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The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

FRIDAY,

MARCH 17, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.11

by HAYDN HUGGINS

L-R: Mario Chitolie and Aaron Kadoo are charged with entering this country illegally.

www.thevincentian.com

ST. LUCIA NATIONAL Jammy Harry was this week slapped with nine charges of theft as police continued investigations into recent reports of fraudulent activities at Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

The 22-year-old seaman of View Fort, St. Lucia, has been charged on four counts of stealing monies amounting to EC$5,500, the property of Michelle Williams of Owia.

These offences were reportedly committed at Calliaqua, Bequia and Kingstown, on March 10, 11 and 12.

Harry is also charged on three counts of stealing monies amounting to EC$6,000, the property of Willis Pope of Villa, on

EC$1.50

March 10, 11 and 12 at Calliaqua, Bequia and Kingstown.

He is further charged with that on March 10 and 11 at Kingstown, stole monies amounting to EC$4,000, the property of Curvis Lewis of Sion Hill.

Harry was not required to plead to the indictable charges when he was taken before Senior Magistrate Bertie Pompey at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

The St. Lucian was remanded following strong objections to bail from Prosecutor Constable Shamrock Pierre. Pierre stressed the seriousness of the charges, and also informed the Court that the police were continuing investigations into other reports

Jammy Harry – charged with stealing money from at least three Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). of a similar nature.

In addition, Pierre highlighted the fact that Harry is a national of St Lucia and posed a flight risk.

The matter was adjourned to April 20 and transferred to the Serious Offences Court.

Harry was without verbal legal representation during his Court appearance, but THE VINCENTIAN understands that Duane Daniel is his lawyer.

Continued on Page 3.

EMPTY CHAIRS …

PRIME MINISTER Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, in his feature address at the National Heroes Day Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony at the obelisk at Doresetshire Hill, was moved to comment on the number of empty chairs — chairs that had been positioned in anticipation of The attendance at greater attendance.

The function has become, in the recent past, a convergence of State and Government officials, members of the

the Wreath-Laying Ceremony (left) struck a pointed contrast with that of the Greiggs Nationals Heroes Day activity.

Diplomatic Corps, High Ranking members of the Police Force and the Police Band, and cultural groups/

entertainers. This year was no exception, and the Prime Minister did not allow the empty chairs — the

absence of ordinary citizens — to escape his observation.

Continued on Page 3.

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2. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Industry

Caribbean Expo 2017: A ‘fruitful’ venture for Vincy delegation

Leading OECS manufacturer East Caribbean Group of Companies was on hand to display its wide range of products.

PARTICIPATION in the recently concluded Specialty Caribbean Expo 2017 proved to be “timely and fruitful” for the Vincentian delegation that Jazzy’s Natural skin and attended last week in body products caught the St. Lucia. eye.

SVG’s Investment Promotions Manager Glender François who along with Investment Promotions Officer Andrew Phillips had accompanied the group, confirmed this, saying that the exposition was a “very fruitful experience” for the Vincentian agro-processers, light manufacturing and music participants.

“I think the expo was timely and fruitful for most participants, in terms of gaining exposure to competing products in various sectors, and establishing linkages with relevant buyers,” Francois said, adding, “It was a spirited effort at displaying the creativity and innovation of companies in the OECS and our ‘export readiness’ status. In that regard, I believe the expo achieved its objectives.”

The Vincentian delegation comprised collectives Vincyklus and Brand SVG, Erica’s Country Style, Pasta Enterprise, Kendra’s Aluminium Products, East Caribbean Metals, East Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC) and VincyFresh, as well as a number of other local participants from the creative sector.

Specialty Expo Caribbean, which took place from March 9 — 12, is a multi-sectoral trade event (intended to be an annual feature) that focuses on exporters from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States member countries and Martinique.

The activity gives participants the opportunity to not only interact and network with each other, but also with various stakeholders, policymakers, regional/international buyers and potential customers.

In the long term, the organisers of the exposition — St. Lucia Trade Export Promotion Agency and the OECS — are aiming to export the products and services of OECS/Martinique businesses under a collective brand to the UK market.

According to Francois, “We are looking forward to other expos, and also looking forward to organising our own locally-based exposition this year.”

Kendra’s Aluminium Products impressed with their display and product lines.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. 3.

News 3

The NDP legal team with petitioners Benjamin Exeter (extreme left) and Lauron Baptiste (extreme right), and Dr. Godwin Friday (3rd from right), all sport ‘up beat’ expressions following the Court of Appeal’s ruling.

FRIDAY WANTS FRESH ELECTIONS DESPITE THE FACT that two New Democratic Party (NDP) election petitions are expected to be heard before a different judge at the High Court, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Godwin Friday said that the matter can be settled politically with fresh election.

On Tuesday March 7th, the Eastern Caribbean Appeal Court, in a sitting in St. Lucia, ordered that the petitions — filed on behalf of NDP candidates Benjamin Exeter and Lauron Baptiste - be returned to a local court for

Right: Leader of the opposition Dr. Godwin Friday identified a simple solution to the current political uncertainty hanging over the country.

petitioners ,Exeter and Baptiste. ..” he said.

Meanwhile, Arhnim Eustace, who was the Opposition Leader at the time of the 2015 general elections, said that he was very happy with the Court of Appeal’s decision. “ I think it raises a lot of hope for the people in He said that his party will hearing by a judge other than were identified there were our country. We sometimes Justice Brian Cottle, who had reported elsewhere, the whole continue with the legal speak loosely about struggle. dismissed the petitions in election remains under democracy, but this is really a June last year, deeming them question. This can only be He also expressed thanks to blow in defense of democracy ‘improperly filed’. settled in fresh elections,” said the NDP legal team consisting and I see the outcome in that of Stanley ‘Stalkey’ John QC. Speaking at a press Friday. context. Apart from the “We don’t know that the the leader of the legal team, conference last Thursday at political aspect which Mr. Democrat House, the New government is legitimately Kay Bacchus- Baptiste, Keith Friday has referred to, I am Democratic Party elected; this needs to be Scotland, Mia Eustace, Zinga very, very happy and like Horne-Edwards, Andreas headquarters, Friday said that resolved, for the people of St. others here. I would like to Vincent and the Grenadines … Coombs, Zita Barnwell and the Court of Appeal’s ruling thank the Frontline, and I meant that the general there is a political solution for Sharon Cummings. “ We want to thank the people of St. elections of 2015 had still not it, and the government can cannot thank them enough for Vincent and the Grenadines all the work that they did, for who put up a lot of delays, and been settled. “Central Leeward call fresh elections to get a bringing their skills, and North Windward clearer mandate from the now we see some movement experience, their time , constituencies specifically, but people as to who governs the and something that can carry as many of the problems that country,” he suggested. sometimes their treasure, on our country forward,” Eustace behalf of the said. (KH)

St. Lucian charged in Bank scam Empty chairs …

Continued from Frontpage.

In a press statement issued March 13, 2017, the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines disclosed that it is aware of recent reports regarding fraudulent activities at ATMs which may have affected some of its customers, and has reaffirmed its commitment to their financial safety and security.

Meanwhile, two other St. Lucians were taken before the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court Wednesday, on two immigration charges.

Mario Chitolie and Aaron Kadoo are charged with, that on March 10, 2017 at Barrouallie, they entered the state by boat and disembarked without the consent of an immigration officer.

Kadoo is also charged separately with, that on the same date, he entered the state as Pompey at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. a prohibited immigrant without a passport.

They were remanded pending bail review on The St Lucians pleaded not guilty to the charges when they appeared before Senior Magistrate Bertie March 22. The matters were transferred to the Serious Offences Court and adjourned to May 9.

Continued from Frontpage.

Unlike the wreath-laying ceremony, the National Heroes Day activities in Greiggs - a genuine community, people-based activity, attracted large crowds of persons from within and without that community.

The Greiggs activity, like the annual activities in Fancy, by the sheer numbers of persons they attract, seemed to have more meaning to the average citizens of this country, according to one observer.

APOLOGY IN OUR ISSUE of March 2, 2017, we incorrectly captioned Dr. Kenneth John’s weekly article, ‘The AIA — A case of occidental nepotism’. The caption should have been, ‘The AIA — A case of occidental despotism’.

We apologise to Dr. John and our many readers for the error.

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4. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Accused prison

Lawyer blasts local drug testing facility

murderer shot dead Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS

The circle marks the spot where Malcolm Pollin fell and died.

(Facebook photo)

MALCOLM POLLIN, one of nine prisoners who created national headlines back in 2001, having been charged with the murder of two other inmates at Her Majestry’s Prison, Kingstown, was shot dead at his home village of Vermont last Sunday.

Police reports are that around 9 p.m, the 52-year-old labourer was at his home when two assailants, names unknown, approached and opened fire on him. He died after being shot several times.

Pollin along with Kamasha ‘Suicide’ Alexander, Colville ‘Spanny’ Millington, Alphaeus ‘Alphie’ Horne, Sigmon Phillips, Eldred Da Silva, Mark Shallow, Gary Williams and Eardley ‘Cringo’ Bennett, all prisoners at the time, were charged with the January 28, 2001 murder of fellow inmates Leroy Roberts and Ron ‘Dumpling’ Sutherland.

Roberts, who was serving sentence for manslaughter, was found dead in his cell, with multiple injuries about his body.

Sutherland, who was doing time for a number of offences, allegedly ran, but was chased in the prison yard and hacked to death.

Roberts and Sutherland had been placed in a protective area at the prison following a bloody incident there on January 15, 2001, which had resulted in then Superintendent of Prisons Leroy

Latchman, two prison officers and an inmate being hospitalized with stab wounds.

Alphaeus Horne, one of the nine inmates who were charged with the prison murders, was cleared of those charges, the day before the Preliminary Inquiry concluded, after then Magistrate Simone Churaman ruled that the evidence against him was insufficient. She had also ruled at the end of the PI, that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case in relation to Roberts’ death, and she committed the eight others which included Pollin to stand trial in the High Court, for Sutherland’s murder.

They, however, walked free from that court in November 2002, after being acquitted at the trial.

Pollin became the fourth person charged with the prison murders to have since been killed in separate incidents here. The others are Kamasha ‘Suicide’ Alexander, Colville ‘Spanny’ Millington and Gary Williams.

Interestingly, Pollin was killed

Malcolm Pollin (left), seen here handcuffed with Mark Weekes, had a history of being on the wrong side of the law. only two weeks after he was cleared of another murder charge, just before the commencement of the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) at the Serious Offences Court.

Pollin and Mark Weekes, also of Vermont, who were charged with the July 20, 2016 murder of Kamau Jones of Union Island, walked free on March 27 this year, after Prosecutor Station Sergeant Elgin Richards told the Court the Prosecution was discontinuing the charge against them.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN after, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Colin Williams explained that the decision was taken after the files in the matter were reviewed at the DPP’s Office.

Pollin and Weekes were charged jointly with five other Vermont men in connection with Jones’ death. The charge against the others remain intact, and the PI is continuing before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne at the Serious Offences Court.

Prosecutor says SVG’s borders porous PROSECUTOR STATION Sergeant Elgin Richards has described the coastal borders of St. Vincent and the Grenadines as ‘porous’.

He voiced his position while objecting to bail for a Grenadian national who was before the Serious Offences Court on a marijuana possession charge.

Ingram Francis, 56, of St. David, Grenada, had pleaded not guilty to Ingram Francis – was possession of 176 pounds arrested after allegedly of marijuana with intent being found with 176 to supply. pounds of marijuana.

However, when the issue of bail arose, Richards told the Court that Francis was a non-national, and expressed the view that the defendant posed a flight risk, given the fact that this country’s coastal borders are ‘porous’.

Attorney Grant Connell, who represented Francis, rebutted, stating that not only is Grenada a member of CARICOM, but geographically, it is a very close neighbour of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

While Connell did not agree that the prosecutor’s arguments were grounds to deny bail, he requested a speedy trial if bail was not granted.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne remanded Francis, and adjourned the matter to April 28.

Francis was arrested during a police action at Union Island on March 9.

ATTORNEY Grant Connell has lamented that it is very unfortunate and unfair for CARICOM nationals facing marijuana possession charges, to languish in prison for several months awaiting The testing of the testing of the drug, substances suspected which is done here. to be narcotic drugs, is Connell’s comments said to be conducted came at the Serious locally.

Offences Court on Monday while representing Grenadian national Ingram Francis who pleaded not guilty to possession of 176 pounds of marijuana with intent to supply.

Francis was remanded after Prosecutor Station Sergeant Elgin Richards strongly objected to bail primarily on the grounds that the defendant was a non-national and posed a flight risk.

Connell had told the Court that the results for blood tests done at local medical facilities are ready within 48 hours, while persons facing drug possession charges have to wait, sometime up to ten months, for their cases to be heard because the drugs were not yet tested.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN later, Connell expressed the view that the country needs a proper drug testing facility.

“It seems to be taking longer to test the drugs locally than when samples used to be sent to Barbados to be tested.”

He pointed out that persons charged are sometimes restricted from travelling as part of their bail conditions, and in some cases, the evidence is weak. He added that those who are foreigners and CARICOM nationals, have to languish in jail for long periods because they are denied bail on the grounds that they are non-nationals, resulting in unnecessary cost to tax payers.

“It is backward in this day and age, for persons to have to wait up to nine or ten months to have their cases heard because the drugs are not yet tested,” the lawyer lamented.

“We have our own facility. What is causing the long delay?” he questioned.

“Send some of our intelligent young people to be trained in this field,” he suggested.

Teen guilty of gun, ammo possession A TEENAGE boy who pleaded guilty on Monday to firearm and ammunition possession, was remanded pending a Social Inquiry Report.

Appearing at the Serious Offences Court, Rupert Austin Patterson, 16, of Vermont, admitted to having without licence, a .22 revolver and four rounds of .22 ammunition.

However, just after the guilty Rupert plea was entered, Prosecutor Patterson’s Station Sergeant Elgin Richards requested a Social Inquiry Report fate will be determined on on the youngster before the Court’s sentencing. receipt and Chief Magistrate Rechanne study of a Browne granted the prosecutor’s Social Inquiry request.

Report.

The boy indicated that he does not attend school, when asked by the Magistrate.

He was arrested during a police action at Gun Hill, Lowmans Leeward, last Sunday.

Social Inquiry Reports are usually done by the Family Affairs Division in the Ministry of National Mobilisation.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. 5.

Regional

GrenadaÊs plan to seize resort raises concern THE MOVE by the Dr. Keith Mitchell-led government in St. George’s to seize a foreign-owned resort - Grenadian by Rex Resortsis creating concern among international investors in the country Citizenship By Investment (CBI) programme.

A news agency — www.rpbmediacast.com NEWS reported a regional lawyer and CBI agent who did not wish to be named, as having said, “It (the seizure) would be disastrous if this happened.”

The agent added, “Expropriations by governments really do affect investment decisions of developers, while the perception will affect the decisions of CBI agents and, in turn, CBI applicants. It would leave a bad smell for 20 years. Why bother with Grenada when you can have a safe ride in one of our sister

Plans are afoot to have the Seville Great House (pictured) inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Below: The Good Hope Great House is a favourite with visitors.

Grenadian by Rex Resorts is said to be a good value property, popular among families.

