THE VINCENTIAN PDF 15-03-19

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

;(52; :25.&(175( '1, ;(52; :25.&(175( '1, $OO LQ RQH 0XOWLIXQFWLRQ /DVHU 3ULQWHU $OO LQ RQH 0XOWLIXQFWLRQ /DVHU 3ULQWHU $1350.00 SALE Print, Copy, Fax nt, Scan, C Print Resolution: Resol 1200 x 1200 120 dpi Maximum Document aximum Do Size: 8.5" x 14" Monthly onthly Dut Duty Cycle: 80,000 Pages

FRIDAY,

MARCH 15, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.11

www.thevincentian.com

shareholders Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and other expressed his “THE SIMPLE TRUTH IS THAT LIAT is prospective facing grave challenges to its very participating disappointment with some survival and continuance; but as always, governments governments who continue to avoid funding LIAT even there are possible solutions at hand for had an though they benefit from the the airline and the traveling public.” opportunity airline’s service.

So said Prime Minister Dr. Ralph to resolve Gonsalves last Monday during a some of the ministerial statement in this country’s issues touching and concerning the air Parliament, even as he took umbrage carrier. with certain governments who failed, In a not so veiled rebuff of Dr. Keith and/or refused to contribute to the Rowley, PM of Trinidad and Tobago, funding of the airline.

Gonsalves declared, “Unhelpfully, “I am fed-up too with some other some participants at the conference. stakeholders…,” Dr. Gonsalves told could not resist the temptation on the Parliament. leaving the conference to alarm the Dr. Gonsalves explained that public with declarations such as “LIAT during the CARICOM Intercessional will run out of cash to operate in 10 meeting in St Kitts in February, the days”, “LIAT will close down by the ATM machine for LIAT.” principal shareholders of LIAT end of March if reluctant government According to Dr. Gonsalves, one or provided information about the shareholders don’t cough up some two persons decided to spread fear and financial condition and the immediate money”, even “Ralph is fed-up with alarm which created uncertainty prospects for the survival and LIAT”, and added, in reference to the among the travelling public, creditors development of the airline.

Barbados Minister of Tourism, “One and even the Federal Aviation However, some individuals did not minister even dusted off an insulting Authority/USA, who inquired about heed the request, as accepted, not to and tiring declaration that his the airline’s capacity to serve Puerto share information publicly until the government was not going to be an Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

EC$1.50

by DAYLE DA SILVA

In the wake of this unwanted publicity, LIAT’s management was compelled to issue a statement distancing itself from the doomsday scenario and gave assurance of the airline’s continued services, the PM explained.

PLAN TO RAISE US$5M FOR LIAT AS THEY PROMISED, the major shareholders of LIAT are preparing to provide a substantial portion of the US5 million that the regional airline needs to keep it operational.

The appeal for an immediate infusion of cash, has fallen on at least one receptive ear.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has agreed to contribute US723,711 to the cause.

This was disclosed by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves as he addressed a sitting of Parliament here last Monday.

Continued on Page 3.

Continued on Page 3.

A mathematical formula has been proposed to address the immediate need for US$5m to get LIAT off the ground and keep it in the air.

V

2. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Regional Tourism

Carnival Cruise Lines vacate Antigua

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES has cancelled its scheduled calls to Antigua.

The discouraging news was relayed to Antiguans and Barbudans by President of the Antigua and Barbuda Cruise Tourism Association Nathan Dundas, who also warned that “more cancellations could be on

the horizon”.

The Antigua media did not report Dundas as giving any reason(s) for the decision taken by the Florida-based Carnival Line.

But speculation is rife that it could well be in direct response to Prime Minister Gaston Browne

accusing the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) — which is comprised of 19 member cruise lines operating in Florida and Latin America and the Caribbean — of exploiting regional countries.

“The reality is that the FCCA is literally

exploiting the Caribbean. So you will charge, for example, thousands of dollars for your visitors to the Caribbean — and I know that the cruise business is capital intensive — but when you are giving

The Carnival Breeze Liner, one of four mega liners that will remove Antigua and Barbuda from its itinerary. (Photo Credit: Cruise Mapper) these countries five or six dollars per head this cannot cover the capital costs for the infrastructure,” Browne is reported by Antiguan media as saying.

Browne also advanced the view that the only way for small countries like his to fight the FCCA “is to form a regional port facility and mandate that cruise associations pay more.”

Carnival Cruises was expected to bring an estimated 250,000 tourists to Antigua and Barbuda during the 2019 — 2020 season.

The fear is that the

withdrawal by Carnival Cruise Lines, i.e Carnival Corporation, could well set off similar action by its subsidiary lines such as Princess, Holland America, Seabourn and other European lines.

This development comes in the face of Antigua and Barbuda government signing US$83 million agreement with the London-based Global Ports Holdings (GPH) to develop the main cruise port in St John’s, capital of Antigua. (Source: Caribbean 360, Antigua Observer)

The cruise port in St Lucia is located in Castries the main city and capital of the Island Nation. (Photo Credit: Dysongs.net)

140K visitors for St. Lucia in March MARCH 2019 is expected to be a record-breaking period in St Lucia’s cruise sector.

Between March 1 and 3, 12 cruise vessels, including the inaugural call of Crystal Esprit, brought an estimated combined capacity of 19,052 travellers to the destination; and it is expected that an additional 125,434 visitors are expected for the rest of the month, tourism officials say.

“We are doing everything possible to ensure that St Lucians benefit more from these impressive numbers,” said Tourism Minister Dominic Fedee.

With St Lucia’s capacity to welcome Vista, Quantum and Freedom Class vessels, cruise visitors increased by 13.6 per cent in 2018. The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is projecting six to seven per cent growth this year, continuing an upward trend that began in September 2018.

And the St. Lucian government promises more to see and do, with the Department of Tourism moving to spread the Village Tourism programme into eight more communities, highlighting their unique culture, cuisine, heritage and history, in keeping with the the aim of promoting linkages between onshore businesses and other sectors of the economy. (Source: Caribbean 360)

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019. 3.

News 3 Grenada first to LIATÊs rescue REPORTS REACHING THE VINCENTIAN from Grenada late last week indicate that that CARICOM territory is prepared to make a cash contribution to the financially challenged regional airline LIAT. This contribution, the reports says, could come by the end of March, but no value has been given to the contribution since, and the Grenada authorities say this will be determined by information on LIAT which the Dr. Keith Mitchell-led administration is awaiting.

Further, at least one Minister of Government in Grenada, Minister of Trade, and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Affairs Oliver Joseph, has said that “in order for us to contribute state resources to LIAT, the airline must be restructured and

Dr. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, is prepared to assist with LIAT’s financial woes, but is stern in his demand for vital information before deciding on any amount.

Right: Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua, must have felt pleased and encouraged by Dr. Mitchell’s announcement.

operated in a manner that ensures sustainability.”

While this is seemingly forthcoming, when, how and at what rate remain elusive.

Notwithstanding this uncertainty, Grenada’s preparedness to respond to the cry for assistance to ensure LIAT’s sustainability, extends beyond a direct cash infusion.

According to Minister Joseph, his government is also willing to pay LIAT additional funds based on load factor.

“If, for example, LIAT is operating a flight between Trinidad and Grenada that is unprofitable, Government will pay to ensure

Gonsalves fed-up Continued from Page 1.

He added that, despite the many worthwhile efforts within the last 15 years - re-fleeting of the airline, reducing the work force, and alterations in the management system, the airline was still racked up by unresolved legacy issues relating to non-participating in LIAT’s financing by governments whose countries are served by LIAT. This was not the only issue. There were also pilots’ contracts, inflexible work arrangements, unproductive scheduling arrangements, sub-optimal technology/IT systems, anti-developmental management practices and high taxes on airline tickets.

“The bottom line is that in a small regional market, LIAT’s revenues are way below its expenditure,” Dr. Gonsalves said, and as it stands, there were three possible paths for the airline; an orderly dissolution and bankruptcy; a disorderly dissolution and bankruptcy; a sensible restructuring — something he said that St Vincent and the Grenadines supported.

and Dominica being the largest shareholders, owning 97.4 per cent of the airline. that the airline breaks even on Private shareholders and that particular route,” Joseph employees hold the remaining shares. explained.

LIAT shareholders have LIAT is majority owned by promised some restructuring several Caribbean of the airline’s operations, governments, with Barbados, guided by data from LIAT’s Antigua and Barbuda, St own internal studies and a Vincent and the Grenadines,

Caribbean Development Bank study conducted in 2018.

On the outside, and even from some parties within the scheme of things, there have been calls for governments to review the taxes that they affix to the costs of air travel within and out of the region, so as to make it more competitive.

Plan to raise US$5M for LIAT anticipated contribution was put at US$960,310, in keeping with the 69 While no other territory — weekly departures handled by LIAT shareholder or otherwise — has from that territory, which is home made a concrete commitment, Dr. to the airline’s headquarters.

Gonsalves told parliamentarians Dominica is being asked to here that the four major contribute US$347,938, in light of shareholders of LIAT — Antigua and its 25 weekly flights.

Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and Grenada, which late last week St. Vincent and the Grenadines had indicated its preparedness to will contribute on a pro-rata basis, assist, on condition of receipt of calculated on the number of LIAT certain information from LIAT (see flights that service each territory on article on page 3), is being a weekly schedule. requested to contribute at least In the case of St. Vincent and the US$487,113, based on LIAT’s 35 Grenadines, its contribution to the weekly departures from that requested infusion was calculated territory. on the basis of 52 departures per St. Kitts and Nevis was the only week. other CARICOM territory to give Barbados, with 116 weekly some early indication that it would departures, the highest by LIAT, is look at assisting, and Dr. Gonsalves expected to contribute US$1.614 is hopeful that that territory would million, this even as that country’s avail US$389,691 to keep the airline Minister of Tourism had warned in the skies. that “Barbados won’t be the lone Expectations are that Guyana ATM machine for the cash-strapped and St. Lucia would contribute airline”.

US$292,280 and US$584,536, Antigua and Barbuda’s Continued from Page 1.

respectively.

Dr. Gonsalves highlighted that Trinidad and Tobago did not feature in this overall overture; that country had indicated from the initial stages, that they are opposed to providing emergency funding for LIAT. The Vincentian Prime Minister went on to say that there may be some LIAT flight cuts to Trinidad and Tobago, and disclosed that Caribbean Airlines (CAL) was expected to meet with LIAT to discuss functional cooperation between both airlines.

Dr. Gonslaves also pointed out that territories which are served by LIAT flights that are not financially viable, will be requested to pay a guarantee for the operation of those flights, a practice that exists in relation to international carriers.

Grenada (see article on page 3) had already made public its commitment to an arrangement of this sort with LIAT.

V

4. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Teenage killer given suspended sentence Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS A FORMER Thomas Saunders Secondary School student, with four CXC passes, who recently pleaded guilty to manslaughter, has been given a chance to turn the setback into an advance.

After weighing the mitigating and aggravating factors, and using sentencing guidelines, Justice Brian Cottle, at the sentencing hearing Friday, March 8, concluded that a suspended sentence was appropriate in the case of Kishroy John, who had used a stone to strike his neighbour and close companion, Winston Sinel ‘Bono’ Williams, in his head, causing death.

The incident had followed an argument, September 25, 2016, at Campden Park where both men were living.

Williams, who was 49, died at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital from brain damage on October 1, 2016.

John, 17 at the time of the incident, was originally charged with causing grievous bodily harm, That was upgraded to murder after Williams died, but John pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the Criminal Assizes on February 18 this year.

The Prosecution accepted the plea.

Manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

A starting point of 15 years, as set by the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal for the offence, was not applied in this case, based on John’s age at the time of the incident.

Instead, Cottle used ten years as the starting point from which he deducted four years for the mitigating factors. A one-third deduction was then applied for the guilty plea, following which the period of two years, five months and 12 days, spent on remand, was deducted. A term of one year, six and a half months was then left for John to be incarcerated, but the Judge suspended that term for two years.

