THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 17-01-20

FRIDAY,

JANUARY 17, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.03

Chief Justice punches Page 2

www.thevincentian.com

Credit Card in focus Page 4

EC$1.50

A Symbol of Nine Mornings History winners Page 13 Page 14

Gonsalves welcome Tsai’s return Page 28

AVOIDS STOP PLAYING ULP COPYRIGHT FIGHT POLITICS WITH

by DAYLE DA SILVA

GANJA Junior ‘Spirit’ Cottle, liaison officer with the Medical Cannabis Authority, refuted the claim that the raid on the farm was politically motivated.

by HAYDN HUGGINS

HEAD OF THE CANNABIS REVIVAL COMMITTEE (CRC) Junior ‘Spirit’ Cottle is calling on the politicians to stop playing party politics with the medical marijuana issue.

Cottle was responding to remarks made in some circles questioning whether government masterminded a raid on a Marijuana Farm at Richmond Vale, belonging to Cecil Hamilton Edwards.

already harvested and was hoping to sell under the amnesty, yet to be triggered.

Edwards said the police chopped down the remaining trees, leaving him with only young plants.

Two traditional cultivators, who were met on the farm, were arrested but later released, without charges.

The Raid – Awaiting Licence

On last Tuesday night’s edition of the programme Current Affairs co-hosted by Bert Francois and Brian Alexander and aired on Nice Radio, Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) parliamentary representative for North Leeward - Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews noted that the police action was carried out less than 24 hours after Edwards’ son had given the NDP a ‘hook-up’ (electricity) from his business place at Fitz Hughes, to hold a public meeting.

Matthews said that there were other farmers in the area who were growing marijuana close to the road, but the police by-passed them, and targeted one farm.

He noted that owner of the farm had applied for a Traditional Cultivator’s licence, and his farm was inspected by the Medical Cannabis Authority.

Matthews also highlighted said that there are RRU bases in Chateaubelair and Layou, but

Edwards is a member of the North Leeward Medical Cannabis Cooperative, a legally registered entity. He farms a range of other crops, and has formed a partnership with Traditional Marijuana Cultivators. He has applied to the Medical Cannabis Authority (MCA) for a Cultivators Licence to plant medical marijuana.

Edwards told THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday that members of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) raided his farm around 1pm on Tuesday, burned about 50 pounds of marijuana, carried away about 60 to 70 pounds which he had

Something amiss

Continued on Page 3.

NO LEGAL ACTION will arise out of what was reported in some circles as a copyright infringement by the Unity Labour Party.

General Secretary of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) Julian Francis has put to rest any possibility of legal action against any copyright infringement for use of the popular song ‘Tombstone’ performed by Grenadian performing/recording artiste Mandella Julian Francis, General ‘Mandella Linkz’ Secretary of the ULP, McDonald.

Francis sought to give did not disclose the agreement reached the genesis of the with Linkz over the matter by first copyright issue. explaining that there was a local remake of the song by a man who goes by the alias ‘Moon’, a resident of Questelles.

‘Moon’ substituted the word ‘Tombstone’ with ‘Ralphie’, but retained the full music track (melody etc.) of the original song.

Continued on Page 3.

Mandella ‘Mandella Linkz’ McDonald, with PM and Political Leader Dr Ralph Gonsalves at his side, performing at last Sunday’s ULP Convention.

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2. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

Chief Justice

comes out punching CHIEF JUSTICE of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Janice Pereira is not pleased with the support that jurisdiction is receiving from countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.

Pereira appealed for attention to the institution when she addressed the opening of the Law Year last Monday. Her address was beamed live from Antigua and received at the High Court in Kingstown.

She justified the reason for changing the Law Year, traditionally begun in September, citing weather factors as

contributing to the decision to shift to January.

The Chief Justice pointed to improvements in the provision of legal services to the region, but chided governments for lack of enthusiasm in supporting the legal services.

She accused some nations of paying “lip service” to the Court’s welfare, suggesting for some, the court is unjustly regarded.

Pereira pointed out that the Court was operating without an approved budget, and cited failure to do that prevented her from putting strategies into

Stanley ‘Stalky’ John QC seemed to action. be in favour of The Chief much of what the Justice lamented Chief Justice had to the absence of say.

Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court “basic facilities” at Janice Pereira emphasised that the Court was ‘suffering’ court houses. It from want of effective support from the territories it serves.

There is a seems that governments have neglected the court. Sexual Offences Court, She noted that the The Chief Justice to training of judicial and the Chief Justice failure to provide the urged her colleagues to staff and High Court means for the court to be pointed to the court’s use Officials, and Court be vigilant towards those of remote sites in trials. effective hampered the who want to bribe them. related mediation, but Sentencing Guidelines condemned the attacks drive towards excellence, The Chief Justice’s were also highlighted as on Judges in the social but she sought to message found support highlight the work of the improvement in media, and chided efforts from Stanley John QC operations. Issues institution as it related who, speaking on behalf to “tear down” the surrounding the to accomplishments of of the Inner Bar, judicial system.

Criminal Procedure Appeal Court Judges; contended that St. Pereira appealed for introduction of electronic Rules were similarly Vincent and the the independence of the indicated. filing of documents; the Grenadines had related judiciary, and warned The Chief Justice operation of an Ethe justice system to the judges to guard against thanked entities which litigation portal, and “bottom of the pits.” attempts by persons to supported the court’s other advances undermine the course of (WKA) (See related operations, and pointed embracing technology. justice. story on page 18.)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020. 3.

News 3 A and E Dept. to get some work Right: The official entrance to the MCMH leads to the A&E Unit which is located on the ground floor.

THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY (A&E) Department at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) will be getting some work done.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said at the Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) 24th Convention held in Campden Park last Sunday, that he knew that the A&E Dept and the conditions there

were heavily criticized by the public.

He, however, gave no definitive time line for the work, save and except to say that it should be undertaken in the near future.

“Part of the problem is that a lot of the people who turn up there are not in an accident and it is not an emergency, but

‘It done happen!’

THE COMMON LAW WIFE of one Davidson Charles of Barrouallie is understandably not in a good mood.

She is said to have discovered, last Sunday, Charles’ body hanging from the rafters in the kitchen of the house at Middle Street, Barrouallie, which they occupied.

His death, according to a

still we must say A&E must be better organized, and we are refurbishing the Accident and Emergency,” he said.

Also earmarked for refurbishment work is the clinic attached to the MCMH. Gonsalves did not reveal the cost of the projects, but made the point that they were

additional to the EC$5.5 million already spent on the health facility for the installation of another operating theatre, the refurbishment of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the kitchen and

the RRU officers who carried out that raid came from Kingstown. (See related article on page 6.)

Department, specifically pointing to contaminants in the asthma bay.

The doctor could also be seen and heard to be pointing out what he said was mould in the roof an emergency room. (DD)

Right: Once the news broke, residents rushed to the house where the body was found to ’take in the action’.

Police Release of Jan. 14, “is suspected to be a suicide,” and if it is so, it will be the first suicide for the year.

When THE VINCENTIAN contacted Charles’ common law wife last Wednesday, she declined comment, save and except to say, “It done happen.”

She did express concern about comments carried on social media, and hinted about

plans to contact the local constabulary in relation to the postings.

Charles, 57 years old, was a security guard/watchman at the Central Leeward Secondary School. In earlier times he was a seaman.

He was, though, an avid agriculturist, specialising in seedling propagation and landscaping. (WKA)

Stop playing politics with ganja Continued from Front Page.

the female ward.

Late last year, a video that went viral on social media, showing District Medical Officer Dr Michael Goodluck highlighting the poor conditions at the A&E

ULP avoids copyright fight

Right: SVG may be some way off from reaping its first batch of medical marijuana for onward use through prescription.

fact that they lost the North Leeward seat by a few votes,” Cottle said.

No order from above He, however, expressed the view that there was a lot of However, Cottle who gave his jealousy in that community official designation as liaison against marijuana farmers, officer with the MCA, but said he because some of those farmers are was speaking on behalf of the now planting marijuana on lower Traditional Marijuana farm land, while others failed to Cultivators, told THE seize that opportunity.

VINCENTIAN, “I can tell you He added that, more that the MCA don’t have any bias significantly there was a small towards one grower over another. clique in the Police Force, who are “People are blaming the afraid of losing their power to Authority and government for arrest and harass people for what happened. I don’t buy that. marijuana, as the Modern A government would have to be a Medicinal Marijuana Industry ‘dundo head’ to have an election unfolds. “They (police) want the scheduled within the next 14 process to be eroded,” he declared. months, and currently holds a one Cottle added that some police seat majority, to make a blunder officers are also playing party like that, especially in light of the

Continued from Front Page.

politics with the marijuana issue.

The CRC Head said that following the police action at Richmond Vale, he received calls from the community, and he contacted those in authority.

“So when people say it was ordered from above, I know different, because those who I contacted expressed disgust over the action,” Cottle reported.

“I am extremely hurt because this is happening at a time when traditional cultivators are increasingly showing interest in the unfolding Modern Medical Cannabis Industry, and are coming on board, and lands are being cleared by traditional cultivators from the same community to plant cannabis for this purpose.” Cottle concluded.

A video recording of ‘Moon’ performing his remake video went viral on YouTube but it was never recorded, Francis said.

There were attempts made to book McDonald to perform at one of the rallies, but his touring schedule did not facilitate this, Francis confirmed.

The song was performed by ‘Moon’ at two ULP rallies, one in Kingstown and the other at the decommissioned E.T. Joshua Airport at Arnos Vale.

Photos of the performances reached Linkz’s management team who initially expressed concern that the song was performed at four events.

Francis told THE VINCENTIAN that this issue was also put to rest as it was discovered that the four photos sent were actually taken at the two events referred.

Discussions that ensured between the ULP and Linkz’s management resulted in an amicable settlement, according to Francis, but he was not prepared to disclose to the public, the content of that agreement.

Suffice it to say, an invitation was extended to the Grenadian Soca artiste to perform at the ULP’s Convention last Sunday.

Speaking on Sunday, Francis said that the flight was arranged for McDonald to perform here on Saturday, and he arrived in St Vincent early Sunday morning.

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4. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Court

One Credit Card – many users over $100,000 through a series of dishonest transactions between 2018 and 2019.

Dowers, who is married to a Vincentian and initially came to these shores as a medical student, was employed at Star Garage, first as a secretary, then as a Customs Broker.

Careful use of credit card

Joshua Da Silva, General Manager of Star Garage was drilled by defence attorney Grant Connell.

Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS A CREDIT CARD belonging to Star Garage issued to Managing Director Bertille ‘Silky’ Da Silva was not only used by the Managing Director, General Manager Joshua Da Silva, Service Manager Jason Da Silva, Casper Da Silva and George Da Silva, all Directors of the Company, but was also used by Sales Marketing Rep. Marlon Stevenson.

This evidence surfaced at the Serious Offences Court on Tuesday as the case involving Nigerian national Eunice Dowers continued.

Dowers is facing 55 charges of fraudulently using a credit card issued to Bertille Da Silva, stealing from Da Silva, and converting criminal property.

She is accused of relieving Da Silva of monies amounting to

Joshua Da Silva told the Court on Tuesday, under cross-examination

by Dowers’ lawyer Grant Connell, that the credit card belonged to ‘Star Garage’, not Bertille Da Silva, and was used by all the company’s Directors, authorized by himself and the Managing Director.

He said he used it to do business transactions during overseas travels for the company, but never used it for personal purposes, and that all who used the card had to report it for accounting purposes. Amounts spent were entered in the ledger.

Stevenson was also authorized to use the card, “but the receipts had to be brought to us,” the General Manager (GM) told the court.

Connell suggested that there was another card used by the Managing Director that was cancelled when certain things were brought to his attention, resulting in Joshua being summoned to the Managing Director’s office. The GM denied this.

Connell also suggested that Joshua (GM), Bertille Da Silva and Stevenson had set up a pre-authorized payment, so that payments would

go from the bank to the credit card without the Managing Director having to see this.

When the credit card reports were shown to the GM, he verified the monthly pre-authorized payments.

The GM said he had cautioned the Managing Director about the credit card being around Dowers.

“We were very cautious with her (Dowers) being around financial instruments,” he said, adding that he had raised concern with the Managing Director about Dowers being Nigerian, and doing business transactions for the company.

Connell suggested that Dowers sat alongside the

Managing Director and ordered stuff, but the GM denied this.

He agreed with Connell that Dowers abandoned the job following an altercation with Stevenson. She came back to the business place some days later, went to the Managing Director’s office and indicated that she was leaving for Nigeria. She was subsequently arrested and slapped with the charges after a report was made to the police.

“I am suggesting to you that you were abusing the card, and she reported it to your Uncle (Bertille Da Silva), and you were successful in changing her to Lucifer in his eyes,”

Connell asserted.

The General Manager denied this.

Following the cross examination, Crown Counsel Rose-Ann Richardson asked Joshua, “How often does the credit card statements come to the company?”, to which he replied, “I have to check the accounts.”

