions.

Unhappy

George

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21- April 20) Arguments with children or friends may leave you steaming. Sudden changes regarding your domestic scene are probable. Conflicts over joint finances are likely.

Taurus (Apr. 21- May 21) Get involved in sports events that will benefit your physical appearance. You need to take a good look at all sides of an issue before making a decision. Be prepared to do your chores early.

Gemini (May 22-June 21) Your hypnotic eyes will capture the hearts of those who interest you. You will meet new romantic partners if you get involved in seminars or travel. Try to avoid being extravagant this week.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Do not get upset about situations you cannot change. Don't exaggerate.

Physical limitations are possible if you aren't careful. Expect temper tantrums on the home front if you haven't been letting someone have their way.

Leo (July 23-Aug 22) Hassles with your boss are sure to erupt if you speak your mind. Take time to explain your intentions to loved ones. You should check out prestigious clubs or groups that have a cause you believe in.

Virgo (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don't hesitate to talk to your partner about rekindling your relationship. Not everyone will be pleased with your plans. You will have to make changes in order to eliminate the tension.

Libra (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You will be erratic and quite likely to make personal mistakes. Your charisma will no doubt attract a lot of attention.

Upgrading at this point is not a bad plan.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You're in the mood to spend time with your lover. You can have an enjoyable time if you socialize with friends. Make changes to your home that will be pleasing to everyone involved.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Keep your ears open, especially to those who care about you. You need a break from your daily routine. Partners may try to argue with you; however, you must stand your ground. Be creative in your pursuits.

Capricorn (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Be careful not to overexert yourself. Your mind may not be on the job. You can get a great deal accomplished if you bring work home. You can help them with difficult projects.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Travel will be in your best interest regardless of whether it is business or pleasure. A passionate party for two might be just the remedy. You will have a blowup this week if your partner does things that you feel are not aboveboard.

Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You can make favorable changes in your home environment. Courses dealing with psychology or health care will be of interest. Your moneymaking opportunities will flourish. First find out if they're married.

ACROSS 1. She lays eggs 4. Alluring Turner 5. Glee 8. Christmas confection: 2 wds 10. Wishes (for) 11. Divine sign 12. Musical qualities 13. Naval distress call 14. Surfaces (a street) 15. Reef fish 16. Scratch 19. Frozen treats 20. “Sly” creature 21. 1492 craft 22. Poseidon or Zeus 23. Canning metal 24. Mildewood 25. Feline pal 26. Far from late 27. More – enough 29. Light wagons 30. Sidewalk game 32. Female sheep 33. Bogus butter 34. Frying vessel DOWN 1. Dangles 2. Terminates 3. Senatorial vote 4. Country roads

5. Jelly cousins 6. Five minus four 7. Tokyo dollar 8. Fir growths 9. Calm 10. Adore deeply 12. Crunchy tortilla food 13. Gender 14. Greedy person 15. Geologic interval 16. Grain-grinding sites 17. Actor Garcia 18. Sunshine beam

20. In shape 21. Compass point 23. Brown shades 24. Explorer Polo 25. Cloak

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020. 21.

26. Consumed 27. Connect – dots 28. “__are you?”

29. Soft-drink choice 31. Law enforcer

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22. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Business

RFHL records US$134.93M end of year profit THE CHAIRMAN of Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL), Vincent Peirera, announced on Monday 9th November, 2020 profit attributable to equity holders of the parent of US$134.93 million for the year ended September 30, 2020, a decrease of US$101.06 million or 42.8% compared to the profit of US$235.98 million reported in the previous financial year.

In announcing the results Mr. Pereira said, “These results are creditable despite reflecting the negative impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), mainly through decreased economic activity, lower margins due to reduced interest rates, waiver of fees and commissions under the COVID-19 relief initiatives, increased provisioning to cover potential future losses on the loan and Mr. Vincent Pereira, who was appointed Chairman of Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL), effective July 1, 2020, described the performance as creditable amidst Covid-19 and decreased economic activity.

investments portfolios, and impairment of the remaining Goodwill held in our Barbados subsidiary.”