In handing down the penalty, the Judge referred to information contained in sworn affidavits, one by Principal of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School John Renton, and the other by John’s cousin Shevonne Williams.

Renton stated in the affidavit that John attended the Thomas Saunders Secondary from 2010 to 2016 and, despite 27 percent attendance rate, bus fare being a factor, he was able to pass four CXC subjects. Because of his

attendance rate, John failed to graduate at the school level. He was described as a good athlete, and represented the school in football.

The affidavit, sworn to

by Williams, revealed that John’s mother was killed in October 2009 when John was ten years old. His father was not a good parental figure, consumed alcohol excessively and was abusive. At one time, his mother and father were in jail at the same time, leaving John and his two young siblings on their own. The man whom John subsequently killed, assisted them with foodstuff.

Among the mitigating factors highlighted by John’s lawyer Patina Knights, was the guilty plea, no previous convictions, the remorse shown by her client, and that he co-operated with the police. She noted there was no premeditation, and no significant amount of violence was used. She also stressed that her client was on remand since the date of the incident.

In presenting the facts earlier, Crown Counsel Tameka Da Silva told the Court that John and Sinel Williams got along well, and the deceased sometimes assisted him and his siblings with uniforms, books and

other materials, even shelter.

On the morning of September 25, 2016, John and Williams were at their respective homes at Campden Park when an argument broke out between them, during which John called him a “bullerman”.

Williams responded, “If me a bullerman, me bull you already and the tone burn yo bottom”.

Persons in the area heard the exchange and laughed.

Annoyed by the laughter, John took up an oval stone, about three inches in length, and hurled it at the deceased, who was at the time in the porch heading into his house.

The stone struck him in the back of his head and he fell face forward onto the doorway.

John turned himself over to the police that afternoon, and expressed remorse for his action to Corporal Biorn Duncan, now Sergeant.

Armed robber gets stiff penalty ALLAN WILSON, a 34-year-old Questelles man who robbed C.K. Greaves and Company Ltd employee Vendcliff Primus at gunpoint five years ago, will spend the next 22 years, nine and a half months behind bars for the crime.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Justice Brian Cottle, presiding at the Criminal Assizes Friday, March 8, sentenced Wilson to 23 years but deducted the two and half months spent on remand.

A nine-member jury had found him guilty earlier in the Assizes, but sentencing was postponed.

According to the prosecution’s evidence, Primus was held at gunpoint and robbed of a bag containing EC$43,047.76 in cash and other documents, while on his way from the Company’s Wholesale Store to the Supermarket.

The incident occurred on February 7, 2014 in Kingstown.

Wilson pleaded for leniency, but Justice Cottle stressed that in St. Vincent and the Grenadines these offences, especially with the use of firearms, are prevalent.

In this case, the Judge cited the loss and emotional distress suffered by the complainant, and the risk of injury to the public when Wilson made his escape following the robbery.

A wanted bulletin was issued for him and he was brought in by a lawyer.

The Judge also highlighted the sophicated and well planned nature of the crime, and that a gun was used during its commission, but was never recovered.

Wilson had previous convictions for robbery, burglary and unlicensed firearm and ammunition possession. He had no legal representation at the trial.

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Sejilla McDowall led the case for the Prosecution.

High Court grants Nigerian bail EUNICE ARMACHI-DOWERS, a Nigerian national who was denied bail at the Magisterial level on fraud and theft charges, was granted bail by the High Court, Friday, March 8.

The charges stemmed from the September 2018 alleged fraudulent use of a credit card issued to prominent local businessman and Managing Director of ‘Star Garage’, Bertille ‘Silky’ Da Silva.

Armachi-Dowers, who has been residing here for some eight years and was employed as a Customs Broker with ‘Star Garage’, was denied bail during her appearances at the Serious Offences Court on February 20 and 27, following strong objections by Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche.

The Prosecutor had told Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne that Armachi-Dowers was married to a Vincentian, which created a flight risk, and she was taken up at the Argyle International Airport on February 18.

Delpleche had also indicated that the investigators were asking for time to properly complete their investigations.

Armachi-Dowers was at the time represented by attorney Jamarlie John, but Grant Connell has since joined the legal team, and the woman made an application to the High Court for bail.

When the application was heard before Justice Brian Cottle, March 8, Connell told the High Court that the woman had sufficient ties to this Jurisdiction, was married to a Vincentian, and was the holder of a Vincentian passport. He added that the main purpose of bail was to ensure that she attended Court.

Highlighting that the application

Eunice ArmachiDowers returns to court in May to answer charges of fraud. was being heard on International Women’s Day (March 8), Connell noted that what his client had to undergo, thus far, was very unfair.

According to him, she was allegedly abused by another employee on the work place and, to date, no arrest has been made.

He pointed out that his client’s matter has been set for May, which meant that if no bail was granted she would be languishing in jail until then, which could not be right.

Connell said the woman had a good relationship with the company, to the point that she was sent to B-Fit to keep up the image of the business.

The Prosecution repeated its objection on the ground that ArmachiDowers was a flight risk, but requested suitable conditions if the Court was mindful to grant bail.

Justice Cottle granted bail in the sum of $40,000 with one surety, with reporting conditions, and ordered that she surrender her travel documents.

Stop notices will be placed at all ports of entry and exit.

The charges are laid indictably, and the matter has been adjourned to May. When contacted on Wednesday, Connell told THE VINCENTIAN, “My client has nothing to hide. I hope that’s the policy of all.”

A person has the right to apply to the High Court for bail, if refused at the Magisterial level.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 15 , 2019. 5.

News

Caesar not ÂsureÊ about a number SABOTO CAESAR said that he could not give a figure with respect to the number of parties looking to enter into business partnerships towards conducting business, research, etc., in the local medicinal marijuana industry.

He did, however, in responding to a question by Parliamentary Representative for North Leeward, Roland Matthews during Monday’s Sitting of Parliament, say that he was aware of one party of which his ministry, the Ministry of Agriculture, had received official notice.

Matthews had asked the Agriculture Minister if he was aware of any investor and traditional farmer who were looking to enter into a contractual Saboto Caesar, agreement.

Minister of Caesar explained Agriculture, is that just prior to the aware of Medicinal Marijuana onging Bill being brought to conversations the House in but could not December 2018, the say if and how Ministry of many Agriculture received partnerships a Memorandum of had been ‘Overstanding’ entered into. between an investor

and a group of traditional farmers from the Rastafarian community.

He also said that he was informed that following the protest that occurred outside Parliament by a group opposed to the Medicinal Roland ‘Patel’ Marijuana Bill, an Matthews has investor met with made it his some of the crusade to individuals and ensure that were discussing traditional investment farmers, many opportunities. from his “I am not aware constituency, of all the are not left out conversations,” of the loop.

Caesar said.

In addition to the conversations that were ongoing among individuals and loose groups, the Minister noted that traditional farmers had formed themselves into groups, some going as far as to form and register companies and cooperatives.

There were also farmers who had no history of marijuana cultivation who were seeking advice on getting support from investors to assist them to get into the cultivation of marijuana.

(DD)

Funerals killing the work ACCORDING to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, while there are some funerals that one cannot avoid, there is work which still needs to get done.

He said that he was making the point as one for reflection, and did it during the obituaries segment of Monday’s Meeting of the House.

Dr. Gonsalves said that he was finding himself having to attend funerals almost every weekend and occasionally during the week, and they were taking up a lot of time.

“Can one attend every funeral?’ he asked.

It had reached a stage now, the PM said, where he had to comment to the Comptroller of Customs that during his tenure as the minister of finance, he had never seen permission granted for a half day off for workers to attend the funeral of a former colleague.

“What would happen

if that the leadership and members will go and leave a skeleton staff to do the work of the living while we mourn the dead and celebrate his or her life?” Gonsalves questioned.

And when the Customs is closed, the port is also closed, which results in a tremendous inconvenience to business and other individuals, the Prime Minister pointed out.

Permission for the half holiday was granted, he was told, however such a request ought not to have been made in the first place, the Prime Minister said.

Time off for funerals is an issue that needs addressing, the PM implied.

“If it came to me, I would have raised this particular question,” he said.

(DD)

6. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 15 , 2019. 7.

News

CARICOM Heads are generally not warming to the new restructuring plan.

LIAT shareholders propose new arrangement SHAREHOLDER Heads of Government of regional airline LIAT on Saturday 9th March endorsed a draft of a proposed Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG) model for the cash-strapped airline.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, in a ministerial statement in Parliament on Monday, said the proposed MRG model replaces the original restructuring programme for the airline, which, he said, was now in tatters.

LIAT lost millions in a 2012 fire at its hanger in According to Gonsalves, Antigua. A new 5-year agreement to have LIAt he and Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley failed remain headquartered in Antigua was signed in 2014. to persuade other Caribbean leaders to come LIAT by April 2019. to the table to deal with the original “If there are unfavourable responses restructuring option. from the various territories served by He explained that the original LIAT, and from the unions in respect of restructuring option required four certain proposals, the shareholders may essentials: addressing the old debt; consider further options including providing transition funding; securing reducing the number of aircraft or more affordable and flexible contracts starting a new company,” Gonsalves with the pilots and other LIAT said. employees; defining a model which Letters have already been distributed included all the territories contributing throughout the territories where LIAT going forward. operates except Martinique, Guadeloupe, But not a single government outside St Marteen and Puerto Rico, and the four shareholders responded meetings have been held with major positively with any offer of any funding lessors, bank officials, unions and to advance the restructuring as was management with preparations to brief originally proposed, Gonsalves told other stakeholders on the plan going Parliament. forward.

“Accordingly, the shareholders have Gonsalves said that it was envisaged agreed to amend the original that the draft MRG for 12 countries restructuring plan to ensure LIAT’s would yield some US$16 million survival and continuance,” Gonsalves annually, and that the MRG would said.

The issue of converting the Caribbean address the funding of the airline going forward and not old debt including the Development Bank’s (CDB) debt to US$5.4 million. (See articles on page 1) equity was a work in progress with the (DD) governments of Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda and St Vincent and the Grenadines servicing their share of that debt, the prime minister explained.

The amended restructuring option, however called for a burden sharing approach including all stake holders, lessors, suppliers and financiers.

The MRG was expected to become operational in all countries served by

V

8. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019. 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 Revise the LIAT discussion IF IT WAS NOT THAT LIAT had squandered its ‘wealth’ in the early days and was now hemorrhaging, may be seeing its last days, the leaders of the major shareholder countries would have found some way of ‘suing’ those of us who were heard or caught making such assumptions, if not accusations.

All through the last two decades or so, all they could have done in the face of this barrage of ‘complaints and criticisms’, was denounce the doomsayers as making untrue and groundless speculations. Regardless of what the public said, they — shareholder Prime Ministers - were going to be steadfast in their efforts to keep LIAT in the skies. If it were a ship, we would find it appropriate to say keeping it afloat. Which is easier?

Even as news broke, following the recent CARICOM Heads of Government Inter-Sessional Meeting in St. Kitts and Nevis, that the airline was, not for the first time, stretched for cash to support its operation both on and off the ground, there were still some persons with some authority across the region who slammed suggestions that the airline would have to stop flying and, unless it could attract a windfall of American currency and fast, it might well have to go into liquidation.

The airline’s Chief Executive Officer took her responsibility to heart, and declared that it was going to be ‘business as usual’, for the airline and its staff.

Where then did this need for an immediate cash infusion come from? Maybe it was a case of the CEO having an inside track that another overdraft was forthcoming (backed by what and by whom we will never know) that would enable the airline to appear to be conducting its business as usual.

We don’t know.

The fact is that as of today, LIAT is still flying, the extent of its services we are yet to discern.

And with all the chatter that surrounds the great LIAT debate, we seem to have excluded a vital component from the deliberations.

Even as developments pile on top of already festering news, no one has taken stock of how much consumer confidence in the airline has been shaken.

