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FRIDAY,

JANUARY 15, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.02

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

EUSTACE RESPONDS TO FIRE BLAME

by DAYLE DASILVA

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION New Democratic Party, Arnhim Eustace, said that he is satisfied that Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves was squarely putting the blame for last week’s fire on the New Democratic Party (NDP).

The fire referred to broke out at the premises of the Public Works compound at Arnos Vale, during the early hours of the morning of December 7, destroying approximately EC$1.3 million worth of lumber and galvanize sheeting imported for use on the ‘Lives to Live’ programme, and for distribution to persons who had their homes destroyed during the natural disasters dating back to Hurricane Tomas in 2010, according to official sources.

Speaking to the press last week Thursday, Gonsalves said that the police had indicated to him that there was sufficient evidence to suggest arson. He added that the fire had taken place within a context that the opposition was not prepared to accept defeat at the December 9 polls; and that opposition members were “engendering antigovernment and antiSupervisor of Elections

Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister, spoke of the manufacturing of a ‘context’ that could encourage unlawful acts. sentiments.”

He continued, “I cannot accuse the opposition for the fire. I will never do that, and no one can do so, but will say that a context is being manufactured in which this kind of behaviour is being accorded a veneer of legitimacy,” Gonsalves said.

“And this fire takes place in the context of persons who are clearly eager to set fires,” he said, making reference to the two attempts to firebomb VINLEC’s head office in Kingstown.

Gonsalves espoused that if a context was being manufactured and certain elements believed the falsehood that was being propagated, then they would feel motivated to commit

unlawful acts.

But Eustace responded on Monday when he called into the ‘New Times’ programme aired on NICE Radio, asking the question - Who had the most to gain by the fire?

“Who has the most to gain? Who will want to destroy any document of bribery as related to the last general election? Who benefit from that fire? Therefore, I don’t think that Gonsalves’ views on this latest fire has any weight on this matter, because he has lost legitimacy at home, and has reduced St Vincent and the Grenadines to being a laughingstock abroad.”

According to Eustace, there were other fires that occurred before, including the ones at the former electoral and treasury offices, and a section of the Administrative Building (Financial Complex) where information dealing with the 2010 census was being stored. “…and up to this day, we have not heard anything about the cause of these fires,” he said.

Arnhim Eustace, Leader of the NDP, has called out the Prime Minister as having put blame on the NDP for the Public Works fire.

The fire at the Public Works compound in which in a large quantity of building materials was destroyed.

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2. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Digicel promotes two DIGICEL CONTINUES to fulfil its commitment to advance professionals up its local managerial hierarchy.

The most recent demonstration of this Lonley Duncan, new Chief Financial Controller, looks forward to personal as well as company growth.

comes with news that Danielle Cupid has been promoted to the position of Marketing Manager, and Lonley Duncan to Chief Financial Controller, effective January 1, 2016.

These promotions come on the heels of the company’s recent opening of its call centre, which is currently staffed with over 40 new local

employees from St. Vincent.

Danielle’s journey with Digicel is typical of determination and ambition.

She joined the company as a Marketing Intern in summer 2013 before landing a permanent position as a Marketing Executive in January 2014.

Through hard work

and her drive to succeed, Danielle surpassed expectations after being placed on a fast-track programme to her new role of Marketing Manager.

The elated Cupid said, “It’s truly an honour to be a part of the Digicel family. I came in with a positive and open mind to learn as much, and it’s great to be rewarded for my hard work in an environment that promotes growth for its employees. I’m looking forward to working with the team to continue to deliver superior service to our customers in St. Vincent,” Dannielle said on receiving the news of her promotion.

Lonley Duncan, a Chartered Accountant, belies his youthfulness with 10 years’ experience in Finance and experience in Retail and Telecommunications.

“This promotion is a great opportunity to continue to add value in a very dynamic team, while gaining even more exposure here. I’m very excited about this move and what it means for my growth in Finance within the Digicel family.” Lonley said.

Lonley holds a Master’s in Finance and Accounting from the University of North Hampton.

In commending Cupid and Duncan on their promotion, Commercial Manager Dionne Emtage said, “We are developing and promoting from within the ranks, ensuring that we are allowing Vincentians first opportunity, and we are very happy for Danielle and Lonley.

They epitomise what it means to go above and beyond to deliver extraordinary results every day.”

Emtage added, “As a brand, a huge part of our focus is also hiring and developing local talents, so we will continue to build on our workforce, choosing from the highly skilled and qualified pool of local talent in St. Vincent to deliver innovative products and services to our customers.”

Digicel has positioned itself as an open company — empowering its employees to make decisions and take responsibilities of their actions, while honing their skills and developing their careers.

Danielle Cupid (left), new Digicel Marketing Manager, receiving Digi Star award.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. 3.

News 3 Protestors are not the problem

by DAYLE DASILVA

NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) activist Luzette King says that she does not agree with the sentiment that the individuals protesting outside the Office of the Supervisor of Elections antagonize the police.

King told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday that the persons who gather in protest, do so peaceably. .

While admitting that often one or two individuals would engage in the use of loud and maybe unbecoming language, King said that she would rebuke the offenders.

But she denied that the they were resorting to behaviour that would provoke the police into using excessive force.

“So whenever someone comes around with a type of behaviour, I am quick to put an end to it,” she said.

King was arrested last week Wednesday when police moved

to have the protesters vacate the area outside the building which houses the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.

She refused to move, and was forcibly removed by the police, with many persons saying that she was manhandled in the process.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves addressed the issue during a press conference last week Thursday, acknowledging that the general consensus was that Vincentians were peace-loving people.

“And all the members of the police force recognize this, and that is why when people are protesting, even when they are breaking the law, the police, as we have noticed, have been restrained in the exercise of their authority,” Gonsalves said.

He went on further to say that the police have gone about their duty exercising generosity and sensitivity.

Luzette King, who has been declared de facto leader of the protest, is adamant that the protestors go about their business in a peaceful manner.

Protesters made a change to their methods by taking to the street, in a march of protest, last Wednesday.

However, there were some who tended to interpret generosity and sensitivity as signs of weakness, the Prime Minister said.

He referred to the incident which resulted in the arrest of King, saying that the police had moved in to clear an area in front of the office of the Supervisor of Elections.

Findlay’s office.

Given such an occurrence, the police This was done, Gonsalves had all right to ensure that explained, after the Supervisor the incident did not re-occur, of Elections, Sylvia Findlay, in accordance with the law, he was assaulted, threatened and further explained. intimidated by an individual The police have been firm, or individuals who had come yet sensitive; however, people off the picket line. engaging in protest action He also said that he had ought not to cross boundaries; been advised that someone they must follow instructions had sprayed political graffiti, or they will pay the price of ‘NDP’ on the building housing the law, Gonsalves said.

‘We will not retreat,’ says Leacock one of those occasions in history in which people have to make a stand PARLIAMENTARY and demonstrate to the police and to REPRESENTATIVE for the Central the powers that be, that we shall not Kingstown constituency, St. Clair retreat, and that is the message here,” Leacock, says that the police attempt said Leacock. to drive away protesters from in front The MP said that King has been of the electoral building in Kingstown, giving leadership to the protest action and the arrest of Luzette King on for the last several weeks, to the Wednesday 6th, are attempts by the extent where there is a perception that police and authorities to stifle the she is leading a popular protest and a protest movement. demonstration. “They feel that, once But, he declared, the protesters will they get rid of the commanding not retreat. nervous centre, which Luzette may Speaking moments after King’s represent in their eyes, then they arrest, Leacock said the action of the would put an end by driving fear into police, “..to try to impose upon us that the rest of the supporters,” said we must be some 200 yards away from Leacock. a public building, is to make nonsense He said that the action of the police of the best of democratic traditions, and authorities is having the opposite that people give expressions to their effect, in that it is bringing notice to will, within the law, against any the protest. “It’s bringing notice to the obstruction in society that offend them protest, and bringing people who (the authorities).” would not ordinarily been there to He said that if the protesters retreat show their disgust,” he posited. from the place of activity, “…..they The outspoken parliamentarian said will pay a price for it. So it has to be that the election was stolen and that

by KENVILLE HORNE

persons must make a stand.

He disclosed that besides King being manhandled, a protestor by the name of ‘Sappy’ was hit with a baton. “We need not have that demonstration of force…. Every day people are protesting …. And the police are not even moving in on MP St. Clair Leacock appears to be soliciting an them… why we can’t explanation for the police action of Wednesday 6th do it here, why?”

January, from Deputy Commissioner of Police asked Leacock.

Reynold Hadaway.

Immediately following the announced, NDP supporters took to broadcast of the results of the protesting in front of barricades that December 9, 2016 elections, that were mounted outside of the Electoral returned the ULP party to government Office, Kingstown. for a 4th consecutive term, supporters King was arrested and charged for of the New Democratic Party, the main ‘Inconveniencing the public’, after, opposition party here, accused the according to some eye-witnesses, “she ULP of “stealing the election.” was manhandled and abused by the Within a day of the results being police.”

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4. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

“We had no choice,” says fire chief Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS SUPT. ISAIAH BROWNE, Head of the Fire Department of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, says that the decision to use two of the three noncommissioned fire trucks from the Argyle International Airport to help fight the fire at the Public Works Department Storage Facility at Arnos Vale, Thursday, December 7, was based on an on the spot assessment of the situation.

“I had to make an on the spot assessment, and we had to do that quickly to save the compound,” Browne told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday.

“Because of the nature of the fire, we concluded that we would have to use those fire trucks. We didn’t have a choice”, he added.

The Fire Chief explained that each of these trucks carries 3,300 gallons of water, far more than the old trucks, and this would have boosted the capacity available to the fire fighters.

Browne said that if the entire facility was destroyed, it would have been a disaster for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “We had to contain and extinguish the fire quickly”.

In a front page story August 28, 2015 headlined: ‘Fire Trucks not yet handed over’, Browne told THE VINCENTIAN that none of the three fire trucks purchased by the state for the Argyle International Airport could have been used to contain and/or

The non-commissioned Airport Fire Trucks were called into action to help quell the fire at the Arnos Vale Public Works Compound. extinguish a fire which destroyed three unoccupied buildings in the Halifax/Egmont Street area, Kingstown, August 23, 2015, because they were not yet handed over by the United States based company Oshkosh, from which they were purchased.

Browne had explained that this was based on an agreement between the company and the state, due to the fact that the International Airport was not yet operational.

Browne’s comments had come in response to questions raised i some circles as to why the fire trucks were not used.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves had also said at a session of Parliament, August 25, 2015,

that the fire trucks were yet to be commissioned and could not have been used.

Browne told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday that, while they had no choice than to use the noncommissioned fire trucks in order to save the Public Works compound and avoid a national disaster, it was concluded, based on his assessment, that the fire which destroyed the unoccupied buildings in Kingstown last year, could have been contained and extinguished without having to use those trucks.

Browne confirmed that up to press time Wednesday, the Argyle International Airport fire trucks were yet to be handed over.

The Airport is slated for opening later this year.

Police patrols stepped up Nature assists fire fighters WHILE COMMISSIONER of Police Michael Charles did not give details as to what security measures have been taken following three recent fire-related incidents, he confirmed that police patrols throughout the country have been stepped up.

Up to press time Wednesday, police were continuing their investigations into: a fire that destroyed building materials at the Public Works Department (PWD) storage facility at CoP Michael Charles Arnos Vale January 7; has assured that there two attempts to fire is increased police bomb the Kingstown headquarters of the St. patrols throughout the country.

Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC) January 1 and 4 this year; and an attempt to set a VINLEC utility pole on fire last week.

The Commissioner has confirmed that the police are treating the Public Works fire as a suspected case of arson.

Head of the Major Crime Unit (MCU), Inspector Atland Browne, is spearheading the investigations into that fire.

The building supplies, including galvanize sheets and plywood, were to be used to assist the poor and needy, as well as persons who had their homes damaged or destroyed by hurricane Tomas in 2011, the December 2013 floods, and the Lives to Live programme, according to an official government statement.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has described the incident as a fire directed against “the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalized.”

THE FIRE at the Public Works Department (PWD) Storage Facility at Arnos Vale Thursday, January 7, could have destroyed the entire compound, had it not been for the herculean efforts of the firefighters, and a favourable wind at the time.

That’s according to Supt. Isaiah Browne, Head of the Fire Department of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSV GPF).

“The wind condition at that time of the morning was good for firefighting, which assisted us in putting out the fire, because if we didn’t get the fire under control quickly, we might have lost the entire compound,” Browne told THE VINCENTIAN during an interview on Wednesday.

Browne said it was not an easy task for the firefighters, and he commended his Department and other units of the police force, including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Rapid Response Unit (RRU), Special Services Unit (SSU) Drug Squad, Beat and Patrol, as well as

civilians, who all participated in extinguishing the fire.

Commissioner of Police Michael Charles and other senior police officers were also on the scene.

The Fire Chief explained that firefighters responded to a report at about 1:52 a.m., that there was a fire at the PWD storage facility at Arnos Vale.

Two of the three fire trucks from the Argyle International Airport, in addition to one used at the ET Joshua Airport, were put into action.

The fire was concentrated on the section of the compound located between 200 to250 feet from the top of the runway of the E.T. Joshua Airport.

That section stored building materials for use in government social programmes.

Browne said the fire trucks were unable to enter the compound because a container was in the yard close to the only vehicular entrance, making it impossible to get the fire trucks close to the fire.

“We had to park the fire trucks on the Arnos Vale public road next to

the area of the fire, and connect the hoses from the fire trucks to the yard of the Public Works facility.

“We also had to cut the wire fencing using a bull cutter, and some of the firefighters entered the compound through that area,” Browne explained.

The Fire Chief added that because of the massive blaze, the roof turrets on the fire trucks as well as foam were used to assist in extinguishing the fire.

Foam is one of the extinguishing agents in the fire trucks. The others are water and dry chemical, but there was no need to use dry chemical.

Browne said it took about seven to eight hours to bring the fire under control. That section of the facility and the materials stored there were destroyed.

Browne refuted comments in some circles that the materials that were burnt had been termite infested before the fire.

“We had to remove and wet the materials to extinguish the fire, and that went up to about

Fire Chief Supt. Isaiah Browne pointed to a combined effort involving the Fire Departments, other department of the RSVGPF and civilians as being responsible for bringing the fire under control.

6:30 p.m., so if they were infested by termites, we would have seen that,” he explained.

Up to press time, Wednesday, investigations into the fire were ongoing.

Police are treating the incident as a suspected case of arson, according to Commissioner of Police Michael Charles.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. 5.

Regional

Antoine is new ECCB Governor

Caribbean not immune from terror attacks

THE CARIBBEAN is not immune from acts of terror by Islamic State fighters.

He may not have said it in so many words, but General John Kelly, commander of the THE DEADLOCK has been broken. The St. Kitts and Planning from the Miami-based US Nevis based Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) London School of Southern Command, or has a new Governor.

Economics, and his SouthCOM, in expressed Chairman of and Chief Minister of Anguilla most recent post deep concern that a Victor Banks, announced on Saturday, January 9, was that of Timothy Antoine becomes the small number of that the ECCB’s Monetary Council, the highest Permanent third Governor of the ECCB. motivated Islamic State decision-making body of the ECCB, had agreed to Secretary in the (Credit: www. fighters could commit appoint Grenadian Timothy Antoine as the Ministry of drealfmgrenada.com) acts of terror in replacement for Sir Dwight Venner, as Governor of Finance, Grenada.

U.S. Southern Caribbean nations, told the ECCB. Since its Command reporters last Friday at Sir Dwight demitted office on November 30, 2015. establishment on July 5, Commander Gen. the Pentagon that about He had served as Governor since 1989.