The GM said that Stevenson would use the card, “but he had to bring the procedures to us. Myself and Bertille authorized the use of the card.”

When Richardson asked, “Do you know if Marlon (Stevenson) used the card without permission,” Joshua replied “Never.”

But Service Manager

Jason Da Silva told the Court he had knowledge of Dowers using the credit card on one occasion to purchase ink for the company, but did not know how often she used it.

Under crossexamination, the Sservice Manager said the Managing Director’s name as well as the Company’s name were on the card, and when having to travel, the Company would provide pre-information to those with whom business transactions were done, and they would take a copy of the card.

He said the card was also pinned.

The trial has been adjourned to February 17.

„Ganja raid was not authorized,‰ says CoP

Commissioner of Police Colin John has confirmed that a policy of tolerance and noneradication guides the police action with repect to marijuana cultivation as the country awaits the implementation of an Amnesty for growers.

COMMISSIONER of Police (CoP) Colin John has confirmed that last Tuesday’s police raid on a marijuana farm at Richmond Vale belonging to Cecil Hamilton Edwards, was not authorized by the hierarchy of the Police Force.

And the top cop has assured that measures would be taken to ensure that a report is submitted as to why this action occurred.

John’s comments came while speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on Thursday.

The Commissioner said that the policy of the government is that

the police should be more tolerant with respect to the cultivation of marijuana during this period when a Marijuana Amnesty is about to be implemented, and there should be no eradication.

John said that the policy of tolerance and non-eradication was confirmed at a meeting of all senior officers, and it should have been filtered down to all police officers.

Information is that the farm in question was raided by a squad of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU), around 1pm on Tuesday.

Two men who were

met on the farm were arrested but subsequently released without charges.

John said that according to his information, the police were patrolling the area, saw the field and chose to enter.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that the police seized about 60 to 70 pounds of marijuana, already harvested, and which Edwards was hoping to sell under the Amnesty.

Edwards, it is understood, has formed a partnership with Traditional Cultivators, and has applied for a traditional cultivator’s license.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020. 5.

Diaspora

Vincy cultural group expresses appreciation Story and photos by Nelson A. King naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com

US CORRESPONDENT THE UNITED VINCIE Cultural Group of Brooklyn (UVCGB) two Saturday nights ago expressed its “deep love and appreciation” to members and supporters at its annual holiday party at Miracle Temple Ministries in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, New York.

“This is our time to come together with members, spouses, volunteers and close friends,” UVCGB president Dr. Roxie Irish-Morris told THE VINCENTIAN afterwards. “It is our moment to express our deep love and appreciation for the support we receive throughout the year.”

Dr. Irish-Morris said the group looks forward to “this time of family, fellowship, food and lots of fun.”

She commended the group’s public relations officer and former national netball star, Judith “Baffy” CuffyMurray, who served as

MC Judith ‘Baffy’ Cuffy pays tribute to Vincentian Calypsonian Lord Summers by singing his signature ‘Come Out in Yo Numbers’

Singing ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ (from left): Naydine Bascombe, La Fleur Gumbs and Emily Sykes.

Mistress of Ceremonies, for doing “a wonderful job.”

Besides holding the audience in stitches, Cuffy-Murray, one of the group’s main actresses, paid tribute to Vincentian calypsonian Lord Summers by singing his signature ‘Come Out in Yo Numbers’.

Perrie K. Allen, Donna Ash and Pastor Cornelius Olive all rendered solos of traditional Christmas songs, and Paster Olive then joined with Minister Erva Harold, Jael O’Garro and Waveney Depass to render “Christmas is not about Santa, which he composed.

Vincentians Naydine Bascombe and La Fleur Gumbs and Jamaican Emily Sykes sang an impromptu ‘Jingle Bell Rock’.

There were also Doo Wop entertainment, and presentation and gift exchanges by UVCGB members, among other things.

Irish-Morris thanked Pastor Olive, who had also opened the event with a prayer.

She also expressed gratitude to those who travelled with the group to St. Vincent and the Grenadines for its medical mission in July.

In addition, UVCGB gave “a token of our

Pastor Cornelius Olive sings ‘I Wanna Do Thy Will’ while playing the Q-Chord. gratitude” to each volunteer for their “commitment to serve with us,” Dr. IrishMorris said.

Besides the annual Tea Party, Dr. IrishMorris, said UVCGB also raises funds for its missions by hosting an annual Cultural Concert.

It’s first concert was in 2003.

“Since we started, we already spent over US$50,000.00 in medical supplies,” she said, adding that, by 2018, all 40 clinics in St. Vincent and the Grenadines received medical supplies from the group.

V North Leeward MP livid 6. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

News

ROLAND ‘PATEL’ MATTHEWS, Member of Parliament for the North Leeward constituency, is leveling claims of victimization and intimidation against marijuana farmers, by the police force and the government.

According to Matthews, two men were recently arrested for marijuana cultivation in North Leeward, on a farm that was awaiting processing of its application (paid for) for a licence to become operators in the Medical Marijuana Industry here.

The farmers concerned are also waiting for the Amnesty to tip in so that as traditional cultivators of marijuana, they would be able to make the transition without undue encumbrance.

Matthews was livid when THE VINCENTIAN spoke with him.

“There are other marijuana farms in the same vicinity and the police saw them but did not touch them,” said the MP. And Matthews has another explanation for why action was taken

against these two men in particular.

He strongly believed that the action by the police to arrest the men was motivated or encouraged by others, because a family member of the owner of the farm had granted him (Matthews) permission to use his business place to hold a political meeting.

“Here is why... I had a successful political meeting in Fitz Hughes last night (Jan 13)... the meeting was held at a private business owned by the son of the owner of the farm where the men were arrested; this is no coincidence,” according to Matthews in a posting on his Facebook page.

He told THE VINCENTIAN further the issue of licensing for marijuana farmers continues to be a frustrating process for the farmers.

“The legislations have been passed since December of 2018 and so far, no farmer from North Leeward has a licence in their hands. They have been given the run around and so far, the farmers are yet to capitalize on the

fact that we have passed laws to make marijuana cultivation for medicinal purposes legal,” Matthews asserted.

On the other hand, Matthews said, the government was collecting millions of dollars from an industry that has not yet given the local farmers the opportunity to benefit similarly.

“In my opinion, this is unfair. The traditional farmers have carried this industry, though illegal at the time, on their backs literally for years, and now it is legal, they are not making any money. The farmers are very frustrated, and the government is all talk and no MP for North Leeward, Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews has made the cause of traditional marijuana action,” declared Matthews farmers, especially in North leeward, a who is the Opposition personal crusade.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture. that the two men who were arrested THE VINCENTIAN understands were released without charge. (KH)

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020. 7.

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8. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020. 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

NEWS TIME!!!

WE’RE INTO THE THIRD WEEK of 2020, so there should now be a sense that we are truly on our way into a new decade.

And if the truth be told, there is still quite some time ahead of us during which we can disturb or uphold the fragile tranquility that currently prevails in SVG. So, what is it in our own backyard that we should look to for Good News; or is it that for every bit of Good News, there is a rebuttal of Bad News?

Let’s see how that could pan out.

GOOD NEWS to hear that there will be another longawaited round of road refurbishment on mainland St. Vincent. BAD NEWS that this comes after exorbitant expenditure on vehicle parts, and rubs more salt into the wounds of Bequia residents who have been bawling out, for God alone knows how long, for some attention to be given to their road network.

GOOD NEWS that the Traffic Department is gearing up — some say for the umpteenth time - to rush into action against things like tint and loud music for the umpteenth time. BAD NEWS when they go after ‘trivialities’ and ignore the things that are real threats to road safety, like the rate and manner in which public transport vehicles use our roads.

GOOD NEWS that sentencing guidelines have brought some consistency to sentences handed down in our courts.

BAD NEWS when all this subtraction and addition (if any) employed in determining what sentence to give, ends up with what many are saying are some rather light sentences for some grievous offences.

GOOD NEWS that one party has given early indication of their slate of candidates for a general election that could be called before year end. BAD NEWS when the main opposition party, for all its explanations, is in a period of uncertainty with respect to its slate of candidates.

GOOD NEWS, regardless of the seeming bias towards a genuine, open conversation on the homosexual issue, that the nation has awakened to the need to address this real life issue. BAD NEWS — egg in their face - when some politicians, even parties that push a certain ‘head’ on the issue, have found that homosexuals after all, are honest, hard-working professionals, like pollster Peter Wickham.

GOOD NEWS to hear how poverty has been reduced by highly commendable percentages, albeit, in accordance with certain sciences and principles used by economists and politicians. BAD NEWS, in the face of this, that the numbers of persons waiting outside supermarkets with their hands outstretched, mothers searching out every nook and cranny for assistance with school books and uniforms, and the number of primary school aged children on the road selling this and that, have visibly increased.

GOOD NEWS when we can strengthen the hands and purview of our tax collectors so that they can ensure that those required to pay taxes pay their fair share. BAD NEWS when we consider that one of the most notorious tax evaders in this country — one David Ames of known association with government officials here and elsewhere, was allowed to leave this country under the protection of the night and return to England, from where we might never see his return to St. Vincent and the Grenadines to answer for his crimes.

GOOD NEWS to hear the PM speak of attention for the A&E Department of the MCMH coming in the New Year.

BAD NEWS when government continually fails to acknowledge that the state of affairs at the MCMH has hit rock bottom, but boast of a pending heliport and helicopter service for some acute referral hospital.

That’s only some of the NEWS.

Sir James among the World Elder Statesmen

by Jeff Trotman I ASK FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC FORGIVENESS for failing to keep my sacred promise to produce four articles on sports for good reason. To make up, I promise to make them in 2 to 3 months in a different format that exposes a feedback and a general crosstalk.

Instead I give you my reaction to the Prime Minister's 4 hours talkaton at the last convention of the ULP that was merely a selfserving act as to how he was considered a World Leader.

I give you not my opinion, but the revolution of Jeff Trotman who wrote about politics in SVG on the eve of Gonsalves' "3rd victory" in 2010, which was considered rigged, by most of the country. In 2015, the election was thought to be fraudulent and corrupt and not legally solved up to now.

We expect bedlam when Ralph had been put in his place by the election results and the court declarations. We turn you over to my friend Jeff for your own reaction. This exercise clearly shows that Mitchell was a recognized World Leader, and his influence had passed on through the party he created, the NDP. "Peaceful religious coexistence between the Islamic Faith and Christianity was discussed extensively when former World Leaders gathered for their 27th Annual Plenary Meeting of the InterAction Council, held in the King Abdullah Economic City in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 10-13 May.” This was confirmed by this country's former Prime Minister, Sir James Mitchell, who attended the meeting for the first time he also disclosed that the current world economic crisis was also a major issue at the Meeting.

Sir James was the only former regional Head of Government to be invited to this august gathering.

He presented a paper to the Institute of Biology, London, of which he is a member.

During this local television interview aired last Sunday, the former Vincentian Prime Minister (1984-2000) said the InterAction Council was formed 27 years ago, the idea being that of a Prime Minister of Japan who thought it was important for former leaders to continue the discussion in world affairs.

Sir James was impressed by the sharp minds and intellect of the former world leaders despite their age, and singled out 91year old Helmut Schmidt, former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany and Honorary Chairman of the Council- who delivered a biting address at the ceremony on 11 May.

Economic Crisis Sir James recalled that in his keynote

address, Schmidt said that in his 25 years of attending the meetings, he has found that "the has beens" have been more visionary on a number of global issues than contemporary leaders.

According to him, if not curtailed, this crisis could lead to xenophobia and protectionism, with a series of chain reactions similar to those that occurred during the great depression of the 30s.

Religious Coexistence Sir James said although he had read a lot about the religious conflict between Islam and the West, the Meeting gave him a greater understanding of the issues involved. He said Vincentians and other Caribbean peoples might have the false feeling that the ongoing Middle East Crisis and the conflicts of Islam with the West and Isreal have nothing to do with them. But contrary to that belief, "the cost of living and the financial meltdown is affecting us as a result of this global problem.

So, we need to understand something about that...to have an intelligent response to it and realise that we have to do it to fit our corner of the world into the international scheme of things".

Role for Russia Sir James also disclosed that a major consensus at the Meeting was that Russia should now be engaged as an economic power instead of resorting to the Cold War era and rearmament in competition with the US. "We should try to encourage Europe to settle its difficulties with Russia, Georgia and Ukraine, which would benefit the European Community with the supply of oil that would help to stabilize the world economy, which in turn would help us," Sir James said, adding that it is a very important statement because the US is pushing NATO to draw the boundary to include Georgia and the Ukraine.

The invitation to the Meeting was extended to Sir James by former Prime Minister of Canada (1993-2003), Jean Joseph Jacques Chrutien, following an exchange of books written by them. "In the very first pages of my book: Beyond the Islands, I talked about an encounter with him, and as a result of that, he said we'd like to have you join us in Saudi Arabia, and I got messages...from the Secretariat in Tokyo", Sir James disclosed.