Caribbean leaders, especially, it seems, those who govern LIAT, take the region’s consumers, not

least the travelling public for granted.

Even in its best periods, consumers/travellers had ‘bad things’ to say about the airline; it was the butt of much innuendo and picong, giving rise to some figures of speech and interpretations not before known.

LIAT became ‘Leave Island Any Time’ because of its poor punctuality.

Yet, through it all, consumers/travellers from without and within the region, stayed the course with LIAT, even though they knew it was not always the best horse for a particular course. In the case of Vincentians, there was hardly an alternative (horse) to what LIAT offered and what it continues to offer.

This loyalty is what is taken for granted … abused.

There is no doubt that with all the ‘going ons’ and the constant dabbling by politicians in areas not of their immediate expertise, that the LIAT brand has surely taken a beating.

The airline brand, which once won consumers’ hearts, has suddenly lost out on consumer confidence, not so much for the staff member manhandling the passenger, but because of the shareholders and airline’s inability to acknowledge its mistake; and to be guided by those mistakes toward making sensible decisions, albeit hard decisions, that are in the interest of not only the immediate survival of the airline but its sustainability well into the future.

A service brand is all about its people, and can never wish away the issues that directly affect them, like the cost of travel. But, when brand value shakes or there is indecision and procrastination about its place, even minor issues can create havoc.

Heightened expectations and emotions are a given in any airline brand and whether the consumer is right or wrong, their view ought to weigh heavily and evenly in the decision-making process.

It is time for LIAT’s shareholders to begin consultation from the bottom up. The base of consumers are vital not only in terms of how much they are prepared to expend on travel, but just as importantly is what they have to say, especially in terms of their expectations.

Time to revise the discussion.

The politics of National Heroism LAST WEDNESDAY EVENING, March 14, at midnight, amid pomp and ceremony, Carib Chief Joseph Chatoyer was publicly “sworn” in the First National Hero of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

For narrow, political reasons, the ULP government had attempted to hog the whole show when, in fact, a rather long process had played itself out on their watch.

There are several other events which had matured under the ULP that had been planted and grown under a previous administration.

That one may reap where others have sown is common enough with rotating Governments. The problem only arises when the deliverer, as in the case of the ULP, cashes in on the work done by a predecessor without giving due credit to the initiators.

In the case of National Heroism, the story is simple and straightforward in itself. The search for national heroes only began in earnest after acceptance of independent status, so the Labour Government of 1979- the year of Independence-had five years in which it could have set the ball rolling on this matter.

They did nothing.

Indeed, Independence Day had been set for October 27th, only after the logistics did not allow January 22, so called Discovery Day, to be chosen.

Even so, it did not occur to Milton Cato and company, that the 21st of October, less than a week earlier, which marked the 41st anniversary of our local uprising, would have been an appropriate date. At that time, talk of the uprising was still officially taboo, and it was still seen as something to be ashamed of, a bolt on the history of our country.

It followed that George Mc Intosh, who emerged from the ashes of the riot to be hailed as tribune of the people 1936-1951, remained persona non grata, and could not in the circumstances of the day be considered for national heroism.

An article written by Oswald Peters and me, “1935 Revisited” in the Flambeau Magazine in 1967, 32 years after the event, was the first to present the Uprising in a positive light.

And in February 1972 I published an article in the Forum Magazine entitled “George Mc Intosh: National Hero?” question mark and all.

In that very February 1972 issue of the Forum, Eddie Griffith had dropped his bombshell in claiming that Christopher Columbus did not set foot

on Vincentian soil in 1498, and probably not at all. The celebration of Discovery Day on the 22 January had no factual or historical basis. So it was then the Mitchell- PPP Government abolished the 22nd January holiday as early as 1973, almost 30 years ago.

The Labour party and its followers raised Cain. To the extent that when the Labour won the 1974 snap election in December, within one month, the Discovery Holiday was officially restored and celebrated for the following ten years!

None of the progressive groups, political pundits and gurus of the NGOs seemed to have raised a syllable of protest over so-called “Discovery Day”.

No sooner, however, had Mitchell’s NDP been installed in power in July 1984, than the cry went out for them to abolish the Discovery Holiday for a second time.

Mitchell, who had been chastened by the earlier experience which clearly contributed to his crushing defeat in 1974, dragged his feet on the matter, even suggesting compromises that hardly made sense.

Deservedly, Mitchell was overly criticised for his move to introduce and celebrate National Heroes Day on “Discovery Day”, which were the very antithesis of each other, as Dr. Fraser was quick to point out. Not even in politics would oil and water mix.

The anti-NDP press, full of selfrighteousness, has been unforgiving to Mitchell down to this day. The “Searchlight” editorial of last week, is a case in point, and bears noting.

“It took a long and arduous struggle to obtain officially recognition of March 14th as the most logical and appropriate date to be so designated, even having to overcome the ignomy of the twinning of National Heroes Day and January 22, the Old Discovery Day. That was one of the most shameful episodes in our history.”

But, surely, that move could not really be as shameful as getting the country to ignore the abolition of “the old Discovery Day” which the NDP effected in 1973, and restoring it in January 1975 as soon as the Labour Party had regained power!

Although the NDP was fearful of touching 22 January after their 1973 debacle, they did move positively to recognise 14th March as National Heroes Day-which Labour had never done in their ten years’ 1974-1984.

Continued on Page 22.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019. 9.

Letters

I agree with Father Mike!

MONSIGNOR Michael Stewart, widely known as Father Stewart, was again in his elements on Sunday 3rd March at the Catholic Cathedral in Kingstown, as he delivered his sermon to his Catholic congregation.

On that occasion, he inveighed against modern immorality, with respect to the use of gadgets and social media being used to instruct the younger generation on biblical matters. He expressed vehemently that parents should not encourage this approach to instruct their children, and pointed to the sages whose instructions had a different approach.

I agree wholeheartedly with Father Mike, and take this opportunity to briefly express my views about social media, as is use relates to religious and biblical instructions.

Social media, especially Facebook, while it has its use and place, has also misled a sizeable proportion of our nation’s youths. No longer do young people go to church for the purpose of fellowship and to receive wisdom through the Bible from learned and blessed men. Attending Sunday Schools, which would help them in their spiritual development, is equally a waste of time.

I hope Father Mike’s timely message will reach a wide cross-section of both parents and children, and moreso the perpetrators of the trend of treating social media (Facebook), and a panacea.

More messages of the nature of Father Mike’s, need to reach and hopefully impact the entire Vincentian community.

Father Mike, your sermon on that Sunday was uplifting. It is incumbent on us parents, to act responsibly in our children’s interests.

Patmos Richards

Involvement in running elections DEAR EDITOR: I was drawn to your back page article of Friday 1st March, 2019, in which you reported that the Prime Minister, who is also Minister of Electoral Affairs, declared that he is not involved in running an election.

Now I understand that he might not be involved in what happens on the day of an election — during the voting and counting — but, in my humble opinion, and maybe I am not so ‘so so’ with the law, how can he say he is not involved when the whole state election machinery - all the officers of the Electoral Office have to answer to him as Minister?

He must be kept informed by the Supervisor of Elections.

In other words, would the Minister of Electoral Affairs not be obliged to offer advice and guidance to the Electoral Office?

I may sound stupid about this whole election business, but I still can’t make sense about what the Minister of Electoral Affairs means when he said he is not involved in running an election.

And as far as I, this stupid man, am concerned, the Minister of Electoral Affairs should have also been named in the Election Petitions.

Stupid

Congrats Skinny I DON’T KNOW the young man, since he was not on the scene before I left home, but I must extend my congratulations to Skinny Fabulous for his accomplishment regarding this year’s Road March in Trinidad and Tobago, the ‘mecca of soca’.

Not to take away from his accomplishment, but there were times long before Skinny, when the most popular calypsos played in T&T for their carnival were songs from other Caribbean islands. I can think of ‘Racan’ and ‘Tourist Leggo’ by Short Shirt of Antigua, ‘Party Fever’ by our own Scorcher, and ‘Oo La La’ and so many others by our beloved Becket.

And then there are the Road Marches in that country that would have been arranged by the maestro Frankie Mc Intosh, not least being Sparrow’s last Road March, ‘Doh Back Back’.

None of this is meant to take away from Skinny Fabulous’ achievement, but rather to complement it and to remind ourselves that we have always been major contributors to the music for the Caribbean, and that Skinny is

the sumptuous icing on the cake.

I knew that Skinny Fabulous was one of three featured vocalists on ‘Famalay’ . What I didn’t know until very recently was that he wrote the song. Phenomenal!!!

I am also made to understand that he has written a number of songs for Machel Montano with whom he has a ‘tight’ relationship.

I gathered from reports from T&T, that a Grenadian won the International Soca Monarch title.

This was the first time that a nonTrini was winning that title so that also was a mjor achievement in the ‘mecca of soca’.

This feat by that Grenadian added to Skinny’s achievement must be a warning sign of sorts for the Trini artistes, that the music, like the best cricketers at one time, can be found ‘up the islands.’

Congrats Skinny. I hope you are duly recognized by the authories back home.

Garnet. N.Y

From the Women’s Arm of the New Democratic Party

That LIAT front page DEAR EDITOR, I was impressed with as much as I was entertained by the front page of your edition of Friday 8th March.

It was, to say the least, a ‘different approach’ and innovative, and served the purpose of whetting my appetite for more on LIAT. Don’t know if it would have pleased the characters as featured (maybe that should be caricatured) with appropriate photo captions, but it certainly caught my interest.

Thanks for the breath of fresh air.

Bernard Francis Visiting from Canada

let us advocate for policies and other programmes to: eradicate violence against women and girls; encourage women’s participation in ONCE AGAIN, the Day, March 8, 2019, we between men and women decision-making; invest Women’s Arm of the New focus on how best, as a through which women in national action plans Democratic Party of St nation, we can promote were under-represented or policies to make it and sustain gender Vincent and the in the field of politics, easier for all to Grenadines, invites equality and private sector leadership, participate in national citizens — old and young, empowerment of women science, medicine, law, development. with respect to women and men, rich technology, engineering, We should never and poor — to honour the employment, social mathematics, and forget that SVG belongs nation’s women and status, and access to design. to all — especially the girls. leadership in the public Our party has decided young who will soon On this occasion, and private sectors. to break down this wall inherit our country. We International Women’s Indeed, we are fully to bring all on the road must accept that aware that women in St to empowerment and everyone has a role to Vincent and the into national play in making gender Grenadines and other development. We, equality a reality in our Caribbean islands have therefore, encourage all nation. come a long way — to be part of the Parents, educators, especially when we empowerment drive that leaders, boys and girls, * Who has more to compare ourselves to is now sweeping across lose if LIAT went join us and let us build other states in the world. continents. under, Antigua or together the human Nonetheless, our Even as we make that resource of SVG. May St. Vincent and the party insists that no one call, we recognize that Grenadines?

God bless our nation! in the society should be government must pass * David Ames ‘thief’ left behind. new laws and strengthen The Women’s Arm we taxes and run go ah England. Bigger Women have proved existing ones to facilitate The New Democratic Party Bigs air ‘thief’ ah themselves in the 21st gender equality and St. Vincent and the ting and air gone a century both in the empowerment. Further, Grenadines place. So why we developed and developing trying to make a countries. A look at the criminal of him?

Me-Too movement and * What happen to recent elections in the the PSU and the USA, tell us that women Teachers Union? are on the move. We in Like they put their SVG, as the United tails between their Nations encourages, legs and accept the should seize 1% or what? opportunities to develop * Who really policies, mores, norms, controlling the ganja and strategies for business, both legal Gender Equality by 2050 and illegal, in SVG? — if not before. * When is the last Fellow citizens, in the time we make a past, women shunned cocaine raid here? such many fields of What happen, those endeavour and involved have some rights that we don’t profession. And therein know about? created a chasm

V

10. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Solid progress continues amidst challenges

Excerpts from the 2019 Budget address: Part Six Introduction THIS YEAR, as part of the Sports Against Crime initiative, a number of sporting facilities will be built or upgraded, and young people will enjoy an exponential increase in the number of community-level sporting activities and events. Further, we hope to conclude negotiations this year for the necessary funding to construct an athletic track for our long-suffering runners, with a 2020 target date for the start of construction.

