THE VINCENTIAN PDF- 17-05-19

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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FRIDAY,

MAY 17, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.20

www.thevincentian.com

by KENVILLE HORNE PERSONS WHO WERE in Kingstown, in the areas of the Kingstown Fish Market and Little Tokyo last Friday around midday, were thrown into a state of shock and panic after at least three gunshots rang out.

Persons were seen taking cover, others seemed uncertain about what to do as the shots echoed.

When the dust cleared and there was a semblance of calm, the interest of the many persons in the area was drawn to a man being taken into police custody.

It was a strange tale of events that led up to the shooting, some say indiscriminate shooting.

According to a very reliable source, the shooting developed out of an incident that transpired in the Kingstown Town Board Office, located in the Kingstown Vegetable Market.

A dreadlocked man is said to have approached a Justice of the Peace (JP) at the KTB office to witness (sign) a document for him.

The JP refused on the grounds of not knowing the man, upon which the man fell into a rage and began destroying appliances and items in the office.

The door to the office was closed all this time, so other workers were not aware of what was taking place.

They sensed that something was wrong when the man, very agitated, rushed out of the general office, and headed in the direction of the P.H. Left: Persons gathered in Veira Supermarket. front of the central Police The JP shouted to Station to catch a glimpse stop the man, but he of the man who had had already left the caused shots to be fired.

EC$1.50

compound of the Market.

Notwithstanding, the KTB Warden, along with a security officer, gave chase and were able to apprehend him.

He was returned to the JP’s office where what had transpired there was recounted, to which he responded by threatening to kill the JP. Thereupon, he was told that he would be taken to the Police Station located a short distance away from the KTB Office.

On the way to the police station, the man managed to escape his captors and ran off towards in the direction of the Kingstown Fish Market. It was then that the warder drew his firearm and discharged three shots into the air, in an effort to get the man to stop.

But he changed course and continued running, only to be confronted by a junior security officer who tripped the ‘culprit’, brought him under control, and called a police officer who marched him off to the Police Station.

The police confirmed that a male, Dunstan Nichols, 54-year-old resident of Glen, was taken into custody following the incident on Friday.

Nichols appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Bertie Pompey on Tuesday and was found guilty to the charge of damaging property he knew not to be his own.

Continued on Page 3.

This street light was said to have caught one of the bullets fired into the air during the chase.

2. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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Join us: sickkidsfoundation.com/caribbean

V News 3 Electoral reform to be debated

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. 3.

A MOTION WITH RESPECT to electoral reform is down for debate during today’s (Friday 17th May, 2019) sitting of Parliament.

The motion was proposed by the Leader of the Opposition Dr. Godwin Friday and seconded by Parliamentary Representative for Central Kingstown, St Clair Leacock.

However, when it became clear that debate on the motion would have gone beyond the stipulated time for such debates, i.e. 5pm, the Leader of the Opposition accepted a suggestion by Prime Minister Dr. Gonsalves, and the House approved it, that the debate be scheduled for a sitting today.

The Electoral Reform Motion, found its impetus in the aftermath of the protracted Election Petitions process through the Courts.

While the ruling went against the petitioners, opposition candidates Benjamin Exeter (Central Leeward) and Lauron Baptiste (North Windward), the questions which surfaced prompted the opposition into another action.

According to Dr. Gonsalves, members on the Government side of the House were “anxious” to have such a debate.

“Of course, we are satisfied that our electoral system is sound, and the country and the world know that and

we can have that debate,” the Prime Minister continued.

The motion seeks to bring support for necessary and desirable changes to the elections process by the amendment of the Representation of the People Act, and by adopting other practical and effective measures to ensure free and fair elections, and to restore public confidence in the electoral system.

Dr. Friday had earlier mentioned the NDP’s plan to bring the motion to the House, but had hinted then that it was in doubt as to whether or not the motion would be debated.

He explained that the Rules of Parliament permit private motions to be brought forward by the opposition, however history was not on their side.

According to Friday, something has always come up to prevent the previous motions — such as integrity legislation and the social redemption charter — from being debated.

The proceedings are expected to begin at 9. (DD)

Family told to seek legal help RELATIVES OF DALE DABREO, the mentally ill man who was shot and killed by police in April on Canouan, have been advised to seek legal assistance, and to make sure that everything is done in accordance with the law.

Prime Minister and Minister of Legal Affairs, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, speaking during the obituary segment in Parliament on May 9, said that he gave this advice to the relatives of the deceased man.

On April 15, the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force issued a press statement stating that on April 14, Police on Canouan responded to a report that the mentally ill man was attacking residents on the island.

On arriving at the scene, the man attacked the police with a knife and was subsequently shot, the police statement said.

Dabreo was taken to the Canouan Health Centre where he died.

However, relatives of the man spoke out against the shooting death, saying that the details included in the police release were false.

Dr. Gonsalves said that when the matter was reported to him, he immediately contacted Commissioner of Police (CoP), Colin John.

He reported that he told the CoP that in such instances where there is a sudden or unnatural death and where it is not reasonably accepted that a criminal act has been committed, then the information must be sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the district coroner’s office, in order that a coroner’s inquest be conducted.

Before the Prime Minister spoke on the issue, Parliamentary Representative for the Southern Grenadines Terrance Ollivierre had called for an investigation into the man’s death. (DD)

The SVG Parliament will divert from its usual agenda to debate an Opposition tabled Motion on Electoral Reform.

Drilling in the Geothermal exploration process began here on May 6,2019.

Surcharge to remain THE COMING ON STREAM of a Geothermal Electricity facility here will not mean that the existing fuel surcharge attached to electricity consumption will be removed.

This has been made clear by the CEO of VINLEC Thornley Myers.

Myers delivered the ‘alert’ during his address at a ceremony held at Bamboo Range on May 6, to mark the commencement of drilling in the Geothermal Energy Project, located at Bamboo Range on the slopes of La Soufriere.

What Myers did say was that VINLEC will use less diesel in its generation of electricity, once the

Geothermal plant becomes operable.

He admitted that the cost of electricity in SVG was among the highest in the region, even though some 16% of the power here is generated from hydroelectricity plants.

When it is at its maximum, the Geothermal Facility could account for up to 50% of the electricity needs of this country.

According to the Geothermal Project document, four wells are to be drilled. The drilling process, according to a source associated with the project, is expected to be complete

by December.

Shots fired in Kingstown prison, and ordered to pay $120.00 in compensation to the KTB He was fined $300.00 for a fan that he to be paid in three weeks damaged beyond repair. or serve two months in According to a senior Continued from Front Page.

police officer there were no charges laid with respect to the discharge of the firearm, since the Warden of the KTB is a licensed firearm holder.

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4. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Efducation

KPS Kai Francis wins Math Quiz A 10-YEAR-OLD boy who aspires to being the top performer in the 2020 CPEA, is this year’s National Math Quiz Champion.

Kai Francis of the Kingstown Preparatory School overcame eight other challengers in the finals of the Quiz held last Wednesday at the Girl Guides Headquarters.

The confident Kia amassed 141 points out of an overall 150 points during the four rounds of the competition.

For his exploit, he received a laptop computer, and accepted the championship trophy on behalf of his school.

Speaking with THE VINCENTIAN after the closing ceremony, Kai, who hails from Sharpes Dale, said “I feel very proud… . It was very good and I think it is a great opportunity for me.”

He admitted to being “worried at first, frighten to death, but it eventually got better over time, so I might just enter another one.”

In his spare time, Kia said he enjoys making computer graphics. His favorite subjects are Mathematics and Science.

When asked what he is hoping to achieve on his educational journey, Kai, who had his early beginning in England before migrating to SVG, responded with, “Well, I am hoping when I go to grade

6, I will come first place in the CPEA examinations.”

Second in the Quiz was Skye Johnson of Fair Hall Government with a total of 126 points, and Andre Quamina of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic was third with 119 points.

The other competitors in the finals were Zaheim Michael- Fancy Government School; Damian BranchWindsor Primary School; , Jurnee Massicot- Georgetown Government School; Daronno Louie — Chateaubelair Methodist; Kaiden JohnDickson Methodist and Ashanique Shallow of the Pamelus Burke Primary.

Each participant received a trophy, a medal and a Certificate for reaching the finals.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Byron Wilson, representative of sponsor Hodder Education, a leading publisher of learning and teaching resources material, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education for allowing his organization to partner with them on yet another important activity.

He said that they just concluded another collaboration — the Writing Competition.

Aldia Gumbs — Dyer, Senior Education Officer Curriculum Development Unit in the Ministry of Education, also addressed the closing ceremony and reminded the gathering that the Quiz exists for students to see mathematics in a fun way as well as to improve their performance.

Fifty-one primary schools, represented by Grade Five students, participated in the preliminary round.

While there was a majority of female participants at the preliminary round, it was noted that boys outnumbered girls, seven to two, in the finals. (KH)

Byron Wilson – representative of sponsors Hooder Education – highlighted his party’s ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

Kai Francis, winner of the 2019 National Maths Quiz for Primary schools.

Right: Finalists in the Quiz proudly display their trophies and other rewards.

Grammar School tops National Science Quiz

(L-R): Joshua Browne and Nicolai Williams of the St. Vincent Grammar School, winners of the National Science Quiz, collect their prizes from Mr. Harry Gibson, Manager of Facey Trading SVG Ltd., sponsors of the Quiz.

JOSHUA BROWNE AND NICOLAI WILLIAMS of the St. Vincent Grammar School are the winners of the inaugural National Science Quiz.

Sponsored by Facey Trading (SVG)Ltd. in the name of /America Fresh Powder Laundry Detergent , one of its product lines, the Quiz was organized by the Ministry of Education .

The finals took place on May 13th at the Girl Guides Headquarters, Kingstown, and when the results were announced, the SVGS was adjudged the overall winner, ahead (in the following order ) of: St. Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua (Jared Nichols and Shaniel Richards); Georgetown Secondary School (Mariah Lavia and Leona Lorraine); Central Leeward Secondary School (Maurice Whyte and Kalifa Bulze); and Intermediate High School (Afi Lucas and Ozika Browne).

In remarks before he presented the prizes, smart watches, tablets and vouchers, and complimentary

America Fresh Shopping Bag filled with samples of America Fresh Powered Laundry Detergent, Harry Gibson, Manager of Facey Trading (SVG) Ltd., said that he was pleased with the number of schools that participated in the Quiz, Participants get down to doing their science and was very happy to demonstrations for the judges at last Friday’s see the number of final. persons at the finals.

He also highlighted environment, which was a scientific the “keen excitement” which he “plus’ that made the sponsorship said characterized the completion appropriate. from the zonal rounds.

Deputy Chief Education Officer Gibson reported that the brand owners of America Fresh have been Acting, Mr. Dixon Findlay, following up on the Quiz, and have speaking on behalf of his Ministry, confirmed that they will be sponsor said, “I am smiling this afternoon because with the sponsors on board again next year. next year, it will be bigger and The Manager pointed out that better.” the decision to marry America His hope is that all 26 schools Fresh Powder to the Quiz was in would participate next year. keeping with the fact that the Participating in the Quiz was product is safe and has no confined to the Form 2 level of phosphate to damage the secondary schools here.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 17 , 2019. 5.

Focus

Cannabis Amnesty period set for June 3

response to a question posed by Parliamentary Representative for North Leeward, Roland Matthews, for the Minister to update the nation on the status of the medicinal marijuana industry with specific reference to amnesty, licensing, land and the number of investors, both local and Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar foreign. has promised operationalization of The Amnesty Bill was passed in the Cannabis Cultivation Amnesty Parliament in December 2018, Act by June. however no precise commencement date had been affixed.

THE AMNESTY period offered to Under the Act, traditional farmers traditional cannabis cultivators is can be granted amnesty for a duration expected to begin soon. of time, and for further periods as may So said Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar who said in Parliament be required for persons engaged in cannabis cultivation contrary to on May 9, that the Cannabis Cultivation (Amnesty) Act (2018) was Section 8 of the Drug Misuse and Prevention Act. expected to be gazetted on or before But, according to Caesar, there were June 3 and then fully operationalized. still a number of things to be done Caesar’s indication came in

before the amnesty period could be triggered.

He said that the police — who are expected to play a critical role in the entire medicinal marijuana operations here — were working on the practical framework as to how the amnesty will function.

“The cannabis to be received will have to be processed and we have to ensure that the facilities are there in place to receive the cannabis,” the agriculture minister said.

There was also the issue of banking, which Caesar said was slowing down the pace at which cannabis-related matters were moving.

With respect to the licensing, he explained that individuals wishing to apply for a licence can do so at the headquarters that has since been set up at Rivulet.

The cost for application is EC$100, but there is no fee attached to the license for a period of two years, Caesar said.

He also mentioned that an outreach programme to facilitate those who may not want to journey to Rivulet, was already in place, and that the first one took place in North Leeward, known to have a large concentration of traditional farmers.

According to Caesar, there were presently 75 applications made by traditional farmers from the North Leeward area— 50 applied during the outreach and another 25 journeyed to Rivulet.

And regarding the investors, there were eight foreigners and four locals who have expressed interest in becoming involved in the cannabis industry. (DD)

ÂCannabis investorsÊ detained in St. Kitts LAST WEEK Thursday, May 9, The Cannabis Bill 2019 was laid before the National Assembly of St. Kitts and Nevis.

But on May 7, two days before the tabling of the Bill, two members of a purported international-regional consortium established with the aim to invest in the cannabis business in the Eastern Caribbean, were detained at the Robert L Bradshaw International Airport, St. Kitts.

Alkivaides “Alki” David, Greek Coca Cola heir, and his fellow billionaire business

partner Chase Ergen, heir to satellite fortune, arrived in St. Kitts by private jet. But instead of a quick passage through immigration and customs, they spent the next several hours in police custody.

The first ‘news’ coming out of St. Kitts and Nevis said that the men’s arrest reportedly stemmed from “a misunderstanding about a quantity of cannabis-related items they had brought with them”.

The two were released after what was said to be an intervention of former Prime

(From left): Alkivaides “Alki” David, four-time St. Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas, and Chase Ergen on the tarmac at the Robert L Bradshaw International Airport, St. Kitts. (Photo Credit: Mail Online)

Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas.

A full search of the private jet, however, discovered a large quantity of hemp cloned plants (5000) and seeds, and David and Ergen were arrested on Monday, as they attempted to leave St. Kitts. The value of the heist was set at $1.3 million.

David was taken to court to answer to charges of possession with Intent to Supply, possession of controlled drugs, and importation of a controlled drug into the Federation.

