THE VINCENTIAN PDF-14-08-20

FRIDAY, AUGUST

14, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.33

Glasgow responds to Jomo Page 5

www.thevincentian.com

NDP uncovers Cop Page 12

Wounding and more wounding Page 13

POLICE IN ACTION:

ONE DEAD, THREE ARRESTED

by KENVILLE HORNE

The Nissan Dualis SUV, essential to the case, showing its blown right front tire that brought it to a halt.

EC$1.50

IN A DRAMATIC POLICE OPERATION which culminated around 10am in Campden Park on Sunday 9th August, three persons were taken into police custody, in relation to an earlier incident in Peruvian Vale that left one man dead. (See accompanying story).

According to an eye witness account of what transpired in Campden Park, police officers were seen alighting from three vehicles, two of Keithon James, died as which carried result of police private licence response to a burglary plates. in Peruvian Vale.

The officers surrounded a Nissan Dualis SUV, registration number PY826, which was stuck in traffic, and demanded that the passengers disembark.

The driver, a male, is said to have failed to comply with the police order and set the car in a forward motion away from the lawmen.

One of the police officers opened fire hitting the front right tire of the vehicle, causing it to have to come to a stop.

When the jeep came to a halt, a male Continued on Page 3.

Left: Driver of the Nissan Dualis (2nd from left) being led away under police escort.

PCCU now is Bequia Page 14

Kirk is NDP’s man Page 24

TRIO CHARGED IN PERUVIAN VALE RAMPAGE

by HAYDN HUGGINS TWO MEN WERE DENIED BAIL on Wednesday on charges of burglary, attempted burglary and damage to Romando Andrews and Quincy Boyde - two of the men charged property in in connection with a burglary at connection Peruvian Vale. with an incident at Peruvian Vale last weekend, during which police shot and killed 21-year-old Keithon James of Campden Park.

Jemark ‘Parch Nuts’ Jackson of Campden Park, Romando Andrews of Peruvian Vale and Quincy Boyde of Rillan Hill are charged jointly with entering the 2 Go Restaurant at Peruvian Vale as trespassers and stealing two televisions, one kettle, one microwave, an alarm siren and keyboard which altogether valued EC$7,070 the property of Hazel Ann Joseph of Arnos Vale.

They are also charged with, without lawful excuse damaged two dead bolt locks valued $120, the property of Harmony Investment, and without lawful excuse damaged one commercial aluminum door valued $1,240, the property of Harmony Investment.

The men are also charged with attempting to burglarise the Tripple X Supermarket.

All four offences were reportedly committed at Peruvian Vale between August 8 and 9.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that based on information received, the police went on the scene, and James shot at the officers, who returned fire.

He was shot and pronounced dead at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Around 2 am on August 9, Police intercepted Andrews and Boyde in a Sports Utility vehicle, Registration no PY826, at Campden Park.

In addition to the joint charges, Jackson was charged separately with possession of a hoe, reasonably suspected of being stolen or unlawfully obtained.

That offence was reportedly committed on August 9. The trio pleaded not guilty to the charges when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

„We did no wrong,‰ Senator declares Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

involving the vehicle PY826, which belongs to her son and used for EARMARKED Opposition New business. And the prominent lawyer wants the law to take its full course Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for West St. George in the upcoming in relation to the matter. general elections, Senator Kay Police intercepted the SUV at Bacchus-Baptiste, has made it clear Campden Park around 2 a.m. last that neither she nor her son are Sunday during investigations into connected to any wrongdoing a number of reported incidents at

ÂChiefmanÊ awaits murder PI AN OLD MONTROSE man is behind bars awaiting a November 30 Preliminary Inquiry into the shooting death of 28-year-old Kimron ‘Warlord’ Hannaway, of the same community.

Devon ‘Chiefman’ Charles has been charged with the murder of Hannaway, who was shot several times at ‘Block 2000’, Old Montrose, on the morning of August 2.

Charles was not required to plea when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechnne Browne at the Serious Offences Courts on Monday.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche informed the Court that he was in conversation with

the investigator, and she indicated to him that there are about 15 witnesses in the matter.

The Prosecutor added that the investigator has a 3-month window in mind.

The Chief Devon Magistrate then ‘Chiefman’ adjourned the Charles matter to November 30.

Peruvian Vale, which occurred before Romando Andrews of Peruvian Vale Attorney Kay and Quincy Boyde of Rillan BacchusHill were met Baptiste denied any wrongdoing in the vehicle in connection and arrested with a vehicle and charged. which was They were jointly charged purportedly involved in the with Jemark execution of a ‘Parch Nut’ crime.

Jackson of Campden Park, who was held subsequently arrested, with burglary, attempted burglary and damage to property.

When contacted on Monday for a comment, Bacchus-Baptiste declared, “We did no wrong. We are not involved in any wrong doing, and whoever may have used that vehicle in any wrong doing must face the full consequences of the law.”

Bacchus-Baptiste also denied that the vehicle belonged to her, as purported in some circles.

From grievous bodily harm to manslaughter FORTY-ONE-YEAR-OLD Mikey Pompey had his charge of causing grievous bodily harm substituted with that of manslaughter, following the death of the victim, Silma Bacchus of Richland Park.

Pompey was charged with unlawfully causing grievous bodily harm to Bacchus at Richland Park on Emancipation Day. He was remanded pending bail review when Mikey Pompey he initially appeared at the Serious offences Court on the indictable charge last week Wednesday.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche objected to bail then, stating that the victim was warded at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in critical condition, after allegedly being slammed onto the pitch (road surface).

However, when Pompey returned to Court this week, the Prosecutor informed that the victim had died, and the grievous bodily harm charge was substituted with that of manslaughter.

Pompey was granted $40,000 bail with one surety on a number of conditions, including reporting requirements, and the surrendering of his travel documents.

He was represented in Court by Attorney Sharmine Walters.

V News 3 New Sentencing Guidelines for EC Courts

lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020. 3.

A SECOND SET OF SENTENCING GUIDELINES is slated to come into effect for application by the Supreme Court and the Magistrates’ Court in each Member State and Territory of the Eastern Caribbean Court circuit, on 1st September 2020.

The first set of Sentencing Guidelines were officially launched on September 17, 2019, and came into effect on October 1, 2019.

On July 30, 2020, The Hon. Dame Janice M. Pereira, DBE, LL.D, Chief Justice, along with two other judges, issued the second set of Sentencing Guidelines which comprises the following: * Guidelines for Firearm Offences; * Re-issued guidelines for Drug Offences; * Re-issued Offences of Dishonesty compendium with guidelines for theft, robbery, burglary, and aggravated

burglary; and * Re-issued Sexual Offences compendium for rape, unlawful sexual intercourse, aggravated unlawful sexual intercourse, indecency and incest.

These Sentencing Guidelines represent the culmination of extensive work undertaken by the Sentencing Advisory Committee under the able chairmanship of His Lordship, the Honourable Justice Iain Morley.

Since the launch of the first set of guidelines, the Committee has not only monitored the existing guidelines for fairness and effectiveness, but has also worked on developing new guidelines.

The Sentencing Guidelines are not intended to achieve uniformity in sentences or to restrict judicial discretion.

By employing measures

which demonstrate the consistency of approach and by mandating that clear reasons are provided for sentences passed, these guidelines will assist immensely in maintaining and promoting public confidence and transparency in the criminal justice system.

Legal practitioners and members of the wider public are urged to review the guidelines and familiarise themselves with the same ahead of the commencement date. Until 1st September 2020, the existing guidelines will remain in force. (Source: ECSC) Her Ladyship, the Hon. Dame Janice M. Pereira, DBE, Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, has already issued the second set of guidelines.

(Credit: ECSC)

One Dead, three arrested and a female passenger surrendered to the officers, but the driver had to be physically removed by the lawmen. They were all taken into police custody and taken, it is alleged, to different locations.

According to reliable information, the driver, (name to come), who goes by the nickname ‘Russian’, was recently released from prison.

in December 2018 for threatening a witness in an attempt murder case against him. He was freed, July 2019, of the attempted murder charge.

His death followed closely on that of Juan Abbott-Balcombe, 29, who was shot and killed by police in Langley Park, Georgetown. A police report claimed that he opened fire on officers after he was instructed to stop and drop a gun he is alleged to have had in his possession.

Robbery botched – one dead Acting on Intelligence A police officer who was involved in the Campden Park operation said that the incident which developed there came as a result of another incident that took place in Peruvian Vale, in the wee hours of Sunday.

The report is that Campden Park resident Keithon James, 20, was shot dead by police when they, having been summoned to a report of burglary at the Go 2 Restaurant, returned fire after being shot at by the deceased.

According to a relative of There was no lack of armed police James, he is the son of a detailed to the crime that originated in a former police officer popularly Windward community and spilled over known as ‘Wanga’, who is now into a Leeward community. a practising lawyer in the British Virgin Island (BVI).

Continued from Front Page.

James was jailed for two months

THE VINCENTIAN understands that the police operation in Campden Park was mounted based on intelligence the lawmen received following the Peruvian Vale incident.

The operation began with the lawmen trailing the Nissan Dualis SUV as referenced, in three vehicles.

According to reliable source, a number of persons who were recently released from prison have since been detained in relation to the Peruvian Vale incident.

The Nissan Dualis SUV, meanwhile, was transported by a flatbed tow truck to Kingstown where it was expected to remain under police guard.

Police Investigations into the robbery and related incidents are said to be ongoing.

Trio charged in Peruvian Vale rampage Continued from Front Page.

Offences Court on Wednesday.

In objecting to bail, Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche informed the Court that the Investigator Elgin Richards indicated to him that certain exhibits were not recovered, and the police were concerned that if the men were granted bail these exhibits may disappear.

However, Attorney Sharmine Walters who appeared on the men’s behalf, argued that this was not sufficient grounds on which to object to bail. Noting that the constitution speaks to the issue of liberty, she added that the prosecution had not given sufficient reasons to show that the men were flight risks, and she noted that Jackson was held at home. She pointed out that conditions could be put in place to ensure that the men turn up for trial.

She referenced legal authorities to support her submissions.

But the prosecutor rebutted, saying that liberty in the context of the law was not an absolute right, but a conditional right, and supported his stance with legal references. .

He used legal examples to show.

“The presumption of innocence is only a presumption,” he said.

In summing up, the Chief Magistrate contended that the issue of concern at this juncture was the interference with the course of justice. She remanded the men until Monday, August 17 for bail review.

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4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

GovÊt responds to farm workers plight

Caesar never took up Harry’s offer and the seafarer, cum activist, proceed to post images, accompanied by captions, of Vincentian farmers in dire conditions.

Among the captions which might provoked immediate response ion the social media platform: ‘This is how our brothers are living on the farms in Canada’; Travis Harry seems to ‘On emancipation day, have become a source God help us; and of Vincentian ‘Vincentian farm workers complaints here and in dire condition. abroad.

Facebook users then began reacting and TRAVIS HARRY’S POST shared the posts.

CONCERNING the dire Prime Minister Dr. condition some Vincentian Ralph Gonsalves farm workers in Canada speaking on NBC Radio had to endure, might just three days after Harry’s have forced the post, said the Farm government to pay some attention to the issue as it Workers Programme was affects workers on a farm going pretty well but there was a problem on in Prince Edwards Island, at the Prince Edward Canada.

Island.

Harry in a Facebook According to the Prime post on Monday 3rd, Minister, in the first ever invited Minister of assignment of workers to Agriculture Saboto Prince Edward Island, 63 Caesar to contact him farm workers were concerning information contracted - 30 from St. he was getting about Lucia and 33 from St. Vincentian famers, or face the humiliation from Vincent and the Grenadines. what he was about to “On one of the farms post.

where 18 Vincentians went, their accommodation clearly, from all the reports, did not meet the standard…,” Dr. Gonsalves admitted.

He alluded to an OECS Farm Workers Liaison Officer whose task included visited farms before and during contract periods.

He questioned why these workers were sent to a farm where the standard for the accommodation did not meet the minimum requirements.

In response, Cabinet authorized government paying for hotel accommodation for 18 affected Vincentian workers, until the employer remedied what was wrong.

Reports are that 3 workers confirmed that they will go to the hotel while the other 15 workers said that they will “make do” for the next day or two.

Dr. Gonsalves assured that the owners of the

Farm Workers sleeping accommodation is far from adequate, it appears.

Left: Sleeping is a challenge in these conditions. have been sorted out.

There are one are two other things but not related to the farm had already started to do the necessary renovation/upgrading.

“The (OECS) Liaison Officer said to me 95 percent of the problems

accommodation. So I am pleased to report that there has been progress and to tell you what we did very promptly,” said

Dr. Gonsalves.

“If these corrections are not made, we will ask the workers if they want to come home,” said the Prime Minister.

Last year, almost $13 million in net earnings were transferred to St. Vincent from the Farm Workers Programme, the Prime Minister disclosed.

More Argyle property owners to get $$$ VINCENTIAN PRIME MINISTER DR. RALPH GONSALVES has announced that his government is ready to “bring some near finality” to the issue relating to monies owed to property owners, from whom lands were acquired to facilitate the Argyle International Airport’s near decade-long construction.

