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FRIDAY,
OCTOBER 17, 2014
VOLUME 108, No.42
www.thevincentian.com
EC$1.50
Tamara Gibson-Marks and her lead attorney Alberton Richelieu leave the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court after what they would have concluded was a fair day’s work.
by HAYDN HUGGINS ST LUCIAN ATTORNEY Alberton Richelieu believes that justice has been served in the criminal matter involving his client, Tamara Gibson-Marks, former High Court Registrar here. Richelieu made the comment while speaking to THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday, shortly after Gibson-Marks was fined $4,500 for theft and $6,000 for abuse of office. She was ordered to pay the $4,500 in one month or three months in prison, and the $6,000 in three months or six months behind bars. Magistrate Carla James handed down the penalties at the Kingstown Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was the first to disclose that the former Registrar had repaid some $300,000 she was accused of taking wrongfully.
Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday following a passionate mitigation plea by Richelieu. Local lawyer Duane Daniel, who also represented the former Registrar, made brief emotional remarks on his client’s behalf. The former Registrar was visibly calm and collected throughout the proceedings. Richelieu told THE VINCENTIAN that, in contrast to the low esteem to which Gibson-Marks was held in recent months, “I believe that justice has been served, and I am satisfied.”
Marks pleads guilty
Magistrate Carla James ruled that the mitigating factors outweighed the aggravating factors, hence a custodial sentence was not warranted.
Last week Tuesday October 7, Gibson-Marks, a St. Lucian, pleaded guilty to dishonestly appropriating EC$21,925 between April 30, 20014 and May 21, 2014, belonging to the Mediation Programme of the High Court here. She also admitted that on May 7, 2014,
“While being a person employed in the public service, did direct, in abuse of her office as Registrar of the High Court, an arbitrary act prejudicial to the rights of another person to wit, , request that Account No 800300 at the St. Vincent Cooperative Bank Ltd. for the benefit of Franklyn Williams, be closed. In relation to mitigation, the defence was granted permission for the filing and serving of written submissions on the Court and the DPP by last Friday, October 10. This was supplemented by oral submissions on Tuesday.
Magistrate explains her sentencing
In handing down the penalties, Magistrate James said she was guided by the principles of sentencing as set out by the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal. In highlighting the aggravating factors of the case, James stressed the breach of trust by the defendant and the loss of public confidence in state institutions as a result of her actions. But James pointed out that the mitigating factors outweighed the aggravating ones, and taking into account the aggravating and mitigating factors, the Magistrate concluded that the imposition of a custodial sentence was not warranted.
Mitigation on Marks’ behalf
In mitigation, Richelieu asked the court to be as lenient as possible. Reflecting on the facts as presented by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Colin Williams last week Tuesday, Richelieu told the court that the money in relation to the Mediation Programme was kept in a drawer and no proper receipts or records of transactions were kept. He noted that, even before a lock was placed on the drawer about two years ago, there were a series of unreported thefts at the High Court Office. He aded that Gibson-Marks as accounting officer, realized that she was responsible and took full responsibility. Continued on Page 3. Colin Williams DPP did not respond to the oral submissions (mitigation) by Gibson-Marks’ lawyers.
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2. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
News
Taiwan re-commits to SVG
by DAYLE DA SILVA AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN) to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, H.E Bershuan Ger, has expressed his government’s continued support to this country’s development. H.E Ger re-stated his
country’s commitment on the eve of that nation’s 103rd National Day (commonly referred to as 10/10), which was observed last Friday, October 10. In an address at a ceremony which took place last week Thursday at Beachcombers Hotel, the
Ambassador said that in the 103 years of his country’s existence, the country has overcome many “trials and tribulations,” as the founding fathers sought to establish the first republic in Eastern Asia. “...ideals have now been fully realised in Taiwan
Dr. Godwin Friday (2nd from left) and his wife (left), Girlyn Miguel, Ambassador Bershuan Ger (2nd from right) and his wife (right) lead a toast of in honour of Taiwan’s National Day.
where we enjoy freedom, democracy and equitable transparency,” H.E. Ger said. Today the country has expanded to a population of 23 million, and has developed into the 26th largest economy in the world, with a foreign reserve of US$423 billion, and its purchasing power priority ranks higher than the likes of Germany, United Kingdom, France, Japan and South Korea. H.E Ger boasted his country’s accomplishments in education, saying that there were 160 universities in Taiwan, attracting over 80,000 foreign students, of which Vincentians were included. “So far, the Taiwanese govt has provided over 100 Vincentian youths with a scholarship to receive higher education in Taiwan, and we would continue the scholarship programme so that more and more Vincentian youth will benefit,” the Ambassador said. He continued saying that the 33 years since cordial relations between
Taiwan and St Vincent and the Grenadines were established, much has been produced in a lot of areas ranging from agriculture to culture. “The RC Government is proud to be a strong partner in the development projects, and we will continue to do so in the future.” He thanked the government for its continued support for Taiwan in the international arena, particularly for rallying support for the country’s participation in United Nations’ specialized agencies and other related mechanisms. Vice President of the New Democratic Party, Dr Godwin Friday, who represented the Leader of the Opposition at the event, also thanked the ambassador for his government’s continued support and generosity. “We continue to support the efforts and ambitions of your people and government for more acceptance internationally, so that your country can play its
H.E. Ambassador Bershuan Ger, pledged his country’s continued support to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. true role in international affairs,” Friday said. Girlyn Miguel, in her capacity then as the Prime Minister (Ag), said that the celebration was also a time for reflection on the work done by those who laid the groundwork for the setting up of the relations between both countries. She said they were the ones who have allowed for the great work that Taiwan has been doing in assisting in this country’s development. “The people of Taiwan are our real friends,” she said.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. 3.
News 3
PM returns in good health: Chides detractors by KENVILLE HORNE
walking, I am pretty much there.” PRIME MINISTER DR. RALPH According to the Prime GONSALVES received an Minister, healthcare emotional reception last Saturday professionals have analyzed on his return to the state from “every single possibility which Cuba, where he spent two weeks could conceivably be problematic receiving treatment for an injury and I am confident that I am in to a muscle in his right thigh. good health,” Party supporters, Cuban Dr. Gonsalves explained that Ambassador to SVG Pablo the muscular and related Antonio Rodriguez, Venezuelan problems are as a consequence Charge d’affaires, Commissioner of his right leg being about of Police Michael Charles, three three-quarters of an inch government officials, Deputy shorter than the left, which he Prime Minister Girlyn Miguel, had ignored. Minister of State Julian He expressed thanks to those Francis, and Minister of Foreign persons who wished him well, Affairs , Camillo Gonsalves, and those who prayed for him gathered at the E.T Joshua while he was in Cuba. “But, of airport to welcome the Prime course, there are some who had Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves being heartily greeted by supporters on his return from Minister. me with a stroke, some had me medical attention in Cuba. The turnout of supporters with incurable cancer, some had might have been a me coming back in a casket,” he must remember one fact, if they death rate remains steady at time to die, and after death, the disappointment, given the calls said. think about it; it’s a simple 100 per cent, because everybody judgment,” he continued in on radio for Vincentians to turn “And when persons want me thing you know. The world’s has to go. There is appointed a response to his detractors. up in their numbers to show to come back in a casket, they support for the Prime Minister. But that did not daunt the spirit of those who were present, and the Prime Minister was reduced to tears by the warm reception he received when he Continued from Front Page. order in Claim 96 of 1980 purportedly voluntarily to face the consequences of exited the aircraft, provided for dated 9th December 2008 and entered her actions. him by the Government of Richelieu pointed out that his client had 12th December 2008. The DPP nolle Richelieu added that the former Venezuela. prosequied that charge last week repaid the money in full, and asked the Registrar was loved by her staff, and During a press briefing at the Court to consider her guilty plea, (her) during her tenure, she worked tirelessly Tuesday. She had pleaded not guilty to VIP lounge of the E. T. Joshua all three charges when she initially not wasting the Court’s time, that she to ensure the modernization and airport, Dr. Gonsalves declared appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s was a person of good character, that she digitization of the Registry. that he was in good health. Court on August 21, and was released expressed extreme remorse for her Duane Daniel in his brief remarks “First of all, I am very, very on $30,000 bail with one surety. actions, and that she had no previous noted that Gibson-Marks greatly loved happy to be back. It is quite an The theft and abuse of office charges convictions. He expressed the view that her daughter who was to have emotional occasion to see so each carries a maximum penalty of two that kind of crime could be committed celebrated her birthday within a few many persons who have come years imprisonment on summary through a lack of due diligence. days. He also stressed the devastating out here, including the Cabinet Richelieu said the incident affected effect the incident had on his client, and conviction. and the Cuban Ambassador and At a news conference last month, his client physically and psychologically, that she was extremely remorseful for the Venezuelan Charge Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and that she has been undergoing her actions. d’affaires,” said the Prime stated that Gibson-Marks had already therapy towards rehabilitation. “She is Minister. repaid a total of over $300,000 which eager to continue her therapy in St. He expressed thanks to his DPP silent had been withdrawn from an account at Cuban and Vincentian medical Lucia,” the lawyer revealed. He noted the St. Vincent Cooperative Bank Ltd team and the Cuban and her loss of weight, which was visible The DPP, who was present, did not and from a Mediation Account of the Venezuelan governments. during her court appearance. Richelieu respond to the oral submissions. High Court. The Prime Minister disclosed also pointed to the level of cooperation Gibson-Marks had maintained her Disbarment proceedings against the that he was advised by his local by his client. He noted that after Gibson- innocence on a third charge of giving a former Registrar are expected to doctors that his injury will take Marks resigned her position on May 21, certificate which was to her knowledge a little while to be completely commence soon. false in material particular, to wit an she left the state, but returned healed, “but as you see, I am
Former Registrar fined
V Vincentian unofficial mayor in ÂHispanic CountryÊ 4. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Diaspora
Charles Thompson in front of his home in “Hispanic Country”.
Vincentian flag on display at block party in “Hispanic Country”
Having their fill at inaugural block party Thompson, presides over his block in the East New York section of Brooklyn that borders Queens. Most Vincentians in Brooklyn reside in the Crown Heights, East Flatbush, WHEN CHARLES THOMPSON left his Flatbush and Canarsie sections. A Moving to Bachata beat. homeland in October 1990, he never few live in the Brownsville and East from the youngest to the oldest. dreamed he would become the unofficial New York sections. “I can say they appointed me the “mayor” of his block, in a section of About 99 percent of residents in Brooklyn, New York that is predominantly Thompson’s neighborhood, referred to leader of the block,” added the tireless Thompson, who served in the US Hispanic. as ‘Hispanic Country’, originate from Army from 1991-94, as a canon crew Thompson, 50, a Chateaubelair Latin America (e.g. Ecuador and man, attaining the rank of specialist, native and relative of former North Costa Rica) or the Spanish-speaking equivalent to corporal. Leeward representative John Caribbean (Dominican Republic, “Anything they want to get done Puerto Rico). A Trinidadian resides from the city or anywhere, they will a few houses away from come to me and ask for my opinion, and (I) take on the responsibility,” Thompson’s. continued Thompson, who also worked as a New York City public school Being called upon teacher from 2000-04 while driving city buses full time, referring to block Thompson — a bus residents. operator with New York’s Metropolitan Transit Authority for the First block party past 15 years and an Recently, the former student at the Adjunct Professor in Chateaubelair Methodist and Petit Mathematics at Bordel Secondary schools, organized Advanced Software his block’s first party, attracting Analysis (ASA) College, Hispanic residents in the downtown Brooklyn, neighborhood. since 2005 — said he is “The block party was successful,” called on to do almost everything for block he said. “There were many people, and residents. they were all well fed. There were lots “I love it, we to eat and drink. get along very well,” said “Instead of each household doing its Thompson, who has been own thing, I asked each to do living on the block since something different. …. “Everyone did 2001. “… They give me what they had to do, and it was lots of love and respect — beautiful.” Story and photos by NELSON A. KING naking@verizon.net; neloking@msn.com US CORRESPONDENT
Visitors were amazed to see Thompson at work at the block party, as residents dined on barbecued spare ribs, chicken, fish, hot dog and chicken; played dominoes and cards; and danced to salsa, meringue, bachata and cumbia music. “I have never had any problems with any of my neighbors,” said Thompson proudly, stating that he actually “happened to live in this neighborhood by default.” He said his current house was first owned by his eldest brother, George, who died in 2001. On George’s death, Thompson said he was appointed administrator of his estate; and, five years later, he purchased the house from the estate.
Parents’ influence Thompson attributed his diligence primarily to his late parents, Christabel and David “Spare Rope” Thompson, of Chateaubelair, and community spiritedness to his hometown. He was the main goal keeper for the Petit Bordel Secondary School in the Chateaubelair Football Championship in the early 1980s, and was the only player of 20 selected from the 1980 championship for the national youth football trials. In addition, Thompson said he pioneered basketball tourneys in his hometown and its environs in 1983. Before migrating to New York, Thompson said he “worked alongside my mother as a young man, trafficking (agricultural produce and livestock) back and forth to Trinidad every week. “And seeing my father campaigning for his party helped prepare me to be doing two high-demanding jobs and still have time to do community work,” said Thompson, stating that his dad was a zealous People’s Political Party (PPP), then New Democratic Party (NDP), supporter, opposed to his cousins John and Jerrol Thompson , Charles Thompson said he will continue working hard in upgrading his block, thanking his Vincentian heritage for his tenacity. He holds a Master of Science degree in education, with concentration in mathematics, from Brooklyn College, City University of New York.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. 5.