The Greek heir is said to have posted $300,000 bail and ordered to surrender his travel documents. But he departed St Kitts on-board his private jet on Tuesday, a day after his arrest. A subsequent statement from his legal team said that he had cleared up the situation with the authorities in St. Kitts-Nevis and his passport was returned to him.

Ergen remains in hospital on the island for unspecified reasons, although it is understood he has family locally.

When he was released after his initial detention at the

Alkivaides “Alki” David being taken into police custody at the Robert L Bradshaw International Airport, St. Kitts. (Photo Credit: Caribbean news Service) Alkivaides “Alki” David speaking at a press conference at which Dr. Denzil Douglas was present. airport, David was reported to have launched “a damning and disrespectful attack” on the country’s Prime Minister, Dr. Timothy Harris.

He is also reported to have used a press conference on Monday to continue his profanity-laced attack on the government of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Local and international press reported that Dr. Denzil Douglas was at that press

conference which was carried lived on radio and social media.

David hit the international headlines this month after he was forced to pay $11 million to a former employee after losing a sexual harassment lawsuit.

(Sources: Caribbean News Now, gov.skn, Mail Online)

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6. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Dead man’s evidence didn’t matter Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS A MAN WHO was charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding a Security Guard in the Marriaqua Valley five years ago, was found not guilty by a jury on Thursday, after a trial which began on Monday, at the High Court Criminal Assizes.

The trial had proceeded in the absence of the victim, who was shot and killed mere weeks after the Preliminary Inquiry (PI).

Mervin Richardson, 30-year-old labourer of Collins, Marriaqua, at the time of the incident, was charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding Reynold Bascombe of Carriere, Marriaqua, with intent. Bascombe was then 59. He walked free on Thursday.

Richardson was also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to commit an offence, and unlawful discharge of a firearm, all arising from a report of a shooting incident at Collins, March 29, 2014.

Bascombe’s evidence was the main plank of the prosecution’s case, as he was the only witness, who gave evidence at the P.I at the Serious Offences Court November 6, 2014, in relation to Richardson’s involvement in the incident. Attorney Grant Connell represented Richardson at the P.I. However, Bascombe was shot and killed at Carriere in December 2014.

To date, nobody has been charged with that homicide.

As a result of this development, the prosecution, led by Crown Counsel Karim Nelson, assisted by Crown Counsel Rose-Ann Richardson, made an application to the High Court for Bascombe’s deposition at the Preliminary Inquiry, in the wounding case, to be read in evidence at the trial.

Justice Brian Cottle upheld the application, despite objections from Attorney Israel Bruce, who represented Richardson at the trial.

The law makes provision for this procedure.

Bascombe had told the Serious Offences Court that around 3:30 p.m. on the date in question, he went in search of a goat. He entered the banana field of one Hugh Stewart, didn’t see the goat there, and proceeded to the riverside.

He heard an explosion and when he looked around, saw Richardson about 15 yards from him with a gun in his hand. He shifted it from one hand to the other. The attacker was dressed in black and wearing a hoody.

“I saw him crank the gun, and I began to run, and he ran behind me.

He fired three shots”, Bascombe said at the P.I. One of these shots caught Bascombe in the left side of his abdomen. He, however, continued running, and

Richardson gave up The evidence given the chase. during the PI by Bascombe was Reynold Bascombe, picked up by a relative shown here in April and taken to the Levi 2014 on his bed at Latham Health the MCMH, was read Centre, before being into evidence at the Mervin transferred to the High Court Trial.

Richardson Milton Cato Memorial walked away Hospital.. to have occurred, a free man.

Bascombe said he knew Richardson and called his barber since he was a youth, and nothing was Michael ‘Gabby’ Caesar blocking his (Bascombe) sight that to testify on his behalf. evening. He said he recognized the However, Crown Counsel accused, even though he was wearing Richardson, in her closing arguments, a hoody. said there were major inconsistencies He recalled that in February 2014, in the accused’s version of the events, based on a message he received, he and gave examples to support her approached the accused and asked him argument. She referred to Caesar as about the information. Richardson not being a credible witness, and responded, “You ain’t pick up nothing”, asked the Jury not to accept his and Bascombe said, “Like what?” evidence.

Richardson’s reply was, “Leave it at But Bruce, describing Sergeant that”.

Tittle’s investigations as atrocious, The only other witness, who said the investigator did nothing testified for the Prosecution at the during his investigations to destroy his High Court was the investigator, client’s alibi.

Sergeant Delroy Tittle, who was at the Bruce said Tittle made no effort to time Corporal. visit or speak to any of the persons at Under cross-examination, he told the places where his client said he was the Court that during the on the day of the incident. He argued Investigations, searches were “Mr. Reynold Bascombe is mistaken as conducted of Richardson’s person, car to who did the shooting on that day”. and house, but nothing of evidential But Bruce stressed that he was value was found. He also revealed that unable to challenge Bascombe’s no gunshot residue test was done. evidence, by cross-examination, as the During an electronic interview victim was deceased, which, in his conducted by the Investigator and view, greatly prejudiced the case for Constable Hadley Ballantyne, as well the defence. He also noted that as in his defence to the Court on members of the Jury were unable to Tuesday, Richardson insisted that he ask questions in relation to had no knowledge of the allegation.

Bascombe’s evidence, because he could According to him, he was in Kingstown when the incident was said not be there.

Accused doesn’t like firearms MERVIN RICHARDSON, a man who was on trial at the High Court this week, for wounding with intent, in connection with a shooting incident at Marriaqua five years ago, told the Court he does not like firearms, even though he bore the tatoo of a gun on his left arm.

In his defence to the Court on Tuesday, the Marriaqua man said he never owned, held or

discharged a gun, and does not like firearms.

However, under crossexamination by Crown Counsel Karim Nelson, Richardson admitted that he bore the tatoo of a firearm on his left arm, and showed it to Nelson, when the state lawyer asked him to.

When Nelson asked him what type of gun it was, Richardson said that he didn’t know, and explained that he got it during his time at High

Court journeys to Union Island THE SERIOUS Offences Court journeyed to Union Island on Wednesday, to conduct a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into a shooting death which occurred on that Southern Grenadine island, October 3, 2018.

The matter involves Joel Barker of Penniston, charged with the murder of Kareem Bowens of Richland Park.

Bowens died after being shot in the chest during an incident at Clifton, Union Island, October 3, 2018.

A number of witnesses testified on Wednesday, and the matter was adjourned to a later date.

Attorney Grant Connell is representing Barker, while Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche is appearing for the Crown.

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne presided.

School some years ago.

When Justice Brian Cottle asked him why he chose to have a firearm on his left arm, Richardson said, “I used to think a different way that time.”

Crown Counsel RoseAnn Richardson raised the tatoo evidence during her closing arguments, but attorney Israel Bruce, representing the accused, argued that it was not unusual for persons to have tatoos at one stage, but to move away from that status by having them removed over a period of time.

Richardson was charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding with intent, Reynold Bascombe, 59year-old Security Guard of Carrierre, Marriaqua.

Richardson was a 30year-old labourer of Collins, Marriaqua, at the time of the incident which occurred at Collins, March 29, 2014.

Bascombe was shot in the left side of his abdomen.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 17 , 2019. 7.

Vincy Mas

Fya Empress brings house down

Right: Fya Empress traversed her many hits to rousing response from the audience.

Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com US CORRESPONDENT FORMER ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Calypso Monarch Fya Empress brought the house down Saturday night during the launch of Vincy Mas in New York.

Fya Empress, whose real name is Lornette Reid, mesmerized the crowd at Friends of Crown Heights Educational Center in Brooklyn, with a number of hits from her repertoire.

The 2017 Vincy Calypso Monarch had patrons jumping and whining to, among others, her signature ‘I am a Vincy’; ‘Ah Catch It’; ‘No Money No Wuk’; ‘In Excess’; and ‘Rum Please’.

Besides being an erstwhile Vincy Calypso Monarch, Fya Empress was Ragga Soca Monarch and Road March Winner, and three-time Tobago Soca Monarch.

Her performance Saturday night was preceded by performances by calypsonians from the Brooklyn-based Dynamite Calypso Tent, the lone Vincentian calypso tent in New York.

Ron Pompey, who is celebrating 40 years of calypso, rendered ‘Ruck De Party’; ‘Miss Ting Ting’; ‘Whine Maria’; ‘Banana Police’; ‘Shake’; ‘Sit Down, Sit Down’; ‘Ah Bussing It’; and

L-R: Leon taunts the “Internet Crazies” and Ron Pomey belches out “Banana Police”.

‘The Fireman’.

John ‘D Truth’ Dougan, president of the Dynamite Calypso Tent, sang ‘So Glad I Waited’; Hibiscus, who trekked from Philadelphia, sang ‘Things Not So Bad Afterall’; Hilford Hurst was concerned about ‘Text Maniac’ and urged patrons to ‘Let’s Do It’; Wise Guy told the crowd, ‘We’re Going to Have Some Fun’; Leon criticized ‘Dem Internet Crazies’, evoking boos from some opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) supporters; and Man Kemmy, a former Junior Calypo Monarch in Vincy Mas,

Man Kemmy and Zacary James, 11, of the Melisizwe Brothers.

proclaimed ‘Ah Feel to Soca’.

Man Kemmy also brought much poignancy to the event when he collaborated with 11-year-old Zacary James, of the Edmonton, Alberta-based Melisizwe Brothers, for an impromptu rendition of Machel Montano’s ‘Too Youn’.

Man Kemmy told patrons that he was at Zacary’s age when he began singing calypso, stating: “This is the next generation.”

The Melisizwe Brothers, with their Vincentian-born parents in tow, were surprise guests at the event. The other brothers are Marc James, 16, and Seth James, 13.

The almost day-long event also featured live steel pan music by Brooklyn’s Century Steel Orchestra; costume displays and modeling; food vendors, offering authentic Vincentian cuisine; a Kiddie Corner featured face-painting, games, arts and craft, photo booth, and costume mask-making; entrepreneurs with Vincy products, beauty products, fashion bags and books and Popular Brooklyn-based Vincentian DJ Supa Eyes who provided music.

Other displayers included the St. Vincent and the Grenadines New York Tourism Office and Caribbean

Airlines.

The Brooklyn-based SVG Diaspora Committee of NY, Inc. and its affiliate, the Cultural Association of Vincentians in the USA (CAVUSA), in collaboration with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Carnival Development Corporation (CDC), hosted the event.

Sherrill-Ann MasonHaywood, chairperson of the SVG Diaspora Committee of NY, Inc., told THE VINCENTIAN that the launch “attracted scores of Vincentians and nonVincentians alike.”

Five Calypso tents to do battle THE QUEST is on to this year’s calypso crown. That will be decided July 7 at Carnival City Victoria Park, where four-times Monarch Zamfir ‘Man Zangie’ Adams will aim at a fifth title.

Five Calypso Tents, including the Brooklyn-based Dynamites, will face the judges in preliminary rounds.

Only Jeffers Alexis ‘Mighty Sheller’ Alexis, with seven Calypso Monarch titles, has won more (titles) than reigning monarch Zamfir ‘Man Zangie ‘Adams, who currently has four.

‘Ras Simple’ Jacobs, David ‘Morgie Ranks’ Morgan, Trevor ‘Mighty Stranger’ Grant, Stevie ‘Gaya’ Stephen, Donte ‘Donye’ Peters, Gregory Cato, Clifton ‘Mighty Tinker’ Hoyte, Elvis ‘Prime Minister’ Green, Joseph ‘Isajah’ McKie, Francis ‘Sir D’ Mayers, Joel ‘King Buffer’ Benjamin, Dealfa ‘Walvoo’ Ellis, Atelbert Nanton, and Winston ‘Barks’ St Dynamites Hillarie. They test their fate June 14 at the Spotlight Stadium in The Dynamites cast comprise Errol Georgetown.

‘Man Age’ Rose, Kenroy ‘Jakie’ Jack, John ‘D Truth’ Dougan, Dennis Graduates Bowman, Earl ‘Exposer’ Isles, Allan ‘Field Marshall’ Marshall. MichelleThe Graduates feature: Glenroy Ann ‘Lady Hibiscus’ Hillocks, Marvin ‘Sulle’ Caesar, Sylvorn ‘Lady Gem’ Lavia, Denise ‘Lady D’ Stephens, ‘Bobb MC’ Bobb, Daniel ‘Dan Radix’ Providence, Delahanty ‘Singing Della’ Cleopatra Hendrickson, Phylicia ‘Nubian Empress’ Alexander, Damian Isles, Lornette ‘Fya Empress’ Nedd, and Ramon ‘Jose Juan’ Diaz. They ‘Bony Man’ Martin, Hance John, face the judges June 8, accompanied ‘Wynner,’ Glenroy ‘Homey’ Delpesche, by the band Matadors.

Chewalee Johnson, Kingsley ‘Hero’ The locally run outfits are Roberts, ‘Shaka’ Shepherd, ‘Ranking,’ Windward Calypso Tent, Graduates, Michael ‘Black Messenger’ John, On Tour, and Up Stage Experience.

‘Singing Lala,’ Maxwell ‘Tajoe’ Francis, ‘Johnny Rebel’ Hall, Windward Kosinski ‘Busta Ski’ Adams, Nigel ‘Broom’ Lyttle, and Glenford ‘Bump I’ Those of Windward are Sylvanus Richards. They have a June 11 date

with the judges.

Upstage The Upstage Experience face the judges June 12: Their cast includes: Michael ‘Lord Have Mercy’ Ollivierre, Fitz ‘Iceman’ Ragguette, Jerome ‘Parry’ Samuel, Joanna Christopher, Shaunelle McKenzie, Shena Collis, M’riah ‘Siah’ Robertson, Briana ‘Bria’ King, Gillian Smart, Omari Cupid, Ronella Lavia, and Theo ‘Rich Kydd’ Glasgow.

On Tour The On Tour cast includes: Grantley ‘I Pa’ Constance, Robert ‘Patches’ Knights, Kenneth ‘Vibrating Scakes’ Alleyne, Elvis ‘Abijah’ Abbey, Elvis ‘Rootsman’ Gordon, Wendell ‘Spleshie’ Goodridge, Wendell ‘Rasta Man I’ Lewis, Lancelot ‘Da Vincy’ Chapman, ‘Stacy,’ Junior ‘Marshie’ Marshall, Vivian ‘I-Come’ Miller, Ronald ‘Chico B’ Cato, ‘Breary,’ Rolmina ‘Rolie,’ Matthews, ‘Moesha’ and ‘Dosha.’ On Tour has a June 13 date to make it to the semi-final.

(WKA)

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8. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. 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 Live streaming and a Pole City how to protect and grow his worth.