Last February, Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves told Parliament, “….as of June 7th the outstanding amount for the lands with deeds was EC$19.5M, inclusive of interest, while the sum owed on lands without deeds was EC$13.7M, inclusive of interest, so that the grand remaining total is EC$33, 109, 354.”

On Wednesday July 29, Dr. Gonsalves told listeners to his national midweek update on NBC Radio, that he issued instructions to the Director General of Finance and Planning to settle part of the

burgeoning debt.

“We have approved at Cabinet… we are going to make a payment of immediate cash outlay of $9.43 million.

We’re going to pay up to a maximum of $500,000 per person to landowners, and the numbers which we have — we have 32 persons on the list who owned land with deeds.

There are some people still haven’t presented their deeds.

So until that is clarified, I really don’t know who to pay,” PM Gonsalves noted.

In the referenced February sitting of the House, East Kingstown MP Arnhim Eustace prompted Minister Gonsalves to indicate, “the value of the lands taken by the government at Argyle which was used for construction of the airport and still not yet paid for and when will such payments be made?”

MP Gonsalves responded while noting, “the majority of the 125 plots are lands which

we are trying to ascertain who to pay, because there is no deed for the land.”

Although PM Gonsalves’ update did not include precise disbursement dates, he provided a general guide as to how payments would be managed.

“Eight persons have a valuation greater than $500,000, so they would get up to $500,000 immediately, and the rest of that money we will pay in bonds; 5 year bonds with interest in the normal sinking fund rate, in circumstances like this.

“Twenty-four whom we have on the list with values of less than $500, 000 — ranging from as low as $8, 000 to $450, 000 — I’d pay them off. I would pay off those 24… I want to get that remaining set of persons who have monies still to get — you know I should point out that interest has been accruing on the monies which we owe, so don’t,

Up to 142 developed properties were acquired and demolished by the state-owned International Airport Development Company (IADC) to facilitate the construction of the Argyle International Airport. persons, individuals there mustn’t feel that persons are hard done by that they’re not getting — they’re having interest on their money; but of course you want to get your

money in your hand, clearly.”

It remains unclear what the updated balance owed now looks like, given the recent allocations. jp.schwmon.vincy@gmail.com

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020. 5.

Opinion

Glasgow responds to Thomas

Brian A. Glasgow FOLLOWING the recent announcement by Sandals Resorts International that it will establish a 350-room Beaches Resorts at Buccament, and the publication of a column by Mr. Jomo Thomas expressing his opinion about the obligations of Sandals Resorts International, the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines, KPMG and me, as Bankruptcy Trustee; I have received enquiries from a number of former employees of the Resort. In this regard, I am obliged to point out what in my opinion, are a number of factual errors made by Mr. Thomas, and my position that he has failed to properly apply the law to the facts of this particular transaction.

Prior to the closure of the Buccament Bay Resort in 2016, a number of distinct legal entities were involved in the ownership, management and operations of various resorts and developments in the region. These separate companies included Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited, Buccament Bay Resorts Limited, Harlequin Resorts (St Lucia) Limited, Harlequin Boutique Hotel Limited (St. Lucia), Harlequin Hotels and Resorts Limited and Harlequin Management Services (South East). These companies were incorporated in various jurisdictions, including St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Cayman Islands, Saint Lucia and the United Kingdom.

There has been considerable litigation in the courts of St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Cayman Islands, Ireland, and the United Kingdom to untangle and define the roles of the various companies listed

above. Indeed, there was litigation about whose law would apply to liquidation, and which companies should be wound up in particular jurisdictions.

I was appointed as Proposal Trustee, and later as Bankruptcy Trustee, of Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited. Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited was the owner and developer of the Buccament Bay site and a 70-acre property in Merricks, Barbados. Critically, while Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited is a property holding company, it did not at any time manage the operations of any resort, or employ hotel staff at any of the properties being developed across the Caribbean. Staffing, management and operations were the responsibilities of other distinct entities (for example, Harlequin Hotels and Resorts Limited and Buccament Bay Resorts Limited).

I was not appointed as the Liquidator or Bankruptcy Trustee for these other companies. My legal responsibilities, as defined by the High Court of St Vincent and the Grenadines, are to deal with the assets and creditors of Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited.

As Bankruptcy Trustee of Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited, it is my responsibility to ascertain who the company’s creditors were and to distribute any realised assets between those creditors in accordance with the law of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Subject to the claims of certain creditors who may have priority interests, the assets are shared between the general body of unsecured creditors in proportion to the size of their claim. There was a lengthy and extensive legal process to determine precisely who the creditors and investors of Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited may be. The workers discussed by Mr. Thomas are not among the creditors.

The Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines acquired land that was held by Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited, and has indicated its intention to convey that land to Sandals Resorts International. It is my legally-mandated duty to receive the proceeds of that acquisition and distribute them to the recognised creditors of Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited. It would be illegal and unethical for me, as Bankruptcy Trustee, to use any proceeds from the

liquidation of Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited to satisfy any group that is not a creditor.

The land at Buccament was an asset owned by Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited. The monies realised by its acquisition will be divided among the creditors of Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited. Similarly, when a sale was agreed in 2019 for the 70-acre plot of land in St. Phillip, Barbados that was owned by Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited, the same pool of creditors stood to benefit. It is worth noting that those creditors are owed hundreds of millions of dollars by Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited, but will likely receive substantially less than their claimed amounts by the end of the liquidation process.

I would not presume to enter into a legal debate with Mr. Thomas, who is a well regarded attorney. However, I will note “en passant” a few of his assertions that may require further reflection on his part.

Mr. Thomas quotes the “binding” Protection of Employment Act as support for his assertion that money is due to former workers of the defunct resort as a consequence of this transaction. However, the very sections quoted speak to an employer-

employee relationship that never existed between Harlequin Property (SVG) Limited and the hotel staff of the former resort. Nor for that matter, is the acquisition of the property a case of the purchase of an on-going business that is in operation with a current staff. The Buccament Bay Resort closed its doors in December 2016 — well before the Government acquired the property, and certainly long before Sandals expressed any interest.

In a recent private discussion with Mr. Thomas on this matter, we contemplated an insolvency process where creditors of multiple separate companies can all demand relief whenever certain related or associated entities are liquidated. However, while this may be a desirable solution, I am advised that this principle is not yet enshrined in our local Companies Act or bankruptcy law.

In this instance, and in the prevailing circumstances, I recognise that Mr. Thomas may not have been aware of all the relevant facts, and I submit that he has made factual errors, and applied the law incorrectly to those fallacies.

Brian A. Glasgow

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6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 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

Just a small reminder INDEPENDENCE FOR ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES was not the result of any assertive struggle for it; rather, it was ‘granted’ when it became clear to the (United) Kingdom that it was in the interest of its own self-preservation to get rid of its colonies.

So, like any other colony, we were thrown on the train, albeit a little later than others.

And with independence, i.e. as a condition of our ‘freedom’ from British rule, came the enforced adoption of the Westminster system of government.

Most democracies today use some form of the Westminster system that have three basic pillars: the legislature (parliament, the executive (cabinet/government) and the judicial branches (High Courts, etc.)

So, since 1979, this country, on its own steam, has grappled with adhering to the tenants of the Westminster system which, if truth be told, is far from being a perfect form of governance.

Typically, in countries that have adopted the Westminster system, a two-party political culture has morphed, with one or the other party winning the general election or one simply dominating in successive elections. Third parties have hardly ever contended.

Our enforced adoption and practice of this system, as against a military/dictatorship, a theocracy, or communist/socialist style system, will be tested once again, as we head into election season, during which we often neglect the challenges that face us.

Lest we forget, the choices that we make at the polls are expected to fulfil the promises of the system and safeguard our rights and privileges.

That is why we have to be knowledgeable about the parties when they come canvassing our vote. We must be satisfied that they are not merely spouting specific and even measurable targets, but that these are complemented by clear statements of how they intend to achieve them.

We must be guided so as to distinguish what is real and what are ‘high-level goals’, which are nothing but general statements of intent, some of which will be mere repetitions repackaged. And when we discern them as such, we must demand an explanation of where these repetitions have reach in implementation or why they haven’t been undertaken.

There is no doubt that both of the primary contenders for our vote have some deficiencies, especially in terms of how they propose to move the country forward.

In presenting how their ‘goals/’promises’ will be fulfilled, they must be forthcoming, for example, about the real level of unemployment — not play politics with this important socio-economic phenomenon - as well as how far the economy has declined — how much less goods and services we are producing.

So, especially given the prevailing winds that impact the atmosphere (COVID-18 for example), we need from those who would want to lead us, clearly defined and realistic answers to the question: How are you going to re-energise the economy?

And guard against being convinced otherwise: the foreign direct investment bubble is just that — a bubble that can be pricked at any time by recessionary movements in larger economies. And is the Citizen By Investment programme any more off a guarantee?

In our Westminster system and its resulting two-party political culture, expect that both will be full of high-sounding plans and promises, but look beyond the rhetoric and euphoria, for both might just be missing the challenge, i.e. the challenge of getting government to work and to work efficiently.

And in our two-horse race that makes manifest of our membership in the Westminster system of government, our only hope of making the system work for us is to be far more vigilant and demanding of our political parties and after the election, the government.

Appointing a DPP in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Final Part) THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED — or rather shelved, by the timely completion of Mr. Gaspard’s contractual arrangement, and his replacement, in an acting capacity, by Mr. Colin Williams in an appointment that has raised certain issues and has been questioned by the Bar Association.

On 25th September 2003, the Bar Association issued a public release that was emphatic in its restraint: “The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bar Association expresses its profound dismay and concern with respect to the recent appointment of our colleague Mr. Colin Williams to act as Director of Public Prosecution of St. Vincent and the Grenadines”.

“The Bar Association at no time is imputing anything adverse against the integrity of Mr. Colin Williams, but the Bar is steadfast in its conviction that in the eyes of the public, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions would be viewed as having been compromised in its independence by this appointment”.

“At all times public confidence in the Administration of Criminal Justice must not be undermined”.

The glittering ULP credentials of Mr. Colin Williams make for interesting reading.

During the last ten years or so, Mr. Williams, among other offices, served as a ULP senator in the House, Public Relations Officer of the ULP as well as worked as a partner in the Law Firm of the current Prime Minister.

It is feared that Dr. Gonsalves who recently published that his Government was not just in office, but “in power”, would bring pressure to bear on a DPP who to date, has served him faithfully and well in a sub-ordinate position. “How it go look”. Always, “justice must not only be done but must be manifestly seen to be done!”

On another dimension, Dr. Gonsalves must be complimented on the principled stand he took in the past on the appointment of judges that allegedly carried political baggage.

In 1996, Dr. Gonsalves launched a scathing attack on Mr. Brian Alleyne, now a judge of Appeal Court, who, he said had been “searching for a judgeship in the OECS to lay his weary political head”.

“Unity”, Dr. Gonsalves’ political mouthpiece at the time, noted that it

“does not doubt Alleyne’s technical skills as a lawyer or a potential judge. But the political closeness between Alleyne and the NDP makes him unacceptable for judicial service here in SVG for the foreseeable future”.

In fine, Dr. Gonsalves declared that “The simple fact is that Alleyne has been too closely aligned to James Mitchell’s NDP and their companion CDU to make him suitable as an impartial arbitrator of fact and law in SVG…” For good measure, the Prime Minister added gratuitously and disarmingly “Not even his (Alleyne’s) charming Vincentian wife would make SVG a welcoming place for him as a judge”.

Why, then, does Dr. Gonsalves so strongly recommend and defend the appointment to the post of Acting DPP to a ULP wheel-horse who is thereby empowered to influence events by politically inspired decision far more than can a judge in one of whose appointment Dr. Gonsalves had been so overweeningly circumspect.

In all the circumstances, the appointment of Colin Williams as Acting DPP of SVG represents not just a slap in the face of our struggling, emergent democracy, but boldly tempts Fate with a recipe for possible disaster.

In our social affairs, the office of DPP is serious business. The appointment should never be based on emotion or sentiment, or some romantic, democratic notion of giving everyone a fair chance at the job.

Beforehand, the candidate should satisfy all requirements beyond reasonable doubt, and not on a balance of probabilities. Ideally there is no room for apprenticeship or probation.

According to these presents, the Legal and Judicial Service Commission should be invited to re-think and review its decision. And the remodeled Constitutions should include a provision for public hearings in the future appointment for the post of DPP, with notes and transcripts submitted to assist the deliberations of the body that makes the final selection.

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lHE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020. 7.

Views

Is this extortion or what?

THE CURRENT situation facing Vincentians returning home is anything but reasonable. These are the persons the Prime Minister affectionately refers to as Vincentians in the diaspora, sailors included; the ones who send home the barrels, Western Union, Money Gram remittances, and all the other things that their family and friends may ask of them and in the process, causing them to have a better life sometimes better than the ones who struggle to help from the outside.

They are now coming home after a long wait for the airline and airports to allow them to do so, due to the Covid19 situation. They did not create the current crisis; they are victims of the situation like most of us are. Some may have

lost jobs, suffered pay cuts and who knows what other finical difficulties they are experiencing. Regardless of their stress, the ULP administration is seeing it fit to have them forcibly stay in hotels of the authorities choosing, which would be costing from what I am hearing, in the vicinity of two thousand dollars EC for five days.