Vincentian youth, like youth around the world, have been early embracers of the opportunities inherent in the new service economy. This Government is proud and supportive of the young men and women employed in fashion, culture, music and new media fields.

We continue to offer them tangible support, as we do the gifted sportspersons who represent our country.

The responsibility of transformation ultimately lies not with the Government, but the youth. We live in a fast-changing world that prizes innovation, adaptability and a willingness to grasp new opportunities and shed outmoded conventions.

Nowhere are these skills more present than in the youth. In our 40th year of independence, a generational changing of the guard is taking place across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Budget 2019 gives this new generation — who were not born in or have little memory of our pre-independence past — the tools and the opportunities to take our country to higher heights.

Foreign direct investment Saint Vincent and the Grenadines continues to be a regional leader in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). According to the United Nations’ Economic Commission on Latin America and the Caribbean, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines averaged US$122 million in annual foreign direct investment over the five years from 2012 — 2016. Within the OECS, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines average Foreign Direct Investment is second only to that of Antigua and Barbuda over that five-year period. As a percentage of GDP, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ performance in attracting inflows of Foreign Direct Investment is consistently among the best in all of Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2018, FDI inflows spiked to $405 million (US$150 million) — a $75 million (US$28 million) increase over the average of the last five years.

Recent FDI inflows have been dominated by tourism investments, particularly in the Grenadines. On Canouan, the Mandarin Oriental resort and Glossy Bay Marina represent ongoing multimillion dollar investments. On Bequia and Saint Vincent, the construction and expansion of hotels is accelerating. In the telecommunications sector, the rollout of the fiber-optic phase of the CARCIP programme, and the implementation of LTE by Digicel and Flow will contribute significantly to 2019 inflows. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Blue Economy is expanding rapidly, with large investments in the fisheries sector expected to commence this year. We will begin to see FDI inflows related to the medicinal cannabis industry, as investors establish cultivation, production and export facilities.

Additional investments, particularly within the renewable energy, real estate and services sectors will boost FDI inflows in 2019 and beyond.

The role of the Argyle International Airport as an enabler and accelerant of Foreign Direct Investment cannot be

overstated. The direct flights to and from New York, Toronto and Miami, facilitate business travel, tourism investment, and, importantly, exports of Vincentian goods. As the AIA matures, we expect to further leverage its potential to attract and enhance Foreign Direct Investment in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

As indispensible as FDI is to national development, it is equally important that Vincentians feel a sense of ownership in all aspects of our progress. Too often, the regional approach has involved a race to the bottom to invite foreigners to acquire more and more patrimony at increasingly attractive terms. This approach includes the sale of land, the sale of resources, and now, even sale of citizenship itself. These unbridled scrambles for foreign dollars create increasingly irreconcilable dualities that cannot always be easily accommodated on our tiny land masses.

Further, there is the danger of an ethos taking root that sees progress dependent not on hard work and productivity, but on commoditising and marketing increasingly significant aspects of our nationhood for quick material benefit.

This Government rejects that approach. Make no mistake: foreign direct investment is indispensible and welcome. We aggressively seek and value partnerships with reliable and respectful foreign investors whose profit motives enhance, rather than exploit our natural resources and people. We have been pursuing such investment to increasingly significant effect. However, we remain mindful that all development must be for the national benefit, and for the benefit of nationals.

Renewal @40 The 1763 Treaty of Paris represented French recognition of British sovereignty over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The indigenous Kalinago and Garifuna challenged that colonial imposition over the course of two wars, fought across 28 years, between 1769 and 1797. The Garifuna were ultimately defeated, and for the next 182 years following the indigenous genocide that ended the so called “Second Carib War,” Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was undoubtedly a nonindependent colonial territory.

We reacquired our independence in 1979, in the wake of a volcanic eruption and in the face of local opposition that considered Vincentians “safe as sardines” in a colonial embrace that was at once suffocating and indifferent.

In the intervening years, we have proven, time and again, that the resistance, resilience, courage and creativity of the Vincentian people are second to none. We are not better than anybody, but nobody is better than us.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the reacquisition of Vincentian independence. Our country — and the world — has changed fundamentally over that period. As we prepare to enter our fifth decade of post-independence development, it is an appropriate time to reflect upon the path we have trod, celebrate our accomplishments, and refresh ourselves for the next stage of our independence journey.

Accordingly, in 2019, the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will launch “Renewal@40,” a wide-ranging and multifaceted programme of reflection and reinvention that ranges from the cultural to the infrastructural.

The Garifuna – our Brothers and Sisters AS WE CELEBRATE National Heroes Day, we reflect on the struggles of the Garifuna and the role that paramount Chief, the Rt. Excellent Joseph Chatoyer played as they fought to fend off the French and British, who sought to rob them of their rights; their land, their heritage and break their spirit. Despite the effort to exile them, they survived; a testimony of their resilience and the true Garifuna spirit.

Take a very close look at Fort Charlotte. Why is it that Fort Charlotte that boasts of an impressive view and span of the horizon across the blue Caribbean Sea, has its huge canons turned inland? Why is there, on the lower approach to the fort, a very narrow or slender bridge that spans a short but deep gorge, a bridge that in its day was a drawbridge that could have been lifted and lowered as and when the Colonials ordered? And there are prison cells aplenty in the fort.

Who or what was responsible for this construction that is now a tourist attraction? The guns are turned inwards because the ‘enemy’ was native.

The irony is that this fort was completed built by the British in 1806 a mere nine years after our Garifuna people were banished beyond Balliceaux to Roatan in the Bay of Honduras. But it speaks unmistakably to the indomitable spirit of the ancestors who inhabited this land. It was, however, a message that this epic struggle that was a thorn in the side of the aggressor, should never be repeated. It may seem paradoxical, but these cells were used in 1935 and in 1979.

Chatoyer had a flag, but we can be assured that it was an insult to him to lose a single soldier in battle. We do not have an anthem that rouses us to instant defense of our nation, whose words consume us with a pride that fills our breasts or inspires us to join hands in a communal effort to improve the economic and social wellbeing of our less fortunate brothers and sisters,or to rise above the pettiness that continues to keep us seemingly at each other’s throat.

Presently, some of our Garifuna brothers and sisters are in Yurumein, as they are accustomed to be around this time as we celebrate National Heroes Day. Our exiled Garifuna family has done remarkably well over the years. It is a remarkable story, not only of survival; it has gone way beyond that in growth and prosperity and the maintenance of a language and culture.

Approximately five thousand Garifuna were sent to Balliceaux, and the estimated number now is over seven hundred thousand. Garifuna history is Vincentian history, and we recognize that the Garifuna presence is an integral part of our reality. The New Democratic Party (NDP) welcomes you home, toYurumein, We recall that in 2015, the NDP invited a Garifuna delegation to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A number of activities were held, following which a Declaration of Intent was signed between the NDP and the Garifuna.

The declaration states:

The NDP and the Garifuna delegation hereby agree to deepen the relationship between the Garifuna Examining the relative little we nation and Yurumein in the following knew about Chatoyer, we can manner: by supporting and establish that he was skilled at encouraging exchange programmes in warfare and strategizing for war or the areas of culture, education, health peace. He waged a relentless war and sports; developing and against the enemy in defense of his disseminating the Garifuna language people and the motherland. He sometimes consorted with the French, and culture in Yurumein and in if at the time he thought it was in his Garifuna populations elsewhere; forging alliances for the purposes of best interest. Contrary to certain trade in goods and services, with great record, Chatoyer, a man so skilled in emphasis being placed on tourism; the use of the spear and bow and highlighting the socio-economic and arrow, would not have challenged socio-political under which Garifuna Major Leith to a sword fight and notably, one that is said to have taken exist in Yurumein and elsewhere; strengthening the spiritual bond and place after midnight, and lost.

Here was a leader who fought both re-establishing the historical link between the inhabitants of Yurumein the British and the French with and the Garifuna nation and the varying degrees of success. He had collaborative efforts mentioned will be expected to win and liberate his pursued within the context of the people. Thereafter he would have looked forward to a period of stability Honorary Citizenship programme.

The NDP and the Garifuna and calm, and relief from his wardelegation promise to continue weariness. It could be assumed that collaborative efforts to expedite the he worked to console and unite his process of building closer ties with people as they emerged from a wareach other, and realizing the dream of weary existence. making St. Vincent and the We have had a relatively easy Grenadines the spiritual home of all existence — an inheritance from our forebears. Political Independence was Garifuna at home and abroad.

In responding to the NDP’s virtually handed to us by a tired proclamation, Dr. Gonsalves and the Colonial power that was ready to relinquish its tether. We never had to ULP sought to lengthen our separation by conjuring fears that the fight for the integrity of or pride in Garifuna honorary citizens will come our Country. That is why we still do to take away our jobs, our lands and not adequately appreciate the value, our houses. What a shame! honour and pride in our national We must reiterate that the NDP is symbols. We never had to fight to keep our flag from trailing in the dust committed to working closer with our Garifuna brothers and sisters when it of war: an insult to the vanquished. returns to office.

We do not know whether Chief

Chatoyer, a skilled man

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019. 11.

Views

A Sense of Entitlement

“Man is not, by nature, deserving of all that he wants. When we think that we are automatically entitled to something, that is when we start walking all over others to get it.” ? Christopher James Gilbert (born May 29, 1987), better known by his pseudonym Criss Jami, is an American poet, essayist, existentialist philosopher, songwriter, and the creator/designer of Killosopher Apparel.

THE URGE TO WRITE THIS ESSAY emerged after observing an individual who appeared to have concluded that his “privileged position” gave him the right to be rude and disrespectful to someone deemed to be his “subordinate”.

Although not a psychologist, this writer has often concluded that such behaviours tend to reflect some form of inferiority complex. Individuals who behave like this, often incorrectly assume that by pulling other persons down (and/or by embarrassing them) they elevate themselves. In their own way, they expose their lowliness when they attempt to exert their superiority in such a depraved manner; seeking to bask in an ego mirage through what they consider to be a sense of entitlement.

The search for a quotation to be used to introduce this essay, unearthed numerous powerful and compelling statements from renowned philosophers, educators, and politicians. In addition to providing powerful food for thought, the search highlighted the fact that the article’s focus could be varied. We can readily consider a number of settings that could result in an individual creating and sustaining a sense of entitlement.

For example, we could reflect on that individual who assumes that they have obtained a privileged position because of the pigmentation of their skin, their nationality, academic achievements, school/university attended, religion, political affiliation, profession, family name, and so on. It can become so relatively easy (and dangerous) to assume that such demarcations justify our feeling better than, or superior to, another. We are reminded that all of these are very fragile and will not necessarily sustain our perceived privileged position. There is nothing fundamentally wrong about feeling good about ourselves (as a result of the afore-mentioned) or about our accomplishments. However, we should avoid being intoxicated by the thoughts that these make us better than someone who does not belong to that particular “tribe”.

Our seeking to gain the respect and admiration of others, should be based on who we are (deep down inside).

This should be based on our character and the skills and abilities that we possess. It should not be based on our heritage. The 16th President of the United States of America, Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) said it so well when he noted, “You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was.” This sentence, penned so many years ago, reminds us of the importance of carving out and sustaining our destiny based on who we are, what we have, and what we can achieve, rather than relying on some external force or influence to do so on our behalf. While those “external influencing agents” can create a conduit to success, we need to focus more directly on being an individual of worth as we seek to grow and sustain a

positive influence.

