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FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 15, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.37

www.thevincentian.com

JARVISÊ CASE TRIGGERS REPORTING RESTRICTIONS

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

CHIEF MAGISTRATE Rechanne Browne has advised media personnel not to report names, details or anything that will prejudice the preliminary Inquiry (PI) involving former journalist and Public Relations Consultant – Junior Jarvis, who has been charged with the February 14,

2017 murder of Randy Lawrence, 39-year-old Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines employee.

Jarvis is also charged with attempted murder, abduction, aggravated burglary, assault causing bodily harm and using a firearm to aid in the commission of an offence.

These offences were reportedly committed on February 14.

The PI started at the

Serious Offences Court on Tuesday and was adjourned to the following day.

The Magistrate issued the warning on Wednesday after Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche spoke to the law as it relates to reporting on judicial proceedings.

The law governing reporting

Just before the hearing resumed on Wednesday, the Senior Prosecutor informed the Court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had called a meeting with all prosecutors in relation to a call the DPP said he received on Tuesday evening, concerning the reporting on the matter.

According to the

MARTIN TIPPED AS AG NINETEEN YEARS after being called to the bar in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 44-year-old Marriaqua born lawyer Jaundy Martin is expected to be installed as Attorney General, the office of the main legal advisor to the government.

THE VINCENTIAN was reliably informed on Wednesday that Martin will succeed Judith Jones-Morgan, who is expected to demit the office of Attorney General this month, after some 16 years of service.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) has given the approval for Martin to succeed JonesMorgan, and he is expected Jaundy Martin, whose appointment to be officially sworn in as Attorney General is imminent, will soon. be only the second person to hold that office since the ULP formed Continued on Page 3.

Government in 2001.

Judith Jones-Morgan is on record as having the longest unbroken tenure as Attorney General since this country gained independence in 1979.

EC$1.50

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche raised the concern, on behalf of the DPP, about reporting on judicial proceedings.

Prosecutor, the DPP made reference to Section 98 of the Criminal Code, with specific reference to sub-sections G and H. Sub-section G states that “while a Judicial proceeding is being held or is pending, makes or uses any speech or writing in misrepresenting such proceeding or capable of prejudicing any persons in favour of or against any part to Israel Bruce, representing the proceeding or calculated to lower the the accused – Junior Jarvis – attempted to limit authority of any the purview of the law but person before whom was rebutted by the Chief the proceeding is Magistrate. being held or is to be held”.

Sub-section H states, “Publishes a report of the evidence taken in any Judicial Proceeding which is being held in private or which has been ordered not to be published; in this paragraph “evidence”, includes the name and address of any party to the proceeding, any witness or any person mentioned in these proceedings”.

Delpleche informed the Court that anyone found in contravention of this section could face Attorney Ronald Marks, a a maximum penalty of week earlier, had raised two years in prison. concerns about media reporting in a matter in Continued on Page 3. which he was involved.

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2. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

gives free minutes Left: Anguilla, seen here under the wrath of Hurricane Irma, is one of the territories to which free minutes of talk is allowed.

FOLLOWING THE DEVASTATION caused by Hurricane Irma on several islands across the Caribbean, Digicel SVG on Tuesday 12th September announced that it was providing 100% of its prepaid customer base, with 10 minutes of FREE talk time, so as to enable them to contact and connect with their loved ones abroad, especially those residing in IRMA affected islands.

Shortly after 8am on Tuesday, customers were given access to the one-off free talk time, which has an expiry period of 7 days during which to call the hurricane-battered Caribbean countries

including: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The British Virgin Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“We understand the need to be able to quickly connect with family and friends during and following any disaster, and we are happy to provide our customers with some relief and with the means to do so,” said John Davies, Country Manager at Digicel SVG. Davies added that while it would have been much easier for a post-paid Digicel customer to reach out to their loved ones in these affected islands, as post-paid customers currently enjoy unlimited Digicel calls to the region, it was equally important for Digicel to step up and do something for its prepaid customers.

Hurricane Irma is said to be the strongest storm ever recorded in the Atlantic outside of the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Free minutes of talk is also allowed to Tortola (above) and BVI (below), on which Hurricane touched down with a vengeance, disrupting the lives of many Vincentian nationals who reside there.

V News 3 Another teenager goes missing

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. 3.

THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD Melissa Warren of Rilland Hill, up to press time Wednesday, was still missing.

Her mother, Rosita John, appeared on

missing since July 4th, the day she left home saying that she was going to Fair Hall to visit a friend.

According to John, her daughter has not returned home nor has she heard from television last Monday her or anything about her whereabouts. evening and made a tearJohn assured that reports about her filled appeal to her missing daughter have been made with daughter to return home. the police, who, up to press time, could not She told the SVGTV shed any light on their search and/or viewers that her investigation. daughter had been

Ballot boxes hearing next month

Melissa Warren left home more than two months ago and has not set a foot back since.

by HAYDN HUGGINS AN APPLICATION for the production and inspection of ballot boxes, counterfoils and other electoral documents for the Central Leeward Constituency, relevant to the December 9, 2015 general elections, will be heard on October 24 and 25, 2017, before Justice Esco Henry.

Kay BacchusBaptiste, one of the lawyers representing the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) in the elections petitions matters it filed after the December 9 general elections, told THE VINCENTIAN that at the application hearing, they will present arguments as to why Justice Henry should accede to the request for the ballot boxes to be produced and inspected.

The respondents will, it is expected, present arguments to the contrary.

Bacchus-Baptiste noted that legal submissions have already been filed by both sides.

She indicated, however, that the petitioners have not yet made a similar request in respect of the North Windward constituency.

Regardless of the outcome of the hearing of the application, a date is expected to be set for the hearing of the actual petitions.

Lauron Baptiste and Benjamin Exeter, unsuccessful NDP candidates in the North Windward and Central Leeward constituencies respectively, in

Jarvis’ case triggers reporting restrictions the September 4 murder of another woman, told the Court, during their Attorney Israel Bruce, who is appearance on September 6, that he representing Jarvis, sought to have was concerned about the way the the Magistrate focus her attention, matter was being reported on by the specifically on Sub-section H; but media which, in his view, could Browne rebutted sharply, saying that jeopardize his client’s case or the case she knew what sub-section H says. for the Prosecution, and asked the media to be careful while reporting on the general elections, filed petitions Previously expressed concern the case. challenging the results in their That matter involves Twanecia respective constituencies.

Attorney Ronald Marks, who was Ollivierre and Alana Hudson, both 19 In June 2016, Justice Brian Cottle sitting at the Bar Table, said, “This is of Chapmans and Campden Park struck out the petitions on the grounds a Preliminary Inquiry. The jurors are respectively, and Taylor Mofford, 18, of that they were null and void as they out there.”

Belmont, who are charged with the were not properly filed.

The recent development came only murder of Simonia Da Silva, 23, of The petitioners, also represented by one week after Marks, representing Fair Hall.

Stanley ‘Stalky’ John Q.C., appealed one of three young ladies charged with Marks is representing Hudson. that decision and on March 7, 2017; the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal ordered that the decision be set aside, and the matter be remitted to the High Court to be heard by a different judge.

Continued from Front Associates, as well as March 29, 2001 general In a judgement delivered June 30, page.

Isaccs and Martin, before elections which brought Justice Henry ruled that the petitions establishing his own law the Unity Labour Party were valid and should be heard, but Martin, who still firm which, to date, is (ULP) to government, that the recognizances were resides at Marriqua, was still in operation. having defeated the insufficient. called to the local bar in Martin had also been incumbent New The respondents were represented 1998. He worked in the called to the Bar in Democratic Party (NDP),

by Anthony Astaphan S.C., as lead Attorney General Office Barbados and did some 12 seats to three, ending attorney, Graham Bollers, Richard from 1998 to 2004, legal practice there. almost 17 years of NDP Williams and Carlos James. following which he Trinidadian-born rule.

Astaphan has since opted out for moved into private Lawyer Jones-Morgan Up to press time personal reason,, and Douglas Mendes practice. He worked with was sworn in as Attorney Wednesday, efforts to S.C., of Trinidad and Tobago, was the private Law Firm General here April 2, reach Jones-Morgan named as his replacement. (HH) Marks, Martin and 2001, following the were unsuccessful.

Continued from Front Page.

Martin tipped as AG

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4. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Invest SVG offers pre-Expo workshops WITH PREPARATIONS for the upcoming ‘Everything Vincy’ Expo 2017 underway, Invest SVG is encouraging persons to sign up for the workshops on offer – even if they do not want to exhibit at the event.

The Expo, which is a component of the ‘Everything Vincy’ Independence Festival, will run from October 27 — 29 at the E.T Joshua Airport site, and has a training element attached to it.

Workshops will be held over two days (October 24 & 25), covering a range of topics geared toward business development and preparation for penetrating export markets.

Acting Executive Director at Invest SVG Allan Alexander explained that he is aware that members of the local business community may be unable to participate as exhibitors but would still be interested in the workshops.

“At Invest SVG, our aim — along with attracting investment — is to facilitate small business development in whatever way we can. For whatever reason, a local entrepreneur may not want to register as an exhibitor, or may not be ready to exhibit his/her products and services. However, we still want as many persons as possible

to benefit from the workshops that we will be running,” outlined Alexander.

“We are invested in our people because the growth of our small business community is an integral element of the overall economic growth of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

The workshops are free for individuals/businesses who register as exhibitors at the Expo. For nonexhibitors, there is an administrative fee of EC$50 per day, and registrants can attend any number of the workshops.

The workshops on offer are as follows: Customer Service, Customs Procedures for Export, Introduction to Social Media for Businesses, Marketing and Branding, Bureau of Standards Specifications: Product and Packaging, Grant Proposal Writing, Maximizing Social Media Management for Marketing, Intellectual Property Guidelines and Regulations, Private Labelling Services, Caribbean and EPA Trade Agreements, and How To Prepare for Participation in Trade Shows and Expos.

Those interested in workshop participation can come into the Invest SVG office (2nd Floor, Administrative

Building) to sign up and pay. Further inquiries (including workshop time schedule) can be made by emailing info@investsvg.com or calling (784) 457-2159.

Spearheaded by Invest SVG, the ‘Everything Vincy’ Expo 2017 is an initiative focused on increasing the visibility of local products and services as part of an overarching ‘Buy Local’ campaign. Registration (as an exhibitor) ends on Friday, September 29 — with an early bird special of a $60

discount on booth space if exhibitors register and pay by Friday, September 15.

Additionally, the Expo is a component of the ‘Everything Vincy’ Independence Festival, which is a collaborative effort between Invest SVG and the Vincy Motorsports Club; in association with the SVG Association of Music Professionals, National Properties Ltd., the Department of Culture and the SVG Motorcycle Club. (Source: Invest SVG)

Alliance Française SVG presents „RETURN‰ from Duo Rosa GET YOUR FANCY dresses out and tuxedos prepped for Duo Rosa!

DUO ROSA emerged, thanks to a wonderful friendship and meeting of musical minds between soprano Stephany Ortega and pianist Léna Kollmeier when they were studying at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. Thanks to their comprehensive training in classical and modern music, they are able to approach traditional repertoire with ease, while tackling the challenges of contemporary music and exploring several world music style.

Duo Rosa recently launched its first CD “Return”, a journey between Europe and Latin America, under the label Et’cetera Records, at the Philharmonie Luxembourg in November 2016. After that, the duo started a promotional tour - “Return World Tour” - across Europe, the US and the Dominican Republic where Stephany Ortega is from, including appearances at Carnegie Hall in New York, La Monnaie in Brussels, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Santo Domingo. Recently, Duo Rosa received recognition from the Dominican Consulate in Valencia for their “exemplary work at the service of art and culture around the world”.

Duo Rosa comprises Lena Kollmeier (left) on piano, and Stephany Ortega - soprano.

Thanks to the support of the Fondation Alliance Française in Paris and the Ministry of Culture of Luxemburg, the Alliance Française SVG is thrilled to present “Return” in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Fundraising concert will be held at the Peace Memorial Hall on Friday 22nd September 2017, beginning at 7pm. A reduced entrance fee is available for members of the Alliance Française and Children under the age of 18.

Don’t miss this onetime opportunity to indulge your musical senses in an evening of class and elegance…

For information or reservation, please contact the Alliance Française St. Vincent and the Grenadines via telephone (456-2095), email (afofsvg@gmail.com) on our Facebook page. (Source: Alliance Francaise)

Bequia students ‘equipped for success’ AFTER TWO DAYS of distribution, Rise Up Bequia Inc.’s Annual Summer Book Drive 2017 saw to it that three hundred and fifty-six (356) students across the island were left with smiles, as they grasped their packages of notebooks, copy books, pens and pencils for the new school year.

The number of students touched this year represented a significant increase over the one hundred and seventy-six (176) who were recipients in 2016.

Members of Rise Up Bequia Inc. visited each school, not only to make the presentations but also to spend time with the students, to explain to them what the group was all about, and to encourage them to get involved in helping their communities.

A release from Rise Up Bequia Inc. said that funds from its major fundraising events — Talent/Expo/Saga Boy Competition went towards the purchase of the supplies.

The group is grateful for the

Rise Up Bequia Inc. members visited with schools to donate school supplies and speak with the students. support this fund-raiser has received, and anticipates that persons will continue to support the cause, especially in light of the intention to see to it that each and every student receive assistance in 2018.