News
Be patient, urges PM by DAYLE DA SILVA RESIDENTS who are currently being affected by ongoing refurbishment work to the South Leeward highway, are being asked to be more supportive, and adhere to the temporary traffic diversions that have been implemented. This call was made by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves on Tuesday at a press conference. “I know, as I have indicated earlier, I don’t drive that side of the road regularly clearly, as I used to drive on the Windward side because I had to go visit my parents for instance and my constituency is there... so I know the inconveniences first hand, and I have seen it yesterday (Monday) when I went to Clare Valley. But for us to get this road properly done, we
have to have some inconveniences,” the Prime Minister said. According to the Prime Minister, there was usually the tendency by some individuals to become experts on road diversions, however, the contractors, consultants, officials at the Ministry of Transport and Works and the Traffic Department of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force were cognizant of the facts of the project. “You may have your own views, but this has to be done in a comprehensive and organised manner, so I again ask for patience,” Gonsalves implored. He said that he was not going to agree with the sentiment of one local pastor, who was of the view that law enforcement authorities
should take a firmer line on those who breach the regulations and directives regarding the designated detours. Dr. Gonsalves reiterated that the project was an important one, and now that the money has arrived, the project has started. He explained that the project is expected to take 18 months, saying that they put in all that was necessary, including community relations personnel, and that they are willing to listen to the grievances of the public. The South Leeward Rehabilitation Project is funded by a loan of US$13.6 The South Leeward Highway had deteriorated to a point million from the Caribbean where pot holes presented quite a challenge to vehicle users. Development Bank, and a counterpart amount of US$2.5 (Photo: WEFM) million from the Government It is commenced on August Dipcon Engineering of St. Vincent and the 18 and work is expected to last Services Ltd. is undertaking Grenadines. for 21 months. implementation of the project.
Top school co-operator overwhelmed by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY EZANA HENDERSON is “overwhelmed” having been named the top saver in the National School Co-operative Awards ceremony. The Girls’ High School student earned the top award for having put away over $7,000. Henderson, a Yambou resident, admitted that she was encouraged to save by her mother, Gwenneth, and said that she has been saving since her primary school years at the Marriaqua Government School. “I encourage other young cooperators to save,” Ezana stated, following the handing over function last Tuesday, October 14, at Peace Memorial Hall, Kingstown. Marvin Pierre, a Thomas Saunders Secondary School student, was second in the Secondary School category.
In the Primary School segment, it was a clean sweep for Mustique. Akeyli Williams took the first spot with Chloe Robertson placing second. Their awards were received by teacher guide, Lolita Trimmingham. It was a day of recognition for schools, many of whom were sponsored by local Credit Unions. The function was also aimed at acknowledging the financial achievements of students, and also to encourage stakeholders to intensify their collaborative efforts. Frederick Stephenson, Minister in charge of
Ezana Henderson is the 2014 top saver among members of School Co-operative here. Left: Some of those in attendance at last Tuesday’s ceremony.
Cooperatives, highlighted the importance of the month of October to Vincentians; the month being both one during
Aircraft damages section of runway THE E.T JOSHUA airport was closed temporarily after a section of the runway was damaged during the departure of an aircraft Tuesday shortly around 1p.m. Director of Airports, Corsel Robertson, confirmed Wednesday that a section of the runway was “peeled” off by an aircraft as it was departing the airport. She explained that this may have been
caused by a combination of the force exerted by the aircraft on the hot asphalt. “Upon inspection, it had peeled off piece of the runway,” Robertson told THE VINCENTIAN. She further explained that some work had been done on the said area a few years ago. “Because of the (damaged) area, we could not operate, and BRAGSA carried out some emergency repairs,”
million dollars this year. Stephenson used the which the importance of cooccasion to introduce a operatives is highlighted, and partnership arrangement during which the nation’s involving three Argentinians: attainment of independence Cristina Simone, Santiago from Britain is also Lazzarani, and Jose Amalfi. celebrated. Stephenson concluded by Stephenson recognizing the schools conoted that $800,000 operative programme, one that was saved last year inculcates an attitude of thrift, through the School as a model for the rest of the Co-operatives. He is region and projected cohoping that the operatives as a “means of figure reaches one reducing poverty.”
Estimates Debate Airport personnel inspecting the damaged area on the runway at the E. T. Joshua Airport. the director of airports said. The airport was
reopened around 4:35 the said afternoon, Robertson said. (DD)
THE DATE for the 2015 Budget is expected to be announced when the House meets next Friday, October 24. Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said on Tuesday that the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure will be tabled and the debate expected to begin in the late half of November. He told members of the press that he had already had discussions with the Director General of Finance and Planning, and that further dialogue between the two was expected.
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6. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
News
Senior Prosecutor not wasting judicial time at Paul’s Avenue, around 6:30am May 9th last year. MURDER ACCUSED WENDELL Oneil of The PI commenced at the Serious Campden Park was discharged at the Offences Court before Chief Preliminary Inquiry (PI) on Monday, after Magistrate Rechanne BrowneSenior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche Matthias last week Thursday. informed the court that the prosecution Six prosecution witnesses were was not proceeding any further, since it called, including Surgical Pathologist would be a waste of judicial time to do Dr Ronald Child who performed the so. autopsy. Oneil was charged with the murder However, the Senior Prosecutor of Dillon ‘Largo’ Lewis of no fixed place requested an adjournment after two of abode, whose body was found with key prosecution witnesses failed to bullet wounds in an abandoned house Stories by HAYDN HUGGINS
show up. When the matter resumed on Monday, the witnesses were again called, but were not present. It was at this stage that the senior prosecutor indicated that the prosecution was not proceeding any further with the matter. Delpleche explained that it would be a waste of the judicial time to proceed without those witnesses, because the prosecution would not have been able to make out a prima facie case without their evidence.
Ex cop slapped with five charges
Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche pulled the brakes on a PI when circumstances led him to conclude that he could not make out prima facie case.
A FORMER POLICE officer, who was dismissed from the constabulary last month in relation to an internal matter, appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate’s Court Monday on five criminal charges. Augsutine Cupid of New Montrose is charged with: assaulting Geraldine McDonald of Rillan Hill with intent to commit an offence; assaulting McDonald causing her bodily harm without lawful excuse damaged one
black Alcatel cellular phone valued at $220; possession of a prohibited weapon to wit a sword; and indecently assaulting McDonald. All the charges reportedly stemmed from the same incident which was reported to have occurred at New Montrose on October 8. When Cupid appeared before Magistrate Carla James on Monday, he pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and possession of
the prohibited weapon. He maintained his innocence on the other charges. All the matters were transferred to the Family Court and adjourned to yesterday (Thursday). Cupid was granted bail in the sum of $2,500 with one surety and ordered not to have contact with the virtual complainant.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. 7.
Police
Police stalwart celebrates 34 years by HAYDN HUGGINS
A POLICE OFFICER who has been in charge of High Court security for the past seven years, this week celebrated 34 years of service to the RSVG Police Force and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Station Sergeant Kenneth ‘Sky’ Skerrit told TRHE VINCENTIAN that loyalty, dedication, discipline and hard work are the main factors that attributed to his longstanding service. Skerrit was among 50 men who enlisted in the constabulary Station Sergeant Kenneth ‘Sky’ Skerrit has on October 15, 1980, upon which received numerous commendations for he entered Old Montrose Police his service at the High Court. Station Training School where internationally. He was Acting he pursued six months of training. Operation Officer at the time of his That was the third such training departure from that service to resume programme to have been conducted Beat and Patrol, and then to duties at there. the High Court. To date, only five of that batch During his period of service at the remains: Station Sergeant Skerrit, High Court, Skerrit has been Inspector Desmond Haywood, Station Sergeant Dillon Peters, Sergeant 440 commended on numerous occasions by Judges and prosecutors for the level of Alvin Alexander and Corporal 463 security he has been able to ensure Evrod Gumbs. there. Skerrit, who had just turned As he reflects on his three decades twenty when he enlisted, has served under seven Commissioners of Police: and more as a police officer, Skerrit identifies the increased educational Ben Jackson, Felix Constantine, and training opportunities opened to Randolph Toussaint, Osborne Quow, police officers today as a significant William Harry, Keith Miller and change. He urged the young officers currently Michael Charles. to make use of them, and implored “They all have their own style of them young police officers to “be more leadership,” he told THE loyal to the organisation and strive for VINCENTIAN. higher heights.” Skerrit has served in several The police stalwart, who is departments of the Police Force, expected to retire in May next year, including the Special Services Unit will participate in his last (SSU), Telecommunication, Coast independence parade on October 27, Guard Service and at the Questelles as the right hand marker of the No.1 Police Station. Guards. His area of expertise is Coast Skerrit expressed thanks to Guard operations, and he was attached to that service for 19 years , Almighty God, his colleagues, family and the general public for their during which time he attended several courses locally, regionally and support over the years.
Innovations expected at Independence Parade the disclosure when contacted by THE VINCENTIAN on Wednesday. IF EVERYTHING GOES as planned, He said the initiative is part of a history will be created at this year’s number of innovations planned for this independence military parade on year’s parade. October 27. Browne also disclosed that patrons The hundreds of Vincentians who can expect a special military display attend the parade will witness, for the component, which is usually included first time in 35 years of Independence, every five years. a female officer being second in Vincentians can look forward to the command of the parade. same high military standard this year, Commander of the parade, Browne promised. Superintendent Richard Browne, made by HAYDN HUGGINS
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8. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. 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 Preserving our past: Another thought CHARLES VERBEKE CENTRE was gutted by fire last Friday 10th October, 2014. The site had already lost its original architectural flare and design, but it was a landmark for many a generation of Vincentians, not least being those ‘boys’ who would have frolicked and studied under its roof, when it was the St. Martin’s Boys Secondary School. Sentiments abound for those who then and more recently would have found it a place of learning and enlightenment. Its demise, somehow, caused a shifting to thinking about the preservation of our historical buildings and sites; about our attitude in this regard; and whether it is not appropriate that we raise the issue during this month when we celebrate our gaining independence from a colonial rule, and setting ourselves on a path to building our own identity and civilization. And there might be instruction in reflecting on the axiom that we build for the future by preserving and learning from that which is good and wholesome from our past. The world is moving faster than ever, but there are benefits to preserving historical sites and keeping certain things as they were many years ago. There are many ways countries can revitalize and modernize their infrastructure while maintaining historical buildings. One of the many reasons historical buildings should be preserved is the character they bring to a nation, even a simple neighbourhood. There is no doubt that buildings and spaces with history have character. They bring a certain charm to our environment that new buildings somehow don’t. Many old buildings and historical establishments created in the 19th and early 20th centuries, like our churches, serve as reminders of the past — about the ingenuity of our foreparents. This is one of the reasons preserving historical buildings is important. Understanding the past, having reminders of the past even just in architecture, will allow people to understand where they are and where they are headed. When people understand what the country has gone through and have visual reminders of their past, they feel more connected to a place and purpose. The historical buildings can allow people to understand what happened in the past and how things could possibly play out in the future. Preserving our past gives us more understanding and hope for the future. Unfortunately, since gaining Independence in 1979, we have moved like mad men and women to destroy the vast majority of our historical buildings — our architectural character — for some, the very being of ourselves. Have we not done away with the Reigate Building, the old Hadley Brothers Building that bordered our once mixed open and roofed market, the homes that adorned Back Street from the Methodist Manse to Banfield Gas Depot? Have we not done away with most, if not all of the architecture that characterised our Industries (sugar, arrowroot, cotton)? And with what have we replaced them? With symbols of modernity that speak to styles and attitudes that abound in far-flung, culturally distant countries. Preserving buildings means we are saving on construction costs by making use of structures that are already there, instead of tearing down old buildings just to create new ones. Many old buildings remain structurally sound, even if they were built a long time ago. When we save buildings, we are also in turn saving the environment. This is because construction of buildings requires the use of materials, such as lumber, which will have an impact on the environment. Even the use of cement and other materials and the whole process of constructing new buildings have impacts on the environment. The building is already there, to begin with; it makes better sense for the environment if we made things we built last longer. Existing buildings can still be used for modern uses and processes. Historical preservation also comes in handy for making old buildings usable and earth-friendly. Some repairs may be needed to make buildings more energy-efficient, but generally, doing repairs on buildings still uses less energy than knocking down old buildings and building new ones from scratch. One of the things that attract visitors to our country is its architectural charm. Most visitors would conclude from viewing what little still stands, that here is a people who appreciate their history, in the broadest sense of the word, and who ensure that their legacy is protected. Is that so? Let’s be honest and admit that we have damned ourselves as far as protecting our architectural charm and character is concerned. Let us resolve to save what little we have for a future that will be informed as one of our very own.
The Beginnings of Party War (Taken from Flambeau, Number 6, November 1966) “THERE IS A NEW DIVISION in our society. People are not labelled rich and poor; nor as light skinned and dark; nor as conservatives and radicals. There is today a more meaningful and perilously comprehensive term of reference. One is designated either PPP or Labour, and that classification tells you all there is to know of the people concerned. It is as if both groupings believe that they have a prescriptive right to govern the country, and anyone with an opposed view is a heretic. In Labour circles, to be PPP is to subscribe to all the values and beliefs of an evil and diabolic world. Equally, to PPP supporters, a Labourite is a follower of the black bourgeois class who seeks to maintain an inequitable status quo, and may even wish to revert to the benighted days of feudalistic landlordism and repressive oligarchical rule. These are the symbols which both parties have attached to each other, the images which they have conjured up and projected on one another. They are dangerous distortions that only help to cloud existing realities and confuse issues. They are the easy stereotypes and accepted trademarks which have driven a wedge deep into the ranks of our society, and have sown hatreds and injected rancours that are working their deadly poison into the society, sapping the moral energies and vitiating the spiritual fabric of our people. The community has recently staggered out of a putrid election contest, badly scathed and completely demoralized. The political system seems to have convulsed under the yoke of an imposed two party system. The hustings appeared to have brought out the most unseemly side of human nature. All the excrescences of sheer gutter politics were brought to the fore and let loose upon a battered and hardly deserving electorate. The electioneering was marked by smear campaigns, character assassinations, cheap politickings, the blatant prostitution of the main media of mass communication, and the cussedness of personal attacks which, though unprintable, are apparently not litigious in St. Vincent. Canvassing for votes sank to unprecedented depths as the concept of public decency was wiped off the books during the frenzied grab for power and influence and money. It was an election with no holds barred. And now, more than two months after the election, the atmosphere remains emotionally charged, and very tense. For one thing, the issue is still unsettled as the legitimacy of the PPP Government has been challenged by the Labour Party through the courts. For another, the PPP scored a pyrrhic victory. It failed to secure a majority of the popular vote, and in the heat of the campaign, it neglected to woo the support of the Civil Service which it solely needs to ensure the proper working of the machinery of Government. Indeed, in his “victory speech”, the Chief Minister declared that laws might have to be enacted to bring into line some dissidents “who are out of joint.”