That sense of entitlement can plague individuals, communities, and societies. Unfortunately, too many leaders in business, government, society, and the church, appear to perpetuate these “entitlement behaviours”. If the truth be told, many of these individuals magnify the differences among people, in an effort to create and expand their own sense of self-worth and power. This is especially so in instances where charisma and the “garb of words” are evident. Many are intoxicated by their own sense of entitlement, and proceed to contaminate followers. Some of these individuals, infected with the sense of entitlement, can be influenced to inflict great pain on others.

Consider Adolf Hitler’s influence as he fanned the flame of prejudice among his Arian race. He and his Nazi Party members concluded that they were entitled to rule the world. He created a mindset among his followers that led them to believe that their ethnicity (not their character) entitled them to rule. He skilfully indoctrinated the youth of his day, knowing that “He alone, who owns the youth, gains the future.” There is no wonder that other dictators around the world, in pursuit of the quest for relentless power, skilfully design and implement programmes of indoctrination. Many of their followers, fuelled by a sense of entitlement, have created heinous crimes against society. We see examples on the African continent, in the Middle East, and in many countries in the Western Hemisphere.

In western societies, it is more subtle — but be assured that it exists. We see it portrayed in aspects of fake news and numerous character assassinations of those individuals with views that oppose their own. How sad, how unfortunate, that the jaundiced views generated by a sense of entitlement can create a conflagration that destroys so many valuable fabrics of our society; leaving charred remains of individuals who could play a major role in adding value to our societal structures.

There is an antidote for those individuals infected with the sense of entitlement. Individuals, groups, and societies, plagued with this “disease”, can experience release. Using the medical analogy, we can get a dose of humility and general love for humanity. Therein lies the solution.

Dr. Steve Maraboli, a Behavioural Scientist who specialises in Motivational Psychology and the Peak Performance Mindset, cautions us that, “When we replace a sense of service and gratitude with a sense of entitlement and expectation, we quickly see the demise of our relationships, society, and economy.”

That sense of service and gratitude, that true love for humanity, will go a long way towards exorcising the demon that often manifests itself in those possessed by a sense of entitlement.

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

V

12. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Foreigners land grabbing in SVG

LAUNCHING the 2019 Lenten Appeal, Trócaire, CEO Caoimhe de Barra, warned that the corporate race for natural resources has put millions of people around the world at risk of exploitation and abuse.

The organisation is calling for a legally binding United Nations treaty to protect people in the developing world from human rights violations.

Since 2000, over 49 million hectares of communal or smallholder land approximately six times the size of Ireland - has been acquired for commercial use by transnational entities. This is the land that poor people have relied on to feed their families for generations.

Examples of land grabbing by foreigners can be seen throughout SVG. When Mustique was allegedly bought by super-rich, white foreigners decades ago, there were indigenous Vincentians living and farming on Mustique. These people were displaced and their human rights trampled upon.

They have trampled on the rights of Vincentian fishermen too. It is now illegal for our fishermen to fish in the sea around Mustique. Since when did land rights entitle you to sea ownership too? They operate like a state within a state.

Territorial sea, as defined by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, is a belt of coastal waters extending at most 12 nautical miles from the baseline (usually the mean low-water mark) of a coastal state. The territorial sea is regarded as the sovereign territory of the state. But, Mustique is not an

independent state, so why do they have ownership of the sea around Mustique?

These land grabbing foreigners must be deported from SVG. Fiji deports foreigners over land grabbing issues.

Fiji’s deputy Prime Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has said changes to their land sale laws were created in response to concern about what he calls a land grab by foreigners.

Lenten Appeal highlights the fact that the world’s poorest people are not being protected from foreign land grabbers. This is a reality in SVG too.

The world’s poorest people need access to land and natural resources to lift themselves out of poverty, but too often their rights are ignored or trampled upon.

There is a village in Mustique known as Lovell Village where members of the indigenous Vincentian population live.

These indigenous people cannot rent their house to tourists to make a dollar.

This is an example of foreigners stopping poor Vincentians using their own resources to lift themselves out of poverty. Our people’s rights are ignored and trampled upon.

On Thursday 7th March 2019, the European Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement requiring European investors, such as banks, pension funds and insurers, to carry out due diligence. This means investors will need to disclose the steps they have taken to address the adverse impact of their investment decisions on people and planet.

A similar law is needed in SVG and

be allowed to operate retrospectively. We need to look at the adverse impact of foreigners taking over Mustique and the effect on the indigenous people who were already there. What about their human rights?

European Union investors can no longer be blind to the human rights abuses carried out by the companies they invest in. We can no longer be blind to the human rights abuses carried out by foreigners in SVG. “Land grabbing has had a profoundly debilitating effect on rural communities,” said Ben Hardman, a Myanmar legal director at Earth Rights International.

“Even now, laws are widely ignored, and when they are enforced, it is to benefit powerful elites.”

According to Retired British Royal Airforce Engineer Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader of SVG Green Party, the super-rich, in

Mustique provide no net benefit to our country and to our people. It is highly counterproductive to sustainable development in SVG. Our children have been sent home from schools which are dilapidated, yet the super-rich in Mustique have tax and customs duty exemptions worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

We must break this apartheid regime. The Mustique enclave is a deep insult to our country and people under the highly corrupt Mustique Act No 48 of 2002. The Mustique Act No 48 of 2002 must be abolished. We must deport the land grabbing foreigners.

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

Just my take … Venezuela FROM THE outset, let me register my dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in Venezuela. I have been following the situation for the past few years, effectively since the economic blockade began. I search for all sides of the story … and I must add that the propaganda machine is in high gear, as we witness the continuing showdown, .. opposition fighting with fire, Maduro fighting back with water … but when the water runs out … !!!

The fact is that the US wants a source of cheap oil, and has its sights on Venezuela. Independent American journalists and media analysts share the same opinion. However, a prosocialist government wants the wealth, especially the revenue from oil sales, to be used in programmes for health, education, housing, and the list goes on; but greedy and selfish individuals like the biblical Judas, appear in every country of the world, Venezuela being no exception.

The hypocrisy of the US and other countries towing the line and toeing the line, must be condemned. On one hand, the US and UK are freezing and blocking billions of dollars, the property of the legitimately elected government of Venezuela, while propping up a puppet who vaguely resembles the charismatic Obama, as the saviour, hoping that the subliminal effect would captivate the masses. But it goes much deeper than that. On the other hand, they are giving a paltry 73 million in food aid, just a fraction of the billions of dollars they are deliberately withholding, legitimately owned by the people of Venezuela, the same money that could be used and would have been used to diffuse the economic situation.

So the US creates the crisis (because they want the oil for next to nothing) and is giving peanuts to an entire country that is suffering … both opposition and government. If the US/Canada were so caring, why didn’t they start giving that food aid to the millions who have fled to neighbouring countries? Those refugees are still no better off in those countries save the ‘warfare’. That is where humanitarian aid is required too!

With war, you have multiple casualties, which puts the medical services, already under stress, under increasing stress. The added

emotional and psychological stress and distress and lack of food are what is causing some of the military personnel to defect, and this is understandable, because stress and hunger cause even the best of us to crack and crumble.

Bob Marley once sang “ah hungry man is ah angry man … de pot ah cook and de food nah nuff”, that is exactly what is playing out in Venezuela today, all orchestrated by the US. So do we need to further expose the hypocrisy of the US and its allies?

While on a visit as a journalist to Taiwan some years ago, I learned that the Taiwanese were able to sustain themselves after breaking away from China, by feeding themselves first.

They said, “In order to think well, you need to eat well”. It worked. They sold surplus rice to Japan and other fraternal countries, and invested the profits in technology. Taiwan is now among the top ten economic giants in the Asian community.

The opportunistic US, (while pretending to befriend China, is actually its biggest enemy), is using Taiwan, given its proximity, as a base to attack China. The exact opposite happened in the 60s when the US blocked the Soviets from sending missiles to Cuba, which is similarly poised like Taiwan to China.

My main disappointment with Venezuela, even before Chavez died and when the blockade began, was its failure to get Venezuelans back to the land. If they were able to adequately feed themselves, then it would have been more difficult for the blockade to have an effect. But it is not too late.

Whatever the outcome of this crisis, it must be “Back to the Land”.

Now, get this straight: NOT all Americans are worthless, self-seeking, war- mongering and greedy individuals. It is the POLICY makers who want to control the world by force. History has proven that they are nothing but puerile bullies, traits which have followed them into their adult life. Simple as that. Those are the ones that Americans need to get rid of, if world peace is to be achieved and maintained.

Nuff said, and I pray for The Almighty’s intervention in this continuing fiasco.

Contributed by: Donald A. De Riggs

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 15 , 2019. 13.

Court

Rapist gets multiple sentences February 24 this year, but sentencing was postponed.

A 37-YEAR-OLD MAN who, some six years ago, took his The Prosecution’s evidence revealed that the former common-law wife from her home and viciously woman, 24 at the time, was asleep at home with her raped her in the mountains, was sentenceD to a total of baby son on the night of August 21, 2013, when the 39 years and six months imprisonment, Friday, March man entered the house, armed with a cutlass, 8, at the High Court Criminal Assizes. threatened to kill her, pulled her outside, took her to The Questelles man received sentences of 20 the mountains, then into some bushes, and ordered years for rape, 13 years for aggravated burglary, that she take off her underwear. She did so after he three years for abduction, and three years six took a pair of scissors from a Jansport bag he was months for assault causing bodily harm. carrying, and held it in a threatening position. He The sentences will run concurrently, but Justice then placed her in a bending position and Brian Cottle deducted one month and five days from proceeding to have rough sex with her from behind. the rape sentence for time spent on remand.

The ordeal lasted for about five minutes.

A nine-member mixED jury found the man guilty He spared her life after she agreed not to tell the on all four charges, at the conclusion of a trial police. He then took her home, slept at her house,

by HAYDN HUGGINS

A still from the video showing the police officer inflicting a beating on the young man.

Youth beaten then charged THE YOUNG MAN who was clearly being beaten by a uniformed police officer as per a video which made the rounds on social media last week, has been charged.

Kishal Joseph, said to be of Layou , was brought before the Serious Offences Court (SOC) on Friday last week, and charged “that on February 27, he assaulted PC429 Sheldon Searles, of Belair, causing actual bodily harm, and resisting arrest by PC429 Sheldon Searles, he being a police officer in the due execution of his duty”.

Apparently these acts preceded what was aired on social media, and persons are left to conclude that they must have been the cause of the police officer’s action of inflicting blows on the young man.

When Joseph appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the SOC, he pleaded not guilty to both charges, and his station bail was continued.

He is to reappear at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on May 22, for the next hearing in the matter.

Wednesday of last week, the Royal SVG Police Force said that it had begun an investigation into the incident as was captured by video and aired on social media.

And even as this week came to a close, sentiments were still with the young man, with some people calling for the police officer to be charged and brought before an open court. Such is the extent of their rage.

got up around 8 a.m. and left. The victim then reported the matter to the police.

The medical evidence showed that the woman sustained bruises, all fresh at the time of examination, to her vaginal walls and cervix. She also sustained an injury to her left hand.

The attacker had previous convictions for theft, wounding, assault and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Crown Counsel Karim Nelson led the case for the prosecution. The accused was unrepresented.

V SVG unbeaten in WIFA MenÊs Tournament 14. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Vincy Pride

pass from Dorian Dallaway.

The draw against Grenada meant that SVG ended as the lone unbeaten team, compiling 10 points from 4 matches.

The host team had a 2-0 win over Barbados, and registered 2-1 triumphs over St Lucia and Dominica.

Barbados ensured they were second, ending the tournament on a winning note, with a 2-0 defeat of Dominica.

Barbados ended on 9 points, gained from three wins.

Barbados gained three points from their originally drawn 0-0 match against Grenada.

Barbados had appealed against Grenada featuring a player who should have been suspended, for yellow cards violation. Their appeal was upheld and the points awarded.

Dominica was third with 4 points -one win, one draw and two losses - while Grenada, champions of 2017, placed fourth, had one win, one draw and two losses.