Rise Up Bequia Inc. is a locally registered NGO comprised of Bequia natives. It is currently into its 4th year of existence. It is a social activist group focusing on building and strengthening core ideas and practices of sustainable community development, education, agency and outreach. (Source: Rise Up Bequia Inc.)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. 5.

Regional

Irma leaves death and destruction

Both countries were battered by the storm and experienced flooding, but neither had as much damage as initially feared.

Irma caused power outages and some damage to roofs and farms in the northern parts of the countries.

Storm surge waves battered Puerto Rico. (Credit: Reuters)

Puerto Rico Hurricane Irma may have just skirted Puerto Rico, but it brought waves of up to 30ft (9m) off the capital San Juan. Damage was inflicted on that US territory’s infra-structure, with more than half of the island’s three million residents left without power, and at least three deaths reported.

These yachts were thought to be securely moored in Tortola. Not so, said Irma. (Credit: express.co.uk)

St Martin/St. Maarten, St Barths and Anguilla

Ninety-five percent of the buildings on Barbuda were left without roofs. (Credit: Media.com.au)

Irma sucked the waters from a beach in the Bahamas – a rare weather phenomenon. (Credit: Cetus news) IRMA, A CATEGORY FIVE STORM and one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic basin, swept across the northern islands of the Caribbean, leaving a trail of damage of catastrophic proportions, said to be in

the billions of dollars, and death.

At least 37 people were killed and thousands left homeless.

Antigua and Barbuda While Antigua was

Unbelievable damage to the port in St. Maarten.

(Credit: ABC News)

spared its wrath, Irma took toll on sister isle Barbuda, leaving one child dead,95% of the buildings without roofs, and about 50% of the population (between 1600 and 1800) homeless.

Irma left Barbuda and turned on St. Martin/St. Maarteen, St Barths and Anguilla - popular holiday destinations. More than two-thirds of the homes on St. Maarten (Dutch side) were destroyed, and the French sided reported Bahamas damage estimated to be in the region of US1.44 Hurricane billion.

Irma demonstrated its Nine deaths were sheer power as it sucked recorded across St/ the waters from a beach in Martin/St. Maarteen and the Bahamas, in a rare St. Barths. weather phenomenon, Anguilla suffered some causing panic as residents damage to its tourism feared the development of plant. a tsunami.

St. Kitts & Nevis British Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands St. Kitts and Nevis was spared a direct hit, and There was widespread authorities there reported damage reported on both only minimal damage, island chains - especially including , moreso on to the housing stock in Nevis, water flooding of Tortola, BVI. Five persons the airport, fallen trees, died in the BVI and at broken electricity lines least four in the USVI. and erosion to some of the coast on the southern Cuba western and northern areas.

The hurricane battered the north of the island for Turks and Caicos Islands several hours, with storm surges partially engulfing Turks and Caicos had villages, and whole never experienced a storm communities left homeless. of this magnitude. Irma Ten people were killed ripped off roofs on the after Irma made landfall. main island, Grand Turk, flooded streets, snapped Haiti and the Dominican utility poles and caused a Republic widespread black-out.

Residents making their way to safety away from fallen electricity poles in northern Cuba. (Credit: Mercury News)

Haitians wading through flooding streets to get to safety. (Credit: Washington Post)

Irma brought unprecedented rain and winds to Providenciales, capital of Turks and Caicos.

(Credit: Newzeb)

V Vincentian artist Kenroy Dolly makes it big 6. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Story and photos by Nelson A. King naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com

League of New York, which was founded by artists and supporting artists since 1875.

US CORRESPONDENT AFTER DISCOVERING his talent in the late 1960s while living in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Rose Hall-born artist Kenroy Dolly has made it big internationally.

Recently, Dolly’s artwork — the only artwork from the Caribbean — was considered for display, under the exhibit “City View,” at the Maggi Peyton Gallery, at the Manhattan Borough President’s Office in lower Manhattan, New York.

“I was selected because I am a member-artist of the Art Students League of New York,” said Dolly in an exclusive VINCENTIAN interview.

“I was given the opportunity to submit my artwork for the exhibition.

In doing so, my artwork was accepted.

“After checking with my colleagues and the roster list of the exhibit, I realized I was the only Caribbean/Vincentian artist present,” added Dolly about the exhibit, which was a collaboration between the Manhattan Borough President’s Office, The Art Students League of New York and the New York City Cultural Affairs Department.

The exhibit showcased the art and artistic process of members and students from the Art Students

The Art Students League of New York The Art Students League of New York said it has been instrumental in shaping America’s legacy in the fine arts, stating that many renowned artists have trained and taught at the League.

Today, more than 2,500 students of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels, study at the League each month. For example, it said O’Keeffe, Pollock, Rothko, Nevelson and Ai Weiwei studied at the Art Students League of New York, along with scores of other prominent artists.

“But today’s students at the League share the same passions that those greats brought to their art,” the League said, adding that it was founded by students breaking away from the US National Academy of Design.

That independent spirit remains at the League today, where students pursue their work unconstrained by dogma, politics or burdensome tuition.

The League said the format of ongoing monthly classes allows students to learn at their own pace from prominent artists, who have a range of artistic philosophies.

The League’s mission is to educate students in the language and process of

Kenroy Dolly (c) with his relatives, the Miller family, Brooklyn residents, originally from Troumaca, L-R: Kenlyn Miller; her father Kenroy Miller; Silas Marin (child, 6); Kenroy's wife, Margaret Miller; and Kaylonda Marin, the Miller's other daughter.

making art “in an environment where anyone who wishes to pursue an art education can realize his or her full potential.”

The League said it fulfills this mission by offering accessible, affordable, high quality education and instruction in painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture — including welding and bronze casting — and assemblage.

Studying art As an abstract artist with a representational approach — sometime objective and nonobjective, the Brooklyn, New York-based Dolly said he has traveled, studied and participated in workshops throughout the Caribbean, North America and Europe.

He said also that he has been a participating artist in the ‘Open Studio’, GO program, through the Brooklyn Museum of Art, since September 2012, in which he gained “lots of recognition.”

In 2013, Dolly said he did detailed study at the Albuquerque [New Mexico] Japanese Garden ‘Borrowed Landscape’, with pastel instructor Vasili Katakis of Athens, Greece, where his works of his art were exhibited.

A year later, Dolly said he studied “Art of the Renaissance” at Studio Art Center International, currently known as Studio Art College International, in Florence, Italy, and displayed his exhibits outlining the artistic process.

This school is officially recognized by the Italian Ministry of the University and Scientific Research and Technology, and is affiliated to the Bowling Green State University in Ohio, US and the Wimbledon School of Art in London, Dolly said.

He said Studio Art College International is also recognized by the US National Association of School of Art and Design (NASAD) and by the International Association of Independent School of Art and Design (AIAS) in

Dolly's art exhibit.

Kenroy Dolly stands before his art exhibit at the Borough of Manhattan President's Office.

Europe.

Among other places, Dolly said he studied art at the Vytlacil Art Campus, Orange Town, upstate New York, and at a “Painting Adventure” in Giverny and Honfleur, France, with Instructor Frank O’Cain from The Art Students League of New York.

He said his travel study concluded with an exhibition, “Exploring Art of the Golden Age,” in the Netherlands, with League Instructor Frederick Brosen.

Dolly said detailed studies were done on some artists from the “Dutch Golden Age” and the 17th Century Canals of Amsterdam, such as Rembrandt, at the Rembrandt House Museum; Vincent Van Gogh, at the Van Gogh Museum; the Rijksmuseum; Johannes Vermeer, Mauritshuis Museum; and at Escher at the Escher Museum in Den Haag.

He also studied at France Halls at the France Halls Museum in Haarlem.

Exhibiting his work – his style In September and October 2015, Dolly said his artwork was exhibited at Jersey City Mayor’s Office in New Jersey and the Martin Luther King Center, West 43rd Street, Time Square, New York, respectively.

In June, Dolly’s artwork was also displayed at the 2BJ Union Headquarters, under “Artist Without Frontiers,” in the Chelsea section of lower Manhattan.

Since discovering his artistic talent, Dolly said he expanded his interest by reading about art,

visiting museums, exhibitions and galleries, and by traveling to Canada, the Netherlands; Italy; the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, and his native St. Vincent and the Grenadines, among other places.

He said his travels have helped him “discover and develop a strong sense of movement in art, while tackling new techniques in painting with artistic achievements.”

Dolly said his style of work is “Oil on Canvas,” describing it as “a broad, free brushy technique, with a decorative effect when painting.”

He said that is his artistic approach when capturing light, “modeling the form from light to dark, expressing multiple levels of artistic reality in the process.”

Dolly said expressing himself through art helps him focus in his daily life.

“It has brought relaxation, comfort, and gives me vision and scope as I turn my thoughts into art,” he said, disclosing that he listens to classical music “while painting for motivation.”

Dolly said abstract art expresses “emotions one cannot put into words.

“Colors are like words,” he said. “An artist’s palette is his/her vocabulary.”

with other talented 32BJ artists, Dolly said he is “most proud” of his participation in the 140year-old Art Students League of New York.

He said his artistic work has not escaped the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), where he holds down a 9-5 job.

In February, he said he contributed artwork in the form of a digital exhibit, from his original artwork to the agency in support of Women History Month.

Dolly said he still possesses a book by French architectural painter Maurice Utrillo, “which inspired me, as a teen, to come to New York and study art.”

He identified a few instructors from The Art Students League of New York with whom he studied over the years: Mary Beth McKenzie, Cornelia Foss, Ephraim Rubenstein and Jason Yarmosky.

Going forward, the Vincentian artist said he will continue to exhibit his artwork “in and around the New York area,” hoping “one day to have an art exhibition in my homeland of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Other achievements In addition to the satisfaction he said he’s achieved establishing “a community”

Kenroy Dolly gets support from co-worker Cythia Cortez, at NYC Dept. of the Environment, and her husband, Robert Aguilar, Jr.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. 7.

News

Scheduled shipment to BVI arranged A GOVERNMENT release early this week advised that a vessel will leave Port Kingstown on Friday, September 15th, 2017, to take food and other supplies to the BVI. Persons interested in sending supplies to their families and friends are asked to ensure that these are brought to national collection points to be announced later, or to the Geest Shed no later than Thursday September 14th, at 3pm.

All packages must be properly labelled. No meats or live plants will be permitted, the release said.

There will be no charge for the transportation of these supplies to the

BVI. In related news, an official Government delegation, comprised of Ministers Camillo Gonsalves and Saboto Caesar and three (3) technicians, is expected to visit several of the hurricane affected islands to meet nationals of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, to work out details of a structured recovery assistance response.

And skilled workers wishing to volunteer their services or who are desirous of being employed in the reconstruction efforts in Anguilla, Barbuda, BVI and the USVI, are being encouraged to register with the South

Persons left homeless by Hurricane Irma, like those in Barbuda (pictured), could well be dependent on outside aid for some time into the foreseeable future.

Central Windward Producers Cooperative.

Persons are asked to bring along a valid passport for interview at the Sans Souci Learning Resource Centre from 10am - 3pm Wednesday 13th Friday 15th of September.

Meanwhile, as a first response, this country, through its government, has donated US$50,000 to the British Virgin Islands and a further US$50,000 to Antigua and Barbuda.

Also, last Sunday, 2000 pounds of food and water were sent to Hurricane ravaged St. Maarten.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves

assured that this country will do all it can to help the countries that have been affected by the disaster, and more supplies will be sent to some of these countries by the end of the week.

Persons with family members in the BVI and other affected islands who are incapacitated in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma wishing to obtain information on possible assistance for returning to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, can do so by calling the following number: 1784 434 4955

Updates will take place during the next 24 hours.

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8. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. 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 Diasters should bring out our kindness DURING DISASTERS, it’s human nature to band together and be kind to one another, and even kinder to those who suffer most because of that disaster.

If this is a truism, then we would be left out of this ‘human nature loop’, if we allow ourselves to lose sight of the fact that thousands of our Caribbean colleagues are today, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, languishing in squalor, and in dire need of some of the most basic requirements for their very survival.

There are thousands of people, from Barbuda in the south to Cuba in the north, without electrical power, running water, transportation, clothing, food, housing, not to mention the thousands who are facing enormous emotional and physical challenges.

Can they, in their time of untold disaster, depend on us strangers to temper the blow?

Following on the opening statement, they ought, since this period of crisis should, if it follows true, bring out the best in us — unearth the altruism that experts say lies latent in our deepest chambers of our minds and hearts.

Are we going to be counted otherwise?

Author Rebecca Solnit describes the surge in altruism during disasters, in her book ‘A Paradise Built in Hell’. She said in an interview, “The great majority of people are calm, resourceful, altruistic or even beyond altruistic, as they risk themselves for others. We improvise the conditions of survival beautifully…. . I feel often that we don’t have the right language to talk about emotions in disasters. Everyone is on edge, of course, but it also pulls people away from a lot of trivial anxieties and past and future concerns and gratuitous preoccupations that we have, and refocuses us in a very intense way… In some ways, people behave better than in ordinary life, and in some disasters, people find [out about] the meaningful role of deep social connections and see their absence in everyday life.”

This, a period of untold disaster for so many of our Caribbean brothers and sisters, is a call for us to be our brothers’ keepers. It is not a time for frenzied selfishness and unnecessary competition.

