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FRIDAY,

APRIL 15, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.16

www.thevincentian.com

SVGS LOSES STUDENT TO DROWNING

EC$1.50

15-year-old Akeili Latham was seen as a model student by many at the school.

Members of the Grammar School Young Leaders comforting each other in the aftermath of the incident.

Below: Headmaster Curtis King attempting to boost the morale of Young Leaders members.

by GLORIAH…

FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD AKEILI LATHAM of North Union, a student of the St. Vincent Grammar School (SVGS), lost his life by drowning last Saturday, 9th April. He was among some twenty-six members of the school’s Young Leaders group visiting the island of Bequia, as part of the winding-down phase of the group’s project.

Buoyed by this year’s Young Leaders broad theme, ‘Me, You, We — A Shared Vision for a Better Society’, and the school’s specific theme, ‘Know Yourself, Know Your Worth’, the outing was intended to facilitate a spreading of this philosophy to the community in Bequia, and to continue fostering camaraderie among the group.

Unofficial reports suggest that it was when the latter intention was being pursued through a game of football at Princess Margaret beach, that tragedy struck.

The details on the incident remain uncertain. Suffice it to say, Curtis King, Headmaster of the SVGS, commented: “While on that outing, it was reported that one of our students got into trouble in the water, and the end result is that we had a fatality.

They have not yet completed the post mortem, so we have to await that before we could speak further.”

Relief among the grief

Primcipal of the St Vincent Grammar School was visibly distraught upon arrival at the Grendines Wharf last Saturday.

On the day in question, THE VINCENTIAN was present at the Grenadines wharf when the interisland vessel returned to the mainland with the Young Leaders among its passenger complement.

Continued on Page 3.

2. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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

News 3

SVGS loses student to drowning Continued from Front Page.

The atmosphere was rife with grief and impatient anticipation as parents, teachers, and other concerned individuals counted the seconds towards setting eyes on their loved ones. Albeit, the ship’s docking signaled the release of pent up emotions, as mothers and Minister of Education, Hon. St. Clair Prince in fathers hustled to discussion with the counsellors on Monday. their children, told them, “you must not apparently, not having screaming their names repeat them and been in Bequia. and hugging them.

More negative reports, speculate.” He reminded They were them that life was about comments and opinions expressively sorry for difficulties, and that the what had happened but, have since surfaced, as institution’s forefathers blasé individuals have like any other parent in chosen to maximize their were not wrong when the situation, they were access to social media. It selecting the school’s relieved that their motto, ‘Per Aspera Ad was about statements children were safe.

Astra’, meaning ‘Through Sadly, it was right on like these that Headmaster Curtis King rough ways to the stars’. that spot that the He said that the school is warned his ‘boys’ as he negative propaganda now more focused on started. One insensitive consoled them on what is positive and Monday, 11th. man was heard to be getting the students back “You will hear berating the teachers to a state of normalcy. negative comments,” he and the school, he,

Akeili Latham That state, of course, will have to deal with Akeili’s absence. But who was Akeili Latham?

According to the school’s counsellor, Mrs. Heather Richards McCalmon, he was a model student.

“No one is perfect, but for want of a better word, my impression of Akeili is ‘perfect’,” she opined, “He was just able to do everything very well. He was highly reliable, very positive, and someone you can call on at the last minute to do Several members of THE VINCENTIAN staff had the something for you. He opportunity to interact with Akeili at the St Vincent was selfless, always Grammar School’s Career Fair last year. Afterward, smiling, very pleasant, a he co-wrote the article for the event with reporter true friend.”

Kenville Horne (both are pictured above). THE She affirmed that he VINCENTIAN extends our condolences to the had cut across all the family and friends of the late Akeili Latham, who extra-curricular activities was truly an amazing young man.

Counsellors made themselves available to help the boys cope with the tragedy. that the school had to offer. “He was the President of the InterSchool Christian Fellowship, a peer counsellor, a member of the Heritage Club and the Young Leaders group,” she added.

The Headmaster, teachers and students’ account of the fallen student’s legacy was poignantly parallel to the counsellor’s.

Minister’s support Minister of Education, Hon. St Clair Prince expressed his sorrow on the tragedy.

“I’m still trying to wrap my mind around this tragedy, something that hits you very, very hard. Coming into the Ministry, at this early time, it has hit me for six. I still have not come to terms with it. In time, I will; however, my thoughts and prayers are with the family, students - the entire school population. I know how it is to lose someone, especially so young, and I hope that with the support we are

providing, we are able to make some dent in the grief being felt by the people involved,” Prince said.

Chief Education Officer, Lou-Anne Gilchrist had assured the gathering on the

Grenadines wharf last Saturday that a web of support, led by the counsellors, would be provided to the school.

Headmaster Curtis King expressed his gratitude for the profuse outpouring of support.

WE ERRED OUR APOLOGIES to Ms. Kay Bacchus-Browne, eminent Barrister-at-Law, for having misrepresented her in our article captioned ‘Petitions Still Intact’, carried on pages 1 and 3 of our issue of Friday 8th April, 2016.

We said, inter alia, ‘She (Ms. Bacchus-Browne) admitted, however, that if the submission was put forward again, then it might be successful’.

Further, we captioned an accompanying photograph of her as follows: ‘Kay BacchusBrowne, a member of the legal team for the petitioners, expressed some concern that on being re-filed, that that submission could prove successful’.

WE stand corrected and now produced what Ms. Bacchus-Browne said in referring to what Judge Cottle said in his judgement: “As far as I am concerned, should the respondents renew their application to strike out by bringing it using the correct procedure, I fail to see how they can succeed, since on the face of both recognizances there are clear sureties named therein, and the recognizance was vetted and ·sworn to before the competent and legally trained Registrar of the High Court, Ms. Andrea Young Lewis. Anyone can get hold of the recognizance and examine them for themselves!”

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4. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Court hopeless in going forward, and “we ought, not to waste judicial time.”

The Crown Counsel cited that, while there was evidence of recruitment, the prosecution would have had problems proving the element of exploitation.

“There was evidence that he recruited them (the three Jamaicans) with the intention that they were going to be part owners in his business, particularly in relation to Dervant Clarke and Jacqueline Palmer, and he applied for their work permit. He said that in the interim, they were helping out, matter have been lauded for while they (Jamaicans) said they were working but their effort. were not paid,” Nelson explained.

The commendation came When asked for a comment on the police decision from Crown Counsel Karim to lay charges, Nelson pointed out that, “A Nelson who led the case for complaint was made to the police in relation to the prosecution. certain things. The police felt that, based on their “They (police) ought to be experience and training, this was a possible case of commended. The important Human Trafficking. They launched an investigation, thing is that they made an the charges were laid and the matter was ventilated effort. But it must be in court.” remembered that the state’s The state lawyer added, “If the state could role is not to seek a identify certain ingredients of Human Trafficking, conviction at all costs, but to the state has a responsibility, not only in terms of ensure that justice is done”, local law, but also international law because we Nelson told THE have signed on to treaties.”

VINCENTIAN on Monday.

Nelson said the police felt they had sufficient Adrian Deane, 61-year-old evidence to charge.

Crown Counsel baker of Brighton, was According to Nelson, charged on three counts of Karim Nelson “Sometimes you might figure Human Trafficking, allegedly admitted that the committed against three case against Adrian you have a case on paper, but Jamaicans, two men and a Deane was hopeless when the witnesses are tested woman, between May 11 and going forward. by cross-examination, you will September 30 last year, at see certain gaps in the case, Brighton. and we saw that we would The matter collapsed at the Serious Offences have had problems proving Court on Thursday, April 7, following the exploitation.” testimonies and cross-examination of the first two Nelson noted that in this prosecution witnesses. case, over 25 witnesses were After hearing the evidence of Director of the Anti- listed to testify.

Trafficking in Persons Unit (ATIPU) Supt. Ruth Deane was not only the Jacobs, who also heads the Criminal Investigation first person to be charged Department (CID), and Dervant Clarke, one of the under the Prevention of three virtual complainants in the matter, Nelson Trafficking in Persons Act, informed the court that the prosecution was but he was also the first discontinuing the case. person to be charged since the Adrian Deane was A prosecutor is not required to give the court the first to be tried Anti-Trafficking in Persons reason/reasons for discontinuing a matter. and the first to be However, Nelson told THE VINCENTIAN, when Unit (ATIPU) of the Royal St. acquitted on a Vincent and the Grenadines contacted later, that, based on witness statements Human Trafficking Police Force was established and having heard the evidence of Supt. Jacobs and charge. in 2012.

Clarke, the prosecution concluded that the case was

Case collapses, but investigators lauded Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS DESPITE the recent collapse of the case involving the first person here to be charged under the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act of 2011, investigators in the

Mason charged with ‘thiefing electricity’ A 46-YEAR-OLD mason of Richland Park will appear at the Mesopotamia Magistrate’s Court on April 29 on charges of abstraction of electricity, commonly called ‘thiefing (stealing) current’ or ‘thiefing (stealing) electricity’.

Hancell Francis is charged that on January 29, 2016, he dishonestly and without lawful excuse used electricity at Richland Park.

Hancell Francis has to Francis, otherwise be one of a very few, known as Hancell if any, who have been Francois, is also charged with causing electricity to charged with this offence. be diverted, on January 29, 2016 at Richland Park.

Francis pleaded not guilty to both charges when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court, on Monday.

He was granted $2,000 bail with one surety, and the matter was transferred to the Mesopotamia Court for hearing on April 29.

Francis is alleged to have made a connection to his home from a nearby VINLEC electricity pole.

Francis was arrested following investigations led by Corporal Gamal Bowens of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Wanted man detained, then released GODWIN SAM, who was deemed ‘wanted’ and ‘armed and dangerous’ has been released without charges.

He was taken into police custody on Monday, after he presented himself to the police accompanied by his lawyer Grant Connell, but was released on Wednesday.

Police had issued a release last month stating that Sam, a 54year-old labourer of Sion Hill, was wanted in connection with a series of offences, including burglary, and that he was believed to be armed and dangerous.

The lawmen had requested the public’s assistance in locating Sam, but had warned persons not to approach him, if spotted.

When contacted, Connell told THE VINCENTIAN, “The police wanted my client, he was carried in, he spoke to them, answered whatever questions he was asked, and after 48

hours, there were no charges, and he was released.”

The procedure is that a person detained should be charged within 48 hours or released.

An official at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) told THE VINCENTIAN that Sam was released pending further investigations.

Police had been on the hunt for Sam and another suspect following an incident at Layou Godwin Sam on March 27, in which gunshots turned himself in were fired and one man was to the police. subsequently discovered with bullet wounds.

Police reports are that around 3:45 a.m., the officer on duty at the Layou residence of Deputy Prime Minister Sir Louis Straker, spotted three masked men carrying a vault.

Reports are that the officer approached the men and identified himself as a police officer. An incident followed in which gunshots were fired and the men fled leaving the vault.

Nyron Morgan of New Prospect was subsequently discovered in a boat on the Layou beach with bullet wounds to his upper body, about 200 yards from where the men were seen with the vault.

Morgan was transported to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital where he was warded, and subsequently discharged. He was taken into police custody and charged with handling stolen goods.

Morgan appeared in court, pleaded not guilty, and the matter was adjourned to May.

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

Regional

Martinique now an Associate Member of the OECS

FRANCE has formally presented Instruments to officially complete requirements for Martinique’s accession to Associate Membership of the OECS. Philippe Seigneurin, Deputy Head of Mission from the Embassy of the Republique of France, officially presented the instruments to the Director General of the OECS Dr. Didacus Jules, during a formal ceremony on Thursday, April 7th, 2016 at the OECS Commission Headquarters, Castries, Saint Lucia.

“It’s a great day for Martinique, for the French Government and for me. because and I quote: “With reference to article 1 of the agreement signed in Shoelcher on February 4th, 2015 between the government of the French Republique and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, defining the modalities for admitting Martinique to Associate Membership of the OECS,’ I have the honour and the privilege and the pleasure to inform you that the procedures required by the constitution of the Republique for the entry into force of the said agreement

Philippe Seigneurin (right), Deputy Head of Mission from the Embassy of the Republique of France, officially presents the instruments to Director General of the OECS Dr. Didacus Jules.

have been completed.”

Director General of the OECS Dr. Didacus Jules expressed jubilation for Martinique’s official confirmation of Accession to the OECS: “We would like to express our deepest appreciation to the French Republic through its Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. JeanMarc Ayrault for assiduously pushing this through the legislative processes required for its proclamation. We also would like to recognize the historical commitment of President of the Executive Council of the Territorial Authority Hon. Alfred Marie Jeanne who has consistently advocated the

welcome Martinique into our fold.

Their contribution and participation is a very important milestone for the OECS. It shows an interest of other countries in being a part of our forward movement as an organisation.

I am just happy that finally we could embrace Martinique as a Member (Associate)of the OECS.” On February 4th, 2015, Martinique made the historic step towards membership of the OECS when the French overseas territory formally signed the documents to initiate accession to Associate Membership to the sub regional grouping. (Source; OECS Media release)

CARICOM banks under threat CARICOM governments will, a month or more after having agreed to take action, hold discussion with United States authorities on a threat to what

‘Take action against T&T,’ urges Mahfood TRINIDAD AND JAMAICA are at one another’s throat again.

The latest spat involves at least one private sector organization in the two CARICOM partner countries, but was occasioned by what is an indirectly related incident.

The call to ‘take action against T&T’ came from William Mahfood, President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), who called for a temporary restriction on some goods from T&T, over the alleged ill-treatment of Jamaicans at Piarco International Airport on March 21, 2016.

According to media reports from Jamaica, Mahfood wants some action against T&T, though not specified, until this country honours its obligations under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

He said Jamaica must stand up for its rights especially in the face of T&T continued restriction of free movement of Jamaica citizens.

Mahfood’s ire was made public following complaints by two Jamaican nationals that they were ill-treated on their arrival at Piarco airport.

The two were apparently among a group of 12 Jamaicans who were denied entry into T&T on March 22 of this year.

Even before he, Mahfood, issued his call, there were calls among Jamaicans, for a boycott of goods from this T&T. This is not the first time that there have been calls in Jamaica for a trade boycott of T&T. In 2013, Jamaican manufacturers raised concerns that T&T exporters were violating trade rules by misrepresenting products as being of CARICOM origin, allowing them to

integration of Martinique into the family of the Caribbean. …. Today we embrace once again but in an official manner our sister Martinique in the family of the OECS. Welcome again sister, your time has come, let us continue walking together.”