Inset: Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell of Grenada islands?” has made no bones about the delinquency of the The move by developers of the resort. (Credit: Share the government to seize the Newspaper) resort is The government also made clear predicated on what government said its intention to collect on taxes owed was the failure by the owners to by the resort. fully comply with the lease In a pointing statement made agreement, and that the resort has early in the year, the government become run- down. had declared that the resort was not being operated in the people’s best interest.

However, the government’s claims were rejected by the UK developers, Rex Resorts, who said the hotel was running at nearly 90 percent capacity, and that it has invested more than $4 million in the last five years to renovate the property.

The developers also stated that they were up to date on all lease payments, taxes and fees owed to the government.

“Whatever the rights or wrongs of this individual case, the government is acting like a strongman,” an investor is reported to have said, according to www.rpbmediacast.com NEWS. “People will be holding off making investments in the country until they see how this dispute turns out.”

Rex Resorts signed the lease agreement with the then ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of late Prime Minister Sir Nicholas Brathwaite in 1991 and has operated the Grenadian for 25 years.

A Justice of Appeal has temporarily blocked the government’s plan to forcibly end a 99-year lease and expropriate the Grenadian by Rex Resorts, a 172-room hotel located on the island’s southern tip. (Source: www.rpbmediacast.com)

Heritage Tourism drive on in Jamaica JAMAICA IS LOOKING to cash in on the benefits from heritage tourism.

Efforts are already in train to made improvement and/or restore a number of Great Houses and other heritage/historical sites across the country.

The managers of two historical sites are trying to cash in on the benefits that can accrue from heritage tourism initiatives.

In fact, improvements are already taking place at the Seville Great House and Heritage Park in St Ann, and the Good Hope Great House in Trelawny, as these sites continue to attract increased visitor numbers.

The Seville Great House is getting a facelift with funds allocated under the National Protective Areas Project received from the National Environment and Planning Agency.

Operations Manager of the Seville Great House and Heritage Park, Jamaica National Heritage Trust, Claudette Anderson said the aim is to encourage more visitors to the site and to capitalize on its rich history.

Situated on a 301-acre property, it is regarded as one of Jamaica’s most significant heritage sites. It includes the archaeological remains of the indigenous Amerindian (Taino) village of Maima, the 16th century Spanish settlement of Sevilla la Nueva, the post-1655 British sugar plantation known as New Seville, and the landscape and flora that existed during that time.

She added that there are plans to have the Great House and Heritage Park inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) World Heritage List.

“We are about to embark on a project to get it listed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. So, in a matter of three years at most, we should have the process up and running to get it on the World Heritage Site,” she said, noting that the site has received international recognition, having been placed on UNESCO’s Tentative List.

Between 80,000 and 90,000 persons visit the Good Hope Great House every year to experience the Jamaican culture. (Source: www.jamaica.com; Caribbean 360)

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6. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

NY group hosts successful National Heroes Day celebration

United Vincie Cultural Group of Brooklyn added their touch with a folk song segment.

by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com

US CORRESPONDENT HUNDREDS BRAVED the bitterly cold weather last Saturday evening – March 11 – to attend the 2nd Annual National Heroes Day celebration, at the

Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn.

The evening’s programme featured singing, dancing, drumming, poetry recitals, an indulgence in local delicacies (including dukuna, farine, bam bam and tri tri cakes) and a

SVG represented at International Cultural Day AN INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL DAY celebration, under the theme, ‘Unity of Cultures Within Our Communities,’ was organised and hosted by the Causeway Multi Cultural Forum (CMCF) in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, on March 11, 2017, in Northern Ireland.

The packed Coleraine Town Hall heard addresses by Cllr. Stephanie Quigley on behalf of the Mayor, and Dr Christopher Stange — Hon. Consul for St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Northern Ireland. Mr Hector Wishart served as Master of Ceremonies.

Entertainment performances included renditions on steel pans, bagpipes, choirs and Vincy soca artist — Mr Adonis Browne (Major Dan). There were also drumming, dancing, and storytelling sessions and interactive workshops.

A food display and tasting, featuring culinary specials from the Caribbean, Poland and India, among other countries, ended the day of celebrations.

The organisers extended special thanks to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, ASDA, Police Service of Northern Ireland, African Caribbean Support Organisation Northern Ireland, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, McAtamneys Butchers, Karolina Shop, LIDL, Tesco, Consulate of St Vincent and the Grenadines to Northern Ireland, Causeway Borough of Sanctuary, Sainsburys, Ballymoney Fuse FM, Millburn Primary School, Harpur’s Hill Primary School, Tom Tom’s Bakery and CRAICNI. Dr Stange added: “Our newer citizens to the Borough make a critical contribution to the economy, providing essential skills and talents.

Northern Ireland will continue to need significant

handicraft display.

According to Marsena Ballanyne, Sandy Bayborn president of GIPSVG Inc. and a Counsellor at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Mission to the United Nations, “The event sought not only to remember Paramount

Hundreds brave the inclement weather to be part of the National Heroes Day celebration in New York.

Right: Fya Empress, SVG’s 2012 Calypso Monarch, was the billed performer at the celebration.

Chief Joseph Chatoyer, National Hero of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, but to inspire national pride, promote Vincentian

heritage and provide patrons and visitors with a typical Vincentian National Heroes Day celebration.”

The highlights of the show included a Quadrille dance by the GIPSVG, Inc.; folklore performance by the United Vincie Cultural Group of Brooklyn; Punta dance by the Budari Dance Company of Honduras; and surprise calypso rendition by St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consul General to the United States, Howie Prince.

Other artistes bringing the show to a climax were Chanique Rogers, James Lovell, Daria Primus, and (R-L): Vincentians Adonis Browne, Richard JOhn, Joseph Ricketts and Dr Christopher Stange at the Vincentian Calypso artiste, Maxwell ‘Tajoe’ International Cultural Day. Francis, who also cohosted the show and numbers in the short, medium and long term, in entertained in song and order to grow the economy and balance out our poetry. ageing population in terms of providing goods and But it was popular services. Internationally, those from different Vincentian soca artiste, backgrounds bring their own knowledge and talents, Fya Empress (Lornette increasing the returns that it generates for our Nedd) who brought the economy. Their different cultures, backgrounds and house down with traditions which they bring with them, enrich wider dynamic renditions of society.”

‘True Vincy’, ‘Rum, The Causeway Multi-Cultural Forum, of which Please’ and ‘Ah Ketch it’, Vincentian Mr Richard John (Cane End) is among others.

Secretary, is a registered charity (NIC 102479) with “The show was epic,” its main objectives being, to: demonstrate the unity Ballantyne said. “The of the various cultures within the Borough; develop support that we continue an awareness of the various cultures that exist to receive from the within our communities; demonstrate that every Consul General and culture within our communities is welcome and other Vincentian appreciated; demonstrate an awareness of the level associations here in New of safety that all can enjoy within our communities; York was evident, and develop an awareness of our willingness to it’s something we very eliminate racism and racial discrimination within much appreciate. our communities.

Even Howie Prince, Consul General of SVG in New York, got into the act with a calypso rendition.

“The event was a celebration of a Vincentian heritage that I think many here in the Diaspora are still learning about and embracing,” she added, stating that it is the intention of GIPSVG, Inc. to continue promoting it.

Meantime, the Bronx, New York-based Garifuna Coalition, USA, Inc., said it was “proud to celebrate St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Heroes Day as part of GarifunaAmeican Heritage Month.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. 7.

News

Another false report A RELEASE dated March 11, 2017 and issued by the Public Relations and Complaints Department of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, stated that a bulletin being circulated on social media purporting that a group of wanted men had escaped to this

country is without merit.

According to the bulletin, the men are wanted by the authorities in Trinidad and Tobago.

Notwithstanding the declaration of the posting not having merit, the release issued by the RSVGPF stated that an

investigation has been launched.

“Our preliminary investigation shows that the bulletin being circulated over the past 24 hours was not issued by any department or unit of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force,”

Celebrating the 100th abolition of Indian Indentureship SOME 156 years ago, in 1861, the first of eight (8) ships arrived in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, bringing the first of a total of 2474 citizens of India.

These Indians were brought here to provide labor for the plantations following the abolition of slavery. They bore the title of indentured servants.

Life for these indentured servants was very difficult, and of those that came, 1141 exercised their right to return to their homeland. Those that remained continued their life of servitude for over fifty (50) years.

On March 20, 2017, the Centennial (100 yrs) Anniversary of the abolition of Indian Indentureship will be commemorated. A series of activities to

highlight this special event began in August 2016 and will culminate in a Global Convention to be held March 18-20, 2017 in Trinidad and Tobago.

(For more info call 784 430 4186).

Here in SVG, activities to mark this occasion are spearheaded by the SVG Indian Heritage Foundation, and will include church services at the Roman Catholic Church in Argyle, Sunday March 19th, 2017, 10:00 a.m, and immediately following the service, everyone is invited to join in the motorcade which will assemble at the Cargo Terminal entrance Argyle International Airport, from Argyle to Kingstown. (Contributed)

the release stated.

It did go on to state that the local police heard about it and was working with its regional partners to ascertain if the report was true.

This is the second time in months that the PR and Complaints Department of the RSVGPF has had to refute claims about illegal activities taking place in the country.

Back in January,

police responded to the rumour that an individual using a The local Police Force has had to motor refute malicious rumours in the last vehicle was two or so months. engaging in An appeal has been human trafficking. The made by the local claim turned out to be authorities for persons to false, with the licence stop spreading such plate number referenced inaccurate information not listed in the local which may cause alarm. database.

(DD)

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8. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial A 50th Anniversary A 50TH ANNIVERSARY (golden) is akin to a celebration of a life spent with others, and one during which great things are accomplished with commitment and strength.

It is, in effect, a rare occasion, and Starlift Steel Orchestra can count itself among a miniscule group of organizations here that can boast such a significant and historic achievement.

(A word of recognition for the Maple Sports Club with its over 50 years of history.)

With 50 years behind it, Starlift should be considering itself an established, mature and reputable organization.

Driven by its motto, ‘Men will come! Men will go! But Starlift forever remains!’, those fifty years have seen the passage of men and women from youth to adulthood, blossoming into steadfast supporters of the Orchestra, but mroeso, and becoming persons who have developed a now engrained love and appreciation of the steel pan and the music that it can produce.

Players cum spectators/supporters continue to be the bedrock of an art form indigenous to the Caribbean, and should feel proud that they have contributed to the survival and advancement of the only musical instrument invented in the 20th century and the 21st century to date.

Starlift’s 30 combined panorama victories (Seniors 20, Juniors 10) bear testimony to its ability to change and develop with the times, ensured by a process that has catered to the development of pan players from an early age.

The founders — Walton ‘Tanny’ Peters not the least among these distinguished Vincentians - must be proud that something of which they might have had doubts about (it) taking firm footing, has not only a sound foundation, but has grown to become an institution of sorts, influencing not only trends in local steelband orchestration, but more importantly, influencing the development of young hands and minds.

This is no easy feat, for recent times have thrown up some of the most telling social and cultural challenges of civilisation. To have weathered these multi-faceted influences and come out seemingly unscathed through 50 years, is deserving of respect and honour.

Yes, over its 50 years Starlift has seen many changes in its membership, its management, even its base of operations.

But it would be safe to say that the Orchestra — a cultural phenomenon in its own right — has improved its stock; that it has survived through 50 years of successes and failures — and has come out better than before, and is now more systematic in its approach to its intentions and ambitions.

But 50 years of steadfastness must not be a signal for complacency and chest-thumping. Starlift must, in this golden year, commit to improving even further — not only as it applies to its primary aim of providing ‘sweet pan music’, but equally to its expressed aim of working to ensure that it remains a positive alternative to the vagrancies that provoke our young people especially.

Starlift must reflect on its system of operation and management, even as it has become more systematic, so as to assure itself that it can work through another 50 years and remain relevant and effective.

Moreover, the golden men and women need to achieve another level of quality going forward , so as to position themselves as an organization that can not only compete, but one that remains expressly and concretely committed to influencing lives for the better.

The challenge, therefore, is to remain focused and better than before, because Starlift is part of a fraternity, an art form that faces tremendous competition both from within and without. Within, as orchestras here struggle to identify local expertise to fuel the sustained development of their product (music) and personal vital to maintaining their space in the cultural industry; and without as the rapid development of technology makes it a world of things that are smaller, better and cheaper.

Yes, feel proud about 50 years, but in going forward, be warned that to remain locked in your first fifty years might just invoke a tendency to long for the good old days, when things were cheaper, and competition, in its broadest sense, was less .

It is only when we take the good from the past, when we let go of a past in which we blame others for our problems, and step into a future in which we take responsibility for our own failures and success, that we will move on and make the most of what we have.

Only if Starlift continues to work as a team, and work 100% in pursuit of its noble intentions, could it begin a new chapter in its history.

Congratulations, Starlift. May you be blessed with a road paved with success and triumph.

National Heroes and Championship days THE USUAL CEREMONY took place in the area where our first National Hero, Joseph Chatoyer reportedly fell in combat with Alexander Leith.

I was elated to hear Dr. Gonsalves declare his doubts about Chatoyer’s death. Years ago, I am in print saying that if our hero was killed in that way, surely his body would have been paraded as a testimony to British soldiery. Most likely he was ambushed and his body whisked away and buried secretly by his soldiers to cover their hurt, and the spot has never been found!

The PM would be expected to give the feature address on such an auspicious occasion but Ralph used this, and other related opportunity to campaign for the next elections which might well be just around the corner.

It should be noted that the first and only hero celebrated as an inheritance from the NDP regime which had chosen but not anointed Chatoyer, leaving the honour to fall to the ULP which made a feast of the occasion.

We had expected to be motivated by four more National Heroes by now. In fact, the process has lasted longer than the time taken to build the international airport.

I had written to the relevant ministry suggesting three additional persons — George Mc Intosh, Joshua, and Mulzac, the last of whom was legislated out of contention.

The process of choosing was put before a committee which dragged its feet on the matter confused with much party-political bickering to this day, 15 years later!

It seems that the first two of my recommendations, Mc Intosh and Joshua, are generally accepted along with Parmenos Eustace - as the new boy on the block. But the real bone of contention is the case of Milton Cato whose choice has been opposed by even the staunchest supporters of Ralph Gonsalves who clearly now champions Milton Cato.

Cato for party-politics reasons, especially in the light of pending elections.

That is why only last week, I again submitted a column challenging the practicality of Cato’s nomination.

Ralph drew attention to the many events put on to celebrate our kinship to the Garifuna people, but many of his audience would wonder what exactly is the status proposed for our ancestors whom Arnhim Eustace would welcome as citizens as our long, lost forbears, unlike Ralph in his double-speak.

In fact, Gonsalves’ use of the contrived Garifuna villages appears not to be a real means of connecting with the older folk, but to represent exogenous artefacts to attract the tourists.

The whole notion of alienating large tracts of land, allowing Beaches to become foreign enclaves, thus making the Vincentian a

stranger in his own home.

Of course, this may not be the intention, but the result of backward policies posing as progressive. It is the very antithesis of what Chatoyer stands for, a disguised form or recolonisation.