And in fifth place was St Lucia, with a solitary point.

Champion team – St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Right: Second placeBarbados.

ALREADY ASSURED OF BEING CROWNED Windward Islands Football Association (WIFA) Senior Men’s Football team going into their final match against Grenada last Friday, SVG fielded most of the players who had limited or no action in the previous three matches.

And it made little difference, as the host was able to ward off Grenada, in a drawn match. level the score at 1-1, after It took an 89th minute goal Chavel Cunningham, who from a long range shot by came on as substitute at the Oneil Osten, for Grenada to

Individual Awards

commencement of the second half, had put SVG ahead in the 63rd, making good from a

St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Chavel Cunnigham was the tournament’s leading goalscorer with four goals. He was also the St Vincent and the Grenadines’ team MVP, and

Chavel Cunningham (right) gets his team’s MVP award from Al Campbell of House of Ellis.

Jadiel Chance (right) accepts his Best Goal Keeper award from Urtis Blackette. the Tournament’s overall MVP. Jadiel Chance, also of St Vincent and the Grenadines, received the Urtis Blackette trophy as the Tournament’s Best Goal Keeper.

Other awards presented were the MVPs of the other four teams: Barbados Ackeel Applewaite; Dominica — Briel Thomas; Grenada — Garth Thomas and St LuciaAlvinus Myers.

Head Coach savours WIFA triumph KENDALE MERCURY HEAD COACH of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Senior Men’s Football team — is elated that his team triumphed in the 2019 Windward Islands Football Association (WIFA) Tournament, which ended last Friday at the Victoria Park.

It was especially joyous for Mercury who took up the post last December, and had just two months to prepare the new look team for the tournament.

Speaking at the conclusion of their final match versus Grenada last Friday night, Mercury said: “For the short space of time I had with the team, to bring this kind of vibes, to have a filled Park, to have a (percussion) band

in Park … It is a great feeling.”

Mercury thumbed a few areas which worked for him and his management.

He noted that the “chemistry” of the team and the support of the management team were critical in the team’s success.

“It (the success) was a testimony of where we came from, the togetherness, along with the family setting that was created within the team… From what we have seen, it is a work in progress, but I trust with time and a success like this,” Mercury pointed out.

Mercury, who was the National Senior Team Head Coach in 2010 and was the National Under20 Head Coach in 2008

to 2009, explained that those stints would have helped in transitioning to the current team. “ I had a stint with the SVGFF before, and word went around from some of the players of the Under-20…They know my qualification, they know that I am well driven for success , discipline and hard work, so it was a bit easy to sell my coaching philosophy to the players,” Mercury reasoned.

Apart from Mercury, most of the back room staff were new to the national senior team management.

But Mercury noted that the WIFA tournament was a good gauge for the team as well as its management, ahead of the 21st March

game against Bonaire, at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, in the CONCACAF Nations League Qualifiers.

He revealed that managing players is crucial leading up to the Bonaire match, especially in light of the Premier Division Kendale Mercury (centre) with (from extreme left) Kevin competition of Richardson (Equipment Officer) Ozarie Williams the SVGFF (Physiotherapist), Michael Harris ( Assistant Coach), National Club Rohan Thomas Jr (Manager), Shandell Samuel (Striker Championships Coach) and Melvin Andrews ( Goal-Keeper Coach). is ongoing. “ What we home last September, St need to do is manage the camp.” Mercury commented.

Vincent and the players in terms of SVG’s run in the Grenadines bounced back fatigue, keep them Nations League to beat French Guiana 1motivated , manage the 0 in French Guiana in injuries… these are some Qualifiers has been staggered with a lone October, only to be things we have to work win and two losses. shocked by Turks and on, which we will do After losing to Caicos in November, while the team is in Nicaragua 2-0 here at going under 2-3.

V

16. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Business

More trained manpower resources for paediatric cancer TWENTY-SEVEN nurses, drawn from five countries across the region, have successfully completed specialised training in the care of children with cancer and other blood disorders.

The nurses completed the Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Nursing Diploma Programme at the University of the West Indies School of Nursing in Trinidad, with the last cohort finishing last April.

Twenty-six of the 27 nurses from Barbados, The Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, who completed the specialised one-year programme, were part of SickKids-Caribbean Initiative.

In 2013, with the support of SickKids Foundation, the SickKidsCaribbean Initiative (SCI), a partnership with the University of the West Indies (UWI), Ministries of Health, hospitals and institutions in six Caribbean countries, was established. This partnership focuses on building sustainable local capacity to diagnose, treat, and manage paediatric cancers and blood disorders.

Regional bank CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank also came on board with the initiative, pledging USD$1

million over a seven-year period (2014 — 2020) through its charitable arm, FirstCaribbean International Comtrust Foundation. As nurse training partner, the bank funded the full training for all but one of the 27 nurses.

“We are truly proud to be a partner with SCI and to support the lifechanging work they have been doing across the region to ensure that hundreds of children diagnosed with cancers or blood disorders have access to the very best care delivered by trained professionals,” said Colette Delaney, Chair of the FirstCaribbean International ComTrust Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank.

“The work of the dedicated doctors and nurses of SCI have greatly improved the outcomes and enhanced the quality of care and quality of life for so many of our most vulnerable citizens — our children,” Ms. Delaney added.

Officials of SickKids recently paid a courtesy call on Ms. Delaney where they updated her on the great strides which have been made in the treatment and management of

Nurses and educators pause for a photo outside the UWI School of Nursing in Trinidad. paediatric cancer cases across the region.

To date, the SCI has significantly improved the diagnosis and care of scores of children across the region. In Jamaica and St. Lucia alone 57,790 newborn sickle cell disease screening tests were conducted.

In addition, seven telemedicine centres were established, 302 consultations have taken place, 179 specialized diagnostic tests were done on patients newly diagnosed with leukemia, 528 patients were registered in local oncology databases, 21 lectures

held on the work of SCI, and three doctors trained under the Haematology/Oncology fellowship programme.

The initiative has also added to the library of regional medical literature and resources, with the completion of five supportive care guidelines and five clinical care guidelines documents.

Seven custom built local data bases were established in SCI partner hospitals to record and track patients, and seven local data managers hired and trained in those territories.

(Contributed by FCIB)

Digicel has continued its direct cash support to SVG’s Special Olympians.

DIGICEL continues support for Special Olympics TELECOMMUNICATIONS service provider Digicel has solidified its commitment to Special Olympics bodies across the world by assisting in preparations for the games.

Since 2000, Digicel has offered support to special needs communities in all of its markets, with the aim of creating a world where no one gets left behind.

March 14th to 21st, 2019 will see over 7,000 athletes from more than 190 countries across the world competing to bring home the glory for their country.

“These are exceptional people, doing exceptional things, and the Special Olympics provides the perfect platform for this to happen. Digicel and I will always support that. This year, we have 23 Digicel countries represented at these games, and it makes us so proud to see them performing at the highest level, I wish them all good luck,” said Denis O’Brien, Chairman, Digicel Group.

In ensure participation in the 2019 World Games, Digicel SVG made a

cash contribution of USD $20,000 to the local Special Olympics Committee, to facilitate the 37-member delegation’s travel to Abu Dhabi.

In the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific, send-off activities are taking place as each Digicel country celebrates their local team and wishes them all the best for the upcoming games.

The other 22 Digicel countries participating in and collectively sending 380 athletes to the Special Olympics are: Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, Cayman, Dominica, El Salvador, Fiji, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Nauru, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Suriname, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago and Vanuatu.

Digicel’s ongoing support of Special Olympics has seen the company providing donations in cash and kind, infrastructural support, help with fundraising activities and more in all of its markets.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 15 , 2019. 17.

V

18. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Tributes

Eulogy of Mr. Aidon B. Saunders

AIDON B. SAUNDERS, 60, of Hudson, MA, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 22, 2019, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, with his family by his side, after a short period of declining health. He leaves behind his beloved wife of over 26 years, Susan M. (Soriano) Saunders.

Aidon was born on March 19, 1958, in the small village of Biabou on the beautiful Caribbean island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. He migrated to Barbados, after completing high school, and lived there for a number of years. It was in Barbados that Aidon met the love of his life, Susan M. (Soriano) Saunders, and eventually migrated to the United States to be with her after they were married. Aidon had a long and successful career in the hospitality business as a cook; first working in Westboro at the Marriott Hotel for many years, then going to work at the Marlboro Courtyard Marriott in 2014 to the date of his passing.

Aidon was a kind and generous person, who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a good cook, and especially liked baking and preparing the traditional Island foods of his heritage. Aidon was also a fan of Western Movies, and loved spending time outdoors camping, travelling, and being by the ocean.

Amongst his many heartbroken survivors, he leaves behind his beloved wife Susan M. (Soriano) Saunders; 4 siblings - Anita Wilson, Philmore Isaacs, Beverly Charles and Katrina Delpesche; one brother-in-law, Richard Soriano; one sister-in-law, Linda

Aidon B. Saunders Soriano; and many cousins among the Charles, Isaacs, King and Williams families; his nieces (including Greta, Juovanie and Maxine who are here with us today), nephews and dear friends (including Ivor and Andrew who are also here with us), and of course, his co-workers at the Courtyard Marriott. He was predeceased by his parents: Auban Saunders and Eldica Charles Saunders and one sibling.

Aidon lived a reserved, happy and fulfilling life. We are sorry that he has left us so soon. He will certainly be missed by all.

Aidon was buried on Saturday, March 9, 2019 in Hudson, Massachusetts.

Philmore Isaacs

Remembering Mr. Emmet Doyle THE NATIONAL PARKS, RIVERS AND BEACHES AUTHORITY in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture, extends deepest condolences to the Doyle Family on the passing of Mr. Emmett Doyle, the last resident Curator of the Botanical Gardens.

Mr. Doyle passed away on 26th February 2019, approximately nineteen years after retirement from the Emmet Doyle civil service.

During his Ronald Bullock, Dr. Earl tenure, he served in Kirby and James several capacities, and Francois, all of whom has been known for his were affiliated with the work in tree propagation, Botanical Gardens. grafting of tree crops and Persons who worked beautification of several with Mr. Doyle areas. He also had close remember his quiet working relationships disposition, generosity with several persons and thoughtfulness. In such as Conrad De 2015, he was recognized Freitas, Samuel Peters, for his contribution and

service to the Botanical Garden as part of activities to commemorate its 250th anniversary. His wealth of knowledge and experience with plants and the Gardens’ history will truly be missed.

National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 15 , 2019. 19.

V

20. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

No to Âcouple swappingÊ Dear George, MY BOYFRIEND has asked me many times to get involved in couple swapping, which I have refused.

When I met him, he and the girl he was dating were involved in this ‘business’. I got him to leave his girlfriend, and he has insisted from day one that we get into the couple swapping thing.

I have resisted all his requests, but I am getting tired of him asking me to do this. While many of our friends are doing this, I do not want to, and I cannot get this through his thick skull. It is putting a strain on our relationship.

Frustrated Dear Frustrated, When you met your boyfriend and

convinced him to leave the girl he was dating, you knew he was engaged in the practice of couple swapping. You were the one who encouraged him to leave.

The person you choose to be with, should reflect your values and principles. You cannot meet someone at a bar, and down the road be surprised when they drink.

You and your boyfriend seem to be very much on different pages. Move on with your life and leave him to go back to his old ways. It makes no sense to spend your time and energy trying to change him.

George

ÂLoving bad, badÊ Dear George, Dear Getting Tired, SOMETIMES I believe that I love “too strong”.

I have caught my boyfriend in so many compromising situations — with my younger sister in my bed; I have met him in bed with my best friend, and I have met him in bed with both my best friend and my boss. Yet, at the end of the day, I forgive because I love him that much. I have never loved another man the way I love him, and I believe deep down he wants to do better.

We have discussed getting married in October. I wonder if I should postpone our wedding date by a year so as to give him more time to change. I really do love this man!

Your wedding should not be postponed, it should be cancelled period!!!

