The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
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FRIDAY,
NOVEMBER 16, 2018
VOLUME 112, No.40
www.thevincentian.com
EC$1.50
Brent Lyttle leads his son away from the cordoned off area around the family home. Inset: Sabitree Lyttle, of Guyanese origin, was described as a peaceful woman.
The area of the Lyttle’s home from where they operated a provision shop.
by KENVILLE HORNE HOLLYWOOD, USA is known for producing great movies. On the other hand, Hollywood in Redemption Sharpes, SVG, seems
to be developing a reputation for creating scenes of real live shootings. In the past 6 months, the small community, which is sometimes referred to as Paul
Over, has seen three major shootings. Jesse Bess was shot nine times in late May while in his Ital shop. About two weeks Continued on Page 3.
2. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. 3.
News 3 Female shopkeeper killed in Hollywood her business. She was originally from Berbice, Guyana, but had family connections in Trinidad and here in Mesopotamia.
Three men – Six gunshots
Friends and relatives, including the deceased’s sister, are moved to tears on learning of Sabitree’s death. she and her husband operated in Hollywood. The shooting is later, Hutcher Bute was shot said to have taken place while sitting in the verandah around 1 pm. of a family member’s home. The shop is located in the Both men survived but the upper level of the family most recent shooting incident house, which Lyttle shared proved fatal. with her husband and their Last Wednesday, November three children — two boys and 14, Sabritree Lyttle, a 56-year- one girl. old shopkeeper also known as The deceased was described Ileen, was shot and killed as a peaceful woman who was while she was in the shop that committed to her family and Continued from Front Page.
The daughter and a son of the deceased being comforted by a villager.
According to police report, Lyttle was in the family owned provision shop when she was approached and shot. The police, on being summoned to the scene, found her body in a pool of blood in a balcony of the family home. And while police say it is too early in their investigations to put a motive to the killing, residents in Hollywood are convinced that Lyttle was shot during a robbery. A man who was in the vicinity at the time of the shooting said that he saw three men in the area acting in a suspicious manner. The men disappeared, he said, but not after he heard two gunshots followed by what is believed to be Lyttle screaming for help. One of the men was seen running in a direction below the Lyttle’s home. He is said to have fired two more gunshots as he made his escape. Residents also reported hearing the sound of another two gunshots coming from the opposite direction but in close proximity to where Lyttle was killed, making a total of six gunshots being fired during the entire ordeal. THE VINCENTIAN was told that the second round of gunshot was fired at a male resident who had seen one of the men running. The resident said he had to take cover behind some blocks to avoid being shot. The Lyttle’s house is one of many in an area that can best be described as a cul-de-sac. The houses, interestingly, are all located on one side of the road and in close proximity to
one another. “It is,” according to one resident, “the last place anyone would expect something like this to happen, and worse, at the time of day it happened.”
Coming to grips with the reality Brent Lyttle, husband of the deceased, was reduced to tears. He was heard calling out to God for mercy as he exited the cordoned off area Jerroy ‘Jay Jay’ Phillips is Speaking with THE currently in police custody and VINCENTIAN as he being questioned as a person of manfully tried to show signs of being in control of interest in connection with the Lyttle murder. his emotions, Brent said that his wife was everything to him and it would show support for the family be difficult to function without was MP for the area St. Clair Leacock and some of Brent having her around. Their relationship spanned Lyttle colleagues from Coreas Distribution. Leacock some twenty-three years, twenty of which were spent as described the death as a very husband and wife, Brent said. sad time for the community. (See more on page 28). They have been operating Within hours of the the shop for some fourteen incident, police issued a years and had never before experienced anything like this, wanted bulletin for Jerroy ‘Jay Jay’ Phillips, a young man referring to the shooting. who grew up in the same area. The man said that he last saw his wife when he bade her Phillips, the police said, was goodbye as he left for work at wanted for question in Coreas Distribution, around 6 connection with the shooting incident in which Sabritree that morning. Lyttle was killed. He said he later received By the afternoon of news that there was a robbery Thursday, the police issued at the shop. He immediately got permission to leave for his another notice to say that they home, and on arrival there, he had apprehended Phillips and saw his wife in a pool of blood he was in their custody. Phillips is known to the on the balcony. court system here, having A number of draws inside the shop were emptied, and it been spared a prison sentence appeared, Lyttle said, that the when he and Anthony Hope of criminals had taken whatever Belair were given suspended sentences of 18 months in money they found. His real concern now, is the March this year, this after the state of mind of their children, two were found guilty of and to get justice for his wife. inflicting damage to the St. “Mercy of God,” he cried as he Hill Business Centre, tried to find answers as to why Kingstown. Sabritree Lyttle’s death his wife had to go in such a brings the number of manner. homicides for the year so far to Among those on hand to 31.
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4. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN
Court
Senior reserves decision in ChiefÊs matters
Senior Magistrate Rickie Burnett finds himself in a rather infrequent position for a sitting magistrate. by HAYDN HUGGINS he is alleged to have said, “I don’t like also highlighted by the prosecutor. proceeded to use that Magistrate. I don’t get (expletive) Samuel asked the Court to accept indecent and REDEMPTION SHARPES resident Dennis justice with she. She stinking… the evidence of Sergeant 490 Shawn disrespectful Richardson will know his fate December (expletive). I want to catch she to rest Chandler and Constable 744 Othniel language, a hand grenade in she mouth”. Prescott who had both told the Court 18 in connection with two matters in complaining that he Richardson has denied both charges. they were present when Richardson which he is accused of using could not get justice. The matters were heard separately, used the words in question. disrespectful words in reference to Chief She pointed out with evidence already taken in the “Would these police officers tell a lie that the Magistrate Rechanne Browne, on the on a man who did nothing?” she precincts of the Serious Offences Court. 2017 case. prosecution’s The January 29, 2018 one was questioned rhetorically. Closing addresses from Prosecutor evidence revealed that he had to be adjourned last week Tuesday to this Samuel noted that one of the Curlene Samuel and Richardson who forcibly removed from the Court, week, to hear the evidence of defence witnesses said Richardson was following which he used the words in was unrepresented, were heard in Richardson’s mother Cynthia quiet, while the other said he was relation to both cases, at the question. Richardson and his girlfriend Susan upset. Kingstown Magistrate’s Court, In his closing arguments, Samuel who were both called as Richardson’s mother and his Tuesday, following which Senior Richardson maintained his defence in girlfriend, in their testimonies, Magistrate Rickie Burnett reserved his defence witnesses. both matters, arguing that there were In her closing arguments in relation corroborated the defendant’s story that inconsistencies in the prosecution’s decision. to this matter, Prosecutor Samuel all he was doing, while speaking to his case, and asked the Court to find him Richardson is charged with, on pointed to the defendant’s demeanour family, at the holding area that day, January 29 this year, within the not guilty on both charges. precincts of the Serious Offences Court in the box, in which he had referred to was repeatedly saying the Chief Magistrate as ‘the woman’ that he wanted the where judicial proceedings were held, Magistrate to recuse used disrespectful speech in reference and ‘she’. She also referred to the Chief herself from hearing his to the Chief Magistrate before whom Magistrate’s evidence on his conduct in matters because he was such proceedings were held. Court that day, prior to him having to charged in a case in Richardson is alleged to have said, be removed and taken to the holding which she was the while in the holding area of the virtual complainant. Serious Offences Court, “Next time me area. Richardson’s mother and his In relation to the go spit in she (expletive) face or tek a girlfriend both said that on that day he incident March last year, (expletive) chair and pelt it at she”. complained, while in the holding area, the prosecutor said Richardson is also charged with a that a police officer pushed him. Richardson became upset FEBRUARY 13, 2019 is set for similar offence allegedly committed the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) However, the defendant did not after he was further March 27 last year. On that occasion, into the October 3, 2018 shooting mention this in his evidence. This was remanded that day, and death of 23-year-old Kareem Bowens at Clifton, Union Island. Joel Barker, also known as ‘Platinum’, 31-year-old landscaper of Penniston, was A FORMER police officer who intercourse with the girl, who was attorney Israel taken before the Serious sexually abused a child on several 12 at the time, three times Bruce was Offences Court on Monday after occasions about four years ago, October 3, 2014; twice February assigned, under being apprehended in Grenada will soon know his fate. 14, 2014; and once January 13, the Witness and handed over to local police. A nine-member jury at the 2014. Special Joel Barker – He is charged with murder High Court Criminal Assizes on The Prosecution’s evidence Measures Act, murder accused. stemming from an incident at Tuesday, found Eugene Noel revealed that on all occasions the to crossClifton, during which Bowens, a guilty on six counts of unlawful girl, at the time a Form 1 examine the Eugene Noel – labourer originally of Richland Park, was shot in the sexual intercourse with a girl secondary school student, was in minor in this guilty of chest. under the age of 13, but her school uniform when Noel had case. sexually Both men are said to have been employed in sentencing was postponed to sex with her. THE abusing a minor Union Island. December 7, 2018, pending a The 32-year-old Belair man VINCENTIAN – will be Barker was not required to plea when he stood social inquiry report on Noel, took the child to various places understands sentenced on before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne on ordered by the Court. where he had sex with her. He that Noel, the Dec. 7. Monday. The jury returned the had given her a cellular phone so father of a son Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche told the unanimous verdict following a they could communicate. and daughter, Court that the investigator -Constable 483 Edmund trial which started last week Noel was not represented by a was expelled from the local Ollivierre, attached to the Major Crime Unit (MCU), Wednesday. lawyer, and because the law no constabulary some years ago for has indicated to him that six statements have been Noel, who was no longer a longer allows accused persons in misconduct. He held the rank of collected so far, and the investigations will take him police officer when the offences sexual offences matters to crossConstable up to that time. (HH) to Grenada where Barker was apprehended. (HH) were committed, had sexual examine the alleged victims,
Landscaper charged with Union Island murder
Ex-cop guilty of multiple sex crimes
a house. Persons, civilians, he said, resort to vigilante justice. “So, we have to by KENVILLE HORNE brought forward we will Special Measures would be a useful tool. balance the right of the “But we have to deal with it as it comes,” Programmes which allow persons to live and balance the issue of COMMISSIONER of the Commissioner for persons to give associate, with giving the privacy of persons with Police Colin John has assured during a press evidence from information to the public the Registry,” he promised that the newly conference on undisclosed locations. to protect them or be on qualified. established Sexual Wednesday 7th Nov. “Also (there are guard as to persons with In this regard, Offences Unit will John also assured that provisions) under the that kind of behavior Commissioner John investigate all sexual protection for the victims Special Measures Act alluded to the smallness being close to them,” said offences reported to it, of sexual offences is where the accused John. of the SVG society, and including those of a high- paramount and will be person is not allowed to The Commissioner is related that from time to profile nature. provided. He said that question the victim or appealing to the public time, persons who were “We investigate every there are Witness the virtual complainant to allow the law to deal labeled as sexual offence there is against Protection Programmes directly,” said John. with persons who are predators encountered anyone, except diplomats where persons are The Commissioner accused of sexual who are immune from sometimes sent out of also addressed the issue some problems finding offences rather than residency in certain prosecution. Once SVG for their own of establishing a Sex creditable information is protection, as well as Offender Registry which communities, i.e. renting taking matters into their own hands.
All cases reported to be investigated
Commissioner of Police Colin John has promised no partiality as it relates to the work of the Sexual offences Unit.
V Oliver Samuels to receive Lifetime Achievement Award
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 , 2018. 5.