Championship Sports Awards The PM had followed the same approach a few evenings ago when he addressed a gathering at the SVGCC auditorium to reflect on the champions of several games in SVG. He reminded his audience of all that he personally had done for sportsmen. It was all the PM and not apparently, the cabinet or the specific Minister of Sport who was present and played only a bad second fiddle role, if anything at all, to the PM. Gonsalves was all folksy, and feigned a close acquaintance with giants of sports such as Lennox John, Mike Findlay and Stanley “Gunny” Hinds. Incidentally, Lennox John played cricket at the Boys Grammar School under my captaincy to which he succeeded. I was games-master of the team in which Mikey played in the Inter-School Tournament in Grenada in 1960, and gave the citation when a pavilion was named after Mike at Arnos Vale, and with “Gunny”, Hinds we had all been broadcasters and administrators of the game.

In fact, Ralph was not cut out for sport!

He used sport primarily as a gateway to politics. He played an indifferent style of cricket for the Lawyers X1, of which I had been skipper. He entered the team by a confluxion of events.

The Lawyers were about to play South Rivers when Parnel Campbell twisted his ankle and had to bow out. Ralph was at hand in mufti. We drafted him on the team dressed then in the enlarged cricket clothes of P.R who later struck up a political lovehate relation between them.

Later Ralph became an “authority” on cricket as when he masterminded Chris Gale’s return to the West Indies team.

And so it generally has been with Ralph, a poor purveyor both in culture — steelband man(?), cricket and football where an illustrious cousin was heard to criticise a player for “kicking” too much with his head.

But Ralph being the supreme politician, would ride over the head of Minister Mc Kie who had been a fine sportsman during his school days, all on account of electoral politics. I could not help recalling Lynch’s statement of the one encyclopaedia and eleven copy books- the only team that Ralph truly acknowledges.

PS: I really saw no need to refer to the stirring National Heroes address of Dr. Friday. The man has jumped in the ring with a passion. I agree that he is somewhat like Arnhim — “Godwin Friday” to his credit!

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. 9.

Letters

IWD: What do we have to celebrate?

ANOTHER International Women’s Day has come and gone, with the usual fanfare and arbitrary acts, supposedly highlighting how inclusive our society has become. While I do agree that it is of great value to the society on a whole to acknowledge the contribution of women to society, I feel that most times we are just paying lip service or going through the motions.

Behind the façade of progress and development lie many actions which demonstrate neither progress nor development, and definitely not for many

of our nation’s women.

In the 30th anniversary message from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the High Commissioner states: “True development roots out and corrects the causes of poverty- the multiple human rights violations which have deprived people of power, control over resources and a voice in their government, economy and society, and denied equal participation in global governance”. After reading that statement,

Geothermal energy Kemeisha S. Murray 24 -01 - 2107 Editor’s Note: The following is a choral speech written by Kemeisha Murray, a Grade 6 teacher at the Brighton Methodist School. It was by a group of Grade 6 students of the school, at the judging of the recent Primary School Performing Arts Festival.

Ah was listening to two men yesterday One say how St. Vincent gine mash up Because eh government a pay people money fuh blow up eh volcano.

E other one say Well is what we beg fah we ah get so me come fuh clarify the situation and mek Vincentians know that geothermal energy is just as safe as hydro which we as use water fuh mek current but yet we light bill high High fuh fuel surcharge St. Vincent dey in the ring ah fire Just like all them other countries who ha volcano And some ah dem ah use geothermal energy fuh mek electricity So how come fuh dem country nah mash up?

How come fuh dem volcano nah erupt?

Dat fuh tell yo People only talking that dem nah know La Soufriere is one active volcano Full a plenty heat below And that heat is what yo Call geothermal energy So when you remove that heat to make electricity it ah actually make the volcano less active Dat mean it nah go erupt So easy And den you nah go hafuh Pay plenty money fuh watch tv and listen Comess talk show pan the radio that ah spread plenty false news and mislead the people Geothermal energy is safe clean and beneficial to our country It nah go contribute to Ozone depletion neither it nah go poison eh nation So if you been worried bout this kind of electricity Change you mind because it ah go be better Fuh all arewe.

many individuals will be tempted to see only the phrase ‘human rights violations’ without stopping to think in depth about the truth of our reality.

Poverty, without a doubt, is a cancer in our society that must be excised. However, without addressing the underlying systems which feed it and social constructs which perpetuate it then many of our actions are akin to putting a Band-Aid over the area, in hopes that the sore will heal.

Teenage pregnancy, rape, unemployment and an incompetent police force, are all things, which together, contribute to the poverty in our society. Women and children are normally the first and last to suffer, and suffer the worst.

How can we seriously celebrate Women’s Day knowing that while

walking down the streets of Kingstown, we will pass many young, unemployed, insufficiently educated pregnant girls? And the cycle continues.

Maybe we should rejoice at the number of women who sell in the market and along the streets to make ends meet for their families.

They are heroes. Not the system that does not provide enough opportunities for their businesses to grow through the importation of foreign goods instead of fostering a culture of local buying. Definitely not a system that looks down on many of these persons as mere market women, making it difficult for them to access loans, insurance or public healthcare. Yes, public healthcare where lines are so long and service is so slow that many having to take an

entire day off, which they cannot afford, just to use it.

In the political realm, how many women are active? How many more are kept away by the gutter politics that is present in our society, where gossip about a person is more important than their competence or ideas? We must be thankful for Anesia Baptiste, Zita Barnwell and Debbie Charles. I must say that they do make us look good to international donor organizations; but again, how much of their involvement results in meaningful contributions? How many of our young girls can actually look up to these women with hope and inspiration despite the reality of their everyday lives?

We should celebrate the contributions of women to Vincentian society

every day. However, this should not blind us to their constant struggle, but rather propel us to do more. This is not about feminism but development. Women raise the nation. What kind of nation are we raising?

K. Badenock

Neglected in paradise - the joy of being cut off by a Dry River CAN YOU IMAGINE seeing a coffin out of the ground everyday for nearly 4 months - a coffin that was exposed by severe floods that also seriously damaged many houses and other infrastructure in your community?

This is the reality of those in Sandy Bay and surrounding areas. The coffin and other morbid articles are still exposed at the London Cemetery.

I was left in extreme grief as I passed through the many villages located after the Rabacca Dry River on my way to Fancy with a family member from abroad, on Thursday March 2, 2017. It is nearly 4 months after the system that caused severe flooding there

on November 26, 2016, but it is as if it just happened. My family member was also in shock.

Sections of the roads are nearly impassible, lack proper reenforcement, leaving drivers holding onto faith as their only hope. What a shame and disgrace!

A recent release by the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Society stated there will be a series of workshops to address the psycho-social issues that have arisen as a result of the damage in these areas. This is a great initiative. However, one may argue that the lethargic response to the rehabilitation of this area and neglect of its people have surely added insult to injury,

Women are our equals WE CELEBRATED another International Women’s Day last week, March 8, and ‘if the truth be told’ (I have borrowed this expression from you, Mr. Editor), things have not changed much for women here in SVG. Sure, some women now occupy big jobs here and there, but it is the large number of women, especially young women, who continue to be exploited that we have to be concerned about.

Yes, there are those who might say that some women put themselves in situations where they can be exploited. But, are we men not as guilty when we take advantage of them?

As much as I agree that men have to change their attitude to women if we are to see any

and have caused increased and unnecessary fatigue for our fellow Vincentians. What is quite interesting to note is that many of our indigenous people live in these areas. The area representative -Mr. Montgomery Daniel also lives in the area.

This month, March 2017, is National Heroes Month, and it’s not too late to get things right. We have neglected our fellow Vincentians for too long. If actions speak louder than words, then our actions have been screaming.

The people north of the Rabacca Dry River are Vincentians and should be treated as such. Speedy rehabilitation is necessary. These areas need urgent attention and action by all Vincentians, especially those who have been elected so to do. This is what is known as accountability.

Let us not have our fellow Vincentians living in this manner for much longer. It is not right.

equality between the sexes, I also believe that no real change can come about unless men and women together make a pledge to do something about the situation. Christopher J. Grant In the meantime, allow me, Mr. Founder Peace4svg Initiative Email - Peace4svg@gmail.com Editor, to recognize women here and the world over, who are grandmothers, mothers, wives, sisters, etc. to so many of us men.

Somehow, it seems, according to the work of the Almighty, that we men can hardly do without our women folk. All the more reason why we need to treat them with the greatest respect.

To all men, let me remind you: ‘Women are our equals, not our subjects’.

Vaughn D Kingstown

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10. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Investment and Productivity (Excerpt from the 2017 budget address)

Introduction MR. SPEAKER, significant public and private sector investment is earmarked for 2017; there is on-going, and imminent start-up, investment. The private sector investment flows from nationals of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (at home and abroad), regional and international investors.

The public sector investment is driven by the capital programmes of the central government and State-owned enterprises.

The capital investment programme in the 2017 Estimates of the central government is budgeted at EC $229.6 million. Funds are sourced externally (grants and loans) and internally (revenue, grants, and loans) to finance this programme. The four major constraints on implementation of the budgeted capital programme are: (i) Limitations in the public and private sector capacity to implement the projects; (ii) oft-times slow release or draw-down of available funds due, among other things, to bureaucratic delays by donors/lenders and the State administration itself; (iii) crowding-out of capital spending by the demands of recurrent expenditure, planned or unforeseen; and (iv) the extent of debt-servicing.

example, physical planning permissions were granted for the construction of 387 houses, businesses, apartments, guest houses, and hotel improvements. It is anticipated that the extent of domestic private investment would exceed that of 2016 by at least 10 percent.

Foreign Direct Investment

Foreign direct investment in 2017 is projected to be centred mainly on tourism facilities (hotels and marinas), telecommunications, banking and insurance, air transportation, trade and commerce, agriculture, and fisheries. In 2016, foreign direct investment was estimated at over US $100 million.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has recorded commendable levels of foreign direct investment over the last seven years, despite its refusal, as a matter of fundamental principle and practice, to embrace the selling of its citizenship and passports, as has been the policy of the other five independent OECS member-countries.

Public Sector Investments Among the major foreign direct investment initiatives, ongoing and The major economic public sector prospective, are: The further tourism investment projects in the 2017 in the northern section Budget include: Health and Wellness development of Canouan (including the start-up ($16 million), most of which is construction of eight high-end villas earmarked for the 10th EDF and preparatory work for another topModernisation of the Health Sector hotel) and at Tamarind Beach ($8.5 million), for the Modern Medical class the continued build-out of the Complex, and a temporary facility for Hotel; top-of-the-line marina in the south of the Lewis Punnett Home; Canouan, tentatively scheduled for Capitalisation of the Contingencies opening in April 2017; the hotel and Fund ($6.7 million); Climate Change villas development project at Mt. and Natural Disaster Reduction Wynne/Peter’s Hope by the Canadian Initiatives ($22 million) through the group of investors; the planned RDVRP; Caribbean Regional tourism initiatives in Bequia, Communication Programme Mayreau, Union Island (the Marina at (CARCIP) ($5 million); Port Ashton), and Mustique; the proposed Development Project ($2 million); lobster and conch packaging plant at Geothermal Project ($8 million); Calliaqua; the cocoa and coffee Renewable/Clean Energy ($4.3 air transport; and the million); Argyle International Airport investments; expansion of the four medical schools. ($31.5 million); Agriculture The totality of these public and Infrastructure ($14 million); BNTF private investments in 2017 is ($6 million); Transport and Works substantial. The investment monies, ($64 million) particularly roads and public and private, in the aggregate, natural disaster reconstruction; are projected to be over EC $500 Housing and Lands ($16.4 million); and last, but not least, $7.7 million for million in 2017.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to various projects in Education. announce that the government has Additionally in 2017, substantial taken an initial step to elaborate a public sector investments are to be plan to build a 250 room hotel in St. made by several State enterprises Vincent, through the instrumentality including VINLEC, CWSA, NIS, National Properties Limited, and the of at least two State agencies, and to engage a company with a global brand SVG Port Authority. Investment by to market and manage it. On the latter entity is largely to extend January 18, 2017, Cabinet set up a the Cruise Ship Pier and to partner Committee under the Chairmanship with the central government on of the Minister of Economic Planning preliminary expenditures on the Modern Port Development Project to proceed with this venture. which is estimated to cost, upon full Recently, on my travels overseas, I completion, US $100 million for which held fruitful discussions with an funding is being satisfactorily sourced. international hotel group on this very The domestic private sector’s matter in London. investment is focussed on housing; Our government is again appealing construction of tourism facilities to our national private sector to join (apartments, guest houses, and with it to facilitate the expansion of hotels), restaurants and bars; the number of hotel rooms available wholesale and retail trade; in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. transportation (land, sea, air), This is vital in light of the impending agriculture and fisheries; financial operation of the AIA. I am pleased and professional services; and that at a recent budget consultation telecommunications. with the business community, three In 2016, there was an estimated domestic private sector investment in potential investors locally, expressed a strong interest in partnering with the excess of EC $50 million. For government to invest in hotels.

Be a Hero for St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Address by Dr. the Hon. Godwin Friday at the wreath laying ceremony on National Heroes Day) TODAY IS NATIONAL Heroes Day. We all know that. Sadly, however, for too many of us, it has become just another holiday; a day off from work, perhaps to go to the beach or to catch up on some house work, or just to relax at home with family. All good things no doubt, but can be done any weekend.

For those of us present here today, we have come to this place at Dorsetshire Hill to celebrate and honour the life of heroic struggle and death of Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer. He is our first and thus far only national hero. Every child in primary school in St. Vincent and the Grenadines today is taught that Chatoyer led his people, the Garifuna, our forebears, in a proud and determined struggle against foreign domination of our homeland. While they may have been willing to form alliances with others and even to welcome friends to share parts of their land, they were never willing to surrender their sovereignty as a people and control of the land that bore and sustained them.

Their heroic struggle is better known in our schools today thankfully than when I went to school here. But much more still needs to be done! The history of Chatoyer and the Garifuna struggle will more truly become our national story when it migrates from the classroom into our art and culture, into our songs, plays, stories and poems, like the stories we hear of Sparta and the Greek heroes, of Roman history and mythology, of Hannibal and Carthage, of L’Ouverture and Haiti.

The small size of our nation is not an obstacle to that cause. Size should not matter. What matter is the nobility and courage of the people in their struggle to defend and keep our homeland. And then following their painful exile from their homeland, their struggle to preserve and promote the Garifuna culture and sense of nationhood in the face of numerous obstacles. Their efforts and achievements are truly heroic! And this is our history. Our story as a nation. It forms a critical part of foundation upon which our modern nation rests.

Grenadines I believe that we all can do it. It does not necessarily mean waging actual war as Chatoyer did.

Our circumstances are different now.

Being a hero

What it means is for each of us to be a hero in our own homes; to be a good husband and father, a good wife and mother. It means making the family, as it should be, a unit of strength and support, and to take that experience further into our communities, villages, islands and indeed into our entire country.

Being a hero also means that we seek always to do good in our daily lives, not just for ourselves but also for strangers, as the story of the Good Samaritan teaches us. For example, when there is an obvious need to be met in our communities; the grass on the playing field need cutting, the local youth cricket team needs a coach, the drain in front your property needs to be cleared before the rains come. You take the lead and do it or at least start it and others will join in, inspired by your good example.

We can also be heroes where we work. Teachers, for example, have limitless opportunities to shine as heroes in the classroom and inspire young people to strive always to reach their full potential. It means in particular; as hard as may be–not giving up on a single child in your class, but to keep trying not merely to instruct him but to make him learn until you have done all that you humanly can, and hopefully have succeeded in your task.