Staff of the OECS Commission and OECS Commissioners were among the invitees to witness the handing over of the Instruments of Accession.

Also in attendance was Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ambassador to the OECS His Excellency Ellsworth John, who shared his elation with the ceremony: “I couldn’t miss the opportunity to

The T&T Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), headed

by Dr. Rolph Balgobin (pictured), has denied that Trinidad has breached any CARICOM protocol related to issues of trade.

William Mahfood, President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), wants action against T7T for their breach of CARICOM protocols related to freedom of movement and goods within the region.

benefit from lower customs duties and price advantages in their market.

This moved some persons to urge the authorities in Jamaica to consider fighting the issue up to the CCJ level.

This did not materialise.

Goods from CARICOM member states which meet rules of origin are traded duty-free throughout the region, but a common external tariff is usually applied on products originating from outside CARICOM, However, the T&T Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) denied the claims by their Jamaican counterparts. (Source; Jamaica media)

some say is to targeted at the very survival of indigenous banks in the region.

The threat has to do with indications from authorities in the US that they will withdraw correspondent While some US banking services to banks are banks and other threatening to cut financial agencies in off correspondent the CARICOM banking services to region.

CARICOM banks, Correspondent others, like Floridabanks are financial based Stonegate institutions that Bank, have provide services on established correspondent behalf of another PM Gaston Browne, Head of the financial institution. banking CARICOM delegation, promised relationship with They are used by to be stern and ‘up-in-your-face’ Cuban financial banks in one country with US authorities on the to conduct business in institutions. matter of correspondent (Credit: a foreign country. banking services. (Credit: miamiherald.com) What the threat Caribbean 360) entailed is a loss, especially moreso by we are being treated unfairly,” indigenous banks, of access to the TTonline.ors quotes Browne said in a international financial markets. statement about his plans for the Reports are that CARICOM heads meeting in Jamaica. meeting in February addressed the “We have been labelled as tax issue after there were signals from the havens and accused of lax tax regimes US banks about their unwillingness to and avenues for money laundering and ‘continue to carrying their (indigenous terrorism financing, yet there is banks) business - he threatening absolutely no evidence to support some’. these allegations…In all instances Now, TTonline.org reported on April where banks and financial institutions 5, that Prime Minister of Antigua and have to pay penalties on such matters, Barbuda, Gaston Browne, will head a not one CARICOM nation has ever high-level advocacy group for been involved. This cannot be right, it discussions at the US-Caribbean cannot be just,” PM Browne added.

Public-Private Dialogue on The move by global banks threatens Correspondent Banking, in Jamaica, to impact several critical services all in an effort to ward off the threat including remittance transfers. from banks Correspondent banks in International trade, the facilitation the US. of credit card settlements for local “I intend to forcefully put forward clients are among the other effects the CARICOM’s position on this matter to region faces. the US authorities because I believe

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6. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Dr. Roxie Irish honoured speaker. “As God’s representative, I do nothing to promote myself. I give all thanks and praise to God for choosing me as His servant.

“I don’t want to be famous; I just want to be effective for my God,” she continued.

Irish was nominated for the award

by Veronica Phillips, a top PDPA executive and native of Ratho Mill, who was also a former PDPA honoree.

Besides Irish and Phillips, over the years, PDPA has honoured a number of outstanding Vincentian community figures, ex-netball stars and professionals including Sports Ambassadors Stella Boyea and Gailene Windsor, Ancilla Friday, Celia Bramble, Verna Arthur, Karen Marks and Dofflyn King.

investing in the younger generation “guarantee a strong and successful nation.”

In 2003, she founded UVCGB, a group of 30 nationals, who, she said, are “committed” to FAMILY MEMBERS, friends, supporters, providing medical supplies and fellow Christians, co-members of the other charitable donations, United Vincie Cultural Group in Brooklyn inclusive of an annual donation of (UVCGB) and former members of the clothing, toys and school supplies, Vincentian netball fraternity were to the people of St. Vincent and present Sunday (April 3) evening, to Dr. Roxie Irish receives award from the Grenadines. support former national netball star Dr. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (L) Irish said the group has conducted Roxie Irish as she was honoured by a and Ex-NYC Councilmember Dr. Una three medical missions to date to St. major political club in Brooklyn, New S.T. Clarke.

Vincent and the Grenadines.

York.

UVCGB also provides donations Irish, a Born-Again Christian who Stella Boyea-Ashby, who skippered and/or support to other nations in represented the nation in netball in the national netball team for about 14 times of disaster or severe crisis, the the 1980s, was honoured by the years, from the 1970s-80s, and was Haiti Relief Fund being a beneficiary Brooklyn-based Progressive last October named a Sports in this regard.

Democratic Political Association Ambassador of SVG, said she was Dr. Irish said she is “deeply (PDPA), headed by Jamaican-born “proud to call Roxie a friend.” committed to making full proof of her former New York City Council Member Who is Roxie She said she could “take bragging ministry” because, she said, she knows Dr. Una S.T. Clarke. that “to whom much is given, much is rights as one of Irish’s mentors.

Irish migrated to Brooklyn, new Irish, UVCGB president, who was “May God continue to bless her, as required.”

York in 1986 and joined the Miracle born in Vermont but grew up in she performs work in this part of His Temple Ministries (MTM).

Dr. Yvonne McDonald, the Campden Park, was among 16 vineyard,” Boyea-Asby told THE In her capacity as youth minister, Jamaican-born executive pastor at honorees at the annual ‘Women VINCENTIAN during the ceremony. she said she has “empowered the youth First Community Triumphant Celebrating Women’ gala event, to “Congrats, Dr. Roxie Irish!” of MTM, as well as other church mark Women’s History Month, at Cathedral on Church Avenue in communities, not only in New York but Brooklyn, who was among Irish’s Irish’s elder brother, Stephen Tropical Paradise Ballroom on Utica in other States, as well as in Canada Gabriel, said he was proud to see his Avenue in Brooklyn. friends and supporters at the event, and the Caribbean.”

New York City’s First Lady, described her as “a die-hard fighter for sister “grow every step of the way.

Through her ministry — teaching, Chirlane McCree, wife of Mayor Bill “Roxie has definitely worked hard in young people’s rights and spiritual counselling and mentorship — Irish, deBlasio, who traces her roots to St. the community and deserves this development,” who “gives of herself who gave the opening prayer at Lucia and Barbados, was also among award,” Gabriel said. and her time unconditionally.” the honorees at the standing-room-only Sunday’s gala, said many youths and event that was attended by the Mayor. adults have made positive lifechanging decisions.

“This was a total surprise,” Irish, a She oversees the mentorship youth minister at the Miracle Temple programs at MTM — “Growing in Ministries (MTM), a Pentecostal IT RAINED heavily Grace” (GNG) and “Just Brothers church in the Brownsville section of for most of Saturday Ministry” (JBM).

Brooklyn, told THE VINCENTIAN in (April 2) morning, Irish was instrumental in an exclusive interview. “The fact that but that did not establishing the ‘Vincent S. Somers someone would nominate me for an Scholarship’, which offers financial and prevent die-hard award is humbling indeed. supporters from academic support to graduating high “Everything I do is to the honour participating in the school seniors. and glory of God,” added the popular 2nd Annual Walk-aDr. Irish said that believing and sought-after preacher and motivational ton, aimed at raising funds to aid the participation of Vincentian athletes in the prestigious Penn Relays in Walkers pose before participating in Walk-a-ton.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. of the Richmond Hill Government The event — which took place at the sprawling Marine Park, at the southern School, renamed Thomas Saunders Secondary School [TSSS], said she had a tip of Brooklyn, New York, and organized by the Brooklyn-based group vested interest in supporting the school’s athletes.

Club St. Vincent, Inc. — drew support Millington, a Sion Hill native, said a not only from club members but also number of people had financially from a cross-section of the Vincentian pledged to the Walk-a-ton and had community.

Walkers, obviously, donned rain gear expressed interest in walking, but Supporters and friends with Dr. Roxie Irish after the honor ceremony. stayed home because of the treacherous and warm clothing, and protected weather. themselves further by using large “I think we need to know rain will umbrellas in the blustery, cold weather, not melt salt,” she said in jest. “They as they navigated around the scenic pledged, but it rained. It was coming park. down very heavy, but we had good “It think it went well,” Ancilla camaraderie. It’ll [Walk-a-ton] continue.

Friday, Club St. Vincent, Inc.’s public We’re committed to helping [the relations officer and main co-ordinator athletes].” of the event, told THE VINCENTIAN, Laverne McDowald-Thompson, the in an exclusive interview, afterwards.

Chateaubelair-born president of the “Some people did not come because of Brooklyn-based umbrella Vincentian the rain, but we walked to raise funds organization in the US, Council of St. for these athletes and to get some Vincent and the Grenadines exercise as well.

Organizations, U.S.A, Inc. (COSAGO), “We had a good crowd, nice crowd,” told THE VINCENTIAN that “the cold added the Ratho Mill native, who first and rainy weather weren’t any match broached the idea to club members for the stalwart supporters who came when she was president two years ago. out to take part in the Walk-a-ton, “We’ve established a good relationship organized by Club St. Vincent Inc., a with the people [administrators] at member of COSAGO”.

Marine Park, and this event will grow.

James Cordice, the Clare Valley-born “The T-shirts [promoting the event] behind the nation’s participation in the were added incentives, and I’m very excited about the event,” she continued. relays, assured that he has been working very hard on preparations for Former president, now trustee, Sandra Millington, an erstwhile teacher the country’s fifth consecutive year vie.

Stories and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT

Walking in the rain for Penn Relays

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

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8. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Editorial

The bitter of a bitter-sweet week LAST WEEK was a bitter-sweet one for the OECS. Not that we should ever expect that every week would be sweet or for that matter bitter.

We have to take the bitter with the sweet; to take the rough with the calm, if we are to find that proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

And oh, how our political leaders — our Heads of Government — promise that pot of gold! How they make us believe that they have the answers to our sorry state; that they hold the key(s) to our future, or that they know how to read the stars so as to navigate us through the thick and thin!

God knows our political leaders have had their share of abuse. Here in SVG, they face it daily from the now ‘confined-to-a-select-group’ of regular callers to an abundance of Talk Radio programmes, and more recently on that ‘thing’ we have embraced with gusto — that ‘thing’ we call ‘social media’.

The hands that post those ‘nothings’ on the seemingly endless blank but inviting spaces on ‘social media’, need not fear reprisals for their over exuberance, or so it seems.

It has been a tit for tat affair, as far as the two dominant political forces here are concerned; with neither being able to rein in those who express reasoned or unreasoned support for them.

But to the bitterness that erupted in our face this week.

It should not have hit us with the suddenness that it did, but when it was disclosed that CARICOM was mounting a delegation to hold talks with US authorities, with respect to correspondent banking services (see page 5), certain Caribbean interests stood still for a moment.

What is bothersome, is that it appears our leaders want us to know only certain things that affect us as a region; but when threats abound to our very livelihood, to those institutions that manifest the Caribbean civilization of which they make boast, it’s none of our business.

Some things, it appears, are simply not politically expedient to release.

If the truth be told, the banking sector, especially in the OECS, has reverted to a complexion against which much was made as we moved into grappling with our independent status. Too much of our money was being funnelled out of our countries, sometimes literally remitted by private plane. Political mileage was made about this remittance; how it

was a drain on our economies; and demands were made that we should share in the vast profits the banking sector reaped at our expense.

Before too long, some of those multi-lateral corporations, e.g.

Barclays, Royal Bank of Canada, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), sought to devolve their interests. New Caribbean investments were born, and it seemed that Caribbean people were beginning to ‘own’ the banking sector within their geographical space.

This, however, did not stop the later entry of the Bank of Nova Scotia into, especially, the OECS. But while Barclays, for all intents and purposes, ran with their profits, the Royal Bank of Canada and a disguised CIBC (FCIB) have returned to join Nova Scotia to drain our economies of our hard earned dollars, albeit with a much more legislatively and institutionally strengthened Eastern Caribbean Central Bank to watch dog this situation on our behalf.

So when we hear of problems afoot with correspondent banking services, rest assured that this does not include those afore-referred multinational (banking) corporations.

Those under serious threat are our locally grown ‘Savings and Loans entities’ that have evolved into fullfledged banks, like the St. Vincent Co-operative Bank, and the Credit Unions, who today offer services much akin to those offered by mainstream commercial banks.

It is the truly indigenous financial institutions that face the wrath of the financial Goliaths of the US. Can our leaders stand up to these juggernauts? Are our leaders prepared, informed so to do? Who are their advisors? Are they going to be assertive, or are they going cap in hand to meet with these authorities?

We can only put our hope, as we have done so often, in the hands of those we have elected to represent us, and pray that we are not sold for thirty pieces of silver.

We might want to hold our heads and bawl, when we think about what the loss of correspondent banking services by indigenous financial entities here would mean. More bawling when we consider what we stand to lose as a people, who have grappled with building a ‘civilization’ that we can hold up to the world.

Is this another litmus test for our leaders?

The Kingstown Chorale at 60 years THE KINGSTOWN CHORALE celebrates its 60th anniversary this year on the 17th April with a Service of Thanksgiving at the Methodist Church at 5 pm.

In SVG clubs, societies and other organisations are noted for a high infant mortality rate. So when an institution lasts for 60 years, with the promise of many more to go, it certainly is deserving of praises and prayers.

Pat Prescod, who was the founder which this memorable institution has survived, came from a musical family of the Prescods, and his rise to fame and accomplishments are best captured in tributes to him, particularly one written by his younger brother Fred. I had a little taste of this maestro when I attended the Boys Grammar School at which, like “Shake” Keane before him, he had been the music teacher.

As he approached death at the Thompson Home, I regularly visited and took along pizzas which I found out to be a specialty with him. I also reminded him of his feat in school sports, breaking a record in the hurdles, which probably remains to this day.

Also gone but not forgotten, are some stalwart members —from Mrs. Theodore Saunders to Nolle Patterson among the women, and Alphonso Millington, Albert Lawrence, Kenny Durrant and Ardon Daisley among the men.

Beryl Richards and Yvonne Allen remain as former members.

The Kingstown Chorale stands out as a beacon of hope for the Vincentians who yearn for political peace, showing that it is possible for persons of different stripes to co-exist in harmony.