Regional
Dr. Claire Nelson, President ICS, made the announcement about Samuels’ award. (Credit: Jamaica Observer)
THE WASHINGTONBASED Institute for Caribbean Studies (ICS) says it will bestow the Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award on Jamaican comedian, actor and playwright - Oliver Samuels during its 25th Caribbean-American Heritage Awards Gala, on November 16. Dr. Claire Nelon, Jamaican-born founder and president of the ICS, said that the Jamaican was being honoured, “for his outstanding body of work, and for bringing ‘Brand Jamaica’ to the performing arts locally and internationally.” Samuels will be
awarded the Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award at the Caribbean American Heritage Awards Gala, which has as its theme, ‘A Celebration of Excellence and Service’, Dr. Nelson added. Oliver Samuels is widely considered to be one of Jamaica’s, if not the Caribbean’s, “thespian luminaries,” according to Dr. Nelson. According to his biography, Samuels was born on November 4, 1948, in Harmony Hall, St Mary, Jamaica. He grew up on a banana plantation, where his father worked as a casual
labourer and his mother sold items on the estate. His introduction to drama began, he said, at the age of seven when he “and the other children on the plantation would sing and recite poetry on Friday nights.” Destined for the stage, the adult Samuels trained at the Jamaica Theatre School from 1971 to 1973. Since his graduation and venture into full-time acting, Samuels has appeared in no fewer than 13 national pantomimes, playing major roles. He has also appeared in 20 other productions, including “The Fight Against Slavery”, the
Oliver Samuels has one of the most recognizable faces among Caribbean entertainers, cultural artistes, you name it. (Credit: Jamaica Gleaner)
British Broadcasting Corporation’s television series, which aired in 1974. His popularity outside of Jamaica grew exponentially with his own three-episode own television series — the unforgettable ‘Oliver’, ‘Oliver at Large’ and ‘Large and in Charge’. His acceptance of a management arrangement with Fab Five Inc. resulted in the release of the album ‘Oliver Yu Large” which has done well on the local
and overseas market. Samuels’ more recent acting roles include the soap opera “Royal Palm Estate” in which he played “Son-Son”. He has also appeared in Canadian, Italian and German films. Currently, Samuels is dedicating his time writing his own theatrical material. His latest piece, ‘56 East Avenue’ opened in Miramar, Florida, on September 1, to very enthusiastic response. (Source: CMC)
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6. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN
Diaspora
Lions honor Irish, and Andrews-Campbell Member awards to Vincentian Ingrid Andrews-Campbell, Marjorie Walters, Beverley Campbell, Benita Malloy and Barbara Moody. “Congratulations to all the honorees and Central Brooklyn life members,” said the club’s Jamaican-born president Jerusha Jacobs in her remarks. “We wish each one of you continued success in your future endeavors.” Referring to her biography, Dr. Irish — a former national netball star, who was born in Vermont and raised in Campden Park — said she did not want to be famous, “I want to be effective. “I don’t belong to the Lions Club but to the tribe of Judah,” added the Youth Minister at Miracle Temple Ministries in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn. “I congratulate you on your anniversary, and I pray good things for the Central Brooklyn Lions Club.” Irish graduated with a doctorate degree in Christian Education in 2008 from the New Greater Bethel Bible Institute located in Queens Village, New York. Dr. Roxie Irish receives award from She is a prolific speaker, and has been traveling extensively on speaking Lions Club District Governor Audrey appointments at various conferences P. Doorn. (Youth, Women’s and motivational Story and photos by NELSON A. KING events). naking@verizon.net; In 2003, she founded UVCGB, which kingnaking210@yahoo.com she said is “committed to providing US CORRESPONDENT medical supplies and other charitable donations to the people of St. Vincent CENTRAL BROOKLYN LIONS CLUB INC., two and the Grenadines.” Saturday nights ago, honored the president UVCGB also provides donations of the United Vincie Cultural Group of and/or support to other nations in times Brooklyn (UVCGB), Dr. Roxie Irish, among of disaster or severe crisis. five outstanding community figures during The group has conducted four medical its 30th anniversary gala celebration at mission trips to date. Sirico’s Caterers on 13th Avenue in Andrews-Campbell, who was born in Brooklyn, New York. Belair, said she has a passion for service The other honorees were: Boys and to her community, especially “Hands-onGirls High School principal Grecian Service”. Harrison-Walker; Haitian American She said she came from a family of United for Progress (HAUP) president service-minded individuals, who were Johanne Jacques; Crown Heights Youth active in the church, various Collective founder Richard Greene, and organizations and the community. Haitian-born New York Police As a child, Andrews-Campbell said Department (NYPD) officer Joseph she fed the hungry and cared for the Jaquet. underserved with her grandparents in The club also presented Lifetime St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and
continued this as a student at the Barbados Community College. She said she was introduced to Lionism by her lecturer, who saw her passion for serving others and her leadership skills while serving on the students’ guild, representing the students in the division of health sciences. Andrews-Campbell started her career in Lionism in May 1984 as a Lioness in the Lioness Club of Bridgetown, Barbados; then as a Charter member of St. Michael Lions Club, in Barbados and has been involved in Lionism for 34 years. She transferred to the Central Brooklyn Lions Club in 2006. Since becoming a member, she’s received several awards, including Lion of the Year. At the district level, she received the PMJF, International President Certificate and International President Leadership Medal. “I am humbled and grateful to be selected by the Central Brooklyn Lions Club, Inc. to receive the Life Member Award for my 34 years of community service, which spanned three countries — St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados and New York,” she told THE VINCENTIAN. “Who would have thought from my humble beginnings in the village of Belair on a small island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, that I would receive a certificate of special congressional recognition from United States Congresswoman Yvette Clarke of the United States Congress, and a certificate of recognition from New York City Council, Council Member Mathieu Eugene on the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Central Brooklyn Lions Club?” she asked. “Thanks to my extended family, Lions family in New York City, from Barbados, who joined me in the celebrations,” she added. “It has been a long journey of service that began as a child when my grandmother, Iris Edwards-Andrews, of Belair would send me to take food to the elderly in my village or to share a meal, books, clothing or household items with
Vincentian Lion Ingrid AndrewsCampbell with husband, Daniel Campbell (both of Belair), after honor ceremony. my neighbor’s children.” Andrews-Campbell said her service to the community continued when she migrated to Barbados and lived with my mom, Jean Andrews-Williams. “She was the one who encouraged and supported me, when I started as a Lioness, and then as a Lion, and I know that she is smiling down from Heaven on me, her only child,” Andrews-Campbell said. “Getting this achievement would not have been possible without her inspiration. She saw the passion I had for serving others. “I give God thanks in ordering my path along the way, as I seek to bring comfort and relief to the underserved,” she added. “I do what I do for the love of helping others, not to be rewarded but to lead a more fulfilled life being a champion of humanity and giving selflessly,” she concluded.
Vincentian Lion Ingrid Andrews-Campbell (3rd from right) among other Lions Lifetime Awardees.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 , 2018. 7.
Education
Teachers get real lessons
Former Girls’ High School Principal Andrea Keizer-Bowman challenged teachers to become “caringly qualified”. MEMBERS of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union and those in solidarity with that institution wind up a week of activities with a picnic at Mt Wynne Beach tomorrow, Saturday 17. That will be a cool down to events which commenced Sunday with an Ecumenical Service at the Hope For Life Ministry, Arnos Vale. Monday’s exercise came in the form of the annual C.W. Prescod Memorial Lecture, a centre piece on the Union’s calendar. Former Girls’ High School Principal Andrea Keizer-Bowman presented the keynote address. The Union chose the theme: ‘The right to education means the Right to a qualified teacher’. Keizer-Bowman acknowledged that the concept was “thought-provoking.” She accepted the thrust of the Union towards teacher advocacy and academic education, but as far as Keizer-Bowman was concerned, that narrowed the delivery of education to someone in the classroom. And the lack of qualified teachers does not undermine the right to education, KeizerBowman surmised. She noted that “our education authorities have advanced a policy of education for all….. with at least an aspirational glance at the education of the differently abled.” Keizer-Bowman admitted that “access to this education at all levels and stages is not seamless and is dependent on a number of economic, political and socio-cultural variables.” Nearly ninety percent of primary school
teachers are qualified, with 63 percent at secondary institutions. Keizer Bowman pointed to a 57 percent rate at the specialised outlets, and commended the Teachers Union for their advocacy which resulted in the figures. “But does being steeped in the theories of pedagogy mean that a teacher is sufficiently qualified to allow students to access that which has been deemed the students’ right .. to education?” the former Principal posed. “Is teaching certification equivalent to sufficient teacher certification and preparedness for the classroom,” Keizer asked. She condensed the rhetorical nature of the questions as , and provided examples of “experienced teachers who taunted children with comments like, ‘I don’t care if you submit this assignment. I am getting paid at the end of the month’.” She pointed to the situations in which teachers have to deal with “recalcitrant and difficult students” who compound the feeling of frustration that teachers may be facing. Keizer-Bowman highlighted some traits that characterise certain teachers as not suitable for the profession. Those were few, KeizerBowman admitted, but her recommendation was that such persons be relocated. Still she indicated three pillars of the real teacher: honesty, empathy, and confidentiality. In real terms, the “teacher has to be “caringly qualified,” Keizer-Bowman advised. The audience included a batch of C.W Prescod School students whose rendition of an appropriately arranged choral mix on the man after whom their school is named, received nods of approval. C. W. Prescod School, located in the heart of capital city Kingstown, marks its 30th anniversary next year. (WKA)
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8. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. 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
Looking for logic WHAT A THING!!! The results of two recent referenda — Grenada and Antigua — on the question of the CCJ replacing the Privy Council, sent the so-called ‘Progressives’ in the Caribbean into a frenzy. How the people could not accept an opportunity to take themselves further away and apart from the colonial mindset that is strangling them with its foreign sense of what is right and wrong. Local pundits and opinion makers, many of them self-made, crashed in on the opportunity of a NO vote to let their colleagues know how belittling it was. If the truth be told, especially by those who sit in comfortable chambers of law and government, the people — the little people — the salt of Caribbean society — have little time for the intellectuals machinations that come with something we call the Caribbean Court of Justice — Our Court . Ask them about the Magistrate’s Court. It is one thing to say this is ours, it’s another thing to convince the majority that it really is. Whether we support the CCJ or not, and this publication has in earlier discourses given its support to the CCJ in its full jurisdiction, it would be folly to believe that convincing the ‘people’ of its worthiness is an easy undertaking. The majority of those who sit in Caribbean Governments today would venture to refer to themselves as the ‘Progressives’… those who labored in the vineyards and graveyards to convince ‘their’ people about their Caribbean identity, and how we have to break the psychological stranglehold that had come with colonialism. After three decades and more of independence across the Anglophone Caribbean, those should be a given… a logic result. Far from being fact! Wishful thinking! It is not so logical!! You see, far from thinking that those who perceive themselves as having influence think they can always convince the mass, they should be reminded that they are in fact speaking to individuals, and every individual has a different life. Some are born to live an easy life others have to face the music on a daily basis. It follows, therefore, that logic in life and logic in life’s decision-
making are illusive whiffs that have no meaning. Simply put, what might be absolutely right and logically apt according to those who think they have a divine right to think for others, might not even make sense to others. Decision-making that affects that life is nothing but chance. Victory in a general election, for example, is not guaranteed by the crowds that turn out to open air events. The outcome, at the end of the day, rests with the individual, and that vey reality speaks to something illogical happening. The result of the referenda must be a lesson for all of us, especially those who have espoused open support for the CCJ. We must accept that we should never compare ourselves with others… that we should never expect from others what we would of ourselves. Yes, the proponents of the CCJ might be lawyers or anything which the people are not, but we are not them and they are not us. And on the heels of the No votes comes the opportunity to discover our own logic, something we hardly ever do. Instead, we are wont to launch headfirst into criticizing and belittling those who have ‘disappointed’ us. We feel that we have discovered that logic in us, but we are still out in left field as far as this is concerned. If we had, we would be more mindful of the logic or illogic that gives rise to the outcomes of the referenda. We have to discover the logic, if any, in us. This is an individual exercise. As we go through our lives, we make our own designs and deem them logical. These designs change and are modified with time. We are not alone in this regard. This entire concept of perceived logic gives a meaning to our existence. Therefore, what could well be learned from life, is simply that nothing is logical. Nothing is right or wrong, it’s only our perspective which is not necessarily shared by others. And if we are what we profess to be, the logic in us will urge us to see the logic, if any, in others. Whether or not there is anything truly logical about the Caribbean man, is still up for debate.
A Roll-Call of 1975 Teacher-Heroes ON NOVEMBER 14TH, 1975, a peaceful teachers’ demonstration was crushed by the St. Vincent Labour Party through the instrumentality of the police which used teargas to effect their nefarious purpose. The “Rogues Gallery” of oppressors then read: Milton Cato Premier, St Clair Dacon Minister of Education, Arthur Williams Attorney General, Grafton Isaacs Minister of Police Affairs. It needs be recalled that it was the time of “the strongest Government in the world,” and contained ET Joshua who agreed with the action aimed at bringing the teachers to heel. It must not be forgotten that eighty percent of the present profession were at the time either unborn or too young to grasp the meaning of the events. The story bears repeating because of the significance and importance of its message. There are people who conveniently choose to treat the episode as a passing cloud, as a hiccup on the road to our political development. Casually and cavalierly, it is often said that the teachers have been caught in a time warp with the conditions, problem and official attitudes of them hardly better than they were in 1975! Nothing can be further from the truth. Teachers now have a collective agreement hammered out between equals, whereas twenty-two years ago, they could hardly get the government to sit down with them and negotiate. As far as is practical, teachers, despite the tremendous improvement in Public transportation, are based within striking distance of their homes. In the past, usually for reasons of discipline, they were posted to the then hard areas such as the Southern Grenadines and Carib Country, as it were to Siberia and Outer Mongolia. Above all, teachers enjoy a security of tenure today and are no longer subject to dismissal at the will of the Crown, as was exercised by Cato, Attorney-General Arthur Williams and their crew. In the circumstances, it is a little upsetting to hear propagandists speak of the problem surrounding the signing of the collective agreement in process with what happened in 1975; it is cheese to chalk. Many people have had a fair idea as to what actually took place on Tear-Gas Friday, but miss both on the prelude and the aftermath. There was, of course, the general antitrade union anti-democratic attitudes
that suffused the social atmosphere, to the extent that the Teachers had a dry-run when they took part in a sympathy march on behalf of the nurses involved in “Cyrus Affair”. For weeks on end, every Monday Morning, forty-odd nurses were dragged before the courts for the hearing of matters which finally petered out. Significantly, the names heading the list of nurses-defendants were trade unionist Cyril Roberts and Burns Bonadie, the survivor! From the Teachers’ march in their own right, ten of the so-called ringleaders were rounded up, arrested and clapped in the cells where they spent three horrible nights, emerging as “Prison Graduates”. They included Yvonne Gibson, current Minister of Health; Senator Mike Browne; Labour Office Hearing Officer George Bailey; Simeon Greene, General Manager of the Banana Association; Georgetown business-man Ferdinand Toney, Cecil “Pa” Jack, Tim Ottley, Samuel Gordon and others. On the day before the march, thirtyone teachers were arrested for unlawful assembly during a sit-in at the Ministry of Education. They were all bundled into police trucks and taken to the Barracks where they were processed through the cells until bail was reluctantly allowed a matter of hours later. Perhaps we should identify a sampling of the “insurrectionists” to make a selfexplanatory point. Among the “Jail Birds” were Kathleen Johnson who is now a highly qualified nurse in the U.S.A with a serious commitment to St. Vincent; Robbie Fitzpatrick who became president of W.I.N.F.A and Chairman of the Labour Party; Cecil Blazer Williams, lawyer, dramatist; Jeff James, sociologist and folk-lorist; Judith Hull-Ballah, TeacherSpecialist; Anne Daniel-Williams, top female Methodist Minister in the region; Joye Browne, head-mistress of Girls’ High School; Douggie “ Nose” Joseph, pannist and Journalist; Mike Questelles, Evadney Tyrell, Tydel John and Hugh Delpleche, all of whom are stalwart sons and daughters who split the scene after their public and official manhandling. Like some East European pogrom, rampant victimisation followed in the wake of Tear-Gas Friday. Continues on Page 26.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. 9.