Carnival must never be ‘sold’ to IT WAS MOST APPROPRIATE that the the highest bidder… it must flow Chairman of the Carnival smoothly and impartially across Development Corporation took the the full commercial landscape. opportunity of a public function hosted by telecommunications service provider FLOW, to announce Pole City that there will be no live streaming Pole City, Arnos Vale, was of the 2019 Miss SVG Pageant on mainland St. Vincent, but will remain allowed to take root and expand under the ‘watchful’ eyes of our available to residents in the national administrators and Grenadines and those in the expert planners.

Diaspora.

Even as LIAT and other The Chairman reported that airlines made full use of the the CDC had come to the stark facility at the adjacent E. T. realization, that since the introduction of the live streaming, Joshua airport, there was no effort to bring the expansion of Pole City actual patronage of the Pageant has shown a ‘progressive’ decline, to a halt. No politician who sought to represent that area in perhaps now reaching alarming the National Assembly, was levels (depths). prepared to forego a possible block The service, interestingly, was vote that could mean the provided by FLOW, at a charge. difference between victory and FLOW is classified a platinum defeat. sponsor of our annual carnival — It was too, a sanctuary for what its contribution apparently valued society would deem miscreants, both in cash and in-kind. but whom politicians were more It is these designations than ready to use to further their (platinum, gold, etc.) attached to our carnival sponsors, and how far ends.

So, there grew between the E. we are prepared to acquiesce to T. Joshua airstrip and the Great their ‘demands’, that have now Head River a community of surfaced for our attention. families, primarily of young How in Zeus’ name could we persons, some earning honest have allowed a platinum sponsor wages others involving themselves to offer a service which, from every conceivable angle that could in misadventures.

Now, in response to a politically have been considered at the time, motivated bellow for government would have thrown up the likelihood of a damning impact on to bring electricity to Pole City, government has answered with a the Pageant? We now have to vociferous NO!! resort to remedial action which The residents of Pole City will should also respond to live and/or be relocated, government says; delayed television broadcast. when and to where still Given the demographic characteristic of each of the official imaginary.

The ‘where’ must first be carnival ‘shows/competitions, it attended to before the ‘when’ can must be worn on our badges that be decided. we cannot afford any competition In the meantime, the Minister to ‘gate receipts’, even if that competition is packaged by one of of Housing speaks of the pending Mecca of a City for Arnos Vale and the festival’s major sponsors. the threat of the river. But yet he There is a story on file that gives not even an iota of an speaks of a sponsor who offered indication of when the new city just short of $50,000 in cash and in-kind (a startling amount at the will commence, choosing to reference the river as the primary time), in exchange for exclusivity of its product range for the official reason for relocation Can we expect that a period of Vincy Mas. That offer paled against the estimated cost of community that has by now staging that year’s carnival, not to nurtured its own dynamics, set mention that it flew in the faces of down its own code of conduct and made do with sharing innovative traditional benefactors. The answer was loud and strong — our survival mechanisms, will be uprooted just like that? festival was not for sale.

In this reality of uncertainty, This was not a case of ‘biting the human thing to do is to bring the hand that feeds you’; it was a electricity to the City and ensure a case of being real in a real business world in which the player sanitary environment.

‘Light up the city, light it up.’ has to be always mindful about Live Streaming

Au Revoir to John Horne THIS PIECE OF WRITING is made with much difficulty. It marks my final farewell to the younger brother I never had biologically.

Yes, John Horne was certainly one of my greatest friends. This article is a brief account inexcusably, intensely personal.

Perhaps I should have named it “Love Conquers All”, a sub-theme of John’s sojourn on earth the evidence richly supplied by so many from all works of existence.

At the Anglican Church Service to usher him on to paradise, his three daughters by his loving wife Jeanne, told it all. They spoke passionately of the tight embrace which wrapped all five siblings, and they personified the love of their father which was extended to just about everybody.

The trio of Eulogists were Oneka, Zingha and Candae. Once I was invited by John to see an African film “Dingdaker”, from which we extracted the name “Oneka” to apply to his first daughter, and my last child born out of wedlock, Zingha is my god-daughter and my son Adrian is John’s god-son.

When John’s family was quite young, I ventured to use my own experience and offered some advice on child rearing: I told him to stay very close to his girls who would mature and seek their own independence before he could wink twice. And, so for a few years he brought all three daughters to my home in Villa every Saturday, where we enjoyed a sea-bath.

To jump ahead somewhat, the “Bridge Boys” of which John was a noted member in later years, visited the Villa beach for a game of soft-ball cricket in which Bernard “Supe” Hewitt revelled as a batsman. At the end of the games, they would invariably pass by my home for a chat, drink followed by a speech or two.

The Bridge Boys was an institution of largely Bottom Town youths of spontaneous growth when I touch-lined and gave publicity by publishing in Flambeau, leaflets and other publications of their deeds, for example John Horne featured in their winning carnival bands.

An outgrowth of the Bridge Boys was the Eagles club which tackled many sports in which John featured. I was invited to lead the cricket team which did reasonably well.

When John had finally made up his mind to enter politics on behalf of the NDP, it was after denying me thrice while I hungrily sought out a fitting candidate for West Kingstown, where I was defeated on the tickets of the DFM in 1974 and UPM in 1979.

This time, John bowed to a people’s demand led by Ainsworth White a taxi driver adopted by my girlfriend Mother Edna Howard of Edinboro. After that, it was plain sailing, with “Horne Fuh Dem”.

I had been chairman of every single meeting John held, last of which was held in Edinboro where I persuaded Henry Williams, John’s father-in-law, to say a few words.

At the time, Ralph did not take John seriously; he regarded his first ministry, Education and Culture, as a “Mickey Mouse”

ministry appropriately allocated. A few months later in a private conversation with me, he said of the new government that he “listens only to Mitchell, Parnel and Senator Stuart Nanton.”

Ralph simply could not deal with the massive outpouring of love, loyalty and sympathy displayed on John’s passing. How come he offered no reprisals at the funeral services of Yvonne Francis whom he deprived of the JP’s insignia and maltreated the Teachers’ Union up to the time of her death?

Ever since the Hornes had begun to live separately, I have been a persistent bug-in —their rug, despite my own admitted failure in my camp. Especially, I used her leadership in the famed Kingstown Chorale where she guided his singing to taunt him (the comas), one such mischievous occasion occurred a few years ago at the funeral of Festus Toney in Georgetown.

It so happened the couple found themselves travelling back to their several homes, with me as their passenger. I was prim and proper until we got to Argyle, then I addressed them confidentially: “For old time sake, park aside and settle your differences. I won’t see ah thing, I won’t talk”. Jeanne maintained a dignified silence while John has lost his loquacity until he dropped me off in Villa and wished me happy riddance.

It was at that point I chose to recall that I put them together in the first place. It happened that I was chatting with some girls at Mary Seacole Hall at UWI Jamaica when I mentioned to Jeanne that I understand that she carried on a secret love affair with my friend John Horne. She hotly denied the story, and on her holiday visit to SVGGrenada was her home at the timeconfronted John with her story! The long and short of the matter was that soon they got married. As the old saying goes, “Man rushes a woman until she traps him”.

I saw the couple two years ago when we celebrated big time John’s 75th birthday. My final meeting with John was at the matrimonial home guided by his wife in the presence of our great friend Father Ulric Jones. John lay still in bed communicating only by the occasional flash of the eyes, the squeeze of the hand that told the story of his fleeting recognition of me.

At his funeral, Bassy, who kept me abreast of John’s failing health, and Leroy Providence presented Eulogies of our greatest Eulogist of all time.

There were Jeanne’s two sisters, Evile and Erlene, whose songs were famous during the days of the Mikado and Gondoliers in which John starred.

My unseeing eyes behold joy, and John’s funeral approached human perfectibility as if organised by the living John himself. It would be invidious to seek to select any outstanding individual, group, band or choir. I was simply transported by the entire event.

Glory of it all.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. 9.

Letters

Joining the homosexuality debate IF THE TRUTH be told, as you like to say, Mr. Editor, our society is homophobic because we have been moulded into being so by our parents. We have been raised by parents who have instilled in us a belief that the worst thing a person can be is a homosexual. We have been taught that it is our duty to make certain that those whom we deem to be homosexual are belittled and devalued.

We have been told to make them feel

worthless anytime, anyplace.

It is so bad, i.e. the extent to which we have been instilled with this venom, that even our students use homophobic references to ridicule students of other schools, especially when schools are locked in some sport battle.

Fights, I understand, have broken out among students when one set (of students) accuses another set (of

students) of being “homos’.

I am not a homosexual, nor do I encourage the practice, but I will not treat someone I know to be a homosexual any less than a person I know to be heterosexual.

The way I see it, Mr. Editor, being a homosexual doesn’t make you any less valuable, any less able to undertake a given task, and definitely it does not make you any less capable of

Our classroom teachers MR. EDITOR, as we get closer to the annual CPEA, my mind lingers on the hundreds of classroom teachers we have in our system.

Now, there have been some excellent classroom teachers throughout the years - before my time as a teacher, during my time as a teacher and the time since I left the profession.

In my time, there was a desire on the part of teachers to be the best classroom teachers they could be. Unfortunately, I note that these days there is a mad rush by classroom teachers to become administrators.

The attitude seems to be: the quicker I get out of here (classroom) the better.

There is something about the system today, or should I say what is

* Do these ‘evangelists’ who visit us and hold crusades pay any withholding tax on their collections? * Should they be treated like those foreign soca and dancehall artistes? * Is there going to be a fixed price for seafood like conch and lobster, once the Rainforest people get going? Who is going to inform that price — Government or Rainforest? * Who is going to ensure that there is no over-fishing, once the demand for seafood increases with Rainforest starting their business? * Does anybody know what rate of return Reykjavik Geothermal is expecting from its investment in that Geothermal project at La Soufriere?

being encouraged by the state administration, that says the excellent teacher cannot remain in the classroom and inform changes necessitated by the changing times, for example, the proper use of computer technology in the school system.

It is like saying that a classroom teacher who does not aspire to become an administrator is not ambitious. Oh, what a sad mistake!

Many schools here have suffered from the

sudden uprooting of many of their best classroom teachers who end up pushing some papers and pens behind some desks… wielding away their time in unproductive exercises.

If it is that teachers yearn for administrative positions because the remuneration packages are more attractive, then it is time that we think of reordering the remuneration packages for our classroom teachers, so as to keep

them doing what they do best, i.e. teach.

On a slightly different note Mr. Editor, there is a need, given what I have been told by many, many persons who I think should know, for a very hard look at those we are paying to be teachers.

Teaching is more than an occupation; it is a vocation, and those who are in it for the ‘ride’ should seriously seek alternate occupation.

Retiree

The need to empower workers Until we do such, we are doomed to ANOTHER LABOUR DAY (May 1, perpetuate the malaise in which 2019) has come and gone, and I ask myself: what have we done to improve policies do not recognize the needs, rights and benefits of the underthe cause of workers, those citizens privileged. who, according to the Oxford I had the rude awakening when I Dictionary, “exchange their labour or found out that the domestic workers services in return for payment or and garden helpers are not recognized reward”.

As important as we workers are, we under the Protection of Employment Act 2003. How could a nation be that hardly care about ourselves. We associate with politics, churches, sports callous in not providing basic groups, but shy away from associating protection for some of its most vulnerable workers? Is this a mistake? with ourselves.

Worst, many workers do not consider Was it done on purpose? This has to change. We have to advocate for the themselves as workers. The vendors, cart pushers, farmers, fisherfolks, even changes of such laws. A nation is known for its development and lawyers and doctors, for example, do integrity based on the way it treats its not identify themselves as workers in lowly, underprivileged and challenged the true sense of the word. citizens.

We have never placed emphasis on Jobs and better working conditions educating and informing people about the purpose and importance of being a go hand in hand with the rights and worker. And, like a plague, the fear of privileges of all workers. I hope my ramblings would jolt some minds and the unknown continues to prevent us spur action to address these injustices from moving forward.

We have deliberately refrained from to workers. educating, informing and empowering So Long, people. Those with authority know that knowledge is power, knowledge is Man-on-the-go. strength, and strength is virtue, and if this is achieved, it becomes difficult to manipulate the Here are four workers and keep them inconspicuous species blind and ignorant, and whose traits display they will no longer be wisdom, which was WISDOM is the fear of dependent on the system spoken of in Proverbs the Lord. He is the for their every existence.

30:24-28. beginning of wisdom, 1. Ants plan for long The mobilization of experience and winters by storing up labour is essential if development is to become a knowledge which gather food during the summer. along with power when 2. Rock badgers build reality. But improvement we apply them. secure nests in the in the quality of life of Let us look at the strongholds of rock. people must come through quiet wisdom from some 3. Locusts move in self-reliance, i.e. a kind of fascinating creatures on unison without an power which will liberate obvious leader. the people so that they can the earth, whose habits can teach us important 4. Spiders do such make full use of the lessons about wisdom, if skillful work on their opportunities and resources we only stop to notice webs.. they live in Kings’ around them. them. palaces and get food.

Wisdom

achieving your goals and even greatness.

I am reminded that James Baldwin, that great Black American writer whom we hold in such high esteem, was a homosexual.

And I am also reminded that homosexuality is not some contagious disease.

Afraid of being branded

The Kingdom THE GOSPEL of Jesus is about government (Isa. 9: 6-7). “The time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is at hand”. Mark 1:15. A Kingdom is a government. A Kingdom or government is dual.

A King, leader or ruler, rules over people, subjects and citizens.

They also rule over territory, and in both cases make and design administrative systems/bodies through which to enact those laws. These systems/bodies could be a family, a Congress, House of Lords and Commons.

A Family-ruling, family, e.g. Congress, Houses of Lord or Common, Central Committee, Cabinet, Government etc.

There are three main functions in any government: 1. Legislative: The function of making, alternating, repealing and or amending laws.

This function is carried out by the Legislature, Legislative Council, Parliament, House of Assembly.

2. Executive: This is the function of policymaking, enforcing and administrating the laws in the society.

3. Judiciary: The function of interpreting or explaining the law of the state, government, kingdom as the case may be. This function is carried out by the Law These creatures, that we kill every day, seem to have more wisdom than us. Their foresight, resourcefulness, teamwork and excellence are inspiring traits. If animals can exhibit such qualities, why can’t we as human beings, created in God’s image, excel in our work? We are so divided in our homes, parliaments, communities, and even our churches!

We judge each other every day, and we can’t come together for a

Courts, Courts of Justice, and is presided over by Judges and Magistrates.

One good thing we need to understand is that law applies to every government/system capitalism, communist, Islamic, etc.

Jesus said that he did not come to destroy the law (Matt. 5:17).