1983, the ECCB has been John F. Kelly issued 150 Islamic extremists The appointment of a new Governor was expected served by to Governors: his warning while left the Caribbean region to have been made to coincide with Sir Dwight’s St. Kitts and Nevis born speaking to reporters to join Islamic State departure, but the Monetary Council’s deliberations Sir Cecil Jacobs from during a briefing at fighters in the Middle appeared to have gone into a tailspin, when at least 1983 to 1989; and St. the Pentagon, Jan. 8, East last year, about 50 two OECS Prime Ministers had voiced disapproval Vincent and the 2016. (Credit: more than in the of the recommendation of the Search Committee.

Grenadines born Sir MANUEL BALCE previous year.

Antoine and St. Lucian Dr. Hyginus Leon had Dwight Venner from CENETA, AP) He qualified his been short-listed. Indications were that Dr. Leon 1989 to 2015. statement to warn that was the one recommended.

Sir Cecil also served the biggest threat might In introducing and welcoming Mr Antoine, Chief as Managing Director of not be the extremists who Minister Banks described him as “an outstanding the East Caribbean Caribbean professional with a clear vision for the leave to train and fight Currency Authority Victor Banks, Chief Minister ECCB and demonstrated commitment to the of Anguilla and Chairman of (ECCA), the forewith the Islamic State, development of the Eastern Caribbean Currency the ECCB’s Monetary runner of the but the ones who stay Union.”

Council, confirmed Antoine’s ECCB, from 1973. behind.

Mr. Antoine is the holder of a BSc degree in appointment in a statement (Partial Source: Kelly, who oversees US Economics with Management from the University of Antigua Observer) over the weekend. (Credit: security in Latin America the West Indies, and a MSc in Social Policy and timescraibbeanonline) the Caribbean, said Islamic extremist groups seem to Shane Crawford, one have a new of several message for Trinidadians who DAVID EVANS, Liat’s David Evans, would-be joined IS fighters in Chief Executive Officer CEO/LIAT jihadists.

Syria, and whose (CEO), has issued a found it “And that whereabouts are ‘personal apology” for the expedient to [message] is, currently unknown. recent cancellations and issue a ‘Rather than (Credit: delays across the airline’s ‘personal coming here to starlifedancehall.com) routes. apology’ for Syria, why According to the Antigua LIAT’s latest don’t you just stay at home and do San Observer, Evans issued the round of flight Bernardino or do Boston or do Fort apology after there were disruptions.

Hood?’” he said, alluding to attacks in serious disruptions in (Credit: the US perpetrated by Muslims LIAT’s schedule, beginning www.liat.com) sympathetic to extremist groups. last week Thursday. This The US general explained said these caused a number of illnesses were would-be attackers come, in the main, passengers across the not a “sickout,” but the from former British colonies within the region to be stranded. physical result of the Caribbean and along its borders, and at Evans is quoted as least a few have been killed fighting for saying that the airline has mental stress the crew had Once again, LIAT passengers lined up for their flight, been experiencing and the the Islamic State group. “been addressing several but there was none – at least not the ones on which general rigours of the job.

He estimated that about 150 radicals operational and crewing Evans also made it clear they were scheduled to fly. (Internet photo) have attempted to join the Islamic issues over the season”, but there had been no notice of State group as of this year, up from his added, “Liat’s goal is to But Evans said he that many of the make your travel with us a industrial action. estimate last year of roughly 100. disagreed with the attendants were also not However, investigations convenient and trouble-free The security problem is exacerbated, assertion strongly, and pleased with the way the experience, and I am truly by the Antigua Observer according to a report by US News and insisted that the company dismissals were handled, as uncovered that all of this sorry we have failed to do World Report, by the limited resources they were not in accordance had the welfare of the staff may have come as a so.” of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at heart. with labour regulations. backlash to LIAT’s plan to The disruptions, the countries, such as Jamaica, Trinidad The five members of staff He took time out to Antigua Observer reported, dismiss five flight and Tobago, and Suriname, “which were reportedly issued the reiterate that the cashattendants. were occasioned when 10 don’t have organizations comparable to dismissal letters on strapped airline was still It would appear that cabin crew reported sick the America’s military, or its going through a period of Wednesday, a day before LIAT had to rethink this last week Thursday. change, and promised the sickness spell.

Transportation Safety Administration.

President of Liat’s Flight plan, as a result of the The OBSERVER also attention to deal swiftly Caribbean security experts have ‘mass’ sickness wrought by Attendants Union with the issues surrounding reported that cabin crew warned that extremists could exploit the 10 cabin attendants.

Angelique Duliceshas cabin staff. (Source: alleged that the company the region’s relatively open borders The Antigua Observer stressed last week Antigua Observer) had “no regard” for the with the US and Canada. (Source: US Thursday that the reported quoted a source as saying employee’s wellbeing.

News and World Report)

Disruptions again: LIAT apologies

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6. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Arnhim Eustace, Leader of the NDP, on the picket line. (Credit: NDP facebook)

Protesters commended PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN keeping up with the protest action outside the Office of the Supervisor of Elections, have been commended by the Leader of the New Democratic Party, Arnhim Eustace.

He said on Monday’s edition of the ‘New Times’ radio programme, that those individuals were in fact, not fighting on behalf of the New Democratic Party (NDP), but for democracy for the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“And they have sacrificed a lot, much more than the majority of our population,” he said.

“So when I go there and I stand with them, I see the seriousness in which they have taken up that path, and while we have other activities I recognize the persistence, the commitment of those persons every day,” Eustace continued.

It was no easy task, nor was it comfortable to be on the picket line every day, the leader of the opposition said,

especially after the fact that some persons present are also trying to make a living and had to come out part time.

Unfortunately, circumstances did not permit for more individuals to join in on the protest action, Eustace said.

“Sometimes there will be a good showing, sometimes there will be none.”

Following the December 9 General Elections, supporters of the NDP have staged protests outside the Electoral

Some members of the Nyabinghi (Rastafarian) community reported that they were told they could not beat their drums during the picket. (NDP Facebook) Left: Robert ‘Patches’ Knights, cultural, social and political activist, has also been at the forefront of the protests. those present were ensuring that the issue was being kept alive.

Eustace acknowledged that he was aware that protesters have had to deal with some police interference.

He said that some members of the local Nyabinghi Office on Bay Street in community were told that they Kingstown, and have also brandished placards in front of were not allowed to beat their the Administrative Building to drums, and on Monday, political activist Luzette King protest the result after claimed that police officers information, they claim, took away the placards carried showed that the NDP had in by some protesters who had fact won 8 of the 15 assembled outside the constituencies.

Financial Complex. (DDD) And according to Eustace,

Luzette King remains steadfast DESPITE NOT WANTING to comment further on her ongoing court matter, a defiant Luzette King told THE VINCENTIAN that she will continue to exercise her right to protest against what she deems as an unfair general elections result.

King , the Vincentian-born, Washington DC- based host of the popular Global Highlights radio programme, aired on NICE Radio on Saturday mornings, was arrested and charged for ‘inconveniencing the public’.

Her arrest stemmed from an incident last week Wednesday, after police took action to remove pro-New Democratic Party protestors from in front of the electoral office on Bay Street.

Persons have been protesting since after the general election and have continued to do so up to press time, Wednesday.

The protestors were informed that they could no longer demonstrate in

front of the barricades that had been erected to cordon off the area immediately in front of the Electoral Office; and that they should remove themselves to a distance of 200 yards.

King, who took a leading role in the protest, decided to stand her ground, and was arrested.

Speaking moments after leaving the Luzette King being removed by police after she insisted Kingstown Magistrate’s that she was not moving when told to do so.

Court last week Thursday when she was Luzette King speaking with THE VINCENTIAN outside the officially charged, she place to protest, matter is an unfair and not free Kingstown Magistrate’s Court told THE whether people election, so I will be there,” assured after her arraignment on VINCENTIAN she agree with it or King.

Thursday 7th January, 2016. hopes that her arrest not,” said King.

She is expected to reappear in court does not deter persons She has since on the 19th January, 2016. from exercising their rights to protest. returned to the picket line, and she King is being represented by “It’s a fundamental right, it’s a said she will continue to do so. “We attorney Kay Bacchus-Browne. (KH) constitutional right. We have to find a have a matter to deal with, and the

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. 7.

News

Williams takes up RSS position

by HAYDN HUGGINS THE VINCENTIAN has been reliably informed that

Grenville Williams, immediate past director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) here, now holds the post of Regional Financial Investigation Advisor to the Regional Security System (RSS) Asset Recovery Unit in Barbados.

This publication understands that Williams took up the RSS appointment as of January 1, 2016.

He will have responsibility for advising on financial investigations, with the ultimate aim of Grenville Williams, who was appointed Director of the FIU here in 2008.

recovering assets from persons engaged in criminal conduct.

He will have jurisdiction over an area that covers St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, Antigua/Barbuda, St. Kitts/Nevis and Barbados.

This position follows on from the Caribbean Criminal Asset Recovery Programme headed by Eamon Keaney of the United Kingdom (UK).

That programme was supported by the Department for International Development in the U.K. Williams, originally of Lower Questelles, in the

South Leeward constituency, had been Director of the FIU in St. Vincent and the Grenadines since 2008.

The FIU here has been viewed regionally as ‘The Centre for Excellence’ in financial investigations in the region.

Williams, a practising lawyer since 2003, began his attachment to the FIU in 2004 as a legal and training officer.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that attorney Lateisha Sandy is currently Acting Director of the FIU. Up to press time, efforts to reach Williams were unsuccessful.

Digicel Business achieves Cisco Gold Certification DIGICEL BUSINESS, the region’s leading Business Solutions provider, announced today that it has retained its Cisco Gold Certification as well as the Master Cloud Managed Services Provider designation for its operations across the Caribbean — the highest levels of partner certifications from Cisco.

“We are thrilled to have retained these certifications, which make Digicel the most certified telecoms partner in the Caribbean, and speak to the credibility and competence of our team of over 140 highly trained ICT experts across the Caribbean,” said Martin Carroll, COO of Digicel Business.

Carroll added, “This is very important to us and our customers. Delivering scalable, innovative and reliable solutions to our customers that will help them to drive efficiency and increase their bottom line form a huge part of our focus at Digicel. However, the other equally important aspect for us is to provide them with a world class support system — and this is what we’ve been able to do using Cisco’s customer satisfaction best practices and marketing support.”

To earn Gold Certification, Digicel Business — in

its operations across the Caribbean — has once again succeeded in meeting the rigorous standards set by Cisco in terms of networking competency, service, support and customer satisfaction.

As a Cisco Gold Certified Partner, Digicel Business has met the requirements for attaining the broadest range of expertise across multiple technologies by achieving Cisco advanced specialisations in the areas of enterprise networks architecture, security architecture, collaboration architecture, data centre architecture, and service provider architecture. In addition, Digicel Business has integrated Cisco Hybrid IT, the resale of cloud and managed services, into its offerings, which ensures high customer satisfaction in collaboration with Cisco.

Meanwhile, the Master designation to provide Cisco-powered Cloud and Managed Services adds to Digicel’s extended range of over 640 accreditations, further cementing its commitment to helping its customers to increase efficiency and maximise profits.

“More and more companies — especially MSMEs are seeing the benefits of outsourcing their day to day IT management and computer support, and that is where Digicel Business comes in. By delivering end-to-end Managed Services which includes provisioning, management and maintenance of the products and services offered together with Cisco and backed by our Tier III certified data centre, customers can now focus their capital on building their core business rather than investing in IT assets,” added Carroll.

The Cloud Master Service Provider designation also recognizes Digicel Business’ investment and commitment to providing cloud and managed services at Cisco’s highest standards. The shared goal is to help businesses and organizations realize faster time to value.

These certifications will see Cisco continuing to provide Digicel Business with access to comprehensive sales, technical and lifecycle services, training and support for its customers.

Digicel headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica.

PÊtani Bra passes THE MARRIAQUA VALLEY has lost another of its cultural icons – Patrick ‘P’tani Bra’ Dasent died last Monday, January 11 following a brief illness.

Dasent, or ‘Bra’ was 55 years old when he passed away at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

‘Bra rose to prominence in 1982 on the local Calypso/Soca stage when he won the P’tani Carnival ‘Road March’ title with ‘Rock Patrick ‘P’tani Bra’ Dasent will always be with Bra’ – a song remembered for his that Asterisks, this pulsating and country’s leading infectious ‘Rock with musical band of the Bra’.

1970s/early 80s, covered.

He successfully defended the title in 1983 performing ‘Gyal yo number plate break off’.

‘Bra’ was, however, unsuccessful in his bid to win the Road March title in 1986, following a bit of controversy with the song ‘Push and Pull’.

His musical career was active until 1995 when he was a member of the cast of the P’tani Calypso Tent that year.

‘P’tani Bra’s’ last stage performance was at the 2012 Soca Monarch show.

During his career, he worked with the likes of song writers Dudley and Razum Shallow, arranger/musician David Jardine and his brother ‘King Exile’, also a former Calypsonian.

The internationally acclaimed performing and recording Soca Artiste, Vincentian Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus when contacted, acknowledged that Dasent’s death had come as a surprise although he was aware of his medical condition.

He commended Dasent’s most popular work to date – ‘Rock with Bra’, saying that it was a very good song.

“The problem is that he (Dasent) never got to go further. He had promise, but was one of those guys who never got the encouragement,” Cyrus told THE VINCENTIAN. The funeral service for Patrick ‘P’tani Bra’ Dasent will take place this Sunday at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Glenside, Mesopotamia. He will be intered at the Dumbarton cemetery.

The service begins at 2 p.m. (DDD)

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8. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. 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

Protests NOT SINCE 1998/99 has this country experienced such sustained, open protest and demonstrations against the results of a general election.

If the protestors stand firm up to today, Friday 15th January, 2016, it would be the 33rd day of their endeavour.

And while their numbers vary from miniscule to impacting, it is their determination that speaks to a real expression of the treasured right of dissent, even in the face of opposition and the might of the state.

Various relevant disciplines of study, history moreso, tell us that protests play a significant role in nurturing the civil, political, economic, social and cultural life of all societies.

The annals of history speak to us about protests inspiring positive social change, even advancing the cause of human rights. They help us to define and protect civil liberties, in all parts of the world, irrespective of the degree to which a society is democratic or totalitarian.

Mind you, the degree to which a society is democratic or totalitarian usually determines the response of the state machinery to open protests.

Regardless of whether or not you support the ongoing protest here, we must accept that protests are likely to encourage the development of an engaged and informed citizenry. For protests are, after all, an enabling force in encouraging the participation of the populace in public affairs.

They are the expressions of individuals’ right to dissent; the right to make known their views and opinions; and the right to make a public demand of governments or any other bodies of authority, to address shortcomings and account for their actions.

In this vein, protests are important especially when they are mounted on behalf of those who are inadequately represented and/or maginalised.

Governments are wont, therefore, to treat protests as inconveniences and/or as threats to be put down.

Unquestionably, the right to protest formally involves the exercise of numerous fundamental human rights, and is essential for securing all human rights.

Admittedly, though, while protests are important in all societies, they are not completely free of risk or potential harm to others.

That is why international standards allow for restrictions on many of the human rights engaged in protests; however, these (restrictions), especially in open free and democratic societies, are allowed only under limited and narrow circumstances.

Yet, despite existing guarantees in international human rights law, it is becoming recognisable that many countries, especially developing democratic societies like those of the Caribbean, need greater guidance in understanding and implementing their obligations in this field.

These obligations call for a set of minimum standards for the respect, protection and fulfilment of the right to protest, while promoting a clear recognition of the limited scope of restrictions.

They must be founded on an interpretation of international human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; of regional human rights standards; of accepted and evolving state practice (national laws and the judgments of national courts); and of the general principles of law recognised by the community of nations (in particular the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, the UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials, the standards elaborated by special procedures of the UN Human Rights Council).

These Principles are intended to be used by civil society organisations, activists, human rights defenders, lawyers, judges, elected representatives, public officials and other stakeholders in their efforts to strengthen the protection of the right to protest locally, regionally and globally.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is no exception to fulfilling these expectations, which are reflective of a modern, civilised society and world.