The Kingstown Chorale knows that I am a true worshipper of theirs. So, at one Christmas season when they went out singing and spreading the Christmas cheer, they honoured my home as one selected for the treat - the mountain had come to Mohammed!

It is by far the most glittering and appreciated trophy ever donated to me!

May the Kingstown Chorale go on till Thy Kingdom come, with Jeanne and John Horne, Gillian and Lennox John, Miss Calma Balcombe and Mr Clifford Edwards et al, following in the

footsteps of our supreme, the humble Patrick Prescod.

MARGARET LONDON QUITS THE SCENE (“This Week”, September 30th 2011) “I believe that the current loss of Margaret London, however temporary, has dealt a whip-lash to the N.D.P in their quest for Government.

Margaret’s decision to take up a job and residence in Trinidad came to us, loyal listeners of her midday-Saturday N.D.P programme, as a blow below the belt. Even Margaret herself seemed surprised at the turn of events, as she dropped news of it at the end of her presentation to a stunned audience, as if it were a simple after- thought.

But for once, Margaret herself was struck by the moment of what she was divulging: choked with emotion, and with tearful eyes that we could almost see, she stuttered her acceptance of a job to be taken up in Trinidad, thanked her many friends and well-wishers, and declared, like U.S General Mac Arthur on leaving Vietnam: “I shall return”.

I believe that Margaret left with a heavy heart, though not with bitterness. I was now getting to know her and suspect that the feelings were mutual. If I could have offered advice, it would have been to ask her to cool down, take it easy; a measured response and deliberate pace are what are required in the circumstances.

I believe that Margaret considered me a true friend. She dropped by me Sunday on her way to the airport, to which she drove her car as sole occupant along with her personal stuff.

I could only wish her God-speed, a joyful and quick return, whenever, as I planted a kiss on her tear-stained cheek, “Au Revoir, Margaret.”

The foregoing was penned in sympathy with Margaret. Ralph called me on the issue, sounding somewhat sorry but, I believed, in his heart laughing at the “happy riddance” of a persistent nuisance which gnawed frighteningly at the supposed majesty of his political edifice. Watch out, she is back with a vengeance!

Now, Margaret, wiser, saner and more knowledgeable is tearing away at his tottering regime.

V

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

Letters

In response to “Cry of a House owner in Bequia” EDITOR’S NOTE: Having allowed Mr. Peder Johnson space to air his ‘concerns’, we have allowed this response even though it exceeds the limit for the letter page.

Where to begin? We are in fact homeowners in Lower Bay. For the Canadian winter months. we reside in our board house about 40 yards below the property line of Peder Johnson. Our house was built in 1998 by a local person and crew, and is 35’ x 35’. We have been coming to Lower Bay for 32 years. We do not rent our house.

“House Owner” says Mr. Johnson. In fact, he owns a hotel that rents out for approximately $1,500.00US per night or $10,000US per week; more at Christmas.

There are six

Getting what you deserve SO VENEZUELAN workers (non-work permitted–the new permits cost too much) are being brought in to “teach” Vincentian shipyard workers how to do their job–workers that have been repairing and rebuilding ships and boats of all types and from all countries for years, while Vincentian workers are being terminated without severance, due to a downturn in business, and NIS contributions are not being paid.

The shipyard’s website would seem to reflect a growth in business and continuing prosperity.

What stinks here?

Was the Vincentian public advised, at the time of the turnover, that the new operators of the Ottley Hall shipyard were Venezuelans? Wouldn’t there have been an outcry at such a revelation? This is what you voted for. You get what you deserve.

HJA

from the restaurant, the Simmons family operate seven modest rental units below our property and directly across the road from their Adjacent Land Owners The two houses below restaurant. There is never a complaint from Mr. Johnson, owned by any locals, residents of Mr. Hazell and Mr. de Reef units, us, or any McVie, have suffered other rental houses tremendous water Connection to Lower damage, and in the case about the twice yearly Bay parties at de Reef.

Peder Johnson has no of Mr. McVie, damage De Reef is the major connection to the from sewage seeping into employer in Lower Bay. community of Lower Bay. his small plot and At least a dozen families We have been asking 20x20ft board are directly supported by ourselves the following: house. This problem De Reef. The Simmons How many of the 107 continues to this day, family is a mainstay in inhabitants has Mr. despite years of Johnson met? How complaints to the Health Lower Bay and Bequia in general. They are many Lower Bay Department and Mr. dealing with their own inhabitants have visited Belmar. There have him in his homeland? been countless times that tragedy. No one has How much help has Mr. both Mr. Belmar and the contributed more to Johnson provided to Health Department tried Lower Bay than the Simmons family for the anyone in Lower Bay? to have the problem last 40 plus years. It is How many visa corrected, to no avail. It extremely difficult to applications has he really shows no concern operate a seasonal helped people fill out? for the ordinary Lower business anywhere in the Has he ever been to the Bay resident. world and here, I am funeral of a person in De Reef sure the two nights in Bequia?

De Reef commenced question become most The answers to these operation in 1973. Aside critical. questions are quite the

bedrooms, an infinity pool, tennis court, weight room, etc. This structure is truly what is out of place in Lower Bay. Physically, it is just what we in Lower Bay have quietly fought against for many years.

opposite for those of us who feel a deep and close connection to Bequia and to Bequians.

The True Nuisance

revelation that Ottley Hall Marina is now in the hands of a Venezuelan lessor? It’s not bad enough that it is eliminating skilled Vincentian workers in favour of undocumented Venezuelans, but it was

This statement is not

never announced at the time that the Government signed the agreement, that the operators of the shipyard would be Venezuelans.

So does anyone care, or is this business as usual? Money flows here,

money flows there, but none of it flows into the Treasury. Why else raise taxes? The AIA will NEVER show a profit, because we will have to pay, subsidize, underwrite, and grant concessions to entice any international airline that might even consider St. Vincent as a stop-over point (forget destination).

I no longer expect afford it, is to lie on some beach moral outrage at somewhere and dip in the cool waters. Government deceit, Now the Grenadines seem well because the current ULP blessed to offer this, but I see where operatives obviously we are heading into attracting the have the huge support of high spenders. What about those who a base of the population are not so ‘monied’, but still dream for whom coherent about some fun in the sun? economic policy and This is where Cuba will beat us. ethical conduct have no Not only will it be cheaper to get to relevance. Rational Cuba, regardless of our international judgement and moral airport to be, but the average North standards have been American is looking for some sea, shunted aside, are in sand and sun at affordable prices. abeyance, in favour of Cuba is a stone’s throw from the old, outdated, Miami, and Canadians have never irrelevant criteria that stopped visiting that country. With exalted the sly high the ease in travel to Cuba, and Cuba’s talker, the articulate own drive to develop its tourism plant, conniver, the fancy if we haven’t woken yet to this new dancer. Good luck, St. Cuba, we better do so soon.

Vincent! And wave The question is: What can we do goodbye to a better that is different and appealing? future!

Rupert James Canada

Finally, it is clear that Mr. Johnson was aware of the Easter Regatta and the traditional celebrations in Bequia before he began building his hotel. That is, he met it here, not vice versa.

Country Loses Revenue

Focus on Cuba I NOTE, MR EDITOR, your publication’s focus on tourism development in Cuba. I wonder, sometimes, whether you should take these stories out of your regional page and put them in ‘local’ news. Then, it might catch more of your readers.

But then again, if your readers are true readers, they will read your regional page, and realize that while the news itself might not be brand new, the supporting information is always useful, and makes your page different from others who have tried it.

I want, though, to get back to the Cuba tourism issue.

I can’t help but think that against Cuba, we have very little with which we can compete. Tourism, regardless of how much you would want to say otherwise, is all about sea, sand and sun; and Cuba has a lot of that.

I am not going to leave the snow in Canada to spend time climbing some mountain. My first choice, once I can

Easter Rental

We have always felt the true nuisance to us has been the noise from Amitibah (Mr. Johnson’s “house”) when 12 people are in his hotel, with the tennis court night Barb & John Macdonald lighting only adding to - Lower Bay it. This is what keeps us and all our neighbours awake and what should never have been allowed.

Good luck, St. Vincent!

COME ON, St.Vincent, the rest of the world is publishing the names of their political leaders and prominent citizens revealed in the “Panama Papers”; why are we so tardy? Why has there been no outrage over the

even close to reality. Ask any business owner from the Whaleboner to Coco, to taxi drivers, to shop owners....these are the people who matter and not the Johnson hotel.

Xunzi

* Before I tell you what I would like to know, my sincerest apologies for my absence. There was need for some recuperation which kept me unable to fulfil the demands of this column. But here goes: * Would the authorities please come clean on the accreditation issue surrounding those Associate Degrees offered by the Community College? * Is it correct to say that some persons holding these degrees are learning the hard way that the degrees can’t stand up in certain places? * How can we say that we have all but got rid of ‘the indigent poor,’ but now have to launch a Zero Hunger Trust Fund? Somebody fooling somebody, eh? * How many State Corporations found difficulty paying their monthly workers on time for March? Was BRAGSA one of these? * Are there some unsavoury transactions going on at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, with respect to certain services there? Are some basic drugs still unavailable at this institution? * Are we tax payers paying Glen Beache?

If we are, how come Mr. Beache feels that he can feed us with half doses of information? We have a right to know who are the airlines he is talking to on our behalf, eh?

V

10. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The shaming of the NDP Introduction AS IT STANDS right now, many people are ashamed to be regarded or known as members of the opposition New Democratic Party. Many persons have expressed disappointment and shame at the current conduct of the NDP, especially during the post December 9th 2015 general election. Moreover, they are baffled over the attitude of the leader of that party, the hapless Arnhim Eustace. Indeed, Eustace himself has confessed on radio, that many of his supporters have questioned the current strategy of the NDP, adding that they don’t understand the situation.

But what is there to understand?

The NDP, the second mass political party in the State, has been drifting aimlessly over the last decade and a half, bereft of a clear philosophy for the development of the country. It has nothing to offer, save and except to wish austerity measures on the people of this country. Their leaders and spokespersons deliberately “bad talk” the people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines and the country as a whole. In fact, the leader of the NDP has said on radio, that he does not care if the country is made to “look bad” in the eyes of the international community.

And so the NDP stumbles from one crisis to another, lashing out at Vincentians, offering no hope, and in the process, destroying the legacy of former party stalwarts like Sir James Mitchell, Parnell Campbell and Jerry Scott. Their leaders, including St. Clair Leacock and Lorraine Friday, have no idea how to take their party forward, how to refresh its strategies and programmes, and how to enhance their communication and outreach plans to attract the youths. In short, the NDP is presenting the “same old khaki pants”, to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

plan for a new hospital somewhere in the East St. George area. Not even their most ardent supporter was convinced about this. And then to crown it all, they contrived to mastermind a plan to build a cruise ship berth in the Chateaubelair area.

Clearly, the NDP did not learn from the Ramos Garifuna plan which exploded in a spectacular fashion, even with all the talk of a landing strip at Balliceux. That plan, coupled with a visit from Wellington Ramos, should have provided the NDP with some electoral purchase in the North Windward seat. Instead, Montgomery Daniel increased his majority in that seat, handing the NDP another failure.

Path of Self Destruction

Now that the election dust has settled, and the majority of Vincentians have spoken loud and clear that they want the ULP to run the affairs of this country for another five years, it seems as though the NDP has embarked on a path to selfdestruction. They have spurned the will of the people, claiming that the election was stolen. They have insulted the reports submitted by the observer teams from the OAS, the Commonwealth and CARICOM, which stated that the elections were free and fair, and reflected the will of the people.

Further, they have insulted their supporters and followers who voted for them in the election by refusing to take their places as Her Majesty’s loyal opposition, in Parliament. These voters have been left without representation, as the NDP embarked on a foolish, ill-advised campaign of The 2015 Elections protest, which is going nowhere.

In fact, many of their supporters It is clear that the leadership of the have called on the leadership of the NDP was expecting a defeat at the December 2015 election. Early in the NDP to accept the results of the election, and move on to their campaign, the leadership told their supporters and followers that the only preparation for the 2020 poll. It is clear that their support is way they could lose, was if the ULP haemorrhaging, since people want to stole the elections. In fact, they move on with their lives, and they prepared their supporters by want a settled country at this point in suggesting that the Supervisor of time.

Elections (SOE) had some sinister plot, to ensure that the ULP was Conclusion victorious. This talk persisted, even after the SOE had agreed to meet The NDP will pay a serious price with a delegation from the NDP, to for all this ruckus they are trying to discuss their concerns. None of the senior members of the NDP attended create in the country. It smacks of desperation, and lust and a hunger for that meeting. power that is unhealthy. Instead they We must also note, that St. Clair need to concentrate on rebuilding Leacock sounded the warning bell, their party around a new progressive when he declared that he was concerned that too many young people leader. They will have a difficult task were following the ULP and Comrade selecting a new leader. Arnhim Eustace is clearly not ready to move Ralph. This was an admission of on, despite a record breaking fourth defeat, which was compounded defeat at the polls. In any event, none further, when the same St. Clair of the prospective leaders have the Leacock stated another concern, that power base to challenge him for the too many black Vincentians were leadership post, not even the following the ULP. This can only be rambunctious St. Clair Leacock, the described as astonishing! only NDP candidate who emerged Their campaign lacked focus, and from the election with an increase in was full of desperation. When they saw that the tide was turning against his support. them, they scrambled to produce a

Health care - A priority for the NDP THE RECENT DEATH of another kidney patient has once again triggered the debate of the failure of the illegitimate Unity Labour Party (ULP) government to complete the long overdue dialysis centre, and to provide improved health care to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Hence, the following questions: How many more must die, Dr. Gonsalves? How many more must die before the dialysis centre is completed?

How many more must die before Vincentians can be provided with proper health care?

Dialysis treatment is expensive, and the government has a responsibility to provide that service to its citizens. The poor and working class who suffer from renal failure experience grave financial difficulties to afford the service. There isn’t any National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The NHIS would have contributed significantly to alleviate the financial burden of kidney patients. Instead, they have to embark on fund-raising ventures to assist in financing their medical bills.

It would appear that the completion of the dialysis centre is not a priority for this government. As a result, we must commend the private sector for providing the service to Vincentians.