True Christians are now finalizing our training as kings/queens and priests to take over political, religious and economic power from the governments of this world.

Once the spirit of God’s love is in you, the Kingdom of Heaven is in you. You are going to lead God’s people soon.

Be not afraid, it is your Father’s great pleasure to give you leadership in His Kingdom.

Christian Democrat common purpose. It is always ‘me or I, I do this, I want the glory’.

However, we will not get it. It belongs to God. Look at the Caribbean where some say that the president of the U.S.A wants to divide us. This isn’t true. We have been divided a long time now.

He knows that, and that’s why he can do that.

Look to God for wisdom, and He will give it to us.

Bishop Ezekiel Creese

V

10. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

The NDP practising tough love

Introduction THE OPPOSITION NDP continues to demonstrate what a nasty dirty party it is, with its latest version of the socalled “tough love” campaign.

Basically, this a move by the NDP to victimize ULP supporters, in a particular way, so as to get them to change their voting pattern. In 2015, a caller to Nice Radio on the New Times programme, said that he had informed his mother that he would stop all remittances if she did not vote for the NDP. Present in the studios of Nice Radio at the time of the call, were the then leader of the NDP, Arnhim Eustace, and Vice President St. Clair Leacock.

It came as a shock to most persons that the two NDP officials encouraged the caller to send the money to the NDP account. They made no effort to encourage the caller to send the remittance to his mother, despite the political differences between them.

Vincentians did not pay enough attention to this concept of “tough love” at the time, despite the fact that it was highlighted by a number of radio talk show hosts, including Frank Da Silva. Now the situation has come full circle following the recent NDP town hall meeting in Toronto, Canada.

inhumane. How could you put your supporters through such a concept, asking them to deprive their relatives of money for school fees and books, for rent, mortgages, car payments and medical bills? And this is a party who claim that they love Vincentians?

Desperate times

These are desperate times for the New Democratic Party. They have tried a number of things in their bid to attract a following, but these have not been successful. Godwin Friday and company cannot provide a clear narrative, to tell the Vincentian voter about their plans to develop the country. In fact, their only strategy is to beat up and criticize the plans and programmes of the ULP administration.

And they have returned to their policy of telling lies in a big way. For example, Daniel Cummings, the Member of Parliament for West Kingstown, astounded the audience in Toronto, when he lied on the hardworking nurses in the country.

The tough love concept Cummings said that our nurses request from patients the identity of It was the representative for the the political party they support when constituency of South Leeward, Nigel they are being admitted to the Milton “Nature” Stephenson who presented Cato Memorial Hospital. This of the “tough love” concept at the town course is a dastardly lie. hall meeting in Toronto. Stephenson This lie by Daniel Cummings highlighted the importance of attempts to serve two purposes. First, remittances from Vincies living in the it tries to indicate that the nurses are Diaspora, to their relatives and unprofessional in their work, and that friends back home. He reasoned that only those patients who state that these remittances don’t make any they support the ULP, will get good sense, if they are sent to relatives and care at the MCMH. Secondly, friends who support the ULP in Cummings is trying to create a false government. opinion, that this is a policy of the So, Stephenson wants the NDP ULP administration, and that the supporters in Canada, to provide their ULP is victimizing supporters of the relatives and friends in St. Vincent New Democratic Party, when they go and the Grenadines with an to the MCMH. Nothing could be ultimatum - support the NDP or no further from the truth. remittances. This concept has shocked There is no policy by the Ministry most right-thinking persons in St. of Health for patients to state their Vincent and the Grenadines. It is political preferences. Equally, there is downright wicked and sinful to no policy for nurses to put this withhold remittances, all because of question to patients. It is all false, political differences. So Friday and and is another ploy by the NDP, to company are saying to their make the ULP look bad. But it will supporters in Toronto, New York and not work.

London, place your relatives in jeopardy, send them no money, no Conclusion Christmas barrel, if they don’t support the NDP. The impressive work that the ULP The whole scenario is frightening administration is currently conducting and horrible. ULP supporters are in the state, is throwing the NDP into being placed in a compromising a tail spin. There is the exploratory position because they support a drilling exercise at Lot 14, that has modern progressive party that is captured the imagination of all bringing untold benefits to the Vincentians, including supporters of country. ULP supporters are to be the NDP. The people of Central victimized because they support the Leeward and North Leeward are political party that has provided the actively awaiting the start up of work best governance in the history of St. on the government hotel at Mt. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Wynne/Peters Hope. Then there is the The NDP has become so desperate Rain Forrest project which will see that they will sink to this level, in the more development in the fisheries vain effort to win an election in this sector, and the country is looking country. They will make Vincentians forward to the construction of the suffer, particularly supporters of the express hotel in the Diamond/ ULP whose relatives in the Diaspora Brighton area. support the NDP. They would have So many things are happening here their supporters refrain from sending in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, remittances to help their relatives and under the supervision of the ULP friends, all because of politics and administration, and all the NDP could their drive to win an election. find to talk about, is an evil concept This is all wicked, deceitful and called “tough love”. What a shame!!!

Electoral Reform needed in SVG THERE HAS BEEN much discussion about the electoral process in St. Vincent and the Grenadines following the 2015 general elections. Numerous calls have been made by the New Democratic Party (NDP) and local commentators for electoral reform. With general elections fast approaching, it would appear that the government is reluctant to make any changes to the electoral laws. As a responsible opposition party, the NDP has tabled a motion on Electoral Reform in parliament, which is to be debated on Friday 17th May, 2019.

The following is the motion: “WHEREAS public confidence in the electoral system to deliver free and fair elections is vital to democracy; AND WHEREAS the electoral system in our country has revealed serious problems over the years and most recently in the 2015 general elections that have shaken public confidence in it; AND WHEREAS the Special Voter Registration Period and the lack of impartiality among election officials have been highlighted as being among such problems; AND WHEREAS election observers, including those from the OAS and the Commonwealth Secretariat, have noted some of the problems and recommended changes to improve the elections process; AND WHEREAS in 2017 the Leader of the Opposition wrote to the Prime Minister to seek to address these serious problems in a bipartisan manner; AND WHEREAS general elections in this country are approaching; AND WHEREAS it is necessary and desirable that the serious problems in the electoral system including those specifically noted herein be addressed before the next general elections by, among other things, amending The Representation of the People Act; BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House supports a motion to bring about necessary and desirable changes to the elections process in our country by amending The Representation of the People Act in like or similar terms to those set out in the draft Bill outlined below and by adopting other practical and effective measures to ensure free and fair elections and restore public confidence in our electoral system.”

One of the major concerns is the 15-day registration period after the general elections are announced.

Successive supervisors of elections since 2001 have advised that this special period of registration should be abolished. Also, in 2015 the OAS Electoral Observation Mission, The Commonwealth Election Observer Team, CARICOM Election Observation Mission and the National Monitoring and Consultative Mechanism (NMCH) recommended that the 15-day registration period be abolished.

The OAS Electoral Observation Mission claimed that the special 15day period to register (just prior to an election) overloads the work of the Electoral Department. It is therefore suggested that the admission of new registrants to the voters list be closed in advance of the elections, perhaps on the date on which the general elections are announced. This will give more certainty to the elections and will reduce the workload of the Election Department, which will be able to devote more time to the organization and logistics of the Election Day and thus improve the system and results.

The observers also recommended

that an independent elections commission be established. Further, the OAS Electoral Observation Mission recommends that consideration be given to the establishment of an Independent Electoral Management Body, whose membership should be comprised of independent actors with a strong technical focus. In keeping with best practices across parts of the OECS and the wider CARICOM area, such a body ought to be endowed with a structure and a range of powers that will speak to its autonomy and independence.

Campaign Financing was another issue that observers felt needed attention. The Commonwealth Election Observer Team recommended that a regulatory framework governing campaign financing be developed prior to the next election, in order to promote fairness, transparency and accountability.

For years, the NDP has been complaining about the size of the Voters List and has held several meetings with the former supervisor of elections to discuss the issue. An attempt was made prior to the 2015 general elections to cleanse the voters list, but there were problems.

However, the OAS Electoral Observation Mission has encouraged the Electoral Authorities to continue updating and cleansing the Voters List, and further recommended that the Voters List also include the photograph of each citizen, so that the identification process is easy and immediate. Such a move will also have a positive impact on issues of civil registration and citizenship.

Other recommendations from the observers include: that the voter registration process be reviewed and appropriate changes made well before the next general election; the recruitment of Returning and Presiding Officers be made more transparent, by the development of recruitment guidelines and the advertisement of the positions; standardized procedures and training for poll workers; the NMCM should endeavour to have monitors present at the final count following the elections; the law should be reviewed and amended to provide clear guidelines for the formal announcement of election results to the voting public by the Election Supervisor, before a new government can be officially formed; the NMCH should make a concerted effort to have continuous dialogue with the political parties and the police during the campaign process. And reduce the number of electors to a polling station from approximately 600 to a more manageable figure of approximately 300 electors per polling station.

The recommendations made by the organizations which observed the 2015 general elections, if implemented, will enhance the electoral process and inspire confidence among the electorate of this country.

Will the government amend the electoral laws or adopt the Bill that the NDP presented to parliament?

Undoubtedly, there is need for electoral reform in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The NMCM also agreed that there is need for electoral reform, and stated that reform will ensure transparency and confidence at all levels.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. 11.

Views

The Pursuit of Happiness

“Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.”– Helen Adams Keller (18801968) American author, lecturer, and political activist.

THE THOUGHTS THAT EMERGED while reading the Helen Keller quotation that was used to introduce this essay may have created a yearning, a strong tug, for the re-reading of the same. The words seem to beckon us to extract maximum wisdom from these two relatively short sentences – especially the latter. For, indeed, all of us are on a quest for happiness. Unfortunately, sometimes we become frustrated when it appears to be so very elusive and/or short lived.

However, Keller advances a possible solution – we need to focus (and refocus) on our fidelity to a worthy purpose.

The quotation also invites us to consider what things, activities, and/or persons would create and sustain our happiness. As we contemplate responding to these, we may readily discover that the things and/or individuals that generate happiness could be transient. Happiness, like life, can be so very fragile. Today it is here and tomorrow it is gone.

As we meditate on these things, we may realize that deep happiness can be created when we focus on selflessly generating happiness in others and/or giving ourselves over to a noble cause.

As paradoxical as it may seem, we must be prepared to give happiness if we are to be truly happy. Seeking to gain it, especially at the expense of others, may result in its flight. It is so much better, and wiser, to focus on the pursuit of a worthy cause (such as caring for others or engaging in missionary work), if we are to be blessed by its warmth and embrace.

The pursuit of our noble dreams (whatever they are) seems to produce an extra sense of joy. There is a sense of accomplishment and purpose as we journey towards that desirable end. In addition, we often bask in the warm glow of happiness when we achieve the goal. This is true for the student who studies hard for an examination and receives a top grade. The sense of selfactualisation creates a natural high that words are unable to describe.

This happiness is magnified when the achievement is acknowledged by colleagues, friends, and relatives.

Similar emotions are evident in the athlete whose mental, emotional, and physical discipline results in outstanding achievement in her area of athletic interest. Misery, the flip side of happiness, is often the result of an abandonment of our worthy cause or the inability to find something worthwhile to pursue.

In our quest for happiness, we sometimes lose sight of how close it is to us. Some look for happiness in material possessions. While these may often create conduits to enjoyment, they can also be the source of multiple miseries. This is especially so if/when these possessions are obtained by fraudulent means. The print and electronic media regularly shares stories of individuals in business, government, the church, and the society at large, who have sought happiness through dishonest and unethical means. Many of these individuals have become societal derelicts. These individuals, often intoxicated by selfish greed, would have abandoned the path of righteous

living and grasped for the mirage that mimics true happiness. That true happiness is often wrapped within self, and elucidates the person and the personalities whose lives are anchored in principles such as honesty, integrity, helpfulness, empathy, and so on. These individuals are often the ones who find and exude true happiness.

In his self-help book, “Acres of Diamonds”, Russell Conwell (18431925), provides a useful reminder that the thing that we may be looking for to bring us happiness may be residing right beneath our feet. Sometimes we run off on a quest to find “treasure” (happiness) in a far-away country, when the source of our “wealth” (happiness) could be right within our reach. These statements are not intended to deter our pioneering or adventurous spirit. Far from that. We do need to venture forth to discover new lands at times. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that our source of happiness could very well be within our very selves, our homes, or communities; latent talents and abilities that we are not using or underutilising to generate the happiness that we long for; networks and relationships that we are not leveraging to create and/or sustain win-win positive results. We may be longing to be happy, but losing sight of where that happiness really resides.

As we engage in the quest for happiness so much depends on the thoughts that we entertain. Those who invite misery and self-pity, will find happiness a most elusive mirage.

For certainly, a man is as miserable as he thinks he is (Seneca). It is possible to possess relatively little earthly possession and bask in the glow of happiness — seeing it radiate beyond us to impact others for good. On the other hand, there are those who may have a tremendous amount of wealth, associates, titles, and worldly possessions, but discover that they are most miserable and unhappy. Our focus, our thoughts, so very often determine our level of happiness. It is not what we have but who we really are, that determines our level of happiness.

We all desire to be happy. Its pursuit is addictive and natural.

However, for many of us, happiness is delicate — an elusive state that quickly vanishes “like a flash in the pan”. It may seem to vaporise after a transient visit — leaving taunting memories that it has been present. Despite this, we must admit that almost all of our desires are somehow linked to our pursuit of happiness. This is reflected in our pursuit of love, bonding with friends, academic pursuits, job enhancement possibilities, and so on.

The chase for happiness, and the security that it generates, appears to be that catalyst that often drives so many of us.

There is nothing inherently wrong to yearn for happiness. As we pursue it, as we long for it, we should be cognizant that it is often found in our fidelity to a worthy purpose.

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

A victorious defeat THE BIGGEST WINNER in the South African elections was Julius Malema, the radical leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The EFF electoral clout was increased by 4 percentage points while the ANC vote count decreased by 4 percentage points. The EFF gained 19 seats in the parliament to take its count to 44, while the ANC seat count was reduced by 19.

It is safe to say that Julius Malema’s movement gain was the ANC and the DA’s loss. Malema, 39 years old, campaigned on the radical platform of nationalizing the money making levers of the country’s economy, such as the mines and the banks, as well as returning the lands stolen from the people by the apartheid racists.

The African National Congress, the nationalist movement that endeared itself to the masses of South Africans during the long and brutal struggle against Apartheid, lost, even though it has won all of the elections since one man one vote came to South Africa in 1994. The ANC which won mass support based on its leadership of the struggle, tipped its hand as to how it will govern when Nelson Mandela committed, in principle, to merge with De Klerk’s brutal,fascist pro-Apartheid National Party.

