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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

JULY 15, 2016

VOLUME 110, No.29

reported in its issue of July 1, that Ames and his wife, Carol Ames, had cleared immigration at the Chateaubelair Police Station around 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, June 22, a day before he was scheduled to appear in Court on four charges related to theft and four charges of tax evasion, in connection with the alleged deprivation of millions of dollars in taxes from the SVG government between 2011 and 2013.

On the tax evasion charges, Ames has been charged jointly with local attorney Samuel Commissiong, principal officer of the company.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves appeared to point an accusing finger at court and law enforcement agencies for David Ames ‘slipping’ out of the country.

by DAYLE DA SILVA and HAYDN HUGGINS DAVE AMES, THE ENGLISH BORN CHAIRMAN and principal shareholder of Harlequin Properties, the entity behind the Buccament Bay Resort development, left the state legitimately.

So said Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves on Monday during a press briefing here.

THE VINCENTIAN

www.thevincentian.com

When the matter was called on June 23, Ames failed to show up, and a bench warrant was issued for him.

It was also reported in the said issue of THE VINCENTIAN that the couple, after clearing immigration, left for Martinique on the vessel ‘Ray J’, captained by 2015 Fisherman of the Year Ray Anthony Clarke.

On Monday, much to the consternation of many who were listening to the live broadcast of the media briefing, the Prime Minister disclosed that there was no watch put at any port in respect of Ames

leaving the country, because he was charged and was expected to come to the court.

Continued on Page 3.

Right: David Ames, the chairman of struggling overseas property investment scheme Harlequin, has in the past, failed to give evidence to a local court within the judge’s deadline.

Below: The Buccament Bay Resort was one of two complexes Harlequin Properties has completed with some of the £400m British pensioners invested in an unregulated scheme.

EC$1.50

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2. FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Flow launches ÂSummerÊ promotion TELECOMMUNICATION GIANT Flow has launched their latest promotion called ‘Summer Cash Flow’.

Customers stand to benefit from an

abundance of giveaways, prizes and the grand prize of $10,000.

The seven weeks promotion is already in progress, but the company held a media

conference at the company’s headquarters on Halifax Street in Kingstown, on Wednesday, to raise awareness.

Marketing and

Corporate Communication Lead Nikala Williams said that over $70,000 in giveaways and prizes will be up for grab in the promotion, and starting

from next week, two persons will win $500 every week, when they top up $15 or more.

Customers can enter into the draw as many times as possible, every time they top up.

Texting ‘Cash Flow’ to 6263 at a cost of $1 will also result in an entry for the grand prize. And talking on your cell phone for three or more minutes, also gets you into the Andrea Liverpool, Acting draw for the grand Country Manager, reaffirmed prize.

Flow’s commitment to Additionally, continually identify and those who talk for introduce services to satisfy three minutes or its customers. more, you automatically get $20 cash back in free night time calls.

Persons activating a data plan will automatically be entered in the draw as well. The promotion also applies to Post paid customers who pay their bills on time, and participate in the texting process.

FLOW is also offering the Samsung galaxy phone for as Marketing and Corporate low as $99.00, once Communication Lead persons agree to sign Nikala Williams detailed up for a post paid workings of the ‘Summer Cash Flow’ promotion and plan. Smart phones can also be purchased other enticing offers from Flow. at $ 75 or $ 129. assured that as the Flow brand expands, they are seeking ways to satisfy Williams also spoke their customers. This about the Annual weekend, for example, Internet Summer School cable TV subscribers will for persons 8 years and have access to the entire older. This is also HBO package. expected to cater to the Coverage for the elderly. The programme Olympics, the NLF and will commence in early the British Premier August with venues on League is also the Leeward and forthcoming, branded as Windward sides of the the ‘Flow Premier Pack’. island, with the main Subscribers and location at Arnos Vale. would-be subscribers can The Back to School also look forward to a promotion is also high state of the art retail on the agenda, and store, which is expected Williams is promising to transform customers’ that this year will be experience, according to bigger and better.

Liverpool. The store is Meanwhile, Acting expected to be open Country Manager before month end.

Andrea Liverpool

Summer programmes

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

News 3

No charter by the PM

PRIME MINISTER DR RALPH GONSALVES has discredited the allegations made that he chartered a flight to Barbados, to facilitate his travel to the 37th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Guyana.

He responded to that allegation during a media conference on Monday, saying that he was advised that the information had made its way on to radio and local newspapers.

Dr. Gonsalves said the ‘news’ was the furthest from the truth, and in

fact, that he got a ride to Barbados.

He explained that he was expected to leave the state last Sunday, July 3; however, the flight from Barbados to Guyana was cancelled.

There was the option of overnighting in Barbados, or waiting until Monday morning when another flight was expected to leave at 10:10. Dr. Gonsalves said that he opted for the latter because the opening ceremony was expected to begin at 5pm.

The following

morning, Dr. Gonsalves told members of the media, that after sending his luggage and other check-in items ahead, he received a call to say that the flight that was expected to leave at 10:10 was now leaving Trinidad at midday.

“Well obviously I will miss the 12 o’clock connection from Barbados to Guyana,” he explained.

He said that he called a pilot he knew who works at SVG Air and asked if they were going to Barbados.

The response was yes, but that the aircraft would first be making a stop in Canouan, and that it would be back at 11.

Gonsalves said that he inquired if there was an extra seat for Ambassador Elsworth John, who was part of the delegation, and he was told yes.

He further cleared the air on the information that he denied access to three other passengers wanting to get on the flight, saying that while he was waiting in the VIP Lounge, he was approached by a LIAT worker who told him that there were three passengers wanting to get on the flight in order to make connecting

flights.

Gonsalves said that he told the LIAT employee that he had asked for a ride, and that he should talk to the staff at SVG Air. Soon after, the prime minister said that he was informed that he should board the aircraft. When he Dr. Gonsalves refuted got on board, he told allegations about him the pilot, after seeing chartering a flight and refusing seats to three some available seats, stranded passengers. about the request for the three passengers. no. So here is Ralph The pilot responded saying that he could not now big shot, chartering, Prime Minister riding wait and that he had and the ‘fella’ so selfish other connections to that three people wanted make. a ride and there was “And that was that.

The next thing I know, I space on the plane. I was supposed to charter mean entirely wrong, entirely wrong,” Dr. a plane, three people wanted a ride and I said Gonsalves concluded.

‘Ames’ leaving legitimate,’ PM the Magistrate Court as ordered.

According to the Prime Minister, “I asked the Chief Immigration who also hold, the portfolios of Officer for a report, and I got a report. Minister of Legal Affairs and National The report that I got states that he left Security, the matter of Ames the port of entry at Chateaubelair by absconding highlights that the court boat, for Martinique or somewhere,” and prosecution staff are not working Gonsalves said, corroborating what along with the police, as has happened THE VINCENTIAN had reported before when an individual left the earlier. state despite being summoned to court.

“So he did leave legitimately, but Gonsalves said that he was now there was no watch put at any port in looking forward to seeing what the respect of him going, because he was prosecuting authorities would be doing charged and he was to come to the to get Ames back here to answer the court,” the Prime Minister repeated. charges.

Usually, when an individual is On that score, Karim Nelson, Crown summoned to court, it is expected that Counsel in the Office of the Director of the individual is in the jurisdiction Public Prosecutions, as per a story and will appear in court, Gonsalves carried in THE VINCENTIAN of July proffered.

8, confirmed that Ames, who in fact “The issue now is if he left after the has absconded on multiple criminal warrant was issued,” he told reporters charges, could be tried in his absence. in addressing a matter which THE Nelson, who had made an VINCENTIAN had already addressed appearance in court for the in its report that a bench warrant was prosecution in the matter in which issued on June 23, a day after Ames’ Ames is facing charges of theft and tax departure, and only after he (Ames) evasion, confirmed that there is a had failed to make an appearance at section in the law that provides for a Continued from Frontpage.

person to be a tried in his/her absence.

As it relates to summary proceedings, Section 122 of the Criminal Procedure Code Chapter 171 of the laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines revised edition 2009, says that a person could be tried in his/her absence, once the Magistrate is satisfied that the defendant wilfully refused to attend court.

The Crown Counsel, however, made it clear when he spoke to THE VINCENTIAN then, that ‘he was not saying, at this stage, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and David Ames in that this is how the state ‘happier’ times. would be proceeding, as there are also other options that from the outset by one problem or the could be pursued’. other, not least being the more current The Buccament Bay Resort one of an inability to honour salaries development was proclaimed a and wages for its workers, and to fulfil flagship project for further tourismrelated developments on mainland St. contract for other services provided by outside parties.

Vincent.

The Ames matter, in the meantime, The development has been plagued has been adjourned to August 5.

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4. FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Brutality victim faces attempted murder rap Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS SOME SIX YEARS after three police officers were convicted and fined $1,500 each for assaulting a 15year-old boy, causing him bodily harm, the youngster, Jemark ‘Parch Nuts’ Jackson, now 24, is facing charges of attempted murder and robbery.

The Campden Park resident, who had survived a vicious police beating back in 2008, appeared at the Serious Offences Court last Friday, July 8, charged with the attempted murder of Regiemus Andrews, 25-year-old fisherman of Clare Valley, by shooting him in the chest at Campden Park around 12:45am, February 25, 2016.

In addition, Jackson, along with Raheion Williams, 21, of Lowmans Leeward, and Renson Roberts, 19, of Clare Valley, are facing joint charges of robbery, aggravated burglary and burglary.

The three are charged with being armed with guns robbed Delroy Harry, 21, of Vermont, of a black Blu cellular phone valued at EC$400, belonging to Harry, and EC$1,003 in cash, the property of Rosette Bennett of Rillan Hill.

They are also charged jointly with robbing Maradona Duncan, 26-year-old bus conductor of Vermont, of a black and white DL700 cellular phone valued at EC$300 and a gold chain valued at EC$500.

The men are reported to have pointed guns at Duncan to carry out the robbery.

Both robberies were reportedly committed on May 12 at Campden Park.

The men are additionally charged with robbing Marcia

Samuel of Campden Park on June 26; aggravated burglary at the home of Margaret Williams on July 2; and burglarizing a shop belonging to Lawrence Stapleton on July 2.

On their appearance before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court last Friday, Jackson was not required to plead to the charge of attempted murder, nor were he, Roberts and Williams required to plead to the joint charges of robbery and aggravated burglary.

On the burglary charge, Roberts pleaded not guilty, while the others maintained their innocence.

Jackson was granted $30,000 bail with one surety on the attempted murder charge, while he, Roberts and Williams were each granted $8,000 bail with one surety on the robbery charges.

On the aggravated burglary charge, they were each granted bail in the sum of $7,000 with one surety, while they were each offered $2,500 bail with one surety on the burglary charge.

The burglary matter was transferred to the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, while the trio would return to the Serious Offences Court at a later date in connection with the other charges.

On February2, 2010, then Senior Magistrate Donald Browne, sitting at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, had, at the conclusion of a trial, found Corporal Kasanki Quow, Constables Hadley Ballantyne and Osrick James guilty of assaulting Jackson, causing him bodily harm.

The police officers were each fined $1,500 to be paid in one

Jemark ‘Parch Nuts’ Jackson (left) pictured with his lawyer Jomo Thomas in 2010, after the Court had found three police officers guilty of physically abusing him. month with an alternative of six months in prison.

The charge had stemmed from an incident at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) November 18, 2008, during which Jackson was beaten. He was taken from the Central Police Station to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, the morning following the incident, after complaining of feeling ill. At the hospital, he went into a coma which lasted for seven days.

Three of the four doctors who dealt with Jackson at the hospital had testified, at the trial, that while there were no external injuries, Jackson’s heart and lungs were seriously damaged, and that his injuries MAGISTRATE Bertie Pompey issued a stern warning were not pre-exiting on Wednesday, that the court would not tolerate the conditions. beating of senior citizens.

The medical evidence also Pompey’s warning came after 21-year-old Omarro De revealed that Jackson may have died if he was not put on Riggs of Campden Park, pleaded guilty to assaulting Gracie Jack, 59, of Penniston. ventilation.

The Court heard that Jack is the mother of De Riggs’ The police officers had appealed their convictions; but ex-girlfriend, with whom he fathered one child.

The facts revealed that around 8 a.m., on 11th July, on February 21, 2011 the Jack and her daughter were sitting in Jack’s porch at Eastern Caribbean Court of her Penniston home, when De Riggs came with a police Appeal dismissed the appeals and affirmed their convictions officer to recover some items he said his ex-girlfriend had for him. and penalties.

The police officer spoke to the parties involved then Then Commissioner of left.

Police Keith Miller created a De Riggs also left, but returned to Jack’s home later. stir when he reassigned the An argument ensued, and he slapped the elderly police officers, who were on woman. suspension, to police duties.

While Pompey acknowledged that De Riggs did the Section 25 of the Police Act right thing in seeking the assistance of a police officer, allows the Commissioner of Police to retain the services of he chided the youngster for slapping the elderly policemen who were convicted woman.

“It is not a good idea to be fighting old people. She in a court of law. can be your grandmother too. I will not tolerate you beating senior citizens,” the Magistrate told Deriggs before fining him $500, to be paid in two weeks or four months in prison.

No tolerance for beating senior citizens

Youth charged with stabbing businessman A 19-year-old Clare Valley man has been charged in connection with a stabbing incident on July 4.

Renson Roberts has been charged with unlawfully and maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm on Ferdinand ‘Ferdie’ Providence, 37year-old businessman of Campden Park, by stabbing him in the neck.

Roberts is also charged with entering Providence’s home on the same date as a trespasser, and stealing EC$1,800 in cash, one black tablet valued EC$800 and EC$110 in groceries and, in so doing , had in his possession an offensive weapon.

Both charges arose from the same incident.

Reports are that Providence was asleep in the bedroom of his Campden Park home around 3 a.m. when someone stabbed him with an unknown object.

Roberts was not required to plead to the charges when he appeared before Magistrate Bertie Pompey at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. He was granted $10,000 bail with one surety.

The matters were transferred to the Serious Offences Court for hearing on July 20.

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

Regional

Community College graduates 720 Yvonne Archibald – recipient of the Award of Excellence – Division of Teacher Education.