He went onto say, “Total assets stood at US$15.57 billion at September 30, 2020, an increase of US$2.51 billion or 19.2% over that of the prior year. This increase was, in the main, due to the acquisition of Scotiabank’s banking operations in St. Maarten and the Eastern Caribbean (Anguilla, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines) on November 1, 2019 which added US$1.90 billion, and the acquisition of Scotiabank’s operations in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) on June 1, 2020 which added a further US$ 0.46 billion to the Group’s asset base. We are very pleased to welcome our new staff members and clients to the Republic family.”

The Board of Directors has declared a final dividend of US$0.31 (2019: US$0.49), which brings the total dividend to US$65.64 million or US$0.40 per share for the fiscal year (2019: US$0.67). This represents a

decrease of 40% in total dividend payment, reflective of the decrease in profitability in the current fiscal year.

The combination of this dividend and the increase in the share price of US$3.01 during the year, equates to a total shareholder return for the year of 18.5%. The final dividend will be paid on December 1, 2020 to all shareholders of record on November 18, 2020.

Mr. Pereira concluded, “While there continues to be uncertainty over the future direction and duration of the COVID 19 pandemic, we are confident that the Group’s strong capital base, diverse geographic footprint and robust governance culture leaves it well positioned to support the recovery efforts of the economies within which we operate. We continue to be responsive to the evolving needs of our customers and clients, provide safe working conditions for our employees and support the communities we serve.

I thank my fellow directors, committed staff and faithful customers for their dedication over the past year.” (Source: RFHL)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020. 23.

VPL shines through the rain AT THE END OF LAST weekend rain-affected matches in the second edition of the Dream 11 Vincy Premier League (VPL), which ironically saw some entertaining individual batting performances, Botanical Garden Rangers sat at the top of the points standing with 4 points, followed by defending champion Salt Pond Breakers on 3.

Grenadines Divers occupied third spot on 2 points, La Soufriere Hikers followed on points 2, ahead of Fort Charlotte Strikers 1 point and Dark View Explorers without a point.

On the actual field of play, Botanical Garden Rangers beat La Soufriere Hikers by 26 runs in a match reduced to five overs. Rangers powered their way to 72 without loss in their allotted five overs, Emmanuel Stewart being the mainstay with an

Deron Greaves hit 82 for Dark View Explorers.

Tyrone Theophile hit 61 not out for Grenadines Divers Divers. unbeaten 46. Hikers struggled from the get go and lost five wickets in registering 46 at the end of five overs.

The Rangers would follow up with another victory, this time over Grenadines Divers, albeit in a match reduced to 3 overs. Grenadines Divers made 114 for 3 from 10 overs, with overseas player

Sunil Ambris smashed 61 for Salt Pond Breakers.

Dominican Tyrone Theophile hitting 61 not out. Rangers, set 41 to win from 3 overs under the Duckworth system, raced to 43 for 1 from 2.3 overs.

Emmanuel Stewart top scoring again, this time with 33 not out.

Salt Pond Breakers and Fort Charlotte Strikers had to settle for 1 point each, after rain

forced a pre-mature end to the game and officials ruled it a no contest (no decision). Breakers, though, had enough time to blast 123 for five in their 10 overs, with captain Sunil Ambris enjoying himself with a classy 61. Kirton Lavia took 2 for 22 for Strikers who were struggling at 10 for 4 from 2.5 overs,

Asif Hooper hit 52 for Grenadines Divers.

Shamon Hooper hit 52 for Dark View Explorers.

when rain stopped play.

Breakers, however, would stamp their authority in a real sense when they beat Dark View Explorers by 39 runs. Breakers made 138 for 6 from 10 overs. Ryan

John leading with 46 and Ambris again among the runs with 27. Jaheil Walters bagged 2 for 16.

The Explorers were held to 99 for 3 from 10 overs.

Shamon Hooper, 52, and Lindon James, 34, accounted for the better part of the innings.

Delorn Johnson took 2 for 22.

Grenadines Divers bounced back after their first game defeat to Botanical Garden Rangers, to beat Dark View Explorers by 19 runs. Grenadines Divers made 135 for 3 from 10 overs Asif Hooper 52.

Shem Browne 38, and Obed McCoy 29, took toll of the Explorers’ bowlers.