Letters
W. I. cricket getting me vex
I HAVE BEEN following West Indies cricket since about 1970. I have stayed awake with them when they toured Australia, India, etc., and got up early with them when they visited England. Rain, sun, day or night, I have remained a follower, listener and viewer of West indies cricket for nearly five decades, so I think I have a right to say what I have to say. I am of the strong opinion that all this ‘Three Stooges’ 20/20 cricket and to a less extent the 50 overs, is not doing our cricket any good. The haste to make runs anyhow means that batsmen are not looking to build and refine their skill. Raw talent without hard work is not going to get you anywhere and, if we are to judge from the inconsistent performances of our batsmen and the licking we have been getting as a team, that seems to be the case with our cricketers i.e. talent but no hard work. And our bowlers? They now think in terms of four and ten overs a day. Don’t tell me about specialist bowlers, e.g. how our boy Williams is a 20/20 specialist. If the man is a fast bowler he has got to be prepared to bowl more than four or ten overs a day. I think it was Courtney Walsh who said something like, “Ten overs in a day? That is what I bowled in one spell!!” And by the way, I don’t believe in this specialist player business. If you are a batsman or a bowler, you ought to be able to bat or bowl in any format. Were Vivian Richards and Malcolm Marshall specialist players? And we are not doing ourselves any good by repeating the same things over and over. We get our ‘arse’ licked, and we say that was a learning experience. But what did we learn? We go into the next series and get even more licks. And when we win one of those once-in-a-while matches, we say we have turned a new page, only to fall back into defeat, as though to turn back two pages. Let us admit the truth. We will not be champions anytime soon. But we must not give up. People like me will continue to be there for our boys; but our administrators and selectors must settle down and decide on a long term action plan… not a paper plan. Pick a pool of players — a good mix of all the areas — batting, bowling, etc. Keep them together for at least a four-year rotation or for the period between the World Cup. Select the teams from among them. In that way, we will be giving the players a run during which they can prove themselves. If not, they are dismissed. You know something, Mr. Editor… as much as they make me cuss and I want to put all of them in a barrel and shove them out to sea, I continue to follow the West Indies cricket with full attention. They may be bad, but like others, I have not yet labelled then ‘Worst Indies’. Charles
Cow Menace! MANY YEARS AGO, a former Prime Minister of a Caribbean country lamented the indignity of a certain kind of death, when he said that Prime Ministers expect to be assassinated, not killed by a cow! The sad reality exists in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, that any citizen, resident, or visitor to the island, face the strong possibility of being killed by a cow, not, thankfully now, on the airstrip itself, but on one of the most important pieces of road in this country leading to the Argyle International Airport - the Diamond
road. One young lady is already on record for having suffered the trauma of having a cow slam into her car, as it emerged from the hillside and attempted to dash across the road. Needless to say, this resulted in thousands of dollars of damage which had to be borne by the young lady herself, as on those very auspicious occasions, it is usually impossible to find the owner of the cow. Thankfully, the young lady wasn’t killed. This is not an isolated case, because many road users in that vicinity and
beyond, can attest to the terrors that animals pose on the Diamond road. One would think that the insensitive, illegal and insane parking at rum shops and barbeque spots which is very blatant, would have been enough to cause our untimely deaths! The situation is so grave, that it pains me that it was expressed, that perhaps not until one of the G7s falls prey to cows or illegal parking, would the authorities step up and look into this very serious issue. It would indeed be a
Radio stations/talk show hosts in SVG IN ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES, we have many radio stations with their DJs and talk show hosts. The DJs, from my perspective, have lost their way in educating the Nation. The music played has no substantial lyrics to educate you, and the hosts of some programmes have little or no significant impact on this society. From morning to midnight, the same thing is heard repeatedly, and there is no substance in their delivery. But it is the talk show hosts which this piece addresses. The talk show hosts are not in control of their programmes. They allow people to call in and slander or ‘bad mouth’ one another, or the hosts take it upon themselves to do it. They speak on a lot of issues about which they do not have all the supporting facts. We have many idle people in this country. Among them are tattlers, and busy-bodies speaking things which they ought not to speak. Many of these individuals find themselves on radio, bad-mouthing the organizations to which they belong. They throw one another under the bus and think that it is acceptable. Some of us run from responsibility, leave families to suffer, and have children in multiple places, yet still
national disaster for our Prime Minister to be harmed by a cow, while commuting to and from our International Airport at Argyle, or for any human being for that matter, to lose his life in such a demeaning manner! Let us get the small things right. Please help the cows to help us!
have the audacity to criticize the government and the church. People on the radio must be knowledgeable, wise G. John and in control of these programmes. Our young people are listening. We have enough problems with respect to their behavior. Don’t make it any worse. We must cherish what we have; don’t bad-mouth it on radio. It will not solve our problems. FATHER, we thank One man said an organization You for the gift of contains 4 bones: Wishbones, who partnership. wish that someone else would do the Thank You that we work; Jawbones, who talk a lot but do can stand together, little; Knucklebones, who knock what stronger and more everybody else does; and Backbones, effective in building who get down and actually do work. If we treat a man as he is, he will Your Kingdom. stay as he is, but if we treat him for Your word says what he ought to be, and could be, he when we dwell will become that bigger and better together in unity You man. command Your In my opinion, there is only one blessing upon us. radio station in this country that is Today we receive informative, and it is NBC radio, the Your blessing as You rest you can judge for yourselves. command. But, I appeal to those concerned to Thank You for Your be good radio talk show hosts and blessing in Jesus have worthwhile conversation. God name I pray with will bless you and your stations. thanksgiving. Amen
World – pray for peace, love and unity
Bishop Ezekiel Creese Faith Word Ministries
Marlin G. Cadore
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10. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN
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Solid progress continues amidst challenges
Excerpts from the 2018 Independence address: Part Three
Introduction FELLOW Vincentians, it is painful and sobering that despite our immense progress in material and non-material terms, a small number of persons, mainly young males who are wholly unrepresentative of our nation’s young male population, have chosen a life of crime, especially violent crime. They have chosen to invest in low-end but dangerous gun violence and have become “armed entrepreneurs”, living illegally off the fat of the land, making absolutely no contribution to the country’s development, sucking from it, and on innocent law-abiding people of all walks of life. Some persons who should know better make excuses for these persons and their criminal conduct; sometimes these ridiculous excuses come close to bizarre justification. The simple fact is that neither the society nor the economy commits violent crime; it is the individual; that is where the responsibility lies. There is absolutely no reason for any person in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to be violent toward another or to rob anyone. There are enough opportunities and support systems for anyone who considers himself or herself disadvantaged. Sensible people do not buy into this so-called “disadvantaged thesis” as the cause of crimes. It is important to note that most of the violent criminals are not truly disadvantaged; they are greedy and covetous; they refuse to work; and they take some selfish pleasure in using violence against other persons. Yet, we must seek to rehabilitate them even as the legal system addresses the appropriate punishments.
Fighting Crime It continues to be the policy of this government to be tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime. The coercive and other apparatuses of the state are doing their jobs. But this venture demands the practical support of all: the family, the school, the community group, the church, and the media. What we do not need are cynical political operatives and some less-than-thoughtful radio hosts who tilt at the proverbial windmills and make absurd excuses for the violent criminal, but who at the same time traduce unfairly the solid and risky anti-crime efforts of the Police. Fighting crime and criminals in a liberal democracy is not always easy but our liberal and democratic values must always be maintained in this fight against violent criminals. To be sure, the tiny band of criminals will never win. On this fundamental matter the government and people are ever more determined to constrain and defeat crime and criminals. Having said all this, I reiterate that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is overwhelmingly a peaceful and secure part of God’s earth. Let us bolster further its peace and security against the handful of violent criminals. Emphatically, we must not be dumb and soft on crime; and we stand askance from those who are playing smart with stupidness on this issue of crime. We must strive for peace on earth; and it begins with you and me, as the popular hymn avers.
Opportunities for Development Our government continues to protect, uplift, and afford opportunities for personal development to those who find themselves in a disadvantaged condition. In this regard, a raft of initiatives exist which are fit for the purpose; the recently-established Zero Hunger Trust Fund is performing excellently and offers more than a ray of hope for its beneficiaries. I urge all persons, young, old, and middle-aged, men and women, who face onerous challenges in their lives and living to seek the support and assistance from one or more of the relevant government’s agencies and programmes. Seek and you will find; knock and opportunities are available. Still, remember always that you must make the maximum individual effort in order to better your life and living. Young persons, in particular, are being urged to take full advantage of the bountiful, lawful opportunities available. Fellow Vincentians, on Independence Day 2018, I urge all of us to reflect carefully on, and learn from, all the factors and circumstances which have ensured our continued progress despite serious challenges, mainly externally-sourced, but also home-grown. This blessed place called St. Vincent and the Grenadines is our home; this place belongs to us; we own it; it is up to us to make it better, to make it the best it can be. People and governments from other lands may help us but no one owes us a living. To be sure, there are global challenges which all of Earth’s peoples must work together to address and overcome wholly or partially. But at the end of the day, we Vincentians have the primary obligation to take care of our own affairs. We have been doing so fairly well, but each of us must do better today than yesterday, to do the best we can. There are abundant possibilities and strengths in our condition despite weaknesses and limitations. I reiterate what I said in my last year’s address: “Be optimistic, not pessimistic; be positive in our attitude, not negative; be upbeat, not borne down by lamentations; think and act creatively, push the outer limits of our possibilities; do not allow limitations to encumber you. Beware of false prophets and the apostles of gloom and doom; avoid those, in whatever political garb they come, who pull down St. Vincent and the Grenadines and who never see anything good, only bad. Beware of those who wish the worse for us, those who would see our country burn, metaphorically, only for them to be kings and queens of the resulting ashes. Such persons are always in a condition of permanent dissatisfaction and who have nothing in them but a self-absorbed personal agenda which is unlikely ever to be satisfied. Listen not to those types; stay true to your positive self!”
Protecting women in SVG THERE ARE SEVERAL challenges facing our society and moreso our women and children, that have not been addressed during the past seventeen (17) years of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) regime. These include the increasing violence in our society and sexual assaults suffered by our women and children. Recently, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force established the Sexual Offences Unit which is welcomed by the New Democratic Party (NDP). We hope that the Unit is well staffed and has adequate resources to function effectively. Over the years, calls have been made repeatedly for such a Unit to be formed, given the increasing number of sex crimes that have been recorded in this country. As a matter of fact, a 2007 United Nation report ranked St. Vincent and the Grenadines third in the world for rape. And, St. Vincent and the Grenadines was ranked the highest in the OECS for the number of reported cases of rape during the period 2000 to 2010. What is even more disturbing are the numerous allegations of rape and sexual assaults that are leveled against prominent individuals in this country. The fact that the Sexual Offences Unit has been created, confirms that there is a serious problem of sex crimes in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which the ULP regime has denied over the years. However, concerns have been raised by Senator Kay Bacchus-Baptiste and supported by the general public over a statement that was made by a senior police officer, at the launch of the Unit. The officer admitted that there was a problem of unlawful sexual intercourse especially with girls under the age of thirteen, but went on further to insinuate that it was the hormones in these girls and the lack of guidance in the home why there are so many problems of unlawful sexual intercourse. This suggestion has been totally rejected my Vincentians, and numerous calls have been made for the officer to retract the statement. The NDP, having recognized the problems that women encounter in this country, held a national consultation in March 2015 which addressed those issues, including sex crimes, and outlined a number of initiatives that the party would have implemented had it won the general elections. One of those initiatives was the creation of a Sex Crimes Unit within the police force. The following is an extract from the Honourable Arnhim Eustace’s address at that consultation. “The cumulative effect is that successive ULP administrations have actively set back the women’s agenda. With a government possessed of neither the track record, moral authority to engage nor inclination to listen to women, St. Vincent and the Grenadines will continue to cannibalize women and children. Women and children shall continue to be objectified; exploited as cheap labour; sexually harassed; discouraged from becoming opposition candidates; subject to the ridicule of other women; told by women parliamentarians that one of their breasts is to suckle a child and the other is for the comfort of a man; and horse-traded for rent and promotion; blamed for their own
violation when warned about the clothes they wear. The ULP administration must be held to account for its treatment of women, by the nation. By building upon its past successes, secured through women’s direction of women’s affairs, the incoming NDP administration will get out of women’s way by: reforming sections of the police force by: creating a special unit within the CID, staffed not only by trained female and male officers, but with consulting doctors, social workers and counsellors, with specific training and facilities to address complaints of domestic and sexual violence; training of all police officers, especially in district police stations, to address domestic violence and rape allegations; making it mandatory that all allegations of abuse be recorded and acted upon; providing CID and district police stations with templates for the interview, advice to and follow up of domestic violence and sexual violence complaints and the presence of a female officer at all times at all stations to receive or be physically present at the receipt of complaints of sexual violence. In addition, revising and broadening the police training manual to include training for all police recruits in domestic violence and human trafficking; implementing the mandatory use of rape kits in medical examinations of rape victims at all district clinics and hospitals; reviewing the functioning of the Family Court and all legislation connected with domestic violence and violence against women to, among other things, increase the power of the Family Court to include the imposition of criminal sanctions for domestic abuse; making mandatory the reporting by all medical personnel of births to minors at hospitals and clinics or wheresoever that birth may take place. Also, implement the collection of data relative to domestic violence, and violence against women nationally including its dissemination to the public; instituting and enforcing a code of conduct within the public service at all levels that provides for protocol on reporting sexual offences including sexual harassment in the workplace. Respect for the women and girls in our society must be a part of how this government conducts itself. We must set the example; implementing the Social and Spiritual Redemption Charter to provide women and children with proactive opportunities at the community level and making API, public and informal education programs, and public social media programs available to NGOs and social stakeholders.” Sexual assaults have psychological, emotional and physical effects on the victims. These effects are not always easy to cope with. The NDP is committed to provide support for the victims of sexual assault and abuse, commits itself to introducing effective measures to bring the perpetrators of such crimes to justice.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. 11.