Moreover, the ULP regime has failed to deliver on its 2001 manifesto promise, i.e. that it would put in place mechanisms to provide the Kingstown General Hospital with far greater managerial and operational independence from the Ministry of Health, and develop the facilities at the main hospital to provide acceptable levels to treatment in areas not currently tackled adequately, such as kidney, heart and prostate diseases or ailments, and to improve the treatment in other areas.

Given this failure, it is understandable that the New Democratic Party (NDP) is concerned about the present state of health care in this country — a state that can only be described as lamentable. Basic medications are frequently unavailable; the hospitals lack equipment, and what exists is often non-functioning; health centres lack adequate staff and equipment; basic emergency services in the Grenadines and remote areas on the mainland are inadequate.

The NDP government will take a three-pronged approach to remedy this situation. First, an effective management system will be implemented, with strict accountability from all staff at all facilities.

Secondly, a National Health Insurance system will be established.

Thirdly, a new state of the art hospital, which will include dialysis services, will be built and operated in an appropriate part of the country, and district hospitals will be upgraded, to serve the needs of locals and visitors alike in the most efficient manner.

We will deliver a new healthcare management system, to wit: * The management of health care nationwide will be administered by a state corporation with suitably qualified professional staff at the Board and management levels. The assistance of regional and international agencies will be sought to aid the implementation and allow for a phased change over. * Among the sub committees of the Board will be finance, customer care, innovation and improvements public relations and staffing. * The procurement and distribution of all medication and medical supplies shall be administered by the corporation. * There will be adequate defined mechanisms for public queries, complaints and feedback. * Links will be established to allow for regional institutions to offer tertiary health care to citizens in

need. The conditions under which these services will be accessible will be stated publicly, and there will be no discrimination in their application. * Partnerships with international health institutions and teaching institutions will be explored, and, where appropriate, will be developed.

In addition, a National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) will be introduced after discussion with the NIS, to provide coverage of basic health care for insured and their dependants. The service will be similar to our National Insurance System, in that it will be mandatory for all workers. However, individuals may, if they so desire, “top up” their coverage with private insurance, to cover services not covered by the national system, or to cover private treatment. And private medical practitioners will be able to use the medical facilities in an open transparent manner with appropriate safeguard.

New State of the art facilities The Milton Cato Memorial Hospital is outdated and is in an inappropriate location with no scope for expansion; it must be replaced. Several district hospitals and clinics are in far worst states. A convenient and central site has already been identified for the construction of a new, modern hospital, to replace the MCMH. Preliminary designs are in hand and funding is imminent. Dialysis is among the services to be introduced at the new facility.

In addition, district facilities will focus on preventative medicine with new support services for persons at risk. Provision will be made for the airlifting of emergency cases from the Grenadines and from remote locations on the mainland. And ambulance services will be modernized and efficiently managed, and staffed by appropriately training paramedics.

The NDP government will: * Improve testing and diagnostic facilities. * Ensure that all hospitals and medical clinics are fully staffed, equipped and have basic medical supplies. * Improve the infectious disease unit by implementing strict protocols when handling outbreaks of infectious diseases. Ensure that all staff members are properly trained and provided with adequate personal protection equipment as recommended by the World Health Organization. * Strengthen the environmental health and vector control unit. * Ensure that a doctor is on call 24 hours at each of the rural hospitals. * Increase the number of doctord working at the Accident and Emergency department. * Ensure that the hospital has a medical specialist in critical areas. * Increase the opening hours of pharmacists at the MCMH to serve outpatients and inpatients more effectively. * Establish a dialysis unit within the hospital. * Improve the port health facilities to ensure that there is a quarantine area that is fully equipped with personal protection equipment and trained health professionals at all ports of entry.

Access to proper health care remains a fundamental right of every citizen, and the NDP is committed to facilitating the delivery of this right.

V

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

Views

No shortcut to excellence

Cuba always answers

“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.” ? Martin Luther King Jr. (19291968), Civil Rights Leader, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

DURING MY RECENT VISIT to Cuba, I spoke with lots of people, and travelled in and around Havana and to the province of Pinar del Rio. I also found time to sit and speak to the media. The following is a shortened interview offered to Granma, the leading paper in Cuba.

THE QUOTATION from Martin Luther King Jr. that was used to introduce this week’s article is especially dear to me.

The words are quite similar to what my mother said to me immediately following the most painful beating I had received from my father. He was understandably very upset when I failed the common entrance examination to enter the St. Vincent Grammar School at 11 years old. Disappointed and angry, he reached for his “special leather belt” and provided me with a licking that I would never forget. However, my mother’s soothing reassuring words seemed like healing balm to me during my post-beating period. She sought to impress upon me that even though I had failed the common entrance that was not the end of my world; I had failed but I was not a failure. She then proceeded to encourage me by indicating that if my destiny was to sweep the streets of Kingstown I should do it so well (with such excellence) that anyone passing by would say, “A good man did this.” Those words, uttered during one of the most traumatic periods of my life, inspired me to excel. From then on, my focus was on making my mother proud. I spent a year at the Intermediate High School (Timmy School) before receiving a transfer to the St. Martin’s Secondary School. I studied hard and for long hours – and it paid off. Eventually, my father was able to boast to his friends about how well I had done when I graduated from secondary school. With God’s grace, an encouraging mother, and good friends (Douglas Young and Ali Bacchus) along the way, I was able to eventually do well enough to make my mother (and my father) proud.

The foregoing personal experience is shared with today’s readers to remind each of us that failure is not final, and that there is no shortcut to excellence. It will not happen by chance. It is not a default option.

Excellence demands persistence. It calls for dedication to the cause.

When I was “preparing” for common entrance, I had convinced myself that I could make it by “luck and chance”.

With lucky stones and prayer rosaries in my pockets (and an empty head), I was convinced that the Mathematics and English assignments would be a breeze. Indeed they were “a breeze”, when one considers that they blew right over my head (or some would say “through my head”). Excellence demands preparation. There is no shortcut to it. This is as true in relation to academic pursuits as it is for those of us who are determined to achieve physical fitness, weight loss, enhanced savings, improved skills, rewarding relationships, and so on.

We have to exert the effort and energy if we are to achieve the desired results. Wishing will not do it.

Hoping alone is insufficient.

Adequate preparation is a prerequisite. It is absolutely essential if we are to attain excellence.

We are now entering the “examination season”. In a few weeks’ time, students in our primary, secondary, and tertiary level institutions will be writing a variety of examinations. It is foolish to approach these critical milestones unprepared. Conversely, there is wisdom in ensuring that adequate preparation is done. Revision and practice are considered critical.

Having a complete understanding of the concepts becomes of paramount importance. Now is the time to approach teachers/lecturers, parents, and classmates for assistance if some of the fundamentals are not clearly understood. Now is not the time to embrace false pride and/or seek to bluff the way through. There is danger and folly in such an approach.

There is nothing wrong in admitting that we do not know everything about everything. There is wisdom in being humble enough to seek out those who can assist in enlightening us in those areas where we know ourselves to be deficient. In this regard, it is also important to pause to assist those who may need our tutoring. It is then that we discover, like Dr. Maya Angelou (1928-2014), “When we pause to teach, we learn twice.” When we pause to help someone better understand a concept or procedure, we discover that our understanding of the principle is enhanced. As frustrating and challenging that it may be to slow ourselves down to aid another, we discover that this is yet another route on the pathway to excellence.

Excellence beckons us to desire her — to pursue her. She reminds us that she is not a mirage. She is not as elusive as so many losers may perceive her to be. She is real … and we can reach her. But we must commit to facing the odds and overcoming the obstacles that will (not “might”) stand in our way. We must search for her as we would for a hidden treasure. The pursuit is often just as valuable as the end result. It is often through struggle that we gain our greatest growth and appreciation of the reward. It is as we sweat and our muscles ache that we really fully appreciate the sense of accomplishment we feel when we get to the destination. It often means foregoing some form of temporary pleasure. It is sometimes painful when we see or hear others “having a good time” while we are required to plan and prepare for an assignment or an examination. However, on reflection, we realize that the delayed gratification is well worth the sacrifice. Adequate preparation in the present can create and sustain a much brighter future. We can press on with energy and gusto with our eyes focused on excellence and our thoughts ever concentrated on giving our very best efforts. We know that the reward will be worth the effort.

We know that there is no shortcut to excellence.

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

1.What does the Cuban Revolution represent for you personally?

Cuba is an important example. I recognize the profound importance of the Cuban Revolution for the world. The Cuban Revolution has accomplished much. Reactionary forces fear the example of Cuba and its Revolution, but I love and embrace them because I have been a revolutionary throughout my adult life.

2.The cooperation between Cuba and St. Vincent & the Grenadines is multifaceted. What’s your view of bilateral cooperation and its impact on the socio-economic development of your country?

Relations between Cuba and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are very good. In fact, the solidarity and commitment of Cuba to my country date back to before we were an independent nation. On April 13, 1979, the volcano erupted. Within a few days of the eruption, Cuba sent a ship of medicine and humanitarian aid to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Official diplomatic relations were established under then Prime Minister James Mitchell, on May 26, 1992, and these ties have been maintained and solidified in the interests of the development of our country under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves.

These bilateral relations cover many areas; indeed Cuba played a very important role in the restoration of the vision of hundreds of Vincentians, with the Operation Miracle programme in early 2005. Our people continue to visit Cuba to take advantage of its excellent medical facilities.

Indeed, our ambassador to the island, Dexter Rose, was trained as a journalist in Cuba. Many of the most important leaders in the state apparatus studied here, and hundreds of our citizens have been trained in Cuba. Cuba sent many nurses to St. Vincent.

The most important infrastructure project in the history of our country, the construction of the Argyle International Airport, which is nearing completion could not have been undertaken, had it not been for the tremendous assistance offered by Cuba and Venezuela. The cooperation provided by Cuba to St. Vincent and the Grenadines simply testifies to the fact that when the world calls, Cuba answers.

In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, there has always been support for the Cuban Revolution. In 1978, we created the St. Vincent & the Grenadines — Cuba Friendship Society, and the president of this organization is Renwick Rose, the older brother of our ambassador.

Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves has gone to the United Nations General Assembly to offer our vote in favor of ending the unjust U.S. economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba. Therefore, we have been very vocal in asserting that this isolation must cease.

imperialist, and has also led a struggle against colonialism. In addition, he is an advocate of the Non-Aligned Movement, in favor of South-South cooperation and the unity of the Caribbean. He led the call for Europe to pay reparations for genocide and slavery. His significance will remain long after he is gone from the country’s political scene.

4.U.S. imperialism and the oligarchies of Latin America and the Caribbean are seeking a return to power of conservative forces in the region, exemplified in the vicious attacks against the progressive governments of Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia and Brazil.

In your experience, what are the challenges facing the Latin American and Caribbean progressive left in order to defeat these attempts?

There is a major conservative onslaught. Every time there is a revolution, the counterrevolution always arises, and in fact when the so-called real socialism in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union collapsed, the end of history was proclaimed. But by December 1999, we witnessed the massive protests of thousands of people against neoliberal policies, during the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Seattle, in the U.S. The social forces for change and the defense of popular gains have become an important driving force. Also in 1999, the Bolivarian Revolution led by President Hugo Chávez emerged, later came President Evo Morales in Bolivia, President Rafael Correa in Ecuador, the governments of Tabaré Vazquez and José Mujica in Uruguay, and of President Luiz Inacio Lula in Brasil.

But there will always be this counterrevolutionary resistance to progressive movements.

The death of President Chávez was also a very heavy blow and a moment of frustration. Imperialism is powerful and never rests; it will always pursue its aims of domination. And so, we cannot be under any illusions, the visit by President Barack Obama to Cuba is part of this movement of conservative restoration. Obama said he had come to Cuba to bury the last remnants of the so-called Cold War, but he is attempting to try out a new tactic, to ensure neoliberal ideas take root in the Cuban population.

5.What is your assessment of this visit to Cuba? Has it met your expectations?

I actually traveled to Havana primarily to offer a talk on reparations or compensation that the former European colonial powers owe the Caribbean for damages caused by the Genocide and slavery.

I met with representatives of the Caribbean and Latin America office of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), with Ana María Mari Machado, vice president of the National Assembly of People’s Power, and with Fernando González, one of the Cuban Five unjustly imprisoned in the U.S., who today is vice president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP). All of these meetings were very productive. It was very interesting and enlightening to hear about the challenges facing Cuba, and witness the confidence they demonstrate to face these challenges.

3.What has the leadership of Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves and the Unity Labour Party meant for your country?

Ralph E. Gonsalves is without doubt one of the most important political personalities of the past 50 years in our country. He has a long history of Send comments, criticisms & struggle, and has always assumed very suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com revolutionary and forceful positions on a range of issues. He is an energetic anti-

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12. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

SVG poor subsidising the superrich of Mustique and Canouan EDITOR’S NOTE: The views expressed in this column and the other two political columns, are the views of the political party.

Under the Mustique Act no 48 of 2002, the super-rich foreigners of Mustique and Canouan receive blanket tax and customs duty exemptions. Vincentian people, who have no choice but to pay tax, are therefore, subsidising the extravagant lifestyle of the super-rich foreigners of Mustique and Canouan.

The super-rich foreigners of Mustique and Canouan use many services and facilities in SVG that are funded by taxpayers’ money. They use these services and facilities free of charge and are therefore, being subsidised by the Vincentian people.

Many Vincentians struggle to earn money and too much of that is lost in paying high taxes. Vincentians could pay less money in tax if the super-rich

foreigners of Mustique and Canouan contributed their fair share of taxes. It is unfair that Vincentians are forced to subsidise the rich lifestyle of the super-rich foreigners of Mustique and Canouan.

The super-rich foreigners of Mustique and Canouan buy yachts and aircrafts without paying tax. They have lots of money, but gladly sponge off the Vincentian poor and avoid paying taxes.

Many thousands of poor households have no mains water and electricity, and can barely feed themselves adequately. However, the super-rich foreigners of Mustique and Canouan do not care about this; avoiding paying taxes is their main concern.

The super-rich foreigners of Mustique and Canouan enjoy the many benefits of living in our beautiful country, but do not want to contribute their taxes to keep this country

beautiful.

This unfair tax system has created a significant imbalance in our country, to the extent that SVG has gone downhill, with extreme poverty and hunger. Many families do not know where their next meal is coming from.

After thirty-six years of independence, the SVG economy has been propelled backwards into a dark hole.