Chrutien is a Co-Chairman of the Council, which is made up of a broad cross section of former world leaders, spanning six continents.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020. 9.

Letters

Christmas throughout the year

MISSA EDITA, doh tink ah crazy but jus’ las’ week ah sid down an was tinkin how nice it wood be if we tek dis christmas cheer thru de hole year.

Ah mean, wha if we wood drink sorrel and ginger beer all year roun an not jus at Chritmas?

Wha if we coulda aford to eat ham all year roun and not jus at Christmas?

Wha if we coulda eat fruit cake and blak cake all round de year and not jus at Christmas?

Wha if we coulda lisen dem soca parang year roun and not jus at Christmas?

And wha if we decide to clean de house, poe up bran new kirtins, change de the coshun covas and even poe up a tree wid lites not jus at Christmas but the thru the hole year?

And bes of all, ‘magine if we could treat one nudder like real freins and family all year roun and not just at Christmas.

‘Magine wha dis country wood be like?

A true, true Land of de Blessed.

Jus tinkin

Hold men accountable

AS A WOMAN who has seen better days in this my homeland, I must now ask the question: When are we ever going to get rid of all this violence by men against women, and the horrible act of sexual abuse of our children? It seems every weekend the newspapers carry a story or two about this sordid tale. And as if it’s not enough to have civilians commit these acts, the policemen, whom we are to trust, have got into the act also.

Now just look at what happened to that woman who was almost hammered to death. She was beaten, not for the first time, by her exboyfriend of whom, it is reported, the police knew

but did nothing to stop him from continuing his abuse.

Are we to believe that in this macho society in which men feel they have the right to treat women as their subjects, that this mentality is so engrained that the policemen have adopted the attitude hook line and sinker?

What is even more disturbing is the extent to which these battered and bruised women seldom get the support of their women colleagues.

Have we not heard a comment like, ‘That’s what you get for tekking people man’ from women?

Are we saying, in other words, that the

woman is to be blamed — like one top ranking put I; that the woman is to be blamed for both the man’s infidelity and the events leading up to her beating if not death?

It is attitudes like these, especially among our womenfolk, that affirm and encourage men in their wrongdoings. As far as I am concerned, there is no such thing as ‘tek people man’, since it takes two persons to make a relationship work. It is unfair, therefore, to hold the woman responsible, and leave the man to go free to indulge in unfaithfulness and who knows, violence.

As a Christian society,

Respect our farmers Mr. Editor, I must give much praise to Mr. LeRoy Providence for keeping the true plight of farmers in the public domain. He has been a consistent and courageous voice on behalf of farmers, and has been consistent in describing the situation in which certain persons have brought our agriculture.

I must join with Mr. Providence and declare that we have done a

The 2019 CSEC Results: Agriculture AGRICULTURE recorded a pass rate of 89%. What should this mean to the schools where students till the soil and care for animals? The students say, “Looks is it.” Therefore, those schools where agriculture is done should show well-manicured lawns, flowers and trees strategically positioned, and the school compound and playing field generally well landscaped. Agriculture students should not be denied the opportunity to add value to their school by having the school environment well landscaped.

The skills taught at school may be for demonstration purposes only, where land space is limited. Students should be encouraged and required to have a plot of land at home where they practise the farming they learn at school. While they have a shoebox lettuce plot at school, they should have a bed the size of a half drum at home.

Thus, the teaching of Agriculture in the school will be felt in the community. Produce from students should be available in the community markets and find their way into the various “Harvest Festivals” of the churches. Agriculture will then be no secret found in SBA books but seen in our buying, selling, and eating.

While we commend our students and teachers for good results, we urge them to apply their knowledge for the benefit of the home, school, and community. Let us grow what we eat and eat what we grow.

Anthony Stewart, PhD

great disservice to our farmers who have toiled to make this country what it is; toiled to give Gonsalves and the ULP something to work with.

The truth is, though, they have taken this something - the hard—earned success of our farmers - and turned it into something which is the stark opposite to what they met.

While I am at it, I want, Mr. Editor, to ask: Where have all the farmers’ organizations gone?

Where, for example, is the National Farmers Union (NFU) which persons, men like Wilberforce Emmanuel and Erlene Horne, worked so hard to establish as a true voice on behalf of farmers?

Where, for example,

are organizations like the Organization for Rural Development (ORD) which, regardless of what you want to say otherwise, was a helping hand to hundreds of farmers?

I want to join with people like Mr. Providence and say that this government has done nothing but talk and talk high science instead of establishing secure credit lines and market openings for our farmers.

Farmers will never go away. We have to feed the nation, and who do you think will have to do that?

John Thompson

No relation to John Thompson the late politician.

Another voice from the past: “Election Spending” “POLITICAL parties have traditionally been considered private organizations, able to raise and spend millions of dollars, important enough to select prime ministers and leaders of the opposition, yet subject to no rules about public accounting or auditing. Even if everything is above-board, the common knowledge that a few hundred contributors provide almost all the funds for the parties which form our governments cannot help but undermine public confidence in the political process.” Norman Ward, Britnell Professor of Political Science, University of Saskatchewan, The Reader’s Digest August 1972.

The last time I wrote under the heading “A voice from the past,” I wrote about democracy and I quoted the Greek philosopher Pericles (494–429 B.C). This time I quoted a concerned Canadian citizen who further wrote that, “Most Canadian parties obtain their funds very secretively.”

Philmore Isaacs

we need to say when something is wrong. If we continue not to hold the men accountable for their acts of violence against our women, God forbid, but we might just have a few more murders on our hands. And, you know what? We’ll describe those murders as acts of passion, as if that is a good thing.

‘Retiree’

Dancehall in Jamaica

DO ACCEPT my best wishes to you, Mr. Editor, and staff for a healthy and prosperous New Year. I know that this year will be filled with excitement and a lot of nonsense as St. Vincent and the Grenadines moves into another general election.

That said, I thought I would share with your readers a letter about Dancehall Music in Jamaica that caught my eye in the Jamaica Gleaner of December 27, 2019. I am aware of the extent to which Jamaican culture influences Vincy habits and styles, and thought this might be an eye-opener, even if it is the opinion of one person.

Paul in Jamaica “Dancehall entertainment or dancehall music is one of the biggest forms of indiscipline in Jamaica.

It’s like a nursery bed or a forerunner for all the other forms of lewd music and dirty lyrics in Jamaica.

Whenever some persons are having their stage shows, parties, Footloose, cookouts, birthday bashes, big or small, they carry on very disgracefully.

For example, some deejays and entertainers carry on very disorderly and disrespectfully, using foul language, shouting bad words, and behaving like a bad, raging bull.

Some wear their pants below their bottom while doing some crazy demonstrations with a stooping female. It’s a sexual demonstration. In some cases, dancehall seems to be all about sex.

Furthermore, they have a way of classifying females — “Gal yuh dis, gal yuh dat” — telling them about their private parts and styling them as if they are some objects that have been abandoned. And some of the female entertainers are just as bad as the males because they, too, use the most dirty words and are skimpily clad.

Filthiness everywhere Dancehall music and entertainment need cleaning up; the music industry needs tidying up.

The music industry ought to take the blame for all the filthiness and the murder music that is coming out of the dancehall. We must weed all the bad eggs out of the dancehall and make it good. The filthiness and loud, dirty noise are contaminating the society, which will eventually give rise to more crime.

All around Jamaica, even on public transportation, we are hearing dirty music. In fact, many of our radio stations are playing songs that are not fit for airplay. Why are they doing such a thing? It is very sad!

Jamaica is overwhelmed with a strong dose of dirty music and a high level of indiscipline. No wonder our crime rate is so high and so many persons are being slaughtered each year.

Donald J. McKoy

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10. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

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The ULPÊs 24th National Convention

Introduction AS POLITICAL conventions go, this was a peach of an event. It was everything a political convention should be: wellorganized, energetic, full of life and entertainment, massive crowd, very impressive speeches, and of course supported by modern technology, to allow persons who could not attend, to get a chance to view the event.

As a convention, it sent a strong message to all and sundry, including the opposition New Democratic Party, that the ULP was stronger than ever, a force to be reckoned with, and an organization that is ready to rumble, when the Comrade Leader rings the bell.

It was a massive turn out, constituency by constituency. It showed that the General Secretary, Julian Francis, is still the best political organizer in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Indeed, this convention is an indication that Julian Francis has not lost his touch when it comes to political strategies, something that the NDP and its principal ally, Strategic Communications Laboratory, should pay attention to.

intact, very strong and dedicated to the ideals of the ULP, and ready to rumble when the Comrade rings the bell.

New Candidates

Of great interest at the convention was the presence of the four new prospective candidates who will be running on the ULP ticket for the 2020 elections. In Central Leeward we have Orandi Brewster, a young professional who is already creating strong waves in that part of the country. He is being coached by the veteran Sir Louis Straker, the Deputy Leader of the ULP, and also the Deputy Prime Minister.

Then there is Dr. Minerva Glasgow, a veteran public administrator and community activist who is creating a storm in South Leeward. Minnie, as she is affectionately called, has already galvanized the ULP supporters in South Leeward, and we look forward to the return of that constituency, to the ULP column.

Another youthful candidate is The Convention Message Dominic Sutherland, a businessman, who is also causing a stir in Central The message that the ULP was sending, is that the party was going to Kingstown, and giving the NDP candidate St. Clair Leacock, severe win the next general election for the nightmares. Dominic Sutherland has people of St. Vincent and the already captured the imagination and Grenadines. The truth is that the support of the people of Central ULP has chalked a record of Kingstown, and this is going to be an outstanding and unprecedented interesting electoral battle in 2020. achievements which benefited every The fourth candidate is the former family, and the nation as a whole.

Many of these accomplishments have teacher and Headmaster of the been secured in the most challenging Grammar School, Curtis King. He is circumstances, when you consider the expected to contest the West St. George constituency on the ULP resourced-challenge nature of our ticket. Curtis King is a solid country.

Vincentian, an intellectual with a It is the ULP with its peoplecentered vision, and with the policies strong community spirit, and he is expected to do well. and programmes which have transformed this country. Now the party is looking forward to 2020, and Conclusion to uplifting further, the quality of life Overall, the leadership of the ULP, of all Vincentians. That is why the slogan for the convention is “The ULP, along with its members and supporters must feel quite happy and winning again for SVG”. satisfied with the outcome of the 24th Party Leader and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves outlined many of convention. The future looks good for the ULP, leading up to the 2020 the achievements of his party, which election, when it is called. have positively impacted the lives of Above all, the important issue of all Vincentians. He then spoke about leadership has been settled firmly in many of the new programmes which will be implemented over the next two the corner of the ULP. It is clear to all and sundry that Ralph Gonsalves is years. It is imperative that the ULP light years ahead of Godwin Friday, or wins the next general election if anyone else in the NDP. In fact, it is Vincentians are to benefit from the St. Clair Leacock who said on radio, geothermal project, the expansion to Port Kingstown, the new city at Arnos early in 2017, that Ralph Gonsalves is far ahead of all the leaders in Vale, the acute referral hospital, and Caricom, among other things. the many hotel projects which are on It is the ULP that possesses the the verge of taking off. It is clear that the NDP will turn back these projects quality leadership that has been tried and tested in the extremely difficult if Vincentians make the mistake of circumstances of the worst global electing that party to office. The economic crisis for 100 years, and in country will simply fracture. the face of several natural disasters.

So the message out of the The leadership of the ULP has made convention was clear; keep the NDP an immense difference for the better. out for the sake of the country.

All this is well known and is The ULP must feel confident, given embedded in the consciousness of the the energy displayed at the people of St. Vincent and the convention, and further by the number of young people who attended Grenadines, even within the hearts the event. Clearly this was the largest and minds of the opposition NDP. That is why the ULP will win again in convention hosted by the ULP, an 2020, to secure the socio-economic indication that the party’s base is still development of our beloved country.

Modernizing the Health Sector in SVG THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) is deeply concerned with the state of health care in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In our manifesto of the 2015 general elections, we outlined a holistic development plan for rescuing the health sector. It included the construction of a modern state of the art hospital and an air ambulance service.

That plan remains applicable in 2020.

During the campaign of the 2015 general elections, the idea of the helicopter service and the design of our state-of-the-art hospital were severely criticized by the Unity Labour Party (ULP). They responded by saying that they would have built a new hospital anyway. Almost five years later, the ULP regime has failed to construct the hospital they promised. With another general election approaching, the ULP has begun its wild promises again. But Vincentians will not be fooled into believing the ULP and its promises.

They know that it will take the NDP to construct a modern state of the art hospital, and develop the health sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) will take a three-pronged approach to remedy the situation. First, an effective management system will be implemented, with strict accountability from all staff at all facilities. Secondly, a National Health Insurance System (NHIS) will be established. Thirdly, a new state of the art hospital will be built and operated in an appropriate part of the country, and district hospitals will be upgraded, to serve the needs of locals and visitors alike in the most efficient manner.