I am sure we can all think of many other ways to show that we have the courage to be heroes for St. Vincent and the Grenadines And today perhaps more than any other day in our national calendar, should cause us all to reflect on how we lead our lives as fellow travellers in this beautiful and blessed land of ours.

Today, National Heroes Day, calls us to step beyond the ordinary, and to consider how extraordinary each of us can be in shaping our own lives, in building our communities into places of support, harmony and The life of and death of Chatoyer enlightenment, and in making our country the best it can be. And in so So, the life and death of Paramount doing, we can truly say that we are Chief Joseph Chatoyer and the indeed worthy of this beautiful land struggle that we honour here today that God has so generously entrusted must serve not only to educate and to us. Thank you. Happy National remind us of our proud past; it must Heroes Day. Have an extraordinary also, and perhaps more importantlyday! inspire us to continue in the same spirit of defiance in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, with the same determination to defend, build and promote our country now and into the future.

In practical terms, what does this mean for each one of us? Well, to borrow a phrase from the calypsonian, Patches Knights, it means that we must all have and exhibit the courage to be a hero for St. Vincent and the

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. 11.

Views

Women in Technology - Part 2 of 2

“I think it’s very important to get more women into computing. My slogan is: Computing is too important to be left to men.” — Karen Spärck Jones, Professor of Computers and Information at Cambridge Computer Laboratory. Spärck Jones was a vocal advocate for women in computing and technology; she introduced the concept of inverse document frequency (IDF) used by most search engines today.

THE IN TOUCH COLUMN of The Vincentian Newspaper of Friday, February 24, 2017 featured an article entitled “Women in Technology”. That essay appeared to have created quite a stir. Congratulatory e-mail messages came from local readers as well as from readers in Barbados, the United Kingdom, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Those e-mail messages have prompted the writing of this follow-up commentary to further highlight the outstanding accomplishments of women in the field of science and technology.

As we continue emphasising some of the many accomplished women in the field of science and technology, it is probably fitting to revisit the quotation that was used to introduce today’s essay. The second half of Professor Karen Jones’ statement may seem to be offensive to some of our readers (especially our male readers).

However, this writer firmly believes that the socialising of our women places them in ideal positions to pay greater attention to detail when compared to their male counterparts.

This, in turn, enables them to make significant contributions in the field of science and technology, a field of study and a discipline that demands precision and a keen sense of observation.

The previous article highlighted the outstanding contributions that women have made to the development of computer programming and a variety of programmes at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the United States of America (USA). That article highlighted the outstanding work of Dr. Grace Murray Hopper (19061992), Mary Jackson (1921-2005), Dorothy Vaughan (1910-2008), and Katherine Johnson (born 1918).

Within recent times, and especially during the last two decades, women have continued to emerge to make significant contributions in the field of science and technology. They show that they have the technical and managerial capabilities needed to pioneer new developments in this field. In addition, many have risen to the top of their organisations and now demonstrate outstanding leadership skills. As evidence of this, we can highlight the exceptional accomplishments of individuals such as Meg Whitman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HP, USA; Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube, USA; Sheryl Sanberg, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Facebook, USA; Ginny Rometty, CEO of IBM, USA; Angela Ahrendts, Senior Vice President of Apple, USA; Safra Catz, CO-CEO of Oracle, USA; Ruth Alphabet, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Alphabet, USA; Ursula Burns, CEO of Xerox, USA; Amy Hood, CFO of Microsoft, USA;

Marissa Mayer, CEO of Yahoo, USA; Gwynne Shotwell, COO of SpaceX, USA; Zhou Qunfei, Chair of Lens Technology, Hong Kong; and Solina Chau, Cofounder of Horizons Ventures in Hong Kong. However, the USA and Hong Kong are not the only places where women have made their mark in skilfully leading large science and technology companies.

We also see the emergence of strong female leadership in other western countries. Unfortunately, the cultures in many Eastern and Middle Eastern countries still stifle the upward mobility of women. They unwisely provide a “steel ceiling” (as opposed to a “glass ceiling”) that presently seems impenetrable.

Having read about the outstanding accomplishments of the women who were featured in Part One of this article, one of this column’s regular readers commented that she has a passion for technology and found the article quite informative and inspirational. She then proceeded to share her experiences as “a woman in technology”. Her story was a bittersweet one. She noted that she loves the field of technology, (this is the sweet part, and has worked in information technology for 12 years.

She noted that, “As a woman in technology, I must say that we still have a long way to go (especially in the Caribbean) as we are still viewed as administrators rather than engineers/analysts within the field. In my present capacity, having worked in the male dominant field, I often find myself working ten times as hard to prove that I am capable and knowledgeable. As compared to when I worked in the USA, I was given the opportunity to prove that I was capable and knowledgeable...but still faced other biases” (the bitter part).

She concluded her correspondence with a hope that this writer also shares. She said, “Hopefully, one day soon you will be able to write of times gone by when the challenges of Women in Technology were things of the past.”

We must continue the discussion and reveal the accomplishments of outstanding leaders in the field — men and women. We all have a role to play in influencing the mind-set and changing the attitudes of our citizens (male and female; boys and girls) so that we understand and appreciate the fact that women can continue to play a major role in the field of science and technology … and that they do have the capacity to lead.

Their ascendency must not be based on cosmetics (i.e. having a woman in a position because it “looks good”, but influenced by their character and competence. As enlightened people, we must provide all citizens (regardless of gender, class, ethnicity, nationality, etc.) to grow to their full potential. The “glass ceiling” must not only be broken — it must be forever dismantled. As we do so, we will readily observe more women in technology … and in leadership.

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

Men tremble when women speak WHEN MY DAUGHTER Zenzili was a child, she frequently rebuked me whenever I asked her to be quiet. ‘Dad,’ she would warn, ‘one of these days you will want me to talk and I will not be able to speak.’ I have come to appreciate the importance of a woman’s voice.

Silence and powerlessness go hand in hand. Therefore, our women must be encouraged to voice their pain, sorrow and concerns. Too often, the story we celebrate is his-tory.

As children, we were told silence is golden. We now know silence equals death to those fighting neglect and abuse. Silence is the face of the unsaid, the unspeakable, the repressed, the erased, and the unheard. Silence is also a graphic of those allowed to speak and of what can be said and who listens.

Silence occurs in many ways for many reasons. Silence is what is imposed, and quiet is what is sought.

The quieting of one’s own mind is in contrast to the silence of intimidation or repression. Serenity and introspection call for quiet. Silence is bought when threats are high and the barriers are great.

The quiet of the listener makes room for the speech of others. Women are like volcanoes when they offer their experience as truth. Silence is what allows people to suffer without recourse, what allows hypocrisies and lies to grow and flourish, crimes to go unpunished.

The history of silence is central to women’s history. Words bring women together, and silence separates them.

Silence leaves women bereft of the help or solidarity or just communion that speech can solicit or elicit. A woman’s voice is an essential aspect of her humanity.

Being unable to tell your story is a living death, and sometimes a literal one. If no one listens when you say your husband is trying to kill you, if no one believes you when you say you are in pain, if no one hears you when you say help, if you don’t dare say help, if you have been trained not to bother people by saying help. If you are considered to be out of line when you speak up in a meeting, are not admitted into an institution of power, are subject to irrelevant criticism whose subtext is that women should not be here or heard.

Stories save women’s life. And stories are their life. The stories of our women can be both prison and the crowbar to break open the door of that prison. Women make stories to save themselves or to trap themselves or others, stories that lift them up or imprison them in their own limits and fears. Liberation is always in part a storytelling process: breaking stories, breaking silences, making new stories.

A free person tells her own story. A valued person lives in a society in which her story has a place.

Violence against women is often against their voices and their stories.

It is a refusal and rejection of voices, and of what a voice means: the right to self-determination, to participation, to consent or dissent; to live and to interpret.

A husband hits his wife to silence her. An acquaintance rapist refuses to let the “no” of his victim mean what it should, that she alone has jurisdiction over her body. Rape culture asserts that women’s testimony is worthless, untrustworthy. A murderer silences forever. These are assertions that the

victim has no rights, no value and is not an equal.

Having a voice is crucial. It is not all there is to human rights, but it’s central to them, and so you can consider the history of women’s rights and lack of rights as a history of silence and breaking silence. Speech, words, voices sometimes change things in themselves; they are the preconditions to changing rules, laws, regimes to bring about justice and liberty.

And then when words break through unspeakability, what was tolerated by a society sometimes becomes intolerable. Those not impacted can fail to see or feel the impact of injustice or police brutality or domestic violence; stories bring home the trouble and make it unavoidable.

A woman’s voice of necessity must include the right not to speak, whether it’s the right against being tortured to confess, as some prisoners are, or not to be expected to service strangers who approach you, as some men do to young women, demanding attention and flattery and punishing their absence.

Who has been unheard? We know who has, mostly, been heard on the official subjects; who held political office, commanded armies, served as judges, wrote books, and ran empires over past several centuries. We know how it has changed somewhat, thanks to the countless revolutions against colonialism, racism and misogyny. But poverty continues to silence.

Silence allowed predators to rampage through the decades unchecked. It’s as though the voices of these prominent public men devoured the voices of others into nothingness.

They rendered them voiceless to refuse and afflicted with unbelievable stories. Unbelievable means those with power did not want to know, to hear, to believe, did not want them to have voices.

People die from being unheard. If the right to speak, of being heard is a kind of wealth, that wealth is now being redistributed. There has long been an elite with audibility and credibility, and an underclass of the voiceless.

But there is still a fury and disbelief that this woman or child dared to speak up, that people tend to believe her, that her voice counts for something, that her truth may end a powerful man’s reign. These voices, heard, upend power relations.

Women’s ended careers or rather powerful men increasingly destroy themselves by acts they engaged in, believing that they had the impunity that comes with their victims’ powerlessness. Many had impunity for years, some for lifetimes; many have now found they no longer do.

Being unable to tell your story is a living death. The right to speak is a form of wealth that is being redistributed. No wonder powerful men are furious.

Much of this column is extracted from Rebecca Solnit’s new book, The Mother of All Questions.

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

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12. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Green Party calls on Gonsalves to resign for biased tax exemptions SVG GREEN PARTY calls on SVG Minister of Finance Gonsalves to resign for granting biased tax exemptions of billions of dollars to Taiwan and the super-rich migrants of Mustique and Canouan, at the expense of

Finance for incompetence.

The SVG constitutionally-appointed imposing massive Fiscal Deficits of EC$3.659 billion on Director of Audit failed Gonsalves on audit as the the people of SVG between 2001 and 2017. information supplied ‘did not in all material respect, The table shows that under Gonsalves, the SVG fairly represent the financial position of the economy has been drowning in massive Fiscal Government of SVG as at 31 December 2009 and 31 Deficits and high payments on interest loans December 2010’. between 2001 and 2017. The unnecessary Fiscal According to the Director of Audit Report 2008, Deficits are being used as an excuse to sell crown ‘The accuracy of the assessment of revenue at the lands to migrants.

Inland Revenue Department could not be verified According to the Leader of SVG Green Party, due to non-access to the records’. Where is the Macro-Economist Mr Ivan O’Neal BSc (Hons) MSc, crucial oversight of the Public Accounts Committee MBA, the SVG Minister of Finance, Gonsalves, has as outlined under Section 75 (2) of the SVG 1979 poorly managed the SVG economy. The massive Constitution?

Fiscal Deficits of EC$3.659 billion and high interest There is a huge opportunity lost wasting EC$869 payments on loans amounting to $869 million from million just paying interest on loans. The ULP 2001 to 2017, are killing the economy, increasing regime leadership is very weak at managing the poverty and increasing crime in SVG. public accounts, taking two steps forward and three In 2007, the SVG Minister of Finance, Gonsalves, steps backwards. overspent the budget by EC$63 million — ten per Gonsalves is out of his depth as the SVG Minister cent of the 2007 budget - without the prior approval of Finance and should resign for biased tax of the SVG Parliament. In 2008, SVG Minister of exemptions to Taiwan and the super-rich migrants Finance, Gonsalves, killed the SVG National in Mustique and Canouan, and years of poor Commercial Bank with a massive overdraft of financial management with massive fiscal deficits EC$185 million. and millions wasted on loan interest payments.

SVG Minister of Finance, Gonsalves, failed the The United Nations and international community SVG constitutionally-appointed Director of Audit’s should urgently intervene to stop the tax National Audit of the SVG Public Accounts for 2008, discrimination, as this adversely affects most 2009 and 2010. He should resign as SVG Minister of Vincentians and increases poverty.

(Source: SVG Budget Estimates – Researched by Ivan O’Neal BSc (Hons) MSc, MBA)

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

Reflections from the Commonwealth WomenÊs network on the occasion of International WomenÊs Day 2017 THE UNITED NATIONS MESSAGE to the world on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2017, places particular emphasis on women in the changing world of work. The Campaign Theme “Be Bold for Change”, is a rallying call to women and women’s organizations to become a force for change.

At this juncture on the situation of women, I submit that the United Nations’ main focus should be on calling on member governments to be “Bold for Change”, in creating the

enabling environment for implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action for the Advancement of Women, to which they are signatory.

Twenty-two (22) years ago, in 1995, the Beijing Platform for Action was debated and approved by member Governments. It was hailed as the most comprehensive......as it identified 12 critical areas of concern for the advancement of women. These are:Poverty, Women in Power and Decision-Making, Education and Training, Health, Human Rights, Violence Against Women, Institutional Mechanisms, Peace/Armed Conflict, Environment, Media, Economic Justice and the 12th — The Girl Child — an area that was aggressively championed for its inclusion as a critical area of concern. Yet, twentytwo (22) years after affixing these signatures, millions of women throughout the Commonwealth still struggle with these very issues. The enabling environment has not been created for women working inside and outside the home to receive decent pay for essential services such as child care, management of homes, caregivers, farmers and labourers — decent labour, necessary for survival, but with great disparities in pay with those who need these same services for them to function.

It seems that the issue of Domestic Violence, reduced to talk and marches on specific days, is seen as the focus of attention, without realizing that without addressing the other eleven areas, domestic violence will not go away!!. Governments must be bold to

create the legislative framework that gives the victim fair hearing. Where is the enabling environment of shelters, safe houses in Communities, and the means of livelihood? Victims are bold, but the system fails them. Do they understand Court Procedure, Can they stand up under the intimidating questioning of a highly paid defense Lawyer? When the Court gives a ruling, and the victim is still in the home with the perpetrator, isn’t this a recipe for violence?

There is more to be done on the enabling environment, beginning with the training of lawyers and Judges in this field. A week ago, a Judge in the United States dealing with a Rape case, asked the Victim why she did not keep her legs closed. His resignation in the face of protest is not a Victory.

It in fact showed the glaring need for more training to be provided for men at all levels, to see women’s worth beyond supplying their sexual needs.

The prevailing debate in the media worldwide has to do with politicians bashing each other. A good area for debate is the health of women and their families. Can the Media be bold enough to devote more time to debate such questions as -. What is being done to address the high morbidity and mortality rate due to Cancers, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and Obesity?

Leadership and the area of women in politics is another vexed question.

Women possess the leadership qualities, equal to men; but are Political Parties willing to include them on the slate of candidates? Are Politicians’ wives bold enough to

encourage their husbands to work for the advancement of women? In 1776 when the American Constitution was being crafted, it was Abigail Adams, the wife of John Adams, a future President of the Unite States, who made a bold request to her husband..