The Mustique Act no 48 of 2002 needs to be abolished. The rights of Vincentians must come first. The presence of the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan in SVG is a serious threat to our country’s development and our people’s rights and freedoms.

If we do not stand up against these types of gross injustice, we could lose our country. The country, and our people’s rights, must be protected for the sake of our children and grandchildren.

Haiti has shown that the greater the level of poverty in a country, the greater the potential for an outbreak of a deadly disease such at cholera.

The ULP regime has made an official press statement that it is now dealing, not with poverty, but hunger. It is hard for our children to be healthy if they do not get enough food to eat.

We cannot wait for an outbreak of a major illness, before the Mustique Act No. 48 of 2002 is abolished and a fair tax system is introduced. It is wrong that Vincentians are forced to subsidise the extravagant lifestyle of the super-rich foreigners of Mustique and Canouan. The blanket tax and customs duty exemptions given to the super-rich, white migrants of Mustique and Canouan must be stopped.

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

Down with the ULPÊs Zero Hunger Thrust Fund! which world leaders adopted the ‘2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’, consisting of 17 Sustainable

BY THE TIME this piece is published, Development Goals (SDG). This it would be Day 122 since we have agenda officially came into force on 1 been protesting the December 9 January 2016. elections on the Front Line, located Basically, over the next fifteen outside the Electoral Office, years, as per the universal appeal of Kingstown. Democracy is sure dead the Goals, countries are expected to with the naked irregularities found in mobilize efforts to end all forms of that election and the haste with which poverty, fight inequalities and tackle we saw the swearing in of a prime climate change, while ensuring that no minister at near midnight. So, it is one is left behind. fitting that we welcome Ralph In fact, and according to the United Gonsalves’ recent description of this Nations, “All stakeholders Front Line protest action as “a wake”. governments, civil society, the private We are pleased to acknowledge that sector, and others - are expected to the Front Line forum is ideal for the contribute to the realisation of the new many who have become indigents agenda.” since 2001, when Unity Labour Party Goal 2 of the 17 Sustainable (ULP) regime (first) came into Development Goals is to “End hunger, “POWARR”. Many of these indigents achieve food security and improved have been subject to ridicule in our nutrition and promote sustainable Parliament. Therefore, the ULP has agriculture”. neither the political will nor the moral In SVG, and without consultation of authority to oversee any Zero Hunger any kind, a Zero Hunger Thrust Fund initiative, never mind it comes from was set up on April 06. The Fund’s the United Nations. They must be Board includes the Director of challenged!!

Planning Laura Anthony-Browne as In September 2015, there was a (its) Director, and Chief Executive historic United Nations summit at

by Luzette King Host and producer, Global Highlights

Officer of the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Derry Williams, as Chairman.

If the record of the ULP regime’s management of various development funds is anything to go by, Vincentians should be up in arms right now. That which comes to mind immediately is the European Development Fund (EDF). This is the EU’s main instrument for providing development aid to African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and to overseas countries and territories (OCTs). This fund is financed by direct contributions from EU Member States according to a contribution key, and is covered by its own financial rules. It started in 1957 under the Treaty of Rome and is funded in cycles. Each cycle lasts for several years. For example, the 10th EDF lasted between 2008 and 2013 and we are now into the 11th cycle - 2014-2020.

Under the 10th EDF, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was allocated 7.8 million (at a rate of EC$3.08 to the , this amounts to about EC$24m) to assist with the modernisation of the national health care sector. Under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF), SVG is allocated 7 million (approx. EC$22m) to support the restructuring and rehabilitation of the rural roads in the country.

What of our health service in 2016?

What do we have to show for the 10th EDF grant? And from where is the funding for this Thrust Fund coming?

But for editorial space, we could also talk about the unaccountable millions accessed from the ALBA — the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas.

Of significance also is the extent to which this Unity Labour Party regime would go to make indigents of Vincentians, and to create hunger, especially among entrepreneurs of African descent such as Leon ‘Bigger Bigs’ Samuel.

In February 2011, with a stroke of a pen and without warning, the consummate entrepreneur Leon ‘Bigger Bigs’ Samuel, his 60 workers and their families were plunged into the hunger zone. ‘Bigger Bigs’ owned

a 15 acre sand mining and block making operation at Rabacca.

Immediately following the 2010 general elections, the ULP regime convened a cabinet meeting to shut it down, fulfilling what was reported as a pre-election (2010) promise by a member of the ULP, that ‘Bigger Bigs’ ‘would not get Rabacca’.

Within hours of considering a report that was based on falsehood, ‘Bigger Bigs’ business, estimated value EC$10m, was summarily shut down as per Statutory Rule and Order (2011 No. 22). Under significant public pressure, this Order was subsequently revoked (2014 No.33), without ‘Bigger Bigs’ having to adhere to any of the conditions on the first Order. After 5 years, ‘Bigger Bigs’ and his family are now beginning to climb out of the hunger zone.

Praiseworthy at this point is the stance that the honourable leader of the New Democratic Party, Arnhim Eustace, has taken in response to an invitation which seeks his participation in this Zero Hunger Trust Fund. Eustace’s response is commensurate with Gonsalves’ expectation that he (Eustace) would allow himself to be “dragged” into a project that is designed to make further indigents of a nation that is predominantly of African descent.

Eustace, who is also of African descent, holds an impeccable record in CARICOM and beyond as a development economist. After spending years ridiculing Eustace, Gonsalves attempt to “drag” him into yet another ULP “hunger reduction” scam is unconscionable! In fact, he spent as many years creating “indigents”, and the leader of the Green Party makes the point when he states: “After 15 years in office in SVG, the incompetent ULP government is forced to introduce a Zero Hunger Thrust Fund, to save the lives of thousands of Vincentians trapped in deep poverty and lacking enough food.” (SVG Green Party View: Gonsalves’ Zero Hunger Thrust Fund — Is food rationing next? The Vincentian, April 01, 2016).

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

News

Eustace will not join Zero Hunger Fund LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION Arhnim Eustace will not serve as a member of the Zero Hunger Thrust Fund.

The Fund, formally established on April 06, is seen as this country’s administrative response as a party to the United Nations ‘2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’, agreed to The Board of the at a United Nations recently established Special Summit in 2015. Zero Hunger Trust Fund The Agenda calls on will not have Opposition UN member states to representation. ‘mobilize efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no one is left behind’.

The UN has appealed for a joint involvement of governments, private sector and civil society interests, in designing and implementing programme in pursuit of the Goals as set out in the Agenda.

However, given the Eustace-led New Democratic Party’s (NDP) non-acceptance of the results of the December 9, 2015 general elections and its filing of two election petitions that are still before the court, it came as no surprise that Eustace declined the Prime Minister’s invitation for him (Eustace) to sit on the Zero Hunger Thrust Fund Board, chaired by CEO of the Bank of SVG, Derrie Williams.

In declining the invitation Eustace said, inter alia, that he will not be dragged into an initiative of what he considers ‘an illegal government’.

When word of the intention to establish the Fund was first broached by the Prime Minister in his Budget Address in February 2016, it was disclosed that financing for the Fund will, among other sources, come from a 2% levy on mobile and international telephone calls, a measure that was estimated to raise $2.7 million annually.

The Prime Minister also pledged one month of his basic salary, as start-up money for the Fund.

Four drowning deaths so far AKEILI LATHAM is this country’s fourth and latest drowning victim for the year to date.

The 15-year-old, Form Four student of the St. Vincent Grammar School, drowned on Saturday 9th April at Lower Bay, Bequia.

Latham was part of his school’s Young Leaders group who had journeyed to that Grenadine island on a visit associated with the group’s project in the 2016 RBC/RBTT Young Leaders Competition.

While the Police have not made any formal statement with respect to the circumstances surrounding Latham’s drowning, reports are that around 2:00pm certain members of the group registered concern that their colleague was missing.

Group members remembered him going into the water, and immediately two of the Young Leaders dove in and went in search of Latham.

They found him, according to one report,

Vehicle downs VINLEC pole EVEN AS THE TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT of the Royal SVG Police Force appeals for ‘safety on our roads’, this country continues to be plagued by one vehicular accident after the other.

The latest, which accounted for its driver Marcus Best sustaining serious injuries, including what is reported to be a broken

leg, occurred along the Diamond Road, on the Windward Highway, on Sunday 10th April.

Reports are that the vehicle, said to be one in which Senator Julian Francis has interest, hit an electricity (VINLEC) pole, uprooting it and sending high tension wires to the ground, before it careened off the road and came to a stop.

Damage to the pole

put consumers in Diamond and surrounding areas out of their supply of electricity for the better part of Monday morning, as VINLEC workers moved to correct the damage and restore electricity.

Indications are that Sam was still a patient at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital up to press time, Wednesday.

The aftermath of Sunday’s accident – electricity pole uprooted and high tension wires strewed across the roadway.

in the water appearing to be lifeless.

A nearby water taxi operator put himself and his boat at the disposal of the boys, who had beckoned for help to bring Latham to shore, where efforts to resuscitate him failed.

He was officially pronounced dead at the Port Elizabeth Hospital, Bequia.

Latham’s drowning followed closely on that of Mariah George, a 23year-old female of Belair, who drowned at the Rawacou beach on Thursday 7th April, after she encountered difficulties while swimming in the open, usually rough waters at Rawacou (Mount Pleasant).

And though there are no confirmed reports of the cause of death, reports are that an

Rawacou has a sordid history of being the site of a number of drownings. elderly man, who sources say was from the North Windward area, is said to have drowned in the calmer waters at Canash on or about April 3.

The first drowning victim for the year was Kimron Lowman, a 13-

year-old student of the Dr. J. P. Eustace Memorial Secondary school and a resident of Edinboro, who drowned while bathing in the vicinity of the Aquatic Club Dock, at the popular Villa beach.

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14. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Youth

Abigail Scott tops National Awards

Abigail Scott, Top Overall CSEC performer receives her trophy from PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

by KENVILLE HORNE

Jeremiah Augustus (left) was the Top Male Performer at CSEC.

Martin Trimmingham , Top Overall Performer after Remediation.

ABIGAIL SCOTT, a former student of the Girls’ High School (GHS), is this country’s Top Overall Performer at the 2015 CSEC Examinations.

The announcement of Scott’s achievement was greeted with thunderous applause when it was made at the Ministry of Education’s National Awards Ceremony, held at the Methodist Church Hall, Kingstown, on Friday 8th April.

The Ceremony, an annual affair, is held in recognition and celebration of scholastic achievements in the May/June Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Primary Exist Assessment (CPEA) Examinations.

Scott, described by Mrs. Adrea Bowman, Head Mistress of the GHS, as a disciplined and outstanding student throughout her enrollment, is the first Vincentian to receive 15 passes in one CSEC sitting. In addition to her Top Overall award, she was adjudged: Top

Female Performer and Top Performer in Sciences and Modern Languages.

This year was a milestone year for the Thomas Saunders Secondary School, with Jeremiah Augustus being adjudged Top Male Performer at CSEC. He becomes the first from that institution to achieve this award.

Top Male and Overall Performer after Remediation went to Martin Trimmingham , while Top Female Performer after Remediation went to Lemorna Williams, both from the Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia, which was also adjudged Top School after Remediation.

Top Performers in Subject Disciplines went as follow: BusinessMhalya Federick — GHS; Creative / Performing Arts/ Physical Education and Sports- Summer Warrican — GHS; Humanities- Arielle Roberts — GHS; Industrial TechnologyRanford Porter- Bishop’s College Kingstown; and Home Economics-

Brienna Jack- St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown.

The GHS repeated as the Top Performer at CSEC with, in addition to Scott’s achievement: 2 students with 13 passes; 10 students with passes in 12 subject areas, 25 students with 11 passes each.

The Buccument Bay Secondary School was adjudged to be the school with the Most Improved Results.

Top performers for each secondary school also received recognition.

Awards were presented to the top ten persons at the 2015 CPEA examinations, with Rishona James of the St. Mary’s RC School and Paige Cadogan of the Windsor Primary receiving awards for being the top performers.

Delivering his maiden address at the National Awards Ceremony, Minister of Education, St. Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince assured the students that the Government is committed to ensuring that their outstanding achievements are recognized and celebrated in a

meaningful way.

“However, we are aware that our mandate and mission are not only to focus on the achievers but also those with challenges,” said Prince.

The Education Minister recognised the work of the teachers, but also pointed to the need for improvement in some areas. “ I, therefore, challenge some of our teachers to participate in self-evaluation exercises, and do the introspection to ascertain your areas(s) of strength and weaknesses or shortcomings, so that you can make the necessary adjustments/ interventions in order to provide optimum service to those entrusted in your care,” Prince advised the teachers.

Prince also thanked FLOW (which now incorporates the LIME brand), for its continuing sponsorship of the National Awards.

Addresses were also delivered by Chief Education Officer LouAnne Gilchrist and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

Nine of the ten top performers at the CPEA examination with top performers Rishorna James (front 2nd from left) and Paige Cadogan (centre back row).

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016. 15.

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News

Ex-national football captain, coach receives Lifetime Achievement Award Story and photos by Nelson A. King naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT

Elliott ‘Morey’ Millington (R) receives Lifetime Achievement Award from younger brother and former soccer colleague Osborne “Sheen” Millington.

He complimented the Almighty “and everybody who surrounded me” for ensuring that the Sion ELLIOT “MOREY” championship in 1979, was Hill Football Club reached MILLINGTON, who skippered Saturday night honoured the pinnacle of the and coached the St. Vincent with the Lifetime nation’s football and for and the Grenadines national Achievement Award by the captaining and coaching football (soccer) team and Brooklyn, New York-based the national team. led the nation to second Friends of Sion Hill.

“I said I was destined place in the Caribbean Millington, 61, who was for it [coach],” said Football Union (CFU) in the vanguard of placing Millington, who was also Sion Hill “on the map in instrumental in the the St. Vincent and the formation of the Sion Hill Grenadines’ Soccer Football League. “Yes, I World,” received a was. I simply did the best standing ovation before I could. and after he was conferred “Sion Hill has set the with the award at the pace,” he added. “I’m very group’s gala, black-tie, happy for this award.” inaugural Award The Friends of Sion Ceremony and Dance at Hill, which was formed the Friends of Crown three years ago, said in its Heights Education Center award journal that in Brooklyn.