The management of health care nationwide will be administered by a State Corporation with suitably qualified professional staff at the board and management levels. And the assistance of regional and international agencies will be sought to aid the implementation and allow for a phased change over. Among the sub-committees of the Board will be: finance, customer care, innovations and improvements, public relations and staffing.

The procurement and distribution of all medication and medical supplies shall be administered by the Corporation. There will be adequately defined mechanisms for public queries, complaints and feedback links will be established to allow for regional institutions to offer tertiary health care to citizens in need. The conditions under which these services will be accessible, will be stated publicly, and there will be no discrimination in their application.

Partnerships with international health institutions and teaching institutions will be explored, and, where appropriate, will be developed.

Further, a National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) will be introduced after discussions to provide coverage of basic health care for the insured and their dependents. The service will be similar to our National Insurance System, in that it will be mandatory. However, individuals may, if they so desire, “top up” their coverage with private insurance to cover services not covered by the national system, or to cover private

treatment. And private medical practitioners will be able to use the medical facilities in an open and transparent manner with appropriate safeguards.

And, we will construct a new state of the art hospital with helipad. The Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) is outdated and is inappropriately located with no scope for expansion. It must be replaced. A convenient and central site has already been identified for the construction of a new, modern hospital to replace the MCMH. Preliminary designs are in hand and are ready to be implemented.

Some of the medical departments and wards that will comprise our new health facility will include emergency facilities, general surgery unit, orthopedics unit, children surgery, ophthalmic surgery, and ENT surgery.

Surgical, Medical, Maternity and Children’s wards will be served by Operating Rooms, Patient Rooms, ICU, Nurses’ Stations, Waiting Rooms, Medical Storage, Consultation Room, and Doctors Lounge.

Specialist Diagnostic Department will include specialties of cardiology, dermatology, diabetics, endocrine glands, digestive system, internal diseases, kidney and urology unit, neurology, lung diseases, and rheumatic diseases. X-Ray Room, MRI Room, Hyperbaric Chamber Room, Lab. A revised Nursing Service will provide care to patients at all general and specialized clinics, in addition to specialized care services to inpatients at all units.

A Pharmacy will provide patients with medicines prescribed by specialist physicians and provision of services corresponding to applicable drug precautions and professional regulations. Also, this unit will provide physicians and pharmacists with the most up-to-date medical in addition to organizing periodic tests for pharmacists.

Patients Services Department will design and implement activities and interests related directly to the care of patients; facilitate procedures and requirements of their referral to the hospital; ensure they receive the prescribed treatment; guide and help them so that they can receive the maximum care and treatment that the hospital can provide them.

All of the above will be complemented by a Patient Relations Department which will see to fulfilling the needs of patients and outpatients around the clock.

An Admission Department will coordinate, prepare and arrange reservations and admissions for patients as per classification of cases (emergency, urgent, and normal), so as to ensure the ideal and maximum use of clinical capacity.

The NDP is committed to construct a state-of-the-art hospital and implement the programmes and policies that will rescue the health sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020. 11.

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Creating and sustaining winning attitudes

Earth has a high fever

“Some people say I have attitude maybe I do. But I think you have to. You have to believe in yourself when no one else does - that makes you a winner right there.” - Venus Williams (born 1980) - American professional tennis player. A former world No. 1 and ranked ourselves, should seek to emulate such by the Women's Tennis Association on behaviour. three occasions.

The second leg of the three-legged stool represents the “Can Do” attitude.

MANY BOOKS HAVE BEEN WRITTEN about There are too many individuals who how best to achieve success in life. Over incorrectly conclude that a particular the years philosophers, psychologists, task is beyond them. Winners develop a teachers, lecturers, and coaches have can do attitude. Roger Bannister (1929dedicated the time to share insights 2018), the British middle-distance aimed at guiding individuals in athlete and neurologist, embraced such determining how best to pursue their an approach in 1954 as he prepared to noble dreams. In some instances, they run a mile in under four (4) minutes. have shared conversations and Up until then, athletes, coaches, and experiences that they would have had with spectators had concluded that it could individuals who developed the tenacity to never be done. He did it. Since then, face and overcome formidable opponents many other athletes have accepted the en route to their success. In many cases, challenge to repeat such a feat. these writers describe the habits that Similarly, President John F. Kennedy, were created and sustained to result in on May 25, 1961, announced that the the athletic, academic, and/or United States of America would land a professional excellence achieved. man on the moon; a feat previously This writer regularly advances the considered impossible. In 1969, view that there are three critical astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin variables involved in creating and "Buzz" Aldrin, and Michael Collins were sustaining winning attitudes. While the astronauts on Apollo 11 these are not considered all-inclusive, commissioned to accomplish this task. they do assist individuals in retaining a Armstrong and Aldrin landed on focus on their noble goals. Throughout the moon in the Lunar Module named the remainder of this essay, readers are “Eagle”. Armstrong made that first step invited to visualise a three-legged stool, on the moon and was recorded as with each leg representing one of the saying, “That’s one small step for man, three variables to be considered when one giant leap for mankind”. There are seeking to excel in the game of life. The so many great feats awaiting us once we stool’s seat is visualised as having the develop that can do attitude. label “Winning Attitude”.

The third and final leg of the threeThe first leg represents an attitude of legged stool is considered to be just as constantly seeking to improve personal important as the first two. We refer to performance. We refer to this as having this as the “Do it Now” attitude. a life approach that imbibes the concept Procrastination is a dream killer. of constant and never-ending Beginning is half done. Individuals who improvement. We call this the CANI immediately begin the process of approach. It revolves on the belief that pursuing their noble dream, can testify as good as we are, we can be better. We of the energy and passion that appear to must commit to performing each task to be ignited when they opt to begin the the best of our ability. And the next process. Take, for example, the time that we are required to repeat the individual who commits to publishing a activity, we should seek to do it better book. She sets aside the time to lay out than was previously done. This the milestones and timelines for the approach will drive participants to various stages of the task. She has the constantly seek to improve their end in mind and merely laying out the performance. This is as true for the Table of Contents or seeking details student as it is for the athlete, the related to publishing, the ISBN number, secretary, the cleaner, the plumber, or who will be invited to write the artisan. When we focus on constantly foreword, and so on, helps her to focus improving our performance, we readily on her journey to use her thoughts, discover that we are being propelled to putting them into written words, to constantly win at the game of life. impact lives for good.

Some may argue that such an Regardless of how daunting the task approach will result in our eventually may appear or how formidable the foe maximizing our output and gaining may seem, we have good reason to 100% success at the particular task. believe that we can make the impossible However, that 100% achievement tends possible when we embrace the right to be quite elusive. We always seem to attitudes. When we focus on bettering fall short of perfection and must keep our best efforts, telling ourselves that trying to better our best performance. we can (even when others may express The example of Sharon Finch readily a different view), and beginning the comes to mind. Sharon was secretary to process to our dreams, we soon discover the Board of Directors at the Cave Hill that the previously elusive dream was School of Business (now renamed the not elusive at all.

Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business) These are three critical pillars upon for a number of years. She always which winning attitudes can be created found ways to improve the secretarial and sustained. They are as valuable for packages sent to the members of the outstanding individual performance as board. Apart from improving the it is for group and community efforts. appearance of the various documents, Many of our noble dreams will become she regularly designed templates that real when we accept the challenge to would aid the members of the board to embrace the CANI attitude, the can do more speedily and accurately make attitude, and the do it now attitude. decisions in relation to that tertiary These are critical variables as we institution. She embodied the CANI pursue excellence. approach and attitude. Sharon succumbed to cancer several years ago.

Send comments, criticisms & However, her legacy lives on. We, in suggestions to whatever sphere of work we find julesferdinand@gmail.com

THE DECADE THAT JUST ENDED was by far the hottest ever measured on Earth, capped off by the second-warmest year on record. And the worse is yet to come.

Climate scientists said they see no end to the way man-made climate change keeps shattering records.

The decade had eight of the 10 hottest years on record. The only other years in the top 10 were 2005 and 1998.

We who live in small island Caribbean states and whose contribution to global warming is so negligible and have so little resources to prevent and or mitigate damage, should be very alarmed by this most recent report. Our very existence is at stake.

Sadly, world leaders such as Donald Trump, Australian PM Scott Morrison and Brazilian President Jair Bolsanaro continue to deny that human induced global warming is responsible.

Other explanations that rely on natural causes – extra heat from the sun, more reflection of sunlight because of volcanic particles in the atmosphere, and just random climate variations – are all much too small to explain the long-term trend, Princeton University climate scientist Michael Oppenheimer said.

‘If you think you've heard this story before, you haven't seen anything yet,’ Gavin Schmidt, Director of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, said at the close of a decade plagued by raging wildfires, melting ice and extreme weather that researchers have repeatedly tied to human activity. In the last decade, the Caribbean witnessed record-breaking hurricanes, freak storms, droughts damage to its coral reefs because of rising temperature. Even the weather patterns and seasonal growth of fruits have changed.

The effects of global warming are one of the many challenges we face in SVG. Therefore, we cannot act as if it’s business as usual. Parliament and our leaders should be in a state of permanent emergency. The drivel that most often passed for debate must end.

Schmidt said Earth is probably the hottest it has been during the past 11,500 years, which means this could be the warmest period since the dawn of civilization. But scientists' estimates of ancient global temperatures, based on tree rings, ice cores and other telltale signs, are not precise enough to say that with certainty.

The 2010s averaged 58.4 degrees Fahrenheit (14.7 degrees Celsius) worldwide, or 1.4 degrees (0.8 C) higher than the 20th century average and more than one-third of a degree (one-fifth of a degree C) warmer than the previous decade, which had been the hottest on record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Scientific measurement calculated that 2019 was the second-hottest year in the 140 years of record-keeping.

Five other global teams of monitoring scientists agreed, based on temperature readings taken on Earth's surface, while various satellite-based measurements said it was anywhere from the hottest year on record to the third-hottest.

Several scientists said the coming years will be even hotter. ‘This is going to be part of what we see every

year until we stabilize greenhouse gases from the burning of coal, oil and gas,’ Schmidt said.

‘It’s sobering to think that we might be breaking global temperature records in quick succession,’ said Georgia Tech climate scientist Kim Cobb. ‘2020 is off to a horrifying climate start, and I fear what the rest of the year will bring to our doorsteps.’

Overall, Earth is now about 1.2 degrees C (nearly 2.2 F) hotter since the beginning of the industrial age, a number that is important because in 2015, global leaders adopted a goal of preventing 1.5 C (2.7 F) of warming since the rise of big industry in the mid- to late 1800s. He said that shows the global goal can’t be achieved.

‘We have strong human-induced global warming,’ said Friederike Otto, a climate scientist at the University of Oxford. ‘What we observe here is exactly what our physical understanding tells us to expect, and there is no other explanation.’

Scientists said the decade-long data is more telling than the year-to-year measurements, where natural variations such as El Nino, the periodic warming of the Pacific Ocean, come into play.

‘Human-caused climate change is responsible for the long-term warming – it’s responsible for why the 2010s were warmer than 2000s, which were warmer than the 1990s, etc.,’ Texas A&M University climate scientist Andrew Dessler said in an email. But humans are not responsible for why 2016 was warmer than 2015, or why 2019 was warmer than 2018.’

NOAA said the average global temperature in 2019 was 58.7 degrees (14.85 C), or just a few hundredths of a degree behind 2016, when the world got extra heat from El Nino. That’s 1.71 degrees (0.95 C) higher than the 20th century average, and 2.08 degrees (1.16 C) warmer than the late 19th century. Sea ice both in the Arctic and Antarctic reached their second-lowest levels in 40 years of monitoring.

Parts of Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and South America had recordhigh temperatures in 2019, as did Alaska, New Zealand and New Mexico, NOAA said. Alaska was 6.2 degrees warmer than average, at 32.2 F. It was the first time in recorded history that Alaska's average annual temperature was above freezing.

Globally the past five years stand out as the hottest five on record, nearly 1.7 degrees (0.9 C) warmer than the 20th century average. The last year Earth was cooler than the 20th century average was 1976. ‘If you want to know what this means for people and the world, just look at wildfire-stricken Australia,’ Schmidt and others said.

Global warming is already being seen in heat waves, ice sheet melt, more wildfires, stronger storms, floodinducing downpours and accelerating sea level rise, said Hans-Otto Portner, who heads the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change team that looks at the impact of climate change.

If you read this report and are not troubled, you are in a deep sleep.

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

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12. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

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Surrounded by sea, but no fish in the Kingstown market ACCORDING to Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O‘Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA, Leader of SVG Green Party, SVG has over 10,000 square miles of sea, but we don’t always get fish in the Kingstown market.

When you go to the market, it is hard to get fish. This is very strange considering we are surrounded by sea. It is a shame, also, as fish is an important part of our people’s diet.

The local fishing industry should be supported more with lower taxes.

Local fishing could become a bigger part of the SVG economy if local fishermen had lower overheads and costs.