This is sold under the guise of protecting the public interest, but appears to me to be an effort to bail out the hoteliers. The old story of Robin Hood, of which we all are fond, seems to have recreated itself with a modern twist; this time I think we should call it ‘Hood Robbing’. Yes, they are being made to pay for the crimes of others who came before them and

broke the law.

I don’t know what actions were taken by the authorities to deal with the law breakers who started this.

Violators of the quarantine rules should have been arrested, passport withheld, ordered to quarantine in the hotel for fourteen not five days, and jailed if unable the pay the cost.

That would have set an example for others who may have wanted to do the same thing, and showed that the government was serious about controlling the disease.

Now that I have criticized the approach

taken by the administration, let me offer my suggestions: * Continue to hold all arriving passengers’ passport until they have yielded a negative covid19 test. * Take a deposit from those who want to quarantine at home and meet the criteria to do so.

The deposit should be returned after completing the quarantine period and testing negative. Those found to be in violation of the quarantine will not have their deposit refunded. * The government should pay for any quarantine

accommodations needed for all Vincentian nationals for whom it is not safe to quarantine at home. That is the practice outside of SVG. After all, “together now “, the ULP is a family.

Aren’t returnees members of the family or is this how you threat family?

Per a recent editorial in THE VINCENTIAN, we have the money.

International agencies and countries have provided grants to help the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Also, this is the season of giving in SVG; some family members are getting galvanize, cement

The descendants of Africa and India Vendors at Arnos Vale EVERY STORY has three sides: my side, your side and the real side.

The vending issue at Arnos Vale in front of Massy Store and the threat to remove the vendors has caused quite a discussion. As usual, we Vincies are experts at everything and, as usual, we never seem to fail to make everything political.

I must state upfront I am not an expert, nor do I have all the facts. However, there are just some things for us to think about void of party politics.

If you had a business and someone comes in front of your entrance selling some of the same items you are selling, how would you feel? For those who offer their two cents on the matter, have they ever encountered the aggressiveness of vendors harassing you to buy from them? Prior to the removal notice, have we ever gone and seen the condition of the place at the end of each day?

Is it sanitary or not? Have we ever had a reason to park at Massy or KFC to either purchase from Massy or KFC and see the situation with the traffic flow or lack thereof?

As for the vendors, they have their families to support and are indeed doing a legitimate business. It would be hard for them to pack up and go. Thus, we ought to empathize with them.

Sitting in the shoes of one of these vendors would be an interesting experience.

The situation must be handled maturely without being political. If we seriously think about the aforementioned questions, we would not make some of the comments many make on radio and on social media. For there are many sides to this situation, and sound reason can be arrived at, if we honestly remove the politics.

What I would recommend is a compromise. An alternative location will be a nice compromise. It will ensure that the vendors continue vending, and it will satisfy the Massy store. Bearing in mind that in a compromise no one fully gets his/her way, but it is a way to give something to each person in the spirit of peace.

Kennard King

THERE SEEMS to be a mix-up with Jomo Thomas and Grant of the East Indian descendants.

I know you, Mr. Editor, as an open-minded East Indian descent, who understand the dimension of our human society. I know that you see people and not race.

But (to me) Grant seems like he has an axe to grind on persons of African descent. I will like Grant to state the number of East Indians who suffered discrimination at the hands of the ruling political-dominated by persons of African

descent, as stated on page 9 of the 24th June, 2020 edition.

Joshua and Cato were of African descent. I never heard any of them discriminate against persons of East Indian descent. Mitchell, who is of Afro-European, never discriminated against my race. The Hon. Blackest Prime Minister (falsehood) in the Caribbean never discriminate (to my knowledge) against persons of East Indian descent. I am not a town man as Grant tried to lower Jomo. I lived in Calder from the 1950s

and out, and I know and understand the cultural history life of the Indians in Calder.

When slavery was abolished, the people of African descent decided that they were not going to work on the Calder/Argyle estate under the white ownership of the land; that the land must be owned and controlled by them (blacks). The white said no way. They went to India and deceived some Indians, telling them that they (white) were going to take them to a fertile land where they (Indians) will own

and lumber. Returning Vincentians should be included in this spirit of generosity.

I would leave with these two quotes: “My neighbor’s problem is my own”. “Today for me, tomorrow for you”.

Rene Haynes Belair nativeco@hotmail.com

their own homes and lands to work. The Indians were brought to St. Vincent and placed on the Calder estate and elsewhere. The people of African descent were ordered to leave the Calder estate and were placed at Stubbs and Victoria Village. Is that not what you called preferential, Mr. Grant?

To understand this conversation, readers will have to read Jomo Thomas column in THE VINCENTIAN of the 6th June, 2020.

Christian Democrat

NDP must not look back I HAVE decided to go public with my views since I don’t think the NDP is considering what I have to say.

I have come to the point where I am thinking that the repeating of how the ULP did not win the last election fairly, is getting to be like an old record that got stuck on the turntable. And I do not think, Mr. Editor, as a simple man, that to harp on this is getting the NDP anywhere.

Somebody is going to shout at the DJ to change the record. That person could well be me.

The way I look at it is that that is a thing of the

past and we have another election in the near future to deal with, so let us think ahead, not about what has happened.

If we want to correct anything that we think went wrong in the 2015 general election, we have the opportunity of the next election to correct all that by voting the ULP out of office.

Mind you, this is no easy task. The way I see it is that the ULP had close to twenty years to consolidate itself in office. Not just twenty or so years, but four consecutive terms in government. The way to encourage people to vote

for you, is not to harp on the last election but to highlight the many mistakes they made, like where they have put SVG and whether they are the ones to take us further into the 21st century.

So, my friend, the

answer lies in the next poll, not in harping on something that has gone and which we cannot change.

Removing them is the only way.

Ashes, Kingstown

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8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

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Ralph Gonsalves: A Leader for these times Are you satisfied with the governance

Introduction VERY OFTEN, when speaking to the people of this country, Comrade Ralph would refer to the Bible and extract many quotes to strengthen his point or to make it more relatable to those of the Christian faith. Within recent times, our Prime Minister and political leader of the ULP has given us insights on the source of his inspiration, regarding his ability to adapt to the times offering appropriate leadership to the people of our beloved country. We have most recently been introduced to the biblical character, Issachar, the leader of one of the twelve tribes of Israel in a manner that provides us with an indication of the way our Prime Minister intends to ensure that his decision making and policy decisions are what are necessary to maintain the development trajectory that SVG has followed since the election of the ULP to office in 2001. The book of Chronicles says, referring to Issachar, “And the children of Issachar, which were men that had the understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…”

This repeated reference to the sons of Issachar by our Comrade leader, among other things, lets us know that the leader of our country, is one who ensures he is kept informed, always up-to-date with information locally, regionally and internationally, has his fingers on the pulse of the current and trending issues, and understands the local movements and issues affecting the daily lives of Vincentians. Like Issachar, PM Gonsalves makes it a priority of having a good grasp of what is happening on the ground so that he can formulate policy responses to address the needs of Vincentians.

He takes on as a personal and lived responsibility, knowing and understanding the times and the way our country must respond to situations locally, regionally and internationally.

He having just celebrated his 74th birthday, the column this week would examine just a few of the most recent instances where his knowledge of the times, allowed him to respond in the most appropriate manner.

income. Comrade Ralph recognised the importance of maintaining reasonable levels of economic activity that would not allow the government to collect revenues to carry on the business of the people, but that would also allow those dependent to earn a living.

2. Offering income support to affected workers; with the immediate and significant negative effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the tourism sector, the government of this country led by Comrade Ralph, was proactive in making plans for the possible fallout. It wasn’t long before the hotels started laying off employees because of the lack of business, and that signalled the beginning of workers either being laid off or seeing reduction in their income. There were a number of measures put in place to provide income support for workers including vendors, minibus operators and temporary support for the elderly for up to the end of the year. Since then, things have also been put in place to offer income support to sailors, farmers and early childhood centre operators. The number of persons who have already benefitted is in the thousands and will increase further once the close to 2000 sailors, and approximately 6000 farmers are given their support.

3. Offering hope with constant updates; Since the pandemic, Comrade Ralph has been on radio no less than 3 times every week, either in studio or by telephone, updating the nation on the actions of the government to management of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is significant, as he is showing that he is there with us and he understands that in times of challenges and difficulties, the people need to hear from their leader. It is of great significance that PM Gonsalves’ call to not panic and give way to hysteria, has been widely heeded with the majority of Vincentians following the advice of the health professionals and observing the protocols. His ability to He knows the times and what SVG understand our people and offer a should do message that would appeal to them in The most recent situation regarding a way that would produce the desired outcome, indicates clearly that Dr. the Covid-19 pandemic has shown in Gonsalves is not only in touch with unambiguous terms the ability of the people, but is one with us.

Comrade Ralph to do what is necessary considering the specifics of the times. Let’s look at some of these: Conclusion 1. Recognising the 4 dimensions to The celebration of 74 years on this the Covid-19 pandemic; from the earth is a significant milestone and onset, Comrade Ralph was the first we are all grateful to God for sparing and may still remain the only the life of Comrade Ralph, and wish CARICOM leader to recognise and him long life and health. His actions articulate what some in the OECS inclusive of the handling of the Secretariat are referring to as the economy as well as the way this HESS dimensions, meaning Health, government conducts its foreign Economic, Social and Security policy, being friends of all and staying dimensions. It was Comrade Ralph’s on principle, always putting the recognition of this, that informed the interest of the country first, leaves government’s response when there was pressure from the opposition and little doubt that he knows the times and the way SVG should go. And others to close our borders and shut while PM Gonsalves displays the the country down. His understanding wisdom and intuition present in the of the situation in SVG caused him to sons of Issachar, it could also be asked immediately consider the farmers, of him as it was in the case of another fisherfolk, vendors, the elderly, those biblical character, Esther, “and who daily paid workers and others who knoweth whether thou art come to the depend on each day’s activity for their kingdom for a time such as this?”

of the ULP? (Excerpts of the Hon. Terrance Ollivierre’s presentation at a virtual Meeting) ANY TIME a government chooses to blame the opposition for its failure to deliver on its promises to the citizens, it is a clear indication that it has outlived its usefulness. It is time for strong, clear, sober, leadership to transform the economy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It is time to rally around the NDP. It is time to rally around Dr. Friday and his team.

Are you satisfied with the governance of the Unity Labour Party (ULP)? I am not! What we have seen for nineteen years under the ULP administration are: high cost of living, victimization, lack of accountability, lack of opportunities for youth development, a stagnant economy and a staggering unemployment rate. The IMF has stated that unemployment among young people stands at 46%, and it is especially high among secondary school graduates. It points to the failure of a ‘Revolution in Education’. An NDP government will embark on the re-engineering of the education system through quality, access and technological advancement for the development of the economy, which will create opportunities and jobs for our young people.

Never in the history of this country have the roads been in such deplorable condition. I find it bold face that now general elections are close, that this government is now rushing and feverishly fixing some dilapidated roads which we were forced to use over the years. How long and how often have you heard Dr. Friday complain about roads in his constituency, for example, the road at Bluff point? As a matter of fact, he highlighted some of the most dilapidated roads throughout the country in his budget presentation this year. This is a blatant insult to Vincentians. As you know, some of them will never be repaired before the general elections, no matter how hard they try.

Further, the Terminal at the Bequia Airport has turned into a rundown dilapidated building, the condition of which, I am sure that many persons who have to use it will be astonished. What are you saying to visitors and natives alike? Union Island Airport is also left to deteriorate. There are electrical problems, security problems, leaking roof, and most shameful of all are the placement of buckets of water in the washroom for cleaners to use. We cannot sink lower than that. We have hit rock bottom. Could you believe in this day and age people have to work under such conditions? That is the mess that the ULP has created.

Since 2003, I have been complaining about the Canouan wharf - sixteen years of constant lobbying.

Year after year is the same thing, estimates after estimates, plan after plan, promises after promises to fix it but it remains the same. The people of Canouan are suffering. They are the ones who have to use it. The condition of the wharf is disgraceful. During the rainy season which we are happy for, we play hop scotch and in the dry

season we have to cover up and look like Arabs in the desert from the dust.

This situation cannot be a healthy one.

Similarly, the landing platform at the Mayreau wharf is another disaster waiting to happen. Several persons have narrowly escaped serious injuries there. Mayreau residents have already secured funding to help to fix the problem, but the Port Authority is not co-operating and everything has gone into limbo.

An NDP government will embark on port development on the islands.

We will construct terminal buildings where persons waiting on the boats can shelter and get relief from the elements of the weather. These buildings will be built with recreational areas and transformed into economic hubs, with small shops, boutiques and craft shops, etc. will be available thus giving young people the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills and setting up of small businesses, all geared towards job creation.