By KENVILLE HORNE

Rachel Hutchinson received the Award of Excellence – Division of Technical and Vocational Education.

THE ST. VINCENT AND THE Grenadines Community College held its annual Graduation Exercise, Wednesday 22nd June, at Victoria Park.

Unlike previous years, the graduates assembled at the Park, doing away with the street parade into the venue.

A total of 720 students graduated.

Parents, family members, well wishers, along with government officials, flocked to the venue to be part of the event. Some dressed in simple attire, others so regaled as to want to make fashion statements; but neither could detract from the centre of attention — the graduates.

This year’s Valedictorian, Ariena Wilson, graduated from the Division of Nursing. She took home the General Nursing Council Award and the Divisional Award for Excellence.

Yvonne Archibald took the Division of Teachers Education Award for Excellence, while Rachel Hutchinson took a similar award as the top graduate of the Division of Technical and Vocational Education.

Jodi Porter of the Division of Arts, Science and General Studies received that Division’s Award for Excellence.

Many other individual awards for outstanding performance were presented, as well as certificates.

Delivering the feature address, Consultant, Founder of Land and Property Network, Mr. Jamal Browne, reckoned “that what we are witnessing here today, is but a fragment of the material evidence of an institution that has come a very long way; and of this we should all be proud as graduands and alumni of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College.”

According to Browne, the amalgamation of the various Divisions into a single institution with a common mission - a common vision — is indicative of the pioneering and visionary spirit of our people, symbolic of an enduring petition that has spanned several generations of local scholars and public officials.

“Today’s graduating class has witnessed and benefitted from

Jamal Browne, feature speaker, advised the graduates to “Surround yourself with focused and committed mentors.”

advancements in tertiary education, like no other cohort since the establishment of the amalgamated SVGCC back in 2005,” declared Browne.

“From the integration of ICTs into the delivery of the curriculum, to the availability of a wider range of courses and programmes, this institution continues to adapt to the everexpanding intellectual and creative capacities of our nation’s youth; and as the evidence so rightly suggests, the SVGCC will continue to evolve for as

Jodi Porter – Recipient of the Award of Excellence - Division of Arts, Science and General Studies receiving her certificate from Registrar Samantha Minors-Rouse. long as this and subsequent generations of young Vincentians remain curious and determined enough to explore the horizons of our individual capacities,” the Consultant further noted.

The scholar made reference to his experience in college 12 years ago, noting that “I embarked on a journey that has taken me to the heights of victory, and through the valleys of defeat — onto the freeways of perfect clarity, and across the trails of uncertainty. But there are a few

Ariena Wilson – Valedictorian and Award of Excellence recipient – Division of Nursing.

things that have remained constant within my life — the most notable of which are: Divine favor; an incredibly supportive family; and my commitment to the parallel processes of education and personal growth.”

He advised the graduates to, “Surround yourself with focused and committed mentors, and draw as much guidance as you possibly can from individuals who are demonstrably committed to your academic, personal, spiritual growth.”

Remarks were also delivered by Director of the St. Vincent Community College, Nigel Scott.

Four former teachers honoured MOST STUDENTS OFTEN fail to acknowledge the contributions of their teachers during their (students) formative years.

Not so for a group of past students of the St Joseph’s Convent Kingstown.

They took the time out to recognise the significant contributions made by four of their former teachers.

The four - Richard Cumberbatch, Michael Davy, Liley Cato and CassyAnn Abbott - were remembered and formally honoured by the former ‘girls’ of the SJCK, representing classes from the 1970s era.

The idea got started in February this year by Desiree Williams Richards, who resides abroad, and pitched the idea to another past student, Antoinette Best-Jardine.

After some weeks of dormancy, the idea re-surfaced, and work began on the next challenge - that of gathering as many past students on board, BestJardine said.

And in a modern day era with technology at one’s fingertips, she decided to let technology go to work in getting persons on board by the way of a chat room.

“The chat room started, and the reason why we are here is because we were able to make contact with so many students; but the real reason why we are here is because there are some significant persons in our lives that left some indelible marks on our lives, and they were our teachers and we could not forget them. We came

together because of them,” she said.

“We are here to honour those teachers because we are who we are today because they were in our lives. We have a lot to be thankful for,” Best-Jardine continued.

The four taught in subject areas ranging from Science (Cumberbatch), English Language and Literature (Abbott and Cato) and History and Geography (Davy).

Desiree Williams – Richards (2nd from right) “It is not until we shares the spotlight with honorees (L-R) Michael became adults that we Davy, Liley Cato, Cassy-Ann Abbott and Richard realized their importance Cumberbatch. at every milestone in our lives,” Williams- Richards said.

“Your wisdom was the guiding force in our lives even after we passed through the portals of St Joseph’s Convent and embraced by the adult world,” she continued as she addressed the honorees directly..

And perhaps the Among the specially invited guests was R.C. greatest joy in being a Bishop of Kingstown, His Lordship Gerard teacher, according to County (left foreground).

Williams-Richards, was tributes, and gifts that were given to knowing that they did not labour in the four honorees, and a minute of vain. silence to pay tribute to those that had Highlights of the award since passed. (DD) ceremony/reunion included special

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6. FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

TRIBUTES

Tributes abound for Barbara De Freitas service, at the Episcopal (Anglican) Church of St. Mark, on Brooklyn Avenue in Brooklyn, described De Freitas, who taught public and private schools for most of her life, as compassionate, caring, generous, loving, extremely spiritual, humorous, talkative and outspoken.

The Rev. Dillon Burgin, a former Methodist Church minister at home and an erstwhile United Methodist Church pastor in New York, noted that De Freitas was closely related to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves and Jennifer Eustace, wife of Opposition Leader Joyce Lewis-Cordice reads obituary.

Arnhim Eustace.

Story and photos by NELSON “If you get to talk about A. KING politics in St. Vincent and the naking@verizon.net Grenadines, she talked about US CORRESPONDENT politics from both sides [government and opposition],” HUNDREDS OF VINCENTIAN and said ev. Burgin, who hails other Caribbean nationals last from Belmont.

Friday night (July 8) paid their “Barbara knew Jesus, and last respects to Barbara De she knew how to converse with Freitas, a militant in the Jesus,” he added. teachers’ struggles in the midCandis Hope, also originally to-late 1970s and early 1980s, from Belmont, accompanied by who died on June 23. She was her daughter Akira, 7, said 69. she met De Freitas 30 years Mourners at a funeral ago.

“We’re going to miss her,” she said. “We will always remember the type of person she was.

She was the life of the party.”

Shanell Davis, a Sion Hill, Kingstown native, said she had formed a bond with De Freitas.

“It was such a joy to meet her,” she said.

“We had such a bond. I grew to embrace her.

She always had optimism — this beautiful life.”

Retired Guyaneseborn educator George Davson said he and De Freitas taught at P.S. [Public School] 92 in Brooklyn.

“She was a good friend, a family friend,” Officiant the Rev. Denzil Hinds he said. “Barbara was commits Barbara DeFreitas’ body

very outspoken.

“We would be on the phone for 20 minutes; it was a monologue — not a dialogue [laughter],” he added, disclosing that he had the responsibility of taking care of De Freitas’ plants when she was out of town. “I think she’s in a better place.”

In his eulogy, Pastor Cecil Durrant, the Vincentian-born pastor of Bethany Deliverance Church of God on Rodgers Avenue in Brooklyn, said De Freitas was “a lady that would talk.

“The things that we spoke, I can’t discuss with you,” he told mourners.

The Rev. Denzil I.G. Hinds, who officiated at the two-hourlong funeral service, said De Freitas “once taught” at the church’s school.

“We will remember her,” he said. “She’s certainly going to Heaven.”

Guyanese Serah Barrington, principal emeritus at Bethany Epiphany Lutheran School on Lincoln Place in Brooklyn, said she The hundreds who turned out for the funeral service of and De Freitas taught there Barbara De Freitas (pictured) was in itself a fitting tribute to together as well. a person who had given selflessly of her time and skills to “She shared so much,” said others.

Barrington, disclosing that she and De Freitas had planned to member of the St. Vincent and Teachers College Branch at conduct a mission to St. the Grenadines Teachers’ the time, in a VINCENTIAN Vincent and the Grenadines Union in the 1970s, said he interview. next year. and De Freitas were “militant Additionally, he said De In reading the obituary, soldiers” in the famous Freitas played a very active Joyce Lewis-Cordice, who teachers’ strike in 1975. role in the activities of the taught school with De Freitas Farrell — who hails from La National Youth Council. in St. Vincent and the Croix in the Marriaqua Valley “She will be greatly Grenadines, said De Freitas and taught at the St. Martin’s missed,” Farrell said. was born on Feb. 3, 1947 in Secondary School, among Immediately after the the village of Bellvue on the other schools in St. Vincent funeral service, a repast was eastern coast of mainland St. and the Grenadines, before held at the Friends of Crown Vincent. migrating — said De Freitas Heights Educational Center in DeFreitas, a former teacher was one of several teachers Brooklyn, where DeFreitas at the then Kingstown arrested in 1975, when taught soon after migrating to Methodist School, migrated to striking teachers occupied the New York.

Her body was flown home New York in the 1980s, Ministry of Education. “where she pursued studies in “She was militant and very for interment at the education, earning an involved in the activities of the Kingstown Cemetery, following a church service on undergrad [undergraduate] union,” said Farrell, who was today, Friday 15th July. and master’s degrees, while president of the union’s continuing her teaching career,” Lewis-Cordice said.

“As a child, Barbara was outspoken,” she said. “As an adult, Barbara was unapologetically outspoken.

In fact, many would describe her as talkative. She had the ability to keep the conversation going, getting rid of those silent, awkward moments within a gathering.”

Retired New York City public school teacher Jackson Section of mourners.

Farrell, a former executive

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

News

Veteran journalist honored in NY

PROMINENT CARIBBEAN journalist Vincentianborn Nelson A. King was among seven male community leaders who were honored Sunday (July 10) evening at a gala ceremony in Brooklyn, New York by a major political club.

The Brooklyn-based Progressive Democrats Political Association (PDPA), headed and founded by former New York City Council Member Jamaican-born Dr. Una S.T. Clarke, bestowed the honor on the Chateaubelair-born King, THE VINCENTIAN’s United States Correspondent, at a gala ceremony at Tropical Paradise Ballroom on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn, as part of the group’s Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrations.

PDPA also honored Richard Buery, a prominent leader in the Panamanian American community; Rickford Burke, a Guyanese-born legal and political consultant who has been involved in several successful political campaigns; George Hulse, of Health-First, an insurer regarded as a leader in service to the Brooklyn community; New York State Sen. Kevin Parker, of the 21st Senatorial District in Brooklyn; Trevor Smith, of Tower Isle Frozen Foods, Ltd., the maker of Jamaican-style patties and sponsors of the Jamaican Bobsled team; and Chasen Hollancid, director, Suede Hospitality Group.

“This is our annual celebration recognizing the men who never turn their heads from social equality,” said Veronica Phillips, PDPA’s Vincentian-born vice chair in her introductory remarks, at the ceremony that was attended by a number of New York City legislators and officials, including Congressional Representatives Yvette D. Clarke and Hakeem Jeffries.

The Ratho Mill-born Phillips said the event focused on “the attention on the men of the area who have made notable contributions over the years to the strength and vibrant life of Brooklyn.”

Congresswoman Clarke, the daughter of Una Clarke and a PDPA executive member, noted the “significant contributions” of the honorees “to the development and furtherance of our community.”

King, who earlier this year was honored by the Brooklyn Transitional Lions Club, said he accepted the award with “sheer humility,” thanking the Almighty and a number of people, including his late parents, Jack and Beryl King, of Chateaubelair, and his Troumaca-born Registered Nurse wife, Dofflyn, for their unflinching support.

The veteran journalist also thanked their daughter, Donnette, and a host of Vincentian and Caribbean nationals, who were among attendees rendering support.

King, who possesses a very impressive résumé, is renowned for his journalistic exploits.

With over 35 years of experience in the field, King has become a household fixture in Brooklyn for his objective and prolific reporting for Caribbean Life, and has also been the United States Correspondent for the Barbados-headquartered Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). Additionally, he is a certified Brooklyn Community Access Television (BCAT) producer.

In September, King will complete nine years of teaching at Medgar Evers College, City University of New York (CUNY), where he has been an Adjunct Professor in American History, African American History, World Civilization and Political Science.

He has over 23 years of public health experience, working in a number of supervisory, managerial and administrative positions with New York

City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and SUNY Downstate Medical Center and University Hospital of Brooklyn.

He had served on the Community Advisory Board at Downstate Hospital, for six years, before joining the staff as a Senior Staff Associate for similar number of years.

King returned to DOHMH in September 2014 and currently serves as a Health Services Manager.

As a devout Christian, King is a certified lay speaker at Fenimore Street United Methodist Church in Brooklyn.

He is also a United States Army veteran, attaining the rank of sergeant on active duty, where he was an aircraft technician, specializing in repairing and testing avionic navigation and flight control equipment. In addition, he was a Staff Sergeant and Officer Candidate in the New York National Guard.

Over the years, King has received a plethora of military and civilian awards. He currently holds six degrees, including three Masters and two law degrees — A Master of Arts in Political Science from Brooklyn College (CUNY), an Executive Masters in Public Administration from Baruch College (CUNY) and a Master of Law (LL.M) in US Legal Studies from St. John’s University School of Law in Jamaica, Nelson King gives acceptance speech.

Queens, New York.

He obtained his undergraduate law degree — LL.B (Upper Second Class Honors) — from Huddersfield University School of Law at Holborn College in the United Kingdom. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science (honors) and Journalism from Brooklyn College, graduating cum laude; and an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from St. Leo University in Florida, while serving in the US Army at Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, Georgia.

Veteran Vincentian and Caribbean broadcaster and broadcast journalist Don Bobb served as Master of Ceremonies at Sunday’s gala affair. Bobb was the news director when King served as St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Correspondent for the now defunct, popular radio station, Radio Antilles, in Montserrat.

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8. FRIDAY, JULY 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 PAN VIBES: Some Questions EVEN AS WE CONGRATULATE Sion Hill Euphonium on their undisputed victory in the 2016 (senior) Panorama, there are a few observations/questions that need to be recorded for the annals.