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Soft power
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words turn up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 SOFT POWER Is a relatively new concept. It was introduced by Joseph S. Nye Jr. in his 2004 publication by the same name. Nye describes the concept as the ability to entice or invite, rather than by using force when seeking to determine a nation’s policies and directions. In other words, he advances the view that soft power is that ability to shape the preferences of others through attraction and appeal. Some may describe this as focusing more on the carrot (pleasure) and less on the stick (pain/punishment). The former is perceived to be soft power, while the latter is deemed to be hard power. Nye advocates that there are three primary sources of soft power. Basing his descriptions on politics, he advances the view that these revolve around political values, culture, and foreign policy. He proceeds to stress, however, that within these three categories, the individual sources of soft power are numerous and quite varied. However, this essay focuses on a different aspect of “soft power”. The content revolves around the use of soft skills (human resources capabilities) to create and sustain positive results. Students who pursue the Masters in Business Administration (MBA) programmes at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business (University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago) have an option to pursue studies in Corporate Turnaround as an elective (not compulsory). Many do. I have had the distinct pleasure of facilitating this course for over a decade. Participants learn skills in identifying the symptoms and causes of business failures. In addition, they learn about the best practices needed to turn around companies and government departments that need some form of transformation. The curriculum is designed to enhance the learning experiences through researching academic literature, case studies, group interaction, and lectures. In addition, experienced practitioners are regularly invited to share insights with the students. There is evidence that the course of study is considered to be much more valuable and appreciated when accomplished individuals “share experiences from the trenches”. Participants then have an opportunity to interact with individuals who have engaged in best practices in steering their enterprises through tectonic and turbulent changes. Donald Baldeosingh, Managing Director of the ENMAN Group, is considered to be one of the favourite guest lecturers whenever this course is conducted. He served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (PETROTRIN) and four (4) associated companies when he was 38 years old. Basdeo Panday was then the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and had selected Baldeosing to champion the turnaround initiative at that stateowned enterprise. Many of the members of his Board of Directors were older and more experienced than he was. However, they appreciated
Cuba called, the world answered and respected his proactive disposition and his willingness to think outside the box as he made hard decisions in an effort to reduce the haemorrhage that was evident at the company then. Among other things, Baldeosingh mastered the art of leveraging soft skills. He knew the advantage of harnessing soft power. He recollects that there was a period when the trade union representing the workers at PETROTRIN had been engaged in gruelling negotiations with management. The union representatives were very aggressive and periodically resorted to using “harsh industrial language” (sometimes considered to be foul) in an effort to intimidate the negotiators who represented management at the enterprise. However, they appeared to soon cower and cringe when the newly recruited Human Resource Manager (a petite, soft-spoken, young lady) redirected their aggression and engaged them in focusing more intently on resolving the issues at hand. Her soft power yielded speedy and long lasting results that benefited the various stakeholders. This example is recorded here to remind us that mastering soft skills and harnessing soft power can create and sustain long-lasting harmony and positive results. They can diffuse otherwise explosive situations. Soft power can also generate positive results in our homes, schools, neighbourhoods, and workplaces. Many seemingly impassable situations can be resolved when individuals decide to lay aside corrosive words and hostile actions. This may often require the dismantling of egotistic postures and power-seeking behaviours. The Old Testament reference that was used to introduce this essay, Proverbs 15:1, is loaded with wisdom. It reminds us that it is often better to respond with kind, soft words instead of resorting to angry utterances. These tend to be emotionally charged and can ignite rage and resentment thereby worsening the situation. Soft responses and soft power are not signs of weaknesses. They reflect the opposite — strength. It takes strength to be kind, caring, and gentle. This is especially so when confronted with hostility. Strength of character is needed to control rage. It is the weak individual who allows fury to flow unattended and unhindered. It is the weak individual who engages in using degrading and demeaning language when seeking to intimidate others. This is as true for the politician whose unbridled tongue reveals a lack of self-control, as it is for the parent or teacher whose indiscretion triggers a barrage of unkind words. Soft power, on the other hand, reflects a more cultured, disciplined, self-controlled approach to relationships and life. Individuals can feel a strong sense of accomplishment, renewal, and feel reenergised, as they embrace the warmth and bask in the glow of soft power. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
CUBA HAS AN EXEMPLARY RECORD of coming to the assistance of people who are in need. Whether it’s earthquake victims in Haiti or Pakistan or Ebola sufferers in West Africa, Liberation fighters battling apartheid in Southern Africa or the Palestinians resisting Israeli settler fascism, Venezuelans, attempting to build 21st century socialism, pushing back against American aggression or Vincentians reeling from the ravages of a volcanic eruption, Cuba’s revolutionary leadership are always among the first responders. Normally, the world calls and Cuba responds. On October 31, 2018 the tables turned. Cuba called, the world answered. The entire world voted at the United Nations 191 to 2 to demand an end to the American blockage of Cuba. Every independent country, with the exception of USA and its satellite Israel, condemned the Blockage as an illegal infringement on the right of the Cuban government and people to chart its own course. To the USA, cardinal international principles sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and non interference into the affair of others seem not to have meaning. But these are bedrock principles of international law. These principles undergird the United Nations charter. Only on arrogant, aggressive, immoral, unprincipled country will attempt to strangle and impose its will on a small, yet resilient, bold, assertive, audacious, principled country determined ‘to walk on its feet and not on its knees.’ The repudiation of the United States at the United Nations marks the 27th consecutive year that the resolution was brought to the world body. This year’s vote yet again found the United States completely isolated. This year’s vote mirrors the vote last year where 191 countries voted to condemn Washington's outdated policy toward our sister isle. Before the vote, US ambassador Haley Barbour declared the vote a sham since the United Nations could do nothing to change American law. Utter arrogance! She disregarded all of the international law principles that the American government violates when it imposed a unilateral blockage against a member of the international community of nations. There was a brief thaw in relations towards the end of Obama administration. The US and Cuba governments decided to re-establish diplomatic relations in 2015. President Obama visited Havana in April, 2016. Then Donald Trump won the American presidency, increased his hostile rhetoric towards Cuba and rolled back the small steps President Obama initiated. Last year, Trump signed a presidential memorandum toughening U.S. policy toward Cuba, prohibited U.S. companies from doing business with firms associated with Cuba's military, and restricted U.S. citizens' travel to the Caribbean nation. Against the objection of the entire world, including its major allies Canada, European Union, the US administration maintains that Cuba is a terrorist state. Because of the ways in which the western media presents its news, people tend to forget that it is Cuba that has had to resist the terroristic assault from the United States. There was the Bay of Pigs military invasion in 1961; the numerous attempts to destroy Cuban agriculture through the blighting of its cane and Tobacco crops as well as the introduction of African Swine Fever that ravaged pigs and other animals; the CIA
sponsored bombing of the Cubana Airline in 1976 when 73 persons were blown out of the sky minutes after takeoff from Barbados; the bombing of Cuban hotels to destroy its tourism sector; the assassination attempts on the Cuban leadership, especially Fidel Castro, as well as the military, economic and financial aggression that Cuba has had to withstand since the revolution triumphed in 1959. Each year in preparations for the United Nations vote on the resolution, Cuba compiles a dossier detailing the tremendous harm the blockage does to its economy. In its 2018 report to the UN, Cuba demonstrated that the embargo costs Cuba heavily, losses totaling more than 4.3 billion U.S. dollars between April 2017 and March of this year. The Cubans have pointed out that through the life of the blockage, Cuba lost more than US$100 billion. Too often, the error is made to compare Cuba with the most advanced countries. We forget that Cuba is a developing country under siege since the revolution. Cuba’s education and health standards have been praised by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and World Health Organization. Cuba sits literally in the eye of the storm and has been repeatedly credited with one of the best civil defense systems in the world. In 2015, the World Health Organization recognized Cuba as the first country to eliminate HIV transmission from mother to child. Cuba's infant mortality rate has dramatically lowered to less than 5 per 1,000 births, according to the 2012 UN study. That is just under the 2014 rate in the U.S. of 5.82 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to the U.S Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Cuba’s Center for Molecular Immunology has developed an innovative lung cancer vaccine called Cimavax. The drug has been approved for a phase I safety and efficacy testing in the U.S. by the FDA. The country has developed systems for vaccination that are among the best in the developing world, In 1989, Cuba produced a vaccine for meningitis B while it took until 2014 for the U.S. to approve one. Cuba also has a vaccine, Herberprot-B for diabetic foot ulcers, which is the reason behind some 80,000 amputations a year in the U.S. and scores here in SVG a year. In Cuba, the vaccine has reduced amputations by 70 percent. Cuba is also working on a vaccine for cholera. It may sound improbable that a nation isolated for decades by the U.S. blockage, a land perceived as home to old cars and crumbling ruins, might have scored such a sought-after medical breakthrough and best practices. If Cuba has been able to make so much strides against the odds, imagine what socialist beacon would have achieved had it been allowed to develop in peace. The US policy of aggression and blockage of Cuba should be seen as a war crime and crime against humanity. The US actions are unconscionable and illegal. It is time the US heed the cry of the world and end its hostilities against Cuba. Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
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12. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN
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Comparative analysis showing SVG’s lack of progress SINGAPORE, Switzerland and SVG are all considered to be small states geographically, yet Singapore and Switzerland are two of the major players worldwide, with successful economies. A comparative analysis involving Singapore, Switzerland and SVG, has revealed that Singapore and Switzerland are driven by the ability to move a country into prosperity and a high standard of living, and good governance of finance and law. Both Singapore and Switzerland are extremely rich countries with a high standard of living and very low unemployment. SVG, however, is driven by corruption, incompetence and extremely poor financial management. The ULP Regime was forced to beg for public debt forgiveness in 2002 and in 2017. This shows that SVG could never have prosperity and a high standard of living under the hopeless and useless ULP Regime. SVG is a very poor country with a low standard of living and very high unemployment. While SVG is driven by begging, Switzerland and Singapore invest heavily in education, skills, and operate knowledge-based economies that are export oriented. A fair tax system in Singapore and Switzerland means the countries’ respective treasuries have enough funds to implement public policies and undertake infrastructure projects to move the countries forward. In SVG, the unfair tax system
whereby Taiwan and the super-rich of Mustique and Canouan do not pay their fair share of tax, means the SVG Treasury is starved of funds to develop the country and create a better standard of living for all. Another topic of great relevance to the three small states is science and education. Whereas Singapore and Switzerland have universities, technical colleges and good schools, SVG has the reverse - no universities and underfunded and dilapidated schools. Singapore and Switzerland produce highly qualified people en masse, and thus attract substantial amounts of foreign investment. Only about 2 per cent of SVG gain university degrees. The universities of Singapore and Switzerland have done well, and hold top positions in international rankings. SVG does not have one university. Leader of SVG Green Party, Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, strongly believes that extremely deep corruption, gross incompetence and the of lack ability to manage finance have made it highly impossible to stimulate economic growth in SVG. Can SVG become a Singapore or Switzerland of the Caribbean? Certainly yes, but first SVG must implement five new variables as follows: (i) Urgently elect new government in SVG under proportional representation; (ii) Abolish the highly immoral Mustique ACT NO 48 OF 2002; (iii) Urgently cut ties with Taiwan and open ties with China; (iv) Make High Quality Education free from
Pre-School to University; (v) Collect Fish Tax of EC$51 billion from Taiwan and build a knowledge-based economy. Singapore and Switzerland government and companies both offer high-quality products, and guarantee to customers and clients they deal with. Products made in these countries are considered reliable, high-quality and high precision throughout the world. SVG, in comparison, has failed to make a global identity for itself that foreign companies can look to and depend upon to provide high quality products and services. Singapore and Switzerland produce a population that is geared towards critical thinking, problem analysis and creative
thinking. This can be seen with Switzerland creating the International Red Cross, World Economic Forum and 15th among countries in the Fortune Global 500, and Singapore creating Singapore Airlines from scratch which is globally recognised as one of the world’s best airlines. SVG is sadly lacking on the world level. We are being left behind. SVG Green Party
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 , 2018. 13.
People
ÂTantyfreeÊ turns 100 “TRUST IN GOD and you will have nothing to worry about.” That is the advice from Elfrida Elizabeth Dowers, affectionately known as ‘Tantyfree’ of Evesham in the Marriaqua Valley, who celebrated her 100th birthday last Tuesday, November 13, 2018. Driven by prayer, ‘Tantyfree’s’ story began in St Lucia where she was born to Vincentian parents. Her mother returned to St Vincent when she was a baby. Over the years, ‘Tantyfree’ has become a stalwart in her community — as a benevolent shopkeeper and as a sit-in mother for the children of those mothers who had nowhere to leave their young ones for the day so that they could go out to work. Or perhaps she earned her reputation because of the eight individuals she brought into her home and raised as her own, for although married, ‘Tantyfree’ had no children of her own. Godwin McLeod looks to ‘Tantyfree’ as he would his mother, having lived with her from the tender age of three months. McLeod lives abroad with his family, but journeys to St Vincent every year to be with his adopted mother on her big day. He said that the impact that she has had on his life has benefitted him in his family life and in the manner in which he deals with all with whom he comes into contact. “One of the things that
kept her going is her trust in God,” McLeod said noting that her favourite scripture comes from the Book of Proverbs, Chapter 3: Verses 5 and 6. “Prayer and bible reading was her source of strength,” he continued. He recalled having to wake up between 4 and 4:30 every morning for prayer, and it was mandatory that they were indoors in time for evening prayer. “Another rule that she lived by was never let anything worry you — why worry? Pray, give it to God, so why worry?” Phyllis John said that she came to know ‘Tantyfree’ when she moved into the community and, as a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Community, would visit individuals in the community. ‘Tantyfree’ was one. The relationship strengthened, she said, after she discovered that the lady was her husband’s godmother. She now spends time as a part-time caretaker and also reminisced on the old days when ‘Tantyfree’ would volunteer her time to babysit. It is not certain how the name ‘Tantyfree’ came about, but it is noted that it is a play on her name Elfrida. John, though, attributes it to her good nature and her willingness to help. THE VINCENTIAN congratulates ‘Tantyfree’ on the attainment of this milestone, and wishes her God’s richest blessings. (DD)
L-R: Lorna John (caretaker), Godwin McLeod, Elfrida ‘Tantyfree’ Dowers, Phyllis John and Alnela McLeod.