“I long to hear that you have declared an independency. And, by the way, in the new code of laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make, I desire you would remember the ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. Remember, all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation”.

Will women today be as bold to “foment a rebellion” to hold governments accountable?”

The enabling environment for the advancement of women is possible.

What is required is for governments, Church, Business and other institutions to be bold enough to do it.

In our region, are CARICOM governments bold enough to implement the Charter of Civil Society and its provisions for Women? Are governments bold enough to reinstate and resource the Women’s Desk in CARICOM? Nelcia Robinson Chair - Commonwealth Women’s Network March 14, 2017.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. 13.

Arts

Calypso Association unveils strategic plan He recognised Bentley Browne of the Up State Tent for his contribution to the completion of the plan.

The plan

Earl Bennett, Presdient of the SVG Calypsonians Association, tabled the strategic plan that proposes action up to the year 2020.

Bentley Browne was recognised as having made a significant contribution to the substance of the strategic plan.

For Bennett, the plan signals preparation for genuine progress. He is insisting that the Association is ensuring that standards are met, and projects to an overall enhancing in ‘stocks’, once things fall into place.

If the artistes fulfil their end of the bargain, Bennett is confident that money will be made and subsequently filter though the wider economy.

“We are ambitious, but realistic,” the president remarked.

Of significance is the planned review of the Association’s constitution

by July next year.

Whereas the vehicle is calypso, all genres will be promoted.

The Association will be looking at “Good governance, enhancing competition, making money, marketing and promotion, along with building human and technical capacity,” according to Bennett.

Tents ready

Gailene Windsor outlined plans for the THE ST. VINCENT and the New York-based Grenadines Calypsonians Association is planning for Dynamites Calypso Tent’s preliminary, June better things for the 10. industry.

Glenroy ‘Homey’ A Strategic Plan Delpesche outlined extending to 2020 was Graduates programme unveiled here last Monday at the Carnival including their preliminary judging, Development June 13.

Corporation’s (CDC) Up Stage Experience, office, Victoria Park, by with an 18-member cast, the Association’s face the judges June 14. president Earl Bennett who, in his introductory Bentley Browne promises a slew of females and a remarks proclaimed, “There is a bright future number of young performers. in calypso.”

On Tour Calypso Tent The number of celebrates its 35th youngsters with “a anniversary this year, business approach” has given Bennett reason for and leader Grantley ‘Ipa’ Constance anticipates confidence. that they will continue to The Calypsonians be among the top places Association president in the Calypso Monarch played with the times, Competition. On Tour and contended that the face the judges June 15. launching of the plans The Prophets Calypso was a “heroic effort,” Tent of Georgetown has coinciding with the been revived, and staging of National Georgeitha Nanton, one Heroes Day activities.

of the principal persons behind the tent, is expecting a memorable resurgence. Their preliminary judging is set for June 16.

A condensed version of the document published under the theme, ‘Enhancing governance, building capacity and

forging partnerships for greater sustainability’, was handed over to the CDC’s chairman Ricardo Adams.

Ricardo Adams (left) – Chairman of the CDC, accepts a copy of (WKA) the plan from Earl Bennett. Gailene Windsor is also pictured.

V Cultural icons recognised 14. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Willis Williams, Brian Alexander, Sebastian Alexander, and Olsen ‘Caribbean Pete’ Peters.

It was not confined to musicians, for Cheryl Rodriquez, Dennis Ambrose, Molly Arthur, Lennox Bowman, Joel Providence, Earl Paynter, Wollis Christopher, Shrevrell McMillian, Philos Disco, Jude the Cool Dude, Wax Masters International, Brian ‘Bhisma’ Browne, Katie Daisy and Alrick Hillocks were also included in the list.

Acknowledgement was given to William ‘Kojah’ Anthony, Paul McLeish, Ferrand ‘Randy D’ Dopwell, THE VINCENTIAN Newspaper, SVG TV, Nice Radio, and the National Broadcasting Corporation.

Mas makers were highlighted, and listed among these were Simone Richardson, K-Tisha Collis, Cleopatra Weekes, Elliot Douglas, Owen Ralph, Lennox Gonsalves, Julian ‘Piling’ Pollard, Junior ‘Melbourne’ Constance, Kingsley Collis, Gordon Boucher, Awardees Jelani Niles, Terrance Browne, Alvern Cadogan and Lennox ‘Scully’ Hunte.

One of the honorees was Pannist on the honours roll were calypsonian Granville ‘Sunblaze’ Richard Neverson, Errol Sutherland, Findlay. He received a plaque in Donald Llewellyn, Dougie ‘Nose’ addition to his certificate, and when Joseph, Francis Pres’ Llewellyn, called upon to render a number, did so Kingsley ‘Hero’ Roberts, Ynolde without much prompting.

Roberts, Ken Isles, Potential Steel The list of awardees also included Orchestra and Johnny Pompey, musicians Junior Sutherland, Joffre together with pan builder/tuner Venner, Robert Patches Knights, Jimmy ‘Tall Boy’ James.

THE GATHERING AT D TUNNEL Restaurant in South Leeward district of Campden Park, National Heroes Day, March 14, could have been taken for the annual Carnival Development Corporation’s prize giving ceremony.

It could also have been a tourism promotional exercise, with about 100 of the nation’s citizens being recognised.

This was engineered by Wran Gould, proprietor of D Tunnel Restaurant and Director of the Wran Gould Hospitality Institute.

Gould has been plying his culinary skills in Canada on and off for some time now. It is perhaps as a consequence of having experienced bouts of homesickness, that he has embarked on a journey of appreciating those Vincentians who have contributed to nation building.

The most recent demonstration came last Tuesday.

Calypsonians Alston Becket Cyrus, Jeffers ‘Sheller’ Alexis, Elgin ‘Ebou’ Hamlet. Carlos ‘Rejector’ Providence, Vincent ‘Groovy D’ Kennedy, Earl ‘Exposer’ Isles, Winston Soso, Augustus ‘Man Stone’ Sergeant, Errol ‘Man Age’ Rose, Jamesey P Morgan, Junior Marshall, Francis ‘Sir D’ Mayers, Noel ‘Defoe’ Castello, and Winston ‘Chief’ Davis came in for appreciation.

So too were Elliot ‘Mystery’ Shallow, Wendell ‘Ras I’ Lewis, Fitzroy ‘Brother Ebony’ Joseph, Grantley ‘Ipa’ Constance, Kahalia Beache, Bridgette ‘Joy C’ Creese, Shanelle McKenzie, Cecil ‘Lil Bit’ Murray, Michael Granville ‘Sunblaze’ Findlay (left), the senior calypso ‘Lord Have Mercy’ bard among those recognised, receives his award Ollivierre, Lance ‘Da from Wran Gould.

Vinci’ Chapman, Glen ‘Bump I’ Richards, Alexis ‘Lexie’ Joseph, Godwin Augustus Oliver, Carlton ‘CP’ Hall, Glenroy ‘Sulle’ Caesar, Michael ‘ Black Messenger’ John, Bernard ‘Reality’ White, Shernelle ‘Skarpyon’ Williams, and Cornelius ‘Poorsah’ Williams and Kenneth Vibrating Scakes’ Alleyne.

Reigning calypso monarch Zamfir ‘Man Zangie’ Adams, Shertz ‘Problem Child’ James, Lornette ‘Fire Empress’ Nedd, Rondy ‘Luta’ McIntosh, Orande ‘Bomani’ Charles, Raeon Madzart Primus, Gamal ‘Skinny Fabulous’ Doyle, Delroy Fireman Hooper, were also appreciated for their Lennox Scully Hunte (left), credited with contribution. pioneering a new era in (mas) costume Starlift Steel Orchestra, radio design and construction here, was on personality Chris ‘Too Cool’ hand to be accorded his deserving Jones, Blondie Bird and Friends, recognition. and the band Touch were also appreciated.

Gould praised Gould came in for commendations from Youlou Pan Movement President Onika Morgan. She observed that recognition functions are normally spearheaded by government institutions, or huge corporations.

Morgan’s sentiments were echoed by Garth Niles - Deputy Chairman of the Carnival Mas Bands Association, and Robert ‘Patches’ Knights - Public Donald ‘Duck’ Llewellyn (left) is one of a Relations Officer to the St. fast dwindling group of persons who Vincent and the Grenadines represent the embodiment of the major Calypsonians Association. components of SVG’s carnival.

Cultural Officer Anthony Theobalds added to the praises for programme to promote their songs.

Gould, especially after the disclosure Last year, Gould hosted a luncheon by the entrepreneur to have an Open for senior citizens of the Campden mike session whereby Calypsonians Park and surrounding communities on can use the Kalypso Kollege National Heroes Day. (WKA)

V TGHF host Garifuna Village and Marketplace

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

News

by GLORIAH… INCLUDED IN THE ACTIVITIES of the March 6 -14 fourth International Garifuna Summit held here, were two mounted displays showcasing Garifuna culture and heritage.

These were Garifuna Traditional Village —

A hammock, used by indigenous peoples, hung in the hut.

Right: Ducana – made from raw (sweet) potato – on display/sale at the Marketplace.

located on the National Trust /Old Public Library yard in Kingstown; and the Garifuna Marketplace, set up at Heritage Square.

These two features ran for two days - Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th March.

Mr. David ‘Darkie’ Williams, President of

the Summit host - The Garifuna Heritage Foundation (TGHF), in explaining the rationale for the inclusion of the Garifuna Village and Marketplace, said, “We wanted people to continue to have a visual sighting of what the traditional huts used to be like. We also wanted to have the history of Garifuna displayed in these huts,” he said.

He continued with, “The idea of the Marketplace is that you can show that the raw information that you get in the yard of the Old Public Library, is then transformed into commercial products on display and for sale.”

Williams, in this regard was referring to raw products like cassava and plantains in the Village, that were presented as cassava bread and plantain chips at the Marketplace.

Assessing the

The Traditional Hut mounted as part of the Heritage Village. issue, was the message of Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture, Hon. Cecil Mc Kie, at the Opening Ceremony of the Garifuna Conference, and repeated at the National Heroes Day celebrations held at the Obelisk at Dorsetshire Hill.

David ‘Darkie’ Williams According to Mc Kie, remained undaunted in three tourism projects the effort to raise being constructed are awareness of the expected to add further Garifuna heritage even voice to the telling of the in the face of repeated Garifuna story. challenges.

These include the Cayo Village constructed two displays, Williams at the back of the Argyle said, “I cannot say that it International Airport, has been as successful as which also boasts it can be, but the traditional huts intention was that with resembling the one actual huts, people could constructed by the come in to them, see Foundation at the something about Village in Kingstown.

Garifuna and read about Williams expressed them as well, to some thoughts on these somewhat relive that undertakings, to wit, situation from over two “The first thing is, what hundred years ago.” goes into the huts.

Of relevance to this Artifacts are very

difficult to lay hands on, and that, along with other materials for the huts, is our challenge in the Village. We always send out a public appeal to people who may have information and other things: but, unfortunately, the response has been poor.”

He continued with, “Those other projects are government endeavours aowever, it is a good idea developing these three sites, and hopefully it will reap the kind of rewards that they are looking for, and once it brings rewards to them, then we benefit somewhere along the line. We will support those ventures as best we can.”

The Garifuna Heritage Foundation intends to analyze each component of this year’s Summit to prepare afresh for their future endeavours.

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16. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Education

Students and teachers donned the attire of the various ethnic groups that make up the Vincentian society.

KGS observes Literacy Week various ethnic groups who settled in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the past, as well as those current groups that call SVG their home.

According to Hackshaw, “People think that reading is all about reading words, but it goes beyond that. It is to Robby Hackshaw - Chairperson of comprehend what the school’s you have read. It’s to understand your Literacy Committee fellowmen and to stressed the interact with importance of them.” reading beyond Principal of the simply being school - Thedica Commissiong—Jones able to ‘call’ words. said the activity, the third such exercise, “is important because we recognized that many of the children are experiencing difficulty with reading, and so we try to provide them with different avenues, different experiences to encourage them to read.”

The Principal recognized and thanked the parents who have been supporting their children, adding that the parents went out of their way to provide the different outfits.

Some of the students also expressed their feelings about the literacy week.

Dress in Indian wear, Keefia George of Grade 4 said the Indians are very fond of pepper.

She was happy about Literacy Week, “because it is a time to express your culture and other people’s (culture) in the world.”

Jadea Alexander, dressed as a martial arts fighter, said he was happy with Literacy Week and enjoyed the activities.

Eijonnaie Carter, dressed as (L-R): Eijonnaie Carter, Jadea Alexander and Chinese girls, said she enjoyed Keefia George all expressed how happy they literacy week because she was were to be part of their School’s Literacy able to learn many things. (KH) THE KINGSTOWN GOVERNMENT SCHOOL (KGS), Stoney Ground, last week held a number of activities to commemorate Literacy Week.

Literacy Week is part of the Ministry of Education thrust towards improving reading levelsin primary schools. The KGS’s week was held under the theme , ‘Celebrating our Heroes and Heritage’.

Robby Hackshaw,Chairperson of the School’s Literacy Committee, reviewed the week’s programme of activities which he said began on Monday, March 6, with an hour-long ‘Readathon’, during which students read from books based on the History St. Vincent and the Grenadines History.

Tuesday, he said, featured a Spelling B Competition that was won by Grade 4, and a quiz which tested the students’ knowledge about their country.

On Wednesday, students visited various institutions around the community to read to senior citizens.

Thursday was open to persons of the different ethnic groups who were invited to share their (people’s) history and their relation to SVG. Friday was given over to staging an exhibition displaying the culture of the ethnic groups, including their cuisine, and a cultural display, during which students as well as a number of teachers donned the native/cultural attire of the

Week activities.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. 17.

Health

Kidney disease is no death sentence THE ADAGE ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’ may be applicable to one’s health, but those who have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, have been advised that this does not mean an automatic death sentence.

Kidney disease is a very serious condition, and once an individual is diagnosed, it is irreversible.

However, it is preventable as well, and that was what the St Vincent and the Grenadines Kidney Society, in collaboration with the Mustique Charitable Trust, was involved in advocating last Thursday — referred to as World Kidney Day. Members of the general public were afforded the opportunity of having their blood sugar and pressure levels checked, and with various medical professionals available, were advised on the causes, preventative measures and treatment of the disease, during an Awareness Building exercise held on March 9, in Kingstown.

Pauline Garabedian-DeFreitas (RN), Managing Director of Health Solutions Inc’, who assists the Society with information when required, explained that they had been seeing

persons coming in asking about kidney disease and what treatments are available.

“So we have been able to answer all those questions from people that have been coming by,” she said.

The numbers have been increasing, Garabedian-DeFreitas said, but this ought not to be attributed to a situation that was out of control, but could be as a result of increased curiosity now that kidney disease advocacy groups are in existence, and treatment is being offered locally.

But preventing chronic kidney disease is not as difficult as people might perceive, she said.

“If you are diagnosed with either one Diabetes or Hypertension, then you should be screening your kidneys every year — if you manage it poorly, then you should be screened more than once,” Garabedian-De Freitas explained, adding that persons need to begin changing their lifestyles — cutting back on processed foods, starches, salt and fruit consumption.