Shaquille Browne took 2 for 12. Explorers managed 116 for 4 from 10 overs with an entertaining knock of 82, the weekend’s top single score, coming from Deron Greaves. Hooper returned with the ball to claim 2 for 21 and Kevin Abraham 2 for 23.

Action in one of last weekend VPL games.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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24. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Dickson refutes claims of monetary reward “I HAVE NEVER received one dime of St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) money.”

This was the unambiguous rebuttal of Carl Dickson, President of the SVGFF, to claims that he had been advanced “enormous amount of funds” and a stipend by the Federation.

Dickson, approaching the completion of the first year of his term in

office, registered his rebuttal during a ceremony held last week Monday, at which clubs received their licences.

The President alluded to rumours that put the amount he “received” as high as $60,000.

In dispelling the rumours, he explained: “What becomes accessible to Presidents is a CANCACAF honorarium which Presidents are allowed to

take. This has nothing to do with the operation of the Football Federation and the funds it receives from FIFA to conduct the business of football in a country.”

And he continued in that vein saying: “Since I took office in November, I never took any portion of my honorarium until February. To add to that, my directive was simply this: On the first

of every month I will take one month equivalent of an honorarium. In the event that I fall ill or cannot function, what would transpire is that the incoming person, or the person acting in that position, can receive an honorarium going forward until I resume office or not.”

And even as he addressed the referenced issue, Dickson reminded

affiliates and others that the immediate future would be taken up with transitioning to the proposed Semi-Pro League.

“We are engaging with external personnel and Carl Dickson, President local expertise in getting of the SVG Football the right model to Federation. execute this particular The proposed Semiprogramme, for the overall economic benefit Pro League has the blessings of both and development of our CONCACAF and FIFA. players and our game,” he said.

Stories I.B.A.ALLEN

IT-DAT dominate Diamond Meet IT-DAT Academy dominated an Invitational Track Meet staged last week Wednesday, November 4, to mark the opening of the Diamond Track and Football Facility, soon to be officially designated the Vincent Beache Athletics Track.

The dominance of 11 first places began with the very first race, when Tyra Charles took the 400m for females under 14, in a time of 64.28 seconds.

IT DAT’s wins continued in the female categories as follows: Odesha Nanton - 400m Under-20, in 58.08 seconds; Annecia Richards — 400m Open in 60.56 seconds; Shante Matthias - Under-20 100m in 12.31 seconds; Andrea Gonsalves - Open 100m in 12.66 seconds; and Linda McDowall — Open 800m in 2 minutes 29.35 seconds.

Among the males, IT DAT winners were: Yonick Murray — Open 200m and 400m in 21.65 seconds and 48.69 seconds respectively; Kyle Lawrence Under-20 100 meters in 0.72 seconds; Sage Primus Open 100m in 0.80 seconds; Markey Edwards — Open 800m in 2 minutes 1.36 seconds.

X-ceed Sports Club registered wins as follows: Shanquania Jacobs in the 100m Female Under-14 in 13.25 seconds; Letecia James — 200m Female Under-14 female in 28.15 seconds; and Zamesha Myle — 200m Open Female in 25.53 seconds.

The X-Cel Sports Club, like X-Ceed, had three wins: Amal Glasgow - 400 meters Male Under-20 in 50.44 seconds; Amal Glasgow - 200 meters Male Under-20 in 22.41 seconds; and in one of two 1000m medley relay (100m x 200m x 300m x 400m) for females, in 2 minutes 15.26 seconds.

Other winners at the inaugural Diamond Track Meet were: High Performance’s (HP) Ricardo Williams — Under-14 Male 100m and 200m in 12.25 seconds and 24.87 seconds respectively; Israel Cumberbatch of the St. Vincent Grammar School - 400 meters under 14 males in 57.87 seconds; and the Thomas Saunders Secondary School — the other 1000m medley relay for females, in 2.41.6.

According to a posting on its Facebook page, Team Athletics SVG (TASVG), the governing body for Track and Field in SVG, said that it is

Action among the females at last week’s Track Event at Diamond. awaiting “full disclosure on the protocols and regulations governing access to and usage of the Vincent Beache Athletics Track.”