First and foremost, the number of participating steel orchestras decreased from six in 2015 to five in 2016, occasioned by the nonparticipation of perennial competitors Potential Steel Orchestra. Perhaps it will take some time for more of the so called Pan Against Crime steelbands to graduate to the senior level, a la South East and Symphonix. Then again, to what extent is this encouraged? To what extent is there tangible support for what should be a natural progression?

Secondly, there has never been, before 2016, a preponderance of songs/compositions/music by one artiste, in the same Panorama. Four of the five steel orchestras rendered compositions by Alston ‘Becket’ Cyrus, the other from the band Touch. This throws up an interesting observation, i.e. the songs rendered in this year’s Panorama came from the two ‘winniest’ Road March title holders since 1971 — Becket with eight and Touch with six. That there is something enticing to pan men and women, and arrangers, about the works of these two Vincentian musical powerhouses, is left for the readers’ judgement. Is it, though, a case of asking, where have all the ‘good’ music gone? Locked away in the past?

Thirdly, not in recent memory (some would say in the history of the modern Panorama era) has there been such a dearth of Vincentianborn arrangers on show at a local panorama. There were four nonVincentian arrangers on show at this year’s Panorama — that’s four out of five! Jomorro Francis singlehandedly carried the Vincy flag among the likes of Isidore York of St. Maarten (Dutch Antilles) and three Trinidadians in Seion Gomez, Duvonne Stewart and Barry Mannette. We will leave our readers to ask about the whereabouts of local pan virtuosos like Ashley Kirby and Carlton ‘Presley, ‘Josiah’ Peters, and (to) ponder on whether our local arrangers have been relegated indefinitely to the Junior Panorama.

Fourthly, the eleven Senior Panorama competitions held between 2006 and 2016 have thrown up only three different winners. Sion Hill Euphonium dominates in this regard with seven wins (including the outstanding and difficult-to-beequalled feat of six victories in a row,

2009—2014), followed by Starlift with three, and Rhythm Mix (now defunct) with one. The question about whether there is an imbalance in technique and skill that translates into a dominance by two steelbands, is a legitimate one.

Then again, the question could be raised about what is it that Sion Hill and Starlift have that the others don’t, or do not yet have. Structure?

Ongoing programme? A communitybase?

Fifthly, the (senior) Panorama here has been held on forty-two (42) occasions since 1962, with the Police Steel Orchestra registering victory in that inaugural competition. Since then, the records show that the Old Montrose-based Starlift Steel Orchestra, known through the years as Texaco, Sherwin Williams, C.U.A., J & B, Vincy Clean, Duracell, Cable and Wireless and Sea Operations Starlift, has won the competition twenty-one times. Given its longevity — founded in 1967 — its continuing existence and an even longer future promised by the wealth of junior talent that exists within its structure, Starlift Steel Orchestra could well be the ‘winniest’ Panorama victor of all time, right across the globe. Therein lies a historical note of global proportions.

And sixthly, even though there is no register to give numerical substantiation to the observation, even a cursory look at the players on stage (this year) would indicate that never before 2016 has there been such an overwhelming number of non-Vincentian players spread across the competing bands, albeit four of the five bands. Vincentian players have been known to find places in steel orchestras in Trinidad and Tobago for that country’s annual Panorama, but those numbers pale in significance to the number of Trinidadians who have found their way into orchestras here. Those numbers (Vincentians), if the truth be told, have little direct impact on the actual offering of those bands at the Trinidad panorama. But given the ratio of non-Vincentians to Vincentians as per each band here, one wonders if the Trinidad arrangers, in particular, are not going out of their way to encourage the participation of their country men and women as a prerequisite for them being here. That we must guard against pushing out our own players, is an understatement; but it remains a note of caution.

Forgive the question, but are we losing our Vincentian identity as far as our steelbands are concerned?

Mas all over: Real Carnival soon to begin (Continued from last week) AT THE FIRST CORNER, Gobels spied the first likely victim. “She!” he shouted to Fathead, who made a beeline for the woman standing on the corner with a baby in her arms and two other children holding on to her skirt.

Persons of this sort were the likeliest victims since they could not make good their escape being encumbered with children.

The children, too, were often scared stiff of the men with the blackened faces, and the mothers would hand out money quickly to rid the children of their fears.

Fathead approached the woman with the right arm outstretched a begging.

In a soft false voice tinged with distress and urgency he cajoled her to assist him in paying the fine of ten pounds which was imposed on him, and which he must pay or to go to prison.

The woman ignored him, but the two older children, overcome with fear, hid themselves behind their mother.

Fathead saw the fear immediately and directed his attention to them entirely now. By this time Gobels had come on the scene. With affected feebleness he removed a lenseless old spectacles from his frayed shirt pocket and placed them low on his big nose. He now opened the dummy book, read a charge of larceny of two coconuts from some fictitious person against Fathead, found him guilty, convicted and fined him ten pounds payable immediately or in default he must serve one month hard labour.

While Fathead continued to harass the two children with his “Poor me, Oh Gard, poor me!” Gobels closed the book, removed and replaced the spectacles, then dealt the bag a hefty whack saying “Ten pung! Fine um!” He tapped the bowl on Fathead’s skull to add to the torture. The bowl began to shed flakes of enamel with a creaking sound. “whack”, Gobels struck the bag again, “Fine um”!

The woman fished in her bosom for her change purse. She took out one of the two five cents pieces she had and held it out to Fathead. Gobels’ hand snapped across grabbing the coin from her fingers. Fathead glared at him through the rings of the oval blue around his eyes and ran on up the street.

A good distance from the corner Fathead stopped and waited for Gobels.

“Was happen now?” queried Gobels impatiently as he dragged up to Fathead. “Yo nacking the bag too hard, yo nearly buss me back just now”, complained Fathead sorrowfully. “Shut up and gwarn”, bands passed the mother of children congregated to see them, and it was here that Gobels and company concentrated most.

When the competitors were finished at the savannah, the bands paraded the streets. The victorious celebrating their victory, the loser just playing mask.

Hundreds of revellers followed the bands wiggling to steel band music and shouting the chorus. The steel bands and string bands played the top hits of the current year and those of yesteryear too. Tunes like the famous “Dorothy went and bathe” or the ever popular “Tina why aye yah” could be heard intermingling with the more modern Sparrow composition. Men, incapably drunk, blocked drains or stood retching on the sidewalks. Children scream when approached by the ubiquitous “monkey ban” or the furious ‘wild Indian’ speaking an unknown language.

Amidst this melee Gobels and Fathead plied their scheming trade, picking out gullible victims with uncanny precision.

By 5:30 p.m the tunes played by the bands began to diminish. As the setting sun glows every evening on Shrove Tuesday, there is only one tune which has survived the decades and is capable of replenishing the energy of the now languid reveller, and so, at this time, the bands all turn to it one after the other. So it was, when Gobels heard the first band playing the tune: “when yo drink yo rum an yo tumble down, We don’t kay Is ah Carnival an ah bakka nal, We don’t kay.”

He knew that it was time for him to call it a day. Perhaps it was the liquor, perhaps it was the gratifying feeling of the dozens of coins which now weighed down his pockets which egged Gobels on to tackle the tourist he saw standing by the four-poles. He knew he was tired and he was aware that the liquor he had been sneaking off to drink when Fathead ran too far in front was now taking effect on him.

Continue on Page 13.

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

Letters

Lessons anyone?

DR. KENNY ANTHONY of St. Lucia wasted no time in resigning as political leader of the St. Lucia Labour Party after it lost, and lost badly — in the recent general election in St. Lucia.

David Cameron, Prime Minister of the UK when the Brits voted in a recent referendum to leave the EU, called it a day the very day of the results, when he released that the leave vote, which he opposed, had won.

Dr. Gonslaves led the ULP into a referendum for a new constitution which he and his party supported, and got himself and his party walloped.

Did he resign?

Armhim Eustacce has now led the NDP into four defeats at the polls. Did he resign?

I tell you, we just don’t learn from good deeds.

Some of us like the feel of authority, even when the people say they don’t want us.

I gone

Who cares???

MUST I ASK if the Noel Gill family on Queen’s Drive, who are now homeless due to rain washing away the foundation of their home, and for whom NEMO, their parliamentary representative, and the Government of St. Vincent, through all their Ministries and entities, have refused assistance, might have been suspected or known to be NDP supporters?

Yes, I must ask that question. Many “needy” ULP supporters have been promptly assisted by various Government entities in similar circumstances. How and why are these victims different? Because they live on Queen’s Drive?

Because there is an inference or suspicion they might be NDP? My God, he works as an auto mechanic and his wife works as a domestic. Is the message from the Government, “If you can have a job and contribute to the economy, and live on Queens Drive (or Cane Garden) you are doomed; we’ll do nothing for you because you are obviously part of the enemy elite!”?

Does anyone else wonder or care?

HJA

CAN WE HAVE more guns, please? The vast majority of the murders in this country have been effected by guns, often execution style: a single shot to the head, or a spray by an automatic weapon to body.

I don’t have a gun, even a hunting weapon, and no one I know has one. We are the susceptible victims, undefended, and defenseless.

How about loosening gun ownership restrictions to the extent that

Commess/ what say It began with a whisper, A spark that starts a commotion, No one knows who started it, But the news is on everyone’s lips.

A young lady, A child, A woman, Hurt, Raped and abused, Yet no one can believe.

Some call for justice, Others want peace, But how can anyone achieve this, When everyone turns the story, To make others believe?

Gossip brings people down, Instead of building up, Many young people hear this, And thanks to all of this, they commit crimes even suicide.

It doesn’t matter if you are black or white or another colour.

We are all human and must not pull each other down!

homeowners might have easier access to guns?

Every bad guy who wants a gun already has one or more. The innocent general populace has nothing with which to defend themselves (and forget the police!). Can’t the Government do something to make self-defensive weapons more accessible?

Joe in Layou

Is we who have him so SO OUR HONOURABLE Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, had his say at the funeral service for his dear friend Patrick Manning. I am to assume that he was invited by the Government and/or Manning’s wife to make his address.

It is not the first time that the Prime Minister is delivering a tribute at the funeral service of one of his Caribbean brothers, and therefore,

not the first time that he has used the opportunity to make what some people would think are statements that suited for the occasion. That he would have taken a broadside attack on those who ‘bad mouthed’ his friend, should not have been something that should have surprised us.

You see, our Prime Minister is a man unto himself. He has little regard for how what he says, when he says what,

Controlling the information Flow

Herzen

how he says what when he says what, how all of that reflects on us as Vincentians.

You see, he is Vincy Supremo, master of all Vincy, and what he says we must accept as ours.

You see, is we who have him so, so we should not now complain. We are simply getting what we asked for.

Charles

Vincy Mas 2016

SO I MISSED another Vincy Mas again. From what I could gather, though, except for all those private shows — which they calling fetes — everything (about Carnival) is as it was when I left home some time ago.

I want, though, to congratulate time at Belle Isle, but ‘Man Zangie’ on doing the first hat not being so, I guess I trick since the changeover to Junehave a right to be July carnival. This is no mean feat, worried. Or is that right and nobody should envy him for that. soon to be abrogated, He set himself a goal, worked hard too? and stuck to his plan, even if that meant going overseas, as I understand Yanic Sayers Hugo it, for his songs. He is not the first to do so, and will not be the last.

Which brings me to the issue that is bugging me. If we have to keep going overseas (Trinidad and WHY AM I paying for “No Signal”? Is the flash Barbadod in particular), just now message “no signal” just another representation of the we will have to have two separate incompetence of the cable supplier, or is it a politically competitions: a calypso calculated interruption of information, a subtle form of censorship? These interruptions may be too well calculated to be just attributed to “weather conditions” or “solar flares”. These interruptions often seem to occur on news programs when an opinion or a proposal of action that is contrary to the policies of our (your) existing Government are expressed. Just an extended application of the proposed “Cyber-Bullying” act?

You give me the power and the will that the PM has today, and I would do exactly that: prevent the cable channels from transmitting news and/or information that might conflict with my policies and intentions, particularly if I could finagle the appointment of my Attorney General’s husband to be Chairman of the Telecom Council of Caribbean, and my son Minister of Information.

Sure I’m paranoid, and you should be too.

Pot versus kettle A FRIEND of mine in the U.S. wrote to me recently that he was surprised and concerned about the possible election of Donald Trump to the presidency.

I responded that any country that could elect George W. Bush – twice – to that office, doesn’t have much of a record of deliberative democracy.

He responded by saying that any country that could elect a Ralph Gonsalves – four times – to the Prime Minister’s position, demonstrates even less intelligent judgement. So much for “the pot calling the kettle black.”

Bernie Sanders has said that Donald Trump is “out of his mind” and a “pathologically liar”.

If I said that about Ralph Gonsalves, would I be arrested, or sued or locked up, or have my computer seized? If I was gay, at least I could get some satisfaction by being sentenced to serve

Ease the access to legal guns

competition for home-composed songs, and one for oversea-composed songs.

And if we don’t watch it, we might just to do the same thing for pan, the way we importing arrangers.

Once upon a time, SVG Carnival was our thing, regardless of the quality. People used to come here looking for material. Ask the Bajans.

Congrats also to Blondie Bird. Is a funny thing, but anybody notice how persons like P’ling Pollard and Blondie Bird, two former Dragons, who keeping the spirit of Roy Ralph — The Dragon — going, and not the so called Dragon Cultural Organization? They couldn’t even bring a band this year.

Pity.

May be I’ll make Vincy Mas next year — the 40th anniversary.

Garnet, N.Y.

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10. FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Full speed ahead: The Banana Accompanying Measures Introduction THERE HAS BEEN A LOT of debate about the banana industry and its future here in St.Vincent and the Grenadines. As is the case, some members of the society, particularly those associated with the opposition New Democratic Party, have tried their very best to lay the blame for the demise of bananas, at the feet of the ULP administration. This argument is flawed, and has absolutely no factual basis. In fact little or no credit has been given to the ULP administration for the work done to halt the slide of bananas, and to begin the recovery process, in the face of some serious odds.

In fact, in his 2015 budget address, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves outlined some of the burdensome challenges which affected the struggling banana industry. These include adverse weather conditions since 2010 (two periods of drought, one hurricane and two serious storms), the almost completely removal of market preferences in Europe, the Black Sigatoka attacks, labour limitations, praedial larceny, poor farming practices, and the list goes on.