We cannot, here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, ignore these noble intentions.

A state of unstable equilibrium LAST WEEK “facts from figures” were presented in a straightforward manner that shows the leadership and their policies are fairly close together, despite the claim of the “Charismatic Leader”, Gonsalves and his choir who sing that he and Party are light-years beyond the N.D.P. A quick revision is in order. Gonsalves entered formal politics in 1979, and experienced 11 elections so far, 5 of which he lost, and chalked up 6 wins, of which 4 were on the trot. But, it must be noted that the last 2 of the 4 were won by the slenderest majority of 1. Six personal victories in eleven outings, in thirtyseven years.

Arnhim Eustace, on the other hand, won five personal victories in five elections over eighteen years, roughly half of the time that Gonsalves has been performing thirty-seven years.

In fact, in the year Eustace entered politics, 1998, his NDP won 8:7, and he was made Minister of Finance in James Mitchell’s last Government. But it was obvious to all with a political turn of mind, that Mitchell was soon to go. and Arnhim was the man to watch as his successor.

When the 1998 House opened, the ULP, then under Beache, demonstrated against the NDP “illegal Government”, claiming correctly that his party had obtained a plurality of the popular vote, and illogically called for new elections within six months, but officially announced within two months, or the country will be made “ungovernable”.

It was the Labour Party that did all the running in the early days. On the opening of parliament, they were not barricaded 200 yards away, even accommodated inside the precincts, and were bold enough to invade the Chamber where they occupied the strangers’ gallery from which they shouted party slogans, and went so far as to sing party favourites, such as “We shall overcome some day”.

They were naturally ordered to vacate the House, but amassed downstairs, where they harassed the Governor General Sir Antrobus, rocking his car frighteningly. At the end of what I called in my column, “A Shameful Performance”, the Labour crowds wended their way to the Ministers’ cars threateningly, causing Arnhim Eustace to accidently drive over the foot of a demonstrator.

The latter point is stressed partly to show that, even then, in 1998, “Arnhim

was a ULP target” which was how I termed another “This Week’s” column. In fact, for months on end, Douglas Slater kept annoying Eustace as to how he drove over the foot of a poor woman from his constituency.

Towards the close of the Twentieth Century, burst out of his shell Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, armed with a Doctorate in political science, versed in the teachings of communism, and the law which gave him an insight into the criminal mind but, most effectively, comfortable with the subject of political sociology that helped him to understand how Blacks behaved, even after being freed from slavery.

The academic and theorist got twenty years of hard political experience as a leader of the U.P.M (1979), of M.N.U (1982), of the U.L.P from 1994. When he took over as leader, he was most equipped for the job which he mishandled on account of his egotism which got in the way of his better qualities.

In time, Ralph would give way to Camillo, with Saboto breathing down his neck. If the situation changes and Arnhim is graced in 2016, he would go on for another seven years or so until 202, when he would gracefully hand over to Leacock or Friday, or if a compromise candidate is needed, to Dr. Ferdinand.

Finally, Dr. Adrian Frazer was attacked by Ralph for apparently ignoring the facts and entertaining a hunch or gut-feeling that something was amiss, in that only in the very two U.L.P strongholds of South Windward and North Central Windward, did the U.L.P candidates in 2015 win by a lesser margin of votes than they had received in 2010!

Perhaps Adrian was labouring under a subconscious view expressed on Saturday, May 13, 2000 in the Cross Country Weekly; “Meanwhile, Dr. Gonsalves has urged his party supporters who reside in constituencies which were won by the ULP in the last elections by large margins, to change their registration.

‘Those of you who are living in North Central Windward and have boyfriend and girlfriend and relatives in those constituencies we lost narrowly, I am asking you to change your registration to those constituencies... do it legally,’ Dr. Gonsalves urged.”

The leopard does not change its spots!

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. 9.

Letters

Continuing the psychological war

THERE MUST have been gifts for our poor black families from the Queen of England, after their physical enslavement at that time.

But the war for reign over the minds of Black African people continued.

The Christian Churches, including the Roman Catholic, the mother of mostly all of the Christian churches in the western hemisphere, who were responsible for our spiritual enslavement at that time, kept our black families in spiritual bondage, and do so up to this present day through psychological means. To most westernized black people, God is to be white. Most of them don’t know this was a white lie fabricated by the Europeans, to keep them enslaved psychologically; inculcating a sense of inferiority that has no real value or spiritual significance to their lives and their holistic development as Africans, and as beautiful people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

The temple of the Most High begins with the human body which houses our life, the essence of our existence. Africans are in bondage today because they approach spirituality through religion provided by foreign invaders and conquerors. We must stop confusing religion and spirituality.

Religion is a set of rules, regulations and rituals created by humans, which were supposed to help people grow spiritually. Due to human imperfection, religion has become corrupt, politically divisive and a tool for power struggle.

Spirituality is not theology or ideology. It is simply a way of life, pure and original as was given by the Most High of Creation. Spirituality is a network linking us to the Most High, the universe and each other. As the essence of our existence, it embodies our culture, true identity, nationhood and destiny.

A people without a nation that they can really call their own, is a people without a soul. Africa is our nation and is in spiritual and physical bondage because her leaders are turning to outside forces for solutions to African problems, when everything Africa needs is within her.

“When African righteous people come together, the world will come together. This is our divine destiny,” H.I.M Haile I Selassie I the First. kebratafari@yahoo.com

The law and me

THE LAW is corrupted and full of sin. The law causes domestic violence. The law makes women believe that when they and their husbands break up, everything belongs to them (women) and the children.

I want to ask the lawmen to put their foot in some of those sailor men shoes, and tell me how they going to wear them. I have a sailor friend, when he came home from sea, he met a man living in his house, with his wife. The man became crazy; he lost his house, and car. He became homeless and is still struggling to get over it.

My experience with the law is this: I have never won when I put a person in court. A man drove a minibus into my minibus, and he accepted the damages. I went to the owner about the damages done to my minibus, and he didn’t accept. I took him to court to try to recover my costs, and the magistrate dismissed the case. That magistrate served in that position for about six months.

Recently, a man stole my truck parts and sold them. The magistrate gave him the credit. I don’t live by the law. I live by God’s grace. If I was living by the law, I might have committed a crime.

I heard a man hit a policeman and got away with it; that is weakening the security of this country.

Nothing wrong with arguing with a policeman for your rights. But if the policeman arrest you, go with the police. If the police don’t protect your rights, go to the human rights and let them see to having the police disciplined.

Alistair ‘Live-up’ Simon

IntÊl Airport: Better late than never A CLOSE RELATIVE, writing from Canada, described a certain event as representing a ‘Red Letter Day’ in the Annals of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. He was, of course, alluding to the successful landing of aircraft at the soon-to- becompleted Argyle International Airport. I must say, also, that my cousin is no supporter of the ruling Unity Labour Party; however, he had placed paramountcy on patriotism, and, in so doing, he gave “jack his jacket”.

This event has brought to my mind an event in May\June 1967 (over 48 years ago), in which I was involved. I was then the most senior Local Staff Member at the UNDP Office in Port- ofSpain, and the event was the visit of the UNDP - sponsored Preparatory Mission on the proposed Caribbean Development Bank, to which I was assigned, not only to provide Administrative Support, but also to act as Research Officer.

Prior to its visit to the

various territories, the Mission was to have before it, replies from the various territories to questionnaires in which Governments were asked to identify priority projects, which they would have liked the proposed CDB to address. Among those identified were: the improvement of basic infrastructure ; the improvement and diversification of agriculture; the establishment of industries where appropriate; technical training ; and the expansion of tourism.

Indeed, this lastmentioned (above) was eventually identified by the Mission as the area which was most likely to “kick start” the development process in the Region. However, at the same time, it was recognized that Jamaica and the Bahamas had already taken the lead by having welldeveloped tourist plants, and that Barbados was making a commendable effort.

With respect to the smaller Windward\

Leeward Group, airports capable of providing facilities for large- load aircraft was identified as the major constraint against development of a viable tourism industry. I must say, however, that Saint Vincent (with its natural beauty as The Gem of the Antilles) and ( the serenity of ) the Grenadines, were, between them, identified as the possible leader in this regard. However, while Grenada was able to identify Point Salines as a possible site for an International Airport, not so Saint Vincent.

Indeed the Mission concluded that the E T. Joshua Airport did not offer any prospect for future development, and that placing it on any one of the Grenadine Islands was a sine qua non, in respect of mass tourist arrivals.

It is, therefore, unfortunate that SVG has only now been able to be on the verge of having an International Airport, and not having had, like Grenada, a “Fairy Godmother”.

A former schoolmate of mine who, like me, is an emigre’ in Trinidad, reflecting on the Argyle Airport Project, commends the “bravery” of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves in being able to source financing therefore. I myself do so! However, I am appalled that, even as this project is nearing completion, some Vincentians have failed to welcome it as a possible important contributor to the long term development of the whole of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Errol.O.C.Cupid, Trincity, Tacarigua Trinidad.

Drive with care, please ROADS PLAY a vital role in our everyday activity, and so we need good ones at all times. Those who use them must also be at their best when they do.

Vehicles are rapidly becoming weapons instead of useful means of transport. This is because some drivers leave them to take over their roles as they engage in their own doings, when they have the nation’s business in their hands.

Some (bus) drivers do not know what it means to be focused.

Some are seen gazing all over the place. Others are talking to persons beside them; some are looking back at their conductors, while both are busy exchanging food and drinks; some are even on their cellphones. Time and time again, warnings are given not to engage in the above, but to no avail. The people are truly not held in any regard by these drivers.

Emphasis, too much, is placed on themselves and what they must get done, while they are using the time consumers are paying for commuting. When are some of our adults going to show others that they are responsible enough to be entrusted with the care of our people? Why do they bother to take on jobs that they know they can’t be committed to?

Money is not the end of everything. If we do not have good health, we cannot work for it, and neither can it work for us.

This is a brand New Year the Creator has allowed us to enjoy yet again. Don’t we owe it to Him to exercise patience, concern and care to His people? After all, He is the Creator of everything. He needs for us to think about Him at all time, while we embark in doing all He is allowing us to do.

Is this too much for us to do for someone who asks very little of us, while He provides us with so much?

It is difficult to enjoy what we are paying for as a travelling public. At times we feel as if we are steering the vehicle, as our eyes are constantly on the drivers.

Some take more than a fair share of the road, and so can put our lives in danger at any move. It takes only a split second to cause a crash, resulting in possible injuries and loss of lives.

Life is precious, so very precious, and should be treated as such. We have to learn to respect it and to do to all men what we want them to do to us. When people drive recklessly and endanger a life, a whole family — an extended family — is affected.

A few dollars cannot replace the loss and years of sorrow that follow.

To this end, I am calling on persons behind the wheels of public service vehicles to take their jobs very seriously. Please, be focused and drive responsibly.

The nation’s people are in your hands!

Affected

Rules yes, enforcement even more ALL THIS TALK about improving traffic safety in a country without speed limit signs, traffic signals, breathalyzers or radar guns is mildly amusing.

No amount of admonishing or cajoling of drivers to drive more safely is going to have any effect without physical means of control, and enforcement of such urged discipline.

Without the appropriate tools in the hands of those responsible for traffic law enforcement, nothing will change.

HJA

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10. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The tale of two political parties The NDP will stand resolutely with the people The Issue AS THE POLITICAL landscape goes in St.Vincent and the Grenadines, there are two major political parties who are vying for the attention and support of the electorate of the country. These are the ruling Unity Labour Party and the opposition New Democratic Party. The other two parties, the Green Party, and the Democratic Republican Party do not resonate with the electorate, and so, for the purposes of this article, they really do not count.

The theory is that most political parties exist for about thirty to forty years and then they disintegrate.

That theory is flawed, certainly in the case of political parties in the Caribbean, and the evidence is there to indicate that this is so. Several parties, the PNM in Trinidad and Tobago, the PNP in Jamaica, and the Barbados Labour Party, have been in existence for over forty years. What they have done is to re-make their images, to re-shape their philosophy, to make these more suitable to the development debate at the relevant time.

Some political parties amalgamate and come together to pool their resources, to emerge as a better political unity. The ULP is a case in point, when in 1994 the Movement for National Unity, and the SVG Labour Party merged to form the ULP. The new political party which emerged, brought a new energy, and presented a new development paradigm for the electorate in the country. Since the emergence of the ULP, the NDP has been on a declining slope with no end in sight.

words were “if it come, it come”. He has no love for the poor and the working class, and has lost touch with the people of the country. Look at the way he responded to the students of the Community College when they asked him about his stand on the accreditation issue!

The last time the NDP won the majority of the popular vote was in 1994, 21 years ago, when James Mitchell reigned supreme, and Parnel Campbell was the strategic mastermind planner and organizer.

Sadly, the NDP and Arnhim Eustace have contrived to ostracize these two senior members of the party, and the rest, as they say, is history.

ULP the natural party

Meanwhile, through the rough years of a global economic meltdown (2008 and continuing), the removal of market preferences for our bananas in Britain, the BAICO and the CLICO crises, and repeated natural disasters, the ULP has kept its solid base and replenished it with the bulk of young voters. The only real blip for the ULP came in 2009 when it sought to challenge head-on the colonial, gubernatorial and insufficiently democratic constitutional inheritance in a referendum.

Momentarily, the ULP stumbled, but it did not fall in the people’s esteem. It swiftly recovered and is on a continuous upward trajectory, first with its third victory against the odds The decline of the NDP in 2010 and now the historic FourInna-Row. In this regard, the ULP The NDP won its first election in 1984 when James Mitchell, as he was increased its popular vote. In every at that time, became Prime Minister. constituency, except in Central In the 1984 election, the NDP secured Kingstown, the ULP reduced the margins held by the NDP, in some 51 percent of the votes cast. In 1989, that increased to 66 percent, when the cases by significant numbers.

This is a tremendous sign that the NDP secured all 15 seats. From this ULP has increased its stocks in the lofty height, the NDP found itself in eyes of the electorate, particularly the the 1998 election, with a one seat young people. The ULP now has its majority, but with only 45 percent of eyes fixed steadfastly on the 2020 the vote, a drop of 21 percentage general elections, knowing that, given points.

In 2015, the NDP received some 46 the current level of support, and the percent of the popular votes, a mere 1 current rate of decline in the NDP, percent increase over the 1998 figure, that the chances of a five-in-a-row victory are excellent. a span of 17 years. It is easy to conclude that the NDP has done Conclusion nothing to endear itself to the electorate. Even with a change of The fortunes of the ULP and the leadership, from Sir James Mitchell, NDP could not be more different. The to Arnhim Eustace, the support for ULP is the natural party of the NDP remains stagnant. That is governance in St.Vincent and the because they never refreshed their party in terms of their plans and their Grenadines. It has a compelling narrative, a progressive philosophy philosophy. They oppose everything and vision, backed up by visionary under the sun, even plans and leadership and a hard working team. projects which are intended for the poor and the working class. They have The NDP however, is at the crossroads, facing a virtual revolt over no alternative message, save and its leadership, bereft of any clear except to lie and defame the country, message, any clear philosophy, and and well meaning citizens. No one with its support hemorrhaging. seems to remember any serious One thing is sure, and it is that the proposal presented by the NDP, for future looks very good for the ULP the development of the country.

Even worse is the leadership of the and for the people of St.Vincent and NDP. By his own admission, Eustace the Grenadines, following the four-ina-row election victory in December has said that he is not interested in 2015. the leadership of the country. His

THE USE OF THE POLICE by the illegitimate Unity Labour Party (ULP) regime, in an attempt to suppress freedom of expression and assembly by a group of peaceful protesters outside the Electoral Office in Kingstown, is a major cause for concern.

The question that is being asked is: Why does the ULP regime want to stifle freedom of expression and assembly?