Mandela’s commitment to reconciliation reverberates to this. It was an early signal that the radical wing of the movement had lost the struggle for leading, directing and charting the course of the post Apartheid South Africa.

During the long years of struggle, the ANC political platform called for the nationalization of the economy, the return of the lands to the toiling masses. By 1994, these democratic principles gave way to pragmatism best reflected in the emphasis on truth and reconciliation. But the truth and reconciliation was a farce. The single most targeted and tarnished individual emerging from the reconciliation exercise was the anti apartheid giant, Winnie Mandela. De Klerk shared a Nobel Peace Prize with Nelson Mandela. The murderous criminals in the military and security forces never even bothered to testify.

No one demanded they did, but Winnie Mandela was hounded and tarred as a kidnapper and murderer.

Most importantly, white local and foreign moneyed interest maintained control of the economy.

A few blacks, best typified by the current president Cyril Ramaphosa, were allowed into the boardrooms and given an opportunity to make millions. A tiny black bourgeoisie gained ascendancy. Meanwhile Nelson Mandela was feted in all of the major capitalist centres as an iconic figure.

The international business class knew that they were safe with Mandela at the helm. And they were right. They had to do one simple thing and they did it with aplomb. They organized the assassination of Chris Hani, the dynamic revolutionary leader, who was second in popularity only to Mandela.

Mandela was succeeded by Thabo Mbeki, who proudly declared that he was a Thatcherite, a protégé of Margaret Thatcher, the reactionary former British Prime Minister.

Thatcher, along with Ronald Reagan were the most important political leaders in the rise and triumph of the neoliberal economics which have ravaged the world. Mbeki was

followed by Jacob Zuma, who bared his past revolutionary spurs to win the presidency and then engage in a series of corrupt and immoral practices that further embarrassed the ANC and sent it reeling.

The ANC 57 percent of the vote in last week’s elections was lowest it had received since the democratic vote was offered in 1994. The murder of 69 mine workers in Marikina in 2012 and the emergence the pro business Ramaphosa, who was a director of the mining company where police shot and murdered striking workers, ensures that the ANC support will continue to dwindle. The ANC’s vote share peaked in the 2004 national elections, when it received 69.69 percent of the vote, but it dropped to 65.9 percent in 2009 and to 62.15 percent in 2014. It has lost 12 percentage points between 2004 and 2014.

The other major party that suffered defeat in the elections was the Democratic Alliance. The DA, a right of centre political outfit is dominated by the white South African middle class and a section of the industrial and banking elite. After the last elections, the party tried to win some black African support by electing Mmusi Maimane, a black man as leader. But the DA which got 22 percent of votes and 89 seats in the 2014 elections, saw its share of the votes drop by 2 percentage points. It garnered 5 seats less this time around. The Black masses refused to be duped even though a black face was given the mantle of leading the party.

Why do we characterise Malema’s EFF performance a victorious defeat?

Of the major parties in South Africa, the EFF is the only one that gained ground. The ANC parliamentary seat count dropped from 249 in 2014 to 230. The Democratic Alliance also lost ground. Malema’s EFF garnered 1.8 million votes to the ANC 10 million and the DA 3.6 million. Both the ANC and the DA were well financed while the EFF was scoffed at from its inception and had to struggle real hard to finance a national campaign.

Lesson: Dare to struggle. Dare to win.

After the 2019 elections, no serious observer in South Africa will downplay the influence or relevance of the Economic Freedom Fighters and its leader Julius Malema. If the trends continue and they are likely to so do because of the pro-business, neoliberal lock which the economic elite has on the ANC, the people will continue to experience dire hardships.

Unemployment and poverty remain high. Increasingly, the people are seeing that the vote by itself will not bring freedom from deprivation and want. They can see clearer than ever that health problems, especially HIV, poor sanitation, lack of pipe borne water and corruption plague the land while a few, especially a white local and foreign elite, along with a few Black faces continue to live luxuriously.

Malema’s EFF has a bright future and can become a king maker by the 2024 general elections.

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

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12. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Another Open Letter to the Governor General Though, Table 2 shows where the ULP regime has thrown away 3.581B EC Dollars in eighteen years, to the benefit of migrants.

STRONG CALL for a public enquiry into the severe 1. Mentally ill and otherwise challenged persons damage inflicted on the SVG Economy by the of the indigent black population eat from bins in MUSTIQUE Act NO 48 OF 2002, which is capital Kingstown to survive, whilst the superrich in unconstitutional and in breach of Section 13 of The Mustique and Canouan eat caviar and drink Italian Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 1979 Constitution. wine with free SVG tax money. The situation is Section 13 states: “No law shall make any provision inhuman with no justice for the suffering poor, black that is discriminatory either of its self or in its effect.” indigenous people of our country.

The 1979 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2. In 2018, school children had to be sent home constitutionally appointed Director of Audit failed from schools which were not safe.

Prime Minister Hon Dr Ralph Gonsalves on Audit of 3. Crime is highly rampant. The ULP built a new Public Accounts for three consecutive years - 2008, jail and not a university to address the causes of 2009 and 2010. crime.

The table herein shows that the incompetent ULP Warrant Officer Ivan O’Neal, a graduate from regime has given away more taxes to the superrich Brookes University Oxford England, strongly in Mustique, Canouan and Taiwan than revenue contends all of the money set out in Table 2 are to going into SVG Treasury.

12 MAY 2019 Your Excellency:

the benefit of superrich of Mustique, Canouan. and Taiwan As a nation, we are shooting ourselves in the foot with the Mustique Act NO48 OF 2002 and failing to rewrite the Fisheries Act CAP 59 so as to allow us to retain EC$1 billion surplus revenue every year to invest in sustainable development and set the country on a path to prosperity. The opportunity costs of Mustique ACT NO 48 OF 2002 and concessions to Taiwan are too great to ignore. We will overcome.

Yours faithfully, Retired British Royal Air Force Engineer Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons), MSc, MBA and Leader of SVG Green Party.

The Public Enquiry is an instrument in LAW to confirm nothing is unique about the Mustique Act NO48 of 2002 in the gross Mis-management of Pubic Accounts.

CC TO: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second Constitutional Head of Saint Vincent And The Grenadines.

Prime Minister Hon Dr. Ralph Gonsalves Leader of The Opposition Hon Dr. Godwin Friday His Excellency Secretary General of the United Nations Hon President The Privy Council, London, England Hon President CCJ, Trinidad and Tobago Hon Chief Justice of OECE Saint Lucia Hon President of the United States of America Hon President of China His Excellency The President of Singapore Her Excellency The President of Taiwan Hon Secretary General of Caricom, Guyana Hon President of the World Bank Hon President of IMF Hon President of Caribbean Development Bank

Sustainability, Productivity and Seafood! of invitation to investors. All Reports suggest that we are headed in the THE 21ST CENTURY DAWNED right direction; but are we doing it the unfavourably for our tiny Hairouna. right way?

The Collapse of WIBDECO was The present phase is characterised succeeded by the annihilation of the by a myriad of investments Banana Industry - the green gold of opportunities - from new hotels, to the Windward Islands had run out. medical marijuana, a geothermal Attempts to recover our economy project, seafood exports, a new using the tourism sector came to a arrowroot factory, a new port, a new halt with the Global Economic crisis hospital and a new city at Arnos Vale. that commenced in 2008. During this We welcome all these initiatives. period, agricultural production Unfortunately, this also represents a declined, and many farmers sought time when we can get our employment in the Construction development foundation wrong.

Industry. St. Vincent and the Agricultural production has Grenadines in 2019, is now a rock of increased, and tourist arrivals have opportunity with the completion of the followed similar trends. This is largely Argyle International Airport, due to challenges in neighbouring advancements in the Tourism islands, and for agriculture in Industry, improved Education, and particular, encouragement from booming Construction, Agriculture Winfresh, the Fair Trade programme and Fisheries Industries. and increased trafficker export. We commend them for their contribution IMF Article IV report to our development.

In Fisheries, the Agriculture Input The 2018 IMF Article IV report Warehouse Kingstown Fish Market, confirms this by reporting, “The Bequia Seafoods, Mark Jacobs and his economy of St. Vincent and the team at Owia, CALFICO and all other Grenadines has been in recovery ….. fishing organizations that constitute The Growth outlook is positive. Staff the National Fisherfolk Organisation expect real GDP growth to rebound (NFO), have skyrocketed seafood from 0.7 percent in 2017 to 2 percent export activity since 2017. We in 2018, and further to 2.3 percent in commend them for their contribution 2019.” to the development of this sector of the A favourable IMF report is a letter country’s economy.

Part One

culture of overfishing in The Bahamas and Jamaica, the home turf of Rainforest Seafood. In fact, as of March 1st, 2019, a ban on conch fishing was enacted by the Jamaican Ministry of Agriculture. Jamaica cannot export any conch for one year due to overfishing.

Fish Packaging Facility signed With a purported EC$10 million On Tuesday 9th April, 2019, an dollar investment, what volumes of agreement for the establishment of a product will Rainforest be exporting to Fish Packaging Facility in Calliaqua recover this investment and in what was signed by the Government of time frame? Is this sustainable? Are Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and we about to follow the footsteps of Rainforest Seafoods. Rainforest Jamaica, and Bahamas?

Seafoods, a Jamaican company, is the We are not saying this is the case, Caribbean’s largest processor and we are very cautious about this supplier of premium quality seafood. prospect. High demand of fish can Approximately nine million dollars result in an increase in the price of will be invested here for the fish on the local market, as fishers establishment of a Fish Processing will now sell to the highest bidder.

Plant. Thank you, Rainforest Seafood What body exists to regulate the for coming to our shores. Our booming prices at which fishers can sell their tourism industry will now have more product? What exists to ensure there options for seafood, local fishers will is no price discrimination as per the experience greater demand for their traffickers and farmers? How do we product, and employment for those know if we are overfishing or not interested in the sector is available. overfishing? What is our production We cannot forget that temporary capacity for seafood and seafood employment will also be available products? These are some questions while the facility is being constructed. that come to mind.

We are happy about this new prospect We commend the Ministry of and its potential contribution to our Agriculture for exploring increased journey for improved quality of living opportunities in the Fishing Industry and wealth. here, but are we running ahead of We are, however, troubled by the ourselves?

In the main, therefore, developments in the Seafood Industry have been more buoyant than in Agriculture, with the Medical Marijuana Industry still in its early stages.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 17 , 2019. 13.

Grenadines

Keeping our country clean!!

A STRONG APPEAL has gone out from a son of the soil to keep our country clean.

That appeal has come from Tony Benn, a Vincentian Marine engineer who is currently on vacation with his family.

Benn is very disappointed with the amount of litter left at several locations by visitors and locals alike.

On May 13, 2019, Benn, originally from Hamilton, Bequia, hiked to the highest point in Bequia known as ‘Ma Peggy’ Hill, which sits some 855 feet above sea level, and

The view of Port Elizabeth from ‘Ma Peggy’ Hill.

which affords a panoramic view, among other sights, of Port Elizabeth, capital of Bequia.

He was upset with the amount of garbage left at this site, and made a passionate appeal to all visitors to that scenic spot, to ensure that they return with all the solid waste, including plastics, Tony Benn and a bag of litter which they would have A better view of the type of he collected on his trip down litter that Tony Benn found brought with them on the ‘Ma Peggy’ Hill. on ‘Ma Peggy’ Hill. their trek.

Benn, who is also a appealing to all hikers, operators, Albert Browne — radio operator - KC2ADI visitors and tour guides to (Ham radio call), was sharing J88CT, who was in radio his experience with contact with Benn, and whose ensure that they collect all their leftovers and garbage, great, great, Grandmother several radio and leave our country in the was ”Ma Peggy”, noted that operators while pristine condition in which the disgusting practice of hiking, during they would have met it. which he picked up leaving garbage was also evident on Petit Nevis and most of the Report submitted by: Isle a Quatre, two small, garbage within inhabited islets off the coast of Donald De Riggs reach, on his trip Photos by: Bequia. down the hill.

Browne joined with Benn in Tony Benn – KC2ADI One of the radio

Bequia to Host a Caribbean First

SINCE 1967, volunteers Regional/Urban Design Assistance Teams (R/UDATs) from the American Institute of Architects have helped more than 150 communities create action plans for the sustainable development of their towns. On May 30th, the first R/UDAT team to ever assist a Caribbean community will arrive in Bequia.

Each R/UDAT project is designed as a customized approach to community A section of Part Elizabeth, Bequia, that will assistance that incorporates be included in the overall “Bequia Waterfront local realities and the unique challenges and assets of each Development Plan”. community. Each Design Assistance Team is assembled Simmons of the American Institute of with the goal of bringing an objective Architects to meet key stakeholders, perspective to the community and refine the scope of work, and determine providing an independent expert needed expertise for the R/UDAT team. analysis and technical advice that serves In the following months, a team of the public interest. experts in the required fields was The American Institute of Architects recruited and provided with a variety of has a four-decade tradition of designing materials – ranging from a schematic of community-driven processes that the existing drainage in Port Elizabeth, incorporate substantial public input. to a copy of the never instituted 2007 This approach allows the Design “Bequia Harbour Front Development Assistance Team to build on the Plan”, to CAD drawings of the current substantial local expertise already space use – to study before their present and available within the arrival. community and leverage the best The R/UDAT team will be in Bequia existing knowledge available in from May 30th through June 3rd. While formulating its recommendations. on the island, they will undertake a Community outreach is currently comprehensive tour of the project area underway in Bequia, and a survey is and a series of key stakeholder being taken to gather as much input meetings, and hold a “town hall” from the Bequia public as possible. meeting open to the public. Times and In 2017, a broad-based local steering venues of public meetings will be committee in Bequia submitted a formal announced shortly. application for a R/UDAT project to the At the end of their visit, the R/UDAT American Institute of Architects. The team will provide a comprehensive pro project was evaluated and accepted, and bono report including a series of key the “Bequia Waterfront Development recommendations that the Bequia Plan” will be the very first R/UDAT community can prioritize moving project to take place in the Caribbean. forward to achieve its aspirations for the As the project application stated, Port Elizabeth waterfront area. The “Our problem is: How to sustainably R/UDAT team’s report will be shared in reinforce the identity and utility of Port a public presentation as well as in Elizabeth’s waterfront area as a permanent form. ‘gateway’ and a focus of public activity If you’d like to know more about this for residents and visitors alike.” project, please contact Last summer, an initial visit was gretel.mitchell@grenadinesstudio.com conducted by Joel Mills and Erin (Contributed)

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14. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Philatrophy

Horne donates to Westwood Methodist School

“come forward and assist.”