And in the society at large, the animosities which were generated in the fever-pitch excitement of the campaign are beginning to produce their bitter fruit. The Labour Party has publicly called for an economic boycott of supposedly PPP backed businessmen, and the PPP-ites are retorting in kind. The folly of this sort of behaviour was shown up forcibly in one area, where mourners at a funeral were arranged according to known party affiliation, PPP in front and Labour behind! Nobody knows how this impasse will be resolved, but indications are that things will get worse before they become better. Witch hunts have been instituted by the more aggressive activities in both camps who are endeavouring to find out how individual votes were cast during last polling day. If this untoward step is the prelude to the granting of political patronage on the one hand, and victimization on the other, then we may reasonably expect the possibility of civil disturbances as some people become despondent and desperate. Some unrest might also result if the majority of the electorate believes that its will has been thwarted by a nice legalistic point, or that delaying tactics are being used to effect a general accommodation to the status quo. And the situation is made more explosive by the presence of some frustrated souls who are not prepared to abide by the rules of the game, but who seriously question the validity of the ballot box, and welcome the prospect of “the cleansing force” of violence. The social situation is in a state of unbalance, the political climate is potentially turbulent. With the introduction of our new constitution, more power will be localized, more power will gravitate to the elected Ministers of Government. It is a situation which demands caution and restraint in the exercise of that power, and responsibility in the opposition to it. We fervently hope that all citizens will be classified in the new dispensation, not as PPP or Labour, but as Vincentians who are determined to cooperate with whichever Government is saddled with the responsibility of guiding us”. The foregoing was written over 45 years ago, when I warned of the problems which are endemic in a small four-by-four country that dare invite a two-party system which may prove dysfunctional to them. That is why I suggested at least a broadening of narrow insularities into integration of some sort. Instead, we are reaping the worse, with one party wishing to impose its will on the entire society. But the seeds were all sown by 1966 and we simply have to rename the PPP and Labour as NDP and ULP, and we get the worsening picture that has been aggravated by the ULP’s leadership importing elements of dictatorship, if not communism into the mix. The solution, if any, lies with the emancipation of the people themselves rising to the occasion and throwing off the yoke that has been suppressing and oppressing them.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. 9.
Letters
Something is amiss!
YOUR ‘MAN-ABOUT-TOWN appears to be rooted in Central Kingstown as the happenings last week in the not too distant Marriaqua Valley seem to go by unnoticed. I waited with bated breath to see if questions would be raised on the ‘Chippy’ Browne issue, and was disappointed when nothing emerged that would tickle the public’s thought process. It is for this purpose that I offer this article seeing that some media houses would rather the blame rests on the shoulders of the Building and Loan institution, instead of opening the fact finding vault… as is/was the case with Ms. Tamara Gibson-Marks, who had pleaded guilty to
misappropriating EC$21,925.00, (after allegedly paying back over EC$300,000.00), and is to be tried in a court that only has the authority to impose a maximum fine of EC$15,000.00. The questions this temporary ‘Man-AboutTown’ impostor would like to ask are: * Was ‘Chippy’ 86 years of age when he incurred the debt that resulted in his home being sold? * How old ids this debt? * Is this one of those delinquent loans that Luke Browne and the PM spoke so fervently about leading up to, and during the Building and Loan debacle?
Attend to those houses GOING INTO GOVERNMENT, the ULP gave the impression that almost everything the NDP had done was either a waste of money or very poor jobs. I recall Julian Francis making one big noise about the ‘shabby’ work that C.O.Williams was doing on the road into Kingstown as far as Sally Spring. Needless to say, I have lived to see that portion of road stand firm as against that portion from Sally Spring gap into Kingstown, up to Foresters’ corner. I wonder who did that portion? Now it is a question of the houses in our so called low and middle income housing projects. From what I could discern, there have been complaints of one sort or the other from occupants of houses in most of the projects. For example, persons in the Diamond Project have had cause to complaint. Mind you, I must admit, from what I understand, most of the complaints might be minor. However, given what has happened in Clare Valley, I would want to think that the Housing and Land development Corporation officials would take all complaints as being serious and act accordingly. I got the impression that the ULP was going to solve all our technical problems, like our technically bad planning when they assumed government. Am I to conclude that this supposition has turned out to be incorrect? George
* Why wasn’t something done about the debt if it was that old? * Is this the sort of Inequitable justice Luke Browne intends to practice as a Government minister; where there’s no fuss when poor people lose their homes for not paying their debt, but when the chicken comes home to roost, the mantra is “be resolute in defence of trespassing”? It is unfortunate that Mr. ‘Chippy’ Browne has to lose his home; but then again so it is/was for all those persons who had to undergo similar circumstances, yet were honourable enough to quietly accept their fate. The hypocrisy of the
SVG, where goeth thou?
media to tint the operations and public’s opinion of the Building and Loan Association as it struggles to return to former glory raises this final question: Is the FSA/Government serious about saving the Building and Loan Institution, or is it just another political football? Knackard Bloke
Preparing for Ebola I CANNOT, for what whatever my judgement is worth, give a high passing mark to our authorities for the way they handled the chikungunya here, especially in the early stages of it being discovered here. That being the case, I am tempted to say that we cannot expect any better in our dealing with Ebola. However, I would want to think that our health authorities would have learned from their ‘mistakes and tardiness (re chikungunya) and better prepare themselves and this country for a response to Ebola. Given that there is no
cure for Ebola, it follows that our efforts should be on preventative measures. We should leave no stone unturned in this effort for, as you, Mr. Editor, said in last week’s column, God forbid if Ebola hits us. Let us continually remind ourselves that it would just take one Ebola infected person entering this country to wipe out a large part of this population of not the entire population. I may sound fatalistic, but that’s the truth. George Kingstown
Ebola is our fight too BEFORE TAKING a negative stance regarding all African, it would be a good idea to rely on accurate information from reliable and trustworthy sources about the Ebola virus. Without question, it is one of the world’s most deadly viruses; it is the world’s worst outbreak; and it is occurring in the poorest countries of the world. While we sit here and cast aspersions on Africans — quarantine Nigerians, and so forth — we seem to forget that if we are to beat back this disease, everybody, every nation must come to the help of Africa. Many countries are already providing human and/or financial aid. As of this week — October 13, 2014, well over 4,000 people have died and at least 8,000 people
have been infected. This is not good. There are no signs of it slowing. It can be difficult for us to grasp just how horrible this endemic truly is. Fear and panic among the African people is everywhere. The sick are avoiding hospitals and clinics because of paranoia and fear of death. But health and Security officials have warned us that this is not an African disease. This is a virus that is a threat to all humanity. Let us Vincentians have feelings of compassion in our hearts and level-headedness in our minds regarding all aspects of this continuing, ongoing tragedy. Janine May USA
THE VAST MAJORITY of Vincentians are honest, hard-working, generous and principled — a friendly and welcoming lot. We will not hesitate to give credit where it is due. Unfortunately, there is a twisted element in Vincentian society who cares only about itself, and couldn’t care less about the well-being of society as a whole. These people seem to think that they have a licence to abuse and insult others. These are the people who, with their ignorance and arrogance, hold back the general economic, social and political development of SVG. A perfect example of uncivil behaviour occurred during a visit to St. Vincent in February and March this year. I was astonished to witness the abuse of the constitutional and human rights principle of ‘Freedom of Speech’, by opponents of the government. One pundit referred to the Prime Minister — a scholar — as a donkey, on several occasions on air, while another referred to the government as evil. Such disrespectful and repulsive comments can only come from asinine people who have nothing to offer SVG. Sadly, it seems, they were getting gratification from their conduct, and sadly, it appeared that they were lacking the intellectual ability to elevate the debate. Credit must be given to those commentators, opposition or otherwise, for pointing out that the GDP of SVG is the lowest in the Eastern Caribbean. This lagging behind the other islands is nothing to be proud of, but a closer look at the other islands shows that, save Dominica and SVG, all have operational international airports, which tells us that the government of SVG is bang on the case, i.e. right on the economic growth point with its ambitious project, the stateof-the-art international airport at Argyle now nearing completion. Among (some) people who claim to have economic knowledge and involve themselves in economic matters, there is no mention of economic principles such as: the laws of comparative costs economies of scale; the laws of diminishing returns; the locomotive effect; supply creates its own demand or even supply and demand. It is doubtful whether the opponents of the international airport have the honesty or integrity to give credit to the project, since theirs is a politics of personality and not the politics of policy. Governments, prime ministers or presidents don’t last forever in democratic systems; the * Is Ricky Burnett democratic institutions being side-lined for remain but personalities the position of change from time to time. Registrar of the There are many High Court because Vincentians, of his decision to understandably so, who throw out a case involving a certain resent the merger of the opposition political M.N.U and the figure here? traditional Cato Labour * Was ‘Bigger Bigs’ Party. This raised a few targeted because he eyebrow worldwide for bought a certain there were those who felt piece of land from the Labour Party should under the noses of a have taken its ‘natural’ group that included course. However, the persons close to the government that emerged government? * Is the is not a disaster, and the government going country is adequately to heed the call governed. from many of its And now that this supporters, not to small, deserving state is appoint Sehon at a political and Marshall as Deputy economic crossroad, let’s Counsel General in hope that common sense N.Y.? prevails and people take * And by the way, the right direction. do we really need a Deputy Counsel General there? Clinton McCree
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10. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
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Clare Valley Housing Project – A Homeowner’s Nightmare (Part 2)
Ralph is back! The Issue TOWARDS THE END of September 2014, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, in the course of his normal busy schedule, which included a flying visit to the constituency of East Kingstown (a visit which sent shivers through the heart of the leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace), sustained a muscular injury to his right thigh. That injury, to the rectus femoris muscle, seriously affected his mobility, and he was asked by his medical team to seek further treatment abroad. He travelled to Havana, Cuba, where he was exposed to a full regime of medical treatment to address the injury to his thigh. Last Saturday, a fit looking Prime Minister returned to the State, to a grand welcome from a number of ULP senior members and supporters, as well as government officials, and members of the Cabinet. Indeed, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves was emotional and was moved to tears at the greeting he received at the ET Joshua airport. The consensus is that the crowd which turned up at the airport, would have been ten times larger, were it not for a change in the arrival time, from 5pm to 3pm. Suffice it to say that all and sundry were pleased with what they saw - a fit looking Prime Minister, weighing about 225 pounds (about 42 pounds less), with good mobility, bright and burning eyes, with a determination to continue the great work that the ULP administration has embarked upon. ULP administration continues to function Naturally, the opposition NDP tried to make political capital out of the illness of Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. They inquired as to who was in charge of the government, even if they knew that there is a Deputy Prime Minister in the person of Hon. Girlyn Miguel, the Minister of Education and the representative for the constituency of Marriaqua. The business of the government continued unabated. Cabinet meetings were being held; critical decisions were being made, particularly in relation to the Clare Valley Housing issue; salaries were paid at the end of October; and the process in respect of the 2015 Budget and Estimates continues apace. Functions abroad that Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves had to undertake, were taken care of. For example, the Foreign Minister, Senator Camillo Gonsalves, stepped in to address the 69th UN General Assembly, and also addressed the town hall meeting on 27th September. The works programme, as announced by the ULP administration, continued as outlined. So, for example, the construction work on the South Leeward highway, continued as planned, and so too the work to re-settle the patients of the Mental Health Centre to temporary facilities at Orange Hill. All this is so because the ULP administration has a structure to ensure that there is a process of continuity, to ensure that the socioeconomic development work continues, even when the Prime Minister is abroad, or is ill. There is a Deputy Prime Minister who is well experienced in these matters. Within the ULP administration there are a number of experienced
persons, such as Julian Francis, Clayton Burgin and Vincent Beache, who are available to Sister Girlyn for consultation. But equally as important, is the cadre of young people who are involved in the government, such as Luke Browne, Saboto Caesar, Camillo Gonsalves, Jomo Thomas and Frederick Stephenson. And so, the ULP administration is comprised of a mixture of experience and youth. It is this factor that has led to the acknowledgement that the ULP administration is perhaps the best government since colonialism. The presence of these qualified young persons, is a clear indication of the level of continuity that the ULP administration is offering our citizens, in the drive to take our nation to the next, higher level of development. More NDP lies It is important to note the number of lies generated in several quarters, by members and supporters of the NDP, particularly those on Facebook. They said that the Prime Minister had a problem with his right eye, and not his right thigh. They further went on to speculate that perhaps what he had was cancer, then found a reason to tell the country that Prime Minister had suffered a stroke in Havana! As if this was not enough, they complained that Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, had included the country’s only orthopedic doctor in his delegation to Cuba, and that patients at the hospital could not be treated because of this vacancy. All this shows the level of desperation within the ranks of the Opposition NDP, in their effort to remove the ULP administration from office. To be sure, the owner and operator of Nice Radio, Douglas De Freitas, was heard to say on radio, that he wished the Prime Minister a speedy recovery, and that he could not make any ill statements about him. Clearly, Douglas De Freitas could not find a way to urge NDP supporters to refrain from spreading lies and rumours about the illness of the Prime Minister. Conclusion A number of persons have already called Prime Minister Gonsalves to express their happiness over his recovery. Prime Minister has returned to his desk and is fully involved in a number of issues related to the work of his administration. His media conference last Tuesday showed that he has lost none of his touch. His answers, as always, were clear, precise and fulsome, and it is remarkable how he was able to come up to speed on a number of matters related to Ottley Hall, Ebola, the international airport project at Argyle, the preparation of the 2015 budget and estimates, and the capital projects now underway in the State. The ULP is grateful to all those persons who prayed for, and wished the Prime Minister a speedy recovery. Similarly, the ULP is grateful and would like to thank all those medical officials who were responsible for the treatment of “Comrade Ralph” during his period of illness.