It is, as Solnit said, a time when we (should) shelve ‘the trivial anxieties, past and future concerns and gratuitous preoccupations’, and band together to give of our best and the best, to assist those in unquestionable need.

For certain, we have to guard against those who will fall outside the loop of human care, and look to make gain of the situation. We have a responsibility to ourselves and those we are desirous of helping, to be on the lookout for unscrupulous individuals and organizations.

This does not mean that we ought to make distinction between one agency, one individual or another, on purely partisan political lines.

When, for example, the SVG Good Hearts Foundation takes the lead in initiating a relief effort for the victims of Hurricane Irma, it is not for us to question the integrity of those involved on grounds of their ‘political’ association, perceived or not.

Rather, we ought to look always at the bigger picture and, at the end of the day, look to see who benefits — look to see whom our generosity and kindness have touched.

Those who would want to make mileage of an effort to which they contributed nothing, yes, let them know that they put spend to the kindred spirit with our Caribbean colleagues, when they so brazenly take credit for having done nothing.

People to people contact is so much more important and impacting than government to government contact that after puts to waste much of what should reach the people, but fail so to do because of some unnecessary bureaucracy.

Always, therefore, in times of crisis that affect us directly or even, as in this case, indirectly, the need to band together to make good on reaching out to those in need, takes precedence over ongoing political and social issues that cloud our immediate environment.

It is not always that we should think that this call to be united in our effort to assist others should be perceived as some devilish distraction by those on whom we are wont, in normal circumstances, to unleash our wrath.

We are our brothers’ keepers like it or not, and nothing should stop us from fulfilling that obligation, which lies at the very foundations of the principles of every global religion, including Christianity which we embrace.

The promised return of the Vans (Reprint from 28th December, 1984)

prepared to await, in Mighty Explanation their own words on YOU JUST CANNOT please everybody.

“My Turn”.

Instead of praise, “Bloze” rained on me “Why Worry,” they added, woman as well for failing to mention a number of van as “Man Must Live”. names which space did not permit.

And to think how well-meaning my And judging from the reckless way in plan had been. My aim was to keep away which newcomers drive with the men like “Rocky” who is “The Hardest”, “Tearaway” speed of a “Silver Arrow”, it “Kristo” who can “Stand Tall” in any must be obvious that they are itching to “Uprising”, and “Z ippy J” who is known see themselves in “Black and White” one for his “Harder Touch”, from molesting way or the another. the likes of “Belle Vue Beauty”, sweet In vain I tried to explain that I was “Candy N” and especially the shy “Clite”. practising “Economy”. But people seldom “Ball Head”, that “Young Blood” who display understanding and “Vision”. delights in “Hard Play”, had also to be “Remarks” were thrown at me and at one kept a distance from the alluring “Black time, I was virtually held “Hostage”.

Joy” and the charming “Ayana” , both of Some went so far as to suggest that I was whom sports shapes like figures “88” and seeking “Fame” for merely doing a job suggest that the gift of “Topaz” would be in order. with “Honesty”.

Indeed, if I could, I would protect Quite a few accused me of applying “Different Strokes” in my “Enterprise”, by many of the fellows from themselves, particularly the fun-loving guys led by dealing only with the so-called “Elite”, “Ral-E”, “Patrick”, “Nick-O” and “Stand the supposedly “Top-Ranking”. The O”, who just like to “Live Up”. This fourgeneral feeling was that I should stop some burn their candles at both ends, “48 flying high like a “Falcon” and seize the Hours” non-stop. When they go on the “Opportunity” to “Touch Down”.

Let me at once admit that some of the “Night Beat” they invariably end up critics have reason to complain. I cannot having to seek “Refuge” with the “Night Nurse”, “Sister Greets”. myself understand how on earth I could have trotted out so many musical names Facing the Music and not say a word about the “Dee Jay”, the “Piper” of the music. “Hotspot”, one of Yes, there is “Little Love” in Mini-Bus our best music programmes on “Radio affairs nowadays. Side by side with the 705” escaped my notice, as did the band “Asterick” which is a real “Thriller” these riotous living that leads to so many accidents and casualties, and the “Rat days.

Race” which nobody wins, there has Some of the old family names persist. sprung up of late a budding religious The “Brother B’s” continue to grow , strife lacking in “Love” and “Concorde”.

“Colours Return” and there is now Vying for “Power” and “Pride” of place are “Bigger Crucial”. “Grease” has come on “Rastaman”, “I Van”. “Chang” the stream running in the tracks of “Grease Chinese, the “Spotless” Muslim Lightning” which featured last time “Abdullah” and the “Boodah” himself, all without “Thunder”, which normally hopelessly caught up in this no- win follows her. situation.

Similarly, it stands to reason that When all is said and done, however, I twins- “Gemini” would travel together. would hate to be remembered as “The Yet I had recommended passengers to go Upsetter” who struck “Man Ice Cold” with in “Going Easy,” forgetting to suggest a column that was prepared to call a van that they return in “Easy Going”! a van, and not a “Micro Bus” or “Maxi Apologies are also due to “An-Jo” for Taxi”. I would prefer that we join “Mr. mentioning only “Joe-Ann” Positive” in looking at the “Brighter Side”.

Vanity In a sense, we are “Special” and we now have the “Layou Special” in keeping Several men were outraged at having with our “Heritage”. That takes us back been left out, though no slight was to “Roots”. Moreover, educationally, Van intended, “Zarrack”, “Rus”, “Billy”, “Braid business is pure “Theatre”. And “That’s -E”, “Trevor”, “Bobby”, “Randy” and Me” in print for 1984”.

“Nolly”, all accosted me about the matter.

This publication was in honour of the On the other hand, the girls such as hallowed memory of Pastor Snow “Mary J”, “Annie B” and “Jackie J”, were (deceased) who swore by the Jehovah as “Polite” as ever, saying that they were Witnesses and the columns on the vans.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. 9.

Letters

In support Protect our women of our Police YOUR EDITORIAL (Violence against women: A men’s issue) of Friday 1st September got me thinking. To be honest, I had never looked at the issue of violence against women in that light.

I want to join with you and appeal to us men to wake up. Don’t you realise that when we treat our women as second class, that we saying our mothers, sisters and daughters are also second class?

We have got to stop see our women as objects, to have sex with them anytime we feel like, to abuse them and insult them.

With all that is happening, as a matter of fact, with all the recent killings and beatings of our women, I want to believe that our women don’t feel safe anymore in SVG. Come on, men, show the women some love; let them feel that they are our companions. Let us protect our women especially against those men who we know are abusing them. The next victim could be your mother, your sister or your daughter, Heaven forbid.

Mark Richards

MR. EDITOR, I know what I have to say might not go down well with some people, but I must say that our policemen and policewomen are doing a fine job.

In any organisation, there will always be some bad apples, even in government, even in churches. The Police Force is no different. It might be a mistake for the Force to keep certain of these ‘bad apples’ when it is proved that they are indeed ‘bad apples’. But the thing is, though, that the media jump quickly on anything about a police officer stepping out of line. What about the hundreds of good police officers who leave their families every day to make sure that we are safe? Anybody in the media ever thinks about

that?

What do you think would happen if the police officers decided to withdraw their duties for a day or two? Chaos would rule supreme.

I am not saying that better can’t be done, and that the police force doesn’t have its own problems. But the policemen and policewomen can only work with what they have and with what instructions they are given.

Then again, there is the problem of interference. For some time now, it appears, our Police Commissioners have been too soft. Policing is for policemen and policewomen, not for some politician in some comfortable office who thinks that he must

take up every complaint a constituent makes to them about the police.

I know of cases where police officers had to back off of certain investigations or were instructed to go easy on

Keep an eye on the boys Remove SVG from list

THE RECENT murders because of domestic violence or just straightforward attacks on females must horrify all of us. It is not just a case of one woman here and there, but it is now a case of a string of brutal slayings and beatings.

Notwithstanding the recent murder of a young woman by other young women, it is still, in the majority of cases, a situation of men being the ones who commit

these crimes against women.

It appears that our males have gone mad, and like some like to say, we have more mad people out of the Mental Home than we have inside.

I don’t want to sound like an alarmist, but with what is going on, and with the fact that many of those who are in prison are young men, I don’t think it is ‘mad’ to say that we need to take a close look at our boys.

After all, it is the boys who develop into the criminals. We have to start from young to train up our boys in the right way, and the first thing we can do is for grown men to show more respect for their women folk.

And by the way, why is the opposition NDP trying to make a political issue out of the crime by blaming the Prime Minister for the crime situation? No one person is responsible for the crime here.

Let’s get together to fight crime, rather than commit a further crime by blaming the other side.

Lynn

of democratic nations I AM CALLING on the democratic nations of the world to strike SVG off the list of democratic countries. The principles of democracy are being seriously eroded by the authoritarian regime of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) which forms government in SVG. Legitimate democratic countries of the world need to implement measures to which other (democratic) nations must adhere or be removed from the list of democratic states of the world.

Democracy is dysfunctional without the freedom of the press. The former USSR called itself a democracy despite the people having virtually no power.

A nation holding general elections every couple of years is not enough to be a democratic country. There are far deeper requirements.

A democratic society is characterised by equality and

privileges — social and political — for all, one in which the supreme power is vested in the people who exercised this by electing their agents via free and fair general elections.

Democracy is about equal opportunities for all from birth, providing incentives for a healthy population. Democracy is about overthrowing authoritarian regimes.

A democratic government will place respect, honesty, responsiveness and trust at the forefront of the exercise of their duty.

It may sound ludicrous, but why can’t we have observers whose task is to monitor the implementation of democratic principles and practices of a government, instead of simply having them (observers) during an election?

Kadmiel Mcfee British War Veteran

and we say the worst things about others and feel we are doing something good.

I might be a simple that will lead us to person and maybe I disaster. don’t understand how Every day, I see a this corruption thing breakdown in our works. But I have been society. Drivers do as they please, people do as on this earth long enough to see how our they please, children attitudes have changed curse as though it is for the worse, and if we nobody’s business, don’t do something politicians and other leaders lie or try to spin about it, we are doomed. issues in their favour, AG

We are lawless WITH ALL THE opposition has to say about corruption in government, I want to say to them, and to all Vincentians, that corruption is not going to destroy us. Rather, it is my opinion that it is the rising murders and the lawlessness on our streets and in general

such and such. That kind of interference from outside will continue to frustrate our police officers, who then take it out on others. That is not good in any sense of the word. No amount of fancy working conditions and training will serve the police well unless the politicians lay off of the Force.

But to get back to my main point: Our police officers are brave men and women to whom we must give our support.

Insider

* Is it true that the police PBX has not been functioning properly for many years now, and citizens have been encountering difficulties getting through to the Police Emergency numbers? * What is the status of the recovery on those ‘soft loans’ made some time ago to farmers and other related people like poultry farmers? * How much of that money was used by the recipients in actual farming-related business? * Why are the authorities allowing FLOW to get away with TV and internet services that have problems daily, while it creams off millions in its cellphone business? * David Ames case supposed to come off this month in the UK. What plans are in place to have him brought back to SVG to answer criminal charges? * Has any Government official been in touch with him lately? And why are school children saying that he ‘air coming back’ because he ‘go have too much to say’ about plenty people’? * Is it true that a number of case files lay dormant at various police stations because no one is bothering to do the necessary investigation?

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10. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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The NDP not interested in transporting School children

Introduction LAST WEEK in its weekly column, the ruling Unity Labour Party stated that some thirty-three thousand (33,000) students were at school as the 2017 to 2018 school year got underway. This is an awesome figure, representing some thirty percent (30%) of the population.

Persons who read the column have commented as to the series of responsible tasks this figure places on a number of persons in the society, including the parents who have the primary responsibility for the children, and the government who has to provide for the facilities and the teachers, to enable the Education Revolution to continue to grow.

Indeed, the entire exercise could be described as an enterprise, since several critical sectors of the Vincentian economy are involved, and have important roles to play. For starters, the 33,000 students have to be prepared for school every day. It means that their parents have to prepare them by getting their uniforms and breakfast ready, and ensure that they are presentable when they leave their homes for schools.

And so, there is a fair amount of commercial activity that is conducted by our parents, to prepare their children for school. Uniforms have to be purchased, and books have to be acquired. Then the children have to be fed their breakfast before they depart for school, and be given a snack and lunch, or in some cases be provided with money to get their snacks and lunches. Many small shops in the rural areas are happy that schools have re-opened, since their businesses will pick up considerably.

The transportation issue It is indeed a huge task to transport the thirty-three thousand (33,000) students from their homes to their schools, and back to their homes.

Some of them will have their own transportation, in that their parents will take them to school and back. But by and large, most of them depend on the existing transportation service, provided by private operators in the State.

Sadly, the minivan service in the State is very problematic, even while providing a service to the general public, much less these students who have to go to school. There have been complaints about minivans who refuse to transport these children, because of the fare, which is lower than that paid by adults. What is even more shameful and dishonest is that some minivan operators who were granted duty free concessions to transport these children, are involved in this practice.

And so, on afternoons, many of the children are abandoned by these minivans, and don’t arrive home until way past 5pm or later. This means that the time that they require to do their homework or research on a particular matter is lost. Naturally, one would expect the Minibus Association to do something about this, but they seem powerless in this regard.

So the recent initiative by the ULP administration to purchase ten large buses, with the assistance of the government of the Republic of China

on Taiwan, is indeed a welcome one.