There are always problems with water in the Grenadines in the dry season. When residents construct their houses, they also build their water tanks. As far as I am aware, no government as such has ever been responsible for providing public water supplies to households in the Southern Grenadines. It is a clear indication the ULP has no intention to develop any water system in the Southern Grenadines and doesn’t see it as their responsibility. The NDP has always put the people of the Grenadines at the heart of any development and, as we have always done, we will implement any initiative towards job creation and a better way of life. Hence, an NDP will introduce desalination plants throughout the Grenadines.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, there are vulnerable regions, including small island states, that have populations that are at high risks and can suffer adverse consequences due to global warming, because of their dependencies on coastal livelihoods. Case in point: Salt Whistle Bay, Mayreau, one of our most precious jewels and gems, renowned and known worldwide for its exquisite beauty and tranquility.

Years of complaints as to its destruction have gone on without attention until the situation became critical. The people of Mayreau were forced into action to save what is important to them.

The government said that they have created a ‘mess’ in the work that they have done. What they have concluded to be a ‘mess’, is what most likely have Salt Whistle Bay in tack today. The short-term measure should have already started and nearing completion and all relevant studies should have been near completion for implementation of a long-term solution, but sadly it is not so.

We must stop the neglect. The best way of doing so is to vote them out.

We must ‘geh rid ah dem’. We must vote for the NDP, so we can make SVG work for all Vincentians.

V Clearing the clutter

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020. 9.

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“Clutter is not just physical stuff, it’s old ideas, toxic relationships and bad habits” – Eleanor Brown (Born 1973) American novelist, anthologist, editor, teacher, and speaker. She is the New York Times and international bestselling author of novels The direction of having a more positive, Weird Sisters and The Light of Paris. fulfilling, and joyful life.

Dr. Edgar Schein, the renowned Most Caribbean territories engage former professor at the MIT Sloan in Christmas or end-of-year cleaning. School of Management in the USA, Governments traditionally employ has shown the direct relationship “road gangs” to clear gutters and between our thoughts, prejudices, and roadsides. This is also a period when attitudes and the activities that we neighbourhoods engage in community engage in. Negative thoughts can lead clean-up or beautification campaigns. to our getting involved in undesirable Homes receive “a good scrubbing” as a and socially unacceptable actions. forerunner to repainting. Everyone, it The converse is also true. Hence the would seem, focuses on beautification need for us to be guardians of our of their surroundings and clearing the thoughts and, as best we can, clutter. guardians of the thoughts of those Similar cleaning activities occur entrusted to us. Many of our “clutter during the months of July and August thoughts” need to be thrown out. in some of our CARICOM countries.

Thoughts of envy, greed, bitterness, This is often when governments seek unforgiveness, and the like. These to “put money in the hands of tend to pull us down rather than build citizens” to enable the more lowly us up. In their stead, we need to paid to purchase school books, entertain thoughts that encourage uniforms, and other school supplies honesty, peace, integrity, and the like. for the school term that commences in We can do so if we really want to.

September. These are often welcomed Once we throw out those cluttered forms of employment (even though thoughts, we can become instruments temporary) that provide a dual of peace and conduits of joy. purpose of having an cleaner Who would have thought that Saul, environment. the great persecutor of the early We commend the management and church, could have changed to become staff at the Central Water and Paul the great apostle? His life story, Sewerage Authority for their efforts at as described in the New Testament transporting derelict vehicles and book of Acts, gives us reason to hope. white goods to the landfill several Even the worst among us can change times throughout the year. Items for the better. Now, it is quite that are no longer needed are possible that some readers may claim disposed of and removed from our that Saul’s change was a result of his homes and neighbourhoods at no miraculous encounter with Jesus extra cost to homeowners. We are Christ while on the road to Damascus. relieved that old, defective machines While this is true, it does not detract and equipment can be disposed of from the fact that great change is and, if necessary, replaced. possible if and when we make Sometimes we need to be reminded ourselves available to “turn a new of the need to clear the mental clutter. leaf”.

We may be harbouring toxic and selfThe example of John Newton destructive thoughts and attitudes.

(1725-1807) is also noteworthy. He Envy, greed, malice, unforgiveness, operated a slave ship for a number of years. He apparently thought nothing and guilt sometimes seem to have a inherently wrong as he transported stranglehold on so many. We may also need to add insecurities and self- thousands of slaves from the shores of doubt to this list. They clutter up our West Africa to plantations in the New World (North America and the minds, tarnish friendships, and Caribbean). However, he also destroy otherwise harmonious experienced a “strange encounter” on relationships. But this need not be one of his trips and realised the the case. We could so readily rid ourselves of such destructive thoughts magnitude of his inhumane activities.

He changed. He repented. He if we learn to forgive others and removed the clutter from his mind forgive self. Forgiveness is the and eventually became a preacher of antidote for so many poisons of the the gospel. He wrote the hymn, spirit. We need not entertain or “Amazing Grace” that now blesses so harbour these corrosive and many of us today. We all have the destructive thoughts that too capacity to change … regardless of the frequently clutter our minds. infractions that we have committed.

Some individuals may We all have the ability to rid understandably argue that the ourselves of the clutter that process of socialization (especially debilitates us and retards our from an early age) may make it progress. Being reconciled to God and difficult to uproot some of these to our fellowman become possible negative attitudes described in the preceding paragraph. However, once when we pause to be big enough to be small enough to admit that we have we make an effort to commence the wronged others or quite simply made cleansing process, we may readily foolish choices. We can make our discover that it is not as daunting or lives, and the lives of those around us, difficult as previously thought. The brighter and better when we commit will to make a positive change is to clearing the mental, emotional, and where we need to begin. Each of us, spiritual clutter. regardless of how engrained we think the negative thought to be, has the Send comments, criticisms & potential to change for the better. We suggestions to can clear the clutter and move in the julesferdinand@gmail.com

Whch factor of the law did we get wrong?

AT A RECENT SITTING of the Court of Appeal, there was an exchange between a local counsel and the court that was both amusing and instructive.

In pursuing his client’s case, the lawyer told the court: ‘My Lords, it appears that you all are not with me.

Therefore, I will abandon this ground and move on.’

A Justice of Appeal replied: ‘Counsel, it is not that we are not with you; neither the facts nor the law is with you.’

We were reminded of this exchange on Wednesday when PM Gonsalves, in an oblique reference to our July 31 column entitled ‘Not so fast Minister Gonsalves,’ said: ‘The article had both the facts and the law wrong…If it was the property company which had employed the people, the workers would have gone at the time of liquidation to see if they can get money because government taxes would take top priority in the liquidation and then you would the workers’ pay or severance but they are two separate legal entities.’

And then this: ‘Government didn’t employ anybody. Sandals didn’t take over a company. Sandals is buying a property which had been already part of the property, the Harlequin part, because, as I have outlined, there are several property owners which form the footprint of what Sandals buying, but that substantial part which belongs to that Harlequin property company, that had gone through the court with Brian Glasgow as the trustee in bankruptcy.’

It is critical to point out that Gonsalves did not point to any specific law. He simply spoke around the law.

The only reference distinguishing point he made was that there were two companies: Buccument Resort - the management company and Harlequin Limited - the company that held the asset, Ames’ only asset in SVG. By citing the Protection of Employment Act and the National Insurance Service and its regulations, we simply showed that our employment laws allowed government and its agencies to protect Vincentian workers, but the government failed to do so.

Everyone in SVG knows that PM Gonsalves and the ULP leadership maintained a cuddly relationship with Ames. Even after Ames became a fugitive, Minister of Labour Camillo Gonsalves proudly declared to the nation that he was engaged in negotiations with Ames; negotiations that will soon result in the payment of the workers and all other parties owed.

The government never called on Interpol for help in apprehending Ames.

It never tried to have Ames extradited from the UK to face Vincentian justice.

In fact, Ames was probably the only person in Vincentian history who was charged with such serious crimes and told he does not have to come to court.

Rather than attempt to cheapen and politicize the discourse, it would have been enlightening to hear PM Gonsalves’ exposition of the other relevant laws and how they apply. We can think of at least two: The Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Commercial (Business) Act. CHAPTER 136 BANKRUPTCY AND INSOLVENCY ACT Act No. 43 of 2007 116. Proven creditors may examine proofs of claim (1) Every creditor who has lodged a proof of claim is entitled to see and examine the proofs of other creditors.

(2) Proofs of claims for wages of workers and others employed by the bankrupt may be made in one proof by the bankrupt or someone on behalf of the bankrupt or by a representative of a ministry responsible for labour matters or a representative of a union representing workers and others employed by the bankrupt, by attaching to the proof a schedule setting out the names and addresses of the workers and others and the amounts severally due to them, but that proof does not disentitle any worker or other wage earner to file a separate proof on their own behalf.

CHAPTER 136 BANKRUPTCY AND INSOLVENCY ACT • Act • Subsidiary Legislation • ACT Act No. 43 of 2007 72. Claim of farmer or fisherman (1) Where– (a) a farmer has sold and delivered products of agriculture or a fisherman has sold and delivered products of the sea, to another person, in this section referred to as the “purchaser”, for use in relation to the business of the purchaser?

(2) The charge ranks above every other claim, right or charge against that inventory, regardless of when that other claim, right or charge arose, except a supplier’s right to repossess goods pursuant to section 71, notwithstanding any other Act or law.

One of the things experienced lawyers tell newcomers is to be confident with their research, and refrain from trying cases in the corridors of the courthouse. Clearly, PM Gonsalves has parts of the law, but the law is nuanced and arguments are grounded in facts.

Our government admits to taking over Harlequin, which was the parent of Buccament Resort. It admits to selling that property to Sandals. Therefore, what does PM Gonsalves mean Sandals is not buying a company. Sandals is acquiring Harlequin’s property which the government bought. Harlequin was a company registered under the laws of SVG. There is case law to support our contention. At least one Constitutional court has ruled ‘The payment of outstanding wages of workers/labourers shall take precedence over all other types of creditors, including secured creditors’ claims and claims of states’ rights, auction houses and public institutions established by the Government, whereas the payment of other rights of workers/labourers shall take precedence over all claims, including claims of states’ rights, auction house, and public institutions established by the Government, except for claims by secured creditors.’

There are other crucial areas of Business law that address winding up of companies that touch and concerns Harlequin and Buccament, government and Sandals.

And to think we have not even touched the issue of piercing the corporate veil. We will.

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

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10. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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NDP plans to waste millions on Ottley Hall Marina/Shipyard Hall Marina and Shipyard will lead to a sustainable income. Before wasting millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money, it is only prudent to do a cost-benefit analysis, and we asked Friday to publish the financial figures that show the: benefits of a going ahead with this project; costs associated with going ahead with this project; measurable financial metrics such as revenue earned or costs saved as a result of the decision to pursue this project; analysis to evaluate all the potential costs and revenues that might be generated from the project; assessment to show whether the project is financially feasible; opportunity cost of going ahead with this project, i.e. what are the alternative benefits that could have been realised when choosing to do something else with this money.

Ottley Hall saddled with debt The people of SVG cannot begin to according to Court judgment trust Friday with the SVG public finances, unless he publishes a costAccording to a summary of the benefit analysis about this project, background of the events provided by with the above information. Let the Justice Gertel Thom, in her written public see this information and prove judgment of 23rd June 2011, money that this is not just another rubbish was fraudulently siphoned off and the idea.

Ottley Hall funds ran out. The project In terms of funding this Ottley Hall was not complete, was a financial dream, The Breadfruit News article disaster, and the NDP Government goes on to report that Friday says, “We was saddled with a crippling and will find the money.” This is another unsustainable debt of several million illustration of day-dreaming. What is dollars. A court judgment was Friday planning to do - dig up the obtained in England against the NDP sand at Indian Bay and find some Government as guarantor, in respect secret treasure? Someone needs to tell of the unpaid capital and interest and Friday that ‘finding money’ only costs. happens in children’s books. The book SVG Green Party calls on Friday to Treasure Island by Scottish author publish the cost-benefit analysis to Robert Louis Stevenson is fiction, not show that pumping millions of real life. taxpayers’ money into the failed Ottley The fact that Friday plans to go IN A RECENT article published by the media company Breadfruit News, the NDP regime promised to rebuild the Ottley Hall Marina and Shipyard.

This announcement by the party leader Dr. Godwin Friday is yet another example of day-dreaming and financial recklessness, and why the NDP cannot be trusted with SVG’s public finances.

For those old enough to remember, Ottley Hall was a failed development project that began under an NDP administration. The idea was to establish a marina, shipyard and other facilities at Ottley Hall. It turned out to be a financial fiasco and an illustration of the NDP’s financial incompetence and lack of due diligence.

back to this failed project shows that the NDP lacks ideas and the innovation needed to create a strong and sustainable economy in SVG. SVG needs to move forward, and it is clear that we cannot do this under Friday and ludicrous, pie-in-the-sky ideas.

Let us not return to the dark days of a wasteful NDP regime recklessly throwing away millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money on useless projects.

Ottley Hall illustrates the financial incompetence of the NDP regime. It is foolish for Friday to try to restart the Ottley Hall project, and he should resign, as it is questionable whether he is serious about sustainable development in SVG.

people. We have always said that the best way to build a strong economy is to have a highly-educated population, as this will attract foreign investment.