The local fishing industry is severely impeded as the super-rich migrants in Mustique believe they have sovereignty of Mustique and have claimed the sea around Mustique.

They have declared that it is illegal for our local fishermen to fish around the coastline of Mustique. This is outrageous as it stops local fishermen from earning an income from the sea around Mustique.

SVG Green Party strongly believes that our solution to the fish problem and the loss of billions of dollars in fish revenue in SVG, is to lower taxes

on the fishing industry, and to take back our Atlantic Ocean tuna fishing licence from Taiwan.

SVG should cut ties with Taiwan and create our own billion-dollar tuna fishing and canning industry, so we can export fish and create mass employment.

Taiwan has a massive fleet of fishing vessels on SVG’s fish licence in the Atlantic Ocean. It is conservatively estimated that Taiwan owes the SVG Treasury about EC$57 billion in fish tax. SVG does not get fish or any revenue from Taiwan’s fishing industry.

The rate of return from a large fishing and canning industry in SVG compared to the rate of return from tourism in SVG, would be about $1000 from the fish industry to $1 from the tourism industry. So, for every thousand dollars we could earn from a fishing and canning industry, we would only get one dollar from tourism.

Let us stop dreaming about a tourism industry being the engine of the SVG economy. It will never happen. Barbados is still poor after more than 60 years of tourism. It is a

and provide our people with free, highquality education from pre-school to our own science and technology university.

Let us be guided by sound, longwaste of money. SVG must invest in a term development in our 10,000 fishing and canning industry to boost square miles of sea space. For the best our economy and create thousands of interest of the next generation, we jobs. must invest properly in a fishing and SVG can become much more of a canning industry, and lower taxes on high-tech nation if we develop a our local fishing industry. Fish is an billion-dollar fishing and canning important part of our people’s diet, industry, and use the profits from that and it makes no sense we cannot get to drive a knowledge-based economy fish when we are surrounded by sea.

From ‘White Chapel’ to ‘Epsilon’

by COLIN KING VIOLENCE on the street; aggressive personalities; incendiary music; a rise in crime......SVG you say? No. This, instead, characterizes New Zealand. Fortunately, someone in Government knew the power of music.

His suggestion was to take all the incentive- toviolence music off the street and in public locations, and install in its place the music of 18th century iconic composer...Amadeus Mozart. The violence disappeared.

Ah! Now you see the Vincy correlative. But if our government decided on a measure like the above, they’d be out of a job.

The New Zealand story was given in an interview with CubanVincentian Professor Zahily Valera Laidlow, who is bringing her expertise in a merger with Floyd Parris’ White Chapel Studios.

The merger is to be named Epsilon - Greek for the number five, which is especial significant in music… do the research.

Unfortunately, the ‘modern’ music genres, most of it negative, are seen as a part of our culture and widely accepted. Our folk music, the closest thing we have to classical music, is not owned by Vincentians or exposed by the powers that be.

Professor Zahily Valera Laidlow is not here to rock the boat, however.

But if you want to learn to read music or have an interest in being qualified through ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal School of Music), she can give you an insight into the musicological significance of the far superior classical music life forms, Cuban composers, and the black element in classical composers such as Coleridge Taylor and Chevalier St. Georges.

Marriage to a Vincentian doctor saw the Professor’s relocation to SVG. She is effusively complimentary of the abundance of talent we have here, and agrees with this writer on the potential for big things like an orchestra and an expanded space in terms of talent and response, to music that has class, spirituality and relevance.

Epsilon, formerly White Chapel, is offering comprehensive music education in theory of music, and

Floyd Parris, Musical Director/Proprietor of the White Chapel Studios, is excited about the advancement that will come with ‘Epsilon’. piano, voice, stringed instruments (e.g. violin and cello), saxophone, trumpet and clarinet.

Unfortunately, music is not really given the status it should in the ‘Education revolution’. Epsilon subsidizes this with training for ages from as low as 3-6 years old. Their training will be in Delcro, Kodaly, methods which would see them maybe on drums and percussive instruments with an option to move on to multi tone instruments at 6.

Professor Laidlow speaks reverently and hopefully about the background for a full education in specialised music, that should be had here, and gives a Cuban note of corelevance, i.e. children are trained all through the younger years in the rudiments, and at age 14, should they be evaluated as talented, have the choice of a music major in schools for the next four years. This makes for well-rounded and basis for a successful career in music.

Such a move is corroborated by the young musicians trained at white chapel of which two names come to mind: Delight Ollivierre and Ivan Parris (currently learning the cello with his Grade 7 violin successfully passed).

White Chapel Studios proprietor and lead teacher Floyd Parris concurs with the above as an option in the Vincentian system. The merger with Laidlow comes at his twentieth anniversary of teaching.

He decries our ‘Common Entrance’ as an example of an unnecessary segregation in terms of what happens after the exam with circa 40% of students left behind. How many of these can become musicians and artists in the long run? An academic focus outside of the arts might be just what seals the deal for these children.

The VINCENTIAN congratulates Laidlow and Parris on handing a gift to young, aspiring Vincentian musicians straight from God, of which their mutual Christian backgrounds should spell success.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020. 13.

History/Heritage

St. George’s Cathedral:

A symbol of SVGÊs history

Not quite 200 years ago, but this photo dated June 03, 1904 gives an impression of the overall impact of St. George’s Cathedral. highlights the attention given to the milestone.

A number of events decorate the calendar, including a Gospel Concert April 18, and the St. George’s Feast of Title April 18.

The youth come into focus with a Week of Activities May 3 to 8. A Cocktail Reception and Recognition of Dean of the Cathedral The Very Rev. O. Samuel Nichols The Right Reverend C. will be held on May 27, Leopold Friday has following his installation much to be happy as Dean on February 20. about, not least that he A Back in Time Party will preside over a is scheduled for July 31, momentous occasion – and by September 1, a the 200th Anniversary of Magazine will be St. George’s Cathedral. launched.

A 200 Day Challenge THE ST. GEORGE’S exercise, during which CATHEDRAL, situated in persons are expected to the south west of capital city Kingstown, stands out put aside one dollar a day, ends August 30. as a symbol of this country’s history. It marks That offering will be used to help fund a its 200th Anniversary Sunday, September 6 with scholarship for a student from either the a Thanksgiving Service.

Kingstown Anglican A Media Launch last School or the Lowman’s Tuesday signalled a Leeward Anglican countdown to that commemoration. Events School.

Another scholarship towards the climax were will be offered. This one highlighted by is sponsored by the Steve Chairperson of the Anniversary Committee, Francis family.

Even after that Ms. Onika Morgan. celebration, activities A theme, ‘Affirming will persist towards year our Heritage, Forging end with a series of new Paths’, has been lectures. chosen for the occasion, Addressing last and a logo, designed by Tuesday Media Launch, Carenda Davis,

The Right Reverend C. Leopold Friday, Bishop of the Diocese of the Windward Islands, echoed the importance of building a relationship of integrity, as he reflected on the role the Church played over its last 200 years.

He looked at the

Today’s St. George’s Cathedral stands as a symbol of our history and legacy. celebration as an opportunity to “give thanks.”

For Bishop Friday, the St. George’s Cathedral is symbolic, not only to Anglicans, but the entire nation and to the people and countries outside this jurisdiction.

He emphasised the

call to the situation that, “…as Christians we were no longer on our own. We belong to Christ.”

Meanwhile, restorative works continue on the Cathedral, with attention being given to the stained-glass windows.

This undertaking will be

spearheaded by a British Stained-Glass painter Michael Ross, whose parents originated in Mesopotamia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

He is fascinated by the historical detail engrained in the structure. (WKA)

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14. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Arts & Youth

Richland Park: Best Nine Mornings/Christmas Community

Lead members of the Richland Park group, with Chair- Danroy Ballantyne at left.

RICHLAND PARK retained the Best Nine Mornings Community title and added the Best Christmas Community award, when the 2019 Nine Mornings Prize Giving Ceremony took place last Saturday, at the Peace Memorial Hall in Kingstown.

While Richland Park bossed both categories, Stubbs was second in the two.

In the Best Nine Mornings Community segment, Carriere was third and Coulls Hillfourth.

Meanwhile, Coulls Hill, the defending Best Christmas Community champions, was third this time around, with

Spring Village docking in fourth.

The double delight for Richland Park was deemed “a team effort” by head of that community’s committeeDanroy Ballantyne.

Projecting that they will be endeavouring to hold on to both titles in 2020, Ballantyne indicated that preparations will again begin “early.”

A positive Ballantyne noted: “We always have something up our sleeves, and expect us to come even bigger and better this year.”

Apart from the Best Nine Mornings and Best Christmas Community announced at last

Saturday’s Prize Giving Ceremony, there were three other titles which were made known.

Taking the Best Community Song title was Fitz Hughes, with Richland Park — second, Stubbsthird and Point Village fourth .

Stubbs won the Double winner- Olivia Da Silva Best Community (right) accepts one of her prizes on Parade, ahead from Tamara Job- Sprott. of Carriere and Fitz Hughes who List tied for second. They were followed by Also receiving prizes last Green Hill and Rose Saturday were the winners in Hall in that order. the VINLEC Community This category of Lighting Competition, that competition was were previously announced. judged during the Rose Bank took Zone One, launch of the Nine Mornings Festival, which took Belvedere copped Zone Two and Stubbs was first in Zone place on Sunday 1st Three.

December.

Taking Zone Four was Point And Rondy ‘Luta’ Mc Village and Port Elizabeth, Intosh’s ‘Something Bitter’ Bequia Zone Five. was adjudged the winner of Point Village was declared the Most Popular Local the overall National Christmas Song, as Community Lighting determined by rotations on champions for the seventh eight local radio stations. straight year.

‘Something Bitter’ was Port Elizabeth was second, followed by Rolly Bowman’s ‘Christmas Grinch’, Shaunelle Stubbs was third and Rose Bank took the fourth spot.

Mc Kenzie’s ‘Lil Piece’, In the other categories of Skarpyon’s ‘Joyous Vibe’ and adjudication, the Roseau Man CP’s ‘Fustina’.

Recreational Park won the Best Lit Garden title, with Jax Community Lighting Winners’ Enterprises winning the Best

A representative from perennial winners of the National Lighting Competition, Point Village, accepts the cheque from Tamara Job- Sprott.

Rawlo Matthews (right) accepts Stubbs Zone Three winner’s cheque from Tamara Job- Sprott.

Lit Commercial Building.

Olivia Da Silva of Cane End was on the double, as she won the Best Nativity Scene and Best Lit Private House.

The 2019 National Nine Mornings Festival ran under the theme: ‘Celebrating a Unique Vincentian Tradition.’

“Nine Mornings is in good hands,” Orande Charles unique Vincentian tradition, is in good hands.

“The positive thing we saw this year (2019) is the amount of young people, children taking their own initiatives to get up at 3, 4 o’ clock in the morning, to go out to the various communities, encouraging parents,” Charles noted.

International appeal

Coconut grating competition at Stubbs Nine Mornings With the National Nine activities.

Mornings Festival continuing to get international recognition, Right: Serenading in Charles is advocating the Kingstown during Nine packaging of the product.

Mornings.

“We have to begin to have Orande Charles structured activities and international media presence, with a interactive and inversive activities for French television company filming our visitors … Make them feel a part CHAIR OF THE SVG Nine Mornings Nine Mornings activities for a Travel of the Festival when they arrive and Committee- Orande Charles, after Documentary. presiding over his first Nine Mornings which will definitely help them to Charles thus advised, “We have all Festival (Dec. 16 — 24), has opined that promote this Festival...It reiterates participated in Nine Mornings and we how much effort we have to put in the Festival “is in good hands.” know what it is to us; ,but there are going forward to ensure that the Addressing last Saturday’s Prize millions and billions of people out product of Nine Mornings is ready for Giving Ceremony for the 2019 Nine there who don’t… I think the time is prime time,” Charles commented.

Mornings and Lighting activities, at now, with international access and Charles disclosed that during the the Peace Memorial Hall, Charles other developments, to begin to invite period December 6 to 20, there was an boasted: “Our Nine Mornings , our

them, to let them see that St Vincent and the Grenadines has this unique thing that happens nowhere else in the world.”

Apart from Charles, last Saturday’s Ceremony heard remarks from Andrew Wilson, Director of National Parks; Tamara Job — Sprott, the Communications Officer of VINLEC; Anthony Dennie, the Product Development Officer of the National Lotteries Authority and Hon. Cecil Mc Kie, Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020. 15.

Arts & Youth

AVENUE DANCERS eye visit to LONDON

London is extremely high, but with the help of monthly fundraisers, the support of corporate entities and the generosity of others, The Avenue Dancers is determined to propel this dream and ensure its fruition.