The buses have been leased to private operators in the State, mainly to address the issue of the transportation of these students. The buses have been leased under some strict conditions to ensure that the service meets the established objectives.

It is important to refer to the statement by the Minister of Transport, Senator Julian Francis, that “with these buses, kids come first, other passengers come second”.

This allows the lessee to use the buses to transport adults, but the objective of the exercise is “children first”.

The NDP’s response One would expect that the opposition NDP would support this initiative by the ULP administration, in the interest of our young people, as they seek to further their education.

Nothing could be further from the truth. The NDP, in keeping with its mandate as the “Nasty Dirty Party”, has come out with criticism of this development. Daniel Cummings, the member for West Kingstown, has claimed that this initiative by the government is aimed at transporting ULP party supporters in the next general election. Daniel Cummings has always been a dreamer of immense negativity; his utterings should be ignored by all and sundry.

They further claim that the buses are second-hand vehicles, and they state that if the ULP administration was serious, then they would have provided new vehicles. Clearly, the NDP is aware that more than eighty percent of the vehicles on the roads are second-hand vehicles, but they are in very good condition. The same thing applies to these buses. In any event, the ULP administration has arranged to have the buses serviced, so that they will be in top shape, when they are delivered to the lessees. Indeed, there have been no complaints so far, about the performances of the buses.

These are some of the reasons why the Vincentian voter will reject the NDP, and will return the Unity Labour Party to office for a fifth record term in office. The children of our country are critical for the future development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Educating them must be of critical importance, and it requires all hands on deck. It must be extremely disappointing that there was a debate in the House of Assembly, (Friday 1st September 2017) on a motion on the transportation of school children, and the NDP decided to boycott this meeting. The motion was moved by Senator Carlos James and seconded

by Senator Deborah Charles, and by this boycott, the NDP was clearly demonstrating that they have no care and concern for the future of our children.

This was a most dastardly act by the NDP, and Vincentians will certainly remember this, when they go to the polls at the next general election.

Hurricane Irma THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) extends prayers, and empathizes with our brothers and sisters in Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, St. Martin and Cuba, along with our Diaspora community in the United States, who are affected during the passage of hurricane Irma. We are also saddened to hear of loss of lives, and extend our sympathies to the government and people of the respective islands.

Hurricane Irma has caused widespread destruction across the region, and thousands of Vincentians who are living and working in these islands have been affected. For instance, there are about two thousand Vincentians living in the British Virgin Islands, and they have been severely affected. While the Unity Labour Party (ULP) regime has made a financial contribution to two governments so far, we expect the government to continue to assist its citizens in the affected islands after the assessment is being done. The NDP commends the SVG Good Hearts Foundation for taking the initiative to organize events to raise funds to assist the victims of Hurricane Irma.

And, the NDP will also play its part in assisting our brothers and sisters.

However, it is sad that some people are trying to score political points from this disaster. For instance, an organization in South Central Windward is being used as agent to collect names of skilled workers to be employed in Antigua and Barbuda, the BVI and USVI, according to a release. Therefore, persons are asking pertinent questions such as: When was the agreement made between the governments of these islands and the authorities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines? Who made the agreement on behalf of the authorities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines? Is there any agreement? And, why is the recruitment not done on a national scale? It would appear that someone is trying to trick the poor and unemployed in the constituency of South Central Windward.

It is a well-known fact that unemployment is a major problem in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the government has failed miserably to create the jobs that were promised since 2001. It is for the ULP regime to implement the necessary programmes and policies, and work closely with the private sector to stimulate the country’s economy, so that jobs can be created.

regime to the poor and hard-working farmers, they then removed the credit system which was made available to farmers. This made it extremely difficult for banana farmers to purchase fertilizer and other inputs which would have ensured the desired quality fruits for export. Those policies by the government had a negative effect on the industry, and the demise of the industry began.

Then the ULP government with spite and vengeance started to demolish what the NDP had accomplished. The former NDP administration had the vision to introduce the irrigation system on the Rabacca, Sans Souci and Colonaire estates. Instead of building on what they met, the ULP regime destroyed them.

Moreover, since 2001, not one mile of feeder road was built or repaired.

As a matter of fact, since Hurricane Tomas, a number of these roads remain impassable, thus making it impossible for vehicular access to their farms. The lack of proper feeder roads is one of the reasons given why some farmers have abandoned their farms. In addition, the government did not spray the bananas against the Black Sigatoka. Because of the lack of finance, the ULP administration did not spray the bananas; instead, the former Minister of Agriculture blamed a public servant for the government’s failure. Even when the spraying began, the number of cycles that were required to control the disease was not applied.

The actions of this government have forced hundreds of farmers out of the banana industry, and the government willingly placed them on Public Assistance. So, they have removed the farmers’ independence and made them dependent on the government. Hundreds of banana farmers are now employed as security officers and are doing menial jobs, while others remain unemployed.

Where is the love for the farmers? Mr. Caesar, do you care about the survival of the farmers and the banana industry?

Meanwhile, contrary to what some people are saying, there is a future for bananas. One caller to the New Times programme on Tuesday 12th September, who lives in England, Hurricane Ralph confirmed that there is a market out there for bananas. All the more reason It was the Honourable Arnhim why the Minister of Agriculture is Eustace who called Dr. Gonsalves the being pushed by the Honourable “Billion Dollar Man” and “Hurricane Arnhim Eustace to revive the banana Ralph”. Since 2001, Vincentians have industry, and implement the new been living with the destructive technologies in the production of hurricane. He has destroyed most in bananas. its path on this island. One of the The new technology will help to industries that was completely reduce the amount of inorganic destroyed was the banana industry. chemicals used in cultivation of the When the ULP won the general crop, and produce more yield per acre. elections in 2001, it immediately Through constant pressure by the began to dismantle the banana Hon. Arnhim Eustace, the Minister of industry, although during the general Agriculture, Sabo-to Caesar, was elections campaign we were told that forced to sign an agreement on behalf they had a banana plan. The first step of his ministry and the company that was taken by the government which is responsible for the was to take control of the Banana technology. We now await the Growers Association; an association implementation phase so that farmers which the farmers managed for over can once again begin to cultivate fifty years. As if that was not enough, bananas. Thanks to the NDP and the punishment by a vindictive ULP Honourable Arnhim Eustace.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. 11.

Views

Breaking the stony heart

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.” - Ezekiel 36:26 King James Version SEVERAL READERS of last week’s article (entitled “Courage to Speak Softly”) emailed me and provided useful comments and insights in relation to how the essay touched them. One of this column’s regular readers sent the following comment: “This article brings something to my mind which is slightly off the point you are making, but it prompted my memory of a court case I once saw on CNN or some other news channel. It was a court case in which victim’s statements were being made by the family to a man who had been found guilty of committing a really heinous crime. All the family of the victim stood up and gave the most heartwrenching statements saying how the murder had impacted them and wishing the accused the cruellest of fates. The accused stared back with the most impassive and unrepentant stony gaze. One little old woman got up and said to him something like: ‘Why did you do this terrible thing …

Nonetheless I love you.’ The man literally began to cry. I was so shocked to see how he had not crumbled or shown a flicker of emotion to really tough statements designed to penetrate his heart and to hurt; but he had no answer to the woman who showed kindness and love.” That e-mail message prompted me to write this week’s essay.

Many of us may be able to identify someone whom we can accurately describe as having a “stony heart”.

These may be individuals who appear to be wicked (as in the criminal identified in the previous paragraph), unfeeling, selfish, unkind, or uncaring.

Many of the persons who fit this category may say and do things to hurt others physically, emotionally, and/or mentally. The pain that they inflict may be intense and, in some cases, last for a very long time. Our analysis of their negative behaviours may lead us to conclude that they were badly socialised and, in some cases, we may even venture to speculate that they are possessed by some kind of evil spirit.

Based on the foregoing, some individuals may conclude that these persons are doomed to be that way until they die — assuming that they can never change. However, we are reassured that even the worst (most evil) among us can be transformed. As long as there is life, there is reason for hope where such transformations are concerned. The record in the preceding paragraph confirms that it is quite possible for a “soft response” to touch the “hardest individual”. An expression of care and concern can reach deep within the crevices of anindividual whose negative behaviours are considered to be most unpalatable. The hardest heart can be softened.

The references to “heart” more accurately relate to state of our “mind” or “emotion” (and not to the organ that pumps blood throughout our body).

The references to “hard hearts” or “stony hearts” then infer that the individual is stubborn, unkind, negative, and so on. Such behaviours and attitudes are considered

undesirable. Progressive societies seek to socialise citizens to be more caring, considerate of others, empathetic, kind, gentle, helpful, and so on. These individuals are considered to possess a “heart of flesh”. Such individuals show concern and compassion for others.

They seek to build bridges rather than erect fences between others. They champion the cause for reconciliation.

They exude an aura of peace.

Those readers who believe in God and are regular readers of the bible, can quickly provide us with many scriptural passages that would encourage us not to give up on those individuals who appear to be callous and unkind. We are cautioned, and note that we can become so frustrated and angered by such undesirable and hurtful behaviours that we, in turn, emit evil thoughts in relation to them.

We can often be conscious of the negative thoughts that we give birth to when we observe such behaviours. We may not verbalise them, but we know that they are there. There may even be instances when we wish that someone will “put them in their place” or somehow exact some form of punishment. However, our merciful God reminds us that He has the power to break the stony heart. Not the “break” that conjures up images of punishment and pain; but the break that is often necessary as a prerequisite to positive change; breaking bad habits and negative practices to be able to replace these with improved and more acceptable behaviours; changing the stony heart to a heart of flesh.

We all have the ability to change.

This includes those individuals who may be described as having hard or stony hearts. Sometimes, simply knowing that others care and/or are accepting of who we are (regardless of our faults or shortcomings, will be sufficient to encourage us to change our approach and attitude. The stony heart can be softened. The feelings of hostility and unkindness can dissipate.

Sometimes, one act of kindness, some words or encouragement and acceptance, can trigger the positive change.

Some of this column’s readers may have given up on stony heart relatives, neighbours, co-workers, or former friends. However, the thoughts appearing in this essay (and especially the story shared in the second paragraph) now beckon for a change in our heart. We may need to be broken (and our outlooks changed) so that we can be used to break a stony heart.

We can change our attitude toward such individuals and, with patience and prayer, become instruments that draw them to a more peaceful and rewarding life. It may call for greater effort and commitment on our part. It may demand more demonstrations of love, compassion, humility, and care … but it is not beyond us to rise to the occasion. We have the capacity to regroup and refocus as we seek to intercept with intent and be used of God to break a stony heart.

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

Capitalism cannot solve this crisis ALAN GREENSPAN, former chair of the American Federal Reserve admitted to a congressional inquiry in the 2008 financial meltdown, that there was a “a flaw” in his theory. His belief that the self-interest of the lending institutions would lead automatically to the correction of financial markets had proven wrong. Now, in the midst of the environmental crisis, we await a similar admission. We may be waiting some time.

For, as in Greenspan’s theory of the financial system, there cannot be a problem. The market is meant to be self-correcting: that’s what the theory says. As Milton Friedman, one of the architects of neoliberal ideology, put it: “Ecological values can find their natural space in the market, like any other consumer demand.” As long as environmental goods are correctly priced, neither planning nor regulation is required. Any attempt by governments or citizens to change the likely course of events is unwarranted and misguided.

But there’s a flaw. Hurricanes do not respond to market signals. The plastic fibres in our oceans, food and drinking water do not respond to market signals.

Nor does the collapse of the insect population, or coral reefs, or the demise of endless species of life forms.

The unregulated market is as powerless in the face of these forces, as the people in Florida who resolved to fight Hurricane Irma by shooting it. It is the wrong tool, the wrong approach, the wrong system.

There are two inherent problems with the pricing of the living world and its destruction. The first is that it depends on attaching a financial value to items — such as human life, species and ecosystems — that cannot be redeemed for money. The second is that it seeks to quantify events and processes that cannot be reliably predicted.

Environmental collapse does not progress by neat increments. You can estimate the money you might make from building an airport: this is likely to be linear and fairly predictable. But you cannot reasonably estimate the environmental cost the airport might incur. Climate breakdown will behave like a tectonic plate in an earthquake zone: periods of comparative calm followed by sudden jolts. Any attempt to compare economic benefit with economic cost in such cases is an exercise in false precision.

A system that depends on growth can survive only if we progressively lose our ability to make reasoned decisions. After our needs, then strong desires, then faint desires have been met, we must keep buying goods and services we neither need nor want, induced by marketing to abandon our discriminating faculties, and to succumb instead to impulse.

We can now buy a selfie toaster that burns an image of your own face on to our bread. We can buy beer for dogs and wine for cats; a toilet roll holder that sends a message to your phone when the paper is running out; a hairbrush that informs you whether or not you are brushing your hair correctly. Panasonic intends to produce a mobile fridge that, in response to a voice command, will deliver beers to your chair. Urge, splurge, purge: we are sucked into a cycle of compulsion followed by consumption, followed by the periodic detoxing of ourselves or our homes.

Continued economic growth depends on continued disposal: unless we rapidly junk the goods we buy, it fails. The growth economy and the throwaway society cannot be separated.

Environmental destruction is not a by-

product of this system: it is a necessary element.