IT MUST BE NOTED that the original arrangement was that the Housing and Land Development Corporation (HLDC) would build the houses and sell them to the eventual owners. Somebody must have seen the cost involved in constructing those houses, calculated that the desired profit was not attainable, and decided to abort the arrangement. The end result was that people desirous of owning one of the houses had to apply for a loan at a financial institution to now pay the HLDC to construct the houses on their behalf. At the end of it all, more Vincentians from various parts of the country owned and occupied their own homes and had great expectations. To them, it was a joy to think that their lifetime investment will grow in value over the years, not to mention the peace of mind that they would live comfortably. With that in mind, they were quite prepared to endure the sacrifice of paying a mortgage for up to 25 years. This joy was short-lived, as many of the homeowners (soon) encountered a number of problems. Among them were structural damage to their properties. They also complained about the fact that their houses were built of slender 8ins. X 8ins. Columns, and that they were unstable, tites that popped up, land slippage, poor drainage systems and lack of access road, among others. The homeowners’ complaints were either disregarded or treated with scant respect. Many complained that they were told that the government had done them a favour and they were ungrateful to complain. One homeowner even stated that he was told that if he was having problems with his property, he should give it to someone else. Clearly, the ULP government cannot divorce itself from the HLDC which appears to be operating like a salesman whose sole purpose is to sell a product with no intention of providing after-sale services. Once they received their money from homeowners, they just couldn’t be bothered with what happened afterwards. On the evening of Friday, September 19th, 2014, the situation at the Clare Valley Housing Project took a turn for the worse, when one of the houses collapsed. The unfortunate homeowner had made numerous complaints to the HLDC that her house was developing structural damage, all to no avail. Government officials responded to the tragedy like headless chickens, confirming what we already knew: that the ULP is a reactive government known to close the stable only after the horse has bolted. At the meeting organized by homeowners to meet with government and HLDC officials, the HLDC representative(s) offered an apology to homeowners, only after they were encouraged to do so by Senator Julian Francis, as if an apology could solve the problem. Little assurance that the safety of homeowners/occupants was given. Instead, Senator Francis made a number of excuses for the host of problems which were faced from the
moment the houses were occupied. Blame was leveled at the heavy rain and the former Manager of the HLDC, Morris Slater deceased. After all, a dead man tells no tale. The fact of the matter is, Morris Slater has been dead for nearly two years, and the houses were still being built, so who is to be blamed for the failure of this project? It was an irresponsible act to have a government senator assuring residents that their houses were safe because they withstood heavier rain during the Christmas Eve floods, and encouraging them not leave their homes. In the same breath, residents were told that Dr. Richard Robertson, Director of the UWI Seismic Research Centre, will be brought in to do a study to determine whether or not the area is safe. So the study was not yet commissioned but Julian Francis was assuring residents that their homes were safe. The NDP finds that statement to be very irresponsible, especially given the fact that it was made by an individual who has stated in parliament and other For a that a bridge without rails is safer that one with rails. Even as the government has stated that they will be doing remedial work, the government should take a number of steps immediately. The government should first of all relocate residents at least during the time of the investigation/study by Dr. Robertson. The government should pay for the temporary relocation, and negotiate with the banks and other financial institutions to freeze mortgage payments until it is conclusive that the houses are safe. In addition, homeowners should demand that the government adhere to those suggestions immediately because homeowners are the ones who stand to be the biggest losers in this situation. The reality is they are saddled with the burden of making their mortgage payments while faced with the unfortunate reality of living in a house whose value will undoubtedly diminish. If someone buys a brand new car and it gets into an accident, even if the damaged parts are replaced by new ones, the vehicle still depreciates in value. The same applies to the houses in Clare Valley. It is incumbent on the homeowners to demand full disclosure of the report of the study to be conducted by Dr. Richard Robinson, and band themselves together as a community to ensure that the safety of their homes will not be further compromised. Homeowners must also disregard partisan politics which is the biggest obstacle to their own wellbeing. The NDP calls on the government to take the lives and the investment of the homeowners seriously; it is the government which will be held liable for any negative outcome at the Clare Valley Housing Project. The NDP is monitoring the situation very closely.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. 11.
Views
What a Friend!
“A faithful friend is a strong defence; And he that hath found him hath found a treasure.” - Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) American novelist and writer of books for girls THE URGE TO WRITE this article emerged early one morning. I had just read Sister Hermia Scott’s Facebook posting (uploaded 4:11 AM that day). She shared some useful insights about blessing the Lord at all times. It caused me to reflect on the value of having Jesus Christ as a friend; a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Almost instantaneously I heard myself singing the hymn, “What a friend we have in Jesus”. This then prompted me to research the history of that hymn. What an early morning education! It was a most stimulating way to commence the day. And I just could not resist sharing the knowledge gained with this column’s readers. This very popular hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” was written by an Irish national, Joseph Scriven (1819-1886). As has been the case in so many of the more popular hymn writers, Joseph experienced a series of life-changing tragedies prior to penning the words to this hymn. In his case, his fiancée accidentally drowned the night before they were due to get married in 1845. It is said that, in an effort to ease his grief, Scriven migrated to Canada. Life and love appeared to smile on him again. He fell in love. The young couple commenced arrangements to be married. However, misfortune again shattered his love life. The young woman that he was engaged to marry fell ill and later died of pneumonia. Understandably, he was devastated. He then decided to devote his life to community service. However, his encounter with tragedies were not yet ended. In 1855, he received word that his mother was extremely ill back home in Ireland. He then wrote a poem entitled “Pray Without Ceasing” and dispatched to his mother. He trusted that the words would have comforted the ailing relative. Charles Crozat Converse later set the poem to music and renamed it “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”. The lyrics of that hymn now comfort so many individuals around the world — reassuring us that there is no better friend than Jesus. Those of us who have true, faithful, loving friends must consider ourselves to be most fortunate. The individuals who qualify to be classified as “friends” will be faithful and caring when we are experiencing our mountain top experiences ... as well as when we are down in the valleys of despair. For certain, there are not many who will stick around when we have lost a job, no longer hold the reins of power and/or responsibility, experiencing financial difficulties, or struggling with physical or emotional trauma. The British poet and hymn writer, William Cowper (pronounced Cooper) knew what it was like to have John
Newton as a faithful friend. Cowper periodically suffered from bouts of mental depression. During (and immediately following) those periods, so many of his associates (I dare not call them “friends”) vanished. However, Newton stayed with him and would regularly encourage him back to good mental health. What a friend! The bible has many examples of faithful friends too. We can readily think of the Old Testament friendship between David and Jonathan (King Saul’s son). They looked out for each other. They developed a camaraderie that many would consider to be closer, more intimate, that the relationship between blood brothers. What a friendship! One of my favourite friendships from the New Testament is that of Paul and Barnabas. We recall that Barnabas, the encourager, stood up boldly for Paul shortly after his conversion on the road Damascus. Back then, the followers of Jesus were very suspicious of Paul (previously called Saul), having known of the venom and energy with which he had persecuted the early church. Barnabas, although he had only recently met and befriended Paul, stood up for him. In doing so, he dispelled many of the fears, suspicions, and reservations that were directed at the new convert. What a friend! Do you have friends who will be a Newton, Jonathan, or a Barnabas? Are there persons in our lives (yours and mine) whom we could depend on when the going gets rough? But there is another very important question that we should consider when talking about faithful friends; are we showing ourselves friendly to the point where others can depend on us without reservation? Are we showing ourselves to be faithful to those who call us friend? Regardless of how we responded to the previous questions, we can rest assured, and be very confident, that Jesus Christ is the best friend that we can have. Jesus Christ is the best friend that we can ever hope for. He is truly the most faithful friend around. You and I can be prepared to trust Him to be our greatest confidant. He will never betray our deep secrets. He will always be around whenever we need a friend. Yes, once we have Him as a friend, we understand and appreciate the statement that He sticks closer than a brother. He is a faithful friend. Once we have found Him we have found a strong defence and a priceless treasure. What a friend! Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com
Punching above its weight class ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES is a small, developing, country, but its intervention on many of the main issues of the day, its leadership on important issues, and its growing protege in the Caribbean and beyond, are a tribute to the leadership of our country. Some may recall the determined push made a few years back to secure a position on the United Nations Security Council; the call for the UN Security Council democratization so that it reflects the curremt reality in our world; the our robust opposition to the foreign inspired removal of Haitian President Aristide; the opposition to the assault on the honour, dignity and citizenship of our Haitian cousins by the Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic; our consistent and principled support of the Cuban people in their fight to bring an end to hostile and illegal blockage imposed by the United States for more than fifty years, and our righteous indignation over the genocidal and criminal manner in which the Israeli government treats Palestinians, and the world’s silence in the face of that brutality. These are brave and bold stances for which people look up and pay attention. Many give honour to our little country, while others talk stock and help out in more ways than one to ensure that we advance, develop and grow. It is not by chance that the assistance which we receive has come from the four corners of the world: Washington DC to Argentina, Mexico to Morroco, Cuba to Taiwan, Venezuela to Turkey. And we keep on moving. It was through our government’s initiative that the issue of reparations for genocide, the Trans -Atlantic Slave Trade, Slavery and colonialism, has taken on a new lease of life and catapulted to the top of the international agenda and a major talking point in the international media. At the United Nation’s General Assembly in 2007, St Vincent and the Grenadines placed reparations squarely on the world’s agenda when PM Gonsalves lamented the underdevelopment in the Caribbean, and traded that genesis to the 400 years of genocide, enslavement and colonialism, and the exhaustive extraction of wealth through the free labour of our ancestors. The reparations call has been repeated each year since by SVG, and has been picked up and championed by many other countries in our region and beyond. But the reparations discourse changed dramatically in July 2013, when CARICOM, on the initiative of PM Gonsalves, agreed to pursue reparations from the former colonial, enslaving powers. A commitment by SVG resulted in the successful 1st regional reparations conference from September 15 to 17 last year. Out of this came the CARICOM Reparations Commission led by the outstanding economic historian Dr Hilary Beckles. There are also 3 cochairs comprising Armand Zunder of Suriname, Prof. Verene Shepherd of Jamaica and yours truly. Much work has been done across the region. Reparations commissions have been established in 12 of the 14 CARICOM countries, while educational and enlightenment activities are almost daily occurrences from Jamaica to Guyana. There has been push back from the former enslaving powers. England and France have steadfastly maintained that they will not entertain any discussion on the important issue concerning reparatory justice. The other
former slave holders, though less vocal, are equally stiff-necked. Only Sweden and the Netherlands appear to leave a window open for dialogue. Those involved in reparations know with certainty that the struggle for reparations is the struggle for power. And so, the regional movement kept on moving and growing, making new linkages and consolidating. Dr. Beckles has maintained a hectic travel schedule that takes him to South Africa and Brazil, the House of Commons in England, other European capitals, Chicago and Washington DC, and back to our region. The speech to the British House of Commons is recommended reading for anyone seeking an understanding of the real issues involved in slavery and the need for reparative justice. In all of this work, the role of St Vincent remained central. And so, the movement took stock of its effort last Sunday to Tuesday at the Second Regional Reparations Conference in Antigua. Economists and medical scientists, grass roots/community based activists and religious workers, lawyers and politicians met to assess where the movement was, and to chart the way forward. St Vincent’s delegation was in the thick of this work. PM Gonsalves’ contribution was lauded, and his failure to appear for the final session due to ill health and scheduling was lamented and regretted. SVG also featured prominently in other areas of public concern. Vincentians may recall PM Gonsalves’ letters to his Trinidadian counterpart concerning medical marijuana and the decriminalization of the herb. What is a little less known but critically important is the work of SVG, mainly through our Foreign Minister and United Nation ambassador Rhonda King regarding the UN 2015 to 2025 declaration that this decade be recognized and observed as the decade of people of African descent. Dr Vereen Shepherd, Caribbean Reparations Commission co-chair and the spokesperson for the draft programme of action for the international decade, said work would be centred on the theme “Recognition, Justice and Development.” During the next 10 years, every effort will be made to recognize people of African descent as a distinct group and to address the historical and continuing violations of their rights, including the denial of equal access to justice, reparations and protection under the law. Few deny that an “indigestible fishbone of slavery” is stuck in the throat of African peoples due to the persistence of its legacies over 500 years. The impact of slavery and colonialism was most obvious in the Americas, the Caribbean and on the African continent itself. From reparations to medical marijuana, the plight of Africans to solidarity with our Cuban, Dominican, Haitian and Palestinian brothers and sisters, SVG weighs in and punches above its weight class. Vincentians have to recognize a good thing when they see it. Our very future depends on our vision and foresight.
Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to wefirst@aol.com
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12. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Views
When it comes to finance, is Gonsalves full of ⁄? AS THE 2015 BUDGET ESTIMATES looms, we have to ask the question: When it comes to finance, is Gonsalves full of …? The Budget Estimates under Gonsalves’ reign have been laughable, with actual revenue usually being substantially lower than predicted in the budget estimates. Are we to hear yet another budget estimates soon that bear as much resemblance to reality as the pronouncements of Pinocchio? The table (below) shows that over the years, Gonsalves’ budget estimates have been wildly different to the actual revenue the government has received at the end of each respective year. In 2010, for example, the actual revenue that was received was only about half of the EC$ 913 million stated in Gonsalves’ budget estimates, amounting to a difference of EC$ 415 million.