By and large many of these issues have been addressed in a systematic way by the ULP administration, and work continues. The indicators show that there has been enhanced and commendable work in the agricultural sector, and that indeed there are signs of a turnaround in this area.

The Banana Accompanying Measures In the month of June 2016, the ULP administration signed contracts valued at EC$18 million dollars, under the Banana Accompanying Measures programme. Before we talk about the contracts, we must provide some information about the BAM programme. Under this programme, the European Union has designed a package of assistance to African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, to improve their competitiveness in the banana sector. Even more important, this package of assistance will help to further diversify the agriculture sector, and provide market support and other linkages.

The BAM programme was designed in 2009, when the European Union lost the World Trade Organisation case against preferential access to EU markets, for banana producers from the ACP countries. With this loss, there was considerable loss of income to banana exporting countries.

In the case of St.Vincent and the Grenadines, the BAM contracts relate to the construction of a feeder road and a greenhouse in the Montreal area, the construction of a food science laboratory at the Community College, the upgrading of the packing facility at Langley Park, and the construction of on-farm infrastructure for bananas and livestock at selected locations in the country.

It is important that Vincentians understand the process through which aid is provided, particularly through the European Union. The process could be long and tardy, requiring lots of paper work and consultations. In the case of the BAM programmes, Vincentian officials as well as those from the European Union made considerable efforts to get to the implementation stage, and this work must be celebrated.

The Projects Among the projects to be implemented, the upgrade work to the road at Montreal Gardens, will perhaps have the greatest impact on our farmers, particularly those involved in bananas. For some time now, these farmers have been expressing concern about the state of the roads in that part of the State, so this development must come as good news to them. More information on the greenhouse facility will be available in future ULP articles, but as a greenhouse, it will take on the responsibility of cultivating plants under experimental conditions. This will be a plus for the agricultural sector in general and Vincentian farmers in particular. In addition, the Montreal Gardens area, is regarded as a tourism attraction, and the further enhancement of the road will create better access for visitors and locals alike.

The upgrade to the Langley Park packing facility will lead to an improvement in the operations of this business, and the construction of the food science laboratory at the Community College will provide new learning opportunities for our children, and must be seen as an addition to the Education Revolution.

Overall, the EC$18 million dollarsworth of projects under the BAM, will mean more jobs for Vincentians, and as outlined above, benefits to the agricultural sector. As a party, the ULP believes that agriculture sustains the rural economy, and is still the largest single employer of labour, of any of the productive sectors, outside the State administration and public enterprises.

Conclusion Over the last fifteen years, the ULP administration has provided massive support to the banana industry, in every material way. The BAM programme is indeed a welcome one as the government continues to focus on the re-development of bananas and the agricultural sector. We must not forget the role of the Farmers Support Company, in providing financial aid to farmers, including banana farmers, who required financial resources to return to the fields.

There are those who will stand at the side of the road and make adverse comments on the work of the ULP administration in the re-development of bananas. Some of them are not aware of, or do not understand the approach of the government in this regard. They need to pay attention to the media conferences of the government, and to look at the work of the ULP in the country. They need to rejoice with our farmers, with the news that banana shipments to the United Kingdom, will resume on July 17th 2016.

It is the ULP administration that is standing up for our banana farmers.

It is the ULP administration that is providing support and guidance for these farmers, and that is why they voted to return this party to office, for a fourth consecutive term.

Cyber protection for whom? (Cont’d) IN OUR LAST PUBLICATION, we took you through an expose of how and why the Cybercrime Bill 2016 here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, appears to have motives which underlie the true intent of the Bill as a collective document.

It cannot hurt repeating that there are aspects of the Bill which are certainly good for the further development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but it is patently obvious that this legal cocktail seeks to protect some politicians, who love to chastise and ridicule but wish to remain untouchable.

So we return to the aspect of the Bill dealing with the Remote Forensic Tool as spoken to in section 19 (1) of the Bill and walks all the way to Section 27.

Section 21, which falls under the rubric “Investigations and Procedures”, permits the Judge to grant on an ex-parte (without your presence to defend yourself) application by the state, to take into its possession computer data, a printout or other information reasonably required for a criminal investigation or criminal proceedings.

You will realize that “other information” is left as wide open, so all the police have to decide is that they need a host of information for the purpose and you must hand it over whether or not it is relevant. That call is not yours; it’s that of the police.

So young people can have all their most private and precious memories and moments taken by police officers, once permitted by a judge; and who knows what they will do with your private information, who all will see it, where it will end up? No one can say for sure. The judge can also force FLOW or Digicel, to hand over your private information to the police without your knowledge.

What a danger the government is placing our young people into! Look how this government is seeking to look into the private life of the young people of this country in a smart way.

Young Vincentians, is this you want from any government? We are sure that your answer is a resounding NO! Section 27 (1) of the Bill states: If a judge is satisfied on an ex-parte application by a police officer that there is reasonable ground to believe that computer data which is required for the purpose of a criminal investigation into an offence listed in the schedule, cannot be collected without the use of a remote forensic tool, the judge may authorize a police officer with such assistance as may be necessary, to utilize a remote forensic tool for the investigation.

We invite the citizens of this country to read this carefully and hear what the state wants to do to you as citizens. According to Security Wizardry a UK based Information Security Consultancy and Staffing Agency. “The term Remote Forensics (also identified as Network Forensics or Online Forensics by some companies) covers a broad variety of forensic approaches, but is used mostly to refer to performing computer and digital forensics remotely in an enterprise environment. It is the collection, examination, and reporting of digital evidence from a connected, operating computer on a live network.” Remote Forensics is not just network packet capture and analysis.

The primary benefit of Remote Forensics tools is response capability; providing a method for Incident

Response teams to evaluate the potentially compromised computer without the time necessary to gain physical access to the computer.

Running a close second is the ability to capture volatile data that is not available once a computer is shutdown, including: * Data in memory, such as registers and cache contents * Running processes * Any passwords that are stored in memory as clear text * Executed console commands * Currently attached devices, especially networked drives * Open ports and listening applications * Logged on users Usually, the investigation can be performed without the knowledge of the computer owner, allowing for discrete internal investigations. Make what you want of this, fellow readers.

What it is saying is that any police officer simply has to go before a judge and say that they reasonably believe that you have information on your computer that can help in a criminal investigation, and this application is made behind your back and, once the judge gives permission, then they can start searching any and everything on your computer device, including your telephone, tablet and the likes without you knowing. Even if you have it turned off.

The Bill then goes on by way of Subsection 3 to state that “where an application is made under subsection (1) the judge may order that an internet service provider support the installation of the remote forensic tool”. In essence, the Bill if made into law will force Digicel and FLOW to assist the police to spy on your system without your knowledge. Subsection 8 goes on to tell you what “utilize” means in the context of the law and this includes (a) accessing a computer system and (d) acquiring a remote forensic tool. What does this really mean? It’s our understanding that the police do not necessarily have to depend on Digicel or FLOW, but that they can do it for themselves.

You will note that Subsection 7 that “the Minister may, by order published in the gazette, amend the schedule”. What this means, is that the current list of offences in the schedule can be amended at any time, and simply by an order published in the Gazette, and in so doing include a range of other offences, be they serious or petty.

We will continue to take this Bill apart and in so doing, you will see how the illegitimate Unity Labour Party government is seeking to erode the privacy of Vincentians, and by so doing violate the fundamental rights and freedoms which are enshrined in the Constitution of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The illegitimate Unity Labour Party regime is getting more dangerous day by day.

Vincentians be very careful.

If this Bill is made into law, a New Democratic Party government will amend the law to take out all elements which violate the rights to privacy and confidentiality, freedom of speech, freedom of expression and freedom of information among the other draconian measures in this Bill.

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

Views

Pressure is a privilege

“Pressure is often viewed as a negative force in our lives.

Understandably so. Undue pressure can be an enormous cause of stress and turmoil. But each challenge that comes along also presents important questions that test our character, our approach to leadership, and our approach to life.” Douglas R. Conant - New York Times bestselling author and keynote speaker with over 40 years of leadership experience at world-class global companies. He is the former CEO and President of Campbell Soup Company.”

MANY LAWN TENNIS fans were elated to discover that this year’s Wimbledon Finals for the Women’s Singles Championship may have seen a rematch between the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena. Both sisters had made it through to the finals in the 2009 women’s tennis championships. But this was not to be in 2016. The 36-year-old Venus was knocked out at the semi-finals stage by the 28-year-old Angelique Kerber. In the end, Venus commented that the better player won. She was graceful in her defeat. However, Venus’ younger sister, Serena, dismantled Kerber’s attacks when the two met in the finals. Serena now etches her place in the annals of lawn tennis history for having won her 22nd Singles Grand Slam.

The title for this week’s article was taken from one of Venus’ earlier television interviews. On that occasion, she was referring to the book by the same title that was authored by the famous tennis star, Billy Jean King.

Billy Jean knew what it was like to play and win under intense pressure.

She had won a total of 39 Grand Slam (Majors) titles. The Grand Slam consists of the Australian Open which is played in January, the French Open which occurs in May and June, Wimbledon in June and July, and the US Open which attracts the world’s best tennis players in August and September. Her 39 Majors titles included 12 singles, 16 women’s doubles, and 11 mixed doubles titles.

Sports Illustrated named her sportsman of the year in 1972. She shared that title with John Wooden that year. Three years later, in 1975, Times Magazine listed her as Person of the Year. The Sunday Times subsequently presented her with the Sportswoman of the year lifetime achievement award. With all of these accomplishments, it is therefore not surprising that she was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1987.

In her book, Billy Jean reminds readers that each of us has to deal with various types and intensities of pressure on a daily basis. Sometimes we can become so preoccupied with the devastating consequences of pressure, that we neglect to appreciate the good that is often wrapped up in its packages. She notes that pressure, in whichever forms it appears, is a privilege because it means that there is something expected of you. It forces us to “rise to the occasion”. It demands that we meet the challenges whether those pressures emerge from clients, suppliers, employees, employers, family, spouse, friends, children, neighbours, teachers, coaches, mentors, or from anyone else. Regardless of the source of the pressure, we are challenged to “perform” - to deliver an expected outcome.

When privilege and justice collide N.B. This piece is a shortened version which appeared in the UK Guardian. It was written by Gary Younge, the Caribbean born, celebrated journalist who lives in Britain.

Based on the foregoing, it is no wonder that Venus Williams would have used the content of Billy Jean’s book and her life experiences to propel her in her efforts to return to competitive tennis at the highest level.

Venus and her sister, Serena, commenced playing tennis at a relatively early age. She is a former world number one player who, despite her setbacks, remains in the top ten female players. She has won 22 Grand Slam titles. Venus is considered the twelfth on the all-time list, having won 7 Grand Slam singles titles. She has also partnered with her younger sister, Serena, to win 13 women’s doubles.

The additional 2 Grand Slam victories have been in the mixed doubles category.

Venus Williams has secured four Olympic gold medals. She won the singles at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and three doubles at the Sydney, Beijing, and London Olympics in 2000, 2008, and 2012 respectively. Venus and Serena have won more gold medals at the Olympics than any other tennis player.

Venus, at the peak of her tennis career, was diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome in 2011. This placed her under tremendous pressure. She had to make some serious lifestyle changes.

She adopted a vegan diet (abstaining from the use of animal products) and reduced her intake of calories and sugars.

Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease. It attacks the body’s white blood cells and destroys its moisture-producing glands such as those that produce saliva and tears. In addition to creating irritation and discomfort resulting from having a dry mouth and dry eyes, it can cause chronic pain, intense fatigue, and weakening of the cognitive capabilities.

Having to cope with such a debilitating disease magnifies her efforts at a come back at the highest levels of world tennis. Her strong will power and determination to succeed inspire many to press on when life seems to have created obstacles to success. The “darkness” of her disease has magnified the “light” of her determination and character. Her life reflects the truth that pressure can be deemed a privilege.

We can learn some most valuable lessons from Venus’ life. We need to have a strong determination and engage in a most disciplined approach to life’s challenges if we seek to excel.

Victory is not for the faint-hearted.

Victory will often require that we go beyond what we think possible to achieve the impossible. And when life’s challenges emerge and the setbacks appear to slow us in our tracks, we may be required to make detours, to accept some serious changes in our life and lifestyles - but it is often not beyond us to re-emerge as winners. Life’ pressures can reveal the winner within and, in so doing, be considered a great privilege.

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

“IN A COUNTRY where it’s easier to obtain a semi-automatic gun than to obtain healthcare, a fragile mind can wreak havoc on a fragile political culture. So it was two Thursdays ago when a sniper opened fire on police at a Black Lives Matter demonstration, killing five officers and wounding at least seven others.

Even as events in Dallas unfold, there are three key things one can say.

The first is that these murders are vile and should be unequivocally condemned. They can in no way be understood or excused as retaliation for the well-publicised unprovoked, unjustified police shootings of AfricanAmericans.

Indeed, the effect of such individual acts of violence is not to support the movement against racism, but sabotage it. Its enemies will smear it by association; potential allies will be more wary; those within it will be more cautious. Those believed responsible for this violence, aside from the main suspect who is believed to have been killed, should be found, charged and prosecuted. This is the appropriate response when people cavalierly and wantonly take the life of another.

Anything less would lack justice.

Which brings us to the second point.

Justice is indivisible. If it is accorded to some and not others, it is not justice but privilege. That is why these horrific assassinations should in no way diminish the urgency or importance of the issue of police killings of AfricanAmericans or undermine the Black Lives Matter movement.

Since Black Lives Matter seized the popular imagination two years ago, it has had no history of making organised violent attacks on the police.

Demonstrations have periodically turned into clashes with police, and even riots. But those have been spontaneous moments in collective protest - at times provoked by police themselves - none of which has lead to further fatalities.

On the question of nonviolence, there is nothing one could say about Black Lives Matter that could not be said about Martin Luther King’s civil rights movement, whose detractors sought to discredit it whenever violence attached itself to its cause.

In 1968, King attended a protest in support of striking garbage workers in Memphis that turned violent and police responded with batons and tear gas, shooting a 16-year-old boy dead. A column in the Dallas Morning News back then called King “the headlinehunting high priest of nonviolent violence” whose “road show” in Memphis was “like a torchbearer sprinting into a powder-house”. A week later he was dead.