V NTRC I2: PBSS, SVGS out front 14. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN
Technology
THE PETIT BORDEL SECONDARY SCHOOL (PBSS) is, for the second year running, winner of the Secondary Schools Idea Category of the 2018 NTRC I2 Competition. In fact, the PBSS took the top two positions in that category, with ‘PBSS Inventors’, comprised of Nyron Collis and Phyziah Craigg, repeating as winners. The PBSS second team, ‘Young Inventors’, made up of Kazel Ellis, Rachael Robertson and Leon Robertson, took second spot. NUSS Conquerors 2’ from the North Union Secondary School placed third in this category. “The team has been working very hard and even before coming, they said that they were working hard to win, so I am glad that their effort has paid off,” Stanley Jocelyn, the teams’ mentor, told THE VINCENTIAN. The PBSS Young Inventors presented an idea to assist persons with disabilities to detect if a particular area is disability friendly or not. It was inspired by team member Rachael Robertson whose sister is now disabled. The school has proven itself in previous competitions, winning the Secondary Idea Competition in 2015 and 2017, and Jocelyn said that this ought to encourage the other
students at the PBSS to push themselves and become more involved in IT. SVGS again!
Meanwhile, in the Secondary Mobile App Category, ‘Team Titans’ of the St Vincent Grammar School, comprising Myles Jones and Noah Horne, took the top spot followed by ‘Team Titans’ of the SVGS ‘Skai Secure’ from the (L-R): Jason Alexis (mentor), Myles St Joseph’s Convent Jones and Noah Horne. Kingstown in second and ‘NUSS Conqueror Argyle International Airport. 1’ third. “At the school (St Vincent Jones and Horne, both Form Grammar School), we like to 2 students, presented a mobile expose the younger students. I app aimed at assisting am pleased that the younger agriculture producers and guys were able to win the buyers. mobile app category, and Mentor Jason Alexis said hopefully, if we enter next year, that the students conducted we may see another set of young their own research and students,” he said. interviews, and presented the application themselves. Going beyond the competition “I could tell they were passionate about the application And in the Open Category, and what they were doing,” he Janika Johnney and Gerwren said, adding that he was proud Fairbairn of team ‘Mad Lab Pro’ of the students. were first, with ‘Dawati Techs’ Last year, Jared Nichols and second and ‘We Are Creators’ Stanislaus Gomes of the SVGS — third. then 12 and 11 respectively — Johnney and Fairbairn, won the category for an app employees at the Laboratory at aimed at assisting users at the the Milton Cato Memorial
PBSS ‘Young Inventors (L-R) Kazel Ellis, Stanley Jocelyn (mentor), Leon Robertson and Rachael Robertson. Hospital, explained that the app Fairbairn, the next step will be they created was aimed at to do some further development empowering the Vincentian before the app is fully launched. public on the ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ Winners in each category before coming to have a test were awarded cash and in-kind done. prizes, compliments, among Fairbairn elaborated saying others, King Computer, Flow, that as employees, they have Digicel, The St. Vincent recognized that individuals Brewery and the National coming to have tests conducted Insurance Services. (DD) often are not aware what they should do in order to prepare themselves, which results in them having to return. “They have to repeat the task and that is emotionally tasking and financially burdensome, so this app hopes to assist the public,” Fairbairn said. The duo say that they have already pitched the idea to Janika Johnney (r) and Gerwren their employers, who they say are fully Fairbairn (l) of team ‘Mad Lab Pro’ supportive. with Minister of Finance Camillo According to Gonsalves.
FLOW in the ‘fast lane’ with their services BROADBAND SPEED UPGRADE, mobile LTE technology, local number portability and Christmas sweet deals are some of the benefits that telecommunication and digital entertainment service provider FLOW is promising its customers, at no additional cost before the year ends. The announcements were made during a press conference at the company’s SVG headquarters on Halifax Street, last Wednesday. The company announced that customers using Turbo2 service will be upgraded to Turbo 5, while the Turbo 12 service has been upgraded to Turbo 15. Turbo 5 and 15 services are ideal for unlimited browsing, emailing, online shopping and occasional streaming, Flow officials says. Flow Country Manager Wayne Hull said that the rate of change in technology and the demand for broadband internet is moving at lightning speed. “This is a key driver for our consistent investment in our network at an average rate of 12 million EC per annum. This represents roughly 40% of the cash earned by FlOW St.
Vincent, a significant ratio of reinvestment annually by the company,” said Hull. He said that the company’s upgrade in 2018 focused on delivering far better broadband speeds to all of its customers, new mobile technology, enhancing high definition video service and creating memorable digital customer touch point interaction with “our business”. Customers can move from ADSL service to the HFC high speed internet network and do so easily at any retail store or by speaking directly to sales agent. Later this year, Flow will launch Mobile LTE (Long Term Evolution) services. The network will be installed by Ericsson, and is expected to cover 100% of the islands over the next 6 months. This will result in higher capacity and enhance mobile data services. Mobile LTE will also see customers enjoying better video streaming, interactive TV and advanced gaming. In early December Customers wishing to have their cell phone number transferred to a different service provider
without changing will have the opportunity to do so under an initiative known as Number Portabilty. Christmas Promotion Marketing and Communication Lead at Flow, Nikala Williams spoke about the “ Xtra Big” Christmas promotion. She said that there will be Motorcades on the Leeward and Windward sides of the island, bringing the deals to our rural customers. “We are bringing the deals right home to you,” declared Williams. The “ Xtra Big” Christmas promotion will see Xtra Big shopping, Mega Life, Xtra Big Savings , Xtra Big community outreach programmess. FLOW will also be opening for Nine Mornings shopping, and will have an “Insomnia Midnight Madness” where persons can purchase traditional Vincy, topped off with bush tea and local breakfast. Customers will get the chance to nominate someone who will get a surprise visit to their home from FLOW team bearing gifts including
Wayne Hull, Flow Country Manager (centre) spoke in detail about his company’s improved services across the board. Also pictured are Nikala Williams, Marketing and Communication Lead at FLOW (left) and Andrea Liverpool, Customer Sales Representative. household items, $500 in groceries, free mobile for 1 year with high end smartphone and broadband, cable, television and fixed line free for a year. Persons will also win prizes each time they use FLOW services. Customer Sales Representative at FLOW Andrea Liverpool promised major changes to their prepaid plan which will see extra big data. All plans from 1 day to 30 days will now come with free whatsapp. Beginning today, Customers
will get double data when they activate any combo plan on selected days. FLOW is also introducing unlimited Voice Booster and unlimited voice and SMS to FLOW numbers as well as Free talks on evening and weekends. Liverpool also outlines great deals for Post paid customers as well as benefits for TV/Broadband customers. Daily giveaways of ham and turkey are also to be expected among the benefits that FLOW customers will enjoy for the Christmas season as well as going forward.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. 15.
News
Vendor wants compensation:
KTB resistant
he contends that on top of Charles explained that monthly he resorted to vending as utility bills, his daughter a means of being selfwho has been sufficient, and complained bitterly that diagnosed with cancer, since he lost the table, needs to have business has not been tests done, good. but he cannot “My bills are packing afford to pay up because of the negligence…. it is really for them. Not having frustrating,” he said. a table is Charles said that he preventing has taken up his issue with a number of people - him from , officials at the KTB, the earning a living, he Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport says, and it is the accommodate cleaning of and Works, which has responsibility of the KTB the area. responsibility for the to compensate him for He said that the KTB. the loss of his stall. vendors have the spaces Even the Minister of to themselves from Works, Senator Julian KTB responds Monday to Saturday, and Francis, and the Prime all the KTB was asking Minister have been When contacted, was that during the contacted on the issue, Warden (Ag) of the KTB - times that Kingstown is Charles said. He is not pleased with Benson Plaugh-Feddows not populated, i.e. the response, concluding said that it has been the Sundays or public policy of the KTB to have holidays, that vendors that no one wants to vendors move their stalls clean up the area they listen to him. occupy, which includes And in the meantime, on weekends. This is to the removal of stalls, tables, tents etc. Regular announcements are made to remind persons of this, some explanation of my situation reported and during the recent to the Labour Commissioner who upon in Independence weekend, refused also,” said Thomas. writing an extra effort was made Now, the case is expected to be must sign to get the word out to heard on December 14th, 2018, that vendors. but Thomas is not too excited. He document. Flyers were printed, is currently studying in Taiwan. Thomas paid advertisements “The only way I can come back assured he aired on radio stations — home is if I buy my ticket and is aware of the message was sent, stay ‘brokes’,” said Thomas, this Feddows assured. adding that he has no advocate or procedure, Yet some individuals a lawyer to argue his case, and Kent Thomas may refused to move their … “because that the matter might simply fall have been duped I was items. away. once again. involved in Thomas has maintained that in having a few Charles’s case the absence of any given reason, his dismissal might have resulted people cuss my ass when I gave According to the KTB them their document.” from his social media postings, As to the reason for proceeding Warden (Ag), the items but insisted that he has never belonging to Charles had any disciplinary proceedings with the case, he said that he were still on the wanted to ensure that it will against him. compound of the “My posts are intended only to never happen to anyone again. Former Manager at BRAGSA - Kingstown Market after ensure Vincentians make the 11 into midnight on the Dexter Gellizeau who supervised choices they need to and see eve of Independence Thomas for the better part of his things for what they are. I can’t which, he said, suggested be bothered to be ULP or NDP, I (Thomas) three-year tenure with that he had no intention am anti-corruption,” said Thomas. BRAGSA, said that the to move the stall. termination letter came to his “This is St. Vincent and the These items were Grenadines. When you seem to be desk for him to sign and he thrown into a truck with refused to sign it. against the Government, they the intention of taking He described Thomas as a connive to ensure things work them to the landfill reliable worker. “He was a guy I even more slowly for you. I have located at Diamond. could have depended on to do the yet to have ever received any “I cannot fault the job,” said the former Manager at single comment on why I was guys,” he said. BRAGSA. fired,” Thomas added. Feddows said that he THE VINCENTIAN was He explained that BRAGSA unable to get a comment from the saw the area looking has procedures governing clean on Independence personnel matters; anyone who is management at BRAGSA. Day, but was told that
vend there by the then Warden of the KTB, with an arrangement that does not require him to pay any fees as the other vendors do. He started off selling Albert Charles wants music (CDs), but has compensation for his since expanded to stall. selling electronics, ALBERTO ‘Yellow’ Charles shades and other items, is seeking compensation which he displays on the for an item, his property, table in question. that he said was disposed He pays someone to of over the Independence move the table on weekend. weekends, and that that According to Charles, individual reported that he is seeking on October 26, while compensation in the attempting to move the amount of EC$3,000 for a table, he was attacked by metal table that he uses a security officer in plying his trade as a attached to KTB and the vendor, which he alleges table was taken and was thrown away by eventually dumped. workers associated with Attempts to retrieve the Kingstown Town the table from the Board. landfill were Charles has been unsuccessful, Charles operating from a spot at reported. the front (Back Street “I paid EC$2,000 to side) of the Kingstown build my stall,” he told Market for over 10 years. THE VINCENTIAN. He claims to have been granted permission to No one listening, bills
mounting
BRAGSA Engineer case to be heard, but …. by KENVILLE HORNE THE MATTER of the dismissal of an engineer by the Bridges, Roads and General Services Authority (BRAGSA) is expected to be adjudicated on eventually. However, there is a twist to the tale. The complainant, Mr. Kent Thomas, is currently out of the state — studying in Taiwan — and cannot afford to return for the hearing. Kent Thomas’s services with BRAGSA were terminated with immediate effect on January 31st, 2018 without reason. When Thomas showed up for work that day, he was greeted with the termination letter. It was signed by Colin , Head of Building Division — Infrastructure, Services Department and Labour Commissioner. It read:
“Dear Mr. Thomas, Please be advised that your employment as a Civil Engineer with the Roads, Buildings and General Services Authority (BRAGSA) which commenced on 1st April 2015 is terminated with immediate effect,”. According to Thomas, “I have on multiple occasions asked for a meeting with the Minister of Labour and have been refused blatantly. I have also requested
Below: Vendors, especially those outside of the actual structure of the Kingstown Vegetable Market, are expected to remove or make provision for the storing of their tables, etc. so as to allow for cleaning and sanitizing the area.
not everyone had complied, and that there were items including tent frames and tables that had been dumped … taken to the landfill. He admitted that, had he been present on Friday night during the clean-up, he would have organized for the items to be stored temporarily in the market. Nevertheless, Feddows said that he was able to intercept the truck before it got to the landfill, and individuals who thought their items may have been dumped, were instructed to go to a location in Diamond to retrieve them. According to Feddows, Charles was unable to be contacted and by the time he (Charles) was eventually contacted, it was already too late — the stall was already gone. Feddows further stated that Charles was not being honest, saying that he was barred from operating in the market because of his failure to pay the daily fees. He was in fact, according to Feddows, “squatting.” He further said that the KTB was trying to clean up Kingstown, but that vendors often left items behind such as tent frames, anchor stones and the like. Even the issue as it relates to individuals playing amplified music in Kingstown needed to be addressed, Feddows indicated. “There are so many things that need to be fixed,” he said. (DD)
V riiite siiide uppp 16. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN
Arts
Rituals: These Glorious Things, by Jeremy Payne, photo by Errol John.