Chapter 1, Section 1, of the Constitution of St. Vincent and the Grenadines speaks to fundamental rights and freedom. It states, “Where every person in Saint Vincent is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms, that is to say, the right, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinions, color, creed or sex, but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest, to each and all of the following, namely (b) freedom of conscience, of expressions and of assembly and association.”

Even though the constitution deals with rights and freedom, barricades were erected to keep the protesters away from the Electoral Office.

Luzette King, who is perceived to be the leader, was arrested, and other forms of harassment by the authorities have been reported.

These persons are protesting peacefully to demonstrate their conviction that the December 9th general elections were stolen. These individuals should be allowed to do so without any interference by the authorities. It is worth recalling that after the 1998 general elections, the ULP, in opposition then, was involved in similar activities.

In 1998, the New Democratic Party (NDP) won the general elections. It won eight of the fifteen constituencies to the ULP’s seven. However, the ULP received 54.6% of the popular votes while the NDP got 45.3%. The ULP made a national issue out of the fact that they had won the popular vote, although our electoral system is First Past the Post.

Sir Vincent Beache, the then leader of the ULP, refused to accept the results of the general elections, and vowed to make the country ungovernable. He called for fresh elections, and organized a number of protests and demonstrations, which culminated in the “Road Block Revolution” that forced the NDP to call fresh elections.

It must be noted that the NDP administration of the day allowed the ULP to protest freely; no blockade was put in their way, and no one was arrested. This is in stark contrast to what is happening presently to those who are protesting peacefully in Kingstown, under the ULP regime.

At present, we are witnessing a deliberate attempt by the ULP administration to stifle freedom of expression and the right to assembly.

We must not allow the suppression of our fundamental rights and freedom.

To do so will be to allow a precedent to be set as per future protest actions, especially with the ULP in power.

The New Democratic Party condemns such actions by the illegitimate ULP administration .

lame attempt by this illegal Prime Minister to ascribe blame to the opposition. But importantly, he himself announced that police investigations are ongoing. Therefore, any responsible leader will allow for the police to complete their investigations before making any assertions, in an attempt to fan partisan political flames.

“We are getting increasingly wary that the comments of the Prime Minister on this matter, as well as his high-handed approach to peaceful demonstrators, could be a deliberate ploy to increase tensions in the country, and orchestrate the deterioration of the security situation so that he can call a state of emergency to extend his illegal rule. If it turns out that the fire was deliberately set, we will condemn it, as we now condemn this illegal Prime Minister’s irresponsibility in this matter. But it must be noted that this fire is the latest of a series of unexplained fires at government buildings.

“We recall in recent times there was the suspicious burning of census documents at the Financial Complex.

There was a fire at the old electoral offices, and then another at the old treasury office. Then there was the suspicious government-approved burning of hundreds of passports. Up to this day, we have not heard anything from the government about the cause of these fires.

“The questions must be asked: Who benefits from a fire at the Public Works building? Who will want to destroy any documentary evidence of bribery as related to the last general elections? Therefore, we do not think Gonsalves’ views on this latest fire have any weight in this matter because he has lost legitimacy at home, and has reduced St Vincent and the Grenadines to being a laughingstock abroad.

“We noted that at his press conference today, he also claimed opposition sympathizers spraypainted the office of the electoral office two nights ago. But he failed to explain how that was possible, since he has installed armed guards there on a 24 hour vigil. Is this another attempt of a government set-up?

“Without providing any single evidence, Ralph Gonsalves also accused Vincentians living in the United States of terrorism, and is seeking to put American authorities on his own people. What all of this highlights, is what we have always known — that this man will do and say anything to remain in power. But we want to use this opportunity to put Gonsalves on notice that we will stand resolutely against any attempts to seek to use any developments to harass and intimidate any of our people, under the guise of law and order.

“Our party is the one with the history of upholding law and order in country. Our party is the one (Press statement by the Honourable this with the history of allowing the will of Arnhim Eustace in response to Dr. the people to be reflected. And we are Ralph Gonsalves) confident that our party will be the “We have noted the widespread one that will ultimately restore the reports about the fire at the Public good name of St Vincent and the Works building at Arnos Vale, and the Grenadines”.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. 11.

Views

Strengths amidst imperfections

“No one wants to be weak, so we find ways to appear strong. Some of us use the force of our emotions to manipulate people. Others use the force of personality to control people, and some use intellect to intimidate.

Although these create an illusion of important to encourage and practise strength, they are signs of teamwork in our homes, weakness.” Julie Akerman Link, Our neighbourhoods, churches, and Daily Bread, February 27, 2010. workplaces. The combined strengths should be able to offset the JULIE AKERMAN LINK was one of my accumulated weaknesses. However, favourite writers. She penned many inspiring devotional articles for Our Daily working together in this manner Bread devotional. Julie died on April 10, requires some degree of humility and 2015, but left us with numerous insights honesty. It is important for a proper about life and living. She was especially assessment to be performed in relation to the strengths and gifted in being able to use stories from everyday living to unearth biblical truths. weaknesses of the various players.

Ego must be disbanded, and Several of her essays challenged individuals will need to develop some readers to reflect on the value of degree of comfort in relation to being governing principles and an vulnerable as their imperfections are understanding of the thoughts that observed and corrective actions taken. trigger behaviours. The quotation that It is therefore critical that the was used to introduce this week’s article helps us to appreciate that some leadership of the grouping pay particular attention to developing and individuals who seek to appear strong, sustaining a culture where members actually do so in an attempt to cover feel secure, even as they strive to some form of weakness in their lives. work together for the common good.

We know, for example, that some Unfortunately, there are some insecure individuals seek to appear insecure individuals who are in strong (powerful) by belittling those leadership positions and engage in around them. In some ways, this is behaviours that retard the responsible for the crab-in-the-barrel camaraderie rather than build it; syndrome that plagues many of our homes, workplaces, and communities – individuals who flex their power based on their elevated position, and individuals who wrongly conclude that they get higher up the ladder by pulling find comfort and security in the authority that they possess based on down others; they appear stronger by making other seem weak. Fortunately, position. However, such power is considered extremely fragile and many of the individuals who are on the transient. It is much better to receiving end of such negative demand the respect of followers, behaviours are secure enough to based on character and competence. understand and appreciate what is Such individuals discover that they taking place. Understanding such wield a far different kind of authority; behaviours then becomes an asset, a they secure the respect of their strength, as they develop and display followers, based on their knowledge, coping mechanisms that baffle onlookers. Their perceived weaknesses skills, attitudes, and behaviours.

They secure greater respect and can be used to unearth their greatest admiration throughout the strengths. We may consider it a paradox and truism of great proportion. organisation. They can encourage better productivity levels, and aid We regularly cross paths with participants to engage in activities individuals who are insecure for a host of reasons. Some may develop a that reduce the number of defects and/or errors. In their own way, they poor self-image as a result of where encourage, inspire, and mould they were born or who their parents are. Others may have a poor image of stronger, more dedicated, followers.

They do not only appear to be strong self because they do not know who leaders — they are strong. their parents were. The list of We commenced this essay by noting possible causes for poor self-image that we all have strengths and may also include skin colour or weaknesses. This is a fact of life and ethnicity, perceptions of inadequate education, unemployment, and so on. applies to every one of us. It is an Unfortunately, many persons seek to important first step along the road to perfection when we are secure enough “build self-esteem” by regularly reminding others of their importance, in ourselves to note our foibles and shortcomings; we are all work in or by seeking to discredit those progress. Regardless of the positions individuals that may be perceived as that we hold or aspire to, it will serve having achieved more than they did.

While this writer cannot claim to be a us all well if we avoid becoming engrossed by the appearance of psychiatrist or psychologist, readers always being strong or right. That is could readily understand and a mirage — a dream. We are not appreciate the truth that is captured perfect (even as we strive to be the in the preceding sentences. That best that we possibly can be). We can being said, we are now in a good forge ahead being conscious of our position to continue the discussion defects (and the deficiencies of those surrounding this most useful topic — around us) but forever mindful that strengths amidst imperfections.

We all possess strengths … but we we all have strengths amidst our also have weaknesses. Even the most imperfections. We can use these to build better homes, workplaces, accomplished among us will be neighbourhoods and places wherever conscious of shortcomings. After all, people congregate. we are not perfect. No one of us knows everything about everything.

Send comments, criticisms & No one of us can perform every task. suggestions to This is particularly why it is so very julesferdinand@gmail.com

Seeing through our blinders ‘WE ARE ALL entitled to our own opinions, but not to our own facts.’

Daniel Patrick Moynihan, New York Democratic Party Senator.

For many years now, I have been calling for us to do away with the hyper partisan nature of our discourse, and for us to actively encourage and entertain cross party discussions. This interaction between persons of different political persuasions will do our country a world of good. We will be forced to look beyond our blind spots, thus allowing us to see clearer.

Because we most often speak to only a small circle of persons based on political affiliation, we are most often trapped in a view that reveals our alienation from the real world. Our pronouncements become weirder and wilder, and our voice loses the respect it really deserves.

During the run-up to the elections, I told all who would listen, especially my friends who supported the opposition, that the ULP was in a better position to win the December 9th poll than in 2010. I explained that in 2010, the NDP was riding high following the referendum, and the international economic crisis had a death grip on our economy. I reasoned that, even though the international economic crisis was still on, it had eased a bit. Unemployment had fallen in the developed countries. We were getting more assistance in the form of barrels and remittances. The Ju-C factory reopened, employing 40 plus workers with more downstream.

People were building again, and that construction remained a big driver in the economy.

This view was said to be laughable at best. The prevailing narrative was that things were never so hard in SVG, and that the people, fed up with the current administration, will therefore vote it out of power. There was a counter narrative of opportunity, hope and delivery which was more attractive than the daily diet of doom and gloom. They will have none of it.

I too, it was claimed, had had my fill from Gonsalves’ ‘poison cup’, and was rendered listless and brain dead.

Henceforth, disabled and unable to offer up the nibble judgments for which I had become known. Poor me!

My only retort was ‘wait, yo go see.’

The 2015 elections completely vindicated my views regarding the true state of play in SVG. The only deviation and let down from the analysis is the fact that the ULP failed to win North and South Leeward constituencies. The party knows only too well that it has only itself to blame for these losses.

Why then were others, especially supporters of the opposition, so far off the mark? The answer can be gleaned from the views of Dr Adrian Fraser, the respected Searchlight columnist who offered the following as objective fact and analysis: ‘Our December elections were strange and should be for anyone who has been monitoring elections over the years…something appeared out of order. The numbers called made little sense to me. They just did not reflect the mood of the country. Of the seats won by the ULP, six of them were by increased margins… for the NDP, only the Central Kingstown seat was won by an increased margin. Parties in power, especially for more than two terms, do not normally increase their numbers. And all of this at a time when there was a lot of dissatisfaction in the country. The result obviously did not reflect the mood of the country, and many on both sides would have

found the numbers and some of the results strange.’

Now, you see why it is critically important to see behind political blinders. If you listen to the same people and test your ideas in the same crowd, you are bound to find reality strangely disconcerting and beyond belief. Evidently, Dr Fraser mistook the mood for change among NDP supporters, for the mood in the country. Last week, a month after the governing party increased its popular vote, a strong opposition supporter held fast to the faulty creed that the government fails to understand the mood in the country.

In the same way ole Labour underestimated what the NDP was doing between 1984 and 1989, especially with roads, and dismissively called them ‘agouti tracts’, the opposition and its supporters dismissed government assistance to the youth (YES and SET programmes and the many opportunities for educational advancement), and the elderly (Lives to Live and Home Care for the Elderly as well as the public assistance programmes). Taken in this context, there was nothing strange about the results.

But we go back to Dr Fraser for proof that many who should know better, suspend their good sense for literary mumbo jumbo: ‘ I wondered all night what was happening in Central Leeward…I know Central Leeward well….The results shocked me. There must have been a problem.

I have little doubt about that. I must admit there is nothing scientific about my conclusions, but it is not only intuition, but an understanding of the state of play.’

Dr Fraser taught me history and I speak with scientific certainty that if I had written something like this and handed it to him as an analysis for Vincentian reality, he would have failed me. There is no way he would have accepted a paper in which anyone proclaims that he has no scientific basis for his conclusion, but in the same breath asserts that he or she understands the state of play.

Here is the truth. There was nothing amiss in Central Leeward.

One of the 15 constituencies must report last. In 2010, it was North Windward. More importantly, ULP hardly campaigned there (3 meetings to NDP 9) because when it polled Central Leeward, Sir Louis was ahead 62 to 38 percent. There was no way Mr. Exeter was going to pull back that deficit with so little time to go.

There is no attempt at analyzing why the opposition lost. The poor slate of candidates, the disunited and unorganized nature of its campaign, a weak and ineffective leader, as well as the lack of a focused and strategic programmatic agenda for victory, are clue to the failure. Therefore, to claim cheating in Central Leeward is to offer false hope.

Is there any wonder at all why some people blame opposition losses on obeah and cheating? Now more than ever, there is need for us to cultivate friendships and acquaintances across party lines, so that we will get a better understanding of the true state of play in our country.

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

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12. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

We must protect and increase our rainforest OVER THE PAST couple of decades, SVG has lost large parts of its rainforest. This is a real danger to our country. Without rainforest, we will face water shortages.

Also, when it does rain, if there is no rainforest, water flows more quickly off the mountains, causing landslides and flooding.

SVG needs a reforestation programme aimed at substantially increasing the number of trees in our rainforest, if we are to protect our water sources and to help our economy. Costa Rica is the example to follow.

Costa Rica used to have one of the worst rates of deforestation in Latin America and, by 1990, only 21% of the country remained forested. However, with ambitious environmental policies and commitment, Costa Rica has become the only tropical country to radically reverse the effects of deforestation, doubling the amount of forest in just two decades.

Reforestation in the tropics is a powerful means of carbon offset, because the trees grow quickly, and carbon offset measures can have a relatively rapid effect. According to the Tropical Science Centre and Programa Amigable con el Cambio Climatico, a single tree in tropical zones fixes an average of 1 to 2.2 tons of carbon during its 20 to 30 years growth. If

two trees are planted, the fixation time for the same amount of carbon is cut in half.

As in Costa Rica, SVG needs to set up a reforestation programme, where conservation is linked to market forces, as this has been proved to be an effective model to help long-term economic growth and rural development.

Our rural economy has been devastated under the ULP regime, and poverty has increased. As agriculture is now in such a poor state, a reforestation programme would be a good source of jobs and income for people in rural areas.

Costa Rica introduced a ‘Payment for Environmental Services’ (PSA) programme in 1996, as part of an amendment to the forestry law. Under this system, the value of environmental services provided by forested areas is recognised, and landowners are duly compensated for the benefits provided to society as a whole, by the maintenance of these lands.

In Costa Rica, this system has proved fundamental in reversing deforestation, and has become a force for poverty alleviation in rural communities, who are the main beneficiaries of the payments. Between 2000 and 2005, indigenous

Mandarin Chinese Course open for applications A 12-week Level 1 Mandarin Chinese course will commence on February 3rd, 2016 at the SVG Community College (SVGCC).

The course will be conducted every Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Those who are interested in Mandarin Chinese language and culture, and especially those who plan to apply for Scholarships for study in Taiwan, are encouraged to make use of this opportunity.

This is the second time that the SVGCC is offering a Mandarin Chinese course.

The course will be conducted by lecturer Betty Siao, whose service is made available through Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF).

She has been teaching Mandarin in this country since 2014.

The course aims to teach students the very basic concepts of Mandarin in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will learn how to introduce and express themselves and more, in simple Mandarin at the end of the course.

The application deadline is 22nd January 2016.

Application fee is EC$100.

For more information, please visit: www.svgcc.vc/news.

participation in the system rose more than 100% and female farm ownership grew from 200 to 1600 farms. In 2005, almost $60 million in PSA payments went to rural landowners.

Year on year, SVG farmers are missing out on revenue, as about $200 million of our food is imported. Year on year, SVG farmers are missing out on revenue, because the economic value of reforestation is being ignored.