Gonsalves’ budget estimates are a joke and are misleading the Vincentian people. One can understand if it was out by about 20 or 30 million, but EC$ 415 million! In a budget estimate of EC$ 913 million, how can you make a mistake of EC$ 415 million! Not only is the education revolution failing our children, it is failing Gonsalves too. Year after year, since 2004, we have been subjected to budget estimates that are
fooling the people. Businesses cannot trust the figures or use them to help plan their business development. The people of SVG can have very little confidence in what Gonsalves says when it comes to finance. Even Gonsalves’ best budget estimates in the table is out by over EC$ 150 million. This year has been no different. The economy is so bad that the figures for central government fiscal operations
second quarter 2014 are being withheld from the public. SVG Green Party Leader, Mr Ivan O’Neal, has requested them and was told he cannot have them. Actual revenue figures for 2012 and 2013 are also ‘not available’. Let us not forget that Gonsalves failed the audit of public accounts by the Director of Audit for 2008, 2009 and 2010. Gonsalves’ financial incompetence is damaging SVG, and he should resign. The solution to SVG’s economic and financial demise is a change of government. SVG urgently needs a Green Government to bring competent management of SVG’s finances and good economic planning. A Green Government would focus on exports to create economic growth, thousands of new jobs and surplus revenue for our economy. The ULP regime’s financial incompetence and their
What really is breast cancer? old or damaged, they die off and are replaced. THE ISSUE OF With cancer cells, BREAST HEALTH gets however, this process thrown into the midst of becomes disorderly, so public concerns during the cells do not die off the month of October when they should, and each year. It rides new cells which the body smoothly on the backs of does not need are still activities organized to produced. commemorate October as These cells form Breast Cancer themselves into a mass Awareness Month. This or tumor. All tumors observance was started forming in the breast are as an annual not cancerous. Those international health which do not spread and campaign by major are not life-threatening breast cancer charities to are called benign tumors; increase awareness of while those which invade the disease, and to raise surrounding tissues and funds for research into can spread to other its cause, prevention, tissues of the body, are diagnosis, treatment and called malignant tumors. cure. These are cancerous. Like in many other countries, SVG gets “into Risk Factors the pink” throughout the month, but it may just The jury is still out on be pertinent to wonder: the totality of factors are persons forgetting which present a risk to the essence of the issue, potential victims of what is the relationship breast cancer. Many between breast health medical agencies and and breast cancer? professionals, however, But, what is breast have agreed on some of cancer, and how could these. There are factors one check to maintain which one cannot breast health? change. According to www.cancer.org, the Cancerous tumours website of the American Cancer Society, these Breast cancer occurs include being female, when abnormal cells of age, genetic factors, the breast divide family history of breast uncontrollably. All body cancer, personal history cells should grow and of breast cancer, race divide to produce new and ethnicity, breast cells in a controlled density, early manner. When they get menstruation, and many by GLORIAH…
chest x-rays. There are also factors affected by one’s lifestyle. These include: never having children or having a first child after age 30 increases risk; prolonged use of oral contraceptives; hormone therapy which relieves menopausal woes, alcohol consumption, obesity, and lack of physical activity. Interacting with chemicals in the environment and with tobacco smoke are still under investigation. Of course, whatever one eats, contributes to the way the body functions. Plant-based diets and diets low in fat are recommended.
producing a discharge.
Diagnosis
Early diagnosis gives a victim the best possible chance at survival. To find out whether a breast tumor is cancerous, the doctor performs a biopsy of the tissue of the breast. This takes place after suspicion is indicated on a mammogram. Also, breast self-examinations could significantly help this process. It is this same selfexamination that is most important in breast health, from the individual’s point of view. If done properly and consistently, it could detect tumors very early Signs and Symptoms and save a life, as early detection is the absolute But, how does one get key to survival. It is of utmost a clue that breast cancer importance that women is around the corner? stay breast aware by They look for signs and knowing what is normal symptoms. These must with their breasts, and be identified whenever examining them and the and as soon as possible. armpits to eliminate or Some of these are: a ascertain changes. All lump or tumor in the changes must be breast; a tumor in the armpit; continuous pain reported immediately to the doctor. in breast or armpit; changes in the shape and Mammograms, the frequency of which, must size of the breast, with be determined by the the breast becoming larger or lower; dimpling doctor should also be or puckering of the skin undertaken. These would give the individual of the breast; nipple and her doctor a better becoming inverted; and status of the breast. nipples developing a rash, crusting or
inability to create revenue are holding our country back. SVG needs economic variables that drive a high yield in jobs and revenue creation. Getting rid of the Taiwan fish licence and creating our own billion-dollar fish canning and processing factory will be a significant boost to SVG’s weak economy. A Green government will lift the living standards of the poor and all Vincentians, by: ensuring basic needs, such as drinking water and electricity are affordable; providing highquality, free education from pre-school to university; creating thousands of new jobs and empowering the people. Gonsalves is not a university graduate in finance, and the management of our country’s finances is in an utter mess. The Budget Estimates 2015 will be with us soon. When you hear it, try not to laugh too loudly. SVG Green Party www.svggreenparty.org
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. 13.
Culture
Nine Mornings on or off? No word yet 2014 Nine Mornings Festival/Celebrations. Michael Peters, Culture Research Officer in the Ministry of Culture and Chairman of the Nine Mornings Committee, told THE VINCENTIAN that such a decision had not been made yet. But, he continued, that such a decision would have to come from the higher authorities — that is to say the government through the Minister of Culture. Michael Peters, Culture “Meetings will begin to Research Officer, says the take place soon,” Peters decision to put of or not put off told THE VINCENTIAN, the festival rests with the referring to the onset of authorities. planning meetings for this year’s event. by DAYLE DA SILVA “It is too soon to say what is WHILE TRINIDADIAN OFFICIALS taking place, but those official remarks will have to come are considering postponing from the minister,” he (their) 2015 Carnival due to fears associated with the Ebola continued. It was announced last week virus, culture officials here say it in Trinidad that the National is too soon to determine Carnival Commission was whether a similar decision will contemplating postponing that be taken with respect to the
of foreigners, Theobalds acknowledged. “We do stuff The Nine Mornings Festival attracts large for the citizens, crowds and participation, including the and their Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and presence that is his wife. what attracts foreigners.” According to Theobalds, he did not see any reason to stop No reason to stop the festival the people from gathering to celebrate the unique festival. Anthony Theobalds, Chief “That is what I would say if I had the opportunity to Cultural Officer, also pointed out that a meeting was yet to say something at any be scheduled to specifically meeting,” he told THE deal with the issue of what VINCENTIAN. sort of precautionary In the wake of the outbreak of the deadly virus measures, if any, would be taken. in West Africa, health officials have implemented But he said that he was of the view that the issue of restrictions for persons Ebola was a situation for travelling to and from management by those charged infected areas, including with seaports and airports. Liberia, Sierra Leone and And the Nine Mornings Guinea and conditions of Anthony Theobalds, Chief Festival is done for the locals entry have been imposed on Cultural Officer, does not see in the country. However, there persons travelling from any reason to put off the was a spill over factor in that Nigeria. Festival. the activities got the attention
country’s Carnival celebrations in 2015, with the chairman of the NCC saying that the threat of an Ebola outbreak was becoming more real daily, and that next year’s Carnival, scheduled for February 16 to the 17, and which attracts thousands of foreigners, may be postponed.
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14. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
News
Charles Verbeke Centre goes up in flames
Fire protocol followed VINCENTIAN on Monday. “She authorised the COMMISSIONER OF tender at the airport to POLICE, Michael Charles, be at the fire,” he has confirmed that the affirmed. relevant protocol was The Commissioner followed to allow for the explained that a certain fire tender stationed at the protocol must be E T Joshua Airport, to be maintained, and that a made available to assist in fire tender must be ‘fighting’ a fire in present, at the airport, to Kingstown, last Friday facilitate the arrival and night, October 10. departure of aircraft. “After I saw the state “If the Fire Chief or of the fire, at the Commissioner calls the Verbeke Centre, I spoke Director of Airports, she via telephone to the in her wisdom will find Director of Airports, out when the next flight asking if she can assist, is due to arrive or depart, and she did,” the and put a hold on that. Commissioner told THE … The call is hers. And Stories by DAYLE DA SILVA
Charles Verbeke Centre being gutted by flames but this VINLEC worker, appropriately clad, moves in to attend to loose and dangerous wires, displaying an act of heroism worthy of our recognition. The fire tender (partially visible at right) that was summoned from the E.T. Joshua airport. this protocol was followed,” he said. The fire tender from the E.T. Joshua airport was summoned to assist in fighting the blaze which eventually destroyed the Charles Verbeke Centre, and two adjacent buildings to the north, one once was occupied by noted educator Bertram
As usual, persons gather at the scene of the fire to get a first- hand view of another landmark being destroyed.
particular, the first educational institution to do so in SVG. ‘Timmy’ Richards, and When St. Martin’s the other owned by Steve moved in 1970/71 into its Russell, both unoccupied new, and present location at the time of the fire. at Kingstown Park, the The Centre, the R. C. Church reassumed property of the Roman direct control and use of Catholic Church, housed the building, and after the Grade Six classes of some refurbishment, the St Mary’s R.C School renamed it Charles and a Thrift Shop Verbeke Centre, in operated by a Roman honour of Dom Fr. Carlos Catholic Charity, Ladies Verbeke. of Charity. Dom Carlos Verbeke It was once a was a Belgium born residential property, but Benedictine monk was bequeathed to the (priest), who is credited Church (late 1950s), (during his 1919 — 1946 which authorised its use sojourn in St. Vincent), for housing the St. with the construction/ Martin’s (Boys) refurbishment of many of Secondary School in the Roman Catholic 1961, and which offered Churches, (including the dormitory facilities to overwhelming Cathedral students from the of the Assumption/St. Grenadines and North Mary’s), and the Leeward areas in
furtherance of the Roman Catholic faith in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Through the years, the Centre has served as a recreational centre for youth and meeting facility for Church and non-church organizations; provided office space for Roman Catholic Diocesan Commissions and the SVG Christian Council; and as a real need training centre (including Home Economics) for young women. One past student of the St. Martin’s Secondary School, who had made his way to the scene of the fire last Friday, was heard to lament, “There goes a helluva lot of history up in flames. What a pity.”
Minimal impact of fire on students THE GRADE SIX STUDENTS at the St Mary’s R.C School will not be adversely affected, despite having their projects destroyed in a fire which gutted the Charles Verbeke Centre, the building in which they were being housed. Last Friday, October 10, fire tore through the building, which housed the 78 students, along with two other buildings to the north. According to police, the fire started sometime around 9:30 pm. Principal of St. Mary’s R. C. Eula Johnny told THE VINCENTIAN that although some of the students’ work (projects) were destroyed by the fire,
the grades were already recorded. She pointed to minimising the instructional time that will be lost, and assured that she and her staff were working on getting things back to normal as soon as possible. “We will do all that is Principal Eula required to ensure that Johnny assured that our students are on par she and her staff with what is required,” were working to get Johnny said. things normal in the Instructions for one of the Grade Six classes resumed in makeshift A meeting was shortest possible accommodation at the main school compound. scheduled for last time. Tuesday, the school were housed before. “We intend Johnny explained, during “He (Mayers) has made the space to continue in the same speed after the which she and her staff available to us. I don’t think that we relocation. We will continue to do all were expected “to try” to can repay him for all that he has done. that we have been doing to ensure that reassure the parents of the He has assisted in a lot of ways,” she students are ready for the exam,” Grade Six students, that said. Johnny told THE VINCENTIAN. what happened Friday will Johnny added that the work of Noting that this is not an easy time not affect their children. moving the students was expected to for her and the staff, particularly the “And we would talk to be completed by next Monday, with grade six teachers, Johnny commended them a little about the any remaining work to be completed as her staff, saying that they have been papers that were lost and the week progressed. very helpful, even assisting to come up what that means,” she Meanwhile, classes resumed this with the list of items that had been continued. week, with the students being placed lost in the fire. In looking forward, the in makeshift classrooms at the main “They have the school’s interest at school’s administrator school compound, on (Lower) North heart because they know that as our Renowned businessman Omroy ‘OT’ Mayers explained that a location River Road. motto says, ‘All things with God’s help has once again come to the assistance of the had already been identified Once the move to the ‘new’ location are possible’.” St. Mary’s R.C. School by offering the use of — a building owned by local was complete, Johnny said that it was Up to press time, the cause of the this building to house the displaced Grade Six businessman Omroy ‘OT’ going to be business as usual. fire was yet to be determined. classes. Mayers, where students of
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. 15.
News
ÂGraduate with Honours,Ê urges Charles three students. The recipients are Rochelle Rox-anne BASIL CHARLES, a Trustee of the Mustique Tannis, Renson Humphrey and Loretta Charitable Trust (MCT), considers it his Hamilton. responsibility to see to it that persons who Tannis, a Bequia resident, is the first have received assistance from that person from the Grenadines to benefit organisation, complete their pursuit of from this award. She will do an further education with flying colours. undergraduate degree Education, Early Charles was speaking last Monday at Childhood Development and Family the University of the West Indies Open Studies. Campus. The occasion was the Renson Humphrey will graduate, all presentation of bursaries, by the MCT, to things being equal, with an Stories by WILLIAM ‘KOJAH; ANTHONY
Vincentians illegal in T&T OVER NINE THOUSAND Vincentians may be sent back home if Trinidad and Tobago authorities catch up on them. According to reports in the Trinidad Express of last Wednesday, 9,606 Vincentians were listed among 110,012 illegal immigrants in that southern Caribbean nation. Minister of National security Gary Griffith noted that the situation did not happen overnight, but he plans to put an end to it. Guyana heads the list of illegal immigrants with 25,884, while 19,500 Jamaicans were cited to have overstayed their time in Trinidad but had not been deported. Third on the list of illegal visitors is Venezuela with 10,574. Smith pointed to the high cost of sending back African migrants.
Sixteen countries have been named whose citizens have taken up illegal abode in that Caribbean nation. Three other CARICOM countries are Barbados, Grenada and St. Lucia. Smith pointed out that Trinidadians employ many of the illegal immigrants, and that the country was losing money because the employers did not pay National Insurance Services, as well as taxes, in relation to those workers. Smith also indicated that such workers were paid below the minimum wage. Attention was also given to the migrants’ influence on the crime situation as they struggled to keep up with the demands of making a livelihood. The visitors’ presence also impacted on the provision of health, and other social services.
undergraduate degree in Secondary Maths Education, while Hamilton will complete a similar degree in Education in Secondary English and Literature Education. Charles pledged to be a mentor to Humphrey, declaring, “It is my job to see you through this process and graduate with honours.” Tannis, a teacher at the Bequia Anglican Early Childhood Centre, served as a Junior Clerk at the Bequia (L-R): Renson Humphrey (recipient), Lavinnia Gunn (Administrator/MCT), Revenue Office before launching into Rochelle Rox-anne Tannis (recipient), early Childhood Education. She Basil Charles (trustee/MCT), Loretta switched careers, once she became Hamilton (recipient) and Debra embroiled with the Early Childhood Centre. She is looking to go on further Dalrymple (Head of the UWI Open Campus), at last Monday’s presentation. to complete a Masters’ degree. Humphrey is a teacher at the North Union Secondary School. The three students also received “I am really grateful for this Laptop complete with bags. Charles told opportunity,” Humphrey confessed. A the students that the bags were to keep former Lowman’s Windward Primary the computers in good shape, because if School, Emmanuel High School they failed, they will have to return the Mesopotamia and Community College lap tops. student, Humphrey has been a teacher Deborah Dalrymple, Head of the UWI at North Union for the past three years. A member of the Deliverance Baptist Open Campus, through which the bursary recipients will pursue their Church, Humphrey extended gratitude studies online, urged them to take to the Mustique Charitable Trust. Hamilton is from Cane Hall. She is a advantage of the home study teacher at the Girls’ High School, having programme. She described the assistance from the secured her Certificate from the Teacher Mustique Charitable Trust as Division of the St. Vincent and the “significant.” Grenadines Community College. To date, fifteen students have “For many of us, the dream of higher benefitted from the Mustique Charitable education is never realised,” Hamilton Trust’s generosity. One of them, Chad indicated. She is delighted that the Mustique Charitable Trust is taking care Greaves, was on the 2014 graduation list. of sixty percent of the tuition fees.
16. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. 17.
Agriculture
ÂThiefingÊ and lack of markets affecting farmers lime) would feel shame. So them is thief things selling THE ISSUES OF PRAEDIAL dey. Young young sour sop, LARCENY and lack of markets turning black in the for agricultural produce have supermarket. A farmer ain’t been highlighted as two of the carrying that dey, that is a major problems affecting thief carrying that dey. So farmers here. Competing with the thief what can we do about it? All This was the cry of a we can do is compete with the number of farmers and at And though he persists in thief, and the prices going least one secondary school agriculture, ‘his life blood, he down,” said the disgruntled instructor from the Windward is tired of losing his produce to farmer. side of the island, made to thieves. journalists and members of “… my father use to sell an Give us the tools the World Food Day avocado for $1, and right now Committee, during a tour to On the lack of markets for I have to compete with the Farm Families to agriculture produce, Balcombe ‘thief price’. The thief taking commemorate World Food 50cent from the buyers and I said that farmers have done Day. enough work just to get the have to take 50 cent too. Is I Robert ‘Bobby’ Balcombe, a get zero.” crop to harvest, but they really farmer at Mount Bentick, Balcombe said that praedial need help to deal with the Georgetown, told the larceny is having an adverse market. delegation that though he impact on the quality of “The traffickers riding the wants to sound optimistic, but produce on the market. He has farmer… they trusting they he can’t help being pessimistic observed, he said “…some things… then they come back about the agriculture sector supermarkets selling marble they bawl…. they don’t pay here. lime (small lime). I would call them (the farmers)…. it’s Balcombe is a major player them marble lime, I don’t discouraging to young people,” in the sector. He currently Balcombe contended . think any real farmer would occupies 50 acres of land on He said many times the sell those things with pride. I which he rears cattle, pigs, message coming out from the as a farmer going to a super sheep, goat, rabbits, chickens, market with those (marble policy makers is that the by KENVILLE HORNE
and cultivates a wide variety of crops including banana, arrowroot, saffron, tobacco and avocados. It is believed that he is the largest avocado farmer is SVG.
farmers need help, but queries, if a profession needs help who is going into it? “Farmers should have more pride and say, we don’t want help, give us the right tools, and we will do it we self. Give us the market, we know how to grow it.” The lack of market is such a problem for the Balcombe family that they have resorted to using some of the crops they grow to feed their animals. “I mean sheep only eat grass, but I does give my sheep potatoes, pumpkins, mangoes, avocadoes, they get those kind of things “disclosed Balcombe. The farmer with over 40 years experience said it is important that we consume local produce, “and if we eat what we have here, the money go stay here and it go circulate, and a farmer wouldn’t have to beg for help. He go say well I going do this because I have money. But I don’t know the concept of politics and policies, maybe we
Robert ‘Bobby’ Balcombe views the prevalence of praedial larceny and lack of markets as major impediments to encouraging increased activity in agriculture here. are suppose to stay Third World, so that we can ask for more. It’s just a thought that goes through my mind,” declared Balcombe.
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18. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Opinion
The Ministry of Agriculture: Relevant to our development? DURING THE ELECTIONEERING campaign of 2001, the Gonsalves-led ULP had made some bold promises, among these being: 1. A proper addressing of road maintenance; 2. Revitalizing the banana industry; 3. Improving the salaries of civil servants; 4. Upgrading the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital; 5. Repairs to school buildings and clinics. In addition, the new PM Gonsalves had promised that there would be no victimization on his watch; but, just weeks after they had taken the reins, there were validated reports of dozens of cases where persons had been dismissed from state-administered entities, because of their political affiliation. It is important to note that, in response to those charges, PM Gonsalves did not deny that persons had lost their jobs. He explained what was being done as a rotation of workers (people) because jobs were scarce. That there has not been even one documented case where a former worker was reinstated in his old job, is a serious blemish on Mr Gonsalves’ credibility.
impoverishment. The reasons for the crippling of the banana industry are the sum total of bad governance on the part of Dr Gonsalves and his team. I have the sneaking suspicion that in the coming years, those members will seek to absolve themselves with “...was he Ralph,” but that will not hold! They Banana crippled are all grown men and women who know the extent of the contribution And one of the major casualties of that banana has made to the welfare the deviation from those promises, has of the people of our land, yet they sat been the agriculture industry, there drawing good salaries and including bananas, an industry which watched the industry die. For two today is effectively crippled, leaving years, they all refused to act on the the farmers under the weight of knowledge that the dreaded Black Sigatoka disease was upon us, despite the fact that government had undertaken the responsibility — contracted–to ensure the necessary level of pest and disease control. That was “wicked witlessness,” and should warrant the documenting of all the names of the players in that injustice. It is painful that against all this agony, we have some privileged The banana tree, like the Banana political “pseudo-crats” who parade Industry, cries out for resuscitation. themselves on the media to convince us that we never had it “so good.” With respect to the ULP’s election promise listed above, most of them have not yet been fulfilled. That, in part, may be due to the fact that most of the government’s energy and resources are being heavily concentrated on the construction of the Argyle Airport.
appropriately representing the deterioration of the quality of service now provided by that ministry. Some members of staff may be favourable to the making of a small contribution towards the repair of the fences there. That would certainly enhance the ambience, and demonstrate that it is a serious institution disposed to addressing the business of the people, the citizens. The obvious neglect is all the more inexcusable when one considers that the directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture can draw on the skills and resourcefulness of the Forestry arm of the ministry. Certainly, a few teak trees would supply all the wooden strips for a long lasting fence, not only for the compound of the Ministry of Agriculture, but also for the Thomas Saunders Secondary School and the Girls’ High School.
‘Farming Families’
I listened with interest to Mr Raymond Ryan, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, talking about “Family Farming,” and it seemed to be presented as a new concept. But for all those generations after emancipation, farming here in St Vincent has been done by families. Even up to a few years ago, it was to a significant degree identifiable in the banana industry, which has now been crippled as a result of the indiscretions of the senior people in the ministries of agriculture and finance. They were aided and abetted by all those of us who The physical state of the Ministry of adopted an attitude of Agriculture should not reflect the state of indifference. As a result, the services there. “Farming Families” have been crippled economically, and the resulting ripples are now being felt by Physical state of the MOA other sectors of the society. Planning the way forward can no In former years when agricultural longer be left to the minds of those activity in the land was high, the whose bank accounts have grown in property which houses the Ministry of our service, and yet are indifferent to Agriculture (MOA) in Kingstown, used our needs. The ECCB’s Eight Point to be a showpiece of aesthetics. Today, Stabilization and Growth Plan is it is the opposite: the fences are ample testimony of that inadequacy. broken down, and have been so for We must, for the next several months, many months; the entrance is untidy; have a PEOPLE’s conversation to and the wooden gate which had been determine where we are, and how we unhinged for a long period, is now should go forward. secured by means of electrical wire. A pathetic reflection perhaps, but truly LeRoy Providence
Farming families have been a part of the agricultural landscape in St. Vincent for generations, like this couple working together on their seedling farm.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. 19.
News
FLOW reaches out to its customers
COLUMBUS COMMUNICATIONS, operators of the FLOW and Columbus Business Solutions brands, has begun an exercise aimed at reaching out to its customers. Towards this end, FLOW launched at online survey, in all eight countries across the Caribbean where the Company currently operates, with the intention of having its customers “tell us what matters to you” - to say how they feel about Flow’s service. “This survey is one of many initiatives that we are undertaking as part of an organized approach to integrate the discipline of
customer experience into our operations,” said Michele English, Columbus’ Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. “Our plan is to significantly enhance our customer ‘listening’ systems and ensure that feedback is integrated into our daily decisions and connected to our customers’ experiences across the organization.” English admits, “It certainly is not an easy task. There is a lot more work and research to be done, as well as significant behind-the-scenes operational processes that we have to design and implement, to ensure that every customer touch point in the organization
can support our customers’ needs efficiently and effectively.” Customers with active accounts can take part in the survey just by using their account number to access the research instrument, and English said, “We look forward to receiving responses from our customers and incorporating their insights into our strategic customer experience plan,” even as she encouraged FLOW customers to log onto the FLOW website, discoverflow.co, click on the survey icon and complete the survey. She assures customers that the survey is very simple and easy to complete.
‘Hairoun Orange’ now in a bottle by KENVILLE HORNE THE ST.VINCENT Brewery has added another line to its already wide range of bottled soft drinks. On Thursday, October 9, the Brewery presented ‘Hairoun Orange’ in a bottle, during a press launch at its compound at Campden Park. Marketing Coordinator at the Brewery, Kelvin Franklyn, described the product as new and exciting. “The product has been in our market in the post mix category, and now we have decided to introduce it in the bottle,” Franklyn explained. . According to Franklyn, ‘Hairoun Orange’ has been very popular as a post mix option and “persons can rest assured that the quality (of the bottled drink) is just as good as the post mix
L-R): Nadia Hercules - Marketing Assistant, Kelvin Franklyn - Marketing Coordinator and Miles Boyea - Sales Coordinator, at last week Thursday’s launch of a new bottled drink (foreground) from the St. Vincent Brewery. quality.” He cited ‘Hairoun Orange’ as one of the largest post mix sellers for the Hairoun brand over the years, “and so we believe that it is a wise decision to conveniently package it in this 280 ml bottle, for our consumers.”
The product is now available at all St. Vincent Brewery wholesale and retail outlets, as well as from any St. Vincent Brewery distribution truck. The wholesale price is $30 per case. Recommended retail price per bottle is $2.00.
Fuel Storage Facility nearing completion THE LOWMANS BAY FUEL Storage Distribution Facility is now in its final stage of readiness, and should be open for a trial run in January 2015. And Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, during a news conference on Tuesday, said that as part of the arrangement, ten fire fighters from the local fire department have already been identified. They are expected to journey
to a Petro Caribe facility in Venezuela for training. They will go in two batches of five each. The storage facility will contain two storage tanks for gasoline and two for diesel, a water tank and a storage tank for Jet A fuel, the Prime Minister told members of the press on Tuesday. The facility is expected to increase local fuel storage capacity and for longer periods of time. “So that the security for fuel storage in the country is not like at the moment with 7 to 10 days, we will have greater security — I’m told up to three months,” Gonsalves said. It is also anticipated that locals will oversee the daily operations of the facility, and advertisements to fill various positions have The Lowmans Bay Fuel Storage Distribution already been made public. Facility is expected to increase this The estimated value of the country’s fuel storage capacity. (Photo: facility is US26.5 million.
svgnbc)
For further information, FLOW subscribers here can contact: Corey Garrett, FLOW Marketing and Communications Manager, P.O. Box 1684, Kingstown, or at Tel.: 784570-3569 (x6736), Cell: 784-532-8761 or Email: cgarrett@colmbus.coLower
Right: Michele English, Columbus’ Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, says that her Company is keen on receiving customer feedback which will be integrated into the company’s decisionmaking process.
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20. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Advice
Resist the temptation
worked, and will only create more problems. You and your husband need to make I FINALLY HAD TO admit to myself that I The first thing you have to realise a decision about the business, and it can no longer remain in business. The is: your dignity is worth more than the would be useful to see a main factor here is the mishandling of the finances by my husband, who thought sum of money that this man is willing financial advisor to make an informed Dear George, to offer to you. determination. Fixing what is wrong it was a better idea to give the money Long after the money has been used with the business and ignoring what is I MADE A MISTAKE and slept with away to his women, who are now up, you would have to live with the not right with your marriage. three different women, and now I am laughing at him and how stupid he is. I hearing that one of them may very know this because word has gotten back fact that you sacrificed your dignity to Hopefully, after all has been done to get it. The question is: Would you be correct what has gone wrong, you will well have HIV. I am not sure of this, to me about it. able to live with that? both find your own pot of gold at the but I am very concerned. My situation now is that I need a My advice to you is never to get to end of your rainbow. It has been several months now big sum of money to keep the business that place. Forget about getting back since I slept with the woman in going, but we do not have it. The at your husband. Tit for tat has never George question, and I have been looking banks would not touch us for signs of the disease. Lately I because of our history with have not been feeling well and I them. In walked a male friend am not sure if it is the of my husband, who offered me Chikungunya virus I have or the money we need, with symptoms of HIV that is was going to put on the line. To my shock, I certain repayment terms. i.e. Dear George, manifesting. I am afraid to go to heard my wife’s voice in the background that I would not have to repay the doctor for obvious reasons. anything if I agree to sleep I DON’T EVEN THINK you have an answer screaming and yelling sexual noises. The I was planning to confess my caller then came back on the line and said it with him at least twice weekly to my question but I’m going to put my infidelity to my girlfriend but after would be his turn next to “deal with her or five times monthly. He situation to you anyway. I know this one hearing about the HIV rumour, I case”, and in case I was not convinced it was made it clear to me that what will shock you as much as it shocked me. decided not to. I do not want to he is asking me to do is not My wife of 5 years has been coming home my wife, he would gladly describe the tattoo alarm her needlessly. What do I she has on her left thigh and the birth mark unreasonable, since my late after work for several weeks now, and do now? husband had had an affair her explanation is that she has been getting she has below her naval, and provide pictures, which he did. with his wife. extra tutoring from this guy who Middle man George, I was angry, shocked and A part of me wants to do it, is, according to her, “ very good.” I had my helpless. When my wife got home, I asked just to hurt my husband while suspicions and plus some friends of mine Dear Middle man, her about it, and she denied everything. I getting the money at the same cautioned me that my wife was seeing showed her the pictures her lovers sent to time, but I am not sure if he someone else. I knew why she was seen You may be comfortable playing me. She was speechless for a while, then (the man) would keep the where she was seen, but these other people Russian roulette with your life, said that if I was doing my homework arrangement between us. I did not know her reason for being there. but it is unfair to do so with your properly, she would not have to be doing don’t want to go out of One evening I received a telephone call girlfriend’s life. business, and I am very from an unknown number. A male voice on that. You have not described the That was when I packed my things and tempted by this offer. the other end told me to listen carefully to symptoms that you have, so I left the house. I have not gone back since, see if I recognize the voice of someone he cannot comment on your situation and now I want out of the marriage and her Frustrated Wife from that angle. You need to visit life. the doctor and get clarity on what . is plaguing you physically, and Devastated follow the advice given. Your next step should be to tell Dear Devastated, your girlfriend about your affairs, so she can go and get herself It is sad that, even with evidence of her tested. This is not something she infidelity, she failed to take a different is going to take lying down, and approach to the situation. Your wife has therefore, you may need to break clearly decided to look outside of the this to her in the presence of a marriage for the satisfaction she claimed counselor. she could not get in the marriage. Sleeping with three different Oftentimes when we allow a multitude of little issues to go unattended, they come women is not a mistake but rather a lifestyle, and you need to weigh back to haunt us in droves. Since your the consequences that are mind is already made up to leave the attached to such a lifestyle. marriage, it would be best to seek Go to the doctor and take your appropriate legal counsel and also, it girlfriend with you! If you do not won’t hurt to see a relationship counselor want to go then at least give your to help you settle your thoughts and to girlfriend the information remain psychological sound as you about you, so she can take steps to embark on the process of dissolving your look after her health. union with your wife.