Directing his remarks to the students, he told them that the poultry project offered them the opportunity to be “independently minded.”

He spoke to them of the project earning money and paying for its own upkeep and turnover, but only if they, the students “take good care of the chickens.”

The donated broilers that One of these comprised the first batch of days, Horne chicks in the project. projected, “some of you might even JOURNALIST AND start your own poultry COMMUNITY ACTIVIST business, because of the Kenville Horne has come experience you gain from to the assistance of the this project.”

Westwood Methodist Clarence Crook, who School’s poultry project. overlooks the project, Last week Wednesday, described Horne as a May 8, Horne journeyed person who is always on to the school in North the lookout to come to Leeward, to personally the aid of communities in hand over 36 boiler North Leeward. “He chicken, water bottles, answered our call and is feeders and a quantity of here today donating poultry feed, that will go these items to us,” said towards getting the Crook. project off the ground.

Principal of the During the brief Westwood Methodist, handing over ceremony, Pearlette Harry, Horne, a full-time expressed thanks to reporter with THE Horne for his VINCENTIAN, and thoughtfulness. “It was founder/co-ordinator of quite a short notice, and the Kenville Horne he just stepped in and Sports Academy located offered to give assistance in Rose Hall, promised which we very much continued assistance to appreciate,” said Harry. the project, even as he Speaking on behalf of appealed to others to the students, Grade 6

student Garvin Farrell expressed thanks to Horne. “We will be feeding them every day and take good care of them, so we can earn money and buy stuff for the school,” promised Farrell.

How he was moved As for how he was moved to make this donation, Horne related how he was scrolling through his Facebook feed when he came upon an appeal for assistance from the Westwood Methodist School.

“It appealed to me instantly .. a school looking for help to start a poultry project was not an everyday thing.

“I also reflected on the fact that when the students go on vacation, they, more often than not, remain idle. This project, I thought, could be an opportunity to keep then occupied,” Horne added.

“I just felt compelled to help, and set about activating a network of donors to assist,” Horne related, adding that he contacted the school officials who provided him with a project budget.

The school complied but, “I wanted to give more than they had asked for, and I am happy that I was able to go the extra mile,” said Horne.

Another motivating factor Horne cited was

Garvin Farrell, Grade 6 student who expressed thanks on behalf of the students.

Kenville Horne (left foreground) hands over donation to Clarence Crook, overseer of the Project.

that he felt this could be the beginning of inculcating a business “exceptional leader” in started a sports mindset among the his community, Rose programme for boys and students.

Hall, where he had girls.

“I felt I could help in encouraging a sort of business mindset among some young people… so that they may be led to consider self-employment as an option when they leave school, since having to manage the project would also help to instill a sense of responsibility and independence in them.”

Horne, readers will recall, was this country’s first recipient, in 2014, of an award under the Queen’s Young Leaders Programme (QYLP). He A happy moment for Headteacher Pearlette Harry, Horne, Crook, another staff member and the was recognized as an students.

Police receive ‘equipment’ boost VINCENTIAN TONY BROWNE, retired police officer of York Regional Police (YRP) in Canada, has once again come to the assistance of the Royal St. Vincent and The Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF).

The aim of the latest donation is to aid with

the development and expansion of the communicative capabilities of the RSVGPF. Browne, with the kind assistance of the YRP, the Ontario Police Technology Information Co-Operative, and Telequip

Communications Canada, made a recent donation of several items to the organization.

Among the latest donations were nine (9) mobile radios; two (2) radio communications repeaters and support accessories; a 32-inch television and a DVD

Some of what comprised the latest donation made by Tony Browne to the RSVGPF.

player for the Sexual Offences Unit; a printer; and other essential equipment aimed at boosting the communicative efficiency of the organization.

Browne previously assisted SVG with two police cars, 19 laptops and other items.

According to a press release from the RSVGPF, Browne committed to work towards enhancing the RSVGPF resources so that the local constabulary can offer effective and efficient service, which advertently aids to alleviate crime and provide safer communities.

Browne thanked those who had assisted him in acquiring the equipment,

(L-R): Tony Browne, retired police officer of York Regional Police (YRP), Canada, hands over equipment, etc. to Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Benjamin. and extended appreciation to Commissioner of Police Colin John and others of the RSVGPF for affording him the opportunity to contribute to his country in a meaningful and worthwhile manner.

Assistant

Commissioner of Police, Christopher Benjamin received the items and thanked Browne on behalf of the RSVGPF for keeping the Organization at heart.

He promised that the equipment donated will be put to good use.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 17 , 2019. 15.

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16. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Focus

Teachers get insight into Dyslexia A TWO-DAY DYSLEXIA AWARENESS Workshop for teachers commenced here on Monday, May 13th, 2019, at Frenches House, Kingstown.

The Workshop, hosted by the Rotary Club of St. Vincent and organized through the Ministry of Education, was the third such collaboration on the subject of Dyslexia between the parties.

In his remarks at last Monday’s opening, President of the Rotary Club St. Vincent Reuben John said the project was high on the Rotary Club’s agenda, and added that the aim is for knowledge and insight gained from this symposium to be disbursed into the classrooms. He emphasized that the involvement of parents was key in assisting persons with Dyslexia.

John also took the opportunity to

Rueben John, President of the Rotary Club of St. Vincent. highlight his Club’s other collaborations with the Ministry of Education over the last ten years.

These included: the Food and Nutrition Quiz; the Youth Empowerment (YES) Programme and the George Phillip Award for over ten years.

Representative of the Barbados Dyslexia Association and facilitator of the Workshop Sandra Cadougan, noted that the mission of the workshop was for participants to gain insight into how to cope with dyslexic students.

Netta Thomas, representing the

Participants in Day One of the Dyslexia Awareness Workshop.

Ministry of Education, encouraged teachers to share information gained from the symposium with other members of staff, and to put what was learnt into practice.

Day One of the workshop catered to

Primary School Teachers, while Day Two was given over to the Secondary School Teachers.

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words. (Source: API)

How to create a dyslexia friendly classroom

WHAT IS DYSLEXIA? Dyslexia is defined as a specific learning difficulty that affects the literacy skills, such as writing, reading, and spelling. Unlike a learning disability, intelligence is not affected. Those who are diagnosed with dyslexia often find it difficult to see or hear a word and break it down into separate sounds to associate to each sound and letter that make up the word. Though, aside from that, people with dyslexia also struggle in other areas, such as the

ability to concentrate, short-term memory, personal organization, time management, and the ability to differentiate left from right. They can also struggle with number calculations and writing.

Dyslexia is a lifelong problem that can present challenges on a daily basis.

On a global scale, between 5-10% of the population are suffering from dyslexia, but it could go as high as 17%, and of people who are having reading difficulties, around 70-

Dyslexic students are encouraged to work in groups with other dyslexic students and students not affected by the disorder. (Photo Credit: Caribbean Dyslexia Centre)

80% of them are more likely to have dyslexia.

A dyslexia friendly classroom begins with a dyslexia friendly teacher (who) understands how dyslexia impacts a child’s ability to learn and what the main symptoms are.

As a teacher, you may worry about neglecting the rest of your class as you institute changes for one or two students with dyslexia. You probably have at least one student with dyslexia and possibly there are additional students that have never been diagnosed. The strategies you implement in your classroom for students with dyslexia will benefit all of your students.

(c) Set aside several areas of the board for daily information. Post high frequency words and information that is used often around the room. (d) Have children with dyslexia sit near the teacher.

Teaching Methods 1. Use slower speech and simple sentences.

2. Provide worksheets for organizing information for writing assignments.

3. Do not require a student with dyslexia to read aloud in class.

4. Integrate different ways for students to show their knowledge of a subject.

5 Use multi-sensory lessons.

A typically dyslexia friendly classroom (Photo Credit: Caribbean Dyslexia Centre) testing and extended time for formal assessments.

Build on strengths.

3. Use positive reinforcement programs instituting rewards and consequences.

Working Individually with Students 4. Praise a child’s achievements no matter 1. In the beginning of how small. the school year, work 5. Supply a schedule closely with students to of the school day. For assess their knowledge of younger children include Changes you can make phonics and phonemes; pictures. in the Physical Above all, remember set up a plan and specific Environment Assessments and practice sessions to help that students with Grading strengthen weak areas. dyslexia are not stupid (a) Have an area of 2 Assess a student’s or lazy. the room designated as a Allow students with dyslexia to use electronic strengths and quiet area.

Lynden Punnett helpers when completing weaknesses. Children (b) Place analog and with dyslexia may have BA.Cert.Ed.Dip.TEFL.DipS class work or tests. Do digital clocks on the strong reasoning and pLD (Dyslexia) wall, right next to each not take off points for problem-solving skills. spelling. Offer oral other.

V Fishermen net cash

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 17 , 2019. 17.

News

THIS YEAR’S top Fishermen in the annual Fisherman’s Day Competition will receive cash prizes.

In Class One, the person with the heaviest catch will take home $10,000, while $5,000 will go the second place. Third prize is $2500, with $1500 for fourth.

The Class Two winner, i.e. heaviest catch, will net $4,000, the second $2,000, while $800, and $400 go to third and fourth places respectively.

The changes, from outboard engines to cash prizes for the top prizes in Classes One and Two were announced last week Friday by Chairman of the Fisherman’s Day Committee Raoul

Chairman of the Fisherman’s Day Committee Raoul Lewis.

Lewis, during the launch of the Annual Fisherman’s Day Month of Activities.

Lewis acknowledged dangers fishermen face and appealed for more help for them. He contends that the fishermen will be “happier with the cash.”

Activities over the month leading up to Fisherman Day’s culmination June 10, begin tomorrow, May 18, in

Calypso Queen Competition is on THE CALYPSONIANS Association’s efforts at staging this year’s Queen of Calypso competition seems stacked with static if not conflict.

Prongs of the discord surfaced last Wednesday’s at the office of the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) at Victoria Park.

President Earl Bennett trod cautiously on the matter, saying that “a regrettable situation” had occurred and “we have to work with the hand that was dealt us.”

He gave no further details.

Vice President of the

Earl Bennett, President of the Calypsonians Association, might have hinted at some static, but anticipates another record entry of contestants for the 2019 Calypso Queen Competition.

Calypsonians Association Robert ‘Patches’ Knights alluded to “obstacles” and “hiccups” and of “developments not conducive” to the advancement of the cultural machinery.

The President, though, anticipates that there will be fourteen who will try to wrest the title from Joanna ‘Nubian Princess’ Christopher.

Christopher had, in fact, defeated 14 other contestants in the 2018 competition which was reintroduced after a hiatus of close to 13 years.

Registration closes this afternoon, Friday 17, and auditions are scheduled for May 22 at the CDC Office.

An ensemble coordinated by Robert ‘Patches’ Knights and fortified with brass from the Police Band will accompany the ladies.

Chairman of the Queen of Calypso Competition Organising Committee is Chewalee Johnson.

Joanna ‘Nubian Princess’ Christopher, 2018 Calypso Queen, accepts her title trophy from Kenneth ‘Vibrating Scakes’ Alleyne, Founder/Manager of the Caylpso Theatre Tent which was the original organisers of the Calypso Queen Competition in SVG.

Minister with responsibility for Fisheries Saboto Caesar (right) and Chief Fisheries Officer Jennifer Cruickshank-Howard at the launch.

Barrouallie and continue in various communities throughout the state, including a May 26 — June 1 extravaganza in Calliaqua.

The Goodwill Fishermen’s Cooperative, based in Kingstown, winds up their community programming on June 8.

Fisherman’s Day Activities this year, the 44th edition, is being held under the theme, ‘Climate Change affects the ocean. Fish responsibly to sustain the industry’, supported by the slogan, ‘We fish it, you dish it’.

A Rowboat competition June 5, Beach Seine activities from June 3 to 7, Female and Junior Fishing competitions June 8 are also on the agenda.

Friday’s opening heard from Saboto Caesar, Minister with responsibility for Fisheries. He alluded to a “realignments” in the Fisheries business, with the establishment of a Business Development Unit.

The Unit, the Minister said, is geared towards ensuring that careful attention is given to enhancement of the business side of the industry.

Caesar is anticipating an increase in exports of fish and fish products, and expects the Fishermen’s Cooperatives to play a role in this regard.

Chief Fisheries Officer Jennifer Cruickshank-Howard alluded to the impact of Climate change, and her department’s role in ensuring that “appropriate measures for management of aqua resources are in place.”

Cruickshank-Howard outlined measures of adaptation and mitigation to include measures to shore up safety at sea, decrease incidents and “foster a culture of safety.”

The Fisheries Division is “obligated” to working with “Fishermen” in ensuring that the industry thrives, she said. (Stories by WKA)

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18. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Old Airport out of bounds

The entire compound of the decommissioned E. T. Joshua will be closed to public use in order to accommodate Exercise Tradewinds.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be hosting Phase 2 of Exercise Tradewinds from June 14 – 21, 2019, and the decommissioned E.T Joshua Airport at Arnos Vale will be utilized for the duration of the Exercise.

Members of the General Public are therefore asked to take note of the following: 1. The Royal St.

Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) in conjunction with the Tradewinds Secretariat will take possession of the entire E.T Joshua Airport compound from Monday 20 May to Sunday 30th June 2019.

2. The Airport compound including the parking lot will be off

limits to the General Public from the 19 May 2019.

3. Owners of livestock who graze animals on the E.T Joshua compound must cease to do so from 19 May 2019.

Failure to do so will result in the animals being impounded.

(Source: RSVPF)

The Stage 1 ICE (foreground) and the Junior Dragster on show at the Grand View Hotel last Saturday.

Stage 1 ICE launched SOCIAL activist/auto racing enthusiast Mark Sardine has hailed last week’s launch of the ‘Stage 1 ICE’ a success.

The launch, Sardine said, was intended to get the younger ones, from as early as the age of 4, enthused about auto racing.

The vehicle was launched to a small crowd at Grand View Hotel last Saturday.

The ‘Stage 1 ICE’ requires the individual to move the vehicle utilizing pedals, and resembles the same set up as a bicycle.

But it, like the ‘Junior Dragster’, has a number of safety features and was designed specifically with the nation’s youth in mind.

Sardine told THE VINCENTIAN that the vehicles were well received, and he is planning a bigger event at Heritage Square in Kingstown at a date to be determined.

“Once I feel comfortable, this will be about in the public,” Sardine said.

And as was promised, a number of local autoracing stalwarts were recognized for their contribution to the sport here.

Sardine had indicated that his reason for saluting those individuals was to give something back for the inspiration they gave to him.