Our environmental assets offer many opportunities to achieve economic development through conservation, if we adopt creative, market-based approaches.

The indigenous natural resources of our country are undervalued and underused. They are an excellent source for sustainable long-term revenue and sustainable long-term jobs for our people. The lack of vision of the ULP regime is a serious hindrance to the development of our country, i.e. growing our economy and prosperity for our people.

Reforestation makes good economic sense.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org Find us on Facebook and Twitter

The Middle Passage in Law Enforcement AT ITS WEEKLY press conference held on Wednesday 6th January, 2016, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service revealed that there were 1,358 reports of crime against children, one third of which were related to sexual offences.

Interestingly, it was disclosed that while some (of these reported cases) matters have been brought before the Courts, there have been no convictions as yet.

This situation is a reflection of what obtains in other Caribbean countries, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which has been much maligned by some opinion leaders, as the domestic violence and rape capital of the Caribbean.

In addressing this scourge, the Guardian Editorial of 9th January, 2016, spared no punches in first condemning the violent acts, and going on to condemn the lack of analysis of the statistics and action to correct it. Again, this mirrors the situation in SVG. Why is it so difficult to take action? Are such statistics used to attract funding resources and jobs at the expense of the victims?

The Editorial under reference again spared no feelings in saying: “It is clear that parenting programmes to prepare persons for responsible and loving parenthood are in desperate need. Such programmes will serve the double necessity to urge parents away from themselves violating their children and not giving opportunity to anyone else to commit offences against the innocents. The responsibilities of the agencies responsible for child protection are clear. There must be even greater training and preparation for a Specialist Unit of the Police Service to tackle the enormity of the challenge now that a few figures have been attached to the situation”.

Here in St. Vincent & The Grenadines, in a report in THE VINCENTIAN Newspaper of 8th January, 2016, our own Commissioner of Police — Michael Charles, stated that increased attention will be given to the investigation of sexual offences, especially those involving minors. A Sexual Offences Crime Unit, aimed primarily at investigating sexual offences, is already in place, although

it has not been officially launched.

Are we a step ahead of Trinidad, and must now make this Unit operational?

Other welcome news is that the Royal SVG Police Force received equipment from the York Regional Police in Canada last year, to assist the Unit, which will work closely with the Family Affairs Division in the Ministry of National Mobilization.

I commend our Commissioner of Police, as it is not the first time that he has spoken to this issue. It is a statement he made on his appointment, which showed that he came to the post with a body of knowledge of and sensitivity to the crime environment. He is ready to lead the move from words to action.

Civil Society organisations must also be enlisted to join in this cause to both intervene and prevent this scourge of violence.

Investigation must progress to speedy resolution in the Courts, with competent Legal Aid provided for the Victims.

The sitting Judges are also ready to enforce the law, but the ‘middle passage’ that leads to their Chambers is proving as horrible as the Middle Passage of the Slave Trade. Many die on the way; others arrive diseased and emaciated; others arrive humiliated and dehumanised.

This can change with a well-staffed and functional Sexual Offences Unit, and the availability of the necessary Legal Aid. Here in St. Vincent, a High Court Judge has also made a plea for Church, NGOs and civil society organisations to join the cause to eradicate violence against women and children, and the society as a whole.

Let us get on board. Let us make St. Vincent and the Grenadines an example to the rest of the Caribbean, who do not yet have a Specialist Unit to deal with sexual offences.

We must, at all times, protect our children and women from injury, and heal the wounded. The CDW and CDRAV remain relentless in this quest for peaceful societies, and pledge our support and readiness to work with the Commissioner and his Team.

Nelcia Robinson Coordinator Committee for the Development of Women

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. 13.

News

GET NICE CREW brings Christmas Cheer For the second consecutive year, the GET NICE CREW, a group of Vincentians comprised predominantly of persons residing in the United States of America, journeyed to St. Vincent and the Grenadines to bring Christmas cheer to the orphans housed at St. Benedict’s Day Nursery and Children’s Home in Georgetown: the children warded at the Paediatric Ward of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), and the children of the community of Rose Place.

“The joy and surprise on the faces of each child was truly unforgettable,” a statement from the group said, adding that “the group enjoyed interacting with the kids,

The GET NICE CREW with Sr. NyraAnne Pajotte, Administrator of St. Benedict’s Day Nursery and Children’s Home, Georgetown. the parents and staff of the three institutions.”

The statement expressed thanks to “the many individuals who in one way or the other contributed to its 2nd Annual

Christmas Toy Drive.”

The GET NICE CREW was able to provide 150 plus toys for the children on Christmas Day, and ensured that the gifts were delivered by a volunteer Santa Claus and his crew of elves.

Plans are already in place for its 3rd Annual Toy Drive in Santa made sure there was 2016, the GET NICE CREW said. a gift for each They anticipate child warded that the 2016 drive at the MCMH and delivery would be on Christmas ‘bigger and better.”

Day.

Caribbean Event Family donates to BCK THE CARIBBEAN EVENT FAMILY is a non-profit organization which has been actively involved in giving back to the community, through the raising of funds to aid its charitable objectives.

They are driven by the belief that “the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations, and that service to humanity is the best work of life.”(Jaycees Creed).

The Bishop’s College Kingstown was a recent recipient of a number of computers from Caribbean Event Family.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the School said, “The donation of computers will strengthen our delivery of ICT in the classroom, and also for use in our library. We are pleased to be one of the first recipients of refurbished computers from the Caribbean Event Family as it continues with its projects in giving back to the Caribbean community.”

Right to Left: Shana Jones, Caribbean Event representative, Annelle Thomas - Soroptimist local coordinator of this charity event, Ronnie Richardson teacher, Cecelia Akers-King- Principal, Lennox John representative from the Board of Governors BCK, and Dominic Adams student.

(Contributed)

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14. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Feature

6\O 0F ,QWRVK 3DUW RI 69*¶V 6 \O 0F ,QWRVK 3DUW RI 69*¶V First F irst Family Family of of Music M us ic

WHENEVER THE REAL HISTORY of the modern music era in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is written, a very large portion of it will be devoted to one family – the McIntosh family.

It is safe to say that up to 2016, we have traversed at least five generations of the Mc Intoshes, undoubtedly making them the most influential family on the musical landscape in this country.

For certain, the name Frankie Mc Intosh will feature significantly in whatever thesis is written about the Mc Intoshes. If anyone is deserving of that place of prominence, he is.

But other pages will abound with accounts of the virtuoso of so many more who comprised this family of still unravelling influence.

One such person is Syl McIntosh – internationally renowned saxophonist and a third generation member of this first family of music in Grena-St. Vincent and the Grena dines.

During a recent visit home, to test the waters for a possible visit by a full orchestra comprised in the main by still active members of the McIntosh family inter alia Frankie, Rickie, Gordon, Ardon, Miles - Syl VINCENTIAN visited THE VINCENTIA AN and shared insights and anecdotes about his own career that has spanned in excess of five decades.

The Beginning

Like so many of his generation and succeeding generations of this iconic family, Syl was introduced to music from an early age.

The McIntosh’s home at Paul’s Avenue was abuzz with music 24/7. Syl recalls family members – old and young – gathering especially on Sunday afternoons for jazz and jam sessions.

After all, the generation which had fathered the likes of Frankie and Syl – Arthur (Frankie), Harold, Donny (Syl) - had already put together Melotones – a full orchestra – that went on to dominate the music scene here before and after World War 11.

This band became the natural entry for succeeding generations of McIntoshes into ‘Big Band’ music, and Syl, like Frankie, was no exception; he became a full member of Melotones Meloton nes as an alto saxophonist, when he was still a teenager.

The rest could have been ‘history’ for Syl, but, in fact, begin-this was merely the begin ning of his own history.

Merengue bug and the recall ll “This was the time of the ‘Big B Band’ ‘Bi d’ sound, d and d the th merengue was just about making its way into the music and dance scenes here. I decided I would learn this and I did,” Syl said.

He recounted the hours he spent at Mr. Obrien’s shop downstairs the Lodge building in Middle Street, not too far from where his grandfather, George A. McIntosh, operated his Drug Store. There he listened ned d to the re many recordings of merengue en music that th emanated ate from that shop. hop Syl has entertained erta and mesmerised audiences a wih his effortless, rtle smooth interpretation on rp saxophones..

Soon, he became quite an exponent of the merengue, a type of of music (and dance) originating in the Dominican Republic, that became one of the most popular genres throughout Latin America, that was taking the Caribbean by storm.

So, when Syl was called upon to replace his uncle Harold as sax player with the visiting Carl Ifill’s Orchestra from Trinidad, for a gig at the then popular Coronation Club at Indian Bay (now the home of Mrs. Gisele Balcombe), he grabbed his sax and the opportunity, and proceeded in his quiet unassuming manner, to stun the bandleader with his interpretations of not only the ballads but moreso, the merengue.

Merengue was just about (late 1950s) making its way onto the Trinidad music scene, but in Ifill’s estimation, “Ths young, stick of a man playing sax was way beyond anyone I know in Trinidad,” Syl recalled Ifill saying.

And so it was that at 17 years old, sic late 1950s, Syl McIntosh got his first professional contract as a musician, when he was “taken up by Carl and transported by vessel to Trinidad, to play full time with his band.”

It didn’t take this slender Vincentian saxophonist long to impact the music scene in Trinidad. “Before you knew it, I was a member of the Burt McLean Orchestra also. That was the House Band for the popular weekly radio talent show ‘Sunday Serenade’,” Syl recounted.

Vincentians who had migrated to the Caribbean island in search of work, according to Syl, crawled out of their cracks to attend dances where the Carl Ifill and Burth McLean bands played, featuring Vincentian Syl McIntosh, ‘the merengue man’.

Trinidad was, indeed, a learning experience for Syl, both off and on the stage.

His sojourn in Trinidad was abruptly ended when he was “recalled by ‘Pappy’,” i.e.

McIntosh, George A. McIn tosh, the patriarch of the family, who, according to Syl, had heard about the “nice times that we were having ing g with a few drinks and the girls.”

‘Pappy’ would have none of it, and when Syl complied and returned to St. Vincent, “Pappy took away my

passport. No more nice time in Trinidad for me,” Syl intimated with a chuckle in his voice.

The last days of Big Bands in St. Vincent By this time, late 1950s, Melotones had given way to Blue Rhythm Orchestra. Syl found a place with consumSyl McIntosh- a member of mate ease among the likes of the third generation of the Clive Forbes, Olsen Peters, Mc Intosh family of musical Cooper Prescod, Carver fame.

James, Arnold McIntosh and, at times, a very, very young Frankie McIntosh. to SVG and did feature Blue Rhythm dominated performances with local with its “mixture of Latin bands, including Revolution Music, calypso, ballads and led by bassist Harold ‘Ploomthe likes,” said Syl. ie’ Lewis (1970s/80s), and The 1960s came and saw more recently ”joined up Syl making a turn towards with some local jazz musithe North, choosing to cians and Rickie” , to do migrate to Canada where his some gigs at the Attic, now mother had earlier settled. closed.

His contact (there) with Chuck Petersen, the son of Plans afoot jazz maestro Oscar Peterson, assured assure ed that he was regularregularRecognising that he hass ly occupied. His sax playing not done as many solo was quickly “lapped up by recordings as his large cross-generational block of Canadians and Caribbean people alike.” fans would have liked, Syl VINCEN-intimated to THE VINCEN From Canada, he TIAN, that plans are afoot to journeyed often to the USA, fulfilling an arrangement rectify that void. with the band Sounds “I am thinking of doing Incorporated that featured some recordings. I have a lot of things to put out,” he Vincentian Wayne Wilson on said in response to a prompt drums, and where he did studio work with The to detail the plan.

In addition, as far as his Equitables, a band led by his cousin, Frankie. home-based following is When keyboardist concerned, Syl is hopeful that he and his cousins can Kerwin Morris returned home in the early 1970s be home for carnival 2016, from Canada, and started as part of a full band. the Latinaires Orchestra, “That would be quite Syl joined him and became something, for us and Vincentians as a whole,” he an integral part of that outfit, helping the band, in advanced. estab-no small measure, to estab All things being even, lish itself locally, regionally Vincentians could well be and internationally. treated to some ‘good ole time’ dance activities for His lead on the band’s a compli-Vincy Mas 2016, compli cover of the Roberta Flack’s ments this country’s first hit, ‘Killing me Softly with family of music.

His Song’ remains one of the And you know, we memorable recordings of haven’t even touched Syl the that era. panman.

Back to Canada he went after the band members agreed on a dissolution,.

In between work there, he did the cruise ship circuit, a number of tours to Dubai.

He took ‘a leave of absence’ and spent six months in South Africa, where he befriended Sean Connery of James Bond fame.

He also settled for a short time in Antigua in the late 1980s early 1990s, before heading back to Toronto, Syl and Reajhaun Baptiste, two Canada. musi-distinct generations of musi He returned occasionally cians come together together..

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. 15.

Diaspora

N.Y. Lions honours Vincentian community advocate community, and this award suggests that I kingnaking210@yahoo.com have succeeded,” she US CORRESPONDENT added. “I am sincerely honoured by this THE LIONS CLUB in New recognition, and look York has honored forward to continually Vincentian community working in the advocate Ava George, community.” bestowing on her the The Alexander T. Alexander T. Wells Wells Distinguished Distinguished Service Service Award is named Award for dedicated for Alexander T. Wells, humanitarian service. the 2nd International George, a Calliaqua President of Lions Clubs native and chaplain of International from the Brooklyn Kings Multiple-20 New York County Lions Club, State and Bermuda, and received the award at the Long Island City, club’s recent meeting at Queens, New York.

Kingsbrook Jewish The Queens-based Medical Center in Lions District 20-K1 Brooklyn.

Foundation said that “I was really pleased since the creation of the and proud when I was award programme, it has called to receive the been able to meet award,” said George, a humanitarian needs in Girls’ High School and communities in Brooklyn St. Vincent Technical and Queens in its College alumna, in a district.

VINCENTIAN interview.

The contributions “I always wanted to received through the help people in the awards programme help

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net;

the foundation provide matching funds to Lions clubs in the district for several community needs related to humanitarian, vocational assistance and emergencies.

Deborah Harrison, president of the Lions District 20-K1 Foundation, told George, in a letter accompanying the award, that her organization is able to furnish grants through “the generous support of recipients like you.”

“You should take pride in knowing you will impact so many lives, both in your immediate community, as well as across Brooklyn and Queens,” Harrison said.

“As an Alexander T. Wells recipient, your name has been added to the list of individuals who have been presented with this award,” she added. “Wear your Alexander T. Wells Medal with pride, as it

represents your dedication to humanitarian service in the highest degree.”

George, who migrated to New York in 1986, began working with New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) three years later. This year represents 27 years since working with DEP. She has been a shop steward for her union, Community Workers of America Local 1180, for many years, and serves on several committees.

Besides being very active in her Lions Club, George is also an active member of the Brooklyn District Grand Lodge #1, holding the positon of Deputy Matron.

Additionally, she is a member of the Diehard Exercise Crew of Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Community Coordinating Committee.

She worships at John

Lion Ava George (R) receives the Alexander T. Wells Distinguished Service Award for dedicated humanitarian service. She is pictured with Region Chair Lion Ormond Braithwaite and President Lion Marcella Fraser.

Wesley United Methodist Church in the BedfordStuyvesant section of Brooklyn, where she sings in the choir and is chairperson of the Women’s Day Committee.

George studied Office Technology at New York

City Technical College, graduating with honors in 1992, with an associate degree.

George, who enjoys traveling, dancing and meeting people, describes herself as “a social butterfly.”

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16. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

BSS celebrates 45 years The Barrouallie Secondary School (BSS), now referred to as the Central Leeward Secondary School, celebrated 45 years as an educational institution on Monday

the 11th January.

The school was founded on the 11th of January 1971, with George Bailey as its first principal. He served from

WPP Mission a complete success

The first World Pediatric Project (WPP) Mission to St Vincent and the Grenadines for 2016 was hailed by local Chief Development Officer Simon Carey, as a complete success.