Administrator of the SVG Kidney Society, Francine De Young said that the Society was a non-profit

Persons waiting to have their sugar/blood pressure tests at the Kidney Society’s Awareness Day exercise.

Kidney Society gets support IN KEEPING with its promise so to do, SoundBlast Entertainment recently handed over a donation to the Kidney Society of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Inc. The donation was made possible through funds raised by a SoundBlast Entertainment’s promotion dubbed ‘All Black Affair’, held at the Sion Hill Playing Field.

Barry De Freitas of SoundBlast Entertainment, in presenting the donation, said that while the organisers were expecting to make a larger donation, they were Barry De Freitas (left) hands over donation to pleased that they were Francine De Young. able to keep their promise to assist the Kidney and his group for the monetary Society and kidney patients in SVG. contribution which he assured would Administrator of the SVG Kidney go some way in addressing the plight Society, Francine De Young accepted of persons battling kidney disease in the donation and thanked De Freitas St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Members of the SVG Kidney Society including Pauline Garabedian-DeFreitas (standing 2nd from left front row) and Francine De Young (partly hidden back row). organization, and that all the funds raised go directly to assisting persons already diagnosed and battling chronic kidney disease.

Cost of treatment is certainly one factor, but there is assistance available through the SVG Kidney Society.

De Young outlined how the process works — with patients first submitting a letter which is followed by some due diligence before the board meets and comes to a decision.

The Society has been registered since 2013, and its mandate is to assist kidney patients.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has one privately owned health facility — Health Solutions Inc. - that offers

outpatient haemodialysis treatment to persons with advanced kidney ailments.

The facility is outfitted with six (6) dialysis machines and can treat up to eighteen (18) patients per day.

In addition to three fully qualified Renal Nurses and the Managing Director who is also a Registered Nurse with a range of experience that spans some fourteen (14) years, two trained technicians are on call to attend to ongoing servicing of all equipment; a stipulated practice that Health Solutions Inc. demands, so that it ensures maximum efficiency of its equipment, and safe and professional treatment. (DD)

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18. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Youth

JPEMSS Young Leaders project launched YOUNG LEADERS of the Dr. J.P. Eustace Memorial Secondary School have been reminded about the importance of selflessness, diligence and teamwork, as they embark on their 2017 project.

Rotarian Mr. Joseph Sheridan, who delivered the feature address at the project launch on Wednesday, March 8th, emphasized this as he shared his personal experiences as a volunteer, and provided valuable insights and guidance to the young leaders.

“What I like about Rotary is that the motto is ‘service above self’. It means you think about other people before thinking about yourself. It means sacrifice. It means

hard work. One person can make a difference, but one person can’t do it alone.”

The theme chosen by RBTT for this year’s project is ‘I am we: Volunteering for impact’.

The JPEMSS Young Leaders are working under the sub-theme ‘iVOLUNTEER, WE IMPACT’. The expression of the sub-theme encapsulates a deliberate minimization of the individual demonstrated by the lower case (i), and emphasizes the importance of action (VOLUNTEER), collaboration (WE) and achievement of purpose (IMPACT).

President Tonya Thorne expressed the group’s enthusiasm about the

Right: The 2015/16 Young Leaders of the Dr/ J.P. Eustace Memorial Secondary School will be focusing their attention on their school, their immediate community Edinboro and beyond.

project.

“Our young leaders are excited to have the opportunity for selfdiscovery and life learning as we serve our school and community for the duration of this project and beyond. Our group plans to focus its volunteer efforts on addressing specific issues within our school and in the community of Edinboro.

However, we will also be reaching out beyond the borders of the community with a wide range of activities aimed at engendering a spirit of volunteerism within the

people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

National Young Leaders Coordinator Mrs. Muriel Fraser also addressed the launch. She reminded the students of the need to work

collaboratively, and to put the needs and decisions of the team above their own desires and opinions, so that their efforts could have the maximum impact.

Third and fourth form

students of secondary schools across the Caribbean are participating in the RBTT Young Leaders programme. The deadline for project submission is May 12th, 2017.

The St. St. Vincent and the Grenadines Grammar School Young Leaders are intent on creating a lasting impact through their project.

SVGS Young Leaders launch 2017 project THE ST. VINCENT and the Grenadines Grammar School Young Leaders launched their 2016/17 project on Tuesday, 7 March, 2017.

The project is sub-themed ‘Volunteering together - an impact lasting forever’, in keeping with the national (overall) theme ‘I am WE: Volunteering for IMPACT’.

Mr Alfred John, Deputy Headmaster, in delivering the opening remarks, spoke about the benefits of competition and volunteerism.

Guest speaker, Reverend Adolf Davis, Superintendent of the Methodist Kingstown-Chateaubelair Circuit, focused on the ‘I am WE’ aspect of the national theme. Using a number of anecdotes, he reminded the Young Leaders and audience that “there is no I in team,” and highlighted how selfishness can diminish the productivity of a team and dishearten members.

President of the SVGS Young leaders - Gian-Paul Baker spoke on both the national and school’s sub theme, drawing from a quotation from Mahatma Ghandi, i.e. ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service

to others’.

In explain the choice of the subtheme, Baker said, “We chose this subtheme as it truly represents what we as the St. Vincent Grammar School Young Leaders seek to do; it is our take on the national theme. The volunteering together is used to stress the importance of teamwork, as no single man can carry out ANY impactful task. Rather, we must work together to achieve a common goal, that is, to have a lasting impact on any person we interact with as we continue to volunteer.”

He added, “This is how we get to the second half of our subtheme, an impact lasting forever… Now, how do we achieve this impact? We have struggled to find what this impact is, but I think we came close. After we have volunteered… the people may forget what we said, they may forget what we did … but they will never forget how we made them feel. That is the lasting impact that we hope to leave, once this programme is over.”

Immediate past president - Shane Cadogon shared his experiences as president, and offered advice to the new group.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. 19.

Opinion

Rudolph Elliot Baynes, CBE: A Memoir “Brothers”) was a partnership in name with no formal agreement.

The company first began as a Commission agency, then expanded into both casualty and life insurance, with ‘Sir Rudy’ managing its progress.

Incentive was provided to farmers by way of government loans.

WINERA

In 1972, ‘Sir Rudy’ was invited by the new administration of Premier James Mitchell to head up St. Vincent Marketing Corp another company call WINERA. The company In the 1960s, the was a joint venture Government of St. Vincent between St. Lucia, St. (now called “St. Vincent Vincent, Dominica and the and the Grenadines”), Government of the under the Prime Minister Republic of Venezuela, the purpose of which was to Milton Cato, decided to move in a new direction. produce container boxes The government, following specifically for the banana Rudolph Baynes (2nd from left front) takes his seat with other memebers of industry. its new mandate, decided the early 1960s Legislative Council of St. Vincent. Others pictured: (Front to set up a public company to make the country more Political Life from left) George Charles, Basil Dias: Crown Attorney, A.F. Giles: export-driven.

Administrator, Peter Ells: Colonial Treasurer, Herman Young and E.A.C. In April 1951, ‘Sir Because of ‘Sir Rudy’s’ Hughes; (Back from left) Alban Dos Santos, A.C. Cyrus, Julian Baynes, Sam experience in business, he Rudy’ ran for a seat in Slater, Clive Tannis, Levi Latham, George Leigertwood. was asked to Chair the parliament against one of St. Vincent and the West Editor’s Note: This is a businessman. Many people named to sit on its board: new venture, while still running his business.

The Indies stalwarts, George A condensed version, know of his contribution to R.E. Baynes (Chairman), Mc Intosh, a known provided by the writer, of S.O. Jack (Secretary), A.G. organization was to be the Banana Industry and a more detailed Nanton, A.G. Hazell, Noel known as The St. Vincent champion of the working Marketing Board. Few class, also, a founder of submission. We are O. Baynes, and Hilary Da Marketing Corporation, know that it was he who and was registered as a the St. Vincent Working pleased to share it with Silva. got Maple Leaf, a quasi-Government Men’s Association. our readers in this month Canadian Company, to The Company was Being the most company, the purpose of of March - National registered in 1952 under rescue Philip Veira when which was to encourage experienced in business, Heroes and Heritage the name of The St. he was floundering with and since also, he was the production of Month.

Vincent Banana Growers his flour mill project. already the Chairman of Association (SVBGA), as a agricultural crops, such Some day we shall write as sweet potato, plantain, the St. Vincent Banana Introduction non-profit co-operative. more about ‘Sir Rudy.”

Association, an eddoes, and chayote The objective of the organization reported on squash, mostly for export When Rudolph Elliot Baynes Banking SVBGA was to produce before, ‘Sir Rudy’ was to neighboring islands, – familiarly referred to as and market bananas in chiefly Trinidad.

That made Minister of Trade ‘Sir Rudy’ - died on March In 1947, before entering the United Kingdom, 3, 1980 at the age of 71, politics, ‘Sir Rudy’ and six through a company by the Caribbean country was at and Production. the time experiencing an He was at the time a his body lay in state at the local businessmen name of Geest Industries economic boom because of member of the Eight Court House in Kingstown.

Limited, owned and registered a company the increasing price of oil Army, among whose After being on display for a under the Companies Act operated by John Van and natural gas, which the membership was Ebenezer single day, a military band of St. Vincent. The Geest, who was born in country had lots of.

Joshua who had spent his escorted the funeral objective of the company the Netherlands but procession with the body to was to provide loans to migrated to England in its final resting place at the small businesses and the 1930s, and who Kingstown Cemetery for persons of limited means, provided a deposit of interment. Such ceremony since loans at that time in $8,000.00 (US) as an is usually deemed by the those categories were initial investment.

State only for those scarce to nonexistent. considered worthy of such a Flour Mill Known at that time as send-off. This was a fitting the ‘Penny Bank’, known end to a man who dedicated today as The St. Vincent ‘Sir Rudy’ proposed a over thirty years of his life to Cooperative Bank Ltd., partnership between public service, while the bank began life with Maple Leaf Mills of operating a business which an initial capital of Canada, for which he was he built from scratch. $10,000.00 (EC). Its agent, the government of founding directors were: O St. Vincent and Mr. Philip Business and Public Life D Brisbane (Chairman), Veira, owner of P. H. Ormond C Forde Veira & Sons Ltd., leading A quote in an article (Secretary, Herbert Davis, to the setting up of the titled ‘Politicians and their Rudolph E Baynes, East Caribbean Flour Finances’ and carried in a Randolph Russell, Fred J Mill, now expanded to the local newspaper in St. De Nobriga and Alfred East Caribbean Group of Vincent in the nineteenHazell.

Companies. eightys, summarized the ‘Sir Rudy’ was also a coSince its inception, the thinking of one writer founder of the St. Vincent company has realized regarding ‘Sir Rudy’: Building & Loan steady growth and “At least three Association. Unlike a expansion in capacity and Vincentians built up conventional bank, the product lines. It continues significant wealth before Association makes loans to to produce some of the turning to politics. The members who are its finest bakers’ flour under doyen of them all was the shareholders. the brand names: ‘Cream late Rudolph Elliot of the Islands’ and ‘Nelson’ Baynes, ‘Sir Rudy’ to all Banana Industry and long standing and sundry. ‘Sir Rudy’ packaged flour brands, would leave his In 1952, ‘Sir Rudy’, ‘Easy Bake’ and ‘Purity’. merchandising business, along with a number of Since then, the parent become a minister of local businessmen, having company Maple Leaf Mills Government and the seen a banana industry of Canada has been business would go down. thriving in the acquired by Maple Leaf Defeated in politics and neighboring islands of St. Foods of Canada. now out of the ministry, Lucia and Dominica, ‘Sir Rudy’ would again conceived of the idea of Baynes Bros quickly build up the doing a similar project in business. But ‘Sir Rudy’ is St. Vincent. The group Initially registered in a hard act to follow. He formed a company with April 1936, Baynes Bros. was an extremely shrewd the following persons (‘Bros’ is the short for

early years in Trinidad.

After an unsuccessful attempt at a parliamentary seat in Trinidad, as a member of renowned trade unionist Uriah ‘Buzz’” Butler’s party, Joshua returned to St. Vincent, ran for office and was elected to parliament as a candidate of the Eight Army.

However, not long afterwards, the Eight Army began to fall apart.

In 1952, Joshua broke away and formed a separate political party, the People Progressive Party (PPP), as an alternative to the Eight Army. Some members of the Eight Army defected with him, but ‘Sir Rudy’ passed on this one. He never had any interest in the PPP. In the election that took place in May 1956, ‘Sir Rudy’ was defeated, running as an independent candidate.

Award & Title In 1975, ‘Sir Rudy’ was honored by Queen Elizabeth 11 with the Commander of the British Empire (C.B.E) Award/Medal. In January1976, he was made Deputy Governor of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a ceremonial title.

Rudolph O Baynes Jr. rudybjr1@verizon.net

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20. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Children get in the way Dear George, IS IT POSSIBLE for a woman to have two children and forgot to mention it to her fiancé?

The reason why I ask this absurd question is because I just found out that my girlfriend of just over a year, has two children, ages 14 and 11.

He never once mentioned this to me. The children are living with their father in Antigua.

I found this out when a text message popped up on her cell phone, reminding her that it was her son’s birthday, etc. I showed her the message, asked her

about it, and she started to stutter, then began to put water in her eyes, telling me it was too painful to talk about, which was why she never mentioned it to me.

I told her that I could not handle this new information, and asked her to give me some space so I could figure out what I wanted to do.

She begged me not to leave her, and said she was sorry.

I cannot accept this because for over a year she pretended she never gave birth to a child. We even discussed what it would be like when we had our first (child), and

even then, she mentioned nothing.

I do not like lies, and if she couldn’t be straight with me from the beginning, then I do not want to proceed further. What do you think?

you to wonder if it was ever her intention to tell you the real story at all.

The trust factor has indeed been damaged badly, and it would take a lot of forgiving, forgetting and rebuilding to make this relationship work. If you are not up Disappointed for that, then tell her you are moving on and the Dear Disappointed, reason for your decision.

Honesty is a very To pretend as though important ingredient in you never had a child, the mix when you are and to lead you away building a solid from the truth, is indeed relationship. Of course, a big deal. One year into it is all up to you to a relationship is more make that final decision, than enough time to but make sure it is one come clean, and it leaves that you would be able to live with comfortably.

George

My wife likes getting pregnant Dear George, MY WIFE and I have five children, and she has two from a previous relationship. I told her I am not interested in having any more children, but she has a different opinion. She says that she loves getting pregnant and wants to have another child.

I have decided to use a condom anytime we have sex, but she is opposed to this and any other form of contraceptives. She tells me that I should know when to “pull out” if I don’t want any more children.

George, I know we cannot afford another child, but my wife’s head seems to be in the clouds.

How am I to handle a woman like this? I have

told her one thing, and I mean every word of it.

Further, I have threatened not to support another child if she has one.

Confuse and tired Dear Confuse and tired, Your wife needs to get a grip on reality.

Towards this end, I advise that both of you see a marriage therapist or pay a visit to Planned Parenthood Association, so as to get information that would help you to make decisions that are grounded in wisdom and reality.