THIS SATURDAY 17th November, from 4pm, for ONE night only, caroline ‘booops’ sardine and Jeremy Payne will reunite in a joint show called riiite siiide uppp at The Grand View Hotel, Villa Point. Their last show, Inside Out, in 2016 at the Cigarette Factory, Arnos Vale, drew over 250 patrons in a single evening. Admission is FREE for this show as well. The choice of venue is a
continuation of their wish to bring awareness to historical buildings and how their function may change without compromising the integrity of the structure. The site was formerly called Wilkie’s Battery in the 18th century and was the corresponding battlement to Fort Duvernette. In the 19th century, a large drying house for cotton was built and remained until the 1940s, when the property was purchased by Frank Sardine. It was then architecturally altered by C.F. Richardson to convert
the building into a family dwelling. In 1964, it was further converted into the hotel it is known as today.
riiite siiide uppp Still on a high from The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange invitational at Buckingham Palace this year, Jeremy Payne will collaborate with the Arabesque Dance Company for his performance piece. He outlines his concept as a collection of beings immersed in their feelings. This group of soft sculptures in motion, are completely submerged in emotional exploration. The vibrant composition of textures and forms, are described as guilefully enveloping the dancers, to block out and dull the surrounding stimuli. The performers are then liberated to freely express themselves individually, regardless of the presence of observers, resulting in a ‘she tried to hiiide it’, detail, oil on canvas by triptych organism of caroline booops sardine. sorts. caroline booops tale of a soul’s journey in Liquors Ltd.; B.M.C. sardine is a seasoned and a body of emotions. Agencies Ltd .; Platinum well renowned artist Sounds; Nadia Huggins; The generous with a smorgasbord of sponsorship and support Ellsworth Dacon; notable alma maters Arabesque Dance of the following have which include The Edna made riiite siiide uppp Company ; The Grand Manley College of the View Hotel. (Submitted) possible: Gonsalves Visual and Performing Arts, Jamaica, as well as The Royal College of Art, London. She will show a group of twenty-five paintings and sculptures from various periods in her career. The majority are recent compositions and have never been exhibited before. It is not a retrospective, but more of a narrative of the never-ending story. Everything starts with the source and the source is light, bent and bounced to compose colours, crests and valleys of painterly detail and popup book-like moments. The palettes tell the Promotional flyer for riiite siiide uppp.
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 , 2018. 17.
V Taiwan happy to transfer technology 18. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN
Government
(L-R): Taiwan’s Ambassador H. E. Calvin Ho and Minister of Information Technology Hon. Camillo Gonsalves seal the deal of cooperation towards improving the Electronic Document and Records Management of the government of SVG.
THE ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines/Republic of China (Taiwan) relationship reached another milestone with the introduction of technology aimed at improving the Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) of government, thanks to the government of Taiwan. Taiwan’s Ambassador to St. Vincent and the Grenadines His Excellency Calvin Ho, at a launching ceremony on Monday, expressed confidence that the venture will “provide a positive impact” on the lives of Vincentians. Ho recounted the threeyear incubation period, and was satisfied that it was time for
implementation. He is happy that his country can share and transfer methods of advanced technology so that SVG can have a better quality of life. He regards the collaboration as a “symbol of partnership” between the two nations, and promised that “We (Taiwan) will continue to assist this country in ways necessary for its overall development.” The measures have been grafted into sectors of government. Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance Economic Planning, Sustainable Development, and Information Technology, lamented the “antiquated”
nature of the colonial government structure, and public service.” Gonsalves praised the said that the “solution is Taiwan for delivering the technology.” Gonsalves pointed to the “cost” attached to “inefficiency” which he contends, “retards the development of the country.” The Finance Minister is anxious to advance, and cited: “We are in a hurry to develop. We can’t afford the cost in each step of the way.” A card system has been deployed in government departments which allows for faster, more reliable ways of doing business. The Finance Minister is hoping the card becomes mandatory and “becomes second nature in the
service. He projects that Information and Communication
Technology transforms life in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.” (WKA)
THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 , 2018. 19.
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20. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN
Advice
What if we want another child? Dear George,
MY WIFE is forcing me to have a vasectomy, and because I am refusing to do so, she is accusing me of not loving her as much as I say I do. She is also accusing me of leaving the door open to impregnate other women if and when I wish to. George, I take strong offence to her sense of reasoning, which is why I am holding ground on the decision not to do this. I am appalled that she would be thinking like this. I’m saying to her that we only have one child and we are both in our late twenties and should wait until we are absolutely sure it’s what WE want and what SHE wants. I object to her constantly nagging me to do something I’ve never even thought of doing before in my life.
Feeling harassed. Dear Feeling Harassed, It seems to me that your wife is showing signs of insecurity when it
comes to you and the marriage. Maybe she figures you getting a vasectomy would be like an insurance policy which would bind you to the relationship. I urge you to sit down with her and reassure her of your love for her and that you do not have to get a vasectomy to prove that love. Try to find out where that insecurity is coming from, and take the necessary steps to address it. Given both your ages, waiting a few more years to make such an important decision will not hurt, and besides, you may very well find out that by addressing her insecurities, she may choose to hold back on the idea of a vasectomy. If you cannot get through to her, then I suggest you seek the help of a marriage counsellor.
George
Move over friendship Dear George, MY GIRLFRIEND is always boasting to me about the size of her boyfriend’s penis. At first, I thought she was making it up, until one day I decided to find out for myself. I just could not hold myself back from finding out, and so I did. We had sex just one time, and to be honest with you, I was even much more than I expected. She is so lucky to have a man like that. I have to admit that I am going to put our friendship aside, and do all I can to get that man
for myself. I know he likes me, and I’ve already told him I want him for myself. I just do not know how to tell her that her trusted man is soon to be no more. This is one time I won’t mind trading our friendship for a perfectly well-endowed man.
Reality Strikes Dear Reality Strikes, You are headed in the wrong direction, and you need to make an immediate U-turn. Good sex is not the only ingredient for a
satisfying relationship. Why ruin a perfectly good friendship, to get a man who is not yours, and who has already demonstrated that he lacks the ability to stay faithful to one partner. Your friend I’m sure may have a thousand good reasons for being with that man. Leave her to work on her relationship. Friends look out for one another, and would never deliberately do anything to bring hurt and pain to each other. Hopefully, it is not too late for you to fix what you have so maliciously broken.
George
Third party thing not working out and politely asked her to leave. Before she left, she slipped her number into A WOMAN whom I do my hand, unknowing to not know, walked up to my husband. All of that my husband one day took place two months while we were shopping ago, and we have been in Kingstown and told him she has her eyes on seeing each other since. I mustered up the courage me, and he can either and confessed everything decide to share me with to my husband. He just her, or risk losing me asked me to bring her altogether. My husband home, which I did. She jokingly told her he would share me with her, moved in with us, and things went well for a not realizing she was time, but she now wants about to take him all of me, and gets really seriously. Georgie boy, this woman showed up at jealous and mad when I give my husband more our home one evening attention. It’s a real and told us she was there to spend the night. problem, and our marriage is showing I do not know how she signs of cracking because found out where we of it. lived. To cut a long story Deep end. short, my husband turned down her request
Dear George,
Dear Deep end, It is never a good idea to introduce a third party into any relationship. You and your husband did exactly that, and still expected things to work as smooth as before. It’s like putting water into the gas tank of a vehicle and wondering why the engine is having problems. It’s time to take action and send your ‘friend’ packing, and get your marriage back on track. Let’s hope this experience has taught you both a lesson not to play with fire. Take this time to renew your commitment to each other “forsaking all others.”
George
Leisure
ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) You're best to channel your energy into work. Your love will not be willing to listen to your criticism. Take a look at yourself and prepare to make those changes you've been contemplating. Don't volunteer private information about yourself unless you're prepared to be talked about behind your back. TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Try not to be too aggressive or judgmental when talking to your mate. You may be tempted to spend too much on entertainment or luxury items. Be prepared to take advantage of your good fortune. Don't make excuses. GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) Complete those hobbies you started a long time ago. You need an outlet that will help take your mind off any troubles at work. Follow your gut feeling regarding your business ventures. You're in the mood to do things such as competitive sports, or perhaps a night on the town. CANCER (June 22‐July 22) You will have to watch out for minor health problems related to stress. Be sure to take care of any minor ailments. Avoid too much discourse with colleagues this week. You can meet new friends who will let you know just how valuable you are. LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Don't promise to deliver the goods if you aren't positive that you can meet the deadline. You may have difficulties finishing projects you start. Sudden changes concerning coworkers may surprise you. VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) You won't be well received by superiors or by your spouse. Make arrangements to spend quality time together. Secret affairs may be tempting, but keep in mind that they will damage your reputation if you
decide to indulge. Make career changes that may increase your income. LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Take the time to do something nice for your friends and relatives. You must not let fellow workers take advantage of your fine talents. Join a club to work off that excess energy; but consider ways of doing that without spending the money. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Try to curb your habits, or you could find yourself in an awkward financial position. Keep an open mind when listening to the opinions of others. Don't divulge secret information. Your confidence will stabilize your position. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Get out and experience the spice of life. It's time to reevaluate your motives. Hard work will not go unnoticed. Visitors may be likely to drop by. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) You must use discretion when talking to others. Gambling should not be an option. Don't be afraid to pursue unfamiliar grounds. Look into the cost factor, but don't try to get backing yet. Help if you can, but more than likely it will be sufficient just to listen. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Changes in your residence will be favorable in the long haul. Real estate ventures will be to your advantage. Anger might lead to carelessness and minor injuries. Love could develop with someone of a different cultural background. PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) You should try to elaborate on an idea you have regarding a product or service for the home. You have to take hold of your life and make some crucial decisions. You will find that unfinished projects at home will be most satisfying.
ACROSS 1. Succulent 5. Republic in SW Asia 9. Curve 12. Seaward 13. Deal out sparingly 14. Beetle 15. False god 16. Monkeys 17. Be in debt 18. Wan 20. Progressive emaciation 22. Theater district 25. Customer 26. Retract 27. Feat 28. Abstract being 29. Doze 30. Drinking cup 33. Rounded lump 35. Pass into disuse 37. Consented 40. Jacob’s favorite wife 41. Goatlike antelope 42. Bloodsucking insect 43. Have supper 44. Sudden assault 46. River in central Switzerland 50. Period of human life 51. Bicycle 52. Steep, rugged rock 53. Monetary unit of Japan 54. Primordial giant in Norse myth 55. Game of chance DOWN 1. Laboratory 2. North American nation 3. Ocean 4. Monetary unit of Saudi Arabia 5. State in the NW
United States 6. Resembling a rope 7. Malt beverage 8. Snuggle 9. Sun‐dried brick 10. Aftermath 11. Summit 19. Pigpen 21. Help 22. Regret 23. Tavern 24. Donkey 25. Brown‐capped boletus mushroom 27. Tap gently 29. Incline head 30. Miles per hour 31. Exploit 32. Jelly 33. Small cask
34. Close at hand 35. Resinous deposit 36. Antiaircraft fire 37. Analyze a metallic compound 38. Appraise 39. Become ripe
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. 21.
40. Person who rides 42. Polynesian carved image 45. Direct a gun 47. Part of verb to be 48. Hurried 49. Self‐esteem
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22. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN
Diaspora
SVGAW celebrate with Senator Carlos James
Executive members of SVGAW with Senator Carlos James (3rd from right).
VINCENTIANS in Canada were the host to Senator and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly of St. Vincent and the
Grenadines, Senator Carlos James for the 39th independence celebrations and the 42nd anniversary of the St. Vincent and the
Grenadines Association of Winnipeg Inc. (SVGAW). SVGAW is one of many Caribbean organizations in Winnipeg which serves the
Vincentian diaspora community. Organizers of the independence events, The St. Vincent and the
Grenadines Association of Winnipeg Inc. summarized, that the events were a success in commemorating another year of SVG’s historic milestone. The independence celebration began on Sunday 21st October with a church service at the Truth and Life Worship Centre in Winnipeg, a church pastored by Vincentians Calvert and Sis Sylvonne Layne. The exhortation was done by their daughter Chenene Layne on the topic “Working Together to Enhance National Pride”, and prayers were said by Pastor Randolph Chewitt. The SVGAW held a town hall meeting on Friday 26th October which was facilitated by Senator Carlos James. The senator spoke on several topics ranging from the economy, education and scholarship opportunities, sports, natural disasters/climate change, crime, tourism and the Argyle International Airport. Members of the diaspora in Winnipeg were challenged by the senator to invest in their country, not only by way of sending remittances, but also to invest in the implementation of ideas for economic development of the island. He emphasized the need for tangible investment in the agriculture sector, and to ensure the diaspora community continues to play a vital role in transforming the public sector which is needed to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within the civil service. President Mrs. Arlene Green of the SVGAW in her address at a dinner held on Saturday 27th October, made mention of several projects in St. Vincent being funded by the association to support school feeding programmes; Special Olympics, SVG athletes going to the World Games in 2019 and a football youth team in
the rural area. In a few weeks, members of the association will distribute monies to support the projects indicated. Mrs. Green thanked all Vincentians in the Winnipeg diaspora who continue to support the association in the area of fundraising which helps to make donations to projects in SVG a reality. She also thanked members of the executive; Vice-president Charles Henry, Secretary/Treasurer DeCris Providence; PRO Margaret Lewis-John; Chair of Women’s Committee Angella Cupid; Outreach Coordinator John Jack, and Immediate Past President Dennis Cupid, for their hard work and dedication to the Vincentian community. The highlight of the independence celebration was the featured address delivered by Senator Carlos James to Vincentians and other Caribbean nationals at the dinner and dance. The senator highlighted the reasons why we need to celebrate our independence despite our smallness and vulnerabilities due to colonialism, globalization and continued challenges to our economy and opportunities for advancement. He emphasized “that amidst the colonial, socioeconomic and political challenges, Vincentians are a resilient people by nature, beginning from paramount chief Joseph Chatoyer, and that as a people, we have come far despite our many obstacles”. Senator James used the opportunity to appeal to all Caribbean people in the diaspora to invest in their country and to continue to be a pillar in their development. The independence celebration concluded by dancing to the sweet songs of Vincy music, played by Desiree Richard known as DJ Des and ably assisted by her husband Chris Richard. (Submitted by: SVGAW)
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. 23.