Among the individuals recognized he said were Tony Sardine, Ozzie Veira, Fyzad Moussa, Dr Perry DeFreitas, John Barnard, David ‘Stumpy’ De Freitas, Gregory Ferrari, Paul MacLeish, Art Huggins, Korie Williams, Dennis Joshua, Van Edmunds, Jack Joachim, Sonny DeFreitas, Steve Ollivierre, Tony Abbott, Steve Oliver, Lennox ‘Becks’ Gonsalves and Fitz Richardson. (DD)

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 17 , 2019. 19.

Training

Thirty-five on single parents programme

THE THIRTY-FIVE new entrants into the Ministry of Mobilization’s Single Parents Programme have been encouraged to embrace the opportunity that has been afforded to them.

LaFleur Quammie-Harry, Coordinator of the Gender Affairs Division (Ag), made the appeal as she addressed the group at the orientation exercise on Wednesday.

“We wish that at the end of the session, we can all meet out objectives, which is to familiarize ourselves with the programme and to understand what to expect,” she said.

The Single LaFleur QuammieParents Harry Programme was implemented in 2016 following the national poverty assessment that was conducted in 2007/2008, when it was determined that 30.2 percent of the population was categorized as poor.

Of that 30.2 percent, it was further determined that 55 percent were headed by single parents.

“Therefore, this programme was developed as a response to this assessment,” Harry explained.

And single parents, by their nature, are disadvantaged in terms of being able to meet their basic needs and that of their families.

So, the programme was designed to empower such individuals and to equip them with the required skills to move away from being dependent on the state, and to become self-sufficient.

Jemima George, attached to the Ministry of Mobilization, explained that there was a need for such a programme, based on the fact that single parents may be stretched financially and emotionally, which in turn can have an impact on the children.

“So then, if we in the ministry can then provide the needs of the single parents, then we

can change the life of a child and by extension the family,” George said.

She explained that the participants are usually individuals that have been referred to, or have walked in and asked for assistance.

And during Jemima George the two years that they are participating in the programme, they are exposed to various training opportunities.

For example, George said, participants receive training on parenting, and in the process, “We improve communication in families and decrease the incidents of child abuse and neglect.” (DD)

Particpants and others at last Wednesday orientation exercise of the Single Parents Programme.

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20. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

Stop the daydreaming Dear George, MY GIRLFRIEND asked me to be the Maid of Honour at her wedding, but I think I will have to turn down the request simply because I have a thing for the man she is about to marry.

I have not told him about my feeling, and I am wondering if I should. Suppose he is the man of my dreams? Must I allow him to slip through my fingers just like that?

The wedding is three months away.

I know I am already late with my answer, but I do not know how to tell my friend no.

As far as I am concerned, it’s down to deciding either allowing her to marry the guy I am so madly in love with or laying a claim to him and lose our friendship.

I am tired of settling for 2nd place and being always the ‘good guy’ and you know what they say about ‘good guys? They finish last.

If this person is your friend as you say, then choosing to share in her happiness should not be such a difficult decision to make.

Your friend has more than a “thing” for the man she has decided to marry which is what you need to have if you ever wish to settle seriously with anyone.

Stop your daydreaming and say yes to the request, and be that friend in need to your girlfriend. There is nothing wrong with being the ‘good guy’; you need not buy into that misleading cliché that says ‘nice guys finish last’.

Hard choice

George

Dear Hard Choice,

Married woman ÂbluesÊ

Dear George,

Dear Afraid to make a move, I STUPIDLY agreed to sleep with this (older) married woman whenever she asked. I admit, at first the idea was great, but now she is getting too demanding.

She started out calling on me once per week, then it moved to twice per week. Now, it’s up to sometimes twice per day depending on her feelings.

I talked to her about opting out of the arrangement, but she threatened to reveal everything to my girl if I did.

I have never done anything like this before, and I am afraid that if my girlfriend finds out, she will dump me immediately. She always says she hates liars and cheaters, and right now, that is exactly what I have turned out to be.

By your own admission, you have said what you did was stupid. Do not further compound this act of stupidity by covering it up indefinitely.

Chances are your cheating scheme will be uncovered down the road anyway, at which time trying to save your relationship might prove futile.

If you truly regret committing this grave error, then man up and confess your shortcomings and beg for forgiveness. Your girlfriend may indeed hate cheaters and liars, but she may also have an appreciation for men who know how to admit the error of their ways, and who have a genuine intention and motivation to do better. It is incumbent on you to do everything in your power to the one you love in your life.

Afraid to make a move

George

What a boyfriend!!!

Dear George, I HAVE BEEN dating my boyfriend for one year, and in that year, he has not remembered my birthday. He claimed he did not have time to get me a Christmas present, and said he had the wrong date for when I told my folks he was coming to the house to be introduced.

I am getting the impression that he is not really into me with his lame excuses and not following through on promises.

My parents have told me I should drop him; however, I am caught

between taking their advice and giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Your thoughts?

Need to know Dear Need to know,

you that he did not have time to get you something for Christmas.

Also, meeting your parents is an important event, and he ought to know that being a noshow would cause you serious embarrassment.

I would advise that you take a few steps back and give a more attentive ear to what your parents are saying.

That is quite a record for the first year! One year is still a short time to expect a close to perfect record, but it is quite a big deal when the love of your life says to George

Leisure

Aries (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Relatives will be cordial. Get into fitness programs to keep in shape. Your ambitious mood may not go over well with loved ones. Don't get into heated discussions. You can expect changes in your living arrangements.

Taurus (Apr. 21‐ May 21) This could be a serious relationship.

Overindulgence may be a problem. Be confident in your endeavors and others will believe in your efforts. Take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves.

Gemini (May 22‐June 21) Try to avoid being extravagant this week.

If you haven't planned a vacation, then at least try to get away for the weekend.

They won't get away with it. Changes in your domestic scene are evident.

Cancer (June 22‐July 22) You may be able to impart knowledge that's innovative to those searching for a new angle. Problems with peers is apparent. Get on with your life. Your ideas are good and career moves can be realized.

Leo (July 23‐Aug 22) Based on your excitement, serious‐ minded individuals will be more than interested in backing your ideas. Take time to help a friend who hasn't been feeling well. You can get ahead if you present your ideas to superiors.

Virgo (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) Join a club to work off that excess energy; but consider ways of doing that without spending the money. You will accomplish the most in the work environment this week. There's lots to be done and if you meet your deadline you'll be in your boss's good books.

Libra (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) Use your charm, but don't be phony.

Someone close to you may need help.

Travel in pursuit of pleasure and knowledge. The locks, stove, gas, or electric wires may not be secure.

Scorpio (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) Don't trust a deal that looks too good, or a lover who appears to have it all. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunities that exist. Pushy people must be kept at arm's length.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Take things slowly, especially for the sake of those you love. You will be misinterpreted if you get involved in other people's problems. This is a great day to beautify your living quarters or to entertain at home.

Capricorn (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Do not make rash decisions about your personal life. Your diplomatic nature will help you in straightening out unsavory situations. Don't spend too much on products that promise amazing cosmetic results.

Aquarius (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) It might be best to work on your own; if possible, do your job out of your home this week. Someone you live with may cause drastic alterations in your usual routine. People who try to persuade you to do things their way will annoy you.

Pisces (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Your ideas are right on the mark and your work commendable. Travel opportunities look positive, but be cautious while driving. Don't blow situations out of proportion or you could find that others will misinterpret what really happened.

ACROSS 1. Chin bone 4. Panhandle 7. Barbecue rod 11. Dessert‐menu words 12. Wall‐climbing plant 13. Auto extra 14. Portable 55‐Across 15. Beavers’ project 16. Dubuque native 17. Work (bread dough) 19. Winter malady 20. Mourner’s emotion 22. Sanctuary tables 26. Heaps of blown snow 28. Sheep‐pasture sound 29. Brass‐section biggie 32. Bolt fastener 33. Mail (a letter) 34. Go gray, maybe 35. Straight‐ forward 37. Different moon stages 39. Horned beast 42. Burnt residue 43. Pleasing odor 45. Bat one’s eyes 48. Angeles intro 50. Jay‐Z’s music 51. Senate runners 52. Astound 53. Definite article 54. Approach 55. Sleeping site 56. Ate (lunch) DOWN 1. Mr Nicholson 2. Accompanying 3. Bath filler 4. Auction Participant 5. TV star Gabor 6. Exercise facility 7. Teapot mouth 8. Fido’s “foot”

9. George Gershwin’s brother 10. Four plus six 13. Window ledges 18. Verdi title role 19. More obese 21. Complete 23. Actor Vigoda 24. Dashed 25. Sorrowful 27. Coat trim 29. Pat lightly 30. “Disgusting!”

31. Arthur on “Maude” 33. Move with a spoon 35. Office

furniture items 36. Pursued 38. Less irrational 40. Up, on a map 41. Nebraskan city

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. 21.

44. Did imitations of 45. Bar 46. Tell fibs 47. Lovely Lupino 48. Science room 49. Be obligated

22. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. 23.

Bascombe in West Indies U15 Team

UNDER-15 VINCENTIAN fast bowler Solomon Bascombe has been selected to the Under-15 West Indies squad named for a tour to England later this year, for an ICC sanctioned youth tournament.

Bascombe, a right arm fast bowler, is one of three Windward Islands players selected to the Wi. Squad, the others being Grenadians wicketkeeper Divonie Joseph and medium pacer Devin Tyson.

The squad was selected following the CWI Under-15 Tournament which was held in Antigua last month.

Bascombe, speaking to THE VINCENTIAN since he got word of his selection, admitted, “When I received

the call and was told I was selected to represent the Windies U-15 team, I felt relieved to know that my hard work had paid off. You never expect to be selected, but you do always hope for it, and now that it has happened, it is still hard to believe. However, it is another step in a long journey to the highest level of the sport, which I do hope to get to eventually with hard work and support”.

The young man, a graduate of the local Lennox John National Cricket Academy and a member of the Premier Division cricket team Victors One, said he is looking forward to the new challenge.

“It is a big burden to

carry… representing so many different people and cultures, but I will try to keep a clear and calm head while enjoying what I do in order to represent them as best possible.”

Currently enrolled at the St Vincent Grammar School, Bascombe was grateful to those who played an important part in helping his cricket to reach thus far.

He said, with an air of humility, “I have to thank God Almighty for the talent he has given me; my parents who have been at every match and training session possible and for their little words of advice; my coaches and managers for never giving up on me and giving a push when necessary,

Solomon Bascombe is now a West Indies Under-15 fast bowler with his eyes set on even greater achievement. and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority for sponsoring me new gears that helped me perform in Antigua.”

THE VINCENTIAN

congratulates Solomom on this milestone, and wishes him nothing but unencumbered progress on to the highest level of his chosen sport.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Football Festivals lauded participate as well as to improve their skills, to compete against others, attract new persons to the sport of Football, as well as to assess the development of students who are enrolled in the various programmes directly under the SVGFF or with the various clubs and other community organisations.”

The Festivals Ian Sardine – Youth Development Officer of the SVGFF involve participants (right), and Michael Harris, Assistant Coach of the SVG in workout sessions, skills challenges and Senior Men’s Team, looking on at last Saturday’s small side matches.

Festival.

IAN SARDINE, the Youth Development Officer of the SVG Football Federation (SVGFF), has lauded the staging of the Grassroots Football Festivals, a thrust of the Federation.

Festivals were held over the last two Saturdays at the Hope Playing Field in Vermont and the Campden Park Playing Field respectively, with the final one set for this Saturday at the Brighton

Playing Field, for schools and teams on the Windward side of the island.

“The timing might be a little off because of exams, and although you will not get total participation, the turnout has been great”, Sardine commented at last Saturday’s Festival.

Outlining the aims of the Festivals, Sardine said: “These Festivals are a means of encouraging people to

A small side game as part of last Saturday’s Grassroots Festival. set up the zones … We are going to assist the clubs in developing their coaching staff to cover all the areas because without that, we are still

going to struggle in the future.”

But a cautious and realistic Sardine proffered, “It will be another three years

before you can see the true results of what is taking place now… For you to see the finished product, it will take about three years.”

Future Plans Sardine acknowledges that these Festivals cannot be one-off.

“These Festivals have to be continued ….For it to be successful and bear fruit, it has to be over a period of time , therefore we are going to do Festivals again in the Summer and include coaching sessions as well.”

He emphasized that, “We are going into areas,

A Female component was part of last Saturday’s Festival at the Campden Park Playing Field.

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24. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

SVG hosts PAGU judges’ course

PARTICIPANTS from eight countries, including St Vincent and the Grenadines, wrapped up the 2019 Pan American Gymnastics Union’s (PAGU) four-day introductory judges’ course here on Monday.

It was the second time the St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Gymnastics Association (SVGGA) and the PAGU were collaborating in staging a course of this nature. The first was held in April 2018.

LaPrise William, Technical Director of the SVGGA explained that those who participated in last year’s course had agreed that they wanted to make the sport of gymnastics better throughout the region.

“And we are working hard to do that,” she said while speaking at the

opening ceremony held last Friday at the Beachcombers Hotel.

“We are toiling for Participants and local and hemispheric Gymnastics Officials in the the benefit of out second Introductory Course for Judges held here in SVG. Helen Laliberte, athletes,” she course facilitator, is second from right. continued.

According to William, to be hosting it again this year. official the course was organized as another accreditation; Helen Laliberte, President of the measure towards ensuring that educate judges by Women’s Technical Committee of the gymnastics keeps developing and PAGU, and facilitator of the course, in informing them of LaPrise William, improving in years to come. the rules of the her opening remarks, noted that Technical The sport was introduced here some staging the event was a big step for Federation of Director of the three and a half years ago, and International the region.

SVGGA, is already, William said, SVG had been Gymnastics, and She commended the sponsors, pleased with the making strides in gymnastics, and the saying that it was important for the to provide access progress of athletes have been doing well. to material for support of the athletes.

St Vincent and the Grenadines judges in order for Gymnastics since Among the key objectives of the became the first country to host the its introduction them to develop course are: to certify judges with event, she said, and it was a pleasure here. skills. (DD)

Sheishin Karate Club hosts championships THE WEST ST GEORGE Secondary School was the venue for the Sheishin Karate Club’s internal championships, last Saturday.

It was an affair of kicks and punches, out of which emerged a number of age category winners.

In the 6 to 8 years category, Darius Humphrey won both the Kata and Kumite, with Ethson Providence following him in second in the Terrance Providence was first in the Male 12 to 15 Kata and Kumite.

Kata, and Amiyah Bascombe doing likewise in the Kumite.