Dr Tae Kim and Dr Jeffrey Lukish, assisted by nurses Sheree Dyer and Marybeth Pule, and local medical professionals, provided free assessments to Left to right: Minister of Health Senator Luke 32 youngsters, including one Browne, Sheree Dyer, Simon Carey, Dr. Tae child from Grenada and Kim, Dr. Jeffrey Lukish, Jacquline Browneanother from Antigua, this King, Debbie King. past Sunday at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Ten of these children, Carey also made the call for parents including the Grenadian, underwent and businesses to join the “WPP surgeries related to various medical Movement,” by identifying children complications. The surgeries were from newborn to 21 years of age, who conducted free of charge, compliments would benefit from the services WPP. provided by the WPP, and supporting Among the cases dealt with during the various activities the WPP would this recent mission were conditions be undertaking this year and beyond. related to umbilical hernias, Eight more medical missions are circumcisions and hirschsprung scheduled to visit here over the course disease. of the year, to deal with complications Carey indicated that the surgeries related to cardiology, urology, were a success, and that the children neurosurgery, orthopedic scoliosis, were expected to recover fully, general orthopedics, physical therapy ensuring that they are on the way to and plastic surgery. (Contributed) living healthier lives.

1971 to 1978.

To commemorate this milestone, the principal, staff, students and past students held a thanksgiving church service at the St. Patrick Anglican Church in Barrouallie, Monday 11th January, under the theme ‘Continuing Among those attending the Anniversary Service were (from to Strive at 45’. left), Maxwell X Charles (former MP Welcome remarks were done for Central Leeward), Pastor Shane Franklyn, Ms. Kathleen Jeffers by the present principal, Mrs. Dora (Education Officer and Past James, after which Student) and Sir Louis Straker (current MP for Central Leeward). a brief history of the school was Rev. Neale shared by Ms. Kathleen Jeffers, past challenged the student and counsellor at BSS. Featured Speaker: audience and Remarks were also made by Area Reverend Dr. those directly Representative and Deputy Prime Elsworth Neale, related to the Minister Sir Louis Straker, who Past Student of institution, to congratulated the institution on their Class’ 92. “work on the achievement. power of Special songs were rendered by local gospel singers Mr. Ronnie Richardson performance …. an attitude to improve”, and commit to getting past and Mrs. Kioka Cruickshank-Jack, negative influences. both past students.

The Service was followed by a social The featured address came from activity at the newly constructed BSS Reverend Dr. Elsworth Neale, a located in Peter’s Hope. graduate of the class of ‘92.

Anniversary activities are expected Addressing the theme with reference to a text from Philippians 3, to continue for the next 6 months.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. 17.

Economy

Banana shipment off to Trinidad

FORTY PALLETS OF BANANAS left the state last week Monday for Trinidad and Tobago as part of the ongoing effort by the Ministry of Agriculture, to provide an alternative market for banana farmers here.

Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar, explained that last week’s event was the end result of the implementation of the Farmer Support Company (FSC), which has assisted many banana farmers in

getting back into production.

He said that currently there was a demand for banana plants, “and it is really overwhelming and encouraging to see young people coming in and saying that they are going into banana cultivation.”

Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados are the two current, major markets, each offering a price of EC$26 per box, the minister explained.

It is anticipated that a delegation from the FSC

will be travelling to the British Virgin Islands later this month, as steps are being taken to explore new markets within the region, the Minister added.

And, according to Caesar, a team of traders and farmers was already looking into the United States market.

The Minister is hopeful that the opening of the international airport would result in the export of larger amounts of agricultural produce.

Lower tariffs on imported goods needed TARIFFS IMPOSED on imported goods coming into the country from certain markets are too high and ought to be re-examined.

So says one of this country’s leading traffickers/businesswomen, Monica Ross, who is of the opinion that it was difficult to remain profitable under the current tax regime.

Ross, with 32 years’ experience of inter-regional trade under her belt, made the observation while speaking on the occasion of last week Monday’s shipment of bananas to Trinidad and Tobago.

She explained that traffickers would take the produce of farmers to markets such as that in Trinidad and Tobago, but because the exchange rate for the Trinidadian dollar is so low, (they) would purchase goods for re-sale here in St Vincent.

The money earned is then paid to the farmers for their produce, Ross explained.

But the taxes were a problem, according to Ross.

Traffickers are charged a bottle levy of EC$12 per case of 24 aerated drinks and are also charged 70 percent duty on goods that are imported from the more developed countries within CARICOM, such as Trinidad and Tobago.

Added to the cost, was that for transporting the produce to the relevant markets.

According to Ross, freight for a sack of eddoes, for example, costs EC$16, and that for a box of bananas is EC$10.

“We have to start at TT$2.50 before we can make EC$1, so we are asking the relevant authorities to look into our situation. We are not carrying out US dollars, out of St Vincent, we are carrying out provisions and bringing back goods.

“We cannot bring back the foreign exchange from Trinidad because the

Trafficker/businesswoman Monica Ross (left) is calling for lower tariffs on imported goods from Trinidad and Tobago.

Large quantities of soft drinks manufactured in Trinidad and Tobago are imported into SVG every week by traffickers. money is too low,” she said.

The local farmers needed the assistance of the traffickers, she argued, and while other businesses traded in foreign currency for goods to re-sell, traffickers were essentially trading ground provisions and other items.

“And so they need to look into this system. We need a priority, an extra favour to help us to stay in business, and for the farmer to be able to get something,” Ross said. (DDD)

But there were some issues that needed to A portion of the be addressed. bananas that One such, was shipped to according to Trinidad last Caesar, was week. packaging, particularly to Right: Packing is the Trinidad an important and Tobago requisite if the market. best price is “When we going to be fail to package obtained. our goods properly and obtain the (fail to) follow the production cost that they requisite protocols, our would have put in,” he goods do not arrive at the explained. market in good quality The ministry will be and our traffickers working with packers, receive less. traffickers and farmers “This (lower) price is to ensure that “better passed on to farmers and product is sent,” assured as a result, many cannot Caesar.

“We produce excellent goods, agriculture commodities, here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and we are not going to sell ourselves short in 2016 by the poor packaging we see going into some markets,” he said. (DDD)

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18. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Accused advised to get a lawyer JUSTICE KATHY ANN LATCHOO, had some words of advice for a young offender last Tuesday, during the arraignment for new matters at the High Court in Kingstown.

When Tevin Peters took the stand to be arraigned on four counts, he told the judge that his grandmother was trying to get a lawyer for him; but he seemed willing to proceed with the hearing in any regard.

However, Justice Latchoo said, “I don’t wish to see you on trial if you don’t have a lawyer.”

Whether or not he succeeds in acquiring legal counsel will be by known by March 1. That’s when hearing into his matter at the Criminal Assizes is slated to commence.

Peters faces four counts stemming from an incident at Murray’s Road, July 6, 2013.

Peters is charged with attempted murder, aggravated burglary, robbery and taking conveyance without authority.

According to Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Colin John, Peters locked away the complainant in a room after having struck him on the head.

Peters was reportedly armed with a baton.

He was also charged with stealing a revolver valued $1,900, gold and diamond worth $90,000, EC$6,660 and US $1,500.

Motor vehicle PJ 551 was driven away during the episode.

Peters pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

He looked decidedly frail on the stand and showed signs of being in severe discomfort.

He told the Judge that his health was getting worse every day, and that he was not eating.

(WKA)

Tevin Peters has quite a large pool of lawyers from which he has been advised to seek legal counsel.

Not unusual, says Speaker of the House LAWYER JOMO THOMAS has assured Justice Kathy Ann Latchoo that there is nothing wrong with him appearing on clients’ behalf at the Criminal Assizes.

Thomas, elected Speaker of the House of Assembly, December 29,

2015, was responding to Latchoo’s concern as to whether his new post might have prevented him from appearing.

Thomas indicated that he had checked on permissibility of the said practice, and there was “no conflict,” in continuing duties in the court.

“It is not an unusual scenario for me,” Thomas outlined.

Latchoo, a Trinidad and Tobago national, asserted that in her native land, such a practice did not exist.

Thomas contested the South Leeward constituency in the December 9 general elections. He lost to Nigel Stephenson who contested the seat on a

New Democratic Party ticket.

Thomas will be in action at the Criminal Assizes February 1, when he appears to argue the case for the defence of Peter Weekes, who is charged with attempted murder of Godfrey Anthony, May 9, 2014.

Weekes pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was ordered to report to the Questelles Police Station Monday to Thursday, from 6am to 6pm.

In addition, he must have no contact with Anthony, whether face to face, via telephone, text, email, or social media.

Weekes must also surrender his travel documents. (WKA)

Jomo Thomas said he had established that there was no conflict between his parliamentary position and his appearing in court to offer representation.

Young man charged for counterfeit $$$ DIALLO SMALL, a 27-yearold resident of Frenches, will answer to a charge of possession of counterfeit money when he re-appears at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on January 22, 2016.

Small was on December 28, 2015 arrested for having in his possession, 13,100.00 in counterfeit Eastern Caribbean dollar notes.

When he appeared in The ECCB has continually advised that court on that date, he persons remain vigilant when handling pleaded not guilty to the currency, and if in doubt, contact their banks charge and was granted bail for more information. in the sum of EC$50,000.00.

As the Christmas season for counterfeit currencies. drew near, the RSVG Police Force, as Small is the only known case of an it has done over the recent past, arrest for counterfeit money made warned citizens to be on the lookout over the season.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. 19.

People

Stacy Little launches first single

international acts.

Locally she is a GOSPEL SINGER AND featured Gospel Minister SONG writer Stacy Simone at National Gospel Fest, Little, started the New Nine Mornings, and Year with a bang. She Gospel Explosion. She launched her first gospel also sings at government single, ‘Bless Him Up’, to functions and charitable much rave on NBC Radio’s events. In addition she Joyful Praise’ programme ‘has sung with many hosted by Javelle Frank. bands and national ‘Bless Him Up’ fits choirs here, such as SVG into the reggae genre, Mass Choir, “Called but the clever Out”, and New Life writer/composer she is, Ambassadors.

Stacy chose to fashion Regionally and the initial verse melody internationally, she has with a slow pace, giving shared the stage with the listener ample time gospel icons like Tye to properly grasp the Tribette, Hezekiah lyrics, then launches into Walker, Atta Boafo, and reggae to present the D J Nicolas. In March chorus.

2014, she was a key Stacy told THE singer in a team that did VINCENTIAN that she back vocals for Grammy chose the name because Award Winner Tasha it is “easily relatable and Cobbs. understood by everyone, But the summer of regardless of the 2015 was a highlight for background.” her as she was featured The melody and as guest worshipper at chorus lyrics, she said, the Queens Christian came to her directly from Center Church in God, having awakened Brooklyn, New York, one morning to the after that Pastor had sounds of the melody and visited the Barbados chorus.

Gospel Fest and heard “I built around it,” she her sing. enthused, “then I recorded it on my phone. Eyes on the future It was the beginning of things!”

When asked why the release of a single and The world is a stage not an entire album, Stacy responded with, “I Stacy was born to a was encountering some singing mother, who difficulty with the named her after production of the album, American singer, Stacy and I felt it wise to let Lattisaw. She began people hear what I have singing publicly at age to offer.” five. This passion She promises that developed into full-time there are big things to Ministry when she come. She intends to surrendered her life to broaden her vocal God, and chose to sing variety by mastering for Him alone. genres of ballad, jazz, She has served as soca, raga soca and Worship Coordinator, reggae, and will continue Choir Director, and to compose and record Youth Minister at her her own work. local assembly of the But high on her New Testament Church agenda is the pursuit of of God, Liberty Lodge. a Bachelor’s Degree in She has shared the Music Performance stage with many top Voice, at Edna Manley local, regional and School of Performing

by GLORIAH…

Arts in Jamaica.

And with her already proven skills in music, and her passion for drama, poetry, cosmetology and much more, she is bent on establishing an annual programme that contributes to

Stacy Little released her first single and promises lots more to come.

the development of young people in the arts, by providing an avenue to stimulate their creative minds.

All this while continuing to strive to be an excellent Minster of the Gospel.

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20. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Loan or something else? the Day Care because of a bad cold. When I got MY WIFE and I are having there, I saw something I thought was a figment of a serious argument and, my imagination. There for crying out loud, she was my wife and her would not see the point I boss locked in tight am getting at. I am embrace. When they putting it to you for your ‘unlocked’, he put opinion. something looking like I showed up at my an envelope, in her hand. wife’s work place to tell When she came to me, her about our child who had been sent home from I inquired about what

Dear George,

she had in her hand.

She dismissed it as nothing and attempted to put it in her handbag. I grabbed at it, opened it and discovered two thousand dollars in crisp hundred dollar bills.

When I asked about why she had such a large sum of money, she said it was some money he owed her.

“Why did he owe you so

much money?” I asked.

“He owed me, and that is that,” she retorted, adding that I had no right questioning her about her work’s wages.

I threatened to go to her boss to ask him what that money was for, and she said if I did that, she would leave me for good.

I do not like it, George, and I am not going to be

Sex-for-rent agreement collect and bank the rent.

I never checked to see BETWEEN my husband what he was doing as far as that was concerned. and me, we own three To my surprise, when I houses that are rented went for the rent, all out. He is away for medical attention, and so three tenants told me the very same thing; my I had to do the job of husband had them sign collecting the rent. This an agreement to offer sex is an area I left totally to him instead of paying up to him in the past, rent. and trusted him to

Dear George,

These are all single women. I was shocked when they showed me the signed agreements. I had no choice but to walk away in shame.

I intend to wait until he gets back home to deal with the matter.

However, I have news for him, George. If he comes back home a well man,

then he is definitely going to be not well again, after I am done with him. I have had enough of this nonsense!

Upset Dear Upset, You will definitely have to take this up with your husband. You will have to demand changes to this ridiculous contract between your husband and these tenants. Maybe you will have to seek some legal advice on the matter, just to be sure your interest is properly looked after.

As far as making him ‘not well again’, I suggest that you do not take matters into your hands. Rather, stay within the guidelines of the law when dealing with him. There are obviously other issues in the marriage that need to be discussed, and this may be the perfect opportunity to bring these issues to the fore.

If you are still interested in saving your marriage, I would strongly suggest both of you get some professional help.

George

a happy camper until this is resolved.

The other question is: Why would the wages have to be preceded by such a tight embrace? It Angry Husband does smell and look like a Duck, and maybe it is a Dear Angry Husband, Duck.

I can only hope that It is strange that your your wife would tell you wife would be so the truth about the secretive about such a money and keep things large amount of cash, above board and especially if it was, in fact, wages owed to her. I transparent, so that no suspicions would be cannot see why anyone, flying about especially your wife, would be so reluctant to unnecessarily. explain monies owed to George them by their boss.

Sleeping with a prostitute Dear George, MY GIRLFRIEND never told me she was a prostitute, and we have been going out now for 18 months. I found out from one of her past customers who told me that I am getting ‘free sex’.

As far as he was concerned, it was not fair that he had to pay for his sex when I am getting mine for free.

I asked her about it, and she cried all through telling me about her past. She did not deny being paid for having sex with my friend.

George, I can’t tell you how shocked and ashamed I was to learn that I have been sleeping with a prostitute all this time. My girlfriend, I must admit, never stopped her prostituting ways.

I was such a fool to have trusted her!

Disgusted Dear Disgusted, It does not pay to hold secrets from each other, and especially when you intend to build a strong relationship.

It is unfortunate what happened with your girlfriend. You have two choices. One, you can let her know that you do not intend to be shared, and she has to make her mind up about what she wants. She is more than welcome to have you, once she is free and totally disengaged. If that is something you can get her to agree to, then let her know.

Second, you walk away and start looking again for the woman of your dreams. The decision is yours to make. Good luck!