SVG improves in OECS Swimming Championships included 11 gold, 19 silver and 34 bronze medals — an increase over the 62 won last year. This pushed SVG to a total of 955 far surpassing the tally of 807 in 2017. In all, seventeen (17) different athletes brought home medals as opposed to the 13 medal winners last year, which compares more than commendably with the fact that six years ago, SVG had two medalists - Shné and Alex Joachim — at this level.
The SVG team to the 28th OECS Swimming Championships held in Antigua. Right: SVG First and Second in the Boys 15 – 17 (from left) Nikolas Sylvester and Shane Cadogan.
races including 3 golds, 3 silvers and 1 bronze. Shane Cadogan, swimming in the boys age 15 to 17 category, won 2 gold medals. The boys 15 to 17 age won a bronze medal in the 200-meter relay. That team comprised Shane Cadogan, Nikolas Sylvester, Aaron Defreitas and Cruz Halbich. Alex Joachim in the Individual/team Highlights boys age 13 to 14, won 8 Female 9- 10 Relay Team (Four in the centre); (Top medals including 2 gold, 3 The girls aged 10 & L- R): Zariel Nelson, Jamie Joachim; (Bottom Lunder won Gold in both of silver and 3 bronze. R): Kavern Da Silva and Kennice Greene. Zariel Nelson, their relays (the 200-meter swimming in her first year THE 28TH ANNUAL OECS country at a disadvantage Medley relay and the 200- in the girls age 9 to 10, meter Freestyle relay). Swimming Championships as far as far as impressed all and won 5 were held in Antigua, accumulating points from The team members were medals - 2 gold, 1 silver Kennice Greene, Kavern November 8th to 10th, 2018 certain age groups is and 2 bronze. Dasilva, Jamie Joachim inclusively, and St. Vincent concerned, they are Nikolas Sylvester, and Zariel Nelson. and the Grenadines sent a pleased to report that SVG swimming in his final year Kavern Dasilva (girls team of 34 swimmers and 2 continues to improve by in boys age 15 to 17, won 7 age 9 to 10) won gold in coaches - Kyle Dougan and almost every measure in medals - 3 silvers and 4 the 50-meter Backstroke Neiasha Alexander - to this competitive swimming, while setting a new OECS bronze. event. with points standing Kennice Greene, record. And while swimming continuing to close in on swimming in girls age 9 to Shné Joachim, officials here continue to the other islands. 10, won 5 bronze medals swimming in her last year lament the fact that the In this regard, SVG and of girls age 15 to 17, took lack of representation in swimmers won a total of Jamie Joachim, in the home 7 medals in her 8 all age categories puts this 66 medals - which same category, won 2
silver medals. Eltonique Leonard won 4 medals in the girls 8 and Under age group: 1 gold, 2 silvers, 1 bronze. Hazen Dabriel won 2 silver and 2 bronze medals, swimming in the boys age 8 and Under category. Eltonte Leonard swimming in his first year of the boys age 11 to 12, won 4 bronze medals. The boys age 11 to 14 won silver medals in both their relays. The team members were Bryson George, Kanale Alleyne, Tristan Ballah, Tavonte Forde and Alexander Joachim. Others who medalled were: Cruz Halbich (boys age 15 to 17) - 3 bronze medals; Tavonte Ford (boys age 11 to 12) - 3 bronze medals; Mya DeFreitas (girls age 11 to
12) and Bryson George (boys age 13 to 14) - 2 bronze medals each; Tristan Ballah (boys age 11 to 12) - silver medal in the 100-meter Breaststroke and Dennis Sutherland (boys age 8 and Under)- bronze medal. SVG’s particicpation in the 28th Annual OECS Swimming Championship was made possible with the kind support of the National Lotteries Authority, FLOW, Scotiabank, CGM Gallagher and the SVG Olympic Committee.
Things looking up for U-20 footballers offices, General Secretary of the National Football body- Devron Poyer, disclosed that scouts have shown interest in some players. “Coming out of the tournament in Bradenton, the Federation (has) received a number of calls, Devron Poyer. SVGFF’s as it relates to players, scholarships and scouting General Secretary, and things along that speaking at Tuesday’s line,” Poyer disclosed. Media Briefing. In furtherance of these inquiries and potential DESPITE NOT opportunities, Poyer said QUALIFYING for the next the executive would be phase of the CONCACAF meeting with the Under-20 Championships respective clubs of the taking place in Bradenton, players, their schools, as Florida, USA, things are well as their colleges looking up for some Poyer noted that this players of the team. type of conversation was At a Media Briefing necessary for the held last Tuesday at the protection of the players. St Vincent and the “It is not only about Grenadines Football sending them out… We Federation’s (SVGFF) have to protect them as we
send them out; make sure they are secured, (and that) their contracts cover them,” Poyer related. Poyer, speaking in the absence of the team’s Head Coach- Wayde Jackson and his assistantAlfred Grant, who both remained in Bradenton to pursue their CONCACAF C Licence certification, stated: “We are proud of their accomplishments … We are impressed with what they did in their performance.” Playing in group A, SVG won one match, but lost four. In their opening match, the Vincentian lads were beaten 3-2 by Trinidad and Tobago and then by Suriname 2-1, this after scoring first on their opponents. The lone win — 3-0 over
US Virgin islands - came in their third outing, but they fell to the USA 6-0 in their fourth match. A 4-2 defeat to Puerto Rico brought the SVG campaign to a close. Not daunted by the defeat, Poyer sited the championships as part of the long term planning process of the SVGFF. “We are preparing a generation now for the senior men’s Vincy Heat team,” he advised. Confirmation of this came from current senior men’s Head CoachCornelius Huggins, who was also present at last Tuesday’s Media Conference. Huggins confirmed that some of the players would be featured in this Sunday’s CONCACAF Nations League match,
Senior Men’s team Head Coach- Cornelius Huggins (right) in picture with the team’s ViceCaptain- Azihno Solomon, at last Tuesday’s Media Briefing. when SVG face the Turks and Caicos Islands in Providenciales. According to Huggins, “We are going to bring some of the players from the Under-20. ….. (We plan to) give some of them their debut … We would be trying to groom them a lit bit more.” Four of the players who were part of the Under-20
team to the USA were included in the senior team in the two previous Nations League’s matches against Nicaragua and French Guiana. Joel Quashie, Diel Spring and Trivis Fraser featured in both matches, while Gidson Francis, who was part of the team to French Guiana, is yet to make his senior team debut.
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24. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
Reccos - New Bagga Football Champs RECCOS are the new Shavil champions of the Bank of St Cunningham Vincent and the Grenadines/ Top Goal scorer. Hairoun ‘Hold Yo Own Barrouallie’ Football League. only goal of They laid claim to the title the when they encounter beat played in TYOLA, front of an the appreciative defending crowd. champions, Finishing 1-nil in the third in the final League was played last United Sunday at Strikers. the North Keartons Leeward Playing Predators 1 Field. retained Jamal their Knock Crease, Out title when they defeated with a first Reccos earlier in the Orandi half strike, Richardson competition. Most Outstanding accounted During the presentation for the Defender.
Reccos – Barrouallie’s new Football Champions. ceremony that followed last Sunday’s finals, Temon McKie of Reccos was voted the MVP of the finals. National striker Shavil Cunningham of Youngsters FC was the top scorer of the tournament with 10 goals.
SVGCC crowns new football champs YEAR ONE TECHNICAL and Vocational kept their nerves in a penalty shootout to go past Year Two Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies, 5-4, and lift the National Lotteries Authority / French Verandah St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College’s Inter- Divisional Football final at the Victoria Park, last Monday night. The title was decided from the penalty spot after the teams had played to a nil-nil draw in regulation time of 90 minutes. Year One Technical and Vocational missed an opportunity to register a goal in normal time, when Zadaan Simmons had his penalty saved by Lemus Christopher. Also, Hosni Chandler had hit the crossbar for Year Two Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies, with an open
Orandi Richardson of Unlimited Strikers took the award for the Most Outstanding Defender. Teron Miller of TYOLAR was the Best Midfielder. Jeremy Games of United Strikers was the Best Goalkeeper. Garvin
goal at his mercy. Chandler was to rue this chance, as his team mate Joash Nash was the only player to miss his kick from the penalty New SVGCC’s Inter- Divisional Football spot. Champions- Year One Technical and In the thirdVocational. place play off which preceded Simmons got the nod as the the final, RSVG Awards Best Striker of the Police Youth Zadaan Simmons- Best Tournament. Club had a 2-1 Striker recipient. Geovanni Meanwhile, the Year Two win over Arts, Sciences and General Bascombe of dethroned champions- Year Studies’ trio of J’Ron Smith, One Division of Arts, Sciences Year One Technical and Vocational was the MVP of the Joash Nash and Arthur and General Studies. Finals, with his team mate Laborde, were adjudged the The RSVG Youth Club’s Darius Williams taking the Best Midfielder, Best Defender goals came from Romario Best Goalkeeper award. and MVP of the Tournament, Grant and Ronaldo Williams. Hosni Chandler and Zadaan respectively. Jerry Cato netted for Year Simmons were the joint top Nine teams contested the One Division of Arts, Sciences goal scorers with seven goals tournament. and General Studies. each.
Davis of Starter was adjusted the top Emerging Player. Ajuba United 2 was adjudged the Most Disciplined Team. A total of 19 teams took part in the tournament. I.B.A.ALLEN
Best Defender awardeeJoash Nash (left) is presented with his winnings by SVGFFPresident- Marvin Fraser.
Locals seek Chatoyer 10K three–peat VINCENTIANS Junior Ashton and Linda Mc Dowall will be looking to make it three in a row in the international category of the North American, Central American and CaribbeanNACAC Chatoyer International Endurance 10K Road Race. Set for a 3pm start this Sunday, in the North Leeward area of mainland St. Vincent, the Chatoyer 10K, has been tagged the “World’s Most Challenging Road Race”.
Running off from Gordon Yard, the athletes will have to combat the hilly terrain of the course, before ending at the Chateaubelair Playing Field. Administrated by Team Athletics SVG, as part of its road racing calendar, Ashton and Mc Dowall are chomping on their lips, having once again in their sights the US $1300, set aside for the winners of the international categories. Second place in this category is allocated $700, and
$500 for the third-place finisher. The fourth and fifth places in each of the genders of the race, pockets $250 and $100, respectively.
Local categories/Incentives In the local categories, there are cash prizes for the top five places in the Under20, the 20 and Over, and the Masters, which is for athletes 50 years and over. The school with the most
athletes crossing the finish line will receive EC$1000.00 worth of athletic equipment of their choice. According to Team Athletics SVG: “The athlete count can be mixed or a single gender”. And, the first athlete to reach the 5K half way mark, gets US$100. Sunday’s race has received official sanction from the Association of National Olympic Committees of the OECS (ANOCES). Junior Ashton
Linda Mc Dowall
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. 25.
Sports
Picking it up THE FOOTBALL horizon broadens with the winding down of the Under 20 Concacaf qualifiers. St. Vincent and the Grenadines placed fifth in their Under 20 quest. The USA, who topped the group, take on Costa Rica today in the second round and Group C winner Honduras, Sunday. Honduras and Costa Rica drew one all draw in Tuesday’s second phase, while Panama nipped El Salvador 1: 0. Mexico swings into action today against El Salvador. Sunday’s other game features Panama and Mexico. Group winners and the second place advance to the Under 20 World Cup in Poland 2019. The attention shifts also to the Nations’ League with 17 matches scheduled for the third round. One of those will be St. Vincent and the Grenadines against Turks and Caicos Islands. That’s one of four fixtures on Sunday, with St. Kitts/Nevis hosting Canada arousing curiosity. Bahamas and Anguilla meet while Barbados will be at home to the United States Virgin Islands. Today’s Nations League card shows Aruba against Montserrat. And results so far indicate that this will be a classic encounter. British Virgin Islands/Bonaire, Grenada/Sint Martin, Bermuda El Salvador, and Belize/Puerto Rico round off today’s schedule. Tomorrow Saturday 17, Cuba and Domingo meet in a winners clash, while Jamaica will settle scores with Curacao in Kingston. Nicaragua meets Haiti in another showdown, and Cayman Islands will endeavour to strangle St. Lucia. Martinique plays Antigua/Barbuda in one of Monday’s fixture, with Curacao and Guadeloupe completing the day. Sint Marten enjoys home turf advantage over Dominica in Tuesday’s listing, and the Guianas (French and English) meet in Cayenne. The competition fades into hibernation until March next year with the fourth round sketches. By then, the teams would have worked their positions across the table. That will set the stage for Gold Cup orientation. There is the 2022 World Cup qualifiers looming. By then, the Middle East will have attracted attention with something other than conflict. Given the course of events as they unfold globally, it will be dangerous to predict any order of activity. What is also a pattern is the system of presenting the issues as they occur. Fans in the North Leeward area will have to wait a little to witness this year’s final of the Vinlec T/20 Cricket championship. One finalist has been decided, but the other is yet to be named. The West Indies Women pulled off a heist in the World Cup competition taking place in the Caribbean. One would have written offthe team with a score of 106 against Bangladesh. But Deandra Dottin pulled the choke with best figures of 5 for 5 to secure an emphatic victory. Perhaps some fans will call for the women to play the men’s role. For they will not be pleased with the Test results, ODI nor T/20 which proceeded in India. There is a sense of cross border energy, and when the women step up, their counterparts get jealous. The males are in Bangladesh in a continuation of their Asian tour. They will have to find fortitude to withstand the heat. And that’s part of the preparation process. The 2019 World Cup is counting down. And that will be a vital stage in the process.