The environmental crisis is an inevitable result not just of neoliberalism — the most extreme variety of capitalism — but of capitalism itself. Even the social democratic (Keynesian) kind depends on perpetual growth on a finite planet: a formula for eventual collapse. But the peculiar contribution of neoliberalism is to deny that action is necessary: to insist that the system, like Greenspan’s financial markets, is inherently self-regulating.

The myth of the self-regulating market accelerates the destruction of the selfregulating Earth.

What cannot be admitted must be denied. Matt Ridley, chair of Northern Rock helped cause the first run on a British bank since 1878. This triggered the financial crisis in the UK. In the Times, he insistED that the world need not bother with hurricanes as long as there’s enough money to keep bailing us out, we’ll be fine.

Ridley, who helped destroy the hopes of millions, is one of the faces of the New Optimism that claims life is becoming inexorably better. This vision relies on downplaying or dismissing the predictions of environmental scientists.

We cannot buy our way out of a process that could, through a combination of heat, stress, drought, sea level rise and crop failure, render large parts of the inhabited world hostile to human life; and which, through sudden jolts, could translate environmental crisis into financial crisis.

In April, Bloomberg News, drawing on a report by the US federal mortgage corporation Freddie Mac, investigated the possibility that climate breakdown could cause a collapse in real estate prices in Florida. It looked only at the impact of sea-level rise — hurricanes were not considered. It warned that a bursting of the coastal property bubble “could spread through banks, insurers and other industries. And, unlike the recession, there’s no hope of a bounce back in property values.” The sigh of relief from insurers and financiers when Hurricane Irma, whose intensity is likely to have been enhanced by global heating, changed course at the last minute, could be heard around the world..

This year, for the first time, three of the five global risks with the greatest potential impact listed by the World Economic Forum were environmental; a fourth (water crises) has a strong environmental component.

They bailed out the banks. But as the storms keep rolling in, you’ll have to bail out your own flooded home. There is no environmental rescue plan: to admit the need for one, would be to admit that the economic system is based on a series of delusions. The environmental crisis demands a new ethics, politics and economics. A few of us are groping towards it, but it cannot be left to the scattered efforts of independent thinkers — this should be humanity’s central project. At least the first step is clear: to recognise that the current system is flawed.

This column, with some changes, was adopted from a much longer piece written by the celebrated British writer, George Monbiot.

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

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12. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

SVG could be a wealthy country SVG COULD BE a wealthy country with a high standard of living, close to that of Singapore and Sweden, if we had a competent government. Unfortunately, since 2001, SVG has gone to the dogs under the incompetence of the ULP regime.

The ULP regime is unable to competently manage the public accounts, and lacks the economic vision needed to make SVG a prosperous country. Since 2001, they have been mashing up SVG. In its 16 years in office to date, the grossly incompetent ULP regime has spent $12.163 billion, but the income has only been $8.568 billion. This has placed SVG in a national disaster with a $3.659 billion fiscal deficit accumulation. Amazingly, $869 million has been thrown away just on loan interest payments.

The table shows that the ULP regime has been a financial catastrophe for SVG. They have virtually

killed the economy. Many businesses have been forced to close down, and the ones that survive have their lowest sales for about 40 years.

Life is tough in SVG. The weak economy has substantially increased poverty, unemployment and crime. Rather than having a high standard of living close to that of Singapore or Sweden, SVG is full of squalor, and more like Haiti and Bangladesh.

The capital Kingstown is a disgrace: it smells of urine; some places are clogged with garbage; there are many homeless people suffering; and the air is very polluted.

The psychology of an ambulance every Friday between 8am and 9am wandering through Kingstown making the usual noise, is meant to give the people an impression that there is an organised team in charge of SVG. However, there is not.

A ULP regime minister stood up at a regional meeting recently and told the persons present, his government is in the lead in the Caribbean for funding hunger programmes in schools.

What the minister was actually illustrating, was that his government is so grossly incompetent at managing the public accounts and the economy, that there is so much poverty and hunger in SVG, to the extent that we need a hunger programme in schools.

Educational achievement in SVG is very low.

Only about 1% of graduates of each school year get a university degree. This seriously limits the ability of our people to get highly-paid jobs, and thus, obtain a

In reply to JOM0 THOMAS TO JOMO THOMAS, in reply to your article (‘Emancipation and Reparations’ — THE VINCENTIAN of Friday 25th August and September 01, 2017) of the article is full of research mistakes, half truths and untruths. You really must stop trying to mess with the minds of ignorant people for the sake of political point scoring.

Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, [1840] 1st Baronetcy [b 1 April 1786 — d 19 February 1845, aged 59] was an English Member of Parliament, brewer, abolitionist and social reformer.

high standard of living.

There is a high level of violent crime in SVG. Many people do not feel safe in their neighbourhood.

Many people feel that their living environment is not peaceful.

Capital expenditure every year on education is way too low. Education should be totally free from pre-school to university for every child in SVG, regardless of the child’s parents’ economic background. This means free books and free uniforms.

SVG should be a wealthy country with a high standard of living close to that of Singapore and Sweden. We have the resources to achieve prosperity for all. Unfortunately, we have an incompetent government and the country is an economic and financial mess.

SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org https://twitter.com/svggreenparty https://www.facebook.com/SVG-Green-Party154937087877631/ “apprentices” until 1840.’ Ref: Act 3 & 4 Will IV c. 73.

It was now illegal to buy or own a person.

Buxton held his seat in Parliament until 1837.

The British Government incorporated an education grant in the 1833 Act of Emancipation, to assist in the educational development of the Caribbean Negroes.

Following emancipation, a scheme ensured all children of ex-slaves under the age of six years were regarded as free persons and it led to the establishment of infant schools with the overall objective of providing day-care for children of the labouring class. Furthermore, the British government endorsed a plan for state subsidized religious and moral education. Towards this end, it allocated the annual sum of 25,000 pounds as a Parliamentary Grant for Negro Education in the British West Indies.

The immediate impact of the Education Grant in the colonies was a marked increase in the number of schools by various religious bodies. Most of these schools that emerged had their classes in church buildings and, of significance, was the fact that teachers were either clergymen or they were closely associated with the Church.

In 1839, Buxton urged the British government to make treaties with African leaders to abolish the slave trade, who until now had refused to give up owning, working and selling slaves. The government in turn backed the Niger expedition of 1841 [not including Buxton], put together by Christian missionary organizations, to work on abolition of the indigenous African slave trade. More than 150 English people were part of the expedition, which reached the Niger Delta and began negotiations. The British suffered such high mortality from fevers [malaria and yellow fever], with more than 25% of the group dying rapidly in Africa, that they cut short the mission in 1841, and most of the Africans continued with slavery.

Mr. Thomas, the person who you describe as “Melcombe Regis” in your two-part article, is in fact a district which was part of Buxton’s parliamentary constituency, and certainly not a person.

Buxton never put forward a ‘bill’ in 1823; he introduced a proposal for discussion in the House of Commons, the terms of which were rejected.

Almost every paragraph has a degree of untruth in it. You really do not have the slightest idea about the topic what you are writing about.

As the Honourable Leader of the House and a member of the Bar Association, the people expect more of you.

Buxton was elected to Parliament for Weymouth and Melcombe Regis in 1818. [Melcombe Regis is an area of Weymouth in Dorset, England, situated on the north shore of Weymouth Harbour]. As an MP, he worked for the abolition of slavery, in which he was helped by his sister-in-law, Louisa Gurney Hoare.

By 1807, the slave trade had been abolished by the British, but that was the slave trade and not slavery itself. Buxton later began to work for the gradual abolition of the institution of actual slavery.

In 1823, he helped found the Society for the Mitigation and Gradual Abolition of Slavery, later known as the Anti-Slavery Society after they dropped the ‘gradual abolition’ ideas.

May 15, 1823, in the House of Commons, Buxton introduced a resolution condemning the state of slavery as “repugnant to the principles of the British constitution and of the Christian religion”, and called for its gradual abolition “throughout the British colonies”. He also called for the adoption of measures to improve slave conditions in the British West Indies, together with a plan for gradual emancipation that would lead ultimately to complete freedom.

The Gradual Abolition of Slavery group resolution called for children of slaves to be pronounced free at birth, the gradual abolition of slavery and to introduce a serfdom type system. The law makers rejected the idea and the original resolution was then withdrawn.

Buxton continued to pressure the government to send dispatches to the colonies to improve the treatment of slaves. Buxton took over as leader of the abolition movement in the British House of Commons after William Wilberforce retired in 1825.

In 1833, Buxton presented a petition to the House of Commons bearing 187,000 signatures. This had been partly organised by his daughter Priscilla Buxton, and the first two signatures were Amelia Opie’s and hers.

He achieved his goal when slavery was officially abolished in the British Empire [except in India and Ceylon]: ‘1833, London: 1833, August 28th, London: Royal Assent of the Abolition of Slavery Act. An act for the abolition of slavery throughout the British colonies, for promoting the industry of the manumitted slaves, and for compensating the persons hitherto entitled to the services of such slaves; the so-called “Emancipation act”: slavery abolished in British colonies (except India and St Helena) as of 1 August 1834; slaves to be compulsory CbD.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. 13.

Foreign Affairs

Venezuela in rapid response after hurricane devastation

VENEZUELA was among the countries coming to the aid of the Caribbean region following the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma, which destroyed infrastructure on islands, such as Barbuda.

The government of Venezuela is the first responder to the crisis in the island of Barbuda, which was devastated by Hurricane Irma in the early hours of last week Wednesday morning, leaving over 90 percent of the housing stock

uninhabitable.

Venezuela contributed a cargo plane full of supplies, as well as medics and disaster relief workers, to the recovery effort on that island.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and with Hurricane Jose threatening to increase the tragedy, two Venezuelan military aircraft were available for the evacuation effort of Barbuda. Many persons were safely transported to Antigua,

while Jose made its way in the region.

Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza reportedly said, “We are doing something beautiful, that is being able to help the brotherly peoples in the difficulties — this is the essence of the Bolivarian Revolution and of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA)”.

Meanwhile on Sunday, a shipment carrying 10 tons of humanitarian aid

Taiwan – A valuable global partner THE 72ND REGULAR SESSION of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 72) will convene at UN Headquarters, New York, USA, on Tuesday, 12 September 2017. The General Debate will open on Tuesday, 19 September 2017, with a focus on the theme, ‘Focusing on People: Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for All on a Sustainable Planet’.

As has obtained in previous years, the Republic of China (Taiwan) will again make an appeal for acceptance as a full member, an appeal that it hopes will be supported by those UN Member States with which it has diplomatic relations, St. Vincent and the Grenadines included.

As a prelude to this, David Tawei Lee, Ph. D, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan, issued a statement in which he reiterates his country’s commitment “to continuing our interaction and cooperation with our friends and partners, and to maintaining global peace, security and prosperity through mutually beneficial collaboration.”

In support of this, the Minister referenced to Taiwan’s “experience in such areas as environmental protection, public health and medicine, agriculture, education and ICT has helped David Tawei Lee, our partners develop and Taiwan’s grow.”

Minister of According to Foreign Affairs, the Minister, made it clear that the People’s Taiwan has invested over Republic of China has never US$6 billion in international had jurisdiction medical and over Taiwan.

Taiwan has provided technical and other in kind support for agriculture and horticulture development projects in SVG. humanitarian aid efforts since 1996, benefiting millions of people worldwide, and Taiwan’s vibrant civil society/civic organizations constantly reach out to the world.

Additionally, Taiwan has brought its laws and regulations into line with the UN’s human rights conventions, and in terms of living up to democratic values, Taiwan has worked as hard as any country–and perhaps harder than most–to advance equality, the Minister said.

And in making a political claim for membership, the minister cited UN’s 1971 General Assembly Resolution 2758 (XXVI), which “seated the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the UN.” This resolution, the Minister argued, “did not address the issue of representation of Taiwan and its people in the organization; much less did it give the PRC the right to represent the people of Taiwan.”

Continuing, he said, “It is important to stress the political reality here, which is that the PRC does not now, nor has it ever, held jurisdiction over Taiwan.”

The republic of China (Taiwan) is listed as the world’s 18th largest trading and 11th freest economy.

Mattresses formed part of a shipment of humanitarian aid that left Venezuela for Saint Martin. left on board an aircraft of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces of Venezuela to Saint Martin, where Irma had demolished up to 95% of the infrastructure on that French administered side of the island, which it shares with Dutch-administered St. Maarteen.

Mattresses, blankets, sheets, canned foods, medicines, first aid kits and clothing, made up this second shipment, responding to the requirements of the authorities of Saint Martin.

Another Venezuelan military plane was dispatched to Saint Lucia, and collected the aid support, mainly large quantities of bottled water, which was sent to other islands.

As he witnessed the departure of the aircraft bound for Saint Martin, Néstor Reverol, Minister of Internal Affairs, Justice and Peace, reported that 40 Venezuelans who were on the island of Saint Martin, would return to the country aboard this

aircraft.

The authorities in Venezuela also confirmed that they were maintaining communication with their counterparts in Haiti and Cuba, to assist the peoples of these sister nations, affected by the passage of Irma.

(Source: Telesur)

14. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

awards.

Hance John received the Ragga Soca title trophy and treated the audience to a repeat of his winning number, ‘Sugar Mammy’.

Shernelle ‘Skarpyon’ Williams’ mother received the prizes for her son who placed second in the Ragga category.

Soca Monarch Delroy ‘Fireman’ Hooper missed the function.