Clearly there is a context. According to the Dallas police chief David Brown, before the suspect was killed by police: “[He] said he was upset about Black Lives Matter. He said he was upset about the recent police shootings.” That would be true of a lot of people in America - black, white and otherwise.

According to a recent survey, almost two-thirds of black Americans and white Democrats, and around 60 per cent of white people under 30, express at least some support for Black Lives Matter. Black Lives Matter did not make black people upset - video footage

of black people being shot dead did that.

The Dallas police chief went on to say that the suspect “was upset at white people. The suspect said he wanted to kill white people, especially white officers.” That is true of very few people in America - black, white or otherwise.

Nonetheless, the same Pew survey did show that black and white Americans do see the racial situation very differently, with sizeable gaps in their views on how fairly black Americans are treated and how much change is necessary to rectify the situation.

But context is not cause, and the frailties of an individual should not be mistaken for the vulnerabilities of a movement. The suspect also told police he was “unaffiliated” to any organisation. Black Lives Matter did not make black people upset - video footage of black people being shot dead in cold blood and broad daylight did that.

Black Lives Matter was brought into existence in response to state violence; it does not have a monopoly on the grievances and pathologies that emerge as a result of that violence.

It can only seek to direct the resentment in constructive ways. Given the considerable anger at the relentless exposure of police brutality, its work on that front has been commendable. Black Lives Matter movement is essentially demanding nothing more for citizens who are black than the people of Dallas of all races now demand for its law enforcement in blue: justice.

This horrific incident must be both mourned and understood for what it is.

But it should not be allowed to distract us from the 566 people who have been shot dead by police so far this year - a disproportionate number of them black and Native American.

This week we have seen videotaped evidence of two black men being brutally slain by people who are paid to serve and protect them. If ever there was a section of the citizenry looking for ways to resist state tyranny, black America is it.

Which brings us to our final point: guns. The National Rifle Association, which campaigns for looser gun laws, is not fighting tyranny, but contributing to it. When you have more guns you are likely to have more gun violence, and when guns that can kill large numbers of people easily are readily available, gun violence will claim more fatalities.

The US cannot simply go on astonishing itself with the magnitude of these events without addressing the obvious cause. One can only lose one’s innocence so many times before the issue becomes one not of naivety - but carelessness. There are too many isolated incidents to miss the pattern.

No other western country has this problem because no other western country has this number of guns.

Whether they’re used in war or for keeping the peace guns are just tools.

And like any tool, the way they’re used reflects the society they’re part of.

That’s the truth. And that’s the problem. Guns did not create these problems: guns have made them deadly.”

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

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12. FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

No need to sell crown lands in Canouan THE LAND EQUATION in Canouan is clear: white men are blocking indigenous black Vincentians from access to Crown Lands - which are owned by the people - in Canouan.

On Monday 11 July 2016, Ralph Gonsalves announced on SVGBC TV another round of selling Crown Lands in Canouan to rich, white foreigners.

However, there is no economic justification to sell the crown lands.

Our economy is being choked of revenue, because the Mustique Act No. 48 of 2002 grants super-rich foreigners in Mustique and Canouan hundreds of millions of dollars in tax and customs duty exemptions. If this revenue was collected by the ULP government, there would be no need to sell off our Crown Lands to foreigners.

The same money that the super-rich foreigners in Mustique and Canouan should pay in tax and customs duty is

being used to buy our Crown Lands.

We are losing thousands of acres of our lands, because of the stupidity and incompetence of Ralph Gonsalves.

Taxing the super-rich will bring the revenue our country needs. There is no need to sell off Crown Lands.

It seems that Gonsalves is intentionally running the economy with deficits and using that as an excuse to sell off crown lands. The Crown Lands are owned by the people of SVG. They should be preserved and saved for our children and grandchildren. However, gradually, all our lands are being taken over by super-rich foreigners.

Also, the SVG Fish Act 2001, should be updated so that our government collects tax from the Taiwanese tunafishing vessels that use the SVG national flag. This would bring billions of dollars of revenue for the SVG

with massive fiscal deficits.

The super-rich foreigners in Treasury.

Mustique and Canouan are in an Not collecting this tax is choking unfair win/win situation: they do not the SVG economy. If the SVG pay tax and customs duty; and the government collected the billions of money they should have paid in tax dollars of revenue in tax, there would and customs duty is being used to buy be no need to sell off Crown Lands to more Crown Lands. They become get revenue. Selling off Crown Lands multi-millionaires, while the poor is stupid and unnecessary. masses of Vincentians must pay tax Gonsalves is not a university and customs duty, and become much graduate in Accounting and Finance, poorer by the day. and is incompetent. Gonsalves failed It is conservatively estimated that the SVG 1979 constitutionallySVG is not collecting about EC$1.8 appointed Director of Audit’s audits of billion annually from the super-rich in Public Accounts Reports for 2008, 2009 Mustique and Canouan, and from fish and 2010. Gonsalves cannot use tax from Taiwan. financial justifications and the weak The sale of Crown Lands and the economy as an excuse to sell Crown alleged sale of Mustique to foreigners Lands in Canouan. will have to be reversed under a future Gonsalves is incompetent. He killed government of St Vincent and the the National Commercial Bank in Grenadines.

2008 with a massive bank overdraft of EC$185 million, and has mismanaged SVG Green Party the SVG economy from 2005 to 2016 www.svggreenparty.org

Correcting a serious misconception I BEG TO UTILIZE some of your space again and promise I won’t respond further to this person hiding behind such obviously false name. He just got a bit toooooo personal for me to let this one go.

A.W. INDUPP, or whatever name you’re hiding behind, your 6 column anglophillic diatribe shows Vincentians exactly who and what you are. You are anglophile of the worst kind. You have been colonized so completely that you wrapped and cloaked yourself in the union jack and played a symphony of pseudo intellectual stupidity.

Most VINCIS (yes Vinci) here and abroad see you for what you are. FIRST, your pale (PALE ENGLISH) weak erroneous attempt to disparage my name, fell back badly on the foundation of your ignorance. I am extremely proud of Paddy Corea.

My pedigree in this land of my birth is better than most. My grandfather, Manoel Corea, built the first great trading empire right here. With very little formal education, he started with 2 hands, a burning desire, integrity, discipline and hard work and out of FLOUR and WATER, in 20 years he created the first and probably greatest trading empire SVG has ever known as COREA and CO. There were no Veiras, Banfields and Laynes, Hadley Bros, Greaves, Gunsam, Hazells, et al. None! At the time of his death in the 1920s, he was SVG’s first

multi millionaire. Everything SVG needed he imported; everything we produced he exported.

Corea and Co reigned supreme in the business world till after World War 2.

I won’t even go into my mother’s heritage, save and except to say that she was the great granddaughter of the LEGENDARY James Frederick Snagg, former owner of CANOUAN. The resort in Canash (Carenage) stands on the spot where his plantation house was. The stone church he built with his own hands still stands today. He got married there to the daughter of an ex-slave (Miss Pinky). Now your narrow-minded attitude leads you to think I am somehow IRISH. You must be British cloned of the COLONIAL ERA. My real name is Edmond Julian Corea; every last VINCI calls me Paddy. My mother gave me a play name Padi Chum as a 3-year-old because of my love of plain white rice (rice is Padi in Asia) and Chinese slant eyes I inherited from Granma, Muggy Baptist, one of the last real Yellow Caribs. I have more blood on this island and more pedigree in this country than you and your entire family. You simply picked on the wrong man and you got tooooo fresh and personal. So here goes.

The IRISH uprising was a resounding success.

(See IRELAND today.) The British guns of the BLACK and TAN REGIMENT that shot down Irish freedom fighters and the rigged and biased British courts that hung the rest didn’t know you can’t keep a freedom loving man down for tooo long. EIRA (the Republic of Ireland) is FREE TODAY because of that uprising. Lots of examples abound around the world. Do your research before you open your British programmed mouth.

Scotland is FREE after 700 years, and now has a parliament and a chief minister, but will soon have a prime minister and then OPT for a REPUBLICAN CONSTITUTION, get rid of ELIZABETH and the (German Battemberg) house of Windsor. And they ain’t leaving the EUROPEAN UNION. Neither is EIRA (Ireland).

Countries form associations for their COMMON BETTERMENT CARIFTA, NAFTA, PAFTA, EFTA are all such groupings. Do you think that now ENGLAND has busted out of the EU, that the other countries will

continue to give her the preferential tariffs and cross border treatments at their expense? Where have you been hiding for the last half century?

A. The head of the EU made a statement the day of the voting and simply said: “IF YOU OPT OUT YOURE OUT FOR GOOD.” I assume that’s clear enough ENGLISH for you.

B. I notice you didn’t touch on the UKIP , the engineers (via the Tory party) of this boondoggle..

Do you know who they are? I can tell you because I faced the original goons down on Lehman St in White Chapel, London, in the early 60s, and got beaten up by them. But my West Indian posse and I came back next weekend and kicked ass. They then started to pick on Pakistanis and Indians (hence the term Paki- bashing). I remember their teddy boys and skin heads well.

They (UKIP) are the inheritors of the racist British Nazi Party of Oswald Moseley (the brown shirts they were commonly called, google it).

By now, you must have gathered that I partly grew up in London and was partly educated there. I know England, Scotland and Wales better than the British, and certainly better than you. I left a cultural legacy there that you and nobody can eradicate. I stand by all I’ve done where ever I’ve done it and VINCI PROUD. Ask about the Vinci Expo in New York; get some factual actual info man before you let out bad breath.

I hope this is an education for you and to you.

GOOGLE everything and anything here, and you’ll be able to corroborate it You can also google Canouan Music and Demon Fuzz as an insight to my cultural shenanigans over the last 50 years.

I could put a lot of other info here, but I’ll just be eating up good newspaper time and space. Stuff like the ‘youngest DRIVER on the LONDON UNDERGROUND’ and ‘the FIRST VINCENTIAN DRIVER’ there too; the second was a Vinci legend named Vin Dopwell - FIRST VINCENTIAN to have his OWN CABLE AND WIRELESS OFFICE Yep my own.(Wood Green-Alexandra Palace) My first child Juanita being born in the ROYAL EDWARD V HOSPITAL WINDSOR, and I ain’t royalty..

My brother, you picked on the wrong brother.

Better luck next time.

E.J. Paddy Corea

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

News

Four detained at ÂChateauÊ

Mas all over: Real Carnival soon to begin Continued from Page 8.

Although he had already agreed with Fathead that they should return to the beach to count up and NEWS REACHING THE VINCENTIAN said that four share the spoils, the sight of the persons who came ashore at Chateaubelair on tourist looking in his estimation Thursday, in a locally registered pirogue, were ripe for the picking, caused him to detained by law enforcement officers. shout to Fathead: “Up with the The report also indicated that a child was bag!” Fathead obeyed involuntarily, among those on board the pirogue. then turned around enquiring to According to sources at the scene, the law him. Gobels pointed out the tourist enforcement officers also removed a suit- case standing a few yards away, and from the vessel, the contents of which remain Fathead hurried off obediently. He unknown. hoarsely went through the usual THE VINCENTIAN was, up to press time, “Poor me, Ten Pounds! Oh Gard!” unable to verify the nationality or nationalities The tourist regarded him of the persons detained. disdainfully, but he persisted.

The Chateaubelair port has featured in the Gobels in the background, further news recently, with that port being the point of encumbered with the weight of the departure for David Ames, the English born chairman and principal shareholder of Harlequin spoils, felt he should put some Properties, the entity behind the Buccament Bay further effort to impress this costumer. When he reach the scene Resort. he read the usual charge without Ames was expected to appear in court here to even consulting the book, he found answer charges of theft ans tax evasion, but the prisoner guilty, and laid the failed so to do. accustomed fine. The tourist

remained unmoved. He dealt the bag a hefty blow with the usual “Ten pound, fine um”. She still did not consult her wallet.

To this day, Gobels is still unable to explain whether he was too drunk to notice, or whether it was his eagerness to impress the tourist which caused the mistake, but it was not until Fathead lay unconscious and bleeding at his feet, did he notice that he was still wearing the old bowl on his head, and so the blow he dealt him with the club had come into contact with Fathead’s naked skull. Fathead, on the other hand, reached the hospital in a semiconscious condition.

Vaguely he remembered the

people crowding around, vaguely he remembered being put into a car, and hazily he remembered the bands playing and the people singing, “you drink yo rum and yo tumble down, we don’t kay”.

Positively he knew he had drink no rum, definitely he had tumbled down but regrettably he did care”.

AND THE WIRE BEND AND THE STORY END .

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016. 15.

14. FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Mirage was registered to be judged CONTRARY TO WHAT has been circulating here, Mirage Productions did register their 2016 Mas Presentation, ‘In Full Bloom’, for judging at this year’s Mardi Gras, as it has in previous years.

Founder of Mirage Productions, masman extraordinaire Lennox ‘Becks’ Gonsalves, confirmed to THE VINCENTIAN, that the band had paid its $350.00 registration fee, provided a full synopsis of the presentation for use by the judges , and had all expectations of being judged in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Mardi Gras Parade, i.e. Band of the Year competition.

It came as a shock to Gonsalves when, during the course of Carnival

Tuesday afternoon, and the ensuing two or so days, that persons he knew and many others he didn’t, approached him and complimented him on the band’s presentation, but expressed disappointment that the Band had decided not to be judged.

It appeared, to Gonsalves, that those who had expressed “this disappointment, also felt that the band stood a good chance of placing among the top bands on parade.”

The presentation ‘In Full Bloom” featured some 850 masqueraders in an array of costume designs and colours

More live music, please PRESIDENT of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Association of Music Professionals (AMP), Orandi ‘Bomani’ Charles has lamented the scarcity of live music on the streets in recent carnival festivities.

His comments came last Tuesday at a press conference staged by the Carnival Development Corporation, at Victoria Park.

The AMP president was also peeved with the amount of non-Vincentian music played by some DJ’s hired by private promoters for events held during the festival. Bomani admitted “struggling” with the choices of those persons employed to provide recorded music at functions.