Millington’s “exemplary Late Sion Hill track managerial skills, star Rhonda Williams, unwavering dedication to who died in March 2014, the sport [football] and and philanthropist undeniable talent all Francelia De Riggs, also of contributed to his success Sion Hill, renowned as the as a leader, which “epitome of generosity,” resulted in SVG [St. were also honored Vincent and the Saturday night.

Grenadines] being “This award is not just recognized as [a] force to for sports [but as] a be reckoned with in the brother, father-figure,” Caribbean. said Millington’s younger “His leadership skills brother Osborne ‘Sheen’ transformed not only the Millington, in presenting Sion Hill Club, but it also his brother with the award elicited a feeling of pride before standing-room-only and nationalism patrons. throughout SVG,” the “I love you, and I will group said. always be anywhere you Venold Coombs — want me to be,” added president of the St. Sheen, who also Vincent and the represented the nation in Grenadines Football football, in the mid-field Federation, who sent a and striking positions, monetary gift — the from 1976-83, under amount undisclosed — to Millington’s captaincy.

Millington, through In accepting the honor, executive member Earl Millington said that, when “Caba” Bennett — he joined Sion Hill’s described Millington as Somerset B team in 1972, “the epitome of grace, then the powerhouse A class, industry, dignity, team a year later, under discipline and the captaincy of the late commitment, who William Muckett, he bestrode the football vowed to change the long- arena like a colossus.” held belief, in many “His incomparable quarters, that the “Village work ethics was always on on the Hill”, overlooking display — whether it was capital city Kingstown, for his beloved club, Sion was only renowned for its track stars.

Continued on Page 17.

Elliott Millington and family, with his wife to his right.

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

News

SVG Football Team 1979: (Back row L to R): Tyrone Barrow, Basil ‘Bung’ Cato, (Assistant Manager), Keith ‘Slick’ Bonadie, Ali Munroe, Elliot ‘Morrie’ Millington (captain), John Horne (Executive Member), John Cato, Sydney Mandeville, ( Middle row: L-R): Pete Morris, Sheen Millington, Ashley Baptiste, Raltie Lowe, Stanley ‘Luxie’ Morris, Guy Lowe. Sylvester ‘Scobie’ Taylor (Manager) (Front row: L – R): Marcus Young, Blincon Soso, Rudy Boucher (coach), Rudolph ‘Ounce-ahBeef’ Mayers (trainer), Raymond ‘Chip’ Ballantyne, Dorian Phillips, Gideon Exeter (Executive member).

Guy ‘Chow’ Lowe pays tribute to ‘Morey’ ELLIOT ‘MOREY’ MILLINGTON first caught my eye when he played for the national youth team (U-19) in 1974. I thought at that time that he had exhibited a good temperament and sound leadership qualities that belled his tender age. And (that) he had a bright future ahead of him in football.

So, I was not surprised when he was selected to play for the senior team in 1975, at a time when I was already an established national player.

From that year, we forged a bond that has stood the test of time, well into our post-playing days. I cherished his friendship so much that in 1983 when I decided to ‘hang up my boots’ from national service, he was able to convince and persuade me to change my mind as he needed me to be there for him.

Although our friendship was firm, when it came to national club football, we played our hearts out for our respective teams — ‘Morey’ for Sion Hill and I for Roseans. No quarters were asked and none was given. The fierce rivalry between our teams ensured that we both played our best football whenever our clubs met. We simply brought out the best in each other.

‘Morey’ was one of the most complete players I have known. He kicked powerfully with both feet; was a good passer of the ball; an excellent reader of the game; and is the best header of the ball I have seen. And I have played with and against some great headers of the ball, including Norbert Hall of Notre Dame and national fame.

He also had good leadership skills, and was able to motivate, inspire and unite his teams to perform as a well-knit unit. In fact, we (the national team) were family.

Our successes, including the ‘much talked about’ 1979 success in our debut season in Caribbean Football, can be credited in a large part to the environment that his leadership skills created.

Morey has shown that by his service to community and country, he is an icon, patriot and legend, worthy of any recognition. I salute and congratulate you ‘Skip’. You truly deserve your honour.

I can truly say that I am a better footballer and person for having known ‘Morey’, and I wish him the best of health and long life by God’s blessings.

Ex-national football captain, coach receives Lifetime Achievement Award “Morey, you’re a great role model to me and others alike,” said Bramble Hill (later Pepsi Sion Hill) or the Men’s before pausing and breaking down in National Team,” Coombs said. tears. “After all, you’re a great hero.”

Bennett, who trekked from home, told In his tribute, Sports Minister Cecil THE VINCENTIAN, as he jostled with “Ces” McKie said Millington photographers and “photo take-outers” “distinguished himself as a midfield to record the history-making affair, that maestro, technically gifted and blessed he “couldn’t miss this for anything.” with skills, with chest and head, and He also described Millington in the was referred to as one of the best journal as “a living legend,” adding that headers of the ball in SVG.” Millington has “proven that good and A number of former stars in the great can reside in the same person and Vincentian soccer fraternity, such as that one can also be famous and great at Raymond “Ballie” Ballantyne and Derek the same time.

Dupont, were present at the award “Such is the greatness of the man ceremony. who is known endearingly as ‘Morey,’ The Friends of Sion Hill, whose ‘boss,’ ‘general’ and ‘coach’, among other president is Oxley Lowman, said that, sobriquets,” said Bennett, who gave the after several decades of “steadfast Vote-of-Thanks. service, numerous championships, many In introductory remarks, Colin accomplishments and accolades,” Bramble told the sell-out patrons that, Millington retired from the National “without Morey’s influence, I would not Football League in 1993 and eventually have been a great soccer player, or the from football entirely in 2002, when he man I am today. migrated to New York.

Continued from Page 16.

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18. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Carnival Heat

MISS SVG 2016 CONTESTANTS (From Left): Anya Frederick (Miss St. Vincent Electricity Service Ltd – VINLEC), Zenna Lewis (Miss Lotto), Ranesha Loraine (Miss Play 4), Shanique Alexander (Miss Bank of SVG Ltd.), Dahvana Providence (Miss Metrocint General Insurance Co. Ltd.), Nikianna Williams (Miss FLOW), Vakeesha John (Miss Agricultural Input Warehouse), Jeanetta Richards (Miss Coreas Distributors).

See next week’s edition for contestant biographies.

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

Business

Message from Wayne Hull – FLOW Country Manager

Wayne Hull – FLOW Country Manager.

HELLO VINCY,: Welcome to the new FLOW! We have replaced our signature LIME green brand with our new and refreshed blue FLOW brand — as we literally painted St. Vincent & the Grenadines blue — the ninth Caribbean market to join the new FLOW family.

Our transition from LIME to the refreshed FLOW is as a result of the successful merger of our two great companies — Cable & Wireless Communications Plc 150 years’ of telecommunications leadership and experience, and the technical innovation and customerfocused approach of Columbus Communications, the region’s most advanced digital video and high speed broadband service provider.

Our combined brand, the

refreshed FLOW, represents the essence of all that’s positive about the Caribbean — the people, our passion, drive to succeed, innovation and excellence in service delivery.

FLOW is a brand that is dynamic, confident, inspiring and customer-centric. We are “Caribbean Inside”, one team working towards a common objective — Connecting Communities… Transforming Lives.

Together, under the new FLOW brand, we are pleased to bring (you) a fresh experience to telecoms. We are combining the convenience of mobile with the strength of broadband, TV and fixed line network technology, and we will roll out the best-in-its-class telecommunications products.

This will allow you, our customers, to connect to what

matters most to you, whether it is via mobile, your home phone or any internet-enabled device.

As the new FLOW, we are focused on you, the customer: placing you at the heart of what we do; serving you by providing what is important to you - what you value most; bringing innovation, “going the extra mile for YOU”, and “more bang for your buck” with a widened product portfolio.

The transition from LIME to the new FLOW will take us some time, and we thank you in advance for your patience as we integrate and combine two networks, IT systems, employees and processes.

As we harmonize our operations, all previously advertised contact information remains valid, until further advised. Your

former LIME and FLOW products, including calling cards, will also remain valid.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 1-784-457-1901.

We look forward to serving you!

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20. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Testing the ‘trust’ level any such test, saying, among other things, that I had no right to sneak I HAVE always heard that this on her without trust is a very important element in any marriage or ample warning. I told her that I would be relationship. I wanted to subjected to the same test the level of trust my test, but she still refused wife has for me, and so I to take it. embarked on an This has left me with experiment. a million questions about I got a friend of mine my wife’s sincerity and who was visiting from New York to come to our fidelity. Things have not been the same between house with a machine us since then. I told her that looks like a lie that if she was not detector machine. My hiding something, she wife does not know this friend of mine. I told her would have been willing to take the test. I that he is there to conduct a test on both of wanted to be sure I could us to see how sincere we trust my wife, which was were in our relationship. why I did what I did; but We were to answer some now, I am in more doubt questions like: Have you than before. ever cheated on your partner? Have you ever Doubting husband had sex with anyone else Dear Doubting husband, since meeting your partner? Do you love I am not convinced your partner 100%? that you chose the best My wife’s response method to test the caught me off guard. She refused to do quality of your relationship. Your wife’s

Dear George,

Caught in my own game Dear George,

refusal to participate in your little experiment does not mean she has something to hide, but I can see how the human element in you can easily push you to believe such.

Had the shoe been on the other foot, maybe you would have reacted the same way she did, and would have given your own reasons for your reaction. You have opened a can of worms, and it’s on you to ensure that this can gets closed. I suggest that you immediately find a professional counsellor to assist you. I hope that you will be able to live with the answers to the questions you are

asking, and that you will also be ready and willing to give answers when those questions are redirected at you. The higher the level of trust in a relationship, the less questions would be asked in that relationship.

George

IT HAS always been my fantasy to have a threesome, and I have often discussed this with my very good friend. He told me one day that he has this “chick” who wanted to be with two men, and asked me if I was interested. I said yes, and he agreed for us to meet at this vacant apartment to do our thing.

I asked him who the girl was, but he told me he does not think I knew her. We went to the apartment together and had to wait for the girl to arrive. George, you cannot imagine the shock on my face when my girlfriend of five years walked into the room. She was the girl we were supposed to have fun with. She froze when wife loves me, and I do she saw me, leaving my not think it will do any friend to question what good bringing it up. I was going on. I just got will just go on keeping up and walked out of the this secret from her just apartment, telling him to preserve our that she would explain marriage. to him. That was the ‘JOB’ last time my girlfriend and I were in the same Dear ‘JOB’, room together.

Continuing with this It was clear to both of secret will not allow the us from that moment, marriage to breathe the way it should. Your wife that we were better off is carrying around with going our separate her a very heavy burden, ways. I guess you can and she needs to relieve say both of us were herself of it, so she can caught at our own game. be free to love you the Life!! way she truly wants to love you - uninhibited and without secrets.

Lesson learned Since you have forgiven her, you should Dear Lesson learned, now sit her down, tell her what you know, Everything that while at the same time showing evidence of your happened on that day in forgiveness. Let her question was designed to know why it is important make you wiser for the for you to discuss the future. You can either issue; that you do not choose to put it all aside hold what she did and continue with your against her; that you reckless ways, or see to have put it down as an it that you learn to error in judgment. You may see the need to go commit fully to the on another honeymoon to person you select to celebrate a new life, free share your life with. from dark secrets.

Deal with the secret Dear George, MY WIFE lied to me when she told me she was a virgin. I discovered that on our honeymoon night.

I asked her about it and she lied again, telling me that she must have lost her virginity riding the bicycle she bought just one month before we got married. Now I see why she would want to get a bicycle out of the blues! I told her I did not believe her and that I was not stupid.

George, I have been with women since I was a teenager, and I am 38years old, so I know when a woman is not a virgin. I took the matter to her best friend, who is also a friend of mine, and this friend told me that my wife messed with a guy sometime back, and begged her not to tell me. Apparently this guy got her drunk and did what he did to her without her knowing. He had since left the country.

I told her friend I would forgive my wife and would never mention it.

George, I know my

George

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Take your time; do not make any decisions in haste. You can make money if you are wise in your choices.

Helping children may be rewarding and challenging. Travel will enhance romance and adventure.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Residential moves will be favorable, and larger quarters the most probable direction. Keep calm. Someone around you is bouncing off the walls. Your intuition will be right on. Follow your feelings in matters pertaining to financial investments. Resist any idle chatter.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Listen to a good friend who is truly looking out for your best interests. The great outdoors will allow you to teach youngsters some of the things you learned when growing up. Avoid friends or acquaintances who drink too much.

Communication will be the source of your knowledge and you must be sure to spend time with those who have more experience.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Take precautions while traveling; you don't have to get anywhere that fast.

Your diplomacy will be of utmost importance this week. You can make changes to your home that will be pleasing to all concerned. Control your emotions and everything will fall into place.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Don't be taken advantage of by any fast talking salesperson trying to part you from your cash. Don't say things that could be damaging later on. Cut loose.

Don't spend too much in order to impress others. You may find that romance will unfold through business connections.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You will have to face each issue separately and in person. You've been hurt before and could be again if you don't play hard to get. You are best to look into investments that will grow in

value over an extended period of time.

Rethink your motives and make the necessary changes to yourself.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Do not get involved in joint financial ventures. Delays are evident. Family members will not be happy with the amount of time you are spending away from home. However, be careful with luggage; it may be rerouted.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Your business sense will be leading you in a direction that indicates more travel and communication. You should be traveling to that exotic destination you've been dreaming about. Don't shy away from potential mates they want to introduce you to. Don't lend or borrow money or belongings.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Problems with gas, oil, or water in your home may disrupt your routine. You can help them with difficult projects. You will not be able to contain your emotions this week. You may be emotionally unstable if you let someone you care about get away with verbal abuse.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You might find that co-workers will support your endeavors. If you put your mind to it, you could entertain or host a multitude of social events. You will be overly sensitive when dealing with your personal life. Don't draw too much attention to yourself at work.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Take a break; you can finally mend any disputes on the home front. You will inspire confidence in others. Take a break; you can finally mend any disputes on the home front. Mishaps due to preoccupation will be upsetting.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Get out and enjoy some entertainment.

You may experience financial loss if you don't use good judgment. Don't blow situations out of proportion. Make sure that you take time to remember those you love.