It is unfortunate that this discussion about children, contraceptives and sex did not take place before your decision to marry. That said, you need now to put away this idea of not supporting any pregnancy from this point onwards. It takes two to make a child, and you cannot get involved in the beginning of the process then pull out at the end. This of course will be discussed in depth when you visit that therapist. If you are still doubtful, then ‘keep’ your belt fastened’ until you are ready to proceed further.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Look into any educational activities involving the whole family. Don't push your luck with authori‐ ty figures. Be honest with yourself before getting involved with someone who is likely to lead you on. Your interests could lead you down avenues you never realized existed.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) Don't evade important issues; you may find yourself backed into a corner. Think twice before you pursue an unrealistic endeavor. The stamina you possess will be apparent in your approach to your hobbies and cre‐ ative projects. You are best to put your efforts into redecorating or inviting friends over.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) You could lose money or precious belongings if you aren't careful. Positive connections can be made if you get involved in environmental organizations. Kick your shoes off and relax. Don't go overboard; start small and work toward building it up slowly.

Cancer (June 22‐July 22) You can make it up to them later. The key to feeling good about yourself will be to do something about it. You are best not to discuss your personal life with others. Family outings will make you feel secure and happy.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) Deceit with co‐work‐ ers is apparent. You may be overreacting to a situation at hand. Relationships will form if you get out and do things that you enjoy. Your ability to do detailed work will dazzle those who are less creative.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) You might want to spend some time by yourself in order to decide exactly how you feel. If you want to make your mark, try to get involved in projects that will bring you some glory. You can expect changes in your financial situation as well as in your status. Travel should be on your mind.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Loved ones may be annoyed if they feel restricted. Do

whatever your mate wants; it really does‐ n't matter as long as you're together. A quiet restful day just staying in bed or catching up on reading will be your best bet. Take part in stimulating debates that will allow you to show off your intelli‐ gence.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) You may find that someone you live with may be irrita‐ ble; you're best to leave them alone. Talk to someone you trust in order to see the whole picture. A long, quiet walk alone may help you sort out your thoughts.

Business trips will be more productive than trying to fight the red tape facing you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Get involved in the activities of children. They will teach you far more than you expect.

Try not to let relatives or friends cause any friction with your mate. You may exagger‐ ate your emotional situation. Your accom‐ plishments could exceed your expectations if you mix a little business with pleasure.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Don't make a move; your confusion has caused this dilemma and you are best to back away and reassess the situation. Things at work have been moving quickly and you may be feeling a little uncertain about the changes taking place. You need time to rejuvenate.

Find out more, if you want to start your own business.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) You have a tendency to think that no one else will do things properly. Too many opportunities and too many changes going on. Listen to the advice given by those with experience.

Don't overspend to impress someone who interests you.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Delve into your work if you can't make amends at home.

Take a close look at any contracts you've signed in order to be sure exactly where you stand. Family members will not be happy with the amount of time you are spending away from home. Changes at home might come fast and furious.

ACROSS 1.Eliminate 4. “__, humbug!”

7. GI’s address (abbr.)

10. Sickly 11. Removes moisture 13. Warsaw’s country (abbr.)

14. Showed prejudice 17. __ shadow 18. Worn groove 19. Computer game format (hyph.)

22. Short haircuts 25. Be in debt 26. Musical composition 30. Exercise items 32. Jet __ 33. Sudden fright 35. __ Paulo, Brazil 36. Dingy 38. “__ Woman in Your Life” (2 wds.)

39. Not Dem. or Rep. 40. Floating chunk of ice 42. Plunders 44. Football coups (abbr.)

46. Modern bank teller (abbr.)

47. Marlon Brando’s Birthplace (2 wds.)

54. Actor Beatty 55. Sal of “Rebel Without a Cause” 56. __ and abet 57. Question’s opposite (abbr.)

58. Kicker’s prop 59. Pop DOWN 1.Bridge action 2. Boxer Muhammad 3. Author Stevenson’s monogram 4. French cheese 5. Aspire (to) 6. Throne recipient 7. Suitable 8. Edgar Allan __ 9. Dated 11. Floor‐cleaning device (2 wds.)

12. Affront socially

15. Company’s head (abbr.)

16. Small particle 19. Unemotional 20. Dopey, e.g.

21. Kingly 23. Fundamental 24. Reeked to high heaven 27. Sidekick 28. One, in French 29. Hold session 31. Turfs 34. Cuban leader Fidel 37. “__ Sides Now” 41. Dutch cheese town

43. Physicians’ gp.

45. Sour mood 46. Busy as __ (2 wds.)

47. Stop _‐ dime (2 wds.)

48. Fathers and uncles

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. 21.

49. Some magazine pages 50. Wind dir.

51. Unhappy 52. Korean car company 53. Expand

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22. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

SVG History must be documented THE TIME HAS come for comprehensive documentation of the nation’s history, and for it to target students.

This call has come from Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves. He made the appeal as he addressed the gathering at Tuesday’s wreathlaying ceremony at Dorsetshire Hill, in honour of the country’s first and only national hero, Carib Chief Joseph

Chatoyer.

According to Gonsalves, he and some of the nation’s historians have written extensively on sections of the history of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

He singled out the likes of Dr Adrian Fraser, Dr Edgar Adams, Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams, as some who would have written on topics ranging from socio-economic changes that occurred

during the emancipation period right up to the 1935 riots — in which Gonsalves acknowledged that he too had some input in this topic.

Scholars have also researched portions of the history while working on theses, Gonsalves said.

Leader of the Opposition Dr. Godwin Friday, who attended the ceremony in that capacity for the first

time, reiterated that call, saying that he remained optimistic that it will happen.

He said that he was given the opportunity to be a research assistant to someone who was doing a historical document on The Bahamas, and he recalled his feeling of envy when he looked at the amount of time and investment that went into researching the material, thinking that

something similar could have been done for his own country.

Friday held out hope for a similar piece of work, Prime Minister Dr. Leader of the and posited Ralph Gonsalves Opposition Dr. that that it has called, not for Godwin Friday doesn’t the first time, for a supported the necessarily Prime have to come comprehensive from scholars. documentation of Minister’s call.

SVG’s history.

What he saw as definite was that ensuring that funding government needed to was available. (DD) support such a project by

Jess Huang, ICT project assistant for the TTM, leading a morning session in the Basic Level course.

Taiwan Technical Mission conducts ICT training THIRTY-THREE residents of Layou and surround-ing communities are currently engaged in a 6-week Information Technology Course.

The course commenced on March 8 at the Sir Louis Straker Learning Resource Center, Layou, and is a joint undertaking of the Taiwan Technical Mission and the Division of Adult and Continuing Education.

The course will be conducted at two levels with eleven participants in the Basic Level, conducted on mornings, and twenty-two participants registered for the Advanced Level, conducted as afternoon sessions.

Jess Huang, an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) project assistant for the TTM, is facilitating the Basic Level course, which will include sessions on informatics knowledge (e.g. computer components. typing and internet surfing), Microsoft Office programmes and Basic Coding.

The advanced level course is facilitated by David Kuo, another ICT project assistant for the TTM. With 6-year IT teaching experience to his credit, Kuo will teach the attendees how to use MIT App Inventor programmes to design smart phone apps.

Taiwan’s ICT industry boasts of about threequarters of the world’s production of PCs, a quarter of the world’s semi-conductors and a fifth of the world’s mobile phones. Taiwan is home to many research centers and universities which train thousands of IT professionals annually.

As a close ally of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Government of Republic of China (Taiwan) has developed several ICT programmes with and for the government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Both governments are currently implementing an Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) project, which aims to create a digital government in this country.

V Williams, McDowall take top Senior Sports Awards

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. 23.

KESWICK WILLIAMS and Lynda McDowall took the top prizes in the 2016 National Sports Council/National Lotteries Authority Sports Awards held at the SVG Community College, last weekend.

Williams, the most recent Vincentian fast bowler to do duty for the West Indies senior cricket team, got the adjudicators’ nod as Senior Sportsman of the Year, ahead of national footballer Oalex Anderson and Sean Stanley, this country’s first Road tennis champion.

Williams’ exploits in the last CPL, in which he took 17 wickets representing the Jamaica Tallawahs, his subsequent call-up for West Indies T20 and ODI duty against Pakistan and Sri Lanka respectively, together with his consistent performance for the Windwards Volcanoes in the WICB Super50, set him apart from the other nominees.

Track athlete Linda McDowall raced ahead of Samantha Lynch- Road Tennis, and Julianna Nero — Cricket, on her way to claiming the Senior Sportswoman of the Year award.

McDowall, a member of the IT-DAT Academy, was the top senior female athlete at the 2016 Grenada National Championships, where she earned gold in the 800m, 1500m and the 3000m.

She was also the first female to cross the finish line in the 12th edition of Caricom 10k road race, staged in

Keswick Williams - Senior Sportsman of the Year. the Caribbean CPL, and also made his first class debut representing the Windwards Volcanoes in three matches.

Swimming featured prominently in this year’s awards, with the SVG Swimming Federation taking Lynda McDowall – Senior the Sports Association of the Sportswoman of the Year.

Year award, and swim coach Kyle Dougan being named Championships, Coach of the Year. Both the L-R: Shne Joachim – Junior Sportswoman of the Year Shne Joachim must Association and Dougan were winners and Gidron Pope - Junior Sportsman of the Year. have been a in their respective categories in 2013 standout choice as and 2014.

Guyana. Her victory in the NACAC Junior Sportswoman of the Year. She Rohan Thomas added another Chatoyer 19k held here, must have Sports Journalist Award to his string also contributed to her winning favour continues to be this country’s leading swimmer. of previous recognitions in this regard. with the adjudicators.

Exciting and aggressive left hand Kevin King was named With seven gold medals earned in batsman Gidron Pope, now a member Groundsman of the Year. the 15 — 17 age category at the 2016 Addresses at the Awards Ceremony, OECS Swimming Championships held of the Flow Radcliffe cricket team, was in SVG; gold in the 50m Breaststroke adjudged the Junior Sportsman of the held at the SVG Community College, Year. He was the top choice predicated Villa, were delivered by Prime at the Caribbean Island Swim on his outstanding contribution to the Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Championship, Bahamas; a bronze in West Indies Under 19’s victory in the Minister of Sport Cecil Mc Kie, and the 50m Breaststroke at the 2016 ICC Youth World Cup and was one of guest speaker Terrance Davis.

Carifta Games, and a new national record in her pet 50m Breaststroke at the top players in the tournament. He also represented the St Lucia Zucks in Stories by I.B.A.ALLEN the 13th edition FINA World

Rivals, Victors win Premier matches TEAM RIVALS and Victors One, the finalists in the just concluded NLA/Neil Williams National T20 Cricket Competition, both recorded convincing victories in the opening matches of the 2017 NLA National Primier Division Cricket Competition, which got on the way last weekend.

Team Rivals beat Guardian General Saints by an innings and 38 runs at Sion Hill, thanks to an outstanding all- round performance by Obed McCoy. Saints batted first and totaled 112 from 23.4, with a top score of 58 by Romel Currency and 31 from Jerron John. Casmond Walters took 3 for 13 and Orlanzo Jackson and Roneil Jeffery had 2 wickets each for 37 and 33 runs respectively.

Rivals declared their first innings at 218 for 7. Asif Hooper led with 71, Hyron Shallow had 23 and Obed McCoy 35. Terron Simon took 2 for 49, Kelon Davis 3 for 49.

Saints, facing a deficit of 106, were skittled for a paltry 69 from 19 overs, Obed McCoy being the main destroyer with a 7-wicket haul for 31 runs.

In a low scoring match, Victors One beat Carl Joseph Law Chambers ASCO by 11 runs. Victors One made 143 from 30.2 overs. Kirton Lavia hit 28, Atticus Browne 29. Andre Hunte took 4 for 23, Antonio Barker 3 for 10.

ASCO in their first innings made 127 from 33 overs. Andre Hunte 25, Anthonio Barker 30. Norlan Williams took 3 for 28, Shaquille Browne 4 for 28, Miles Bascombe 2 for 17.

Victors One made struggled to 96 from 24.4 overs in their second innings, Lauron Francois 22, Shaquille Browne 21, with Konnard Adams taking 3 for 29, Deron Greaves 2 for 6.

Set 112 to win, ASCO were bowled out for 92 from 20.2 overs, Deron Greaves 27 top scoring, and Shaquille Browne accounting for 4 wickets for 34, Miles Bascombe 2 for 28.

The other scheduled weekend match

between Police Two and Flow Radcliffe was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

NLA First Division In First Division action last weekend, Bill Edwards cracked the first century, 144, for the season to lead Rudy’s Electrical Unique Warriors to 336 for 9 from 47 overs, against L-R: Obed McCoy bagged 7 for 31 to destroy Guardian Prime Consulting General Saints, and Bill Edwards stroked 144 for Unique Marriaqua.

Warriors.

Marriaqua replied with 124 for 19 and Ansel Hooper 4 for 32 in 33 overs, to go down by a accounted for Marriaqua’s demise. resounding 212 runs. Leon Samuel 3

V

24. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Cyclists return improved times ALL CYCLISTS who contested the Elite and Masters categories of the National Heroes Day Road race staged by the SVG Cycling Union, improved on their times over the same distances in a previous event held 26th February.

Zefal Bailey once again, took the 26-mile race for the Elite cyclists, which took the racers from Kingstown to Bridgetown in Biabou, a loop to Mount Pleasant and back to Bridgetown, to end at Argyle.

Bailey’s time was one hour 19 minutes 21 seconds, three minutes faster than the time he registered last month.

Like the last event, second was Enroy Lewis in one hour 19 minutes 22 seconds.

Lewis over the same distance in February, clocked one hour 26 minutes 38 seconds.

Lucky Antrobus made sure the podium look was the same, taking third in one hour 20 minutes 25 seconds, improving on his one hour 27 minutes 57 seconds done last month.

Fourth was Marlon Antrobus, whose effort was one hour 28 minutes 21 seconds, ahead of medical student Matthew Maleus in a time of one hour 28 minutes 22 seconds, much improved over one hour 35 minutes 45 seconds done in his debut event last month.

Completing the finishers in the Elite category was one time star of the road- Albert Quammie. His time was one hour 40 minutes 39 seconds.

Masters segment The Masters category was won by Peter

Durrant, who was first from Kingstown to Biabou and to the finish line at Argyle.

Durrant’s winning time last Tuesday was 58 minutes 32.38 seconds, better than his one hour 3 minutes 02 seconds, timed over the 18 mile distance done in February’s opening race of the 2017 cycling calendar.

Steve Ollivierre, who Zefal Bailey tops the podium, with Enroy Lewis at did not contest last left and Lucky Antrobus at right. month’s opening, was second to Durrant in 59 minutes 54.26 seconds, while Curtis Lewis remained in third.

Lewis though was markedly quicker in one hour 8 minutes, a big cut off his one hour 19 minutes 10 seconds, set in February.

Mountain Bike category The Heroes Day race saw a crop of youngsters venturing out in the mountain bike category.

Riding from Kingstown to Argyle, a distance of just over 10 miles, the winner of the Mountain bike category was first timer Kenroy Marshall in 44 minutes 05 seconds.

Taking the second place was Brian Harry in 45 minutes 08 seconds, and third was Antonio Richardson in 45 minutes 20 seconds.

The other finisher was Jerel Browne in 52 minutes 39 seconds.

Time Trial Before Tuesday’s race, the SVG Cycling Union staged a time trial event from the Arnos Vale Playing Field to Belvedere on Sunday morning.