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Don't delay; go to your physician or dentist and get to the bottom of the discomfort. You may need to lend an ear to an old friend. Traffic will be busier than you anticipated, so try to get a head start if you have made plans to travel.

Don't hesitate to look for alternatives that will enable you to raise the kind of donations you need to do the job right.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Someone you live with is ready to play emotional games. Exaggeration or deception coupled with overindulgence might be a problem. Be prepared to lose friends or alienate loved ones due to your stubborn nature lately. This is a great day to get out and enjoy an entertaining evening with friends or lovers.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) If you're preoccupied, be careful while operating a vehicle or any kind of equipment or machinery. You need to look into some private matters before you can proceed with your plans. You will be able to work in fine detail and present the best possible proposal.

Throw yourself into your work.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Too much work and no play will not only result in fatigue and frustration but also loneliness, too. Don't ruffle the feathers of those you care about most. Don't let your emotions interfere with completing your chores. Moneymaking ventures may just turn your life around.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Romantic encounters will develop through group activity. Travel will be fun, but expect it to cost you. You will communicate easily and should be able to accomplish all that you set out to do.

Unexpected bills may set you back.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Overindulgence will be a problem if you are out in a social setting. Focus on your domestic scene. Get together with friends or relatives. Get involved in philosophic groups that will enlighten

you. You should be putting your cash into long-term investments like real estate.

ACROSS

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You may get upset with peers or relatives this week is not the day to try to comer people by giving them ultimatums. Real estate investments will pay off. Spend a quiet day with the one you love.

1.Naval Chiefs (abbr.)

5. Canadian prov.

8. Spirited energy 11. Portion (out) 12. Female Egyptian ruler, for short 13. Hasten 14. Doesn’t exist 15. Adjusting 17. Lisa, to Bart 19. Standard 20. Needle holes 22. Nil 26. Attic 28. Hamm and Farrow 29. Egg source 30. Rust away 33. Major engineering school (abbr.)

34. Last parts 36. Good sense 38. Actress Marsha 40. __ the can 41. Narc’s org.

43. Cutting tool 47. Not out of the question

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You will be extremely sentimental, and if pushed by others you may hold a lasting grudge. You will meet potential new mates through business. Take time to deal with authority figures or government agencies. Take things slowly, especially for the sake of those you love.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Deception is evident around you.

Relatives may play an important role in your social activities. You must try to lay your cards on the table. Talk to your mate and tell them how you feel. You will communicate easily and should be able to develop new friendships.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Romance will be yours if you get out and do things in large groups. Ferret out information that will hold them responsible. If you're looking to do something worthwhile, consider volunteer work. It may not be the best day to confront employers or to present your ideas.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) New relationships will surface through work related events. Opportunities to go out with clients or colleagues will be in your best interest. You can persuade even the toughest opponents to think your way. Get involved in competitive sports.

Friends will appreciate your attention and playful nature.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Go directly to the source if you want to know exactly what's been going on. Don't spend more than is necessary on travel or friends. Hard work will not go unnoticed.

Your positive attitude and intellectual outlook will draw others to you.

51. Swamp 52. Question’s opposite (abbr.)

53. Tells a tall tale 54. Schematic 55. “Tell __ story” (2 wds.)

56. Caribbean, e.g.

57. Outfielder Sammy DOWN 1.French friends 2. Lucie Arnaz’s dad 3. Peaks (abbr.)

4. Irish __ 5. Elderly 6. Low tide 7. Yellow gemstone 8. Greek letter 9. One (Ger.) 10. Wooden pin 12.Occupation 16. Pare 18. “Jane __” (Bronte book) 21. Fabled babybringer

23. Luxury car rental 24. Actor Dean 25. FDR follower 26. Actress Rowlands 27. Connecting words 29. Shorten pants 31. Clears a windshield 32. To __ his own 35. Covers with turf 37. Economizes 39. Simon and Sedaka

42. Irish Rose’s love 44. Farm feature 45. Historical cycles 46. Singer Horne

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. 21.

47. Actress Grier 48. Uno, in English 49. Retirement benefit agcy.

50. Grassy field

V U.S. Embassy Bridgetown installs wind turbine 22. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

THE LARGEST single wind turbine in Barbados has been installed at the U.S. Embassy to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.

The 20 kilowatt turbine, which is also the largest operating at any U.S. embassy in the world, underscores Embassy Bridgetown’s commitment to clean, renewable energy development throughout the region.

Since the 70-foot-high turbine was installed in Wildey, St. Michael, on December 16, it has produced approximately 63 kilowatt hours of energy daily. On an annual basis, it is expected to produce 56 megawatt hours. The turbine is built to withstand a Category 2 hurricane, and is designed to shut off and turn 90 degrees into the wind when wind speeds reach 59 mph. It is also incredibly quiet, producing only 50 decibels of sound even at its maximum speed of 100 rpm. Construction of the turbine took 72 days.

“Putting up this wind turbine has been an Embassy goal for several years, and I’m delighted it has come to fruition,” said Larry Palmer, U.S.

Ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.

“This shows we ‘walk the walk’ as well as we ‘talk the talk’ when it comes to being serious about mitigating climate change and promoting renewable energy.”

The new wind turbine is Embassy Bridgetown’s latest project to further its goals of mitigating the impact of climate change and promoting clean energy through adaptation initiatives and energy partnerships. Other recent projects include adding all-electric vehicles to the Embassy motor pool fleet and replacing chancery lighting with energyefficient LED lighting.

“These green initiatives can make a real difference to our planet over time,” said Ambassador Palmer. The wind turbine “We intend to lead by example which was and encourage others to look at installed at the similar ways they can secure a U.S. Embassy is the largest single cleaner energy future for us wind turbine in all.” (Contributed by: US Barbados.

Embassy, Barbados)

U.S-Vincentian Cultural Association ready for launch FOLLOWING an historic meeting held on Saturday, October 31, 2015 which agreed on the formation of a Vincentian Cultural Association in New York, preparations are in place to formally launch the Association.

Word from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Diaspora Committee of New York, Inc., which facilitated the October 31, 2015 meeting, said that the prerequisites are in place for a launch on January 30, 2016.

The Steering Committee arising out of the inaugural

meeting is pleased that it has been able to fulfil a mandate of the inaugural meeting, which called for an official launch by the end of January 2016.

Persons comprising the Steering Committee included Maxwell Haywood, Atiba Williams, Cauldric Forbes, Owusu Slater, “Pure Mystics” (real name not given), Alex Kwabena Colon, Busta Neverson, DesMarie Greenaway, Fransesca Sam and Peter Burke.

The launch is slated for the

Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center, Inc., at 671 Prospect Place in Brooklyn, New York from 1pm-8pm, and its agenda includes: the adoption of the constitution of the Association; the election of an Executive Committee; and a discussion expected to give direction to a programme of activities for 2016.

A large turnout of Vincentians resident in the New York City is anticipated, a Committee member said.

Rate of VAT in SVG will not be increased.

Vincy dad strangled pregnant daughter

No increase on VAT

From Backpage.

The accused killer said nothing when he was led by cops from the 47th Precinct stationhouse in the Bronx.

Andrea ran the popular Kiddie College Day Care out of her home, and was well-regarded by her Bronx neighbours, according to the Daily News.

“She was a beautiful person, a wonderful person,” said Ashante Jones, 29, whose daughter attended the Day Care. “She was so helpful. She was selfless. She was pregnant, and just beginning her life, and I was so happy for her.”

The Daily News said that spattered blood was found in William’s downstairs apartment.

Andrea’s boyfriend, Lincoln Grant, 44, reportedly of Rillan Hill, had called 911 a day after Andrea had disappeared, the paper said.

Grant told police that she never returned after going downstairs about 10:30 a.m. Sunday to get dressed for a brunch date, said the Daily News, adding that the couple had known each other since 2001.

Cop said William Caruth broke through a concrete floor to hide the body in a crawlspace in Andrea’s home.

Boyce said that William’s unidentified wife “lives in the Caribbean, but they are not together,” according to the Daily News.

It’s unclear whether William’s wife is also Andrea’s mother. But reports identify Andrea’s mother is Clorene Collis, of Penniston, now residing in Dubois.

THE INFORMATION which surfaced last week that Vincentians could expect to see a three percent increase in Value Added Tax (V.A.T) is false.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr Ralph Gonsalves told a media briefing last week Thursday, that he was not aware about where the information had originated, and insisted, “I never contemplated an increase in the rate of VAT.” He added, “The rate in VAT is 15 percent, and the rate of VAT for tourism is 10 percent,” the Prime Minister continued.

The Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, in which it was speculated he would have announced the VAT increase, are expected to be presented to Parliament shortly, and Gonsalves said that work on his presentation was ongoing.

The first round of meetings with the various ministries was expected to take place last week, he said, and he was also expected to meet with officials from finance and economic planning, to fine-tune some other matters.

“There is not a lot of time to do it,” Gonsalves told members of the press, “but there were a number of deadlines that were to be met.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. 23.

Opinion

Kingstown or BeggarÊs Town?

WHAT HAS BECOME of Kingstown? Once the jewel of the Caribbean, Kingstown today looks desperate and unsightly, certainly not worth a Capital, let alone a town for a King. Rather, it more and more resembles those grey, run down towns we know from communist/socialist countries such as Russia, Cuba and Venezuela; a few oversize, ‘bragging’ Government structures, everything else in shambles.

Beggars lining the sidewalks, vagrants interfering with the few visitors who these days find their ways to ‘Kingstown’. They rather go to St. Lucia, Grenada, Barbados et al, where lovely pedestrian zones and boardwalks along the sea have been incorporated since long.

Visitors like to promenade and sit in cafes along the shoreline, sip a drink and have a snack. But not here;, no cafes left in ‘Kingstown’, the few such as the Bounty, the Time Out and even grand familyrun Soleil have given up.

So have numerous stores; the latest being Centrex, with surely more to follow. Even ‘Save a Lot’, now under forth management, but once touted to be the Government’s Super Supermarket, bred to blow CK out of the water, has closed doors.

How can one run a country if one can’t even run a supermarket, let

alone a cafe’!?

Consequently, one can observe Cruise-ship tourists turning back, once they reach chaotic Bay Street, clogged with trucks, pushing carts and most of all, with vendors.

Desperate for a sale, they line the archways right and left, so even a single person has trouble to squeeze through. The poor vendors - one can’t blame them for trying to make a living, often their only way, although these days there seem to be more vendors than buyers. Only heaven knows how they are surviving.

While ‘Emperorstown’, oops, Kingstown, is located in, if not the finest natural settings one can find anywhere, in it’s sorrow state ‘without clothes’ it now scores last when compared to neighboring capitals. Dirty gutters, stench of urine, holes in middle streets, and a hospital missing most basic supplies. Highranking officials seek treatment abroad, while Government buildings, such as the Financial Complex and the Police Headquarters, are in dire need of a paint job and repairs, not to mention the chaotic traffic the exhausts of which will make your head spin. A priority totally overlooked should have been a bypass, linking Leeward to Windward.

While they couldn’t even build the much touted Cross Country Road,

they are now boasting of a ‘tunnel under Cane Garden’. So funny! What will happen when the proposed thousands of tourists bear down on ‘Kingstown’?

Millions borrowed to build an Airport, the proposed gateway to Tourism, not a cent for Kingstown! And where is the infrastructure to accommodate our guests;, to bring some sense of order in the existing chaos, reduce soaring crime and most of all, clean up our capital the way it deserves. In a world of high tension, did anyone, did the opposition ever mention... do visitors trust a Government whose closest friends are guys the likes of Gaddafi - gone, Berlusconi - gone, Chavez - gone, Cuba in America’s fold, Maduro ‘amputated’ and Assad, the latter bombing the crap out of his own people in Syria to this day? What disastrous foreign relations but suing Europe instead!

They had 15 years time in power! What really have they done except promising, bragging and sharing out lucrative adviser jobs to the knaves...where are the 1000 jobs from 10 years ago? With AIA and Buccament far from finished, fires burning, Kingstown in shambles and a country having lost its National Bank and now on the brink of financial collapse, it takes a lot of guts or

Vendors seems to set up shop anywhere in Kingstown. should one say, tomfoolery, to present Viney with a response such as “OUR BEAUTIFUL VISION 2020”: “The largest, most comprehensive and most visionary Manifesto in CARIBBEAN HISTORY” (Caribbean, not just St.Vincent) — includes a new city, a tunnel through the mountain, a new port, a new cruise ship pier, a second hospital. the completion of the International Airport.

Kingstown is simply overawed by an ever (It’s a ‘Vision”, so do increasing weight of traffic. they mean in 2020?

After all, ‘long distance’ laughing? This Is a New they actually succeeded planes already flying Year, how they gonna in fooling Viney a ‘fourth from Amos Vale to pull this off? Well, at time in a row’! But Argyle, lol!) And yes, the least we’re seeing 2 mins haven’t we not been only one making sense, ‘long distance’ flights termed “dunce”? Seems “more poor relief”. from Amos Vale to we deserve no better!

Indeed, somebody really Argyle! Lol! Fool me loves us bad! Anybody once, twice, trice, in fact, Totally disillusioned!

We have a Cathedral to repair WHEN I HEARD of the agonizing disrepair of the iconic St George’s Anglican Cathedral, my mind went back to a Woodroofe Memorial Lecture I had attended a few years ago at Frenches House.

The presenter, who was introduced as the Right Reverend ‘So and So’, seemed to be suggesting that homosexuality - same sex marriage - ought to be given sympathetic consideration and acceptance by those who call themselves a Christian Community today.

I got the impression that he was trying to sell the idea that the Church’s relevance and continued acceptance in the society necessitated this modernization of attitude.

Needless to say, he could not or did not support his argument with any biblical references. So when I

remember the sad end of Sodom and Gomorrah which came upon them because of their deviation from Jehovah’s prescribed code of conduct, I wonder at the ignominy which has befallen this beautiful building. The reminder in the book of Jude should be sufficient for those of us who seek Jehovah’s approval, to reject the counsel of those men whose pronouncements are so distinctly at variance with what the bible teaches.

A question that haunts some of us is how the parent church of the Anglican Community, at which hundreds of the leading sons and daughters of SVG had worshipped for generations, could have been allowed to deteriorate to the extent, that it had to be considered too dangerous to use it for the traditional gatherings?

When one considers that for so many years that Cathedral had played a prominent role in the affairs of state, one is inclined to feel that the state should not be indifferent to any reasonable appeal from the Church, to allow the cathedral to remain usable.

Certainly, the Anglican Community has been endowed with the talented personnel over the decades, to have successfully managed the numerous resources under its control.

Considering the foregoing, it is difficult for those of us who have grown to value the Cathedral with a sense of national pride, not to feel a deep sense of disappointment with the fate of the Cathedral today.

It might not be impertinent to say here that national pride is not evidenced merely in the

The iconic St. George’s Cathedral in a more accommodating time. superficial expressions of patriotic loyalty and respect, like standing for the national anthem. The conscientious discharging of the responsibility with which one has been entrusted may well be a higher level of the

expression of national pride and patriotism.

So now we have a Cathedral to repair with urgency, let all of us subscribe to the effort according to our means!

LeRoy Providence

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24. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

UAE Minister - SVGFF hold discussions

Football enthusiast and member Hashimy assured token to HE Reem Al Hashimy. the SVGFF that efforts would be seeking to have good made to see what level of assistance can be provided relationship with countries in the region, as as per the needs a way of showing their expressed, and (she) appreciation for their requested a proposal in support in helping the the next few months, to UAE win the bid to host begin the process of EXPO 2020. consideration leading to She said that her area possible assistance.

‘We want to work with of interest is youth and sports development, and you in partnership on a participatory level and not she will be exploring all possibilities with her giving you handouts, which we know will not be government towards making contributions to what you are regional governments, looking for,” Al including SVG, for projects Hashimy said. that impact these areas.