Silta James received the Road March honours on her son’s behalf, the third such title for Shertz ‘Problem Child’ Semone Richardson returned to take the Queen of the Bands Lornette ‘Fya Empress’ Nedd collected her National Calypso James.

Royalty in the House: Miss SVG 2017, Jimmelle Roberts (right) Ist runner-up Nicoleen Lewis Champions trophy which she had vacated on personal Monarch title trophy and made her presence felt.

M’riah ‘Young grounds, last year. (centre) and 2nd runner-up Chrystal Oliver.

Saiah’ Robertson received the Junior Soca prize.

HAVING BEEN REWARDED for their Kristiana ‘Singing Kristy’ ChristoSimone Richardson, who returned ised, while the Canouan-based Adams acknowledged that no efforts in 2017, carnival makers here pher took home the trophy for winning after a year’s absence to retake the Club Nuevo was the Most detailed analysis was done as of last will be anxious to step up preparation for the Secondary School category of Queen of the Bands title on behalf of Improved Rural Festivity Host. week Thursday’s ceremony, but said Vincy Mas 2018 - June 29 to July 10.

Junior Calypso.

Blondie Bird and Friends.

Double Click Sounds was he was satisfied that the growth Ricardo Adams, Chairman of the It was double delight for the And in similar vein, veteran rewarded for having played the marked over the past 40 years will Carnival Development Corporation Christopher family, with Kristian ‘Lil masquerade Gordon ‘Tarya’ Boucher Best Repertoire of Local Music continue.

(CDC), addressing the Vincy Mas 2017 Kris’ Christopher retaining the was more than happy to receive the in rural activities.

He pointed to the collaborative Awards and Prize-Giving Ceremony, Primary School crown. title trophy as King of the Bands 2017, Miss SVG 2017, Jimmelle approach that characterised the Thursday 7th September, at the making it the 7th occasion on which Roberts, along with Nicoleen promotion and management of Vincy Murray Heights Hotel, McKies Hill, he had copped that prestigious title.

Lewis second and Chrystal Steel Orchestras Mas 2017. described 2017 as a learning process, Blondie Bird and Friends, though, Oliver graced the occasion with Adams contended that ‘Destination he having served his first term as was clearly out front as far as Junior their royal presence, and Members of Starlift Steel OrchesLittle Tokyo’, the drive that gave rise head of the CDC. Mas competitions were concerned. collected their rewards. tra were more than elated to receive to a change of venue for the Mardi Not to be left out, the Most the champions awards as winner of Gras parade from the Uniformed T- Shirt Band went Other Awards the Senior Panorama, in this the year traditional Victoria to Guinness, but FLOW carried of their 50th anniversary, displacing Park to Little Tokyo, Among rural carnival activity for away the Biggest FLOW Sion Hill Euphonium in the erased doubts about Vincy Mas 2017, the P’tani Carnival Monday Band title. process. novelty.

Committee was judged Best Organ(WKA) The order was reversed at the He pleaded for Community Bands category of the private sector involveJunior Pan Fest, with Sion Hill ment to ensure payment leading the way ahead of Starlift. to stakeholders in a The Girls’ High School kept their timely manner, and hold of the title among the disclosed that some School-based Steel Orchestras. $550,000 was paid out in prize monies for Mas, mas and more mas Vincy Mas 2017.

He anticipates that The mas band SVG Players Interthe same amount will be national had lots to celebrate and lots distributed next year. of silverware to receive.

Calypso/Soca They copped the major Band of the awardees Year title, added the Uptown Mardi Gras Parade title, and nabbed the Among those receivBest Use of Colour award for good ing accolades last week measure.

Thursday was National Throw in their Junior King of the Calypso Monarch Bands and Best Section of the Year Lornette ‘Fya Empress’ first places, and a number of second Nedd. She rendered places across the mas competition excerpts of her winning board, and the Players would have number ‘Hope is alive’. felt rewarded for their year’s work.

First Runner-up BMC Amerijet Magic 103/7 FM Zamfir ‘Man Zangie’, Blondie Bird and Friends, Digicel second runner-up Nelson and Metrocint High Voltage Joanna Christopher and Mas Production were the other Kristian ‘Lil Kris’ Christopher (left) and Kristiana ‘Singing third runner-up Glenroy standouts among mas competitions Gordon ‘Tarya’ Boucher (right) collects his King of Kristy’ Christopher, Primary and Secondary Schools ‘Sulle’ Caesar were also for seniors. the Bands Champions Trophy – his seventh in his Hance John (right) collected his first Monarch title trophy with Calypso Monarchs, under the watchful care of their father on hand to receive their It was business as usual for long career as a King of the Bands entrant. a promise of more to come.

Wollis Christopher.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. 15.

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16. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

SVG Port Authority facilitates training of pannists

Trainees expressing themselves on pan at their graduation ceremony.

THE SVG PORT AUTHORITY (SVGPA) continues to invest in its employees and their family members.

The latest such demonstration came

with the Port’s facilitation of the training of twenty- five children and other relatives of employees in playing the steel pan.

The participants, during a four-week period of the recent August school break, were introduced to the instruments at sessions held at the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra’s Pan Yard, located in Sion Hill Village.

Under the guidance of Tillal Webb, the participants were taught basic music theory as well as the rudiments of playing the steel pan.

“Despite some challenges at the start of the programme, they adopted to the playing of the pan well, and I was pleased with their

performance on the day of the graduation,” Webb acknowledged.

At the graduation ceremony, held on Sunday 3rd September and twinned with the annual Sion Hill Euphonium’s training programme, the SVG Port Authority batch got an opportunity to demonstrate what they had learned, by rendering four songs, much to the delight of their parents, siblings, relatives, officials and others present.

Showing some competence and dexterity, the cohort of young pan players belted out ‘I surrender all;, ‘I am not the only one’, ‘Stay with Me’ and ‘Booty Call’, as they touched different genres.

Emerging as stand out players were Aaliyah John accepts her prize from Aaliyah John and Zavio Richardson, SVGPA’s chair- Clayton Burgin who received awards of excellence.

Zavio Richardson (left) gets his This year’s pan programme was a reward from chair of the SVGPA- continuation of the SVGPA’s Annual Summer Programme which started in Clayton Burgin.

2013.

V Vincies respond to IRMA Day Relief Affair

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. 17.

Community

by CARLYLE DOUGLAS

WHAT STARTED as an Idea posted by Rodney ‘Vincy Freshie’ Small on Facebook Thursday, Sept 7th, has turned out to be an exercise of national proportions.

Small’s Thursday’s post was “I have an idea, eh... I think I The donation box at Heritage wanna go in Square last Saturday was Heritage surprisingly well patronised.

Square Saturday proceeds too!! Aye me morning, provide some musician, dj and artiste entertainment... Rodney friend them talk to me!!! and friends - while #ALLDAYAFFAIR.” people pass and drop no The idea hit home less than $5EC and up in almost instantaneously. a box to donate to the More particularly, the islands that were SVG Good Hearts affected!! Proper auditing Foundation, a and what’s not of the philanthropic

Rodney Small (left) started an appeal that has grown, perhaps, beyond his wildest imaginings.

Packed bags and boxes indicated a drive that brought out the caring attitude of Vincentians.

organization formed on the heels of the November 2016 flooding in Sandy Bay, and comprised of entertainers, business executives and other individuals, offered to lead the effort. The Foundation’s record, to date, had included, not Sergeant Brenton Smith only assistance to flood couldn’t pass the victims in Sandy Bay, donation box without but also assistance to dropping something in it. victims of a fire in Georgetown, and a generous support for the drive on behalf of the thousands affected by the Central Florida passage of Hurricane Organization that saw Irma. the delivery of food and What started as a clothing to needy persons simple Facebook posting, in North Leeward. could well turn out to be Thus arrived the something that was not IRMA Day Relief Affair imagined. that morphed into a morning of entertainment Saturday 9th - led by the likes of soca artistes Luta, Hance John and Shaunelle McKenzie, pannist Rodney Small and violinist Darron Andrews.

Last Saturday’s solicitations from the public raised some EC$4,000 and a quantity of clothing, toiletries, food items and water for the relief effort.

Keeping a sharp eye on proceedings was Kevern Cyrus, who served as auditor-onthe-spot for the day’s exercise.

Such was the enthusiasm that permeated last Saturday’s effort, that the SVG Good Hearts Foundation was joined

by BDS Sounds, Radio Stations NBC, Nice, Boom, Xtreme, WEFM, Star and Hot97FM, and corporate entities Coreas-Hazells Inc and the St. Vincent Brewery Ltd., and a repeat of Saturday’s concert was planned for yesterday, Thursday, at Heritage Square.

With the outpouring of support that obtained at last Saturday’s effort, a spontaneous one almost, organisers of yesterday’s more organised and promoted event anticipated increased

Darron Andrews (left), fresh from a performance in New York, entertained with his unique style and enthralled Chewallee (right) who was on hand to encourage passers-by to donate to the cause.

Below: Kevern Cyrus (standing centre) was on hand to keep an auditor’s eye on the day’s proceedings, as Lano makes his donation to the cause.

18. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

V Canadian Rapper shoots music video in SVG

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. 19.

Entertainment

A CANADIAN RAP artiste with Vincentian roots has chosen to shoot his latest music video in St. Vincent.

Twenty-five-year-old Montreal native Nathaniel ‘Husser’ Huskinson has been creating quite a buzz in North America and Europe. His music video for the song ‘Like it doesn’t hurt’, featuring Charlotte Cardin, already has 3 million views, and he anticipates that his next music video for his song ‘Paintings for the blind’, which was shot on location across St. Vincent, will do even better.

As far as his Vincentian roots are concerned, Husser’s grandfather, John Huskinson, hails from the community of Block 2000, and his grandmother, Laura Boyce, from Layou . His mother is the only child of her parents born in Canada.

In an interview with THE VINCENTIAN, the dreadlock

artist said he started recording music at the age of 17 in a little black community center in his neighborhood, Little Burgandy. He had an early liking for the drums, but was always fascinated by the likes of Rappers Busta Rhymes and Eminem.

“I was fascinated by how fast Busta Rhymes used to rap and Eminem, and I wanted to try this myself,” said the artiste.

His first recording ‘Black Tee’ was done at a studio in a community centre in his neighbourhood. It was well received by persons in his community.

He eventually formed a group called Posterz with a number of aspiring artistes at the centre, and they recorded their first collaboration, ‘Fresh Face’. The song became a community hit, more recordings followed, and soon they won the attention of a

number of promoters.

Tours began across Canada and eventually included overseas gigs in France, Switzerland and the USA. As successful as they were, the group members opted for solo careers, and that is where Husser is in his present journey.

“I got my first solo EP coming out; it’s called ‘Ghetto Rock for the Youths’ and is inspired by the things I love about music - raw lyrics and flow .. lots of acoustics, guitar and alternative rap, but still keeping it Hip Hop and current,” said Husser.

It is this solo journey that has brought him to St. Vincent. He said he grew up with Vincentian influence and besides being here to record his music video, he also wanted to meet his Vincentian family.

“I came here once when I was ten and I wanted to come

back. I love it, and the feel of the song and the message calls for being in this environment,” Husser said, adding that his song track and music video will be out in October.

In terms of his music career going forward, he quipped, “I want to sell out tours around the world and let people know that there is talent coming out of Nathaniel ‘Husser’ Huskinson, Rap Montreal, because artiste, says SVG provided the ideal nobody ever really environment to support his latest music make it out from Montreal like that , video. so that is my goal,”.

If you wish to contact or He also wants Vincentians to know that someone is up in follow the artiste he is on Montreal representing his part Facebook as Husser or on Instragram and Twitter in a different genre of music @hollywoodhuss. (KH) besides Soca or Calypso.

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20. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Abused by my motherÊs boyfriend

with you, and assist you in making a report to the police. You can also reach sitting my seven-year-old would have sex with me, to my baby sister if Dear George, Thank you for writing. out to a family member sister. My mother does whenever he feels like. I something is not done It is safe to conclude that whom you can trust for not care whether I attend don’t like it, but there is about what is happening your mother will not be PLEASE HELP me. My support. mother is a drunk and sells school or not. She makes nothing I can do, and my at my house. I do not The situation with doing anything about lots of money but still mother is no help. She want to be at home, but her body to the highest your younger sister can your situation anytime she cannot pay for my threatens to put me on if I leave, my baby sister soon. You need to report also be addressed when bidder. education. She never has the streets if I continue would be left to this man. this matter to another I am a fourteen-yearyou see the counsellor. money to buy my books to talk about what her But the truth is, I do old student and find it You will feel more authority. difficult to attend school or pay for anything that boyfriend is doing to me. want to live with my encouraged as you begin Given your age, it is has to do with school.

I am very scared that mother anymore. most times, because I all the more crucial that to take steps to rectify Worse, her boyfriend he will do the same thing I have not told have to be at home babythis problem. Writing to you do this without anybody about what I me is a very important further delay. I suggest am telling you now. I that you go to the Marion step and you ought to be need some advice. commended for doing so.

House and get a counselllor there to talk

Ax,

Ax

George

More love for his car relationship, but I just need to run things by you first.

Dear George, I CANNOT GET my boyfriend to spend less time with his car and more time with me. Since he bought this car, he spends every waking moment polishing and washing and showing it to anyone who remotely shows interest in it. I tried to explain to him that I need for us to spend more time together, but as far as I see, his car is his girl, and not me.