Your relationship is riddled with bad signs. You have put up with your boyfriend, hoping that he would change. He will never change. He is what he is.

Even if he does change, there is no telling how long it would be before that happens; you would have wasted even more precious years waiting on that.

You do not need the unnecessary stress. You need to move on with your life and make alternative plans.

George Getting Tired

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Your mate needs extra attention and is feeling rather insecure when you're not in sight. Your support and concern will help. Empty promises are evident and deception probable. Family get‐ togethers will be interesting.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Make sure that you take time to remember those you love. Problems with large corporations or institutions are apparent. Find ways to mellow out. You have to feel free to come and go as you please to achieve happiness.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Be creative in your pursuits. You will have additional discipline that will aid you in your objectives. Contracts will not be as lucrative as you think.

Opportunities may come up at prestigious affairs.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Lovers may prove unworthy of your affection. Try not to spend too much on children or entertainment. You may want to make changes that will turn your entertainment room into a real family affair. Visit friends or relatives you rarely see.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) Luck is with you. You won't be well received by superiors or by your spouse.

Discord could be unnerving. Minor accidents may occur if you don't concentrate on what you're doing.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) You might have some problems balancing your books. Get out and have some fun. Your emotional attitude with respect to your status and direction in society may be unrealistic. Find a way to consolidate.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Don't push your mate if you want to keep this union going. Your mate may want to pick a fight but if you're persistent with your affections their anger should dissipate. A romantic infatuation from your past may surface if you frequent places that you both used to go.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Friendships could be terminated quickly if disappointments occur. Don't ruffle the feathers of those you care about most. Don't let your health suffer because of worry. Talk to someone you trust. Try not to discuss important matters with colleagues.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) One‐sided relationships are likely.

Relationships have not been the best for you lately and it's left you somewhat gun shy. You will find that unfinished projects at home will be most satisfying. Don't push your luck with authority.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) You need some rest. Delve a little deeper if you really want to know the score.

Minor accidents are likely if you take risks. Any attractions toward clients will be one sided and must be put right out of your head.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Invite friends over rather than spending money on lavish entertainment. Love could develop with someone of a different cultural background. Problems with your boss could lead to unemployment. You will be overly sensitive this week.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Relax I and enjoy what you've accomplished when you're finished. Be supportive in order to avoid confrontations. You need to clear up some important personal documents before the end of the year. Your emotional state could leave you vulnerable and confused.

ACROSS 1. Pouch 4. Office letter 8. Lobster kin 12. Enchanting Gardner 13. Plow pullers 14. Ruffle fabric 15. Word of denial 16. Ceramic piece 17. Actress Meara 18. Perspires 20. Hot temper 21. Hand softener 24. Plummeted, as prices 27. Frantic 28. Vitality 31. Poison _ 32. Frightening 34. Inventor Whitney 35. Mild oath 36. Swine critter 37. Autumn tool 38. Vigor 41. Use up 45. Builds 49. Traditional wisdom 50. Afghanistan’s locale 52. Sooner than, poetically 53. Long poem 54. Long poem 54. Lower limbs 55. Kung‐fu legend Bruce 56. Ship floor 57. Kitchen vessels 58. Was in power DOWN 1. Outlaws 2. State clearly 3. Fence opening 4. Personal slogan 5. Have being 6. Humorous Brooks 7. Eight minus seven

8. Tribal family 9. Chimed 10. Skin ailment 11. Tap beverage 19. Every individual 20. Artist Warhol 22. Likeness 23. Rowing implement 24. Cookie fruit 25. Holiday night 26. Harsh chemical 28. Green legume 29. Antlered beast 30. Sweet pastry 32. Storage facility 33. Debate position 37. Dark bread

39. Occupy a throne 40. Lawn expanse 41. Polar vehicle 42. Vatican resident 43. Guitarist Clapton

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019. 21.

44. Head support 46. Jail chamber 47. Forest growth 48. Plant start 50. Swiss mountain 51. Marine environment

V

22. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

This Week cont’d

The politics of National Heroism Continued from Page 8.

Within 8 months of the NDP’s return to power in

July 1984, there was an unveiling of an obelisk at Dorsethsire Hill on the 14th March 1985 by NDP

Minister of Culture John Horne who gave the keynote address. Among the dignitaries present were

NDP Labour Minister David.

Jack, representative of North Windward which includes “Carib Country”.

Junior Bacchus chaired the ceremony which was publicised under the auspices of the NYC. An ecumenical dedication service was held, with the participation of Anglican Archbishop of the West Indies Cuthbert Woodroofe; the VicarGeneral of the Roman Catholic church and Father Roberts; and Methodist Lay-Preacher Grafton Vanloo.

There was also a foreign presence at the “investiture” that includes Mr. Giles Bullard, British High Commissioner of the Eastern Caribbean, and Victor Croquer the Charge d’ Affairs of the Embassy of Venezuela which has donated a plaque for the oblisk as well as promised to help with production of a statue of Chatoyer for erection in a conspicuous place in Kingstown, as suggested by President of the National Trust, Arthur Connell.

The foregoing had been written in some detail to jolt the memory of our people of an important event that took place over 40 years ago, when Carib Chief Chatoyer was duly acclaimed our First National Hero, in the presence of many of his Carib descendants who had made the climb to Dorsethire Hill for that auspicious occasion. It was indeed an historic occasion.

Again on March 14, 1992, the National Quincentennial Committee under the Chairmanship of

Renwick Rose staged a Rally at Langley Park Government School to mark the 500 years anniversary of the coming of Christopher Columbus in these parts.

Minister of Culture John Horne and his assistant Yvonne Francis Gibson took the opportunity to publicly recognise the virtual acceptance of Chatoyer as our First National Hero.

Other celebrants at the meeting which was chaired

by Tydel John, included Blazer Williams who tipped Joshua for future consideration as national hero; Nelicia Robinson and Garifuna Honourable Sylvia Flores of Belize who delivered the feature address.

There can be no quarrel with the ruling regime’s capitalisation of another NDP slip up in not having put legal gloss on the declaration of a National Hero17 years after the event.

Commendably, Arnhim Eustace had at least legally declared March 14th National Heroes Day in March 2001.

In the circumstances, the ceremony last Wednesday night represented the legal registration of an acknowledged fact seventeen years old, no more no less.

Aggressively marketed by the ULP leadership, such an accomplishment has been made to loom disproportionately large and chalk up much political mileage reminiscent of the “historic “compensation package paid to Rabbacca Farm

workers.

The proclamation notwithstanding, there has been an airy-fairy verbal blitz backed by the sounding brass of a media hype that is more associated with the election campaigns than with the anointment of National Heroes. The naming of “Heritage Square”, a tradition liming —spot, lacked thought and conviction.

Already, Keith Joseph has criticised the booklets by the Department of Culture, even without realising that it was the Department under an NDP regime that had collated the bulk of material for a public radio programme “We Culture” that was aired during the first five years of the NDP tenure.

That was effected after the restoration of the Department of Culture following its scrapping by the Labour Government in 1975 in order to rid itself of Shake Keane!

Generally, the public offers a fine example of the ULP cashing in on others’ investments, without according due credit.

The ULP at every turn, has tried to hog the whole show, exploiting parts of its inheritance to the full, even while it shed crocodile tears harping over the “bad hand” it was supposedly served!

Thankfully, the majestic figure of First National Hero, Joseph Chatoyer, towers mightily above the political fuss and manipulation that swirl about it, making most politicians look like Lilliputians.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019. 23.

Basketball president optimistic

even as he welcomed the work being done on a few courts across the state.

“But we have to continue to engage the authorities in helping them to understand the Action in the match between Mavrix and importance sports play in the Blue Chip. development of the nation,” Williams urged.

The president is also optimistic that and Williams urged more action in this Wayne Williams, President of the direction as per what the Arnos Vale once all goes well, there will be a SVG Basketball Federation, is Club has done. modern home for basketball at the confident that Basketball will Following on this, he said his New Montrose facility. “We have come continue on an upward trajectory. forward with a design to upgrade this Federation welcomed the Sport Against Crime initiative, and pledged unfinished facility. We have actually 66. to continue to work with the gone out and negotiated resources to Thirteen teams (13) will contest this authorities and sponsors to ensure refurbish the facility, and we have to year’s tournament: Blue Chips that basketball played its part in do something before we lose the Academy, Police, Mavrix, Arnos Vale contributing positively to that money,” he disclosed.

Heat Seekers 1, Arnos Vale Heat programme.

The number of local basketball Williams was pleased to report that Seekers 2, Calliaqua United, All academies is a pleasing development, Saints University, South Rivers, Petit SVG is now ranked 5th for both male Bordel, Bequia 1, Bequia 2, Canouan and female basketball in the region and Union Island. and looks forward to building on this progress so that the country can I.B.A.ALLEN attract more scouts and scholarships.

Meanwhile, the Arnos Vale 2019 Tournament got going in earnest last Sunday, with Bequia 1 making a positive start to defence of their title, when they trounced Northern Boyz 67-38 in one of the three opening games.

In the other matches, Mavrix beat Blue Chip THE ARNOS VALE BASKETBALL CLUB’S 53-50, and Heatseekers 1 Annual Basketball Tournament that got going last Some of the teams line-up for the opening of the Tournament. outplayed Bequia 2,106Sunday at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex has been halted, albeit temporarily.

This has nothing to do with team withdrawal or failure on the part of the organizers as per fixtures.

The curtailment has been occasioned by the use GENERAL SECRETARY Sports.” the President of Team of the designated court for Basketball being used of the St Vincent and the Joseph reinforced that, Athletics SVG, said that to store equipment and other physical Grenadines Olympic with the school system with the absence of requirements for the staging of a weekend Fete, at Committee (SVGOC), here not catering for the structured programmes the Arnos vale Sports Complex.

Keith Joseph, has appointment of Physical for development from the The following is the text of a letter from Arnos assessed that this Education teachers in earliest levels, students Vale Basketball Club, which was circulated earlier country is lagging behind the primary schools, lack several sub-skills this week: when it comes to a compounds the issues of needed in sports. properly implemented the students’ In making the “To Whom It May Concern programme of Physical development. comparisons as what Education and Sports, in “We have been obtains with We regret to inform you that due to the nation’s school suggesting that we start neighbouring Caribbean miscommunication between the National Sports system. as early as the precountries, Joseph stated Council and the Arnos Vale Basketball Club, the Joseph advanced that school, because the child that in the case of Arnos Vale Hardcourt CANNOT be utilized for thought as he spoke at learns fastest at the first Barbados, they had the basketball games from Monday, March 11th Keith Joseph, General an Introductory Sports five years of his/her services of English Wednesday, March 13th until Friday 15th March, Secretary of the Administration Course, life… They are most volunteers to help 2019.

SVGOC. last Saturday at the pliable and they enjoy establish the Physical There is infrastructure currently being set up Xpert Computer Centre‘s the fun,” Joseph Education programme in programme is in the on the Arnos Vale Hardcourt for the event Conference Room, advanced. their secondary schools.

“Cheaters Paradise” that is scheduled to happen entire school system,” on Wednesday the 13th of March,2019. As a Kingstown.

He added that it was “In the case of Joseph told those in result, all games scheduled for Monday 11th Addressing the issue, equally important to Jamaica, they employed attendance.

March, Tuesday 12th March and Wednesday 13th Joseph said: “We are capture the interest of Physical Educators, and Only the secondary March 2019 will be rescheduled. We promise to behind in St Vincent and children at that stage, the schools made the schools here in St keep everyone updated, and thank you for your the Grenadines, where when their minds are arrangements for Vincent and the cooperation and participation thus far. we ought to be in terms most impressionable. coaching after school as a Grenadines have trained We regret any inconvenience this may have of the placement of The SVGOC General separate activity, but the Physical Education caused.”

Physical Education and Secretary, who is also Physical Education teachers.

WAYNE WILLIAMS - President of the SVG Basketball Federation, believes there will be opportunities for basketball, once the different entities come on board.