She said that “If you know what you her visit to SVG was one stop of her want and what you need, then we can begin to get to maiden trip to the work quickly. If you can Caribbean, during which she also met articulate what you want and show how it aims with officials in towards your overall Guyana and vision, then we’re willing Grenada.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy (left foreground) in Al Hashimy said to share our support and discussion with SVGFF Football President Venold knowledge,” she said. that her President Coombs Coombs and Raymond Trimmingham. government is discussed.

The meeting, which was described as “excellent” by MINISTER OF STATE of the both the Minister and United Arab Emirates (UAE), president Coombs, Her Excellency Reem Al explored ways in which Hashimy, and the Gulf State could assist representatives of the SVG the SVGFF in realising Football Federation some of its programmes, (SVGFF), led by President inter alia, a home for Venold Coombs, held football, expansion of a discussions on Tuesday at grassroots programme, the Federation’s office in and the possibility of Kingstown.

Vincentian footballers A number of issues securing contracts in the relating to football UAE. development were Her Excellency Reem Al

by E. GLENDORD PRESCOTT

SVG preparing for Club Licensing Programme

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation-SVGFFMarvin Fraser believes that local clubs should merge as they try to be in in line to be part of the CONCACAF/FIFA Club License Programme.

Fraser, one of the resource persons at the SVGFF’s training workshop on Saturday, expressed the view that clubs here may find it a little difficult to attain the required standard set out

by FIFA and therefore, to qualify for the licence.

“I am not trying to discourage people from attempting to upgrade their organisation, once they have the financial and human resources but, as someone closely involved with my club Avenues, I can tell you, it will not be easy,” Fraser said.

He said that he would therefore like to see Avenues come as Central Kingstown FC and Sion Hill as East Kingstown FC and this (approach) should be followed and adopted by clubs across the island.

Delegates on Saturday were taken through the

process by way of a video, with Fraser and SVGFF’s Technical Director Kieth Ollivierre explaining the procedure and requirements.

FIFA’s Club Licensing System is based on five key criteria: sporting, personnel and administrative, financial, infrastructure and legal.

These criteria aim to safeguard the credibility and integrity of club competitions while improving the level of professionalism within the football family, and promoting transparency in the finances, ownership and control of clubs, the FIFA website said.

It said clubs need to fulfil the minimum domestic requirements before the start of the season, and these include: accurately completing a club general form, a FINANCE form, a youth development form and an infrastructure form; providing proof of ownership or a contract/agreement for the use of a home stadium; appointing a qualified coach to the first team; registering all first team players and coaches through an online platform; appointing a General Manager, Media

L-R: Resource persons Keith Olliviere and Marvin Fraser.

Participants and resource persons at last Saturday’s workshop.

Officer, FINANCE Officer, and Marketing Officer; presenting a budget; submitting a legal declaration form signed by an authorized signatory; submitting the club ownership structure and control mechanisms if applicable); submitting club statutes or an

equivalent legal document (if applicable).

The SVGFF has earmarked 2018 as the year for the introduction of the Club License Programme, which has already started in other countries across the world, including the Caribbean.

of the local Arab community Basha Awad presents suggested that in addition to items identified before, that some level of support in technical matters would be welcome as well.

Al Hashimy, who was elected a minister in 2008, received her education at Tufts and Harvard Universities, and is the Managing Director for the

Dubai World Expo 2020 Bid Committee.

She is also the chairperson of Dubai Cares, a children’s education charity established by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2007, which is looking to expand its outreach.

Athletes brave wet conditions NOT EVEN THE WET conditions at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex, could deter local athletes from pushing themselves in the IT DAT Academy’s Inaugural Invitational Development Track Meet held on Saturday 9th January.

The going was wet underfoot, but that didn’t stop Soreyna Miller of IT DAT Academy from turning in commendable winning performances in Soreyna Miller of IT DAT the Ladies division 300 Academy turned in and 500 metres events.

She recorded times 43.85 creditable performances secs and 1 min. 25.44 secs on a wet track. respectively.

Below: Kimorie Shantel Williams of Shearman of IT DAT Chatoyer Track Club showed his class over topped the female 300m and 500 metres. sprinters with a quick 19.36 secs in winning the 150m.

In the Male senior division, Wendy Hendrickson of the Community College led the sprinters, winning the 150m in a time of 16.74 secs.

Kimorie Shearman of IT DAT, a Commonwealth Games representative, sped to wins in the 300 and 500metres, recording good times of 34.80 secs and 1min 07.89secs respectively.

In the Under 18 division, T’Jaunie Burgin of Chatoyer was the top sprinter with a fine win in the 150m, in a time of 18.70 secs .

There was a double win for Yornik Murray of It DAT, in the 300 and 500 metres. He hastened to victory in times 36.94 secs and 1min: 11.47secs respectively.

Three Clubs and the Community College participated in what is expected to be an annual event, as the Academy seeks to provide more competition for aspiring athletes.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. 25.

Sports

Maximum publicity WHETHER it is a bluff or genuine optimism, Allen Stanford is setting his sights on freedom. He is serving a 110-year jail term for fraud in an $8bn Ponzi scheme.

Prosecutors said the former billionaire had run a massive two- decade scam, centred on the sales of certificates of deposits. He was jailed for swindling money from thousands of clients.

His rich lifestyle and massive sponsorship of the Stanford 20/20 in 2006 and 2008, played to global spectators, and rekindled memories of the Kerry Packer era. He distinguished himself as an innovator.

Stanford lost an appeal last October, but pins his hopes for freedom on a rehearing. So confident is Stanford that he has pledged to be “back in the Caribbean.”

Stanford’s roots in Antigua have been known, given the investment and thrust he had made in the region.

Stanford was something of the devil everyone loved. Perhaps he might have overshot the runway and there was not enough time for the plane to regain altitude.

He fell into bad times, including the prison environment. Having to adjust from one extreme to the other was a test of character for him.

The fact that he is keeping a positive outlook is testimony to his strength.

Stanford insists he is not a conman, and blames the federal government, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and a court appointed receiver for tearing down his business empire and preventing investors from getting their money.

Given the history of the USA, it might be possible that Stanford may have a case. But the American nightmares normally apply to poor black citizens. So there is the mystery as to how Stanford came under the radar. Suggestions are that his trip to Lords with the helicopter filled with notes, whether they were fake or real may have raised alarm bells.

Stanford has influenced the tide of regional cricket so much so that he may have spoilt a generation of cricketers into believing that the game is only about big bucks.

Since the termination of the Stanford tournament, there has been no comparable incentives. Interest in T/20 was high, and there was a rise in the standard of many players. That was as far as the shorter version was concerned.

Sporting Associations benefitted from the windfall invigorated by Stanford. What tangible signs have there been of those rewards will be seen.

Stanford’s move to clear his name comes with West Indies cricket at an all-time low as far as performance at the Test level goes. The One Day International outlook is similarly bleak, and the staging to the current Nagico Super 50 has not sparked remarkable interest.

The organisers must come up with a rebranding exercise to rekindle the flames of West Indian passion. There are strenuous efforts in some circles to instil in the region’s youngsters, the rudiments of the sport.

A thrust is needed to renew the attraction for the sport. Each territory has to play its part to increase the pool.

After we overcome infighting which will take us nowhere on the world stage, we must commit to fostering genuine integration for our advancement.

When we can’t see eye to eye at home, in smaller units, it makes it harder to handle the broader picture.

Volcanoes get third straight Super50 win THE WINDWARD ISLANDS Volcanoes scored 54 runs off the last four overs to snatch a two-wicket victory over Guyana Jaguars Hurricanes, in the Nagico Super50 tournament at Warner Park, St. Kitts on Wednesday.

Set 210 for victory, the Volcanoes finished on 210/8 off 49.3 overs after recovering from 68/5, to record their third win of the competition and earn a place in the semi-finals.

Needing to score at over 12 runs an over, it was left to Keron Cottoy 23* (13 balls two sixes) and Shane Shillingford 21* (13 balls two sixes) to see their team over the line with three balls to spare.

SVG’s Sunil Ambris hit a top score of 56 but off 101 balls.

Versammy Permaul took 2/26 and Paul Wint 2/16 bowling for Guyana Jaguars.

Earlier, the Jaguars had recovered from 95/7 to post 208/8, thanks to Royston Crandon 68 and Wint 38*. Crandon struck five fours, while Wint had four fours and one six. Shillingford took 2/22.

The Windwards at their turn at the crease ran into early problems and lost wickets steadily and at crucial points in the game. It was then left to Ambris and captain Liam Sebastien (27), who added 74 for the sixth wicket, to give the Volcanoes some hope. But Crandon, who was named man of the match, removed both men. Their partnership however, had soaked up a lot of balls with Sebastien’s 27 taking 52 balls. The asking rate with the latter’s departure was then just under 10 an over.

With the rate now an astronomical 12 an over, the left-handed Cottoy and Shillingford then used the long handle to great effect.

The Windwards had also recorded wins against the Leewards and Guyana in their two previous

Devon Smith fell just short of a century, but made sure the Windwards did enough to earn victory in their first match against Guyana.

Shane Shillingford used the bat not the ball to help lead the Windwards to their second win over Guyana.

matches.

Chasing the Leewards total of 238, Johnson Charles led the way for the Windwards with a brisk knock of 72 off 72 balls before being caught off the bowling of Daren Cruickshank.

He received strong support from Kyle Mayers, who ended on 55 not out, and hit the winning run as the Windwards scrambled home with three balls remaining.

Jacques Taylor was the pick of the Leewards bowlers, ending with figures of 3 for 27. In their turn at the crease, the Hurricanes were powered by knocks of 74, off 110 balls, from Montcin Hodge, and 64 off 125 from Cruickshank. Mervin Matthew’s did the most damage with the ball for the Volcanoes, claiming 3 for 49.

And against Guyana a fighting 91 from Volcanoes opener Devon Smith in a total of 214, along with rain interruptions, gave his side a onerun victory over the Jaguars.

Guyana were 122/4 when play was called off, and were deemed to have lost by one run.

Cricket Season opens with ÂFun GameÊ THE 2016 national cricket season got going last Saturday in a festive mood.

Breaking with tradition, somewhat, the SVG Cricket Association (SVGCA) opted for an official opening that featured a Twenty/20 match between the National X1 and a President’s X1.

The National X1, led by regular skipper Lindon James, was The National X1 took first hold of the Lennox ‘bolstered’ by the SVGCA Facebook page) inclusion of two national female players, the healthy figures of 3 for 11.

Juliana Nero and Stacey Ann But then disaster struck. The Adams, and the President’s X1, President men and women sank led by SVGCA president Kishore to 27 for 8, and it appeared that it Shallow, boasted some would just be a matter of time parliamentary clout with the before they were fully intered. inclusion of House Speaker Jomo But out of the blue, a level of Thomas and Senator Luke resistance emerged in the persons Browne. of Shaquille Browne (53 not out) The National X1 took first and fast bowler Ray Jordan (47 strike and rushed to a formidable not out) got together in a 104-run 199 for 7 in 20 overs. Casmond unbroken stand, to see the Walters slammed 68 and Desron Presdient’s X1 to 131 at the end of Maloney hit 32 to be their team’s their 20-over allotment. top scorers.

Stacy Ann Adams played tricks Senator Luke Browne returned with the President’s line-up,

John Challenge trophy. (Photo: retuning figures of 3 for 3.

After a fun game, it was time for Lindon James to accept the Lennox John Challenge Trophy, on behalf of the National X1.

Information from the SVGCA said that the season begins in earnest this weekend with competition in the Neil Williams Twenty/20 Competition.

Teams Rivals are expected to put up a stiff resistance to all comers who try to unseat them as 2015 champions of this competition.

26. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016. 27.

Classifieds

YVONNE LAVERNE CULZAC

GRANTLEY ADRIAN ANDERSON Better Known as ³6QDJJ\´

LOSSEL SPENCER SNAGG

Evangelical Church Kingstown Monday 11th January, 2016 3:00 p.m.

Kingstown S.D Adventist Sunday 10th January, 2016 2:00 p.m.

CARMENA TRUCEDA CHARLES 10th May 1934 - January 2016 Mt. Zion Spiritual Baptist Church Questelles Sunday 10th January, 2016 2:00 p.m.

Barrouallie S.D.A Church Sunday 10th January, 2016 2:00 p.m.

MINISTER DAWN LYNETTE JOHN Diamonds New Testament Church of God Saturday 9th January, 2016 2:00 p.m.

ENID EUGINA CRAIGG DND µ3DWLHQFH¶ St. Theresa's Roman Catholic Gomea Saturday 9th January, 2016 2:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R

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FRIDAY,

JANUARY 15, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.02

www.thevincentian.com

VINCY DAD STRANGLED PREGNANT DAUGHTER minutes were spent fighting for breath, as William Caruth, reportedly a former teacher at the Dubois Government School in St. Vincent, tightened a rope around her throat.

Police in the Bronx late last Wednesday arrested and charged William Caruth with the killing of his 4 ½ month-pregnant daughter, also formerly of Penniston.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) said the father is charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of Andrea, 39.

A judge at the Bronx Criminal Court last Thursday ordered William held without bail on the charges.

Police and neighbours said William had bite marks on both hands, and a cut on the bridge of his nose, when he was taken into custody.

Andrea disappeared the Sunday Andrea Caruth struggled to survive in before, and was reported missing the next day, according to the Daily News. the last minutes of her life, police “She really fought for her life,” sources said.

Valentina Caiazzo, the previous owner of the brick home where the Caruths

by Nelson A. King lived on Corsa Ave. in Baychester, told naking@verizon.net; the Daily News. “(Andrea) was the kingnaking210@yahoo.com nicest person. I thought she was good.

US CORRESPONDENT This is a shocker.”

The paper said Andrea had a rope THE 61-YEAR-OLD Penniston-born man wrapped around her throat and torso charged with killing his pregnant when she was found early last daughter in the Bronx, New York and Wednesday, stuffed inside a burying her body in the basement of a crawlspace beneath a closet in the home they shared in the Baychester Bronx home. section, battered and strangled her with William apparently lived in his a rope in a fatal fight over money, basement apartment for two full days according to reports in New York. near the hidden corpse until his Officials told the New York Daily arrest, the Daily News said.

News that Andrea Caruth’s desperate

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“He was very eerie, antisocial,” said neighbor Erna Legister. “He had this look of the devil on his face all the time. I didn’t even make William Caruth wore a white Hazmat suit and blank stare eye contact with Thursday morning when he was held without bail at a him.”

Bronx Criminal Court arraignment.

It was unclear if William joined in deadly encounter, the television the search for his daughter after station News 4 New York reported.

Andrea’s boyfriend called police last The station said the judge did not Monday to report her missing. grant Williams’ request for medical But William remained inside his attention for an unknown issue. soundproofed basement apartment in William has two prior arrests, but his daughter’s home after her they were “not something substantial disappearance, the Daily News said. that would indicate he would do Officials said Andrea was strangled, something like this,” Boyce said. bashed in the skull and stuffed inside A machete and a hammer were the cramped hiding spot beneath a recovered from the home, and two closet. additional buckets of gravel were Her battered body was not found outside the residence on Corsa discovered until cops, with a warrant Ave., reported the Daily News. and two cadaver dogs, found the dead It said there was a dispute between woman’s remains partially buried in the father and daughter over a second gravel beneath the house, officials told mortgage taken out on the home by the Daily News.

Andrea, “with the dad apparently Sources told the paper that a family giving the cash to someone else.” feud over money drove the enraged Records indicate that the slain father to homicide. daughter, four years after taking out a It said Andrea was due to find out mortgage on the property, took out a the gender of her unborn child on the larger US$280,000 mortgage in 2006. day of William’s arraignment, the Before William’s arrest, another Daily News said. daughter, Patricia Caruth had William and his daughter got into defended their father. an argument when she confronted him “My father is a loving man,” she about him not paying his rent, told the Daily News. “He just wants according to NYPD Chief of Detectives what’s best for his children.”

Robert Boyce.

It appears that’s what led to the Continued on Page 22.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.