Bailey was the fastest over the distance in 11

From left Brian Harry, Kenroy Marshall, Antonio Richardson.

Masters top finishers, from left to right: Steve Ollivierre, Peter Durrant, Curtis Lewis. minutes 3.4 seconds, in his take of the Elite category. Second was Lucky Antrobus in 11 minutes 51.92 seconds, and Enroy Lewis third in 11 minutes 57.39 seconds.

Durrant’s 12 minutes 2.47 seconds was the best among the Masters.

He finished ahead of Steve Ollivierre- 12 minutes 26.09 seconds, and Curtis Lewis in 13 minutes 31.53 seconds.

Kids participating in the ‘Get into Rugby’ Programme.

ÂGet into RugbyÊ expands The SVG Rugby Union has expanded its grass roots ‘Get into Rugby’ programme to include other primary schools, another secondary school and the SVG Community College.

The expansion is expected to continue as the programme ensues.

Recent additions to the programme include the Clare Valley Government School and the St. Martin’s Secondary School.

A source from the SVG Rugby Union said, “This is a great step for the Union, as it means better competition throughout the already existing schools, and grows the game of rugby further in the country.”

SVGRU continues its recruiting programme in both U19 and Senior players, male and female.

Practice sessions at the Sion Hill Playing Field, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30pm.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Keartons hard court gets clean-up THE NEGLECTED Keartons Hard Court in Barrouallie has finally received some attention from the authorities.

But the clearing of the debris which existed at the facility for over a year, was done not for sports, but for the hosting of a Carnival event two Friday nights ago.

The hard court was on the Friday, the venue for the launh of the All Leeward Carnival festivities.

The Keartons hard court was decommissioned in 2015,so as to undergo an upgrade as part of a refurbishment project involving some nineteen sporting facilities across the state, to be undertaken by the National Lotteries Authority of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

These works were carried out by private contractors and contracting firms on behalf of the

The Keartons Hard Court prior to its recent clean up.

New National Lotteries Authority.

The facility’s upgrade saw the appearance of the Keartons erection of a pavilion, however, hard court there were many unfinished cleaned for a tasks, and a pile of dirt and Carnival activity blocked drains, made the court last Friday. unfit for use.

The unavailability of the hard court had prevented the Barrouallie Sports Association (BSA) from hosting its annual netball competition, which last took place in 2014.

This curtailment in netball activity in the area led to netball outfits from the community, having to participate in other tournaments in communities as far flung as Sion Hill and Richland Park.

One resident is hopeful that, with the facility becoming useable for cultural activities, the authorities will have to look favourably at doing some considerable work on the playing surface, which is being referred to as a “grater”.

The resident said the surface’s conditions have worsened since the refurbishing took place in 2015.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. 25.

Sports

Systems 3 edged out SYSTEMS 3 regained some pride and placed themselves in contention for a final spot when they thrashed Flames United FC 9 - 2 last week Friday, in the Concacaf Club Championship.

Azinho Solomon gave the Vincentians an early lift when he placed the ball over an advancing Flames United custodian. The St. Marteen players were determined to recover from their opening 0: 0 to San Juan Jabloteh.

Flames United seemed dissatisfied that the Assistant referee’s flag remained unfurled just before the goal. The Sint Marteen defence were of the view that Solomon was off side, but the officials ruled otherwise.

The score line remained unchanged until close to the interval, when Myron Samuel found the nets in the 45th minute. That was the first of a hat trick. Samuel added his second with almost the last touch before the break, to give System 3 a 3:0 advantage. Samuel resumed his golden touch in the 54th minute. Kemron Osment established the dominance when he converted in the 60th minute. That goal came in response to Sint Marteen’s opening strike from Yonel Martin in the 58th minute.

Solomon scored his second in the 62nd minute to make it 6: 1. But Sint Maarteen pulled back another when Roshawn Herd found the nets in the 65th minute to make it 6: 2.

Aware that San Juan Jabloteh had inflicted a 9:0 drubbing on Flames, raised the tempo, in an effort to register as many goals as possible.

Solomon converted in the 71st minute to ensure his hat trick, and chad Balcombe and Kyle Edwards made it 9:2.

The script was not going the way the Vincentians would have liked in the evening’s first encounter.

San Juan Jabloteh maintained their dominance with a 4:1 win over Moulien.

The final day’s action Sunday March 12, saw Moulien completing the demolition of Flames 8: 0.

Moulien would have hoped that the Vincentians would have produced a result to put them in contention for the top spot.

The Trinidadians perhaps played with a measure of confidence, knowing a draw would see the advance.

Systems 3 produced a better performance than they did against Moulien. The first half was goalless.

The Trinidadians seemed the more potent threat and broke the deadlock. That was enough to take the winds out of Vincentians’ sails. The visitors came close to doubling the lead when the cross bar intervened on the home team’s behalf.

San Juan Jabloteh emerged unbeaten and secured maximum points from their three matches. Moulien gained six points with another three points over Flames.

Systems 3 can reflect on the tournament with mixed feelings. It turned out that a disappointing second period was sufficient to take them out of contention.

Having lost the opening encounter 4:0, it would have been hard for any such outfit to rebound.

That is if a team like San Juan Jabloteh was not in the reckoning. The results of this Club Championship have revealed the precise state of local football. The potential is there. What is evident is the obvious problem which local football faces.

Goals are vital in football, but even if you don’t score, you have to keep your slate clean. When the Vincentians succumbed 4: 0 to Moulien, that was decisive.

Vincentian football Clubs will have to rise to the occasion and strengthen their approach so as to be in serious contention. Improvement at the Club level will redound to the overall standard of football here.

A vibrant Club championship will be the foundation for the game to flourish.

The national squad benefits from strong club structures, and resources available would be enhanced.

At the same time, the Club championship served as a reminder of how inadequate our facilities are. It is an open secret that our lighted grounds are not bright enough.

If that is the case, the Football Federation will be hard pressed to come up with measures to enhance the prospect of football here.

There has to be widespread coordination, incorporating the skills and resources of the entire nation.

In that regard, the Ministry of Education has to play a pivotal role. There has to be a way of harmonising activities to ensure that the talent is spotted, nurtured, and channelled.

That is not restricted to football. Those bodies affiliated to the other sports must ensure that students are exposed to their sport of choice from as early as possible and allowed the latitude to grow.

Athletes compete for honours in the All-Leeward Athletics Championships Sprints Classics held at the picturesque Cumberland Playing Field.

Barrouallie wins All-Leeward Sprints Classics CENTRAL LEEWARD (Barrouallie) Secondary School (CLSS) chalked up 643 points to cop top honours in the inaugural Troumaca Ontario Secondary School (TOSS)hosted All-Leeward Athletics Championships Sprints Classics 2017, held at the Cumberland Playing Field last week.

Campden Park Secondary School took the second spot with 523 points, followed by the

Petit Bordel Secondary School in third position on 411 points.

Finishing in the fourth position was the Buccament Bay Secondary (BBS) on 394 points, ahead of TOSS on 372 points, with Barrouallie Technical Institute (BTI) in the cellar position on 34 points.

In the individual awards, Jerissia Slater from the CPSS took the

Junior title among the Girls with 29 points.

Oryan Vellox grabbed the Junior Boys title with 33 points.

The Intermediate champion among the Girls was Zephlia Charles of the CPPS with 17 points, while Koby Simmons of BBS and Tajere Thomas of CPSS shared the Male category with 17 points each.

Alya Anderson of the

CLSS was the Senior girls champ, having amassed n 33 points.

Markey Edwards from PBSS did likewise among the Boys with 22 points.

Anderson with victories in the 100, 200 and 400 meters, was the Meet’s Victrix Ludorum.

Vellox, who also recorded victories in the 100, 200 and 400 was the Victor Ludorum.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Outa Trouble tops CADO Presentation COUNTRY Meets Town Outa Trouble stood tall at the presentation ceremony of the 2016 Calliaqua Area Development Organization (CADO) Softball

Cricket Competition.

Outa Trouble received the Dougan’s Associates trophy and $2500 as winners of the competition. Second placed team Dr Thomas Injectors earned $1500 and Big Tiger Auto Parts trophy. Third place went to Novice who walked away with $1000 and the Food Basket trophy, while fourth place Glen United secured $500 and the Ali’s Garage trophy.

In the individual awards, Elton Williams of Novice scored the most runs, 160, to finish as the leading run scorer. CGM Novice’s Norlan Williams with 15 wickets, Country Meets Town Outa Trouble’s representative (right) receives champions trophy from Area Representative Camillo Gonsalves.

was the highest wicket-taker.

Gustas Garrick of Bamboo Blade, who grabbed 6 for 25 versus Old Trafford, had the most wickets in an innings.

Elvis King of Bamboo Blade took the lone hat trick in the competition. Hon. Camillo Gonsalves, who represented Masters, scored the first half century in the competition.

Bamboo Blade’s Aje Bruce was the youngest player in the competition, while Dr Thomas Injectors won the Most Disciplined Team award.

The organizers recognized Deloris Antoine for her dedication to sports in the community.

The organizers are grateful for the assistance of the various bodies who assisted in the prizes of the competition.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Pope receives cricket gear TIJOURN POPE, Windward Islands Under 17 and 19 player and one of the players enrolled in the recently launched Lennox John National Cricket Academy, is the first recipient of a twoyear sponsorship of full cricket gear, from the Darren Ganga cricket academy.

Presenting the gear to Pope at the launching of the Lennox John Cricket Academy, Kishorne Shallow, President of the SVGCA, expressed gratitude to the sponsors, and expressed the view that the support could only encourage Pope to work harder to achieve more.

“The gear was made possible after Tijourn’s

performances in the West Indies Under 17 and Under 19 Tournaments held in Trinidad and Tobago last year, where he impressed the public, including Darren Ganga, the former West Indies captain and opening batsman,” Shallow explained.

“Tijourn is a great role model to follow, and I think there is more opportunity ahead, so there is a need to keep encouraging him,” Shallow added.

“I feel very proud to receive this sponsorship of gear, and believe it will benefit my cricket representing St Vincent and the Windward Islands Under 17 and 19

as well”, Pope said.

He advanced the hope that what he has achieved would encourage the younger players to work harder and focus more on their cricket development. where they can benefit from similar sponsorships.

And of the Lennox John National Cricket Academy, he said, “I think the opening of the Academy will be very beneficial for me and other young cricketers, as my intention is to keep improving my cricket while working towards my ultimate dream, which is to play cricket at the highest level.”

(L-R): Kishorne Shallow, President of the SVGCA, makes presentation of gear to Tijourn Pope with gears.

I.B.A.ALLEN

26. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017. 27.

Classifieds

SERENA THEODORA ADAMS THOMAS Kingstown Park Church of Christ Friday, March 17th 2017 Time 3:00 p.m.

LURICE HENRY Mt. Bethel Assembly Spiritual Baptist Vermont Sunday 12th March, 2017 2:00 p.m.

YVONNE ANNETTA POMPEY BENJAMIN 6W 6\OYDQ¶V Anglican Church, Stubbs Saturday 11th March, 2015 2:00 p.m.

JULIUS ADOLPHUS MOSES

CELESTINA AGATHA LEWIS

Dorsetshire Hill Apostolic Faith Mission Church Saturday 11th March, 2017 3:00 p.m.

Revival Centre Church Murrays Village Saturday 11th March, 2017 2:30 p.m.

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S A L E

FRIDAY,

MARCH 17, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.11

A.I. REAL ESTATE Carapan 6 bedrm Property on 10,598 sq.ft. - $491,000.00 - H531 Argyle 20,861 @ $15.00 p.s.f. - $312,915.00 - BB119 Biabou 7,890 sq.ft @ $7.00 p.s.f. - $55,230.00 - BB173 (784)- 457-2087 office (784)-533-0431 whatsapp (784)-493-9431 cell (718)-807-4376 office donp@vincysurf.com www.aisvg.com facebook.com/airealestatesvg

www.thevincentian.com

THE DEAD COWS OF RAWACOU

EC$1.50

Two dead cows – the latest dead animals from among a herd of cattle that roam the Argyle/Rawacou area.

BEN HARRISON – International Correspondent FOR A NUMBER of years, animals in the area of the Argyle Airport grounds and Rawacou Park, mostly dogs and goats, have been found dead for some unexplained reason.

Symptoms are similar, beginning with lack of energy and loss of appetite, eventually within dead. While there have 24 hours being found been unsubstantiated

no investigation rumors of poisoning by a appears to have been local resident or residents, done.

Fire destroys dwelling at Walker Piece FIRE DESTROYED a two-storey residential property at Walker Piece, new Montrose on Monday 13th March.

The property, is owned by the Gaymes family, owners of the popular Gaymes Pharmacy, Kingstown, known for its afterhours service. Reports are that the fire started between 8:30 and 9:00 that morning, and when THE VINCENTIAN visited the scene, it was clear that the interior of the house and its contents had been totally destroyed, the roof had fallen in, and the exterior scorched.

A family source said that they had secured the property before

leaving for work, and that no one was at home when the fire occurred.

Also destroyed beyond repair were two vehicles, one a vintage Land Rover that was near full restoration, and the other a Suzuki carrier (pick-up).

The value of the structure is put at between EC$350,000 to $400,000.

Residents in the area, who in typical fashion had flocked to take in the scene, commented that fire units which arrived to combat the fire, seemed not to have had an adequate supply of

water, and had to make several trips to refill as the fire raged through the building. This, as we go to print, had not been confirmed.

However, when a visit was made to the scene at about 1:30pm on the day of the fire, there were still signs of smouldering lumber and a small flame flickering from part of the roof.

There was no evidence that damage was done to any of the adjacent properties.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

The two vehicles – destroyed beyond repair.

The Gaymes property, five or so hours after it had been engulfed by flames.

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

Earlier this week, the bodies of two fully grown cows were spotted in a shallow valley off the edge of the southern end of the perimeter road being constructed around Argyle International Airport. They appear to have been part of a herd of 10-12 untethered cows that roam daily in the area, returning to their home base late in the day.

THE VINCENTIAN began a frustrating investigation as to both the cause of death and the ownership of the cows. Unfortunately, neither cause of death nor ownership has yet been determined, but interestingly the untethered herd has not returned to the area.

THE VINCENTIAN informed the Ministry of Agriculture, who said they had advised the appropriate health ministry facilities, and THE VINCENTIAN also contacted a local veterinarian who doubted that government veterinarian services themselves would be inclined to respond.

Meanwhile the odiferous carcasses of the cattle are disintegrating, and the likelihood of determining the cause of death is disappearing,

leaving unanswered questions and concerns.

If planned poisoning, for whatever reason is the cause, a criminal investigation should be launched. If on the other hand the cause of death is disease related, it raises greater concerns as to the potential for contagion, either air borne or through a domino effect by any carnivorous birds and animals that feed off dead carcasses.

If the cause is disease related, the outcome would be devastating for cattle-exporting initiatives to other countries.

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: We are pleased to report that just prior to press time, THE VINCENTIAN received a telephone call from Ms. Grant at the Ministry of Health. She had been to see the dead cattle, agreed that action must be taken, and was making every effort to arrange for a tractor to assist in preparing holes in which to bury them, thus preventing any possibility of contamination and exposure to other wild life. Kudos to Ms. Grant and the Ministry of Health for acting so quickly and responsibly.

Printed by the SVG Publishers Inc., Campden Park.