He even told me that his car is everything to him and he does not know what he would do if he should lose it. He never expressed sentiments like that to me since we are together.

He went further and said that replacing me is cheaper than replacing his car.

I am beginning to wonder if we have a future together, and have been having second thoughts about this

Running thoughts Dear Running thoughts, You have all right to be concerned about your boyfriend’s obsession with this car, not because it is his new toy, but because he clearly values it more than he values you.

No one or anything should take your place, and you have the right to make such demands. This situation gives you a small peek into your future; it shows you what life could be like, marrying a man who clearly has a different value system than you do.

Maybe your boyfriend needs to see what life would be like without you.

Give him the chance to find out.

George

Get rid of him Dear George,

Your boyfriend should have researched the pros and cons of steroid use before jumping into it.

You have made your decision, and if it is what The aggression comes with the package as well, you want, then you and that is cause for should stick with it. concern.

Prolonged use of Stick to your guns and steroids can affect your libido negatively and also ask him to close the door on his way out. the ability to have and maintain an erection.

Dear Dried luck, MY FIANCÉ is on steroids and it is affecting our relationship. He goes to the gym and is packing on the muscles, but the steroids he is using is making him aggressive and it is also affecting our sex lives. He cannot perform like he used to in bed, and this is a huge problem for me. I am on the verge of breaking up with him.

I told him straight up that it was his decision to use steroids and he never consulted with me, and it is now my decision not to be with a man who is all bulk but no action.

He is still hanging on and I don’t know why he would not leave.

Dried luck

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Secret affairs will only lead to deception. Authority figures may be less than accommodating if you have done something deceitful. You must strive to get the most important projects completed properly, rather than doling everything in a half-baked way. Don't overextend yourself in order to add luxury items to your entertainment center.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) It might be best to spend time fixing up your premises and making changes that will be appreciated. You need to be around friends and family. Your tendency to overreact could get you into trouble. You may be fortunate while traveling.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You'd be wise to control your spending so your debts don't get out of hand. You will have a greater involvement in groups; however, they may not be to your advantage. Someone you least expect may not have your best interests at heart. this week is not the day to try to comer people by giving them ultimatums.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) You should avoid getting involved in the personal problems of colleagues. Make plans that will take you to exotic destinations. Problems with financial investments could make you nervous. Make plans to attend group discussions or get together with friends who like to talk as much as you do.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Strengthen your position among your peers. A residential move may be necessary to get a better job. Think about your budget before booking a trip. Go with the flow and don't be concerned about your own job.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You might find it difficult to control your emotions. Problems with your partner could be reaching a high level of concern. You must refrain from overspending on entertainment. Do not get involved with individuals who are already committed to others.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Call siblings or old friends to catch up on recent news. It will be all around you. Try making some changes to your appearance and your attitude that will reinforce just that. Be cautious while traveling to foreign countries.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Your communication skills may win you points. You might be overly emotional when dealing with your partner. Deception regarding joint finances or investments will cause upsets between family members. Get the whole family involved in a worthwhile cause or cultural event.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You can enjoy short trips. Groups you belong to will not only enjoy your company, but they will also share your interests. Avoid lending money or belongings to friends. Changes to your self-image will be to your benefit as long as you don't over pay.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) The knowledge you have will enhance your reputation.

You may not be that popular at home but you should be able to shine at social gatherings.

Hard work will pay off if you refrain from expressing your opinion to superiors. Listen to the problems of others and offer suggestions where possible.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Try to be considerate in your personal obligations. Don't let opposition from those envious of your talents daunt your progress. Deception regarding joint finances or investments will cause upsets between family members. You'll find travel or involvement in large groups gratifying.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Put your efforts into moneymaking ventures. You can enjoy the company of others and come in contact with an ideal mate, if you get out and mingle.

Get help setting up a reasonable budget. Look into ways of making extra cash. Look into physical activities that will help get rid of some of that tension you may be feeling.

ACROSS 1.Futile 5. Least polite 11. Title of respect for God 12. Rubber 13. Encourage in wrongdoing 14. Sleeveless cloak 15. Pertaining to a lexicon 17. Even (poet) 18. Covered vehicle 19. Remain undecided 20. Outmoded 23. British sailor 24. Epic poetry 25. Cardinal number 26. Direct a gun 27. Diminish 31. Group 33. 6th month of the Jewish Calendar 34. Reproduction 36. Scene of first miracle 36. Start again 37. Sight organs DOWN 1. South African

river 2. French clergyman 3. Mountain goat 4. Indigenous inhabitants 5. Staff again 6. Mountain range 7. Son of Jacob 8. Respect 9. Greek goddess of the moon 10. Up-to-date 16. Vulgar, illbred fellow 19. Light sailing

ship 20. Trader 21. Each 22. Salad item 23. Wreath of flowers 25. Between

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. 21.

27. Delude 28. June 6, 1944 29. Alley 30. Periods of history 32. Swindle

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22. FRIDAY,SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

ECGC assists

Salvation Army ECGC WILL CLIMAX its year-long (2017) 40th Anniversary celebrations in December.

During the milestone year, the Company has reached out to communities and organizations with assistance/support for a

variety of projects.

The company’s latest hand of assistance was extended to the Salvation Army.

This assistance came in the form of underwriting the cost of a retaining wall at the Salvation Army Home for

Unfortunate Children at Pembroke.

Some $5,000 went into the project, and Marketing Manager/ECGC, Mrs. Rachel Haslam stated that the gesture was in keeping with the company’s commitment to

Salvation Army Home for Children at Pembroke. assist with the development and ensuring the safety of the children. “The environment in which

they (children) live is just as important,” Haslam commented.

ECGC is one of SVG’s major manufacturing enterprises, with a production/packaging line that includes, among others, flour, rice, poultry and livestock feed.

ECGC recently added a line of aerated drinks to its portfolio, with its purchase of the operations of Bottlers (St. Getting the foundation Vincent) Ltd., bottlers of down for the retaining the famous Ju-C line of wall. soft drinks.

VINSURE takes customer service to the next level ST VINCENT INSURANCES LIMITED (VINSURE) takes it up to a new level with the launch of an innovative service that provides its customers with free reminder text messages.

The service is based on a customized software platform that automates the delivery of free text messages on a phased schedule to the company’s customers, reminding them of their amount and due date of their insurance payments.

What sets the service Simonne Goodluck, apart from the traditional General Manager practice of writing or calling Vinsure, says the the customer, is that it gives latest initiative is in customers a modern, keeping with convenient, effective and Vinsure’s ongoing painless way to get commitment to invest necessary information for in ‘the care of its budgeting, while at the customers’. same time, providing the company with a cost effective way of delivering an exceptional level of care and service to its customers.

General Manager Simonne Goodluck says the initiative represents a continuation of the company’s policy to invest in the care of its customers. “Our customers are our foundation, and ensuring their satisfaction is foremost. We are always looking for ways to improve. This new initiative is a continuation of our contract to provide value to our customers.”

The text messages are delivered at no charge to the customer; the service operates across both mobile networks, and no smart phones or app downloads are necessary. The customer gets a series of valuable, free text messages at the right time, without any effort.

The service also includes free birthday greeting texts.

St. Vincent Insurances Limited began its operations in 1964 and is the oldest insurer in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, providing fire, motor and accident insurances.

V Vincentian athletes unlocking doors at KCC

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. 23.

Shantal Rouse

athletes.”

Thorpe, Kirby and Edwards began attending KCC in January last year, while Rouse started in September of that same year.

The input of Thorpe, Kirby and Rouse helped KCC to the City University of New York (CUNY) Athletics Conference’s Community Indoor Championships, earlier this year.

Thomas, who is also Vincentian, said that it is the long-term hope that KCC can readily supply St Vincent and the Grenadines with the athletes needed for international competitions.

The KCC Athletics Director said that the quartet are on the radar of other educational institutions.

“We have to make sure that they fulfil their four years ...We market them to four year schools…They come and we develop you to get a full scholarship… They are tagged by other schools who are seeking their talents,” Thomas reasoned.

“Even on paper their times are not the best, the schools that have looked at them understand the development pathway that they are taking,” he added.

This, says Director of Athletics at KCC- Damani Thomas.

A satisfied Thomas told THE VINCENTIAN, Rogike Thorpe and Kailon Kirby.

“Because of these students, we now have ten Vincentians in our system…Athletes TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES- Rogike Thorpe, Kailon Kirby and Shantal Rouse, are now coming out of the woodwork who want to join the college...There and Basketballer- Consolo Edwards, Athletes’ progress enrolled at the Kingsborough Community are also athletes living here (St Vincent and the Grenadines) who College (KCC) in New York, USA, are want to come and join them …We have “We are pleased with their opening avenues for themselves as well become the place for Vincentian development …Initially when they as other fellow Vincentian athletes.

came in, it was a culture shock and training shock …They were not used to the volume of work… also our method of doing things …We basically slowed them up… We put a pin on their progression,” Thomas noted.

“We took a Damani Thomas step back… there were some pre-existing injuries, there were also some technical issues we had to address,” Thomas revealed.

Giving an individual review of the athletes, Thomas said that he expects Thorpe to be at his peak for the upcoming track season, as he is almost injury free.

In the case of Kirby, Thomas disclosed, “We are getting him ready to be a decathlete …At the meets he attended, he would do eight to ten events to get him ready for the rigours of the Decathlon.

“He (Kirby) has marketed himself such that there are scholarship offers before him,” Thomas declared.

Thomas indicated that Rouse continues to improve in her times and will be a cog in the KCC team for the 2017/2019 track and field season.

And, for Edwards, Thomas stated that he is earmarked to perform many duties in the school’s Basketball team, having undergone fine tuning of several facets of his game, to complement his main attribute, that of his height.

Woodley focuses on doing her best TAMARA WOODLEY, one of this country’s top junior female athletes, is bent on excelling on the track and in the classroom.

The 16-year-old, a graduate of the Girls’ High School (GHS) and now a student at the SVG Community College, believes that once she continues to do well in both her studies and athletics, her dream would be achieved.

“I am focusing on doing my SAT’S to better my chances of gaining an overseas scholarship which will improve my athletics and education”, Tamara told THE VINCENTIAN in a recent ‘sit down’.

“This year wasn’t the best for me athletics wise. I was selected to represent SVG but couldn’t attend many of those overseas events because of CXC. I am hopeful that I would be able to better my time now that I have a

little less pressure and make it to many regional track events, so that I can market myself,” she continued.

The young lady already has her eyes set on pursuing studies in Sport Science, “that’s why I am doing Biology, Chemistry and Physical Education at the SVG Community College,” she explained.

And her focus, while it has expanded, does not omit her beloved Bequia.

“Once I achieve my goals, I believe it will be an eye opener for the other athletes in Bequia. Bequia has a lot of talented athletes but they don’t have the adequate equipment, facilities nor the coaches, and because of this they are not motivated or determined enough,” she said, adding that while they are at a disadvantage athletically, they need “to educate themselves and be more responsible.”

Tamara, in her own words, began “running at an early age”, but took the sport seriously only after she entered the GHS. She has made steady progress through the age categories of schools track and field here, and has emerged Victrix ludorum status at both her School’s meets and the Inter-Secondary Schools Athletics Champions.

While her mother remains her “main motivator,” Tamara is also grateful to her coach - Michael Ollivierre for having steered her through her development as an athlete.

Under his guidance, she is now concentrating on the 400m and the 800m races, though she has not ruled out the heptathlon.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Tamara Woodley – an emerging athletic force here.

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24. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 , 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

North East open with a win in Masters 20/20

Romario Dennie, of Caesar’s Real Estate Defenders: the League’s top goal-scorer.

SV United- Champions of the 2017 Diamonds Football League.

SV United take Diamond Football Title SV UNITED of Georgetown captured the 2017 Hairoun Beer Diamonds Football League when they defeated Caesar’s Real Estate Defenders 4-2 on penalty kicks, in the finals played at the Diamond Playing Field last Sunday.

Caesar’s Both teams were locked on 3 Real Estate Defenders goals apiece at runners up. the end of regulation time, in what spectators deemed a highly competitive and entertaining closure to the League, with Defenders’ goals coming from the boots of Romario Dennie, 2, and Renaldo Edwards the other, and Shorn Browne, 2, and Kemron Sment doing likewise for SV United.

In an awards ceremony which followed the final match, a The SVG Rugby Union number of individual recently welcomed two awards were handed coaches from the United out.

Kingdom.

Defenders’ Romario Max Cubitt and Jess Dennie, with 13 goals, Pitts are expected to be was the League’s top here for 6 months and goal-scorer; Brad have availed their Richards of Sparta FC expertise to the SVGRU was adjudged the best on a voluntary basis. midfielder; Kendol Pitts is expected to Douglas of Youngsters focus on the Schools “Get FC was the best into Rugby” Programme, defender; and Henyan assist with the training Lynch of Defenders took the award for the best goalkeeper.

For having emerged League Champions, SV United took home the champion trophy and EC$2,000.00. Runnersup Defenders FC received a trophy and EC$1,000.00, and Youngers FC, who finished third, received a trophy.

Eighteen teams, divided into two zones, took part in the 2017 League.

DEFENDING champions Teachers Credit Union North East Masters began their 2017 SVG Masters Over 40 Twenty/20 Cricket Competition campaign with a 7-wicket win over Bequia Cricket Association Masters.