At a meeting with CARICOM leaders in April 2015, the then President of the USA Barack Obama repeated SVG Green Party’s university message to the CARICOM leaders.

Using Singapore as an example, Obama told the CARICOM leaders that if they had a highly-educated workforce, they will attract a lot of foreign investment.

Green Party promises education SVG Green Party Leader, Mr Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons.), MSc, MBA, For economic success and prosperity worked in Singapore for a number of for our people, we must follow the years and learnt from his time there Singapore model of development and that a science and technology elect a Green Government. university, high-quality education and Since 2005, SVG Green Party has adopting the Singapore development stressed the importance of having a model is the way to create jobs and university in SVG and educating our prosperity for our people.

If I were earth, I would tell humans: SOMEWHERE, in nothingness, in the early stage before time began, existed an artist, the only one of his kind.

To this date, there has been no comparison. He stands alone in ingenuity, and if I may be allowed to say, this man is more than a genius.

It is said, “A magician never reveals his secrets”. This awesome architect constructed the earth and from the earth produced this magnificent, carefully crafted, creature He called Man. From within the man, He brought forth the most astonishing, excellent, counterpart for Man. He called her woman, to care about the earth working together.

Man was never given the power to bring into existence a breathing, speaking, living, mobile man. The artist did not divulge the truth to be proven through direct personal active involvement or granted power to success.

This creator would bestow on Man, as human, the dominant position over the earth.

The human was told to bear much fruit, replenish the earth, overcome by force and govern or handling the affairs of earth. And so, in fulfilment of these instructions, began the multiplication of man or humans on the earth.

The skilled creator took six (6) days to complete the construction of a perfect earth with Man upon whom was placed the overall responsibility to control with specified condition.

The mastermind behind this complex project viewed it as appropriate for the intended purpose and handed Man the position of trustee with moral obligation for his existence. (Hoping that you would grasp the background, the origin of human and earth.)

I would say to humans if I were earth, you have abused the authority or

privilege granted to you.

Your conduct has become irregular, disappointing, not conforming to acceptable practices and arrangements. You have not made the sacrifice of the highest degree through change of action, adjusting to different conditions. You have lost credibility and have become unworthy. Now, you have to face up to the consequences as a result of your actions.

Man showed deliberate disrespect and became a creative of his mental ability. Man took advantage of the facts acquired, transgressed, and used the opportunity with a view to appeal to the minds of less average intelligence.

In essence, Man created his own faculty, made his own selection so as to express if not impose his opinion on others. And in it all Man still lacks adequate experience. He has not learned from his time in the Garden.

(Name withheld)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2020. 11.

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NSPD holds extended Exhibition

Kezzie Bowen showing some of the exhibits which she made.

Omoro John points to some of his tie-dye work.

PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF PERSONS DISABILITY (NSPD) – Andrea Ashers, believes that their recently held Exhibition at the Society’s new headquarters at the Old Anglican School Kingstown, would have done a lot to positively profile persons, who are “differently abled.”

The Exhibition, which was originally slated for

one day, July 31, was carried over to 5th to 7th August.

On display was work done by members of the NSPD. Among the items were face masks, dresses, kitchen curtains, cushions, aprons, tie—dye jerseys, bags, paper/drinking stray craft, as some horticulture. There was also a display of locally made jewelry on the first

President Andrea Ashers and some members of the team responsible for work behind the scenes that made the exhibition possible.

day, July 31.

Reviewing the Exhibition, a pleased Ashers said, “It was a great Exhibition and we are pleased with the work done by our members.”

Among the members whose work was on the display, were Exhibiter Utica Smith (right) in Kizzy Bowen, conversation with Dr. Godwin Friday, Leader of the Opposition, Jacqueline Lowe, Gamal on Day One of the Exhibition.

Antoine, programming and Utica Smith, Omoro services through its own John, Junior Caine, fund-raising efforts.

Amanda Browne and The NSPD is a crossAndrick Arthur, and disability organization, Rowland ‘Scrapie’ i.e. comprised of persons Dopwell. with sensory, physical Ashers revealed that and mental challenges. the main objective of hosting the Exhibition, was to showcase the work of the NSPD, “So that the general public can see what persons who are differently abled are able to do.”

The President, who was elected to the position in December 2018, said “I am hoping that this Exhibition would have exposed them more and they would be more accepted now,” adding, “Plans are afoot to make the Exhibition an annual affair.”

Apart from just acknowledging the work of members of the NSPD, Ashers wants the public to also give tangible support, by purchasing items.

“If you missed the Exhibition, you can drop by the office at the Old Anglican School building, located on Higginson Street, or you can call us at 456-8888 to place your orders,” Ashers informed.

She assured, “If what you desire is not in stock, you can place your order and we would make it for you.”

Ashers underscored the need for support for the NSPD which, other than an annual Subvention from government which goes primarily towards paying rent and upkeep of an office, supports its

Andrea Ashers – President of the NSPD – with exhibiter/craftsman Rowland ‘Scrapie’ Dopwell in front of his display.

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12. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Politics

NDP seeks access to NBC Radio time

The national Broadcasting Corporation (Radio 705) is state-owned. I.e. it is supported by tax payers.

A LETTER SIGNED BY TYRONE JAMES, the New Democratic Party’s General Secretary, was dispatched to Dionne John in her capacity as General Manager of the National Broadcasting Corporation, in protest of what appears to be deliberate efforts to deny NDP President and duly appointed Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Friday, access to NBC’s broadcasting resources.

The August 7 communique lamented

the fact that, “Dr. Friday has requested access to the national radio station [NBC Radio705] to communicate to the nation on matters of public interest and importance. He has still not been allowed such access. Indeed, it is noticeable that NBC 705 does not even attend Dr. Friday’s media conferences, despite invitations to do so.”

The letter also chronicled attempts “to

address the matter” by NDP’s Public Relations Officer Laverne King.

These efforts included “several messages” that were left at the radio station “about two months ago” by PRO King. According to James, these messages were not acknowledged so, “she then visited the station to discuss the matter and enquired if slots were available in the month of July. She was informed that all

slots were booked out.

After further discussion, she was told that someone would get back to her within two weeks.

No one did.”

James was also moved to remind the station’s General Manager of the constitutional validity of Dr. Friday’s office as Opposition Leader as he tabled another request for access. “The Leader of the Opposition is a constitutional position in our system of government. As the person holding that position for the time being, Dr. Friday has a responsibility to address the nation on matters of public interest and importance. Accordingly, he is requesting a weekly slot on the national radio station, NBC Radio 705.”

We reached out to Colvin Harry, NBC Radio’s Progamme Manager, who opted “not to speak about that at the moment.”

However, he acknowledged receipt of James’ missive and intimated that his management team was

“in the process of going through” the letter.

Though, he said, “I’m not sure if anybody else would be willing to comment on it; at least not at this moment.”

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is currently allotted at least 2 hours every Wednesday morning as he delivers weekly updates to the station’s Morning Cup listeners and viewers via its Facebook live stream.

That show is hosted by Colvin Harry.

A similar situation was recently resolved in another Eastern Caribbean jurisdiction when the St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party threatened to bring legal action against “the government and staterun ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation for infringing on the rights of the people.”

Earlier this year, the SKN Labour Party accused the state owned media outlet of “contravening their constitutional rights of freedom of speech and expression, freedom of

Tyrone James, General Secretary of the Opposition NDP, has written to the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), requesting that it allocates radio time to the Leader of the Opposition Dr. Godwin Friday. association and the right to be protected from discrimination.”

In an unprecedented move, ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation responded by allocating equal air time to all registered political parties ahead of the St. Kitts and Nevis general elections, LoopNewsCaribbean.com reported. jp.schwmon.vincy@gmail. com

Undercover Cop at NDP’s private session AN UNNAMED POLICE OFFICER, said to be assigned to the so-called ‘Special Branch’ of the Royal SVG Police Force, was discovered attempting to surreptitiously record the private discussions of the New Democratic Party’s East Saint George constituency delegates meeting.

NDP spokesperson Clemroy ‘Bert’ Francois made the revelation as part of the Thursday July 30 New Times episode, the weekday politically charged talk show that airs on NICE Radio.

Francois told listeners, “The New Democratic Party had a function last night in East St. George. It was a private function, it was a delegates’ function; not even NDP supporters generally were allowed in. ….. Imagine that gathering of the New Democratic Party, eh — small

gathering, private gathering — the authorities saw it fit to send Special Branch police to take notes, record the meeting, etc.”

Francois was careful in pointing fingers as to the origin of such an assignment, saying, “… I know a lot of persons have spoken this, ‘Oh, we must expose the police!’ It is not the police that need exposing! Let me make it clear. If you are a police officer, you’re working in Central Branch [sic] and the Commissioner or the Prime Minister or the higher up give you an order — go to this function and record — yo have no choice but to go!”

He urged listeners to not focus on the officers who, as he said, are “doing their work.” It is the “persons who are manipulating their offices to get the police and others to do and carry out infringement

on the human rights and privacy of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who must be held accountable.”

Francois explained that it was another attendee to the meeting who brought the alleged trespasser to his attention, and together they proceeded to approach the officer.

But when they came upon the officer and Francois recognized whom he was, he retreated somewhat declaring that it was only because he recognized the officer why he was not going “to keep plenty noise.” Instead, he calmly told the officer he could not record the session.

Colin John, Police Commissioner, told us, “I have no knowledge of what you are referring to,” in response to our probe. We asked him, “Is there any reason for police

Police Officer (centre) in attendance at a private NDP session. operatives to be interested in such proceedings? And if so, what might that/those reason(s) be?”

Meanwhile, Tyrone James, NDP’s General Secretary, was reluctant to speculate on any possible interest the police might have in his organization’s internal discussions. “It’s not as if we are a terrorist group that they’d want to hear how we plan to overthrow or take over the country or anything. I

mean, we are a recognized institution.”

James noted that Party decision makers are yet to “discuss and decide how we move forward, if any action is required.”

A different cop was recognized, photographed and posted on Facebook in another NDP (private) session approximately 4 years ago, Francois also disclosed. jp.schwmon.vincy@gmail.com

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020. 13.

Feature

Wounding, wounding and more wounding

Editor’s Note: The incidence of malicious wounding continue to monopolise, it seems, the resources of both the Royal SVG Police Force and the Courts here. This, it appears, has gone unnoticed as we go about our everyday lives.

On case it has not be noticed, here is a glimpse into the frequency and nature of this recurring offence.

Two arrests – same day Monday 27th July saw the local constabulary responding to two such cases.

The police reported that they arrested and charged Marvin Smart, a 37-yearold Sanitation Worker of Georgetown, with the offence of wounding.

According to investigations, the defendant allegedly unlawfully and maliciously wounded a 31year-old labourer of the same address, by chopping him about his body with a cutlass. The incident occurred at Georgetown on July 11, 2020.

Smart appeared before the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court to answer to the charge and pleaded not guilty. He was granted bail in the sum of $1500.00 with one (1) surety. The matter was adjourned to September 21, 2020.

On the same day, July 27, police arrested and charged Karanja Carter, 31-year-old mason of Grand Bay, Canouan/Ottley Hall, with wounding.

In this matter, the defendant allegedly unlawfully and maliciously, on May 30, wounded a 33-year-old mason of Happy Hill, Canouan, by cutting him about his body with a switchblade. The incident occurred at Happy Hill, Canouan, and Carter was arrested on the day the incident occurred.

The accused was granted station bail and was expected to appear before the Canouan Magistrate’s Court on August 12, 2020, to answer to the charge

bail, allegedly unlawfully and maliciously wounded a 31-year-old Accountant of Richmond by stabbing him on the right side of his body and on his head, with a pair of scissors. The incident occurred at Rockies about 11:30pm on July 5, 2020.

When Shallow appeared before the Serious Offences Court to answer to the charge, he pleaded not guilty, and the matter was adjourned and transferred to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court for September 29, 2020. Station bail continues.

Mason charged And Micky Pompey, a 41-year-old mason of Richland Park was arrested and charged with wounding and grievous bodily harm.

Pompey is alleged to have inflicted chop wounds to the forehead and right hand of a 63year-old farmer of Simon.

A cutlass was said to be the ‘implement’ used to inflict the wounds, and the incident is reported to have taken place at Richland Park, at about 4pm, on August 01, 2020.

Pompey appeared before the Serious Offences Court for arraignment and was remanded into custody until last Wednesday, August 8, when the issue of bail was expected to be reviewed.

Security Guard inflicts wounds

And as if that was not enough on the plate of the constabulary, they were called into action which resulted in the arrest and charging of 54-year-old Nku Foster, a Security Guard of Green Hill, with the offence of wounding.

According to investigations, on August 4, 2020 at about 5:30pm in Kingstown, the defendant allegedly unlawfully and maliciously wounded an 18-year-old vendor of Fountain, by stabbing him on his back with a scissors.

Foster appeared before the Serious Offences Court and pleaded not guilty. He Accountant wounded was granted bail in the sum of $1500.00 with one Continuing in this vein, (1) surety. The matter was police arrested and adjourned to September 21 charged Kyron Shallow, and transferred to the 28-year-old labourer of Kingstown Magistrate’s Rockies, with wounding.

Court.