ACROSS

Pinchot 37. Pro Bowl 1. Current team (abbr.) indication 39. 90210’s 5. Stuff in David __ DOOL’s 40. Dr. hourglass Thurmond 9. Famed Giant on Chicago 12. Carrie Hope Fisher’s (3 wds) “Star Wars” 44. Day-__ role 45. Wall St. 13. That’s My debuts Line regular 46. Touching__ Leek 50. Two Guys 14.1950 Edmond and a __ O’Brien 51. Crow cries classic 51. __ Thirty 15. Pear, e.g.

Curtain 16. Boats like 53. Poem of Noah’s praise 17. Mission: 54. Amos ‘n’ __ Impossible 55. Utah lily org.

18. George DOWN Clooney police drama 1. Mountain of (2 wds) Geneva 21. Network 2. Corporate that shows VIP Cosby Show 3. Faint reruns 4. Sid of Your (2 wds) Show of 24. Part of the Shows Mideast 5. They __ (abbr.)

Accused 25. John of the 6. Makes public Client 7. “Just do it” 26. Due __ sneakers 30. French 8. __ Trail painter Jean 9. Garfield and 31. Louis of The Friends Beverly pooch Hillbillies 10. Tony 32. Mary Kay Musante role Adams on 11. Buono, on Guiding Backstairs Light at the 35. Role for White House Bronson 19. Conjunction

for Klink 20. Kramer’s undergarment for men 21. Siamese, now 22. It’s a Man’s World guitarist 23. Southland org.

27. The Rebels’ school (abbr.)

28. Cartoon watcher 29. Person in the will 33. TLC’s __ Fix (2 wds) 34. Survivor location on season 3 35. The __ Baird Show 36. Woody and

Karen 38. Viewing for political junkies 39. Like Flo on Alice 40. “Leggo my __!”

41. Happy 42. Honey West’s

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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

Facial feature 43. __ They Do That?

47. Compete 48. Marie regular Debi 49. Melissa of The Young Riders

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22. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Entertainment

‘Maddzart’ ready for Vincy Mas 2016

by KENVILLE HORNE POPULAR Soca artiste Raeon ‘Maddzart’ Primus is looking forward to a successful 2016 Vincy

Mas. He is basing his expectation on the strength of his hopeful seven-track album.

The versatile artist has already released

three tracks in the album entitled #Followme.

Already on rotation at the various radio stations are ‘Larger than life’, ‘Function’ and his

Oceania Lounge opens

latest release entitled ‘All Hands’, which was released on Tuesday.

‘Maddzart’ is one of SVG’s most recognized performing and recording Interested members of the general public can preview the lounge at their weekend activities during the next two weekends, starting today, Friday, 15th, from 5:00pm, and Saturday, 16th, from 7:00pm.

Registration forms are available.

can visit to relax, emphatically ‘Premium communicate with Professional and friends and new Private’.

THE OCEANIA From April 27th, LOUNGE, St. Vincent’s acquaintances, facilitated with 2016, only holders of first members-only membership cards will lounge, opened its doors appropriate, light have access to the to expectant patrons last background music.

The Oceania Lounge lounge.

Saturday, April 9th, also caters to 2016. every member of Located at the Yacht the family with a Club in Ratho Mill, variety of Oceania Lounge greets activities on its members with an different days of inspiring outside the week. ambiance. On the Originator and inside, the lounge is a Manager Rondel beautifully designed Dickson assures, area that encourages “Oceania takes comforting relaxation — pride in a serene atmosphere of delivering soft lighting and plush privacy and seating. premium A lounge is not to be customer service. confused with a bar. It Its brand functions as a quieter, The Oceania Lounge offers an atmosphere that is position is stylish place where one comforting and conducive for conversation.

by GLORIAH…

artistes.

To his credit, he has captured: the Ragga Soca Monarch title on two occasions, first in 2001 with his track ‘Poor people song’, then in 2009 with ‘Is me friend’; the Soca Monarch tile in 2003 with one he called ‘Motocade’; and the Road March of 2019 with the extremely popular ‘King Road’.

The artiste recently returned from Montserrat where he wrote and recorded most of tracks on his 2016 album.

“Montserrat was very productive. I had the opportunity to work with some new producers, musicians and other artistes,” ‘Maddzart’ told THE VINCENTIAN in a ‘sit down’ last Wednesday.

He added that he also did some co-writing and producing while in Montserrat.

“I leant a lot in terms of recording, mixing and production on a whole while in Montserrat,” he

As of Wednesday 13th April, ‘Maddzart’ had released three tracks from his 2016 album. admitted.

As far as the album is concerned, ‘Maddzart’ explained that the title track, also entitled #Followme, will be released “after carnival, since it is not a carnival song.”

He is promising his fans more “real material,” but refused to disclose his plans for the carnival season, stating, “It is still early in the season.”

More information on his release and “maybe his plans” can be had at www.Maddzart.com.

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

Business

Digicel celebrates Week of Champions!

DIGICEl hosted a weeklong celebration to mark the unprecedented triple victory in World Cricket by the West Indies, to wit, the senior and Under 19 males and the senior females.

On Monday, April 4th, Digicel customers enjoyed Triple Credit when they topped up $15 or more. On Tuesday, April 5th, Digicel Postpaid customers were urged to pay their bills in full and avail themselves of of 3 days FREE Calls.

The following Wednesday and Thursday offered Digicel customers a Double Data deal when they activated

a 2-day or 7-day social data plan.

Friday, April 8th started with cash giveaways on several radio stations, followed by credit giveaways all day long on Xtreme radio, and happy hours during which customers wearing anything Digicel branded won credit on the spot.

The grand finale came when Captain of the 2016 T20 West Indies Champion team Darren Sammy, alongside local U19 squad members Gidron Pope and Obed McCoy, appeared in the Digicel Flagship store and surprised all

Mr. Anthony Alphonso (standing) delivering the lead paper at the Workshop.

Rubis facilitates Workshop ANOTHER STEP has been taken towards forging a partnership between Rubis and the Division of Technical and Vocational Education of the SVG Community College.

This, when the Division hosted a Rubis facilitated workshop, aimed at enhancing the learning environment for the students, and assisting the Division in advancing its goal of providing the industry with appropriately trained personnel, on Wednesday 13th April, at the Division’s campus, Arnos Vale.

Main presenter at the Workshop, primarily focused on ‘Fundamentals of Lubrication’, was Rubis Regional Representative Mr. Anthony Alphonso.

His presentation was supported by a detailed slide component and matching booklets, and targeted, in addition to ‘Lubrication’, which Mr. Alphonso described as “the lifeblood of industry,” the area of ‘Internal Combustion’.

Workshop participants included faculty members and students of the Engineering programme of the College.

Mr. Alphonso’s presentation aroused a dynamic exchange with students, with one student remarking during the presentation, that he had a “change of mentality,” and that he “felt motivated and learned a lot in the space of three (3) hours.”

Another student commented that he felt inspired, was excited by the information, and confident with the answers to his questions at the Workshop.

In closing remarks, Dean of the Division of Technical and Vocational Mr. Osborne Bowens thanked Mr. Alphonso for a “well-presented Workshop,” and recognized the pivotal role played

by Mr. Elroy Edwards, Country Representative at Rubis, in facilitating the Workshop which, according to Bowens, was “a great success, not only on the deliverance of information, but on guiding the students towards achieving and being successful in the business world.” (HD)

customers, as they availed themselves to sign autographs and taking photos.

The trio then visited with the Prime Minister, during which Sammy was offered Honorary Citizenship of SVG. Darren Sammy (showing wrist band at right ) is mobbed by fans on Bay Street during Friday’s grand finale of Digicel’s Week of Champions celebration.

24. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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

The Girls’ High School returned to the top position among the females, a position not uncommon to them.

Left: The St. Vincent Grammar School continued their dominance of male secondary schools track and field in SVG.

Grammar School retains athletics title accumulated a total of 302 points, pushed arch rivals St. THE ST. VINCENT GRAMMAR Martin’s Secondary School, 261 SCHOOL successfully defended points, into second place. The their Male Inter-Secondary Campden Park Secondary Schools Track and Field School (Bethel High School) Championship title, when the came in third with 186 points.

2016 edition of the Meet was held In the female category, the at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, Girls’ High School edged out Wednesday 6th April.

Central Leeward Secondary, 244 The Grammar School, having to 235, to reclaim a position that

by PAUL JAMES

had made its own in the early history of the Meet. The Campden Park Secondary took third position with 182, meaning that defending Champions, Thomas Saunders Secondary School were displaced from the podium honours.

Individual male age category winners were: Junior

42 points, St Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua; Intermediate Champion - Tamara Woodley, 41 points, Girls’ High School; Senior Champion - Shantell Williams, 34 points, Girls’ High School.

The 2016 Victor Ladorum was Javon Rawlins and the Victrix Ladorum, Grenisha Thomas.

Champion - Tyrique Bushay, 33 Off the track, the points, St Martin’s Secondary Intermediate High School were School; Intermediate Champion adjudged the Best Cheerleaders, - Javon Rawlins, 47 points, St with Troumaca Ontario Vincent Grammar School; Secondary School taking second Senior Champion - Slyford place and Union Island Lampkin, Campden Park Secondary School third.

Sceondary.

A total of 21 schools Individual female age participated in the male category winners were: Junior category and 20 in the female.

Champion - Grenisha Thomas,

Secondary Schools Athletics: Another year of record-breaking

Jimeon Hendrickson (2nd from right) – Male Champion.

New Track Champions for Community College

by PAUL JAMES YEAR ONE ARTS, Sciences and General Studies are the 2016 QuickCash Corp/National Lotteries Authority SVG Community College Track and Field Male champions.

They amassed a total of 228 points to dethrone 2015 winners, Year Two Technical and Vocational Studies.

Year Two Arts, Science and General Studies placed second with a total of 189.5 points, and Year One Technical and Vocational Studies took the third spot with 169 points.

Year One Arts, Sciences and General

Kerinna Hooper – Female Champion.

Studies won the Female Division with a

tally of 138 points.

Kerina Hooper of Year One Arts, Sciences and General Studies copped the award for the Female Meet Champion with 38 points.

She ran away winner in the 400m, 800m and 1500m events. Kira Schubbert of Year One Arts, Sciences and General Studies came in second with 28 points.

Jimeon Hendrickson of Year Two Arts, Sciences and General Studies grabbed the Male Meet Champion award with 26 points, winning the 200m and placing second in the 100m and 400m events. Rothwell John of Year One Technical and Vocational Studies placed second with 25 points.

SOME NEW MARKS were set while others were equalled when the National Lotteries Authority Inter-Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships finished last Thursday at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Daria Matthias of the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown broke both the 100 and 200m Female Intermediate marks.

Matthias left both marks set by Shantell Williams of the Girls’ High School in 2015 to be no more.

The new 100m record is 12.50 seconds from the 12.67 seconds, while 200m is now 25.56 seconds from the previous 25.80.

Williams was to reset the 200m Seniors, with a new mark of 25.43 seconds, erasing Javon Rawlins broke one the 25.73 seconds set by the Bethel High record and equalled School’s Shantel Rouse in 2013. another and was the Also going by the way was the 4 x 100m intermediate champion Females Intermediate, as the St Joseph’s and the victor ludorum.

Convent Kingstown clocked 51.75 seconds to better the 51.81, done by the Girls’ High School’s quartet in 2015.

St Vincent Grammar School set a new record for the Male Intermediate 4 x 100m, with a time of is 45.27 second, eclipsing the Thomas Saunders Secondary’s 45.41 seconds, done in 2011.

Zavid Pompey of the Dr JP Eustace Memorial did 4 minutes 09.28 seconds to post the new record in the Male 1500m Senior.

Shalia Lynch of the Central Leeward Secondary triple jumped 10.88 to become the record holder of that event for the Female Intermediate class, and Javon Rawlins of the St Vincent Grammar School with 13,94m did likewise for the Males, Rawlins also equalled the Intermediate 100m record of 11.30 seconds, set by the Thomas Saunders Secondary‘s Renaldo Charles, in 2011.

Charles’ 2011 for the 200m also went a begging when Tarique John of the Emmanuel High Mespo clocked 22.82 seconds in the Intermediate 200m.

26. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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

Sports

Hector assures victory for Victors One commencement of the match, they were unable to take part.

Entering as the number four with the total at ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES top order batsman 26/2, Lavia joined forces with West Indies U19 Donwell Hector hit a blazing unbeaten century, as Victors ONE took full points from News Spartans by way opener Gidron Pope in adding 73 for the third of forfeiture in their premier division match in the NLA wicket, with Lavia being the aggressor.

The partnership was broken when Pope (38) was National cricket championship at Arnos Vale TWO on well caught off his own bowling by off-spinner the weekend.

Damaul Phillps with the total 109/3. He batted 129 SCORES: NEWS Spartans 153, Victors ONE minutes faced 71 balls and struck three fours and 215/1. one six.

Winning the toss and batting with eight men, Lavia (62) continued his “all guns blazing” News Spartans were indebted to Kurtlan Lavia who approach, but his innings ended when he was run spanked an attacking half century. out in a mix-up with Mica Joseph. He faced 67 balls, The team’s batted 111 minutes and struck five sixes and one captain Seon Sween had made four.

The innings ended shortly after at 153/7, with a blunder by not Phillips 2/32 leading the bowling. listing a full Victors ONE went on the attack from early, with eleven for the match despite the openers Atticus Browne and Chrisroy John (28) getting regular boundaries and taking the total to suggestions of 47 in 5.4 overs, before the latter went . His umpire Maria Abbott and while dismissal brought Victors ONE captain Hector to the crease, and in the hour batting, he unfurled his other players arrived after the wide array of shots on both sides of the wicket.

Hector and Browne added 168 unbroken for the second wicket in 14.2 overs as the News Spartans Atticus Browne players were involved in some serious “leather sweeps.

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Hooper spins Team Rivals to full points The recovery was led by Walters and Skerrit who CAPTAIN Asif Hooper, with a ten wicket match added 97 for the fifth wicket haul, led from the front in piloting defending on a good batting surface. champions, Team Rivals, to a comprehensive Walters, though, was the innings and 17 runs victory over Police TWO, in beneficiary of a number of their NLA Premier Division match at the Sion Hill chances, including two Playing Field on the weekend. missed runout opportunities, SCORES: Team Rivals 249 Police TWO 79 & 153. and made full capital of his Winning the toss and batting, Team Rivals, fortune. behind impressive half centuries from Harley The pair also found some Skeritt (78) and Casmond Walters (73), posted a difficulty in handling offworkable total of 249 after recovering from 87/4. spinner Kenneth Dembar (5/70) who, using his height to full advantage, extracted turn and bounce from the wicket.