The Avenue Dancers performing at the CDC 2019 Dance Showcase. group anticipates WHEN THE GAUNTLET was served as the group’s generous public thrown, Ms Bridget John, Business Manager and patronage of its Manager of the Avenue Shows Coordinator. fundraising events and Dancers for over thirty Bridget promised that years, immediately she would return with a welcomes donations through its crowd accepted the challenge of group of her dancers to funding page: travelling with a group of partner with the (https://www.justgiving.c her dancers to one of the Caribella Dance om/crowdfunding/london most attractive and Company and showcase beloved capitals in the the talents of the Avenue 2020avenuedancers).

Should the Avenue world, London.

Dancers and the culture Dancers travel to In 2018, Bridget of St. Vincent and the London, they have a visited London to support Grenadines. packed schedule.

Krystal Clarke, In 2020, the Avenue Activities planned Manager/Choreographer Dancers are working include sharing the stage of the Caribella Dance steadfastly to ensure Company’s Inaugural that this is the year they at the Caribella Dance Company’s Annual Dance Showcase. Krystal visit the United Dance Extravaganza on previously danced with Kingdom. The cost of 18th July; visits to and the Avenue Dancers as a travelling to and from performances at charities child, and as an adult and accommodation in

and clubs for elderly persons of West Indian Heritage; visit to primary schools where they will perform mini concerts and carry out Soca Dancing workshops with students.

The dancers will also spend a day with AfroCaribbean families and visit High Wycombe and Reading, areas just outside London that have a large Vincentian population. Plans are also being made for them to portray their talents in the form of mini performances in these cities. A courtesy call will also be made to the High

Commissioner in London, where the dancers will perform for the members of staff.

This opportunity, the Avenues Dancers management recognises as a truly amazing one which, however, can only be exploited with the assistance of the corporate community and generous Vincentians.

THE VINCENTIAN joins in urging Vincentians and patrons of the arts both near and far, to lend support to a worthwhile and memorable endeavour.

(Contributed)

This Junior Avenue Dancer caught the eye of the patrons at the CDC 2019 Dance Showcase.

Another dance routine by the Avenue Dancers at the CDC 2019 Dance Showcase.

More Juniors complete PCCU Challenge SOME 235 JUNIOR SAVERS of the Police Co-operative Credit Union (PCCU) last Saturday at the Police Canteen in capital Kingstown, were the recipients of Kindle Fire Tablets, after achieving the target of a year-long savings challenge.

The number represented a Some of the Junior Savers pose with their Kindle Fire Tablets. marginal increase on 2018, when 229 met the target.

Left: Manager of the PCCU- Mrs Ayanna Samuel (left) and President of the PCCU – Horace To qualify for the a tablet, Williams. a Junior Savers was required to save incrementally, one the PCCU, “no other Credit Union here does such “It is something we will continue to dollar each week. indicated that the a thing.” do, as the parents like the idea,” Fifty percent of the total saved one-year period could be extended.

According to Williams, the Savings Williams confirmed. during the challenge had to remain in Meanwhile, a proud President of the Challenge is one of his organisation’s The PCCU Junior Savers Challenge a fixed deposit for a period of one year, PCCU- Horace Williams boasted that signature undertakings. got started in 2014. though, Ayanna Samuel, Manager of

16. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020. 17.

News

Message from the Executive Director of NIS on its 33rd Anniversary

Kingstown, St. Vincent January 14, 2020 THE BOARD, Management and Staff of the National Insurance Services (NIS) salute the Government and people of SVG for their sterling support to the organization over its 33 years of providing sustainable social protection to the nation. On the occasion of our 33rd anniversary, we recognise and reflect on our building blocks, who are principally the past, present and future employers and employees of this blessed country.

We remain humble to diagnose that our achievements and accomplishments are built on the bedrock of yesterday’s, today’s and tomorrow’s hardworking and productive labour force. We are able to celebrate this significant milestone because the Government creates an enabling environment for growth of the system and the many-sided contributions from the beneficiaries and insured persons.

At its 33rd anniversary, the NIS celebrates its journey of significant developments and socio-economic transformative actions which include but are not limited to the following: 1. Accumulation of an asset base which constitutes approximately 25% of the national gross domestic product; 2. The architecture of a resilient investment portfolio that is sufficiently diversified across countries, economic sectors and issuers; 3. Social protection to approximately 47% of the population; 4. Provision of a dignified and comprehensive benefit package that sufficiently provides protection from birth to death against social and economic distress as a consequence of life cycle risks of sickness, employment injury, invalidity, maternity, death and old age; 5. The only reliable, predictable and sustainable source of retirement income for approximately 85% of our older persons in SVG; 6. A benefit expenditure base of approximately $70 million which represent approximately 2% of GDP; 7. Promotion of social and economic utility by its investments in education, skills development, health, housing and poverty alleviation measures; 8. Contribution to employment creation by its sizeable investments in the local economy through loans,

Right: Stewart K Haynes, Executive Director, National Insurance Services. bonds, equities and deposits.

9. Provision of people-centred services through fashioning products and services that reflect the needs of its customers and extending its services to the Grenadines and rural areas of St.Vincent; 10. Major provider of labour market statistics to various local and international stakeholders.

These achievements are being realised and accomplished amidst major economic, labour market and demographic challenges, which threaten the contribution and financing bases and adequacy of benefits of our social security system.

Of material concern is the demographic shift caused by population ageing. Three factors explain this phenomenon: the declining fertility, the increasing life expectancy and past variations in birth and death rates which is termed as baby boomers. However, the intelligent blend of people skills and technology allows the organisation to be resilient and responsive to these exogenous challenges.

Notwithstanding the increasing intensity of the timing, scale, pace and magnitude of the challenges confronting social security system, we look forward to the future with great hope and optimism. Our levers of action to enhance financial sustainability, benefit adequacy and improve administrative efficiency would pivot around parametric reform, improved coordination with key stakeholders, integration of ICT in core operations, broadened coverage to self-employed and informal sectors and investments in the employment and empowerment of our people.

As we grow and continue to touch and transform lives, we promise to remain rooted and grounded in our vision and mission. Protecting people will always remain our focus as we strive to promote social and economic development in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Contact: National Insurance Services 784-456-1514 nis@nissvg.org

Register for Corporate Public Speaking Championship CORPORATE ORGANISATIONS in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are now invited to register interest in the 2nd Annual National Corporate Public Speaking Championship.

In 2019, during the inaugural Championship, the Argyle International Airport (AIA) emerged victorious through its representative Miss Trackeisha Davis.

This year, AIA will seek to defend its crown, and corporate entities are encouraged to register up to two participants for the preliminary round of competition. Successful participants in the preliminary round will then go on to the semifinals and finals.

Speakers will present on set topics relating to business activity in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) Ms. Arlette Miller, Chairperson of the National Corporate Public Speaking Championship Committee has shared that for the second time, the event’s goal is to continue to encourage fluent communication in the workplace that will help in providing the competitive advantage for today’s businesses and firms.

Generous cash prizes

are at stake for the first, second and third place winners of the final contest.

Speaking on the format for this year’s competition, Ms Miller indicated that letters will be sent to business houses to confirm interest of participation.

The preliminary round of competition is slated for 29th February, the semi and finals both slated for 28th March and 25th April respectively.

Patrons can look forward to another exhilarating atmosphere filled with vibrant audience table topics as well as lots of giveaways.

This event is hosted

by Toastmasters in SVG for staff of registered businesses throughout St. Vincent & the Grenadines. As was the case last year, this year being no exception, the National Corporate Public Speaking Championship (NCPSC) committee aims to fulfill its promise to offer a superior standard and to deliver a riveting experience. The other members on the 2020 NPSC Committee are Deputy Chairperson Tamira Browne

Arlette Miller, Chairperson of the NCPSC. Advanced Communicator Gold/Advanced Leadership Bronze — (ACG/ALB); Treasurer Sharlene AlleyneHector; Public Relations Chair Trackera Davis; Secretary - Raheem Hall, Development Leadership 1 — (DL1); Denicia Gaymes; Jacqui English —Jacobs Competent Communicator /Effective Coaching (CC/EC) and Xelony Daize — Competent Communicator/Compete nt Leader/Dynamic Leadership 2 (CC/CL/DL2).

More information on the competition may be had by calling 1784-4934746; Email: svgpublicspeaking@gma il.com; Facebook: SVG National Corporate Public Speaking Championship.

Instagram: SVG_NCPSC

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18. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Law

New judge appointed

LAST MONDAY’S ceremony marking the opening of the new Law Year welcomed a new appointee to the panel of judges assigned to the local jurisdiction.

Trinidad and Tobago national Justice Angelica Teelucksingh began her tenure here when she took the parade and inspected the Guard of Honour mounted by the Royal SVG Police Force in the Court Yard, Kingstown, a traditional component of the ceremony.

During a Special Sitting that followed the parade and guard of

honour, Attorney General Jaunty Martin welcomed Justice Teelucksingh, describing her appointment as an important step in reducing the backlog of criminal matters here.

Martin took the opportunity to refer to three pieces of legislation which he anticipates will improve justice here.

Those are the Legal Profession Bill, Public Service Bill and Administration of Justice Bill.

He also referenced the Hall of Justice, construction of which is expected to start in June 2020, as President of the local bar Association Rene Baptiste (2nd from right) along with other local legal luminaries, taking in the parade and guard of honour at last Monday’s opening of the new Law year.

Justice Angelica Teelucksingh, a welcomed improvement to current accommodation for Court accompanied by Commissioner of Police Colin John, inspects the Guard of Honour. proceedings here.

The Attorney General also acknowledged that St. Vincent aspects of legal education. and the Grenadines was no “exception” Baptiste was excited about plans to with respect to the Chief Justice’s expose students to Bar related remarks (see Page 2). activities, including having President Director of Public Prosecutions of the Caribbean Court of JusticeSejilla McDowall expressed her Vincentian born Adrian Saunders anticipation of that building. She speak to them. noted the upgrade of the National An OESC Bar Association meeting Prosecution services, and pledged that is set to take place here, and Baptiste resources and personnel needed for the is looking forward to the full new court will be provided. participation of the local body.

President of the Bar Association Roderick Jones, speaking on behalf Rene Baptiste welcomed Justice of the Utter Bar, welcomed the new Teelucksingh, and pointed to measures Justice. He is holding Attorney the Bar Association had taken to keep General Martin accountable if the Hall the profession updated. She alluded to of Justice does not start in June. plans to keep members of the (WKA) profession in tune with the latest

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020. 19.

News

Coast Guard officers promoted

Some of the Coast Guard Officers who recently received their rank badges of their new positions. congratulated the officers on their promotion.

While he admitted to be happy for all the officers, he said he particularly pleased with the enlargement of the Senior Officer Corps at the Coast Guard.

He recalled the period when there was only one Senior Officer at the Coast Guard — “but there are now a total of six (6) senior officers,” he declared in a tone of sheer satisfaction.”

This increase, he posited, would provide more opportunities for junior personnel to be promoted up the ranks.

Twenty-three of those officers promoted were: * To be Lieutenant Commander Lieutenant Ralphie Ragguette; * To be Lieutenant Commander Acting - Lieutenant Enos Hamlette; * To be Lieutenant - Sub Lieutenants Vinton John and William Brenton Cain, Commander of the Theobalds; SVG Coast Guard Service, is pleased * To be Lieutenant Acting - Sub with the increase of senior officers Lieutenant 422 Tyrone Durham; under his command. * To be Sub Lieutenant - Chief Petty Officers 13 Frankie John and ACCORDING TO A RELEASE dated Jan. 413 Anthony Delpleche; 11, 2020 from the Royal SVG Police * To be Sub Lieutenant Acting Force Public Relations and Complaints Chief Petty Officer 68 Donald Harry; Department, some twenty-four officers of * To be Chief Petty Officer - Petty the SVG Coast Guard Service have been Officers (po) 237 Osborne Johnson, promoted to various ranks within the 300 Kenlet Francis and 627 Alvis organization.

Daniel; On Friday January 10, 2020, * To be Chief Petty Officer Acting Commander of the SVG Coast Guard Petty Officer (po) 231 Edwin Durrant: Service, Mr. Brenton Cain officiated * To be Petty Officer - Petty Officer over an investiture ceremony at the acting 753 Melita Browne and Leading Coast Guard Base, Calliaqua, during Seamen (ls) Grayson Stephens and which the newly promoted officers 259 Daniel Foyle; received their rank badges. * To be Leading Seaman - Able In his address, Commander Cain Seamen (ab) 159 Kevin Providence, informed that this was the largest 195 Selwyn Isaac, 11 Kemmy Ashton, number of Coast Guard officers to be 780 Sasha Henry-Martin, 796 Enroy promoted at any one time.

John, 836 Fitzroy Davis, 841 Josh A visible elated Commander Cain Hamilton and 810 Jevon Lewis.

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20. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Don’t want to die!!!

Dear George, I HAVE recently tested positive for HIV after the girl I was messing with suggested I do so. She told me she had been having an affair with her teacher and she accidentally found out she was HIV positive. She has not told that teacher anything.

It gets worse: I have been sexually active with a few of this girl’s friends, and you can add my girlfriend to that list. We are all fifth formers.