He praised artistes for their high standard and volume of production this year. There were 250 new songs released for the period which, according to Bomani, created something of a “bottleneck” owing to the short period during which the hundreds of recordings have to jostle for attention.

He acknowledged the need for improvement in lyrics and melody, and encouraged composers to make songs of quality that transcend the passage of time.

The collaboration between studios is helping to enhance the finished product, Bomani posited.

He urged music makers to strive for excellence in all dimensions. He praised ‘Man Zangie’ for achieving the hat trick, and complimented Hypa 4000 for joining an elite group to have taken the Soca Monarch and Road March titles the same year.

Ragga Soca champion Chawalee Johnson came in for commendations from Bomani. “Chawalee represents a good example of the music industry,” the AMP Chairman said.

Masqueraders from Mirage Productions’ 2016 presentation ‘In Full Bloom’ that had one veteran mas designer here admitting, “The band was going to impact this year’s competitions and competitions in the future.”

All of this has left a rather bitter taste in Gonsalves’ mouth, not to mention leading him to believe that there could well have been deliberate acts of mischief and misinformation by persons who should have known better.

Not only has he been from an infant a regular masquerader in this country’s carnival — pre-Lenten and since, but he has been responsible for some of the more impactful band presentations and individual masquerade costumes (King and Queen of the Bands) through the years. In fact, many consider Gonsalves to be the trend setter in Vincy Mas. His reputation and that of his band speak for themselves.

He has, in his own words, “contributed in no small measure to the advancement made in costume design, construction and decoration through the years,” a fact to which many other mas persons will attest, albeit some behind closed doors.

From what he is able to discern, given that his band does not appear in the limited listing of results from the Band of the Year competition, his 2016

presentation could well have been disregarded by the judges, a serious breach of their responsibility if that was the case, he proffered.

Lennox ‘Becks’ And given Gonsalves, founder of that at least Mirage Productions, one (mas) judge this year has moved to clear the air about a and judges in the past have prevailing misconception. made “disgusting, nonsensical and totally ignorant comments,” about his band’s presentations, Gonsalves is not ruling out an orchestrated move, to keep his work out of contention, in an effort to minimise its impact on the carnival scene in general.

Mirage Productions, established in 1987, did give indication at the beginning of the season, that 2016 would be its last year of presenting masquerade bands for parade on Mardi Gras here.

Vincy Mas was safe Orandi ‘Bomani’ Charles, President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Association of Music Professionals (AMP), recognised the increase in the amount of Vincy music recorded, but lamented that not enough if it was being played by some DJs. Junior winners Tia Wyllie (Secondary), and the Christopher duo of Kristian (Primary), and Kristiana (Soca) were also praised.

Junior Sutherland and Joffre Venner were identified for helping to record the songs from the Junior artistes, so that the public became were familiar with them before the competition at Victoria Park, Tuesday June 28.

‘Bomani’ himself, in 2016, marked 15 years of active involvement in the music recording and performance arenas here.

(WKA)

DESPITE some “challenges,” for example in South Rivers where an incident occurred following an arrest, Vincy Mas 2016 was safe.

That’s according to Assistant Superintendent of Police Christopher Benjamin. He attributed the result to proper preparation and planning that resulted in a proactive approach by his members of the constabulary and allowed for co=-operation with private security agencies here.

Benjamin made it clear that St. Vincent and the Grenadines was not immune to violence, and he thanked components of carnival and revellers altogether for the peaceful way Vincy Mas turned out to be.

One area of concern, according to Benjamin, was the number of events held by Private promoters. Those events tended to stretch the resources of the constabulary. This, he said, would have to come under closer observation.

Assistant Superintendent He is looking forward to a similar level of of Police Christopher cooperation by all involved in 2017, at the 40th Benjamin declared Vincy anniversary celebrations.

Mas 2016 to be ‘safe’.

16. FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016. 17.

News

Summer Institute’ underway for teachers

ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines Teachers Union, the Canadian Teachers Federation (CTF), the Ministry of Education and Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) have collaborated to provide teachers with two weeks specialized training, under a programmed dubbed ‘Summer Institute’.

Teachers are expected to be exposed to teaching techniques in a variety of subject areas, with the intent of improving their performances in the classroom.

An audience comprising mainly teachers and education officials attended the opening ceremony at Peace Memorial Hall on Monday 11th. The head table included Minister of Education St. Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince, 1st Vice President of the SVGTU Vibert Lampkin, and Otto Sam, Course Director.

Lampkin in his address, called on all SVGTU members to stand up to ensure that salary negotiation and the collective agreement are on the bargaining table,

even as he pointed to teachers who just sit aside doing nothing , yet receive the benefits for which others had worked hard.

He appealed to those teachers who are not yet members of the Union, to do so soon. “If we are to fight a long and struggling battle, we need all custodians,” said Lampkin. (See more of Lampkin’s address in accompanying article.)

Minister of Education, St. Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince told the gathering that while teachers need increased salaries, equal emphasis must be put on quality education and professionalism.“I would like equal emphasis on the professionalism of it (teaching). I would like equal emphasis on the people becoming dedicated to the task which they have set themselves as teachers,” urged Prince.

While he commended those teachers who do very good work, Prince pointed his finger at those who he said, “just go through the motion; come

to work, come late, if they feel they going to be sick tomorrow , they start staying home today,” to loud laughter from the audience of teachers, adding further, “and the children suffer.”

He promised as the Minister of Education, to look into ways of rewarding teachers who provide quality service.

Prince said he was happy to see the union moving beyond just being a union, “because a union which exists for its own sake will soon become irrelevant. It has to exist beyond that, it has to exist for something else.”

Alan Kwok, the team leader of the visiting Canadian Teachers Federation, said the Federation was happy to continue the long standing relationship between the Union, the Government and the Basic Needs Trust (BNT). He noted that the team looks forward to co — facilitating the training session over the next two weeks, and that he is confident that the teachers will return to their

SVGTU renews call for Collective Agreement THE ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Teachers Union (SVGTU) has renewed its call for a new Collective Agreement to be put in place, and for the government to address the issue of salary increases for public servants, including teachers.

During the opening of the Summer Institute Training Workshop for teachers, on Monday 11th at the Peace Memorial Hall, 1st Vice President of the SVGTU - Vibert Lampkin made that call, noting that up to this date, the Union has been unsuccessful in getting it done.

“There are administrative and technical barriers that are preventing us from having a new Collective Agreement signed. But outside the parameters of the Collective Agreement, we operate in a system where anything and everything goes, because we do not have the shelter of the Collective Agreement,” said Lampkin.

He said the SVGTU and Government continue to relate according to the 2005 Collective agreement, while the dynamics in education have changed in the past 11 years.

“Circumstances dictate that we should engage upon ourselves in another round of negotiation for a new Collective Agreement, because since 2005 a lot has happened,” Lampkin advised. .

The Collective Agreement guides the SVGTU, according to the long standing member of the SVGTU, since it outlines teachers’ conditions of employment, health and safety in and out of the classroom, protocols and policies that the government has as it relates to salaries for teachers. “Brothers and sisters, everything concerning the trade

union is wrapped up in the Collective Bargaining Agreement,” Lampkin said.

The issue of a Collective Agreement came to a high point during the SVGTU demands that three teachers who had Vibert Lampkin, 1st contested as Vice President of candidates for the SVGTU, says the losing New that his union will Democratic try again to engage Party, be reinstated. The the authorities, with a view of starting union made the discussions that appeal under Article 16 of the would lead to a new Collective existing Agreement.

Collective Agreement which, they claimed, guaranteed reinstatement of the three teachers.

Government refused to budge, and that was challenged on constitutional grounds in the High Court .

In February this year, High Court Judge Brian Cottle ruled that Article 16 of the Collective Agreement does not contravene section 26(1)(d) of the constitution of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The SVGTU First Vice President said the union will once again attempt to engage the authorities, “for us to sit together and come up with a modern Collective Agreement which can see us into the next couple years.” (KH)

classrooms with new ideas, new methods and new energy.

The Course is being directed by Otto Sam who, during the opening, gave an outline of the course.

The SVGTU also took the opportunity to present two scholarship awards to students entering secondary schools in

(L-R): Otto Sam (Course Director), Minister of Education St. Clair Prince, and CTF team leader Allan Kwok at last Monday’s opening of the ‘Summer Institute’ for teachers.

September. The scholarship will run over seven years, inclusive of two years at the tertiary level.

Deceased teachers and

stalwarts of the Union, Judith Hull- Ballah and Ray La Borde were also remembered with a moment of silence in their honour. (KH)

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18. FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

SSL-NWM sign new agreement NOEL JACKSON, General Secretary of the National Workers Movement (NWM)is looking forward to the implementation of agreements with the St. Vincent Shipyard Limited (SSL), and a change in the industrial relationship climate at Otley Hall.

Jackson made his position known last week Thursday at the Ottley Hall Marina and Shipyard, during a ceremony that featured the signing of an agreement between the SSL and the NWM.

The Ottley Hall Marina and Shipyard was leased for 15 years to the locally registered company, St. Vincent Shipyard Limited, (SSL).

Daniel Sandoval Ravotti, SSL’s Managing Director; Racquel Jacobs, Deputy Labour Commissioner; NWM Union delegates Cornelius Lewis and Mengistus Jacobs witnessed the event.

Jackson cited the agreement as an extension of a prior arrangement. He expressed delight that protracted issues had been cleared.

Jackson welcomed ‘state of the art uniforms and shoes,’ as part of measures to enhance workers’ protection in keeping with Health and Safety good practices.

Workers will be guaranteed vacation, and when they are called out in unusual circumstances, they will be given subsistence for meals and transport.

Clauses to cater for accidental death or dismemberment have been included so that, according to Jackson, workers’ family can be compensated.

Children of workers who write the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment will be entitled to educational awards.

Workers can take advantage of training opportunities and enhance their professional career with support from SSL. There are plans for a pension programme. That will be finalised in consultation with a reputable insurance agency/company. Jackson reflected on the Clico/BAICO debacle as being instructive in this regard.

Workers will see increases to their wages.

Jackson outlined steps for payments to be determined in August, and annual increments

Daniel Sandoval Ravotti, SSL’s Managing Director, (let) and Noel Jackson, General Secretary of the NWM, shake hands after signing the new agreement covering workers privileges, etc. thereafter.

About fifty Vincentian workers are attached to the company, alongside twelve Venezuelan colleagues.

SSL has been operating for the past year. Ravotti noted that his company had doubled the number of workers since it arrived. He expressed confidence in the enterprise, and described it as being in the “best position to take this project one step ahead,” and projected, “We can conclude a massive tourism project.”

Quizzed as to the competition the SSL faces as a result of other marine facilities in Canouan especially, Rivotti contended, “We need more marinas. ….. . They are going to be crowded; we are going to be crowded.” (WKA)

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

News

No CIP for SVG

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, not for the first time, declared that he will not take this country down the path of offering a Citizenship by Investment Programme.

THIS COUNTRY remains opposed to any Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves reported to a media conference on Monday, that he had made the point at the recent 37th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Guyana, where the issue was raised.

He said that currently there were five countries within CARICOM that have such a programme: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts/Nevis and St Lucia – St Vincent and the Grenadines was the only independent country in the OECS grouping that did not have one.

Under the former New Democratic Party (NDP) led administration, there was such a programme here; however, since coming into office in 2001, Gonsalves and his government have repealed the law.

And while he made it clear, that he was not in a position to say whether a country should or should not have a CIP, he recognised their right as sovereign countries to do as they saw

fit.

“But what I can say: don’t advertise when you selling it, saying that you have rights to enter and be in all CARICOM countries,” Gonsalves said.

He explained to the media that the philosophy here was that an individual made a citizen through investment, could not be regarded in the same light as one who became a citizen through naturalisation, birth, marriage or descent.

A decision, the Prime Minister said, was taken by the Heads of CARICOM, not to advertise to give the impression that those who become citizens through investment have rights in other countries.

The issue, according to Gonsalves, will continue to be a bone of contention, with some countries offering and others not offering the Programme.

The Vincentian government’s position was simple: citizenship was the highest office in the land, and was not a commodity for sale, and so was the passport. (DD)

Discussions ongoing KEITH ROWLEY, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, is expected to begin discussion with staff and officials for the disbursement of the balance of the USD100 million to BAICO/CLICO policy holders.

The decision was taken at the 37th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting held in Guyana last week.

According to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, it was hoped that this process would be facilitated by Christmas this year.

In December 2012, the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) received the first USD36 million, and Gonsalves told reporters on Monday that he raised the question about the payment of the other USD64 million.

Monies were paid to policy holders commencing in December 2012 where

under the first phase, holders of Flexible Premium Annuities (FPA) policies with under EC$30,000 in their August 2009 account balance were able to receive that amount plus a refund of the premiums they paid since that date.

Phase 2 of the programme started in March 2013, with policyholders of Executive Flexible Premium Annuities (EFPA), and FPAII policies with principal balances under EC$30,000 were invited to apply for assistance.

“One has to appreciate that the bulk of policy holders have received money under the other tranches, but the substantial ones who hold Executive Flexible Premium Annuities, a small number of persons who invested large sums of monies,” he said. (DD)

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20. FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Give him an ultimatum

Everything has its limit Dear George,

Dear George, Dear worried bride, I AM ENGAGED to be married to a man I love very much, but there is just one problem: he does not believe in counselling.

There are some issues that I am concerned about, and I would like for us to have them sorted out before taking such an important step. For example: he believes that any money earned by him is HIS money; does not believe in spanking when it comes to children; and he believes he should still be allowed to openly flirt with other women, once, according to him, he does not take it further.

I hold opposing views to all of the above, thus my reason for us to sit down with someone qualified enough to help us work through these issues.

Unfortunately, he adamantly refuses to do so. We get married in 3 months, what do I do?

Worried bride to be

Your concerns are valid, and your fiancé should take them seriously. These very issues can come back to haunt you if you do not address them now.

Do not be afraid to let him know that you would not be taking that step with him if there is no sitting down to have your concerns addressed to mutual

I MET THIS very attractive girl and fell in love in an instant. It is now two months that we have been going out, and I have discovered some drawbacks to our relationship.