In said posting, TASVG also stated that it optimistic that the pre-season relays could be held at the new

facility, in December 2020.

Discussions are also taking place regarding the use of the facility for the annual Inter Secondary and Inter Primary Schools competitions respectively set for early 2021.

Action at the in one of the events for males at last week’s Invitational Track Meet held at the new Track Facility.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020. 25.

Sports

Global outreach WITH THE POLITICAL battle out of the way, as far as the general elections are concerned, attention turns to another form of competition.

This is the Vincy Premier League which unleashes its second version in six months.

The inauguration came amidst a window of opportunity available when the world was in the throes of the Covid crisis. That St. Vincent and the Grenadines was able to showcase was a boost to the nation, and came as a source of earnings for some players.

The nation benefitted from the exposure and there will be dividends when the dust settles.

President of the local cricket association Kishore Shallow is conscious of the exposure players can get from taking part. He is mindful of the potential for local businesses as well.

The tournament is scheduled to get going tomorrow Saturday November 7 and will run for 15 days.

By the conclusion, one of six franchises will come out champion. They are Salt Pond Breakers, the inaugural winner, as well as Dark View Explorers, Grenadines Divers, Fort Charlotte Strikers, La Soufriere Hikers and Botanic Garden Rangers.

Botanic Gardens Rangers have been forced to make an adjustment as Ronique Laborde, the North Leeward all-rounderm, could not complete his drafting arrangement because of work commitments. He has been replaced by Rasheed Fredericks, the Flow Radcliffe’s leg spinner.

Arnos Vale has been enhanced for this version, and with the prospects of the Australian tour looming on the horizon, this tournament will serve as a useful rehearsal.

The tournament starts with the prospect of added sporting facilities on the nation’s landscape. Some of them came in the build-up to the staging of the general elections. It is pleasing to know that the authorities have adopted the approach of sports as an industry and is providing the basis for it to flourish.

The unveiling of the Sir Vincent Beache National Stadium will strengthen the foundation and help with the diversification of the nation’s resources.

If Mercy gets his wish, the installation of lights at that facility will be a matter of haste so that St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be a bid for the Carifta Games.

The Stadium fits into an environment of planned hotel accommodation, some of which are earmarked in the vicinity of the stadium. That will be addition platform for national development. So there is hope that sports can be that off shoot that plays in role in the economic basket.

Beach Volleyball is another area that the government must take seriously. Stake holders have the opportunity of projecting their plans as the new regime continues national development.

Opportunities abound in sport as valuable as others aspect of worth.

Stakeholders have to find ways to marrying their interests, and with the goals of economic enhancement a foundation, St. Vincent and the Grenadines could continue its path of progress.

Glenside, System 3 in A.V. Football Final

GLENSIDE BALL BLAZERS and System 3 will meet in this Saturday’s Final of the Comsport Arnos Vale Football League. The Final is set to kick off at 3:30pm.

The finalists got to the title match in contrasting styles.

A brace from Steven Pierre and a Cordell Dallaway strike, gave System 3 a 3-0 win over Blossom Unlimited, in their semi-final.

In the other semi-final, Glenside Ball Blazers had System 3 eyes another football title. to depend on penalty kicks to overcome Big Tigga Investments Strike Force.

After playing to a goalless draw in regulation time, Glenside Ball Blazers prevailed 4-3 in the penalty shootout.

It was also a similar tale in the Quarter Finals match ups.

System 3 had ousted United Strikers 3-0, while Glenside Ball Blazers had a 4-2 win on penalties against Comsport Vincy Masters, after a 1-1 tie.

The Presentation and Closing Ceremony will be held after the Final.

Twelve teams contested the senior division of the League, with five doing so in the Under-17 Division.

Blossom Unlimited won the Under-17 Glenside Ball Blazers will be looking to upstage the more Division. seasoned System 3.

System 3 chases five titles

SYSTEM 3 can take an unprecedented five titles in this year’s Carib Beer Breakaway Masters Invitational Football Tournament.

Having bagged three titles already in this year’s edition, two more titles are up for grabs this Saturday, when the Tournament ends.

System 3 Under-16 and Female teams have secured the respective league titles, and are in the final of the Knock Out competitions, which take place this Saturday System Three Under-16 team advanced to that at the Grammar School Playing Field.