According to investigation, the accused, Cutlass attack who was granted station

Lindon Franklyn joined the ranks of those arrested and charged with the offence of wounding.

The 35-year-old labourer of Largo Height, it was revealed, unlawfully and maliciously wounded a 31year-old unemployed of Largo Height by striking him on his head with a cutlass. The incident occurred at Largo Height at 10:17 pm, June 6, 2020.

The accused appeared

before the Serious Offences Court and pleaded not guilty. The matter was adjourned to September 22, and transferred to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court.

Franklyn is currently on station bail.

More arrests And police reported that they charged Derek Penniston, 23, a taxi

operator of Hamilton, Bequia, with wounding.

Penniston is said to have maliciously wounded a 43-year-old labourer of Level, Bequia, by beating him about his body with a piece of pipe.

The accused will appear before the Union Island Magistrate’s Court to answer to the charge.

Cherrise Cuffy, a 41year-old Programme Assistant of South Rivers, did not escape the police

action. They arrested and charged her with unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm on a 20-year-old unemployed of the same address.

Cuffy is reported to have used a broken (glass) bottle to inflict a laceration to the victim’s forehead, on July 25, 2020.

The accused will appear before the Serious Offenses Court. (Source: RSVGPL)

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14. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Business

PCCU expands into Bequia

THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Police Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. (PCCU) formally opened a branch in Bequia last Saturday, August 8, with the aim of better serving its members, increasing its membership and expanding its share of the market.

With an office located within the compound of the Port Elizabeth Police Station, and opening in the first instance three days a week, Monday,

Dawnlyn Bynoe cuts the ribbon to officially declare the PSCCU office open.

Wednesday and Friday, from 8;30am to 4:00pm, the intention is to have the office fully operational in the shortest possible time, Ayanna Samuel, Manager of PCCU assured when addressing the opening ceremony.

Samuel it was who shared that the PCCU has had consistent growth since first “opening its doors” on January 16, 2003 (17 years ago), and currently holds assets to a value of EC$19.5 million, a loan portfolio of EC$12.4 million, and (L-R): Horace Williams, President/PCCU, Herman savings of EC$12.2 Belmar/Deputy Director Grenadines Affairs, and Dr. million.

Godwin Friday/MP Northern Grenadines, at last This is accounted Saturday’s opening ceremony. for by a membership of 2159 persons, with access and opportunity for people and Bequia representing a significant places that need it most. portion of this figure, who avail “It’s a story about expanding themselves of services inclusive of opportunity and sharing prosperity. share accounts, deposit/saving It’s a story about people investing in accounts, death benefit accounts and their own communities to build loans.

Samuel, in recognizing the opening something better and stronger, and most of all, it is a story about people of the Bequia branch as another helping people to achieve something milestone in the short history of the greater by working together in PCCU, referenced an earlier partnership,” Williams posited. milestone, i.e. being the “youngest “This is one of our initiatives to credit union” to have acquired its own ensure the long term survival of this headquarters on Bay Street, credit union,” he added, and invited Kingstown, in 2017.

Horace Williams President of PCCU the residents of Bequia to join the PCCU family. in his address, described the Bequia Herman Belmar, Deputy Director of branch as an outstanding step forward Grenadines Affairs, welcomed the for the PCCU, as it recognized the credit union. He deduced that with larger picture of expanding financial four fully functional and registered

Ayanna Samuel, Manager of PCCU, addressing the opening ceremony. credit unions now based on Bequia, the island is indeed fertile soil for the growth and development for the cooperatives.

Belmar noted that there are many benefits that can be derived from joining a credit union, especially as the banks are making it difficult for ordinary persons to access their services. “The credit union is picking up the slack and offering full-fledged benefits just the same as the bank,” he said.

Dr. Godwin Friday, Member of Parliament for Northern Grenadines, in his address, said, inter alia, “This comes at a time when commercial banks here in St Vincent are actually refusing to open new accounts because of too much liquidity or because there are not sufficient businesses that are borrowing the money, to be able to pay the interest on these accounts.”

And while he recognized that the credit union subsector seemed to be thriving as per the credit unions now having offices in Bequia, his expectation was that, “The credit union meets the need of the community and the entire country. Not just to buy a nice car or to fix up the roof on the house… all those are essential things. But we need to invest in productive activities that also create more dynamism in the economy, create jobs and create the basis for growth going forward.”

When the PCCU was formed some 17 years ago, its membership was restricted to persons enlisted in the Royal SVG Police Force. Its membership today is open to the general public. (KH)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020. 15.

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16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Regional

PNM claims victory in T&T election

results of the election.

However, this did not deter the incumbent People’s National Movement (PNM) from declaring itself victor, claiming 22 of the 41 seats at stake, and allocating the remaining 19 to the main opposition United National Congress (UNC).

Should this result stand, it means the PNM lost one seat and the UNC gained two, taking one from the Dr. Keith Rowley – PNM and the other that pictured on Election was held by the Congress Day after casting his of the People (COP). vote – declared victory None of the other 17 for his incumbent parties or four People’s National independents who Movement even before contested the election official results were made any impact on the declared. (Credit: AFP) result, according to the PNM. AS OF Wednesday 12th And while Dr. Keith August, 2020, two days Rowley, political leader after the general election of the PNM, by 10:30pm in the Republic of Trinidad on Monday night was and Tobago, that country’s saying, “I have always Elections and Boundaries said that the people of Commission (EBC) had not TT can be trusted to do released preliminary

the right thing when called upon so to do,” in declaring his party victorious, UNC leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar just before midnight, in a defiant mood, declared that she had no intention of conceding to the PNM, albeit in the absence preliminary results.

In fact, she gave early notice that her party intended to call for recounts in at least five seats, three of those considered to be marginal seats.

And in his victory address to a small gathering at the PNM Headquarters (Balisier House), Port of Spain, Dr. Rowley gave a hint about his future in politics. “This, ladies and gentlemen, could easily be my last term in politics,” local media quoted him as saying.

He had a special word for the young people, recognising them as being “largely responsible” for the PNM

victory, and committed his incoming government to “ensuring our young people are developed in such a way that when I am no longer in a position to announce an election victory, that the country will not be deprived of the leadership that it deserves.”

The nineteen political parties and four independents who contested the August 10 election accounted for a total of 150 candidate.

Only the PNM contested in all 41 constituencies, with the UNC opting not to contest the two seats in Tobago, preferring to concentrate on the 39

constituencies in Trinidad.

Of note to many cultural enthusiasts across the region was the fate of Winston ‘Gypsy’ Peters who contested the Moruga/Tableland constituency on a PNM ticket. He was defeated, albeit unofficially, by the UNC candidate Michelle Benjamin who, Kamala Persadinterestingly, was one of Bissessar, leader of the twelve victorious female candidates in the election opposition United National Congress, — seven coming from the captured here after PNM and five from the casting her vote, was UNC. According to the EBC, defiant in the face of unofficial results of the there were 1,134,136 pool. (Credit: WPF) persons registered to vote in the August 10, Newsday, Trinidad 2020 election.

Express, Loop News) (Sources: Trinidad

PM Browne speculates about LIAT future Even as LIAT Administrator Cleveland Seaforth has made his official call for creditors to submit claims, people holding company property to return them, and those owing money to pay up, there is a suggestion that LIAT could begin operating limited flights.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne made the suggestion, even as he revealed that the Administrator will be looking to send home more employees, Antigua News Room (ANR) reported last week.

“One of the possibilities that the Administrator could look at even before the end of the 90 days, even before the completion of the reorganization, is whether or not LIAT should have some presence and maybe to offer some limited flights in the interim,” Browne is reported as saying.

Browne reasoned that, given LIAT’s continued ‘ownership’ of three aircraft (in fact charged to the Caribbean Development Bank), it may make sense to fly those in the interim, while the administration is taking place.

“Just to have them sitting there makes no sense. Planes are made to work and to be maintained regularly,” Browne emphasized, adding, “If they’re able to

turn a profit in the interim, they could help to service the outstanding loans.”

However, observers are wary of the Antiguan Prime Mi9nister’s suggestion, pointing to the prevailing situation as one of extremely low demand for air travel, and the fact that many airports across the market are still shuttered.

And perhaps in an effort to heighten expectations even further, Prime Minister Browne, speaking last Saturday on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne Show declared, “There are several proposals on the table from private entities. There is one entity that has offered a US$25 million investment for 51 per cent of the shares; there’s another regional airline that has offered to invest about US$25 million and a few planes for about 60 per cent of the shares in LIAT, and there are at least three governments that have shown some interest in investing in LIAT.” This week, PM Browne spoke of interest from as far away as Africa.

He gave no further details on this ‘interest’, but returned to the reality of the situation, that being that LIAT was under the control of an Administrator, who is

Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, continues to hold out hope for a ‘New LIAT’. (Credit: Caribbean Business Report) tasked with determining the real future of the airline.

Amidst Browne’s heightened speculation, Seaforth repeated his call to persons who have claims in LIAT (1974) Ltd., whether liquidated, unliquidated, future or contingent, is required to present particulars of their claim in writing to the Administrator not later than Aug. 15, 2020.

Seaforth was appointed by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court on July 24, reiterated that the business, assets and affairs of the Company are under his control, and he is an agent of the Company and acts without personal liability. (Sources: ANR, Barbados Today, other media)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020. 17.

Education

ECGC awards scholarships

IN KEEPING WITH A TRADITION started some 21 years ago, the East Caribbean Group of Companies (EGCG) has again awarded full scholarships and book allowances to children of its employees, who were successful in the 2020 Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA).

This year’s ceremony, held at the ECGC Training Room on August 7th, 2020, saw Natalia Charles daughter of Mrs. Samanthia LugayCharles employed in the HR Department - and Kaeli Martin - daughter of Mr. Ewan Martin of the Maintenance Department - being the recipients of full scholarships.

Sophia DeRiggs, Shania Craigg and Jeffrey Knights Jr. received book allowances.

Sophia is the Mr. Elvis DeRiggs — CEO/ECGC; Shania — the daughter of Mr. Jemel Craigg of the Production Department of East Caribbean Feeds; and Jeffery - the son of Mr. Jeffrey Knights of the Maintenance Department.

The full scholarship awardees will each receive EC$1,200.00 per year for five years of secondary school, and EC$1,500.00 a year for two years of college education.

Book allowance recipients will collect EC$600 each for the first five years and EC$750 for each of two years of college.

Mrs. Phyllis James Human Resource Manager - explained the facets of the scholarships awarded and congratulated the recipients and their

PSU awards students THE PUBLIC SERVICE UNION (PSU) is expanding its operations beyond the normal realms of Trade Unionism. They are ensuring that they provide “value to its members.”

First Vice President Leroy James, also Chairman of the Education Committee, made the declaration last Tuesday at the PSU Headquarters, Mc Kies Hill.

The occasion was the handing over of scholarships and bursaries to a number of students.

Six youngsters begin their secondary education with assistance from the PSU. They ae: Celeste Richardson, Aulani Dennie, Mya Cumberbatch, Angel Hall, Jomaira Roberts,

parents.

Remarks were given

by Mr. Owran Charles a former full scholarship holder and son of ECGC’s employee Ms. Cynthia Charles. He encouraged the students to understand the value of money and to recognize and appreciate the numerous efforts parents make for their children throughout their school journey. He also spoke about being focused and preparing for the increased work of secondary school.

The awards were distributed by Mr. Paul Velox — Operations Manager - who also congratulated each recipient.

Each student was given an opportunity to speak; they thanked their parents for their support and ECGC for awarding the

PSU 2020 scholarship awardees.

and Everette James who deferred his scholarship from last year to this year.

They will receive $1,000 each to take them through their first year, an increase of 50% over last year, James noted.

Eighteen students were given bursaries valued at $150.00 each.

They are Rhema Richards, Richad Burke, Leslie Butler, Kennon Duncan, Shazique Gittens, Maleek Glasgow, Jomari Layne, Mekhail Marshall, Sherwin Pompey, Jahron Williams, Keosha Burke, Anique Jack, Cherise Joseph, Nickayla Neverson, Gerod Oliver, Gwanael Stoddard, Jessica Francois, and Jennessa Haywood.

In making the awards, James urged the recipients to continue to

excel in their school work, to believe in themselves and to be “goal oriented.”

He advised that the Union was also making other resources available to students, in particular through its mentorship programme. Any PSU sponsored student can count on the Union for guidance during their secondary school career.

The PSU has been giving scholarships for over 50 years. One of their notable awardees is the late Glen Jackson who made an impact in the media circles.

Funds to support the scholarship/bursary programme are derived from members’ subscriptions. (WKA)

scholarships.

Ms. Makeda Frederick-Smith, ECGC’s Marketing Officer, gave the vote of thanks congratulating the students on their excellent performance, the parents on their support of their children, the company on their notable service to employees and in this (Left to Right): Jeffrey Knights Jr, Kaeli Martin, case, their children.

Sophia DeRiggs, Natalia Charles, Shania Craigg.

(Source: ECGC) (Photo source: ECGC)

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18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Sex before marriage or not?

Dear George, IT IS NOW seven months since I am dating this guy whom I met in Barbados.