She insists on not kissing, and even brings up arguments to show how kissing is a forbidden thing. She believes sex is only for reproductive purposes. satisfaction. Doing this is in the George, we have argued over this day in and day interest of your marital future. Do not let your fiancé push you to put out, but she is not shifting from her position. I have attempted to kiss her so many times because she the cart before the horse. has such gorgeous lips, but each time she pushes me away. I am tired of forcing the issue.

George I know relationships are about compromise; but do I have to compromise and let her have her way?

A ÂsmellyÊ situation Dear George, MY BOSS HAS the wors perspiration you can ever imagine a human being having.

We work together in a very small non airconditioned office. His armpit smells like dead carcass, and I cannot stand it any longer. I have taken days off from work as sick days because sometimes I have got bad feelings to the point of fainting when I’m around him. I cannot afford to be

taking sick days since I am not paid when I do so.

He is a person who gets annoyed if you tell him something he does not like. I wonder how his wife stands him. She sometimes visits the office to bring him his lunch, etc.

What can I do to fix this?

No Current Dear No Current,

You have to do what is to be done in the interest of your health, in this case, confronting your boss about his offensive odour. There are different ways that can be used to have this conversation with your boss, but you will have to find the best of these.

Sometimes it is not what you do, but how you do it.

I do agree that compromise is an important ingredient in relationships, but there is a limit to which one can stretch this.

You have to be real about this.

If kissing and sex are important on your ‘To Do List’, you need to be honest and let her know that you cannot proceed with the relationship as it is, because there will be problems down the road.

Of course, there is another argument that can be made for kissing and sex; but trying to make that argument with your fiancée may be an exercise in futility, and you should just move on.

George

George

Bad feelings Dear Bad feelings,

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21- April 20 Express your interest if you want the relationship to progress. Try to be patient and understanding. Secret activity is evident. You may find that romance will unfold through business connections.

Taurus (Apr. 21- May 21) Call someone you haven’t seen in a long time. You may have difficulties at an emotional level with mates. Talk to the party involved and make sure that they are informed as to what actually happened. Your sensitivity toward those you love will capture their hearts Gemini (May 22-June 21) Major job changes or opportunities to get ahead professionally are apparent.

A female colleague may cause problems for you. Be professional, and you will advance much more quickly. Romance will develop if you get involved in social events that deal with children.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Make changes that will enhance your appearance. You will need a little competition this week. Gel involved in activities that will stretch your stamina.

You will have a little more energy than usual. Concentrate on your career and on making money.

Leo (July 23-Aug 22) Travel for business or pleasure. Selfdeception about relationships is a problem. You can make extra cash if you act on a hunch. Keep your feelings to yourself if you want to avoid embarrassment.

Virgo (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don’t try to get even without having all the facts. Go over your finances and figure out a solid budget. Don’t be a pest or a troublemaker this week. You will benefit by taking care of other people’s concerns.

Libra (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Get the red tape and the unwanted paperwork out of the way. Your determination and stamina will make your work look flaw less and effortless.

You mustn’t be so trusting. Romantic opportunities will flourish through travel or communication.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Don’t make financial contributions in order to impress others. Be prepared to meet new lovers through colleagues.

Your family may not be pleased with your decisions. Don’t be afraid to talk to close friends or relatives about pressing personal problems.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Real estate investments will payoff.

Strengthen your position among your peers. Don’t let relatives get the better of you. You might be a tad overindulgent this week.

Capricorn (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You can do well on stage or behind the scenes, the choice is yours. Don’t shy away from potential mates they want to introduce you to. Go with the flow and don’t let the unsettled atmosphere get on your nerves. Don’t settle for less than the best.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) You will get upset over trivial matters.

Family outings should include visiting friends or relatives. Partnerships may be strained if one of you has been erratic and hard to deal with. Don’t be too quick to voice your opinion. Listen to others carefully.

Pisces (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You will have good ideas for home improvement projects. Keep busy and let them fume while you’re not around.

You may want to take extra special care of your luggage if you are traveling this week. Family outings that aren’t expensive will be enjoyable and help strengthen ties.

ACROSS

44. B.A. or M.A. 1. Roosevelt 47. Having coins lunch 6. Rob Knievel’s 49. Dodges dad 50. Comes in 10. Birthday second at party the track dangler 51. No ifs, __, 11. Crayola or buts product 52. Pittsburgh 13. Make product beloved 14. TV host DOWN Dahl 15. Canadian 1. Have prov. supper at 16. Grassy spot home (2 18. Quebec wds.) article 2. Shade of 19. Mournful blue sound 3. Dogpatch’s 21. Houseflies’ Daisy __ nemeses 4. Caesar’s 24. Nays “and 26. Blockheads Others” (2 27. Dust cloth wds.)

29. Behind, on 5. Allgood and a boat Teasdale 30. Spooky 6. Slip up creatures 7. Kilmer of 33. Believe “The Doors” 36. Impasse 8. Lacing 38. Little locale tantrum 9. Solitary 40. Abby’s people sister 10. __ up 41. Rivals (invigorates) 43. “__ bad!”

11. Calgary’s

country 12. Capone’s enemy 17. 1914-18 conflict (abbr.)

20. Biblical king 22. Lovers’ quarrel 23. Carries 25. King of Israel 28. Hand protectors 30. Swiss city 31. Stick with it (2 wds.)

32. Physics, e.g. (abbr.)

34. Tempt 35. Singer Richie 36. Toddler word 37. Holds 39. Clothes 42. Brine

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

V

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

ingredient 45. Purge 46. Asner and Begley, Jr. 48. Light bulb inventor’s monogram

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22. FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Bequia Waterfront to get attention

A MEETING OF THE RECENTLY FORMED Bequia Waterfront Development Committee was held on June 25th at the St. Mary’s Anglican Church conference room in Port Elizabeth, Bequia.

The BWDC is a not-for-profit, non-governmental, all-volunteer group of community members whose mission is to ensure the overall improvement and sustainable development of the vitally important

Admiralty Bay waterfront area of Port Elizabeth.

Much work has been done in this location in the past, but there is more to be done. The group is currently working to identify issues that can be addressed in the waterfront area, and its immediate surroundings, for the ongoing benefit of all. Some of the issues already identified include, but are not limited to, drainage, litter and garbage disposal,

Bequia Waterfront 1950 (Photo Credit: Ross Lully)

Bequia Waterfront 2014 (Photo Credit: Chris Doyle) traffic and parking, vending, cultural/historical preservation, and legal and regulatory frameworks.

In the coming weeks, the BWDC will be actively seeking input from the Bequia community, its visitors, local NGOs and relevant public sector agencies, in order to accurately reflect the will of the people in providing the waterfront with fair and efficient organization for all users, while maintaining its traditional “town square” function and ambiance.

An opinion survey will be conducted, a Facebook page will be up soon, and an open “town hall meeting” will be scheduled; all will provide more details and opportunities for input.

For more information, contact Public Relations representative Shaverne Ollivierre at (784) 5298491 or sollivierre1@gmail.com. (Contributed).

Surinamese heads regional NGO movement HISTORY WAS MADE last Friday, July 1, when the representative of a nonEnglish speaking country was elected to the helm of the regional civil society umbrella Ms Sheila movement, the Caribbean KetwaruPolicy Development Centre Nurmohamed of (CPDC).

Suriname – first Ms Sheila Ketwarunational nonNurmohamed of the NGO English-speaking network in Suriname was voted as Chair of the Board of country to head the CPDC. Directors, as the CPDC concluded its Biennial Assembly in Guyana, coinciding with its 25th anniversary celebrations. She is the first person from outside the English-speaking Caribbean to hold the post, and indicates the broadening of the organization’s reach in the region.

Ms Ketwaru-Nurmohamed succeeds Mr Renwick Rose, a lifelong member of the CPDC, who has given up his leadership position.

Others elected to the new Board of the CPDC are Mr Elijah James of Antigua/Barbuda, Ms Kozel Peters-Fraser of WINFA (SVG), Mr Rodney Grant of Barbados, and Ms Flavia Cherry of St Lucia.

(Contributed).

V

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

Grenada retains OECS U23 netball title GRENADA SUCCESSFULLY defended their U23 OECS Netball title, when they

closed an undefeated run in the 26 edition of the ECCB OECS under 23

tournament, which concluded here in St.Vincent and the

SVG’s Khadija Williams (right) on her way to winning the individual shootout.

Grenadines last Wednesday.

In the final and

The victorious Grenada U23 Netball Team. deciding match of the Tournament, played at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex, the venue for the tournament, Grenada

SVGCC hopeful about semis berth THE FRENCH VERANDAH SVG Community College (SVGCC) kept alive their hopes of a semi-final spot in 2016 Sir Garfield Sobers Cricket Tournament, when they recorded a 54-run victory over Fatima College of Trinidad.

The games played last Tuesday saw the French Verandah SVG being dismissed for 144 on the last ball of their allotted 34 overs. Othneil Lewis, 35, Tilron Harry, 25 and Jeremy Layne, 23, led the batting.

Tyrone Phillip took 3 for 27 bowling for Fatima College.

In reply, Fatima College stumbled from 60 for 3, to be all out for 90 in 31.5 overs. Andrew Davidson top scored with 29. Jerremy Haywood, 3 for 16 from 6 overs, Ronaldo Franklyn 2 for 6 from 7 overs and Jeremy Layne 2 for 17 from 5 overs were the chief wicket-takers from French Verandah SVGCC.

Prior to Tuesday’s match, the Vincentians had chalked up victories over the defending champions St. Leonard’s Boys School of Barbados and Vishnu Boys Hindu College of Trinidad.

In the match against St. Leonard’s, SVGCC replied with 127 for 7 in 32.5 overs, after dismissing the defending champions for 124 in 32.5 overs.

Vishnu Boys Hindu College had little answer to the guile of Jerremy Haywood, 4 for 17, and were dismissed for 94 in 38.1 overs. SVGCC replied cautiously and got to 96 for 4 in 30.4 overs to record their second win up to that point of the Tournament.

French Verandah SVGCC went down to Oakville Academy of Canada in game four. The SVG Community College were asked to bat and lost their way from 63 for 3, to end on 119 for 9

The French Verandah SVG Community College team has had a good run to date in the Garfield Sobers Cricket Tournament. in their rain, after an over and 4 balls.

This after the match had been 40 allotted overs. Oakville reduced to 15 overs a side Academy reached 120 for 6 in because of earlier rain. The 33.2 overs.

Guyanese had scored 2 runs Previous to this loss, the when play was called off.

Vincentian lads saw their match against Queen’s College of I.B.A.ALLEN Guyana abandoned because of

defeated host SVG 30-26, after leading in the first three quarters, 7-6, 1514, 24-19, to claim a 15th hold on the title.

The Spice Island Girls’ unbeaten run also included victories over St. Kitts, 42-31, Dominica, 44-26, and St. Lucia 38- 21.

SVG’s lone defeat was at the hands of Grenada, ensuring that they finished in second place.

Dominica finished third, with St. Lucia taking fourth place, followed by St. Kitts.

SVG did come away with their cups of pride when they took the individual and team shooting competitions.

Khadija Williams did the honours in the shootout for individuals, converting 46 of her 63 attempts, and was followed by Grenada’s Reneisha Stafford with 35 from 67 tries. .

In the team shoot off, SVG successfully registered 74 from 120 tries, to beat St. Lucia, 69 from 116 attempt, into second place.

SVG U21 volley ballers show improvement ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES did enough to earn sixth place in the NORCECA Continental Men’s Under-21 championships, which ended last Sunday evening in Gatineau Canada.

The sixth place was earned after the Vincentians stopped their Trinidad and Tobago counterparts, 3-1 (24-26, 25-19, 25-19, 25-21).

Ronaldo Franklin scored 20 points, while outside-hitter Asmond Franklin tallied 16, and middle Marcus Thomas also scored 16 and had a match-high four blocks.

Trinidad and Tobago’s captain Marlon Phillips had a tournament single-

high of 31 points.

Thomas went on to snatch the Best Blocker accolade.

With nine players either 18 or younger, indicating a core of potential with which to work, coach of St Vincent and the Grenadines Vance Andrews proposed, “We are going back and working on all the mistakes we had in this tournament... I want to keep working with these guys.”

Holding their own The win for St Vincent and the Grenadines was the first at this level, having lost all matches

when the team qualified for the same stage in 2012.

Then, the Vincentians did not win a set, losing 30 against Mexico, the USA, Guatemala, Honduras and Curacao.

Leading up to last Sunday’s triumph, St Vincent and the Grenadines had also lost all their matches in the 2016 edition.

They went under to Barbados 3-0 (25-23, 2519, 25-17) and the USA 30 (25-11, 25-12, 25-10).

The Vincentians’ performance against USA bettered their 2012 outing, when they failed to get into double digits in any of the three sets.

In the quarter finals on Friday, the Vincentians, although losing to Canada by 3-0 (21- 13, 21-14, 2110), had patches of play that tested their opponents.

In the playoff for the fifth place, St Vincent and the Grenadines took one set against Barbados before going under 3-1 0 (25-17, 26-24, 23-25, 2518), as they continued to show signs of improvement.

The USA took gold, dealing out Cuba 3-1 (2517, 29-27, 19-25, 25-22), while Canada swept Guatemala 3 -0 (25-13, 2512, 25-19) to win the bronze.

Barbados ended in fifth

Trinidad and Tobago’s pair of Kameron Mc Donald and Adriel Pierre go up to try to stop SVG’s Ronaldo Franklyn in the NORCECA U- 21 male continental championships in Gatineau, Canada last Sunday (Photo Credit: NORCECA) place and Trinidad and Tobago — seventh.

St Vincent and the Grenadines earned the right to the Continental

final, after winning the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Youth tournament in St Maarten last year.

V Bequia Basketball Tournament gets going 24. FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

IT WAS A HIGH INTENSITY affair, as usual, when the 2016 18th Annual of the Vita Malt Bequia Basketball Tournament opened last Saturday, July 9th, with a full complement of games at the Clive Tannis Hard Court, Port Elizabeth.

Fifteen teams spread over three Divisions - Under 16, Second and First Division - are registered to participate.

The Under 16 Division comprises Titans, Hawks, Young Wizards, Hornets, Dragons and Rockets; the Second Division will see competition among Southern Stars, Rising Stars, Wizards 2, Young Duke and Blazing Heat; and East Blazers, Raptors,

Generalz and Wizards will do battle in the First Diovision.