Division’s final, with In last Saturday’s semi-finals, System 3 Under-16 a 3-1 triumph over Adare, while the Females outdid Camdonia- Chelsea, 2-0.

Tomorrow’s Finals see the Under-16 taking on Volcanoes, while the Females oppose Je Belle.

System 3 secured their third piece of silverware last Saturday, by winning the knock out title of the Firms/Under-19 Division.

Shemron Phillips and Steven Pierre scored a goal each for System 3 in their two-nil defeat of Toni Stores Jugglers.

Following the Knock Out Finals, the senior men’s final will take place and features last year’s winners- Toni Stores Combined and RSVG Police.

The Closing and Presentation Ceremony take place thereafter.

System Three Under-19 outfit.

26. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020. 27.

Classifieds IN MEMORIAM

In loving memory of BERYL E. FRASER of New Montrose who departed this life 11th November, 2011.

“We begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived, And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget”.

Sadly missed by your daughter, grandchildren, relatives and friends.

Continue to rest in peace.

LOUIS BOUCHER

KENDRA JAMES

TIMOTHY ELISIAH NANTON PETERS

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER

13, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.46

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

“HE WAS THE ONLY BODY I GOT” Devonnie ‘Collie said Williams of their relationship.

Man’ Belgreaves Williams told this reporter that when WHITNEY WILLIAMS said that Devonnie ‘Collie Man’ was said to be the she received the news that her boyfriend Belgreaves - her boyfriend and father of her 3-monthwas gunned down, she was so overcome by sole supporter of old child, who was gunned down at about 9:06pm on his girlfriend and grief that she had to be supported by Sunday, November 8th, 2020 at Rose Place, Kingstown friends and relatives of the deceased. their infant child.

- was the only person she really had in her life.

Belgreaves was attacked while ‘liming’ “He use to Both of Williams’s parents have passed away. Her at a shop in Rose Place, just across from the public father was stabbed to death while her mother died bath. He received multiple gunshot, including to the say, ‘Whitney, people want of health complications. head, and was pronounced dead where he lay, by kill me,’ and It was her boyfriend, she said, who provided for the District Medical Officer. last year they her and their child.

According to Williams, Belgreaves was always “He was good to me, he was the only body I got,” saying that he felt threatened and that people were try shoot him but the gun bin stick,” out to kill him. said Whitney.

He was so fearful for his life that sometimes he chose not to sleep at home.

Williams recalled that on numerous occasions she herself felt threatened because it POLICE ARE seemed as investigating the though persons circumstances were out to get surrounding the them. She fatal accident that admitted that occurred about her boyfriend 5:50pm on Devonnie Belgreaves’ mother (right) is consoled had “run-ins” Wednesday, by her daughter. with the law but November 5th, 2020 he was changing. in Cane End, “Everybody Mesopotamia, which done see ‘Coolie resulted in the Man’ starting to death of Leopole Whitney Williams with her change, he was Archibald, 62-yeardaughter (foreground) now making an effort,” old chauffeur of has to contemplate a future said the grieving Glenside, without her boyfriend. girlfriend.

Mesopotamia.

Leopole Archibald, this “I just want dem to find de killer and he should According to country’s latest road investigations, Archibald fatality. pay for wha he do because dey just left my child was driving motor vehicle fatherless,” Williams declared.

PC36, a Toyota Corolla car that was travelling Residents of Rose Place are appealing for help for from Cane End, Mesopotamia, when he went over Whitney.

“She go really want help because is real an embankment and capsized on the bottom road. pressure on she alone,” one resident was overheard He was pronounced dead on the scene by the commenting.

District Medical Officer (DMO)’. A post-mortem Devonnie ‘Collie Man’ Belgreaves was listed by examination is expected to be conducted to ascertain the cause of death. the SVG Police Force as this country’s 25th Archibald’s death marks the eight (8th) road homicide victim for the year so far. fatality for the year 2020.

The R.I.P. marking on the ground shows where More on Page 19.

Devonnie Belgreaves lay dead.

by KENVILLE HORNE

CANE END CLAIMS LATEST ROAD FATALITY

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.