Williams echoed this sentiment during the opening of the Arnos Vale Club’s Second Flow/Koscab/Coreas Arnos Vale Basketball Tournament, which off last Sunday at the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex.

“What basketball needs to move forward, are facilities, facilities, facilities and good programmes. We have the programmes, we have trained coaches, but we need to upgrade the facilities so that the coaches could effectively engage the players,” Williams said.

He acknowledged that there were approximately 62 hard courts in the country but more needs to be done,

Fete preparations halt Basketball Tourney

“We are behind,” Keith Joseph

V

24. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Vincy Heat takes Windwards title VINCENTIAN Football coach Kendale Mercury must be pleased with his squad in the just concluded Windward Islands Senior Men’s Championship.

Five teams took part in the competition which wound up at Victoria Park in Kingstown last Friday evening. The Vincentian team engendered such support that the final encounter against Grenada saw a sell-out crowd.

Official figures put the attendance at 6,000.

Friday’s crowd was denied the complete Vincentian rampage as Chavel Cunngham’s 63rd minute strike was cancelled by an Oneal Hosten strike. He pounced upon a ball and drove a shot from about 40 metres to beat the Vincentian custodian.

Cunningham’s strike was a culmination of a swift and decisive run up the right side. He made no mistake with a well-placed right footer to the far post. That sent the crowd into a frenzy. The goal might have placed the Vincentians into a state of complacency, and the Grenadians pounced.

Cunningham was the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, buoyed by the four goals which gave him the Golden Boots award.

Cunningham was inserted in the 46th minute for Seaquean Millington.

The other starters were: Cklon McKie, Tristan Marshall, Derron Rouse, Kenyon Delpesche, Jamal Yorke, Terron Miller, Jevon McKree, Mazik Herbert, Brad Richards, and Dorian Dallaway.

Diel Spring took Kenyon Delpesche’s spot in the 57th, and Cornelius Stewart filled in when Jevron McKree exited in the 72nd.

Mercury has another assignment against Bonaire, Thursday, March 21 at the Arnos Vale Playing Field. That will be the fourth Round of the Concacaf Nations League.

Curacao, who leads the standings, plays away to Antigua/Barbuda in one of seven games lined up for Saturday 23. Second and third placed teams Haiti and Cuba meet in Haiti Sunday 24.

Canada, one of the unbeaten units, is at home fans against French Guiana Sunday. Jamaica has an assignment in El Salvador.

Martinique in sixth spot will be in a French battle with Guadeloupe.

The Dominican Republic in tenth spot, versus Bermuda (seventh) match will be a keen tussle.

Guyana in position 8, plays Belize in the 13 position. Nicaragua in eleventh position takes on Barbados at 23.

Cayman Islands welcomes Montserrat. Home teams are showing some resilience once on home turf. Montserrat has a tendency of nibbling away at the most formidable opponent. It will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds.

BVI in position 30 will be anxious to bring down Turks and Caicos to priority after Turks and Caicos’ win over St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

St Kitts/Nevis will want to keep up their momentum. But Suriname at home will want to improve their status. The Bajans will be boosted by their performance in the Windward Islands tournament where they placed second.

St. Lucia in 17th spot takes on Aruba, at number 18. Dominica in 20th position takes on Bahamas at 27th. Grenada showed defence capability in the Windwards tournament. But their display left fans disappointed. They play Puerto Rico in position 29.

The ten top teams advance to the Gold Cup 2019.

Wins for Warriors, Police One and Bequia THE NLA FIRST DIVISION Sunday League 50 Overs Cricket Competition continued last weekend, with victories for Keegan’s Bequia XI, Police One and Rudy’s Electrical Unique Warriors.

The men from Bequia convincingly beat North Windward Youths by 170 runs, in a match played at the Stubbs Playing Field. Keegan’s Bequia XI amassed a formidable 314 all out off 39.5 overs. Cosmus Hackshaw topscored with 67, Shem Browne had 64 and Olanzo Bellingy 51.

For North Windward, Melvis Daniel took 5 for 54 off 6.5 overs and Denson Hoyte 3 for 41 off 7 overs. North Windward Youths were then dismissed for 144 off 28 overs. Vencot Baptiste led with 26. Dean Browne picked up 6 for

65 off 10 overs and Razine Browne 2 for 32 off 6 overs.

Police One beat French Verandah SVG Community College by 5 wickets. French Verandah SVG Community College made 211 off 44 overs.

Tilron Harry topscored with 78 and Rayshorne Durrant was unbeaten on 68. Nimroy Laborde took 3 for 36 off 9 overs. Police One replied with 215 off 31.2 overs. Vertil Davis made 44 and Danson Andrews 41 not out.

Alleon Caesar took 2 for 35 off 6 overs.

At Arnos Vale Two, Ruddy’s Electrical Unique Warriors defeated St. Vincent Distillers Glamorgan by 53 runs.

Ruddy’s Electrical Unique Warriors made 243 for 7 off 33

Tilron Harry of French Verandah SVG Community College, continues to show good form with the bat.

overs. Joelano Neil topscored with 87 and Sylvester Vanloo contributed 47.

Jerome Samuel snared 2 for 37 off 5 overs. St. Vincent Distillers Glamorgan made heavy going of their victory chase and were 190 for 9 off 33 overs when play ended. Jerome Samuel led with 42 and Newbourne Joseph 30.

Joseph Medford took 4 for 46 off 7 overs and Roger Gibson 2 for 38 off 7 overs for the Warriors.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Grammar School retains U15 Title The SVG Grammar School retained the InterSecondary School Under 15 Cricket Championship title, and in the process, registered an unprecedented fourth consecutive titles.

They set themselves apart from the other Under 15 secondary school cricketers, when they defeated the Petit Bordel Secondary School in the finals of the Championship, last Monday at the Arnos Vale 2 Playing Field.

Grammar School took first knock in good conditions, and when their allotted 30 overs were complete, they had reached 177 for 2, with Klyevert Browne, 70 not out, and Devonti McDowall, 64, being their principal scorers.

Emroy Edwards took the two wickets which the Grammar School lost.

Petit Bordel made hard work of their pursuit for victory, eventually being all out in 22 overs for 113, with a top score of 42 coming from Zalpheus Medica.

The North Leeward boys had little answer to a combination of top bowling from Reynolly Hillocks, 3 for 31, Devonti McDowall, 2 for 25, and Soloman Bascombe, 2 for 26.

When the individual awards were handed out, Devonti McDowall was rcognised as the highest run-getter with a total of 128; Reynolly Hillocks as the top wicket-taker with 14 scalps; and Devonti McDowall the top allrounder with 128 runs and 11 wickets.

Six schools took part in the championship which was played in a round robin format. They were Thomas Saunders, Petit Bordel, Sandy Bay, George Stephens, St. Vincent Grammar School, and Georgetown.

Trophies for the Championship were donated by Glenroy “Hart” Durrant, a born Vincentian who represented Victors Cricket Club before he migrated to the USA. He has been sponsoring this segment of school cricket for a number of years.

I.B.A.ALLEN Devonti McDowall - the Championship’s top allrounder receives his award from Samuel Holder, Secretary of the SVG Cricket Association.

Petit Bordel, runner-up in the 2019 Under 15 Secondary Schools Cricket Championship.

St. Vincent Grammar School, 2019 Under 15 Secondary Schools Cricket Champs.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 15 , 2019. 25.

26. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019. 27.

Classifieds

ADVERTISING SPACE - Tel: 456--1123

SHELOMITH FILLICESHATHOMAS Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Kingstown Park Monday, 11th March, 2019 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

MRS. HERLENA SHIRLEY DASILVA nee JOHNNEY South Rivers Methodist Church Saturday, 9th March, 2019 Viewing: 1:30 p.m.

Sing Along: 2:30 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

DOREEN MANNERS St. George's Cathedral Saturday, 9th March, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

CORVILLE MCCARTHY GRANT Port Elizabeth Evangelical Church Monday, 11th March, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

KEIRON MUSTAPHA ADRIAN WILLIAMS

ROCINA SMALL CAMBRIDGE aka ‘RoRo’

Kingstown Methodist Church Thursday, 7th March, 2019 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

Georgetown Methodist Church Saturday, 9th March, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R

A.I. REAL ESTATE Greiggs 65,358 sq.ft @ $2.00 p.s.f. - $130,716.00 - BB198 Museum house on 17,798 sq.ft. - $905,000.00 - H123

S A L E

FRIDAY,

MARCH 15, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.11

Ottley Hall 4 bedrm Property on 3,312 sq.ft.

- $121,120.00 - H529 (784)- 457-2087 office (784)-533-0431 whatsapp (784)-493-9431 cell (718)-807-4376 office donp@vincysurf.com www.aisvg.com facebook.com/airealestatesvg

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

EMERA PULLS OUT OF GEOTHERMAL PARTNERSHIP

Earth-works related to the Geothermal Plant began here in 2018.

by DAYLE DA SILVA

ONE OF THE ORIGINAL partners in this country’s Geothermal Project has pulled out, delaying the signing of the power purchase agreement.

Dr Ralph Gonsalves said in Parliament on Monday that the government had received notification from Emera Caribbean Incorporated (ECI) on October 25, 2018, that it was not in the company’s best interest for them to remain in the project, and gave notice of their intention to exit the agreement.

He was at the time responding to a question posed by Leader of the Opposition, Dr Godwin Friday who had asked for an update on the power purchase agreement.

Emera, Reykjavik Geothermal of Iceland and the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines had entered into a partnership - registered as St. Vincent Geothermal Company Limited [SVGCL]) in 2015 - to undertake the exploration and eventual construction and commissioning of a Geothermal Plant, using La Soufriere volcano as its source. The plant was expected to generate 15 megawatts (MH) of power initially.

The estimated cost of the project has been put at US$91 million, excluding transmission lines, which are estimated to cost between US$14 and US$16 million.

In keeping with the objectives and safeguarding against any reputational harm to themselves, Emera entered

into a sale purchase and option agreement, and has sold its shares to Reykjavik Geothermal, making it the majority partner with 51%, with the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines holding the remaining 49%.

But, Gonsalves said that the government has expressed an interest in gaining the majority shares, to which he said Reykjavik had no objection.

Reykjavik, though, has requested that the government enters into a service agreement with them, and, according to the Prime Minister, “that is the area, broadly speaking, where we want to go.

“Clearly, after the drilling, we have to work out arrangements as to how that infrastructure cost would be handled if and when we get the majority shareholding,” Dr. Gonsalves said.

Both parties agreed that nothing should be altered until the quality of the resource has been realized.

Signs of progress as per the geothermal project.

In giving a further update on the project, Dr. Gonsalves said that the drilling equipment was expected to arrive in early April, and that drilling was earmarked for commencement in May. The Geothermal power development targets the southern And in an slopes of the La Soufriere volcano. effort to ensure next to Biabou Playing Field; that residents within the immediate area of the site of the project and those Calliaqua —Saturday, March 23 at 3.00 PM at the Calliaqua Town Hall; (residents) along the path of Georgetown —Monday, March 25 at distribution are kept up to date on 3.00 PM at the Dickson Methodist developments with respect to the School; Arnos Vale —Wednesday, Geothermal project, and to address March 27 at 6.00 PM at the Arnos their concerns, the St. Vincent Vale Playing Field; Sandy Geothermal Company Limited (SVGCL) will host a series of meetings Bay —Thursday, March 28 at 3.00 PM at the Sandy Bay Primary School. as follows: Orange Hill —Thursday, Residents of these areas are hopeful March 21 at 2.30 PM at the Orange Hill Agriculture Biotechnology Centre; that the Company would address the Byera — Friday, March 22 at 3.30p.m. concerns about drilling and the noise involved, among other concerns related at the Byera Square (between Mas to general heatlh and well being Tuckey and Cool Spot); Biabou —Friday, March 22 at 5.30 PM issues.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.