Ajuba, Police in North Leeward T20 Finals AJUBA from Spring Village and defending champions the RSVG Police, will contest the 2018 VINLEC North Leeward T20 Cricket competition finals, after victories in their semi-final
Casmond Walters hit 75 for Ajuba to be the semi-finals top scorer.
matches, played last weekend at the Cumberland playing field. In the first semi-final, in a one-sided affair, Ajuba defeated Kishore Shallow Coulls Hill Rangers by 152 runs. Ajuba made 211 for 5 off 20 overs, Casmond Walters top-scoring with 75, Chrisroy John hitting 71 and Asif Hooper 26. Leon Quashie took 2 for 23 and Kishore Shallow 2 for 36. Coulls Hill Rangers in reply hardly looked the part and were humiliated when they were bowled out ibn 13.3 overs for a mere 59. Asif Hooper took 2 for 3 and Roneil Jeffery 2 for 5. In the second semi, a
closer encounter, defending champions the RSVG Police Force defeated Robertson Surveying Future Legends of Rose Hall by 2 wickets. Future Legends made 141 for 6, off 20 overs. Christopher Howe led with 45 not out. Marcus Castello and Rajiv Roberts each Chrisroy had 28. Romario John hit 71 Bibby took 2 for 24. for Ajuba. Police made heavy work of their replay, eventually getting to 144 took 3 for 23 and for 8 with one ball Kevin remaining in their Samuel 2 allotted 20 overs. Rickford Walker led with for 33. 55 and Desron Maloney I.B.A. ALLEN contributed 23. Roberts
Rickford Walker made the difference for Police with a knock of 55.
Reshawn Lewis shows good form RESHAWN LEWIS, National Under-15 wicket-keeper batsman, hit an unbeaten century in the first practice match of the National Under-15 squad, preparing for the Windward Islands Under-15 tournament to be held in St Lucia next month. Lewis stroked 102 not out with 11 fours, to help Kodi Grant Eleven to 213 for 7 from 48 overs, against a Luke Wilson-led Eleven
at the Arnos Vale 2 Playing Field Reshawn, a last Saturday. graduate of the Left arm medium pacer Lennox John Devante McDowall, with 2 for 12, Academy, hit a was the pick of the bowlers for the century in an ULuke Wilson Eleven. 15 practice The Luke Wilson Eleven were match. 117 for 6 from 33 overs when play this Saturday at ended. Allrounder Kirtney Franklyn topscored with 30, while Arnos Vale. Mario Baptiste contributed 20. Training for the team continues I.B.A.ALLEN
North East, Mustique lead Masters standings DEFENDING champions North East Masters and Mustique Company Masters head Zone A and Zone B respectively, after the 7th round of matches in the SVG Masters T20 cricket competition North East leads with 18 points ahead of AR&R Trucking and Glamorgan on 16 each, Bequia 14, Stubbs and Marriaqua 8, North Windward 6 and La Croix on 2. In Zone B, Mustique Company leads with 20 points, followed by Belfongo on 12, Sion Hill and Pastures 10, North Leeward and RSVG Police 8, and Rudy’s Electrical Barrouallie 0. On the field of play last weekend, Digicel Glamorgan defeated Floyd Bullock’s Trucking Marriaqua by 6 wickets, at Buccament. Marriaqua Masters made 110 for 9 off 20 overs, Orlando Lavia 34, Hugh Tobey 24 and Ezekiel Williams 4 for 12, Elvis John 3 for 14, and McNeil Morgan 2 for 8.
Digicel Glamorgan made 116 for 4 off 17.4 overs. McNeil Morgan 37, Samuel Richards 37, Edmund Haywood 2 for 30. At Cumberland, Computec Belfongo defeated Joseph DaSilva’s Sr Memorial Funeral Home North Leeward by 2 runs.
Belfongo Masters made 126 for 6 off 20 overs. Sylvannus Morgan 36, Orville Franklyn 35. North Leeward made 124 for 8 off 20 overs Orlando Charles 40, William Edwards 38. Rohan King 3 for 16, Sylvannus Morgan 2 for 12, Elvis “Baga” Browne 2 for 23.
At Park Hill, the match between Davis Construction Bequia and North Windward was deemed a no result, after heavy rains forced an abandonment, with Bequia on 86 for 2 off 13.4 overs, Ken Cozier 42 not out. I.B.A.ALLEN
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26. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. THE VINCENTIAN
Views (cont’d)
A Roll-Call of 1975 Teacher-Heroes
Continued from Page 8. The following score of teachers, in alphabetical order, were summarily dismissed during NovemberDecember 1975: Maxford Ashton, Norris Bellingy, William Benjamin, Giles Francois, Edwin Glasgow, Emily Haynes, Jeff James, Larson Jardine, Tydel John, Mc Clean Laborde, Sherman Mars, Timothy Ottley, Amelia Samuel, Ulric Samuel, Verrol Small, Bennie Thompson, Ferdinand Toney, Evadney Tyrell, Blazer Williams and Calder Williams. Subsequently, Calder Williams was hauled before the court and convicted for possession of prohibited literature, while Mike Browne was kicked from pillar to post before resigning in utter frustration from the Ministry of Education. The hit list also covered Union activists who were sent packing from the Teacher’s College, their training abruptly curtailed for political reasons. They included: Joan Hoyte, Elroy Arthur, Sylvia King, Lennox Hazell, Kenneth Williams, John Mc Clean, Bernard Dasilva, Dorothy Stapleton, Michael Douglas and Christopher Forbes. Then there were the savage transfers: Katherine Johnson from Kingstown Prep to Calliaqua; Elsa Jones from Brighton to Sion Hill; Simeon Greene from New Grounds to South Rivers; Julian Jack of Credit Union fame, from Belmont to Bequia; Malcolm Garraway from Fitz-Hughes to Canouan; and worst of all, kidney-patient Decent Henry from Byera to Sandy Bay, despite reasonable protests on medical grounds. Several teachers left the state in disgust, among them, Ron Ellis, Irvin Ollivierre, Emily Haynes, Malcolm Garraway and Kathleen Johnson — the initial trickle that later swelled into a flood. I give privileged information as Lawyer for the teachers after thirty-two years. Anne Williams and Judith Hull had attended a Methodist conference in Barbados where they were advised to apply for a separate trial under Chief Magistrate Carl Collymore, a Methodist Elder also attending the conference. The ladies bluntly refused to be separated from their brothers and sisters, to facilitate any mischief. In the result, they were all convicted at first instance, and won their freedom to march on appeal. 1975 issued a wake-up call. It is not expected that everyone will identify each name, but each name will perhaps be recognised by someone, the whole point being to mention the number of people involved, the damage brought to the educational system in 1975. 1975 was no joke. It represented a serious attempt by the state apparatus to clamp down on dissent, especially coming from professional class that traditionally supported the ruling party of the day. It is a bench-mark in our political evolution. On the eve of Independence, the S.V.U.T made a powerful statement on behalf of the future role of trade unionism and the place of the teaching profession in the coming dispensation. The nation as a whole should take time off to salute the crop of teachers of the 1970s whatever their present persuasion, who stood up and fought the good fight when it mattered most. The official visit of the union to pay their respects to the housebound Yvonne Francis-Gibson is most thoughtful, and a step in the right direction. Yvonne Francis is now dead. Let me be among the first to recommend that she be counted among the candidates for first woman national hero.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018. 27.
Classifieds
GEORGE MAYERS aka GEORGE LOWMAN Miracle Tabernacle Church, Carapan Sunday 11th November, 2018 Viewing: 1:00 p.m. Service: 2:00 p.m. Interment: St. Joseph's Cemetery-Stubbs
CLAUDIUS CORNELIUS CAESAR The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Saturday 10th November, 2018 Viewing: 2:00 p.m. Service: 3:00 p.m.
HILTON REGISFORD
SUSAN L. THOMAS
Gospel Hall Mesopotamia Saturday 10th November, 2018 Viewing: 1:00 p.m. Service: 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 11, 2018 SDA Church Lowmans Viewing: 1:30 p.m. Service: 2:30 p.m.
ROSLYN BUSHAY Mount Bethel S.B.C. Sunday 11th November 2018 Viewing: 11:00 a.m. Service: 1:00 p.m. Interment: Penniston Cemetery
MILLICENT ALMA ITON Kingstown Methodist Church Friday 9th November, 2018 Service: 2:00 p.m.
The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
F O R S A L E
FRIDAY,
NOVEMBER 16, 2018
VOLUME 112, No.40
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‘QUE PASA’S’ ASSETS IN THE BALANCE at the Serious Offences Court March 2012, in connection with the biggest ANTONIO ‘Que Pasa’ Gellizeau stares at ever money laundering case in the possible confiscation of some EC$10 Eastern Caribbean. million in assets, following his release Those assets include houses, from prison last week Thursday, on vehicles, yachts and cash. completion of a ten-year sentence. Gellizeau was charged with THE VINCENTIAN has been bringing into the country, on the yacht informed that confiscation proceedings Jotobin, US$1.73 million in cash, against the businessman are expected approximately close to EC$5 million, to be held at the High Court Tuesday, the proceeds of his criminal conduct, November 20 and Wednesday, and concealing the cash. November 21, 2018. The cash haul, said to be the largest Those proceedings were pending ever in the Eastern Caribbean, was since Gellizeau’s convictions in 2012, netted by local Law Enforcement in and were to form part of his Vincentian waters, April 2008. sentencing hearing, but were Sonya Young, then Chief adjourned due to a number of factors, Magistrate, had committed Gellizeau including pending appeals, in relation and Bermudian seaman Winston to the matter, and because some Franklyn Robinson to the High Court lawyers involved in the case died or for sentencing, after convicting them opted out, resulting in the newly in connection with the matter retained lawyers needing time to following a trial. prepare. Robinson and Kent Andrews of The application for a confiscation Trinidad and Tobago were charged order in relation to some EC$10 jointly with bringing in the cash which million in assets, believed to be was the criminal proceeds of another, Gellizeau’s proceeds of criminal and concealing it. conduct, was prepared by the Office of Andrews was acquitted at the trial, the Director of Public Prosecutions and on July 22, 2013, Justice Wesley (DPP) in conjunction with the James sentenced Gellizeau to ten Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), and years in prison on each count, to run filed following Gellizeau’s convictions concurrently. by HAYDN HUGGINS
Robinson was sentenced to five and a half years October 7, 2013, but the Court took into account the five and a half years he had already spent in custody, resulting in him being released. Gellizeau appealed his convictions, but the Appeal was dismissed by the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal, April last year. Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN shortly after the dismissal, then DPP Colin Williams said, “The intention of the state is to dispossess through confiscation proceedings, all Gellizeau’s illgotten gains”. He expressed the view that the work done in the case could serve as a model for similar investigations and prosecutions. THE VINCENTIAN had no knowledge of the Privy Council’s status, in relation to the case, up to press time Wednesday. When contacted this week, Gellizeau’s lawyer Samantha Robertson told THE VINCENTIAN, “I have been advised not to comment, and he (Gellizeau) will also not be commenting”. Efforts to reach Acting DPP Sejilla Mcdowall, were unsuccessful, up to press time Wednesday.
Antonio ‘Que Pasa’ Gellizeau now faces a battle to retain his assets.
ÂFalling short on solving crimeÊ
by KENVILLE HORNE PARLIAMENTARY Representative for the Central Kingstown constituency - St. Clair Leacock said that despite efforts to lead persons away from crime, the nation is still falling short in finding solutions to the rising crime here. Leacock was on hand in Redemption Sharpes, a stronghold in his constituency, to show solidarity with the family of Sabitree Lyttle who was shot and killed on Wednesday. He expressed sadness on the death of Lyttle.
“The politicians have spoken, the church has spoken, the community has spoken, the government has spoken, the opposition has spoken, there have been all sort of prescriptions, there have been some admission, but we are still falling short of solving the problem of crime and violence in St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” said Leacock. He said that the criminals are bringing fear in “our land.” The MP described the deceased as a quiet lady whose husband “is very close”
to him. In fact, Leacock said, he and the husband had had a long discussion over the weekend. “I mean, if you rob a person, you have to proceed to the next step to kill a person? And it has no boundaries. It’s a shop keeper today, it’s a drug dealer tomorrow, it could be .. the journalist, it could be the politician, it could be the innocent person just passing by. When is it going to stop?” questioned Leacock. He added that a church recently had crusade and he witnessed the pastor calling up persons to look at the
Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;
victim of crimes to see if it can help prompt people to turn their lives around. “But nothing seems to be working. It’s very, very sad. This is a peaceful community, it’s probably one of the most Christian communities,” said the area representative. St. Clair ‘Major’ Leacock, MP for Central Kingstown Constituency, laments that we are still falling short of making any headway in combating the crime and violence that currently plague our society.
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