Walters was first to go when he was LBW by Dembar as he attempted to SMASHERS and KCCU Triumph United were in turn to the legside. He struck sparkling form as they recorded victories over nine fours and two sixes.

Team Rivals captain Victors Two and Combined Youths respectively, in Skerrit looked set for a Asif Hooper, 10/59 the National Sunday League Limited overs cricket century but gave it away match haul. tournament, on the weekend. trying to attack Dembar. He Smashers beat Victors Two by 5 wickets. Victors departed with the total 241/7. two made 121 in 27 overs. Marcus McCoy and Pacer Romario Bibby (4/49) Jerando Jardine made 23 apiece while Leonn then returned to mop up the lower order.

Quashe hit 20. Javid Harry was the top wicketPolice TWO ended the day 34/3, a position from taker for Smashers with 4 for 25. Marvin Harry which they never recovered, with left-arm spinner had 3 for 4. Smashers replied with 122 for 5 from Hooper, who opened the bowling, taking two, and 22.3 overs. Raymano Rouse top scored with 38 and off-spinner Walters the other.

Darren Russell hit 21. Adinol Richards took 3 for On Sunda, they were bundled out for 79. Salvan 39.

Browne, batting down the order, top scored with The KCCU Triumph United-Combine Youths 31*. encounter was a close affair, with the former Hooper returned figures of 5/29 and off-spinner Walters, 2/13. The innings lasted 19 overs and was eventually winning by a mere six runs. KCCU Triump United made 212 from 37.4 overs. Rommel completed within an hour on Sunday.

Police TWO, asked to follow on, got off to a Jack top scored with 53, Kenron Roberts hit 34, terrible start when Browne (0) was caught off his Kezron Ashton 29 and Travis Cumberbatch 18. fourth ball with the total on nought.

Oneil Endeavor with 5 for 51 was the pick of the Dembar (26) looked to keep the innings alive but, bowlers for Combine Yopuths. aided by a series of poor shots, the lawmen dug Combine Youths in reply reached 206 from 43.4 themselves into trouble. Kevin Abraham (27), after overs. Oneil Endeavor picked up with the bat where he had left off with the ball, to lead the runs the departure of Dembar, batted responsibly, while his other teammates went about gifting their wicket chase with a patient 73, Sammy Peters made 26 away. His resistance was ended when he was and Darie Haywood 22. Vangel Small bagged 3 for runout by his partner, who ignored a call for a 45 and Rohan Ash had 2 for 39. single.

This weekend, Radcliffe Two will play French A few lusty blows from the lower order, all of Verandah SVG Community College at Sion Hill, whom got into double figures, only served to delay and Northern Stars oppose Smashers at the inevitable which came just after tea, with the Buccament. total 153 made in 37.2 overs.

Hooper finished with 5/30 from 11 overs and I.B.A.ALLEN pacer Roneil Jeffrey 2/30.

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Smashers, Triumph United in winner’s row

Donwell Hector flicks through midwicket. chasing”.

When stumps were drawn, Hector was unbeaten with 116, which included 18 fours, and Browne 59.

Hector batted 60 minutes, faced 57 balls and struck 18 fours, while Browne who batted with the discomfort of a swollen face, courtesy of a beach attack by four assailants, struck nine fours and two sixes off the 47 balls he faced.

The innings was not without incidents, with umpire Goalan Greaves awarding five penalty runs to Victors ONE after News Spartans captain, Sween had ignored several warnings about what the umpires deemed were his deliberate time wasting.

News Spartans off-spinner Teron Simon was also called by presiding umpire Greaves for an illegal delivery.

The following day Sunday, the match was awarded to Victors ONE when only six players for News Spartans turned up for the start.

Cricket officials say the News Spartans will have to fork out EC$200.00 before they would be allowed to continue in the competition.

Browne, Walters in Windwards U-15 squad FOLLOWING good performances in the recently concluded Windward Island Under 15 Tournament, Vincentian fast bowler Romando Browne and batsman Jaheil Windward Islands U-15 Walters have selectees Romando Browne earned places in (left) and Jaheil Walters. the Windwards Under 15 team, which will take part in the West Indies Under 15 tournament, later this year in Grenada.

Walters was, in fact, the Tournament’s highest run-getter, with a total of 185 runs, and was adjudged to be SVG;’s best player.

Kemron Straugh, the SVG captain, is included in the reserve list.

SVG finished third in the Windwards Under 15 Tournament behind winners St. Lucia and second place Grenada. This was St. Lucia’s third consecutive win.

Stand-in coach of SVG, Kenroy Peters, was pleased with the effort of the boys. “This year the boy showed fight, they competed and hence that is why they won two games compared to the previous years,” Peters admitted that the guys used the past unbecoming results as motivation for this year.

“What I would like to see is a better and longer preparation - at least three to four months preparation. This is key. As the tournament went along, the players got better every successive game,” Peters added, and also pointed to the reintroduction of the Secondary Schools competition as a step in this direction.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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28. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Wayne Williams returns as Basketball president

The new Executive of the SVGBF (from left) – Karel Bramble, Augustus John, Sanjay Jiandani, Wayne Williams (President), Gailene Gordon, Winston Snagg and Sonya Lewis.

WAYNE WILLIAMS has returned for another stint as President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Basketball Federation (SVGBF).

Williams, who served as First Vice —president of the last duly elected executive, takes over the role of point guard of the Federation after what can only be described as a period of ‘administrative foul’ stretching over the past year and a half.

He thanked those who showed confidence in electing him, even as he acknowledged the morass in which the Federation has found itself.

The usually positive Williams said, “We have a lot of problems ... There is a lot of work to be done, but we are willing to do the work...You encourage us to

start putting things together in the interest of basketball”.

Towards that end, he immediately proposed that part of the solution is to reactivate the zonal committees and activities, which, once in full and continuous operation, would provide a stream of administrators and players.

Williams narrowly beat Rohan Providence 23-22 in a rerun, after both had tied with 21 votes in the first round of voting. That round included a third candidate, Karel Bramble, who gained two votes.

Bramble, though, returned to take the post of First Vice President in a three-way contest, receiving 26 votes to Conrad Simon’s 16 and Winfield

Tannis’ one.

Augustus John took the position of Second Vice President with 35 votes in his favour. He saw off Jenene Spring, 5 votes, and Darron John and Tannis with 2 votes each.

Sanjay Jiandani beat Tannis 38-6 in the fight for Third Vice President, with Gailene Gordon, 20 votes, copping the Secretary post, defeating Clephas Glynn, 15, Darron John, 7 and Tannis, 2.

In a two-person race for the Treasurer’s post, Winston Snagg garnered 25 votes to Rohan Providence’s 19.

And Sonja Lewis was the choice for the Assistant Secretary Treasurer, beating

Tannis 35-9.

The full complement of the Executive will be complete with the appointments of a Public Relations Officer, a Games Secretary and two Committee Members.

Last Saturday’s Annual General Meeting, held at the Xpert Computer Centre’s Conference Room, was necessitated following a spate of resignations from the Executive, including that of elected president Junior Sutton, who migrated in 2015.

Efforts to fill Sutton’s position at an extraordinary meeting on 9th February unveiled several kinks in the election processes, which resulted in the installation of an Interim Committee headed by

Conrad Simon, and mandated to pave the way for a full Annual General Meeting.

Taking charge of last Saturday’s election was President of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation, Glyne Clarke.

Unlike the elections of previous years, there were no proxy votes.

Election of the officers went ahead with forty- five affiliates present, making it one of the largest turnouts to the Federation’s Annual General Meeting.

But the meeting saw no financial report being tabled, as sitting Treasurer Rohan Providence stated he was unable to do so.

SVG Rowers complete first technical course THE FUTURE OF ROWING in St. Vincent & the Grenadines is looking brighter after the completion of the first technical course in Rowing, which ended here on Sunday 17th April.

The Course was conducted by Mr. Osvaldo Borchi, International Rowing Federation (FISA) Development Consultant for South and Latin America, and attracted seventeen male participants, ages ranging from fourteen to twentyone years.

Training includedthe use of ergs (rowing machines) and rowing session on the water using competition skulls (boats).

Borchi, who has coached several teams in Latin America, was pleased with the Course that held out great hope for the participants.

“I am happy as the athletes have great physiological development and now have to work on improving their techniques and endurance,” he noted.

He stated that he was looking forward to seeing a team from SVG in the 2018 Youth Olympics in Argentina and the 2019 Pan American Games.

Participants in the Rowing Course with Raffique Browne, Technical Director (extreme left) and FISA Development Consultant Osvaldo Borchi (extreme right).

The Course comes after SVG’s first sojourn in rowing aimed at qualifying for the Olympics. A threemember team travelled to Chile where they competed against 23 other teams in the region, for a spot in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. While the team failed to qualify, they came in for high praise for the professionalism and perseverance from Borchi.

Member of the team, Kevin Gibson, stated that it was a learning

experience. “After El Salvador last year, I was happy to compete in Chile.

While we did not qualify, we learnt a lot in terms of training techniques, especially for stamina, and look forward to putting in more work for the upcoming competitions.”

The next competition for SVG Rowing will take place in the summer months with the National Outdoor and Indoor Championships tentatively scheduled for August 2016.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016. 29.

30. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016. 31.

Classifieds

LELIA DE FREITAS-DAISLEY St. Joseph R.C. Church Belle View Monday 11th April, 2016 2:00 p.m.

AYANA RENÉ KATHY ANN FINDLAY Wilson Hill New Testament Church of God Saturday 9th April, 2016 2:00 p.m.

ORLSCINDA WILLIAMS Mt. Moriah Spiritual Baptist Church Spring Village Sunday 10th April, 2016 2:00 p.m.

MARY ASHTON aka Amber JULIAN KING Kingstown Chapel Tuesday 29th March, 2016 1:30 p.m.

St. Peter Spiritual Baptist Church Dasent Cottage Saturday 9th April, 2016 2:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

APRIL 15, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.16

A.I. REAL ESTATE Twenty Hill 2 bedrm Property on 15,210 sq.ft. $550,000.00 - H199 Langley Park 3 bedrm Property on 4,646 sq.ft. $145,000.00 - H455 Pembroke 3 bedrm Property on 7,499 sq.ft. - $399,500.00 H109

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MCU CHIEF ACCUSED OF DISRESPECT Court on January 22, 2014 when then Chief Magistrate Sonya Young held Inspector Calvin Glasgow in contempt of court, for ‘sucking his teeth’, and fined him $200 forthwith.

Glasgow had entered the witness stand while the Magistrate was speaking to the defendant.

Young told Glasgow that she was not ready for him, and asked him to leave. Glasgow ‘sucked his teeth’ while leaving the dock.

Connell said that although that matter did not find good footing with the law when it was later appealed, the fact remains that the issue of his alleged disrespect was addressed immediately.

Connell revealed that he had written to the Commissioner asking that the issue involving Inspector Browne, which he views as very serious, be addressed as soon as possible.

He expressed the view that, had it Defence lawyer Grant Connell was been former Chief Magistrates Sonya clear that the matter involving Insp.

Young or Simone Churaman Atland Browne was a case of the presiding, given their serious officer not knowing the difference approach in actions of this nature, between demanding respect and Inspector Browne would have been commanding respect. disciplined immediately.

“He is MCU Chief and Inspector;

by HAYDN HUGGINS what example is he showing to the younger police officer?” Connell GRANT CONNELL, defence lawyer in the questioned rhetorically. murder case in which Head of the Major “If this sort of behaviour is Crime Unit (MCU) Inspector Atland entertained, it would result in a Browne made remarks deemed general breakdown in the standards disrespectful to the court and the of court procedure.” he added. prosecution, is calling on Commissioner “What gives him (Browne) that of Police Michael Charles to have the authority to behave in that manner issue addressed promptly. is baffling. He may be head of the The drama unfolded on Monday MCU, but you don’t demand respect, when Inspector Browne, the main you command respect, and if you investigator in the matter, was can’t command respect, maybe you evading Connell’s questions, under don’t deserve respect,” the lawyer cross-examination at the Serious continued.

Offences Court.

Prosecutor Richards, speaking Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne with THE VINCENTIAN on was presiding over the matter.

Wednesday, described Browne’s Station Sergeant Elgin Richards, behavior as rude and absurd. who was prosecuting, then told “I am a prosecutor, and when I Browne to answer the questions. stand there, I represent the Office of Browne responded to Richards the Director of Public Prosecutions saying, “You relax, you are a station (DPP). I had the right to ask him to sergeant, I am the Inspector here”. answer the questions put to him by Speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on the defence lawyers, and I was polite Wednesday, Connell made reference to as I could be,” the prosecutor said. an incident at the Serious Offences Richards spared no rod in saying

that the police force and the Office of the DPP could do without this kind of negative publicity.

The Station Sergeant revealed that he has written a report on the matter to the Commissioner of Police.

Head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Supt. Ruth Jacobs confirmed to THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday that the matter was under investigation.

When contacted, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Colin Williams told THE VINCENTIAN that he would not be commenting on the matter at the moment.

Station Sergeant Elgin Richards, Court Prosecutor, considers Insp.

Browne’s behaviour as being rude, to say the least.

Young man suffers burns POLICE HAVE CONFIRMED the arrest of a pastor, his wife and daughter, in connection with their ongoing investigation into an incident which occurred on Saturday 9th April, at Hopewell, Mesopotamia.

The incident is said to have resulted in a young man, Cuthbert ‘Mafia’ Victory, sustaining severe burns to his upper torso and face.

Up to Thursday morning, the trio were still detained at the Mesopotamia Police Station.

A video posted on the social medium Facebook earlier this week, created near mayhem here, as it showed a male and female wrestling with a young man, later identified as Victory.

The man managed to break free, but as the video showed, only after a young lady had poured a substance on him.

Persons could be heard laughing on the video as the incident ensued, apparently unaware of the extent of ‘punishment’ being inflicted on the man.

Photos of the victim, posted later on Facebook, showed that he had suffered severe burns, and evoked rapid and numerous responses of concern.

Information as to what may have caused this action to be taken against Victory is still sketchy and for the most part hearsay. This publication prefers not to be part of any One of the photographs speculation about the contributing which were posted on Facebook showing the young circumstances, especially in light of an ongoing police investigation. man and his burn wounds.

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

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.