Christian Joseph won the 9 to 11 years Kata, ahead of Davante Robinson, who in turn took the Kumite ahead of Jonathan Wood.

Taking the first places in the 12 to 15 years Kata and Kumite was Terrance Providence, with Jamal Williams second in the Kata, and Joshua Richardson second in the Kumite.

Claude Bascombe Jr. won both the Kata and Kumite for Males’ adults 18 years and above.

Second to Bascombe Jr. in the Kata was Seon Stronghold, and in the Kumite, it was Gregg Francois.

And, Allyson Bascombe followed her husband, by taking Kata and Kunite

first places for Females 18 years and Over.

Zalika Henry was runner-up to Bascombe in the Kata, with Shazelle Isaacs taking second place in the Kumite.

Last Saturday’s international championships were the third hosted by the Sheishin Karate Club.

Christian Josephwinner of the 9 to 11 years Male Kata.

Claude Bascombe Jr. (left) and Gregg Francois (right) in the final duel of the 18 and Over Males Kumite.

Marriaqua Football League broadens its reach THE 2019 KIRK DA SILVA, St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation, Expose SVG Marriaqua Football League, has broadened geographical reach.

Dubbed ‘Rep Your Village’, this year’s league is not restricted to teams from the Marriaqua Valley and its environs. It now extends to

participation by teams from as far away as Kingstown.

Among those village teams which are outside the Marrialqua Valley are West Kingstown, Central Kingstown, Redemption Sharpes, Lodge Village, Fair Hall, Largo Height, Gomea, Enhams and Glen.

They join village outfits from the Marriaqua Valley:

Mesopotamia, Richland Park, Carierre, Glenside, Freeland, Hill 16 and Cane End, in making up the lot.

The competition will run the next four months with matches at the Cane End Playing Field.

As far as the Cane End Playing Field is concerned, First Vice- President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation- Otashie Richland Park makes winning start to the Marriaqua League.

Spring, speaking at last Sunday’s brief Grenadines.” with two and Amien John, the Opening Ceremony, Until such time as that other. committed his comes to fruition, players will West Kingstown’s goals federation to seeing have to contend with the dust came from D’ Neilson Lewis that that playing field as the field remains partially and Caldero Duantyre. becomes, “the first grassed.

Apart from the Senior astro-turf Football field The 2019 league got off in Competition, there will be an in St Vincent and the earnest on Sunday, with Under-15 Division.

Richland Park beating West Matches will be played Kingstown 3-2 in a Zone A West Kingstown, one Sunday to Thursday, with match. of many new teams in double headers on Saturdays Scoring for Richland Park the Marriaqua Football and Sundays. were Orlando Trimmingham League.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. 25.

Sports

World Cup quest SUNIL Ambris’ 148 against Ireland last week Saturday breaks a jinx that marked St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We have produced one of the best wicketkeepers ever, in the person of Michael Findlay.

Alfie Roberts set the framework when he was called up to the West Indies at an early age. His stint in the arena was short-lived, as Roberts seemed to have been attracted to other interests.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines produced a few fast bowlers in the likes of Ian Allen, Winston Davis, Cameron Cuffy, Nixon McLean, Kenroy Peters, Kesrick Williams, Delorn Johnson, Ray Jordan, Obed McCoy, and one or two others in between. They followed a legacy left by one Frank Mason who legend has it ought to have been an automatic selection to the West Indies squad.

But the pattern of discrimination as it relates to Small Islands has been established. So it is known that cricketers from St. Vincent and the Grenadines normally find it harder to break through at the higher level of West Indies cricket.

It is in that regard that Sunil Ambris’ selection was greeted after a long pounding at the selectors’ doors. His opening salvos provided the scope for some adjustment. And having to endure the drama of the continual abuse of Small Island cricketers, Ambris went through the typical orientation.

Perhaps the change in the guard at the West Indies level acted in Ambris’ favour and he was given an opportunity to be part of the Tri Series in Ireland involving Bangladesh.

Dawnley Joseph might have been the closest candidate to fill the batting category as far as Vincentians were concerned. It was unfortunate that Joseph was not allowed the latitude of overcoming the nerves of examination pressure.

There are subtle ways of making life difficult for the sportsman.

Mike Findlay will tell you about an occasion when two wicket keepers were put in the squad, when it was obvious to all that Findlay was the logical option. People will remind of Findlay’s nervousness which inevitably served in conceding the spot.

Some Vincentians have flirted at the regional level but somehow missed out on the ultimate elevation.

Lance John would have been an automatic choice, had it not been for the dominance of Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge. Linton Lewis was more focussed on getting his degrees than vying for a place in the West Indies team.

There is no doubt about his grit as an opening batsman.

Albert Tesheira still displays his wares at the Masters stage, having come through the Windward phases.

A host of other Vincentian batsmen, spinners, and all-rounders plied their trade in the circles.

Miles Bascombe enjoyed a stint, Orlando Jackson knocked on the doors of regional section but found himself discarded even at the Windward stages.

Persons like Alston Bobb and Roland Wilkinson were in sight of further progress, had it not been for the intrigues of Windwards cricket.

Kishore Shallow’s ascendency to the Vice President of West Indies Cricket should engender a resurgence in cricket here. Shallow has the opportunity of cementing his programme to the extent that maximum benefits are derived.

Ambris’ burgeoning in the spotlight serves as a feather in Shallow’s cap. They both have something to complement each other. Ambris has an opportunity to stake a claim for inclusion to the World Cup squad. The West Indies need batsmen to counteract the threat of the Bangladesh attack, and indeed all in the World Cup. The Tri Nation series served as a reminder that we have some work to do ahead of the World Cup. We have to face that competition head on, one game at a time and build a momentum to the ideal climax.

Two Bascombes light up National 50 Overs RETIRED national opening batsman Miles Bascombe and recently W.I. Under-15 call-up fast bowler Solomom Bascombe shared the limelight in the NLA Premier Division 50 Overs Cricket Competition, last weekend.

The Bascombes, helped their team — Victors One - to victory over New Haven Funeral Home North Windward, in one of last weekend’s matches played at Arnos Vale.

First, Solomon captured 6 wickets for 44 runs in a sustained spell of fast bowling to help rout North Windward for 148. Then Miles hit a typically aggressive 102 (13 fours and 4 sixes) to send Victors to a victory total of 151 for 5 wickets.

14, were the chief wicket-takers for Team Rivals.

Team Rivals Solomon Miles made 130 for 4 from Bascombe Bascombe 15 overs, Joseph celebrated his hit 102 for leading this time W.I. U-15 callwith the bat with 51. up with a six- Victors One. Alston Bobb took 3 wicket haul. for 22.

At Stubbs, Guardian General Saints Kadir Nedd hit beat Strike Eagles by 41. Victors 138 runs. Saints made Two 179 for 5 from 20 overs, replied National T20 Jeremy Layne topwith 81 scoring with 98, Ray for 5 from In the most recent Charles took 4 wickets. round of matches in the Strike Eagles could only 15 overs.

NLA Neil Williams, reach 51 from 12 overs in Denis Byam led Team Rivals beat Victors their reply.

Jeremy with 32.

One by 4 wickets.

Flow Radcliffe Layne, 98, Rasheed Victors One made 129 defeated Victors Two by Frederick top scored for 8 from 18 overs, 60 runs. Flow Radcliffe took 2 for 4. for Saints.

Atticus Browne getting made 141 for 2 from 15 Kensey Joseph, 3 for 23, overs. Gidron Pope led I.B.A.ALLEN Deighton Butler, 2 for with 80 not out and In another weekend game played at Park Hill, Team Rivals beat Police Two by 5 wickets.

Perhaps overburdened by their normal duties, the lawmen were taken apart by Deighton Butler, 6 for 26, for a paltry 88.

Team Rivals responded with 89 for 5 from 13 overs, Lindon James hitting 34.

Smashers set to defend title Smashers’ Leshawn Lewis followed up his quarter-final half century with another in the semi-final.

DEFENDING champions Smashers and MSDA Jules Anthony Northern Stars will contest the NLA First Division Sunday Leagues 50 Overs final.

Northern Stars claimed their finals berth when they defeated Keagan’s Bequia X1 by 4 wickets at Arnos Vale 2, last Sunday.

Bequia X1 took first knock and

registered 205 from 31.5 overs, Razine Browne top scoring with 44 and the in form, Shem Browne getting 31. Shamon Hooper captured 3 for 42 to help keep Bequia in check.

Thanks to a maximum-laden 96 (11 sixes and 4 fours) by opening batsman Leshawn Lewis, Northern Stars paced themselves to victory, getting to 206 in 31.2 overs, for the loss of 6 wickets, with Dean Browne accounting for 4 of those wickets for 63 runs.

Smashers made certain that they were poised to retain their championship title when they dispensed with Police One in the other semi-final played at Sion Hill last Sunday.

Police One, first at the crease, disappointed with a lackluster 165 all out in 31 overs. Elmore Alexander contributed 43 of those runs but was one of Jabid Harry’s 4 victims which he claimed at the expense of a mere 34 runs.

Smashers wasted no time.

They raced to 166 in 25.5 overs, for the loss of four wickets, with openers Kirton Lavia, 61, and Ronald Scott,40, setting the pace with an opening stand of 65 in 7.4 overs.

The finals will be contested this Sunday beginning at 10am at the Cumberland Playing Field.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Snagg takes Squash Classic JULES SNAGG held on to his claim as this country’s number one male squash player when he took the (male) title in National Squash Classic Championships, which was played over three-days last week, at the Kingstown Squash Centre, Paul’s Avenue.

He beat Othniel Bailey 1210, 11-7, 11-7.in the final.

Amber Glasgow took the female category of the Championshuip when she best Dr. Sherian Slater, 11-7, 11-4, 11-7, in the final.

Consolation Play Offs

Jules Snagg, winner of the Male Division of the National Squash Classic Championships.

Apart from the Main Draw for the Males, there was a Consolation Plate.

In the Play Offs, Rashid Constance beat Mikhail Quashie 11-9, 12-10, 11-5, while for those in the 50 years

and Over age category, Paul Cyrus defeated Collin Alexander 11-2, 11-9, 11-7.

The Championships, hosted by the SVG Squash Association, was used to assess the local players’ readiness for the OECS Senior Squash Championships, to be held here from 6th to 9th June.

From the OECS Championships, the subregional team will be selected for the Senior Caribbean Area Squash Association Championships, slated for Guyana.

26. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Hospital act unacceptable A WOMAN who, via a The Milton social media, posted Cato Memorial video May 14, was Hospital has showed to be lying on come in for its the floor of the share of attack.

Accident and Emergency Unit of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, was treated and admitted to a ward at the hospital for continuing observation and care.

This according to a Press Release from the Ministry of Health last Wednesday. hospital attendant staff but who, in The video in focus, showed the what the video captured, gave scant woman clearly prostate and scantily visual regard if any to the woman, far clad in clear view of nursing and less to offer a ‘caring’ hand of attention as one would expect of the profession.

In the release, the Ministry of Health expressed its abhorrence with the contents of the video, and registered its regret, deeming the whole affair “unacceptable.”

According to the release, the Minister of Health and his Permanent Secretary met on Wednesday morning “with relevant staff, and requested urgent reports which would be forwarded through the Permanent Secretary to the Service Commissions Department, and form the basis for any further action if necessary.”

The Ministry promised a “thorough investigation … to ascertain the full facts.”

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2019. 27.

Classifieds

NORVILLE MATTHIAS LAVIA

ETNA CAMPBELL

EMOLINE DOUGLAS

Gospel Hall Stubbs Saturday, 11th May, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Layou SDA Church Sunday, 12th May, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

GESLINE EVADNEY ELLS St. Malachi Spiritual Baptist Church Redemption Sharpes Sunday, 12th May, 2019 Viewing: 12:00 noon Service: 1:00 p.m.

JOYCE GORDON Kingdom Life Ministries Friday, 10th May, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church Sandy Bay (Anglican Rites 11) Saturday 11th May 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

HENRY WALTER BAPTISTE Kingstown Methodist Church Friday, 10th May, 2019 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

F O R S A L E

FRIDAY,

MAY 17, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.20

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LIAT: ANTIGUA MAKES OFFER TO BARBADOS THE GOVERNMENT of Antigua and Barbuda confirmed Friday 9th May, 2019 that it had officially submitted a document to authorities in Barbados, indicating its interest in purchasing the shares that country owns in the cashstrapped regional airline LIAT. This is according to a report carried in the online Antigua Observer news service of the same day.

The Observer reported Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne as saying that the proposal was submitted last week Tuesday, though as of Wednesday of last week, the Barbados authorities said they had not yet received a formal proposal from Mr. Browne about the purchase of shares.

Barbados owns 49.5% of the shares in the regional airline, making it the largest single shareholder. It will be displaced from that position by Antigua and Barbuda if that twin island nation is successful in its bid to buy those shares.

Notwithstanding who sent what and who got what when, PM Browne told the Observer, “We are looking towards the sustainability and viability of LIAT. We now have to await a response from Barbados, and then we will develop an action plan on the way forward.”

The confirmation of PM

Browne’s offer follows an April 30 meeting of LIAT’s shareholder governments in Antigua, where it was agreed that a proposal from PM Browne regarding the direction of the airline, would be examined.

During the meeting, Browne presented the proposal, albeit orally, which involves apparently, among other things — a way to finance the keeping of the three LIAT planes owned by the Caribbean Development Bank.

There was a suggestion prior to Browne’s proposal, that the planes be sold as part of the downsizing of LIAT. That seemed to have initially won consensus among some shareholders who opined that this matter merited serious consideration.

The Antigua and Barbuda proposal now seemed to have taken precedence as far as the discussion going forward is concerned.

All of this discussion on the future of LIAT stemmed from a request by the shareholder

governments for an injection of some US $5.4 million into the cash-strapped regional airline, that services 15 Caribbean countries.

The request was described by some to be a plea of desperation.

St. Kitts-Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines responded positively to the call, with Trinidad and Tobago offering to assist in ways other than a direct cash input.

Also surfacing last week

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

Could LIAT be looking at a new shareholder configuration? was indication that business/aviation tycoon Sir Richard Branson would be open to considering investing in a restructured LIAT. There was no confirmation that this was down for any consideration by LIAT shareholder governments, though officials of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda had spoken in public about the matter.

Meantime, recent press reports disclosed that Grenada

has joined Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a principal shareholder in LIAT. And as CEO/LIAT Ms. Julia Reifer-Jones had asserted in April before the meeting in Antigua, LIAT remains in the skies and fulfilling most of its schedule.

No word, though, on the ongoing impasse with the airline’s pilots over a proposed salary cut.

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