I am so confused right now that I don’t know what to do. I want to believe the girl I got it from most likely got infected by her teacher and he is married as far as I know. This whole thing is one big mix up.

Sometimes I am angry, confused, afraid, and at other times I feel numb.

I don’t want to die from AIDS. Please tell me what to do to make this nightmare go away.

Alone and scared Dear Alone and scared, Sharing your feelings is a good first step. Now you know your status, you can access the help that is available to you through counselling, appropriate medication and proper diet.

Counselling can also help you to cope with the feelings of anger, confusion.

Towards the above end, I suggest that you get in touch with someone from the AIDS Secretariat/Ministry of Health.

It is important that you encourage your sexual partners to get tested.

George

Accused of lying Dear George,

George, I am very concerned for my friend.

She has threatened to kill herself. She wants to go to the police, but she is afraid she would be accused of causing her mother’s lover to go to jail.

What should she do now, and what should I do?

MY FRIEND has confided in me that she is constantly being sexually abused by her mother’s boyfriend, and when she complains to her mother, she dismisses it as a lie.

Worse, her aunts also accuse her of lying when she complains to them.

My friend told me she Cry for help was still dealing with the sudden death of her Dear Cry for help, father, and got surprised Your role is a critical when her mother quickly one. Continue to picked this guy up.

encourage her to talk about her feelings and also to talk to the police. She will need additional emotional and psychological support before and after going to the police. Marion House is a good option, and a counsellor there would be able to provide such support.

The perpetrator in question has done wrong, and he needs to bear the consequences of such horrendous actions.

George

The right stance Dear George, YOU CAN imagine how shocked I was when my husband’s best friend, who is married, made a hit on me. He came right out and told me he wanted to sleep with me and went on to tell me, that he has been reading my signals.

George, I have not sent this man any signals and whatever he has been reading were totally misinterpreted. I never knew he was that low down to want to sleep with his best friend’s wife. I told my husband of course and he has dropped him as a friend.

I’m writing to you so that other women in similar situations can

know they can nip these temptations in the bud and keep their marriage intact.

Still happily married Dear Still happily married, Hats off to you for the principled stand you took. It is vitally

important to nip such things in the bud. Your husband deserved to know the kind of ‘friends’ he has in his circle, and you did right to give him a heads up. I am sure the word would now get around that you are not someone to mess with.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Sudden trips may take you by surprise; try to include your mate, mixing business with pleasure. Don't let others put unreasonable demands on you. Be sure to pay attention to your financial status.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Do your chores and get on with the things you enjoy doing. Don't torment yourself. Disharmony in the home will be extremely stressful. You must make sure that all your personal documents are in order. Try not to take everything so seriously.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Business trips might prove unproductive.

Get involved in the activities of children.

You will do your best work on your own.

You're best to avoid disputes.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Opportunities may come up at prestigious affairs. You may have difficulties with foreigners. You can get a great deal accomplished if you bring work home. It's time to reevaluate your motives.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Don't overdo it. You may want to take a look at courses offered at a local institute. Let them know what your intentions are. Your personal life will be disrupted if you have been too busy with business.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You are best to back away from commitment. This will be a great night to invite friend over to visit. You will be encouraged to get involved in a moneymaking venture. You will upset your partner if you have spent money on things that aren't necessary.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Be prepared to take advantage of your good fortune. Problems with appliances or electrical gad gets will drive you crazy.

Older family members will make demands on your time.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Be sure to pay attention to your financial status. Be careful not to come on too strongly. Loans will be attainable and legal matters easily taken care of. Travel, although enticing, will cost more than you expect.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You can win if you're open and up front with your boss. Don't hesitate to go ahead with any plans for entertainment.

Friends and relatives may not understand your needs. Don't avoid your true feelings.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You'll be able to break bad habits if you put your mind to it. Deception and confusion regarding your status in society is likely. You will have to be sure not to burn the candle at both ends. The danger of minor accidents will increase with the turmoil.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Weigh the pros and cons and make a decision that will change the conditions you've been living under. After all, they may have valuable information to pass on. Think twice before you say something you might regret later.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Do not let them in on your plans if you want things to run smoothly. Avoid any confrontations with colleagues. You may find that you're being used. Get involved in creative projects that could turn into moneymaking ventures.

ACROSS 1. Applaud 5. Plus 8. Sauna sites 12. Puerto – 13. Bruce of martial arts 14. Medicine tablet 15. Receives from a will 17. Nasty-looking 18. Quilting party 19. Not as hard 21. Oxygen, for example 22. Oppose 26. Beg urgently 29. Jazzy Torme 30. Dove sound 31. Covered with grease 32. With 2-Down, hockey-rink marking 33. Holler 34. _ Vegas 35. Are able to 36. Walked through water 37. California neighbor 39. Modern music style 40. Family guys 42. Glide on snow 45. Ant home 48. Whaling spears 50. Shape of most braided rugs 51. Senora Peron 52. Energy source 53. Spun snares 54. – Antonio 55. Make tracks DOWN 1. Bed for a baby 2. See 32-Across 3. Dull pain 4. Macabre poet 5. Fake name 6. Brooklyn basketballers

7. Yearned for 8. Pony prodders 9. Oinking beast 10. 100% 11. Conniving 16. With 49-Down, dictated from a list 20. Thin fish 21. Cheery 23. On the rocks 24. Only 25. Informed 26. Horseback sport 27. She fibs 28. Differently 29. Stag-party guests 32. Western farms 33. Bark sharply 35. Against

36. Stinging insect 38. Beach birds 39. Showed again on TV 41. Etna outflow 42. Sound-alike of 24-Down 43. Leg hinge?

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020. 21.

44. Castaway locale 45. “In what manner?”

46. Common contraction 47. Reseach room 49. See 16-Down

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22. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Opinion

The Central Police Station, in need of some preservation work, remains one of the few iconic buildings in capital Kingstown.

Fear stalks the land

the corporate citizens who have prospered in our society.

These morally shallow corporation executives have no VULGARITY FASHIONS the citizens have not been qualms about environment which is showing interest in limiting “plundering” the conducive to crime and the influence of the weaknesses of our young violence which drives the relentless bombardment of women, whom they lure fear. Yet the majority of us vulgaritypromoted even by into vulgar conduct for the advertising of their products. One remembers that aggressive advertising of a “Dutty Wine” competition some years ago.

It should be clear to us, that the Police Department will have to be more assertive if this society is to be spared rapid deterioration over a relatively short period. I have been trying over the last few years to draw The yard of the Central Police Station was a attention for the serious popular venue for basketball and volleyball. addressing of the (Credit: RSVGPF Pictures)

weaknesses, some of which are quite obvious.

I am here suggesting areas for immediate action, and I believe the Police Service Commission is led by Blazer Williams, who is competent enough to arrange for the initiation of a process which should address the following issues: (a) The immediate repairs to the Central Police Station, in recognition of the fact that it is one of our iconic buildings. It has always been in the focus of the cameras of our visitors.

The obvious neglect does not reflect favourable on our pride. Have we given any thought to what the other members of the United Nations’ Security Council will think of us? (b) Let us make sure that the police officers are comfortably lodged.

Those battered looking

Below: What is now the Central Police Station was once a Police Barracks and housed the Customs Department. (Credit: RSVGPF Pictures)

windows from which shabby curtains hang at the Lodge Village Station, are even more negatively impactful when the well-kept lawn of the Prime Minister’s residence has been seen. (c) For too long we have been having our Police Officers and those of the Coast Guard while on duty being precariously perched on the sides of the backs of vehicles. Considering the surface of the roads these

days, the risk of serious injury resulting from the fall from a moving vehicle should be taken into account. The officers should not be exposed to that added risk. We can do better than that!

The reciting of hollow slogans by persons who have undertaken the responsibility to manager our affairs, will never effect the development we ought to be pursuing.

LeRoy Providence

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020. 23.

Windwards beat Barbados in opener

partnerships in the middle and lower order helped earn the host victory in the final over.

Desron Maloney, playing in front of his home crowd on his debut top scored with 83 in Volcanoes runs chase, after he had hit 30 in the first innings. Kyle Mayers, the Barbados allrounder, hit his maiden century in a losing course.

Scores: Barbados first innings 233 from 75 overs - Kyle Mayers 106, Jomal Warrican 49, Keron Cottoy 3 for 41, Shillingford 2 for 86.

Volcanoes first innings Action between Volcanoes and Pride.

234 from 103 overs - .

Emmanuel Stewart 50, Shillingford 7 for Barbados second Keron Cottoy 38. Devon 105, Preston innings 269 from 85 Smith 33, Desron overs, Kraigg Brathwaite McSween 2 for 52.

Shane Shillingford, Man Maloney 30, Jomal 72, Justin Greaves 36, Windwards of the Match, took 9 for Warrican 4 for 40. second innings Jomal Warrican 31, 188 in the match.

272 for 7 from 88.4 overs Desron Maloney 83, Kaveem Hodge 60, Jomal St George Secondary School last Warrican 3 for 68. weekend, was convened to The Volcanoes hammer out the issues affecting Desron Maloney hit 83 and 30 face Jamaica in the sports, and to recommend on his debut for the Jamaica in the remedial measures for Windwards. second round. implementation.

That match began “First and foremost, it was a Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN yesterday. healthy discussion which, in my mind, was long overdue,” Haslam commented after the meeting.

“SVGTTA would like to know that we are going to be as transparent as possible to parents, players and of course the public! As long as I am President of this Association, my aim is to encourage everyone to work Georg Silbschmidter, ITTF together in making SVG Table Tennis a force to be reckoned with Specialist, has been assisting inside and outside St Vincent and the SVGTT with upgrading the expertise of local coaches and the Grenadines,” He added.

THE LOCAL SELECTORS have released the generally with a sustainable The areas identified for names of 24 players for training, with a view to course of development for the immediate attention were: selection to the national team to represent this sport. communication, better organizing Orville Haslam, President of the country in the Windward Islands Female Limited SVG Table Tennis Association, is of tournaments, and improved coOvers Cricket Competition, scheduled for St Lucia the past have never been operation and harmony among bent on ridding the sport of all next month. forthcoming, and I am trying to coaches. the bickering.

The squad includes: Vennisha King, Kareese Haslam is confident that, “In a correct that now. I want to see Boyea, Schey Ann Gaymes, Delite Bentick, Denela coaches working together… there Cress, Kemone Homer, Jannilla Glasgow, Tracy ORVILLE HASLAM, President of couple years from now, once we is too much trivia.. too much implement most of the areas Byran, Alison Antoine, Xharia Jack, Cordel Jack, the SVG Table Tennis bickering. I plan to bring them identified, the sport will benefit.

I Japhina Joseph, Glendeen Turtin.

Association, is pleased with the together at least once per month know if the problems will not be In addition, the following have also been named outcome of an intense and at to exchange ideas under one to the squad: Stacy Ann Adams, Shanize Daniel, times emotional meeting involving rectified overnight, I hope we can umbrella, because players are as gradually improve.”

Zavian Stephens, Nyasha Williams, Kistal leading local coaches and Georg good as their teacher, and that’s The President was forthright, Mcmilllian, Isha Williams, Juliana Nero, Lafeisha Silbschmidter, ITTF Specialist. how we have to move forward,” admitting, “From what I gather Sam, Genna Fredricks, Shemia Robinson and The meeting, held at the West Haslam proffered. from coaches, the Executives in Vanassa Bushay.

A NINE-WICKET MATCH hall by veteran offspinner Shane Shillingford help propel the Windwards Volcanoes to a 3wickets win over Barbados Pride in their opening match in the PCL Regional Four Day Cricket Competition, which ended at the Arnos Vale Playing Field last Sunday, Jan. 12.

Shillingford took 2 for 86 in Barbados Pride’s first innings and 7 for 105 in their second innings.

Set 270 for victory, the Volcanoes lost the region’s leading runs scorer- Devon Smith early, but several

TT President happy with intense meeting

Female cricket training squad announced

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24. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

SVGFF pilots Female Mentorship Programme FEMALE footballers between the ages of 14 and 20 years will soon have a safety net provided to them by SVG Football Federation (SVGFF).

Towards this end, the SVGFF, through its Female Development Committee, introduced a Pilot Mentorship Programme (for females) at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown, last Saturday.

Addressing last Tonicsia Baptiste Saturday’s event, addressing last Tonicsia Baptiste, Saturday’s session.

Female Development interpersonal Officer of the SVGFF skills, as we want to said that the ensure that our players Programmme will cater are able to properly to about 35 female represent the Federation, footballers. the country and most And as far as the objectives are concerned, importantly themselves in their schools, their Baptiste said the homes and when they programme is geared to travel; as well as “encourage the increase self-confidence, development of where we hope that after

Mentors and mentees interacting at last Saturday’s session at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown.

having experienced this programme, that players are mentally strong enough to believe in themselves and confident enough to strive for their goals.”

Cognisant that some of the females are already faced with challenges, Baptiste pointed out that

Mentors and mentees along with representatives of the SVGFF.