Dear George,
Dear Frustrated Wife,
Paying for my misdeeds
No turning back
George
George
Leisure
ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Just be yourself! Anyone who can’t accept you for who you are just isn’t worth a second glance. There’s a window of opportunity to make your mark at work. It’s your time to shine, show your superiors what you’re capable of achieving.
LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Lucky you, money magically lands in your pocket just when you need it the most. If an awkward situation at work is out of your control, don’t spend time worrying. Instead, concentrate on the mound of paperwork at your feet! Love vibes are hot.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Warning; passionate moments ahead! A flirty affair can move to the next stage faster than expected. You may find yourself going head–to–head with a power player on the warpath at work; make sure you gain support from peers.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Everything has an expiration date; don’t hold onto something just because it’s easier. If someone at work is taking advantage of you, learn to say No, it’s time to put an end to it. Watch your stress levels. For love to work, start communicating.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Get straight to the point when telling someone how you feel; being too subtle could confuse matters. When looking for money advice, ask an expert who has a successful track record. Clear out the clutter at home and turn trash into treasure.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Hold on to some top–secret information a little longer. When the time is right it will have a greater impact. Break up your routine at work by approaching something in a different way, it promises to get the attention from those who count.
CANCER (June 22-July 22) You like to be boss, but sometimes it’s good to relinquish control, especially with love and romance. Watch your spending, if you must have the latest and greatest work toys, look for a bargain. No one will know, except your bank balance!
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) If you don’t get the answer you’re looking for at work, then try again. Fate is destined to play its wildcard very soon, which means you’re in for an exciting time. Love–wise, friends play a larger part in your personal life than you realize.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) If you love what you do, your passion and drive can guarantee success in your career. Don’t let your life become boring, spice it up by injecting some frivolous fun. Be careful of listening to gossip about your love life, check the facts first.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) The tide turns with work; your dreams can come true. Draw upon your contacts, friends in high places can send your career rocketing to the stars. If you need to win over a sweetheart, be strategic or rely on your sex appeal, it’s worked before!
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Take a calculated risk at the office – the stars give you the Magic Touch! You are entering a new phase in your personal life; it’s as if fate is on your side. If a potential love interest is giving you the green light, hit the accelerator – now!
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Close the door, leave past love hurts behind and walk over the threshold into a bright new future. Today is the first day of the rest of your life; it’s a cliché, but true! When buying or negotiating a major purchase, don’t accept the first offer.
ACROSS 1. Small weight 5. Happy start 9. Frat letter 12. Irish Rose’s mate 13. Mrs. Dithers of “Blondie” 14. Spherical body 15. Pedestrian places 17. Basketball hoop edge 18. Respectful title 19. Tic‐_‐toe 21. Coat color 24. Cul‐de‐sac (2 wds.) 28. Pierre’s friend 29. Run suddenly 31. Jai _ 32. No. to Pierre 33. Little tantrums 35. Get ready to shoot 36. Buffalo’s lake 38. Summer‐job seeker 39. “_ Got Sixpence 40. Kelp 42. De Mille of dance
44. Address bk. line 45. Zoo animal 46. Common virus 48. Oil painting 54. Rowing implement 55. Eager 56. Heidi of “Project Runway” 57. Summer (Fr.) 58. Suckers 59. Chooses DOWN 1. _ grill 2. Stat for Andruw Jones 3. Give help 4. Reagan appointee 5. Blemish 6. Reaction to an IM joke 7. Biblical ship 8. Atkins no‐no 9. Fine China 10. _ Lanka 11. Computer co. initials 16. Uninhabited regions 20. Dental gp. 21. Striped
candies insurance 22. Love (Ital.) spokescritter 23. Small 45. Says painting further 24. Dehydrated 46. Antagonist 25. Diminutive 47. Map suffix marking 26. Easily (abbr.) fooled 27. Roosevelt coins 30. Gambling stake 34. Speaks sharply 37. Woolly mama 41. Fitzgerald and Logan 43. Car
LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. 21.
49. A Gardner 50. Small bite 51. High mountain 52. “_ a cork in it!” 53. Dorothy’s aunt et al.
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22. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Finance
Save. Grow. Invest.
is, the shorter his or her attention span will be. Therefore, if the child intends to save enough money to purchase a certain item, the item should be FOSTERING THE HABIT of saving early in childhood is attainable within a short period of time in order to necessary to start your child’s journey in financial prevent the child from feeling that saving is a education. Even two- year olds can be taught how to hopeless, endless endeavour. put money into a money box (e.g. a piggy bank or any On the other hand, if the child were older, container for saving money). Although they may not the saving pattern could be extended by turning the grasp the concept of savings, the introduction of coins saving goal into something unattainable within a and notes and putting them into a money box teaches short period of time. Encouraging children to save them basics about money identification and differences for a few months before they can purchase a between the different denominations. favourite toy can teach them the virtues of patience The savings pattern and the time period and deferred gratification. allocated for a savings goal should be tailored to the Furthermore, saving habits can be inculcated age and maturity of the child. The younger the child more effectively if children can witness and observe Submitted by: BANK OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
the actual accumulation of their savings efforts. Some parents use a clear jar rather than a money box, as a young child may feel that the money is “gone” if they cannot see it. Visual representations are important for children, and putting a picture of the item they are saving for in their “bank” reinforces their motivation to save. Another method of encouraging your child includes matching his or her savings amounts. So if your child saves 50 cents a day, you can encourage him or her by also contributing 50 cents to his or her savings or simply open a bank account where interest is paid on whatever is saved. Besides serving as a reward for the child’s efforts, it can also help reinforce the saving habit and spur him or her on to save for future financial goals. As the child becomes more proficient in saving in one jar or money box, parents may introduce more sophisticated concepts through other ways of saving. The practice of “save some, invest some, share some and spend some” provides children with opportunities to develop good money habits, while teaching them to look beyond their own needs and care for the less fortunate. The celebration of saving is the ability to spend. Making children understand that whatever you spend must be supported by what you save is a great way of teaching them how to live within their means. When your children ask for something in the store, explain to them that you will have to pay for it and that it is not free. Suggest that they utilize the savings in their money boxes if they truly want the item. For younger children who may need more visual representations of the concept, you should also allow them to see the money, hold it, pay for the item at the checkout counter, and receive the receipt along with the item. With older children, the concept of “needs versus wants” should also be introduced in tandem with learning how to spend only what you save. Teaching children about money management habits is not merely telling them what you want them to do. Children learn through experience. Encouraging them to save through their money boxes or allowing them to handle their own money during “field trips” has a more lasting impact. Hence, always seize real-life opportunities to teach your children the benefits of good money management. Exposure to formal savings habits will broaden youths’ understanding of financial services, develop positive behavioural cognition, and help kids to acquire better access to education and healthcare in the future.
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. 23.
SVG footballers suffer another telling meltdown saw them rally and come away with a 2-2 draw. THIRTY-FIVE YEARS AGO, St Vincent and That performance was followed by the Grenadines senior footballers made another in Suriname a few weeks later their debut in Caribbean Football Union when, battling substandard officiating, (CFU) competition with a match against a hostile environment and a seasoned the French dependency of Martinique, at home team, the Vincentians this time the Arnos Vale Playing Field. came away 3-2 victors. The Elliot ‘Mori’ Millington-led Five years before, a Vincentian team, comprised of some of the most team, with a nucleus of U19 players, skilful, knowledgeable and fittest men overcame a 0-3 half time score against ever to have worn the St. Vincent St. Kitts, to rush to a 5-3 win, also at colours, fell behind 0-2 by the interval. the Arnos Vale Playing Field. But with a ‘we-can-do-it’ call from Since those years, football fans here captain Millington as he led his have witnessed or listened to dejected team from the field at half embarrassing meltdowns by national time, the Vincentians, representing teams, who have conjured up then a country still battling the unthinkable ways to set up defeats, aftermath of the La Soufriere eruption, with matches against the same put on a pyroclastic performance that Martinique, Trinidad and Tobago and by E. GLENFORD PRESCOTT
Cornelius Stewart, who plays his football in Finland, netted twice for the Vincentians.
Corneilus Stewart (two) and Oalex Anderson (one) had breached the Oalex Anderson helped to Martinique defence. push SVG into an early lead. SVG had earlier been beaten 1-3 by Jamaica being fresh in the minds of host Guadeloupe and were able to edge supporters. the always troublesome Curacao, 1-0. Their latest meltdown has left Other results in the group saw officials, administrators and some Martinique and Curacao playing to a team members in a state of dismay 1-1 draw, and the former beating after the team allowed a 3-1 lead with Guadeloupe, 2-1. fifteen minutes to Curacao beat Guadeloupe 1-nil, to go, end in a 3-4 join Martinique as the other qualifier defeat to from group nine of the competition. Martinique in the Following the 1979 and 1981 CFU recently concluded success when they placed second to CENTURIES FROM LEFTsemi-finals of the powerhouse Trinidad, SVG made it to HANDED opening batsman Caribbean Cup, the final stages of the CFU Gidron Pope and allrounder played in competition five consecutive years in Casmon Walters were the Guadeloupe. succession under Millington, who had highlight of the final trial The result graduated to being coach of the team. match of the St Vincent and meant that the They also did so under Lenny the Grenadines national Vincentians, who Taylor and placed second to Trinidad senior cricket team. must have after losing the finals 0-5 in the The players were mentally seen Cayman Islands. themselves heading competing for places in the This performance saw them to the finals in 13-man party to represent advancing to the CONCACAF Gold Jamaica, crashing Cup in 1996. SVG in the 2014 Edition of out of the This year, the four top teams from the Windward Islands in tournament at the the tournament will take automatic senior cricket tournament, to semi-final stage. spots in the CONCACAF Gold Cup for be held in St Lucia from Heading into the 2015; and the fifth placed team will October 30th to November match with a compete in a home and away playoff 7th. victory their only game against a fifth placed team from Gidron Pope stroked 111 for the Fresh from representing chance of securing the Unión Centro Americana de Fútbol Lindon James team. the Windward Islands the Casman Walters hit 101 not a berth in the final, (UNCAF), the winner of which will West Indies U19 tournament, out for the Miles Bascombe included 11 fours and 3 sixes. the Vincentians qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup Pope signaled his intention to team Davian Darnum also looked set when competition. the senior selectors with a cashed in on the opportunity the skilful pair of stroke-filled 111, which best bowler for a Miles as he stroked 56 included 12 fours and 3 sixes, Bascombe Eleven. Fast bowler not out and in the match played at the Romano Bibby took 2 for 54. Marvin Small hit Arnos Vale playing field on the Miles Bascombe Eleven in 23. Fast bowler IN AN ARTICLE HEADLINED (REFERENCE) to be incorrect, weekend. their first innings, declared at Dawnley Grant having been duly informed of such 78 for 8. Dawnley Grant took 3 captured 2 for 12 ‘Bobb ignored by Windwards’ He helped propel a Lindon and carried on page 23 (Sports) by persons directly connected to the for 24 and Weswick Straw 3 for and Kenneth James Eleven to 313 for 9 of our October 10, 2014 issue, management of Windward Islands 6. declared. He got support from, Dember 2 for 35 reference was made to Alston cricket. Batting a second time, Miles captain Lindon James, 53, offas the game Bobb being among the ‘ten We apologise for the Bascombe Eleven reached 199 spinner Kenneth Dember, 52, ended in a tame initial players named by the misinformation and any inference Desron Malone, 36 and Donwell for 5. Cosman Walters took draw. Windward selectors for the in the article that may have advantage of a deleted fielding upcoming Professional Cricket brought the management of Hector, 21. Left-arm spinner side on the final day to finish League,… “ Windward Islands cricket into I.B.A.ALLEN Asif Hooper, 3 for 96, was the We now know this question. unbeaten on 101. His innings
Two centuries in final trial match
OOOPS!!!!