He has promised to visit me in SVG for the first time as soon as it is okay to travel again without restrictions.

I have continually made it clear to him that I am not into sex before marriage. He laughs every time I remind him and when I did after he said he was coming to visit me, he laughed and said that I couldn’t be serious asking him to stay for two weeks and not engage in sexual intercourse.

Needless to say, the argument continues. I maintain my stance and he does the same thing.

He appears to be an ok guy from what I’ve seen, but his position on sex before marriage has me thinking deeply. Does he have a point?

Gloria GX Dear Gloria GX, It should be worrisome that your partner is so fixated on indulging in sex before marriage. Sex is an important component, but the rush on his part to engage despite your stated position on the matter, should raise a couple red flags.

If he is serious about settling down with you and loves you enough to make you that promise, then waiting until after marriage ought not to be problematic.

Once he loves you and is serious enough about you, then he can wait.

Hold your position!

George

Same sex turnabout Dear George, MY GIRLFRIEND has dumped me for a man, this after I was her first same sex partner.

For 2 years we have been getting along nicely until she suggested that both of us have some fun with this guy who kept on expressing an interest in her. Three of us got together and had an unforgettable one might stand.

Not long after, my girlfriend informed me that she had decided to start dating this same guy, and she no longer wanted to be with me or any other girl.

For weeks I tried to get her to change her mind, but to no avail.

She would not return my

calls. I am so heartbroken even as I am writing to you. Do you have any suggestions on what I can do to win her back?

you respect her decision to move on and do not wish to be sworn enemies because of it.

Since she has moved on, I would suggest that you do as well.

Blue heart George Dear Blue heart, You need to be aware that there is a risk when you invite a third party into any relationship.

You took a chance and it backfired. Your girlfriend has the right to change her mind at any time and to love whomever she wishes to love.

Rather than trying to win her back, how about letting her know via text message, since she’s not taking your calls, that

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Don't overdo it. You need to enjoy yourself. Don't make mountains out of molehills if you want to avoid conflict.

Do your work at home, if you can.

Someone may be trying to make you look bad.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Your partner will be emotionally unable to cope. You can continue to forge ahead if you make a few long distance calls pertinent to closing pending deals. You can make money, but try not to let it slip through your fingers.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You may be upset if someone has borrowed something that belongs to you. Things are looking good for you, so open your eyes and get to it. Now is the time to concentrate on building a strong financial future for your family.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Your input into their activities will help bring you closer together. You need time to think things through. Get motivated and follow up on some self-improvement resolutions.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Avoid friends or acquaintances who drink too much. Don't hesitate to go ahead with any plans for entertainment.

Your ability to charm others will bring added popularity. Go with the flow and don't be concerned about your own job.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Problems with skin, bones, or teeth may mess up your schedule. You will benefit by taking care of other people's concerns. You may want to tell someone how you really LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You can make financial gains if you are prepared to take a risk. Don't let others bait you into arguments. You can make new friends by taking part in social events involving colleagues.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Your self-esteem will come back if you take part in organizational functions that allow you to be in the lime light. Family responsibilities are mounting. You will be misinterpreted if you get involved in other people's problems.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) A change is as good as a rest. Don't go looking for change. You can make money through real estate or by using your head when it comes to personal investments.

You will get drawn into groups that are not favorable to you.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Don't be too eager to spend money that you really don't have. You should visit a friend or relative who hasn't been feeling up to par. You can become obsessed with detail and must be sure to divide your time appropriately.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Question your mate if you must. Don't reveal any personal details. You may have difficulties at an emotional level with mates. Changes in your domestic situation will prove to be favorable in the long run.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Limitation could set in if you've been spending too much. Curl up with a good book or go for a drive in the country.

Your intellectual wit will bring greater popularity with your peers.

ACROSS 1. Sermon topic 4. Nourish 8. Flat stone 12. Big bustle 13. Unusual 14. Sea current 15. Gun blast 16. Mine yields 17. Blissful spot 18. Author Hemingway 20. Water faucet 22. People around you 24. Reminiscent of: 2 wds.

27. Whirled 30. Chop (off) 31. Statute 32. European mountains 33. Lock insert 34. Tennis’s Sampras 35. Astrological feline 36. Muscle spasm 37. Like summer drinks 38. Brown hue 39. Cast members 42. Exasperate 43. Enormous creatures 47. Municipality 50. Persian Gulf nation 52. Paid golfer 53. Polish (text) 54. Christen 55. Balloon filler 56. Funny Jay 57. Eat away (at) 58. Word of denial DOWN 1. Open widely 2. Strong smell

3. Elevator sign 4. Decorate (cakes) 5. Soil 6. Before, poetically 7. Ruin 8. Single pace 9. Casserole cover 10. Tart beverage 11. Young Stiller 19. Billion-year periods 21. Nile viper 23. Choose 24. Cinematic Guinness 25. Behind time 26. Astounded 27. Common seasoning 28. Sincere request

29. Positioned over 33. _ and screaming 34. Italian tourist city 36. Paving stuff 40. Barack or Michelle 41. Make fresh 42. Absorbed by

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020. 19.

44. Stretch acros 45. Wee jazz band 46. Divide (laundry) 47. __ Aviv, Middle East port 48. Loving verse 49. Garner first place 51. Went swiftly

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20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Wicket feast in Premier Division Final

FLOW Radcliffe – 2020 SVGCA Inc. National Premier Division Cricket Champions.

LAST WEEKEND’S BATTLE for supremacy in the 2020 SVGCA Inc. National Premier Division Cricket Championship, belonged to the bowlers.

There could have been hardly any other conclusion after the match, played at the Park Hill Playing Field, threw up one match haul of 13 wickets for eighty runs, another of 11 for 61, and an innings haul of 6 for 53.

The match haul of 13 for 81 (4 for 36 and 9 for 45) and the

innings haul of 6 for 53 belonged to Asif Hooper and Othneil Lewis respectively, of FLOW Radcliffe, whose combined spin mesmerized Police Two. The lawmen, undone

by Lewis in particular, mustered a mere 89 in their first innings and a token, improved second innings performance of 123, amidst Hooper’s 9-wicket haul.

There was little to shout about Police Two’s individual batting, save and except for Kevin Abraham with 28 in the first

innings, and Rickford Walker.

43, in the second.

FLOW Radcliffe, meanwhile, had the luck of the draw so to speak, and in a spirited rearguard action overcame Nigel Small’s impressive 8 for 46, to register 177 in their first innings — Shamon Hooper 44, Deron Greave 42, and Gidron Pope, 38 Set 35 for the outright win, FLOW Radcliffe lost three wickets in reaching their target, with Othnel Lewis being not out on 30. Once again, Small proved a bit too much for FLOW Radcliffe, accounting for the three wickets to fall.

Small, with just a little more help with the ball, could have been leading his team off the field in victory.

Instead, Asif Hooper and Othneil Lewis did just that for the 2020 Champions of Premier Division Cricket in SVG — FLOW Radcliffe.

Asif Hooper’s 14 wickets in the match was a culmination of some fine and consistent bowling throughout the Championship.

Nigel Small herculean effort for the Police should not be lost in his team’s defeat.

Police Two batsmen simply ‘didn’t show up’ on the day.

Layou: National First Division Football Champs

A jubilant Layou United team last Sunday night at the Victoria Park.

LAYOU UNITED was last Sunday evening at the Victoria Park crowned First Division Champions of the 2019/ 2020 National Club Championships, staged under the aegis of the SVG Football Federation.

A 3-2 win over Pride and Joy meant that Layou stayed unbeaten (9 wins , three draws) throughout the

minute.

This meant that Layou and Largo Height will head to the Premier Division of the next championships.

Largo Height finished second with 27 points (8 wins, three draws) and climaxed their season on Saturday with a seven-nil thrashing of QCESCO Titans. Emery Bailey hit a beaver trick, scoring in the 20th , 23rd , 46th and 63rd minutes, while Jahiem Kirby netted in the 43rd and 51st minutes and Nyron Bennett in injury time.

something that we always wanted, as we have reached the semi- finals twice, only to be knocked out.”

He noted that the inclusion of Shandell Samuel, Kenyon Lynch, Dennis Prescott and Ronsil Badenock, all with senior national team experience, as being pivotal.

“These guys added the experience and the guts when we needed it most, as they competition and amassed 29 added guidance to the 15 and points in the process.

16 year-olds,” Jackson On the actual field of play, indicated.

Layou took the lead in the 7th But while Layou is making minute through their captainit back to the premiership Dennis Prescott, but Pride and Layou in top flight after seven years, it was a Joy equalized in the 35th quick turnaround for Largo minute through a penalty For Layou, it has been a Height. converted by Orlando painstaking wait to get back Runners- up in the First Trimmingham. in the top flight, after being Division in 2017, Largo Height Prescott was again on the demoted in 2013. made it to the Premier score sheet in the 68th minute Layou’s Head Coach Wayde Division for the 2018/2019 and completed his hat trick Jackson referred to the team’s National Club Championships, with a 70th minute penalty. win on Sunday as “long in only to be demoted after one Trimmingham converted coming.” season. another penalty in the 80th He added, “I am elated; it is While Layou and Largo

Wayde Jackson – Coach of Layou United.

Height head to the Premier Division, RSVG Police, K & R Strikers, Toni Stores Jugglers and Hill View have been demoted to the Second Division.

Also promoted to the First Division are Parkside Rollers and Richmond Hill, as the number of teams will be reduced to ten.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020. 21.

Sports

Sports Department completes Tennis Camp ROXANN WILLIAMS, Co-ordinator of a recently concluded Department of the Physical Education and

Participants in the Tennis Camp proudly display their Certificates of Participation.

Sports Tennis Camp for persons 5-14 years old, is pleased with the level of seriousness displayed by the participants.

The Camp, held at the National Tennis Centre, Villa, catered to a maximum of 65 participants, with the average daily attendance being 40.

Williams explained that the objective of the Camp was twofold: to let the participants have fun while being introduced to a basic knowledge of how to play the sport.

She said that the intention was also to inculcate a deeper interest among some of the participants, so that they will want to continue further in the sport.

The Co-ordinator expressed satisfaction that the participants had learned something about the sport, and added, “My hope is that they will continue to grow in the sport and play at a competitive level.”

Williams, though, admitted to the lack of tennis coaching programmes and coaches especially at the primary school level, where interest in the Taking what they sport should be first learned to the court.

Coach happy with High Performance Camp CHESTER MORGAN, Head Coach of High Performance Camp, continues to keep his athletes active despite the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought a halt to most sporting activities in SVG. Morgan explained that the current programme is divided into two phases.

In the first phase he High Performance Camp participants go through a said, “We looked at each session of Beach training. athlete’s technical and biomechanics. After the Chester Morgan, testing, we did some specific work is ongoing, Morgan said, High Performance to aid with the improvement and “We are working on Camp Head Coach, training in the gym to help continuing development of the is pleased with how with muscular endurance weaker areas technically. That the Camp has and size.

And we are phase lasted for 5 weeks with a progressed. continuing the technical total of 60 athletes in attendance.” development but on grass The phase also included some high spirits gym work — elements of technical without any shoes. On the and are physical side, we are doing lifting and proper breathing working very hard and smart.” aerobic works using continuous techniques used in lifting The overall objective of the running exercises.” weightswill lift weight — and programme is to use functional Both phases also featured beach sessions designed to aid in science based training methods to motivational talks. technical development.

The Head Coach is very pleased aid with the develop-ment of the As for the second phase which athletes, and Morgan hopes that with the effort of the athletes. “I the athletes will continue to work am very impressed with on their development, and aim at the attitude and obtaining overseas scholarships.

Participants in the High attendance of Performance Camp are expected the athletes. to compete in the National Club They are in Championship, set for August 22, Time for 2020. working on the sprints – on Stories I.B.A.ALLEN grass.

encouraged.

Notwithstanding, she held firmly to the view that the camp had served its purpose, and that some of the participants will begin to make demands on their “P.E teachers.”

Roxann Williams, Coordinator of the Camp.

Jackson looking to improve OTTO JACKSON, one of many Vincentian athletes who are on athletics scholarship overseas, is aiming for the sky, and despite a few setbacks, he is still determined to achieve his goals in life.

Jackson is currently into a four-year scholarship at The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, where, along with developing and refining his track skills, is pursuing a double Otto Jackson major undergraduate degree in Banking and Economics.

As for the track, Jackson disclosed, “I train with The UWI campus track and field team. I have not broken my personal best in the 200m yet, but that is my first goal.”

He also spoke of adding the 400m to his repertoire, an addition he says he believes “will help me in my 200m.”

His performances to date have been mixed, with golds in the Class 100m and 200m, but out of medal contention at the Inter College Sports.

Jackson picked up a leg injury late in the season and has continued his rehabilitation work since arriving back home, but conceded that being out of competition it was extremely frustrating.

“I didn’t even think about how dealing with a physical injury was also a mental struggle after the injury. I now know that I have to be strong mentally, always.”

He is particularly excited by the commissioning of a synthetic track here in SVG. “It’s an added inspiration to get fitter. I think for those of us who have been doing track for some time now in SVG and went off to college and knowing they will be back home to a synthetic track, it’s a good feeling,” he said.