The match, played last Sunday at the Clive Tannis Playing Field, saw the Bequia Masters taking first knock. Against some accurate bowling by the North East Masters, they managed a mere 109 all out in 19.2. overs, Calvert Hazell top- scoring with 31. Veterans Olanzo Jackson and Deighton Butler had 2 for 11 and 2 for 21 respectively. Winsbert Springer and Joseph Medford also had 2 wickets each.

North East Masters, seemingly in no hurry, eased to a winning total of 112 in 13.4 overs, losing 3 wickets in the process. Harvey Pope led the runs chase with 55 not out and Deighton Butler completed a good allround performance with 22.

The competition this weekend continues at various venues.

On Saturday, Pastures will play RSVG Police at Buccament from 2pm, and J.G & Sons Glamorgan face A.R & D Trucking P’tani at Park Hill from 2pm.

On Sunday, Sion Hill oppose Rudy’s Electrical Barrouallie at Sion Hill from 10am; Bequia Cricket Association clash with Kirk Da Silva’s LaCroix at Bequia from 11am; Computec Belfongo oppose North Leeward at Buccament from 2pm; Teachers Credit Union North East take on Stanley Browne’s Stubbs at Park Hill starting at 2pm.

SVG Rugby welcomes new coaches

I.B.A.ALLEN

of the National Rugby Team, and work with local Rugby Clubs.

Cubitt will take charge of the National Men’s Team training, and will introduce a new Women’s training programme, expected to get going on Monday 18th at the Sion Hill Playing Field.

More particularly, he will give attention to preparing the SVG Rugby team for the RAN 7-a-side tournament in Mexico in November.

The coaches have hit the road running, and at a recent training exercise at the Sion Hill Playing Field, Cubitt said that he was excited with the opportunity to work with the SVGRU programmes and especially the national team.

He explained that he

National players in training under the watchful eye of new coach Max Cubitt.

“will be working in the community”, with the aim of increasing participation in the sport, with particular attention on spreading the sport among the younger ones.

As far as working with the national team is concerned, Cubit said, “… hopefully we will do well in the 7-a-side tournament in Mexico in November. …. During Jess Pitts is expected to the training session give a boost to the before the tournament, sport among women. we’re going to

continually play Rugby and work on the skills and intensity. We are going to do our best to improve our standing while setting ourselves some specific goals.”

The experienced coach is optimistic that there would be “general improvement in the players. … I hoping to see a drastic change in the national team’s playing ability.”

I.B.A.ALLEN

Max Cubitt - Rugby coach – is determined to see the National Team do well in its November outing in Mexico.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. 25.

Sports

Cumberland Playing Field to be named SOMETIMES I feel locked in a gloom, knowing that the figure who shaped me, and one whom I relied on in times of everything, is no longer around to offer guidance.

Today, September 15, would have been his 96th birthday, but he would have told you he was 97.

Born 1921, Leopold David Anthony remains a shadow lurking on the corridors of the horizon. His legacy is likely to remain with the naming of the Cumberland Playing Field in his honour.

This compromise was made when it was analysed that the request to have a school identified after him did not match rational options. The logical choice would have been the Troumaca Primary School. But better judgement will prevail, and the consensus is that that institution remains the domain of one Webster Clarke who stamped his authority in the field of education having served there for over 30 years.

Spring Village Primary was considered, but the sentiment is that someone from the immediate vicinity will be ideally suited for that acclaim.

The Coulls Hill Methodist School was an alternative. The school population hovers around 50, bearing signs that it seems destined for adjustment.

Anthony taught at the Chateaubelair Methodist.

The same reasoning that holds for Spring Village, applies in that situation. His contribution in the field of education has been without dispute.

He distinguished himself in community life. He was a staunch Methodist, a local preacher of merit.

Having carved out bases as an athlete, Anthony’s early life was full of sporting accomplishments. His school mates recall his skills in football, traits I hardly knew about, for he kept that aspect quiet.

He boasted of his harvest as a bowler time and time again, and recounted wrecking a team so devastatingly, that he was referred to as the ‘demon’ bowler.

It is no coincidence that he sparked an era of cricketing orientation in his home village of Troumaca and indeed the wider North Leeward district.

When controversy swirled over the dislocation of the Troumaca Playing Field on the anvil of the Troumaca Ontario Secondary School, Anthony stood by his conviction and incurred the wrath of his contemporaries by rallying with the youths who were militant against the attempt to disrupt their sporting agenda.

Anthony’s reasoned approach to the issue stands him on good ground as a defender of civil liberties.

The Troumaca Playing Field remains one of illusionary reversion.

Cumberland is set to be a place of sporting engagement in that part of the constituency.

Another facility at Goulding in Fitz Hughes has potential of being a national treasure.

The Petit Bordel Playing Field will be spared the wear and tear of usage, and Cumberland will take care of broader issues.

The decision to enshrine Anthony’s heritage is a welcomed gesture. He is a folk hero. And whereas his sporting attributes might be profound, they pale in his musical accomplishments.

The facility will provide inspiration with the sound of his name echoing when the gates open, or even if they are shut, when a ball is delivered, goal scored, or by people passing and absorbing the scenic atmosphere that it exudes.

Nestled below the expanse of peaks, forming a backdrop from the Caribbean Sea, Cumberland is home to the Coulls Hill community. Some new residents in an area dubbed ‘Hollywood’, a relocation of residents from Rose Bank following some environmental factors, will associate with their new surroundings, buoyed by the fact that ‘Antho’ could be considered one of their own.

September 26 marks one year since Anthony transposed his journey from earthly to terrestrial bliss.

The Cumberland Playing Field is an apt reward for one who has been a reservoir of resourcefulness.

Shallow upbeat about Youth Cricket here KISHORE SHALLOW, President of the SVG Cricket Association for the past three years, has no doubt that the executive he leads has had a positive impact on the development of the sport.

“Being able to revive the Under 15 Zonal (Tournament) was a major achievement. This complements other programmes that the SVGCA Inc. has rolled out over the last two years, such as the Talent Identification Programme, Mentorship Programme, and Lennox John National Cricket Academy, all geared at youth development”, Shallow said.

Speaking directly to the Under 15 Zonal (Tournament), Shallow said, “The two-week tournament, which took place during the August schools vacation, has given young players the opportunity to be

seen and to express their cricketing skills. Hopefully, the players identified for the national training for the Windward Islands Under 15 tournament can continue to develop and then give a decent showing in December.”

The President further stressed, “I was particularly impressed with the commitment of coaches around the country. Without the coaches’ cooperation, our cricket cannot expand, and we won’t reach our true potential, so it was quite pleasing to have them involved in the preparation and coordination of the tournament.”

Central Windward won the 2017 Under 15 Zonal tournament, beating North Leeward in the final.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Kishore Shallow, President of the SVGCA, is particularly pleased with the strides made in developing youth cricket here.

North Leeward T20 Round-up THERE WERE wins for Ajuba, Peto Stars, Robertson Surveying Future Legends and RSVG Police, as the VINLEC North Leeward T20 Cricket tournament continued at the Petit Bordel playing field over the weekend.

Ajuba defeated House of Graphics Summerset by 4 wickets. Scores: House of Graphics Summerset 188 off 19.5

overs, Nelson Williams 47, Romano SVG Police Force made extra Pierre 42, Asif Hooper 3 for 17; Ajuba 192 for 6 off 17.2 overs, Asif light work of Upsetters. (Photo Credit: Jules Anthony) Hooper 63, Michael Joseph 39, Dyke Cato 2 for 40.

Peto Stars 199 for 9 off 20 overs, Peto Stars defeated Circumstance by 56 runs. Scores: Ronique Laborde 69, Aubrey Neverson 34; Circumstance 143 for 6 off 20 overs, Davian Barnum 32, Devon Patterson 31.

Police trounced Upsetters by 124 runs. Scores: Police 204 for 8 off 20 overs, Andrew Thomas 69, Kenneth Dember 61 not out, Maxwell Edwards 3 for 46; Upsetters 80 off 10.4 overs, Desroy Hooper 24, Casnel Morris 3 for 10, Parnel Browne 3 for 37.

Robertson Surveying Future Legends defeated Rose Bank United by 8 wickets. Scores: Rose Bank United 100 off 17.2 overs, William Edwards 29, Zane Edwards 3 for 5; Ajuba maintained their good form with a comfortable win over Robertson Surveying Future Summerset. (Photo Credit: Jules Anthony) Legends 104 for 2 off 7.4 overs, Rickford Walker 58.

The tournament continues this weekend with the following THE SVG CRICKET Association McDowald, Randy Joseph, Kemani matches: Saturday 16th youth selectors have announced a 30- Husbands, Newton Browne, and Luke September, 2017 from member Under 15 squad for training, Wilson.

10:00 am RSVG Police The squad also includes, Trevian from which a team will be selected to face Big League, and Matthews, Joe Williams, Keadon represent this country in the from 2:00pm Peto Stars Hackshaw, Tymar Jack, Solomon Windward Islands Under 15 oppose Upsetters; On Bascombe, Keiann McMillan, Devon tournament to be held here in Fisher, Leo DeFreitas, Zaeree Cyrus, Sunday 17th December.

Gideon Richards, Reshawn Lewis, September, 2017 from The squad was selected following Kirtney Franklyn, Shaeem Samuel, the SVGCA U15 Zonal tournament 10:00 Ruddy’s held from August 14th to 29th , which and Claudius Robertson.

Electrical clash with Training continues at the Arnos was won by Central Windward.

House of Graphics Vale Playing Field. Ian Allen is The squad reads, Elvin Ashton, Summerset, followed by serving as the Training Co-ordinator, Damary Ashton, Kyle Bowens, Ruddy’ Electrical Shafique May, Orland Gilbert, Ashroy and his team of coaches comprise against Robertson Deighton Butler, Bertram Stapleton, John, Akeem Alexander, Omarion Surveying Future Orlanzo Jackson and Kenroy Martin.

Ottley, Shummur Peters, Coby Legends from 2pm.

Dabreo, Cody Grant, Devante I.B.A.ALLEN I.B.A.ALLEN

National U15 Training squad selected

V

26. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Classified

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017. 27.

Classifieds

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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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JARVIS TRYING TO KEEP SOUND MIND permission from a police officer, during a break in JUNIOR JARVIS, a former proceedings at the Serious journalist and Public Relations Offences Court, where the Consultant, who is charged Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into with the February 14, 2017 Lawrence’s death was murder of Randy Lawrence, 39- ongoing, up to press time year-old Bank of St. Vincent Wednesday. and the Grenadines employee, During the brief says he is trying his best to conversation, Jarvis told this keep a “sound mind, body and publication, “There is a motto spirit.” in the prison, ‘Don’t waste Jarvis, who is on remand time doing time’, and I have at Her Majesty’s Prisons been trying to keep my time since February, made the occupied by doing what I love comment on Tuesday while most. It is also a learning speaking to THE experience, and I hope to use VINCENTIAN, with what I have learnt to help others, inside and outside.”

Up to press time, seven Randy Lawrence, the victim witnesses testified for the at the other end of Jarvis’s Prosecution, at the PI, being ordeal.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Police officer found dead INVESTIGATIONS are on-going into the death of Police Officer PC 235 Conroy John, whose body was discovered in Glenside, Mesopotamia.

John’s body was discovered, sometime between Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, in his vehicle, P9504, which was parked in an open area.

According to police sources, up to the time of John’s death, PC235 Conroy John he was stationed at the Questelles Police Station.

The source also indicated that foul play is not yet suspected, and that it is apparent that the officer may have died as a result of a recurring health condition. (DD)

heard before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne.

Jarvis is also facing charges of attempted murder, abduction, assault causing bodily harm, aggravated burglary and using a firearm to aid in the commission of an offence. These offences were also allegedly committed on February 14.

Attorney Israel Bruce is representing Jarvis, while Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche leads the case for the Prosecution.

Junior Jarvis, a fromer acrtive journalist here, is on remand and facing a murder charge, but doing his best to hold body and soul together.

Man jailed for beating lover The facts revealed that Edwards and Gonsalves were DESPITE HIS explanation that living together in a common law his lover, Sherique Gonsalves relationship at Redemption stabbed him during a fight in Sharpes, but Gonsalves which she was also injured, confronted Edwards when she Kavin Edwards was sentenced to recently discovered condoms at nine months imprisonment on the house in which they were Monday, for assaulting the living. They got into an woman. altercation during which Chief Magistrate Rechanne Edwards beat the woman, Browne handed down the penalty causing injuries. She reported after Edwards pleaded guilty to the matter to the police, assaulting Gonsalves, causing investigations were carried out actual bodily harm. The incident and Edwards was arrested and occurred on September 4 around charged.

8:30 p.m.

Edwards, who was “You cannot beat up somebody unrepresented, told the Court and expect them to love you,” the that he and Gonsalves got into a Chief Magistrate told Edwards fight during which she stabbed before handing down the penalty. him.

She stressed the number of THE VINCENTIIAN domestic related incidents, some understands that Edwards and fatal, that have come before the Gonsalves were both issued Court recently, and noted that medical forms, but Edwards the injuries Gonsalves sustained did not return his to the police. were serious.

(HH)

by HAYDN HUGGINS

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

Kavin Edwards thought he had a plausible explanation for his actions, but the Chief Magistrate thought otherwise.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.