Among the registered teams are two new entrants - Southern Stars and Raptors.

The Tournament, the 18th in as many years, runs until August 28th with games on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Opening action In the first match following the opening ceremony on Saturday, Rising Stars defeated Blazing Heat 52 to 25 in a Second Division encounter. Rising

Teams line up for the opening ceremony of the Vita Malt Bequia Basketball Tournament.

Stars’ Reon Ollivierre was the 20 points, 7 rebounds and 1 steal. outstanding player with 34 points, 22 Southern Stars handed Blazing rebounds, 2 steals Heat their second defeat, 48 to 44, and 1 block. Nicholas with Camal Bess leading the way for Lewis of Blazing Heat the winners with 23 points, 6 had 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steal and 1 block. Nicholas rebounds, 5 steals Lewis was again Blazing heat’s top and 1 blocks. performer with 19 points, 6 rebounds, In another Second 4 assists and 3 steals Division match, In a much anticipated First Division Young Duke defeated encounter, Wizards opened their Unseated by Alana Mc Apart from Mc Master, Wizards 2, 54 to 41. season with a narrow 65 to 63 win Master, 12 votes to 3, from the others who were elected then Leading scorer for over East Blazers. Dareo Glasgow with top post in November 2013, were: Vice — President Young Duke was 18 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists Martin, ahead of this Kemaul Lee; General leading the way for Wizards, and East Saturday’s elections, stated Secretary - Laela Constantine; Jermaine John with 26 points. He also Blazers Steveon Taylor’s 26 points categorically, “Nothing has Treasurer - Gary Matthias; being a game high tally, in their losing changed since... The same along with committee members had 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 steals. effort. persons who voted me out are Nikita Campbell, Oris Todda Dember of there to vote again.”

Robinson and Nikisha Lewis.

Wizards 2 recorded I.B.A.ALLEN Martin though, indicated he Reports are that will attend Saturday’s meeting the executive on behalf of his team Unique encountered Touch. turbulence along the The other Volleyball units way, resulting in a eligible to vote are Gremlins, few persons being South Rivers Wings, RSVG burdened with the Eardley Martin LOCAL Police, Dickson and Alliance. administrative CYCLISTS HAD FORMER PRESIDENT of the These units though, are tasks. some in house St Vincent and the Grenadines allowed multiple votes That state of competition last Volleyball Association depending on the number of affairs made it Sunday, as St (SVGVA) Eardley Martin has teams they entered in the last difficult if not Vincent and the no interest in being returned national championships. impossible for Mc Grenadines is set to the top post.

Given the current set up, Master to access to compete in the In fact, Martin is not moved one or two units can determine funding from some John T Memorial to serve in any capacity on the the outcome of the elections. state agencies. in Anguilla, this new executive, when elections Tomorrow’s elections of the Another of the weekend. are held this Saturday SVGVA has been fast drawbacks was the A 58- mile race 16th July, at Grenadines forwarded, following a preexecutive’ failure to for the elite House. mature end to the tenure of host a national cyclists and a 46It was widely believed that the Mc Master led executive, tournament, since Randy Wilkinson – mile distance for Martin would have sought re- who should have served until taking office.

Ist among the the masters were election, granted the state of November 2017.

Masters.

Zefal Bailey – Ist among the the warm-ups affairs.

Elite group before the

Martin not interested in SVGVA presidency

Local cyclists gear up for Anguilla outing

Four Vincies in OECS Junior Squash team

Vincentian contingent heads out to Anguilla.

The Elite bracket had to traverse from Kingstown to Colonarie, then to the Round FOUR (4) TOP JUNIOR PLAYERS About in Arnos Vale and back along with one (1) coach and chaperone to Diamond twice, before ending from the SVG Squash Association left at Howard’s Marine, in Villa Flat,. the state on Thursday to join other Zefal Bailey was first to finish in players comprising the OECS junior a time of 3 hours 04 minutes 07 team, to compete in the Caribbean seconds.

Squash Area (C.A.S.A.) tournament in Second was Enroy Lewis in 3 Grand Cayman, from the 16th -23rd hours 04 minutes 22 seconds, and (L-R) Jason Doyle, Kia Bentick, Giovana July, 2016. third was Lucky Antrobus in 3 Miller-Alexander and Mikal Quashie.

Vincentians Giovanna Millerhours 42 minutes 22 seconds.

Alexander (Girls under 15), Kai Bentick The Team was selected as per Both Bailey and Lewis bettered (Boys under 15), Mikal Quashie (Boys performance from the recently held OECS their times done over the same under 17) and Jason Doyle (Boys under tournament in Tortola held in May. distance on 26th June.

19) will join Luca Reich (Boys under 13) The National Lotteries Authority has On that day, Bailey did 3 hours and Darci Reich (Girls under 13) from once again made the participation of the 9 minutes 55 seconds and Lewis 3 Tortola.

Vincentian contingent possible. hours 13 minutes 27 seconds, as

the two were distanced by Antiguan Jyme Bridges, who had come in for the race.

Randy Wilkinson again conquered the Masters category, winning in 2 hours 32 minutes 44 seconds, while Peter Durrant, who missed the last race, made a return but was second in 2 hours 50 minutes 10 seconds.

The masters cycled only one lap of the Round About to Diamond route.

The top finishers in both categories received cash awards.

The Vincentian contingent is slated to compete in a time trial on Saturday and the main event on Sunday, at John T Memorial.

V

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

Sports

Suspect bowling action a concern

by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT

Filling the void FOR SOME students, there will be no rest as far as the vacation is concerned, but that will be normal for them. The senior secondary students will have a variety of choices as to how to spend their time, while they await the results from their recent examinations.

Sporting competitions, including the Windward Islands Secondary Games Meet, are part of the routine.

The staging of the Under 15 Fifa sponsored Football qualifiers will be an occasion for the local Federation to enhance its team preparation for future encounters.

Persons like Ian Sardine, encamped at the Grammar School Grounds, will be providing another of his reliable programme in which youngsters get an introduction to formal soccer training.

Sardine has demonstrated his commitment to the sport in no uncertain terms, and any assistance that can be directed his way will inevitably redound to the nation’s benefit. There is hardly a youngster of merit who has not come under Sardine’s tutelage at one stage or the other.

Then there is the West Indies Under 19 Cricket Tournament taking place here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The existence of several facilities spread nationwide might have presented the opportunity for the Vincentian authorities to add some diversity to the cricket product, a la the development/use of fields in Park Hill, and London (Sandy Bay).

There will be no courtesy for those facilities on the Leeward coast, including Cumberland where the (rehabilitation) venture lingers in uncertainty.

There is yet no green light for activities to commence on that project.

One would have thought that the return match against the USA in the Fifa World Cup qualifiers would have aroused some excitement. But given our premature departure from being serious contenders, we have descended into a deep abyss of despair.

That we have slid so drastically in such a short time, is a matter of worry The Federation will have to revive their programme to maintain the pace of our developmental thrust. The pattern of a giant leap backward after some minor progress is equivalent to failing.

Whatever the route taken to correct the erratic trend must be a systematic and pragmatic.

Then there is the availability of technology which has the potential of being used or abused.

Parents and children alike have to be guarded as to the length of time spent attached to such gadgets.

There must be some balancing act, and efforts have to be made to ensure that uses are made of outdoor spaces for exercise, and indoor facilities as well for brainstorming and other mind- expanding attractions.

The Olympics in Rio throws up its own peculiarities that add to the intrigue on the global sporting calendar. Concerns mount over one factor or the other, and countries find a plausible excuse to stay away with the outbreak of the Zika virus.

Sport lovers the world over find ways to settle their differences when the moment arrives. There is every indication that despite the misgivings, events in Rio will roll out in typical fashion.

That’s what the world looks forward to every four years. The controversies will surface in different aspects during and after the Games. For the moment, it’s seeing who will top the medals table.

CRICKET OFFICIALS and local spectators have expressed concerns over the number of bowlers in the just concluded Windward Islands Under 19 tournament with suspect actions.

Concerns were raised in whispers among coaches, past players and administrators over the six days of competition with matches at the Arnos Vale and Sion Hill Playing Fields.

However, this was not the case with spectators, who bellowed at the top of their voice, “No ball,” as they urged the umpires to take action.

The men in the middle, though, saw no reason to take the suggested action, even as one bowler worked up a head of steam with pace that many believed belied his size and apparent strength.

That bowler, despite all the questions Concerns has been raised, quietly and about his action, was the first more vociferously, about the action of announced when the Windwards team some of the U19 Windward Islands’ was named. bowlers.

In fact, former Combined Islands and said that, based on the Windwards off spinner, Stanley Hinds could be heard blurting out a sound of dismay, as he listened comments he had heard, he raised it with the selectors to the names. who felt that in the absence SVG coach, Irvin Warrican, who attended a of any adverse reports, they recent WICB coaching course, where detecting should select the players. illegal bowling action was among the things Warrican believes that, discussed, said that the authorities need to do more even though the Windwards Stanley Hinds, to identify these (suspect) bowlers, at a very early players are taking part in a former Combined age. six-day camp ahead of the and Windward “How can you have these bowlers playing Under West Indies tournament here, Islands off spinner, 13, Under 15, Under 17 and now Under 19, and no it would be near impossible to has been heard to one can see something wrong with their be among those action….their home association had to be sleeping,” work with any of those bowlers during that time, to who have rasied the Warrican who was named manager of the bring about any serious concern about Windwards U19 team said. change to their action. He is suspect action.

He added that, while it is difficult, at times, to pick up the action with the naked eye, if someone is of the view that selecting them without serious remedial work can only lead seen to be bowling a lot faster for his age and size, to embarrassment in the end for the player. closer attention should be paid to that player. He While in the past, umpires were able to call said the authorities must also invest in good players for what they deemed an illegal bowling equipment to assist in this area. action, the ICC has suggested that umpires now CEO of the Windward Islands Cricket Board Lennox John said, while questions were raised over lodge reports to Match Referees, if they are available, or Boards/Associations on the action of the action of some bowlers, no report had come to the bowlers. the Board from the umpires in this regard. John

Warrican identifies batting as an U19 concern THEN WINDWARD ISLANDS Under-19 Cricket team will have to improve their batting, if they compete in the West Indies Under Tournament.

Manager of the team, Vincentian Irvin Warrican, said he is disappointed with the overall batting in the recent Windward islands Tournament, and with the West Indies Tournament scheduled to begin here on August 27, the Windwards would have to ensure that their preparation time is spent wisely.

“We will have a one-week training camp here before the (WI) Tournament, and hopefully when the guys get here they can learn quickly,” Warrican told THE VINCENTIAN. While he expressed concern about the batting, Warrican still held out hope that his team would give a good account of themselves, and pointed to team’s Irvin Warrican, Manager of the W’wards U19 cricket team.

spinners and fast bowlers as hopefully being able to do the work.

As for the batting, the team will be banking on captain Emmanuel Stewart and Ryan John, both of whom were part of the successful West Indies under 19 ICC World Cup team, to put runs on the board.

Looking ahead as far as the development of the U19 players is concerned, Warrican disclosed that, as far as the local players were concerned, he would be proposing to the SVG Cricket Association that the SVG U19 team plays as a unit in the Premier Division of the local cricket championship.

This, he believes, would allow the coaching staff to work with the players during the year, addressing technical and tactical and mental aspects of the game in an ongoing and consistent manner.

Warrican also recognized the value of the U15 tournament among schools here as an important breeding ground.

However, ongoing coaching at these levels and at the club level is vital, he said, if we are to ensure the proper development of players here.

I.B.A.ALLEN

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ÂTOO MUCH PIGGY BACKING,Ê

More Carnival Stories on Page 15.

SAYS CDC CHAIRMAN SOME PRIVATE promoters were ‘piggy-backing’ on the festival.

That was one of many sentiments expressed by Dennis Ambrose, Chairman of the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC), as he addressed a media briefing on Tuesday, July, 12, at the CDC Office, Victoria Park.

Ambrose seemed uncharacteristically put off by the actions of some private promoters during the just concluded carnival festivities.

He lambasted those persons, private promoters included, for “bad-talking the festival and the CDC,” without bringing any “dynamic ideas” to help the CDC. Ambrose echoed that his

institution had an “open door policy,” but that “nothing comes forward,” especially from those who find all possible means and avenues to level criticism on his Corporation and the festival.

Changes in the festival are inevitable, Ambrose accepted, but he noted that “consensus and cooperation,” were difficult to achieve.

Youngsters seem more inclined to “feting”, and Ambrose cited that as one of the reasons for the decline in numbers at some of the traditional CDC events.

In addition, he admitted, persons had the choice of viewing certain events in the comfort of their homes.

Prize $$ - Advanced Planning

That aside, the Chairman assured that prize monies for Vincy Mas 2016 will be paid in September, explaining that the perceived delay is occasioned by a period during which the CDC would be “finetuning its operations,” a procedure which could go up to late August.

The chairman used the occasion to project on the staging of next year’s Vincy Mas, which will be the 40th edition since the change from a pre-Lenten festival to a June-July one.

Citing Vincy Mas as a “vehicle” for national promotion, moreso as it adjusts to the opening of the

Cecil Mc Kie, Minister of Culture, has promised an early start to preparations for and promotion of Vincy Mas 2017.

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

Dennis Ambrose, Chairman of the CDC, called out those who criticise the CDC and Vincy Mas but make no positive input to effect meaningful change.

Argyle International Airport, Ambrose promised early planning and marketing of the 40th anniversary festivities.

And Cecil Mc Kie, Minister of Tourism and Culture, echoed this intention, saying that, once he gets the support he wishes, there would be an early launch to the 2017 Vincy Mas celebrations.

He has a media launch in New York on his programme to jump start those activities.

The Minister is hoping for the staging of “major” shows in the period May to June, which could coincide with some Rural Carnival events.

A 40th Anniversary Magazine is being mooted by McKie and he is anxious to have that document ready by early November 2016.

He warned the CDC to be prepared for criticism, and he wants to elaborate on ideas for the enhancement of the festival when a Symposium is staged on Carnival in midAugust.

McKie is calling for the deepening of partnership with Private Promoters so they can make a meaningful contribution to what is considered this country’s premier cultural festival.

Vincy Mas will mark its 40th anniversary next year, 2017.

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