As for the immediate future, Jackson is looking to return to full fitness and “to regain the joy of competing in the 200 meters…as no other race fills me with such joy.”

And with respect to his aspiration after college, he responded without hesitation, “To be a pro athlete is the ultimate, but if things don’t work out, with my Banking and Financing double major, once the opportunity comes up to work here (SVG), that’s where my heart is. And, once the opportunity comes up, I will definitely be happy to represent my country in athletics.”

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22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

North/South clash WHEN the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association First Division final comes off this Sunday, it will be a North/South clash. The finalists are CJ MSDA Julius Anthony Northern Stars and Keegan’s Bequia XI. Defending champions Northern Stars placed fourth in Group B with eight points, but held off Group a leader Smashers to go into the semis.

Smashers made 141 all out from 31.2 overs, and Northern Stars emerged winners by one wicket, reaching 142 for 9 from 40 overs.

The North Leeward players pulled out all the stops to run away from Police winning by 21 runs. North Leeward rallied to 169 all out in 41.1 overs, thanks to a last wicket stand of 35 between Jade Matthews 29 and Dorson Cottle 15 not out.

Police were 117 for 4 at one stage before being dismissed for 148 in 36.2 overs. They entered the semis having disposed of North Windward Combined by 26 runs. Police scored 215 in 45.5 overs and dismissed North Windward Combine for 189 from 27.4 overs.

Keegan’s Bequia XI, 130 all out in 29.1 overs, held French Veranda SVG Community College at bay, dismissing them for 81 in 20.5 overs to move into the semis. The Bequia squad showed grit to achieve the victory target of 242 for 9 in the 49th over to secure the final berth. It took a six-run last wicket unbroken stand between Jenry Ollivierre 23 and Iran Mack 02 to seal the victory over Vee Jay’s Roof Top and bar North Windward.

They made 241 all out in 44.4 overs. North Windward romped into the semis on the back of Gareth Wilson 118 and Denson Hoyte 86 who helped their team to 304 all out in 47 overs. They swamped Corea’s Distribution Belfongo for 147 in 24.2 overs.

Besides the battle for the championship, some individuals will be vying for some titles.

Keegan’s XI Orlando Lavia 233 runs needs another 12 runs to surpass Kevin Peters of Strike Eagles 245.

Dorson Cottle, a Northern Stars off spinner heads the bowling charts with 20 wickets. Three Keegan’s Bequia XI players Jenry Ollivierre and Chelson Stowe, both on 17 wickets, along with Iran Mack with 14 scalps can come into the picture.

But Cottle will want to maintain his top position.

The North Leeward team barely made it to the quarterfinals, but once they got there, they seemed to have had a revival in fortunes.

It will be the battle of the giants in this final, and from 10 am Sunday, the lines will be drawn.

In a tournament where ball has tended to dominate, there have been occasions when batsmen have come into their own.

Teams have tended to rush into the 50 over affair with some degree of abandonment.

The team which displays the more mature approach to batting will most likely come out on top.

With two teams outside the normal realms of Vincentian cricket circles in action, there might be the opportunity for neutral observers to assess the state of Vincentian cricket.

Bailey pushed in 15-miler ZEFAL BAILEY had to stave off a strong challenge from Albert Quammie, but was still the first cyclist to cross the finish line at Belair, last Sunday, when the SVG Cycling Union hosted itS seventh Keep Fit event.

For Bailey, it was his seventh consecutive triumph, and he did so in a time of 33 minutes 53.58 seconds.

Bailey was able to outride the other

competitors in the 15mile event, which began at the SOL Gas Station at Arnos Vale, then to Ratho Mill and to the Round About twice, before ending at Belair.

Quammie, who tailed Bailey for most of the race, timed 33 minutes 56.10 seconds, but did not have the legs to upstage Bailey.

Placing third was Antonio Richardson in 38 minutes 42.08 seconds,

with Carlos Rivas fourth in 39 minutes 43.94 seconds.

Others to complete the course were Omar Baptiste- 43 minutes 24.32 seconds and Orel George- 43 minutes 48 seconds.

Cyclists will go at it on the weekend of August 22nd and 23rd, with the staging of the National Championships.

Zefal Bailey

Bailey and Trimmingham: Top First Division scorers LARGO HEIGHT’S Emery Bailey and Pride and Joy’s Olando Trimmingham, were the joint leading goal scorers, when the First Division of the National Club Championships was decided last Sunday, at the Victoria Park.

Both finished on nine goals apiece. Bailey, who is the son of former national stand out striker Guy Lowe, helped himself to four goals on Saturday, in his team’s last match versus QCESCO Titans, to push his tally to nine.

It was not the first occasion that Bailey was the top goal scorer in the First Division, he having done so in the 2013/2014 championships.

Trimmingham, on Sunday, scored two penalties in Pride and

Joy’s loss to eventual champions Layou United.

Finishing on eight goals was Volcanoes’ Mazique Herbert, while Cheslon Hendrickson of Layou United, Atticus Enville — Toni Stores Jugglers and Agustus Adams of Olando Volcanoes, all ended with Emery Bailey seven goals to their names. Trimmingham And there were three Volcanoes, in players who scored six goals: third place and Pride and Joy Malden Scrubb and Diandre fourth retained their First Smith of Pride and Joy, and Division status, along with Owia Jarvis Hoyte of Owia United.

United, Sparta FC, QCESCO Layou United champed the title Titans and Glenside Ball Blazers. ahead of Largo Height. Both head RSVG Police, Toni Stores to the Premier Division of the Jugglers, K & R Strikers and Hill next National Club View were relegated to the Championships.

Second Division.

First Division cricket title: Bequia versus North Leeward IT HAS COME down on one hand to a case of one side doing its utmost to retain its position of supremacy, and on the other hand, a case of trying to displace the champions from their pinnacle.

Keegan’s Bequia X1 has nothing to lose and all to gain when they come up against defending champions CJ MSDA Julius Anthony Northern Stars, in the final of the 2020 NLA/SVGCA Inc. 50 Overs

Cricket First Division.

The men from the ‘Island of Clouds’ earned their place in the finals in what turned into a nailbiting, hard-fought, one-wicket victory over Vee Jay’s Roof Top and Bar North Windward, in a semi-final played last Sunday, at Arnos Vale One Playing Field.

Vee Jay’s Roof Top and Bar North Windward put up a commendable 241 all out in 44.4 overs. Gareth Wilson, 69, and Veno De Souza, 40, led the

batting as they shared a 2nd wicket stand of 122. Jenry Ollivierre, 3 for 41, and Olando Lavia, 2 for 36 turned in useful bowling performances for Bequia.

On 176 for 4, Bequia were on course for what seemed to be an early and effortless victory, but their rudder got loose. They lost focus and were struggling on 225 for 8. They kept their chins above the water line, however, and pushed on to the victory target, 242, for the loss of one more wicket, all of this in 48.4 overs.

Joseph Francis scored 39 while Loraine Ollivierre added 35. Elroy Brackin, 3 for 50, had the best bowling figures for Vee Jay’s Roof Top and Bar North Windward.

I.B.A. ALLEN CJ MSDA Julius Anthony Northern Stars will go into their defence of the title with much confidence.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020. 23.

Classifieds

„Emulate Garvey,‰ Rasta says and much more. We are calling on the nation to TWO MEMBERS of the local take a page from Garvey’s Rastafarian organization ‘Nyhabingy books”, Shaka declared.

Warriors’, are calling on the nation Zaditu is disappointed to emulate the life and work of the that the nation’s youth is late world renowned liberation not being taught more fighter, Marcus Garvey. about their history, Ras Shaka and Empress Zaditu including the critical role made the call while speaking with played by Marcus Garvey THE VINCENTIAN on and others.

Wednesday, as they prepare for “This type of teaching is the celebration of Garvey’s birth not happening among our day on Monday. people. We are not seeing As part of the celebrations, the it. It is time that we give Nyhabingy Warriors will hold a more than lip service”, gathering and rally at Sion Hill Zaditu said. on Monday.

Shaka pointed out that But according to Ras Shaka Garvey and other great black and Empress Zaditu, it is time we leaders played critical roles at give more than lip service to various points in history, which Garvey and other great liberation laid the foundation for the fighters. survival and progress of their “He taught us about selfpeople. awareness, and who we are, and “It we stop giving lip service the importance of our historical and live what they preached and origin and culture. He taught us stood for, we would be much more the importance of our resources, unified and organized as a

By HAYDN HUGGINS

Ras Shaka and Empress Zaditu have jointly called for less talk and more action regarding our acceptance of Marcus Garvey. people,” Zaditu emphasized.

Shaka and Zaditu salute Garvey on his birth day, and call on Vincentians to join in the celebration.

TYRONE MICHAEL LAYNE

BERYL AGATHA WEBB

VERON ST. CLAIR CUNNINGHAM

New Testament Church of God Wilson Hill Kingstown Monday, 10th August, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Kingstown Cemetery

Mt Sinai Spiritual Baptist Church Carriere Monday, August 10th, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Riley Cemetery

Barrouallie Evangelical Church Sunday, 9th August, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Glebe Hill Cemetery

MALCOLM 5,&+$5' µ&5$=<¶ GREAVES Dorsetshire Hill Evangelical Church Sunday 9th August 2020 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

Interment: Dorsetshire Cemetery

DORIS DUBLIN New Life Prayer Tabernacle Church South Rivers Sunday, 9th August, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Park Hill Cemetery

VENA ROSALIN BRAID Layou S.D.A Church Sunday, 9th August, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Layou Cemetery

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FRIDAY, AUGUST

14, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.33

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

KIRK DA SILVA: NDP’S CHOICE FOR MARRIAQUA the 2015 election. That was not to be.

In the lead up to the 2015 election, leader of the ULP Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, during an address to a 14th Anniversary victory rally, thanked the candidates - winners and losers, and those who offered themselves as candidates, for their contribution.

But in highlighting those persons, he noticeably bypassed Da Silva and Godson Cain, another rival for the ULP Marriaqua candidacy in 2015.

By this time, the party had already Kirk Michael Da Silva gets his chance after decided on St. Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince as knocking on the door of another party, to Miguel’s replacement. contest as an election candidate in Marriaqua, From thence, Da Silva distanced his native himself from the ULP and began more community. and more to associate with the New Democratic Party, eventually Bowman: becoming a member.

Curtis Bowman, the incumbent Reaction within the NDP so to speak, fell to the bottom Needless to say, Tuesday evening’s of the ladder. results have evoked some telling reactions, not least from within the Silva did.”

NDP itself.

Tyrone James, One upset NDP supporter, who the NDP’s spoke to us while demanding General anonymity, said, “Twenty-nine Secretary of 3 delegates decided that the country years standing, didn’t get the youngest possible remarked, “The candidate for the NDP. Twenty-nine results reflected delegates decided that the nation From ULP to NDP where the didn’t get a chance to have Phillip Jackson, a brilliant and creative mind, delegates went.

Bernard Wyllie may have Phillip Jackson had an Da Silva, dating back to the midThe next step is serve the country as an elected felt he could turn back the impressive run-up to the 2000’s, made known his interest in parliamentarian. And the leadership of ratification by the hands of time, but the primary but has to wait for being a candidate for the Unity Labour Central the NDP wasn’t strong or smart party felt otherwise. another chance to fulfil his Party (ULP) in the Marriaqua Committee.” enough to help to guide the delegates intentions. constituency.

Three NDP He stepped aside in favour of Girlyn in the right direction. candidates are Kirk Michael Da Silva and “The NDP has a big tent, an allMiguel, but continued to play a pivotal possibly the only contender for the role in securing victory for the ULP in embracing tent, but that doesn’t mean awaiting the Party’s highest decision North Windward seat, Shevern Lewisthat each person who wished to run for making organ’s endorsement as that constituency. candidates in the next general John. the ULP and who was rejected by the When Miguel retired from active election. They are East St. George’s ULP, should join the NDP simply to politics, Da Silva may have felt jp.schwmon.vincy@gmail.com Laverne Gibson-Velox, Marriaqua’s get that chance to run like Kirk Da assured that he would replace her in A ONE-TIME Unity Labour Party prospective candidate was given the nod

by New Democratic Party delegates, in the Marriaqua primaries on Tuesday evening.

In a surprising quirk, Kirk Da Silva, a founding partner at KDLT Chartered Certified Accountants, emerged as the preferred choice, garnering 15 of 29 votes cast in the August 11 primaries.

Phillip Jackson, a widely favored choice, secured 4 of the delegates’ affirmation, while former area MP Bernard Wyllie won 8 votes. Curtis Bowman, the NDP’s last offer to their Marriaqua constituents, managed a mere 2 votes.

Da Silva is a fabled son of the Marriaqua soil whose penchant for studious work elevated his lifestyle over time. His sundry achievements include service as a banker, certified fraud examiner specializing in forensic accounting, and as a one-time lecturer at the St. Kitts based Eastern Caribbean Institute of Bankers.

The second to last of 11 siblings, he also presided — at different times — over the affairs of non-profit organizations such as St. Vincent Jaycees and Rotary Club of St. Vincent.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.