Ferguson gives back ORLANDO FERGUSON, better known for his basketball skills and as the founder and head coach of the highly acclaimed Playerz Youth (Basketball) Academy, shifted his focus temporarily.

Clive Lowe, Manager of the Largo Height Football Club, is thankful for the assistance received.

Recently, he donated a number of footballs to the Largo Height Football Club.

Speaking at a handing over ceremony at Largo Height, Ferguson said, “I am just making a contribution back home in my village. I realized they have been doing some positive work in the community for a while now, so I try to help the best way I can.”

Clive Lowe, Manager of the recipient Club, acknowledged, “We really appreciate and welcome this gesture. It will go a long way in our training as such. We are really thankful to the Playerz Youth Academy.”

The Largo Height Football Club, coached

by Rafique Barber and

Orlando Ferguson (extreme left) with members of the Largo Height Football Club at the handing over ceremony. assisted by Nicholas Ollivierre, made its debut in inter-village and national football competitions in 2012.

Dovarnie Johnson, a member of the Club, has gone on to represent the National Under 20 team,

and Lowe believes this is an achievement for the Club, saying, “He is a bright prospect..,, we’re hoping for the best. He made us proud”.

I.B.A.ALLEN

programme will target these issues.

“We are hoping through this progamme, to help to change the players’ outlook on life by teaching them that there is life beyond their current situation... We want for the players to understand that what is happening today is nothing compared to the joy and freedom they will experience later on in life as long as they apply themselves,” Baptiste added.

The Female Development Officer is hopeful that the programme will also encourage community awareness and involvement, given that the intention is to have the participants design and effect initiatives that will see them giving back to the society and the people around them.

The programme will “teach valuable skills

such as goal-setting and decision-making which we hope would improve academic and career performance and enhance the general attitude of the young ladies with regard to communication and interaction among adults and peers,” Baptiste underscored.

When they are assigned, both the mentors and the mentees will be required to sign a certificate of confidentiality, in which, among other things, mentors will have a responsibility to uphold strict confidentiality except in cases where they believe the players’ lives or well-being are being compromised.

At last Saturday’s session, the mentors and mentees were engaged in interactive sessions.

An official launch will be held soon.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020. 25.

Sports

Yard club A VINEYARD CLUB is emerging, and persons reach out to me in various forms of appreciation day after day. They greet me on the street or at functions, and their feedback come as a source of inspiration.

Some go to the Vineyard as their source of balance. They keep up with certain tends. They enjoy the personality insight of persons even after they have made their contribution to life.

This week, I reflect on one Dorothy Stapleton.

She was Providence and there was the addition of Delpesche. She was popularly known as Teacher Doro, for that is how most people in North Leeward remembered her.

She was laid to rest last Tuesday at Troumaca Bay, following the service at the Methodist Church.

It was a reunion, for her brothers and sisters reassembled for the occasion. That family formed an inner core of that North Leeward village. Doro shone as a beacon throughout her life. The Teacher element was natural, for that was how everyone identified her. Whatever classroom she was in, there was a commitment. She went about her duties in a conscientious and profound manner.

She was the reliable character, disciplined, straightforward, and jovial. She had an interest in your welfare and saw to it that it was uplifting.

Doro never missed a service at the Troumaca Methodist Church, or an activity organised with it.

She was never afraid to assert her human rights, for when the Teachers went on strike in 1975, Doro was one of the militants.

She was genuine in her dealings with everyone.

I have fond memories of her, for most of her 77 years, I shared some platforms. Some were at the beach in Troumaca. She must have been my teacher at some early stage, be it at the Troumaca Primary at the Methodist Church.

We served as colleagues at the Troumaca Ontario Secondary School.

She was a dramatist, almost a Playwright, for many of the skits she took part at the Society Lodge Building served as my first exposure to entertainment. Those days, there was no television, much less internet.

Doro was a community person. She played her part in the village structure. She gave without looking for rewards. While she ensured the academic input was first, she catered for the needs of the full soul.

Doro’s departure leaves a void, But the impact she created will have its spill over, so her legacy will be engrained, and there will always be something to serve as a springboard.

Her burial at the Troumaca Bay cemetery brought back memories of times spent at the playing field on the bay front. That indeed was the main sporting centre after the community was deprived of the minute setting they enjoyed in Troumaca itself. But such was the people’s interest in sport that they were prepared to go outside the norms to keep up with their sporting endeavours.

Doro was buried in the midst of some sporting escapade. While persons mourned her death and her impending interment, a Vincentian cricketer was just about announcing his arrival at the senior level of West Indies cricket. That youngster is Desron Maloney. He was the spearhead of a Windward Islands batting performance that saw them defying the odds and overtaking a target of 268 to win that match at the Arnos Vale Playing Field. Maloney’s contribution was 83, in that vital chase. But was enough for cricket pundits to reflect upon. There is the suspicion, that Desron Maloney has just become a regional household name.

Sammy: ÂCaptaincy was challengingÊ DARREN SAMMY who led the West Indies Senior Cricket team over all formats between 2010 and 2014, described that period of his career as challenging, made moreso by the fact that he was from St. Lucia, a “small island.”

Sammy expressed the sentiments while delivering the keynote address at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association Inc. 2019 Annual Gala Dinner and Awards, held at the Arnos Vale Playing Field on Dec. 21.

“Being a captain of a regional team and someone coming from a small island, I think that was the first challenge… My strength was always on the mental side of my game and the importance about captaincy and leadership is knowing what is needed,” Sammy shared.

Sammy admitted that he had accepted early into his appointment as captain that if he was to stay in the job, he had to learn quickly and to earn the respect of the players.

“Because my game was not fully developed....., I felt at times that I shouldn’t be captain, and some of the players voiced that to

me. Sometimes I felt like Darren Sammy, giving up, but I couldn’t let former West that be shown; as the leader, Indies Cricket Captain, I had to be strong,” Sammy addressing the confessed.

SVGCA 2019 Gala The Former W. I. captain disclosed, “I understood early Dinner and I had to take less than 20 % Awards. of the credit when we did be me, but well and 80% of the blame when we are here we didn’t…. and for a while I to represent stopped reading the papers, and social media, and focused on West the Caribbean.”

Indies cricket and what was Sammy needed at the time.

“I blocked out some of the egos, also recalled that he had but was also learning my asked the teammates. It took me over a team what year before I understood how to he could do to improve the relate to the senior guys,” he relationship with the team, and added.

Sammy highlighted that taking one player responded by saying note of Rawle Lewis as captain of that he was spending too much the Windward Islands helped him time with the coach.

Notwithstanding that response, as captain, and motivated him to Sammy told his audience that the be more consistent in his captain and the coach prepare the performance. team for battle, and if the captain He referred to the 2011 ICC doesn’t have a good relationship World Cup in Bangladesh, India with the coach, that is a problem. and Sri Lanka.

“I spent time with the coach He related that he told the team, “I didn’t ask for this job, so building on strategies,” he said. whatever motivates you to go out and play cricket, it doesn’t have to I.B.A.ALLEN

Local cricket bowls off THE LOCAL CRICKET season opens in earnest this weekend with action in the Premier and First Divisions of the National Cricket Competition organized by the SVG Cricket Association Inc. (SVGCA).

The NLA Premier Division will be a twoday format, while the First Division will see matches over one day on Sundays only.

In opening weekend action in the Premier Division, FLOW Radcliffe will play Guardian General Saints at Sion Hill, and Police Two opposes Victors One at Arnos Vale 1.

In the First Division, Smashers will oppose Police One at Buccament, MSDA Julius Anthony Northern Stars take on Keegan’s Bequia XI at Arnos Vale 2, and St. Vincent Distillers Glamorgan face French Verandah SVG Community College at Stubbs.

For 2020, the SVGCA has scheduled eight competitions: the NLA Premier Division, the NLA First Division, the National Club Championships, the NLA Neil Williams 20/20, the Women’s 40 Overs, the Women’s 20/20, the

The St. Vincent Grammar School team that won the 2019 InterSecondary Schools Competition.

Zonal Under-15, and the Secondary Schools’ Under-15 Competition.

As far as defending champions are concerned, FLOW Rivals will defend titles in the NLA Premier Division and the NLA Neil Williams 20/20; Police Two will do likewise in the National Championships, and MSDA Jules Anthony Northern Stars, the NLA First Division.

United Survivors will be out to successfully defend their title in the Female 40 Over Competition.

JG Tigress will hope to do the double in the Women’s 20/20.

In the Youth categories, North Central Windward will defend in the Zonal Under-15, and the St Vincent Grammar School- the Secondary Schools’ Under-15.

I.B.A.ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020 . THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020. 27.

Classifieds

FELTON JOHN a.k.a Bing eye St Theresa Spiritual Baptist Church Barroullie Sunday, 29th Decmber, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

MARIE LOUISA BAILEY MORGAN Fountain Waterhouse Ministry A.M.E Sunday, 12th January, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Belair Cemetery

JULIA CYNTHIA LYNCH

KEITH ANTHONY BROWNE

S.D.A Church Layou Sunday, 12th January, 2020 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: Layou Cemetery

Gospel Hall Stubbs Saturday, 11th January, 2020 Service: 2:00 p.m.

Interment: St. Joseph Cemetery

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FRIDAY,

JANUARY 17, 2020

VOLUME 114, No.03

www.thevincentian.com

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TAIWAN’S ELECTIONS: TSAI ING-WEN WINS SECOND TERM TSAI ING-WEN has secured a second consecutive term as President of Taiwan, after sweeping to victory in an election last Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020.

Ms Tsai secured just over 57% of the ballot - a record 8.2m votes - well ahead of her rival Han Kuo-yu.

Tsai’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) managed to hold on to its majority in the 113-seat legislature as well, giving her free rein to push on with her agenda in her final four-year term, beginning May 20.

From all reports, it was an election dominated by the island’s relationship with China. Ms Tsai opposes closer ties with China, with Mr Han suggesting that closer ties with China would bring economic benefits.

In fact, Ms. Tsai’s resurgent popularity, she having dipped in the polls midway in her first term, has been largely courtesy of domestic fears over China. Han was seen by some voters as being too close to Beijing, as many looked with concern at unrest in Hong Kong – once seen as a model for some in China for a potential future takeover of de facto independent Taiwan.

The issue of relations with China played out even in Ms. Tsai’ victory speech. She told China that it should abandon its threat to take back the island by force.

She expressed the hope that “the

Beijing authorities understand that democratic Taiwan, and our democratically elected government, will not concede to threats and intimidation.”

China rebutted by blaming “antiChina political forces” for Ms Tsai’s reelection, calling her victory a threat to the “peaceful development of crossstrait relations.”

Later, Ms Tsai told a news conference: “Taiwan is showing the world how much we cherish our free democratic way of life and how much we cherish our nation.”

China has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. It says Taiwan must eventually be reunited with China, by force if necessary.

In the build-up to last Saturday’s election, the Global Times, a nationalist Chinese state-run newspaper, quoted Chinese officials and analysts as warning “that reunification of the motherland is an inevitable trend regardless of who wins.”

Ms. Tsai’s victory would have done little to make it any easier for China’s effort aimed at unification, said one observer.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) told the media on Sunday (Jan. 12) that officials from more than 60 countries had greeted

Re-elected President of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen has told China to abandon its threat of forces against Taiwan. (Photo Credit: Taiwan News) Ms Tsai by phone call and email, including U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu.

The MOFA said that many of the countries had expressed the desire to continue friendly relations with Taiwan, including diplomatic

allies Eswatini, Palau, Nauru, Tuvalu, Marshall Islands, Paraguay, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, Haiti, Nicaragua, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

(Source: BBC, Taiwan News)

Gonsalves happy with TsaiÊs re-election

Kuo-yu and his running mate Chang-San-cheng PRIME MINISTER Dr and the third party Ralph Gonsalves said candidate James Soong. that he was pleased with Addressing his party’s the results of the Jan. (ULP) Convention last 11, 2020 Presidential Sunday at the Bethel Election in Taiwan, High School in Campden which saw the re-election Park, Gonsalves said he of the incumbent Tsai was not only pleased Ing-wen and her running that the people of mate William Lai of the Taiwan had returned Democratic Progressive President Tsai for a Party. second term, but that the They defeated Han party had also obtained

by DAYLE DA SILVA

the majority in the legislative assembly.

“This means that their excellent work will continue, and in so far as St Vincent and the Grenadines is concerned, our cooperative programme will continue without any hiccups,” Gonsalves said.

“We don’t have to go and negotiate, or renegotiate anything over.

What we have signed, we

have signed, and what we have agreed upon for this year and continuing, we have agreed upon in the certainty that there will be benefits for the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines,” he continued.

This country opened an embassy in Taiwan on

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

August 8, 2019. Taiwan opened its embassy in this country in 1983, two years after diplomatic relations were established between the two countries.

President Tsai Ing-wen and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves during the President’s July16/17, 2019 visit to SVG.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.