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24. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
Sports
JosephÊs century sets up Stubbs triumph
FORMER WINDWARD ISLANDS captain and opening batsman Dawnley Joseph hit his first century for the season, to help Stanley Browne’s Stubbs Masters defeat Cato’s Heavy Equipment Glamorgan Masters by 104 runs, in the SVG Masters T20 cricket competition. In a match played last weekend, Stubbs Masters’ total of 211 for 3 in 20 overs, was bolstered by an unbeaten 106 by Joseph. Vincent Benjamin also contributed with 54. Glamorgan Masters were restricted to 107 for 7 off 20 overs. Kendol Burgin led with 28. Livingston John took 3 for 14 and Anthony Richards 2 for 19. Sion Hill Masters defeated Metrocint General Insurance Sagicor Richards Masters by 126 runs. Sion Hill Masters made 181
for 4 off 20 overs. Keyon Jack led the batting with 58, Sylvester Vanloo 36 and Ronald Medford 30. Richards Masters were bowled out for 55 off 12.4 overs. Henny Penny Masters beat Pastures Masters by 70 runs. Henny Penny Masters made 141 for 9 off 20 overs. Pastures Masters were bowled out for 71 in 13.4 overs. Log Enterprises Kingstown Masters defeated RSVG Police Masters by 21 runs. Log Enterprises Kingstown Masters made 155 for 9 off 20 overs, Orbiton Ollivierre topscoring with 39 and Joseph Carrington contributing 31. Elgin Richards bagged 3 for 23 and Elvis Browne 2 for 25. RSVG Police Masters were restricted to 134 for 6 off 20 overs. Parnel Browne topscored with 58 and Trevor Bailey 37.
In a match reduced to 15 overs a side, Bequia Cricket Association Masters won over Computec Belfongo Masters on a faster scoring rate. Belfongo Masters made 101 for 6 off 15 overs, 38 coming from Elton Williams and 25 from Aaron Bascombe. Sean Glynn took 2 for 17. Bequia Cricket Association Masters were 86 for 3 off 10 overs when rain ended play. Ashley Cordice topscored with 50. After 10 overs Belfongo Masters were 53 for 3. North East Masters defeated St.Vincent Cooperative Bank P’tani Masters by 8 wickets. P’tani Masters reached 102 for 8 off 20 overs. Cassius Welcome hit 28. Jerry Matthias, Reggie Adams and Eric Williams each got 2 wickets. North East Masters replied with 105 for 2 off 18.4 overs. Oefestal
Lampkin led with 53 and Harvey Pope got 23. This weekend, on Saturday 18th October from 2.00pm, at Park Hill, Stubbs Masters play P’tani Masters, while at Arnos Vale One, from 2.00pm, Log Enterprises Kingstown Masters oppose Pastures Masters. On Sunday 19th October at Park Hill, Glamorgan Masters take on Belfongo Masters from 10:00am, and from 2:00pm, North East Masters face off against Kirk DaSilva’s La Croix Masters. At Arnos Vale One on Sunday from 10.00 a.m, RSVG Police Masters clash with Henny Penny Masters, and from 2:00pm Carlos James North Leeward Masters take on Sion Hill Masters.
Dawnley Joseph hit 106 not out and showcased signs of the class that brought him to regional prominence as an opening batsman. I.B.A.ALLEN
John hits century for Rudy’s intriguing encounter this year was a tied fixture first delivery, but Police held their nerve and picked between Carlos James Peto Triumph and Police. up the remaining three wickets, to leave the scores CHRISROY JOHN, a righthanded opener for Rudy’s Both teams ended on 144 at the end of each of level at the end of 20 overs. Electrical, hit the first triple figure innings this their 20 overs limit. Desron Maloney 44 and Shamon Hooper 20 season’s VINLEC North Leeward T/20 tournament Police batted first and were reined in by Vangel contributed to the run chase for Peto Triumph continued. Small, 3 for 21. Gerald Gould 30 not out and United. Last Saturday, John, with 107, powered his team Kenneth Dember 25 were among the runs for Police. Kenneth Dember, 3 for 16, Romano Bibby, 3 for to 256 for 7 in their 20 overs. William Edwards, 58, Peto Triumph United might have considered 25, who bowled the final over, and Sylvan Spencer, 2 joined in the run spree, occasioned by the fact that themselves on course for victory with five runs for 14, kept Peto Triumph in check. their opponents, Simple Sounds Family , fielded needed off the final over. They got a four from the nine players, consequently opening gaps for the batsmen to exploit. Alain Williams 2 for 44 and Fitzmore Edwards 2 for 56 were the chief wicket takers for Simple Sounds Family. Simple Sounds Family were dismissed for 163, even after a gallant batting display by Junior Murray, 79. Given the depth of the batting line-up and the task they faced, Simple Sounds Family may have done well in their 13 .3 over stint. It was contrasting fortunes for Rudy’s Electrical the following day. They were blown away by Ajuba, whose bowling combination of Kimali Williams, 3 for 23, Reginald Jeffrey, 2 for 11, and Leon Samuel, Action in the Port Authority-Transport and 2 for 13, routed Works match. them for 96 in 13. away eventually, after some strong 1 overs. resistance. The match ended 25 — 21 in Ajuba romped favour of CWSA and pushed them to the top to 100 for 1 off Players stuck in a period of concentration in the CWSAof the table, with 25 points. 10.4 overs to Minibus Association match that caused a change in the In Friday’s match, Transport and Works secure victory, leader board. made relatively light work of Port Authority, Kenny Stapleton, beating them 25 — 17. 50 not out, LAST WEEKEND rounds of matches in the Matches continue tomorrow, Saturday 18th inflicting some Hairoun/Printery Sports and Cultural Club Firms October, at the Kingstown Anglican School, with damage on the Dominoes Competition, lived up to the buzz that Government Printery versus Port Authority from Rudy’s bowling preceded them. 3:00pm, followed by a Police — Transport and Works attack. Defending Champions, CWSA, went into their encounter beginning at 6:30 pm. That brought Saturday encounter with points tally leaders, Organizers say that they are pleased with the the curtains down Minibus Association, knowing that a victory would Chrisroy John – first centuryway the competition is progressing, and anticipate a on the weekend’s turn the tables at the top of the leader board. maker in this year’s VINLEC smooth run to the grand finals, scheduled for programme. But And so it was to be. The Water Men turned on North Leeward T/20 November 19. perhaps the most the pressure, and the Minibus men were washed tournament. by: WILLIAM ‘KOJAH’ ANTHONY
CWSA back on top
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. 25.
Sports
Golden Opportunity WE HAVE GOTTEN something right, but we missed a golden opportunity. We sacrificed that defensive shield. Team SVG Vincy Heat netted five times in three matches, but the seven goals they conceded were their downfall. The 3:1 loss to Guadeloupe signalled a wrong start. When they rebounded with a one/nil win over Curacao, they were in the reckoning for a Gold Cup line up. They might have been, up to 72 minutes in the match against Martinique. An outrageous four minutes between the 82nd and 86th dashed our hopes. A 4:3 match has to be an exciting encounter, but coming out on the losing end provides no cause for celebrations. Goals win matches, but your defence must also be up to the challenges. It is essential not to concede. Teams with fewer goals against them invariably make it through. Curacao is an example. They scored twice; one nil and won Guadeloupe and drew against Martinique. They didn’t score against SVG, but their points enabled them to advance. Martinique scored seven goals. The other finalists are Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Haiti and French Guiana. The French dominated in Haiti, with the English speaking St. Kitts/Nevis and Barbados missing the opportunity to shine on the golden stage. St. Kitts/Nevis were edged out by French Guiana who scored five goals to St. Kitts/Nevis four, both having conceded that same amount. Barbados might consider themselves unlucky, having found the nets five times. Three came in a 3:2 win over St. Kitts/Nevis, and the other in a 4:2 saga with Haiti. French Guiana’s 2:0 win over the Bajans stalled their progress. Antigua/Barbuda secured a record similar to Curacao’s with two both for and against. Those were enough to earn them four points. Dominican Republic scored more goals (4) than the Antiguans, but having been swamped by Trinidad and Tobago, they recovered with a 0/0 draw against Antigua and a 3: 2 win over St. Lucia. They would have needed four more goals against St. Lucia or half as many, had they prevented the St. Lucians from converting. If they had scored against Antigua, the task would have been less complicated. Great prospects are ahead for those finalists, alongside Cuba and Jamaica. The top four qualify for the Gold Cup. The fifth placed team still stands a chance, but the pride and prestige of winning the Caribbean Cup will be most rewarding. St. Vincent and the Grenadines could only hope for a better result the next time. We learn on every outing. There is no satisfaction in knowing that SVG drew with those teams who played the final in the previous Gold Cup. We were eliminated in the third match of that round, the similar stage at which we faltered this time. We suffer from fatigue at the time when we need to bolster our resources. At that rate, it is obvious that we are not keen on progressing. It is a matter of adjusting to the demands. We have to know what is required and do it. Football has gone beyond the level of an administration. It is a national concern. There has to be a well-oiled machinery in order to keep that vehicle running. We have to find a way of assessing our situation and do things that will encourage our players to be fit to run for two hours. Our downfall is our lack of fitness. It has been proven time after time. Anything different will see our team looking competitive up to the interval, and a decline after. That is not a recipe for progress.
Eustace paying for good behaviour TEAMS AND INDIVIDUAL players in the Vita Malt Sion Hill netball tournament will Dellarice Duncan, be striving not only to President of the win trophies and titles SVG Netball but also to earn the Association, EC$250.00 cash price for wants to see Sion being judged as the most Hill return to a disciplined during the greater presence tournament. in nthe national This offer of netball encouragement for best competition. behaviour is once again coming from Area Duncan, Representative for the however, lamented East Kingstown One Up: Clinchers’ Goal Attack Khadija Williams shoots the fact that Sion Constituency Arhnim another goal to propel her team to a win over Green Hill. Hill, which Eustace. previously fielded The news of Eustace’s two teams in the be his platform for the next offer was conveyed by his national competition, was now daughter Maia Eustace who made Elections. Commending the people of Sion down to one. She made a plea for the announcement while standing Hill on their exploits in the sports, them to seek to get back to two in for her dad at the opening teams. Browne then set about listing a ceremony. Fifteen teams, eight in Division number of initiatives that he In addition to making the One and seven in Division Two, would be undertaking to help the announcement, Ms. Eustace are contesting the 2014 edition of community to return to the glory pleaded with the many ladies the tournament which is in its days of sporting achievements. present to speak out against the 18th year. abuse of women and to strive to be Among these would be the Nice Radio Clinchers, who have identifying of talent and good mothers. She also urged been in the tournament from rebuilding the community spirit. players to strive to be respectful Browne also promised once again theinception, began the season on to their opponents and to avoid a winning note by disposing of winning at all costs. She praised the setting up of a children’s Green Hill Sports Club, 42-16, in playground, which was first the teams from Owia and a Division One match-up. Barrouallie for journeying that far suggested four years ago, on a In awards on the day, New Era parcel of land in the Bottom to play teh game. Pepper Stars took the best turned Roseau area. Senator Luke Browne, out team award, and Ever-Ready President of the SVG Netball Parliamentary Secretary in the Future Stars the best banner. Association, Dellarice Duncan, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, RP Ballers were unstoppable was in attendance this time also addressed the healthy around. She lauded Sylvia Clarke last year, romping to both the gathering. league and knockout titles in Browne, the losing government and her committee for what she Division One, with C & R described as tremendous work in candidate in the last General Enterprises Sion Hill doing so in hosting the tournament for yet Elections, took the opportunity to Division Two. another year. lay out what many concluded to
South Leeward Combine: Double crown champions SOUTH LEEWARD COMBINE are double senior champions in the 2014 Barrouallie Netball Competition, which climaxed in an exciting fashion at the Kearton’s Hard Court last weekend. Having claimed the league title on Friday night, they continued their impressive run as they easily disposed of Topsidaz, 50 — 28, in the finals of the Knock Out segment of the Western Union Senior Division. In the Vita Malt Junior division, Star Girls 3 retained
South Leeward Combine, champion team in the senior division. their Knock Out title, beating Young Blazers 27 — 20 in the finals. This was sweet revenge for the Star Girls who had been edged out on goal difference by Young Blazers in the race for the Junior League title. The presentation of awards will be held on Sunday 26 October immediately following the final of the Football competition. I.B.A.ALLEN
Star Girls 3 Junior division Knockout champions.
26. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. THE VINCENTIAN
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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014. 27.
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AGONY FOR BELMONT RESIDENTS Mesopotamia has been diverted through the village road; motorists into Kingstown have been instructed to use either the Whim road or the Fair Hall route. But Gemma King, a resident, told THE VINCENTIAN that since the village road has been refurbished to accommodate the flow of traffic, vehicles, Gemma King, a Belmont resident, says it is like a particularly those nightmare having to put up with the heavy traffic, noise travelling from and now damage to her property. Mesopotamia to Kingstown — which is prohibited – by DAYLE DA SILVA have been damaging people’s property, included hers, which has suffered THE BELMONT BYPASS (road) system has damage to its perimeter wall. already proved to be an inconvenience King said that sometimes there is for motorists travelling to and from the “heavy traffic” such as long trucks and Marriaqua Valley. Now, residents in the buses. area are complaining that the heavy “And they are coming down and traffic is proving to be a nuisance and a tearing down my wall,” King said. threat to property. According to King, her problems Since a section of the main road to first arose last year, but the two most the Marriaqua Valley broke away in recent incidents have been the worst. September 2013, vehicular traffic to She said that the last two incidents
Damage done to the steps leading to the residence of Chiefton Thomas.
involved a mini-bus and a truck, which left her wall cracked. The police were summoned, King explained. They took a report and photographs of the affected area. A statement was also given, and the authorities assured her that they would investigate the matter, seeing that she was fortunate enough to obtain the registration number of the vehicles which had hit the wall. That was about two months ago she maintains, and she has heard nothing further. King told THE VINCENTIAN that she went to the Ministry of Transport and Works, and was directed to BRAGSA, where she said she spoke to a member of staff. She acknowledged that BRAGSA dispatched one of its technical people, whom she described as a a ‘junior’ member of staff, to visit the scene and take a report. He effected his task but to date, nothing has materialised. “Right now, the road start to mash up in the village,” King said, adding that the noise associated with the constant traffic is getting unbearable. “So what must I do, abandon my home that I just build and go and rent something until somebody deals with this road? “I want to find out who is going to compensate me and build back my wall” Why is BRAGSA not coming to check
the road to see the damage, and why (are) the police not coming out to help with the traffic during peak times?” she queried. Meanwhile, another resident, Chiefton Thomas, has complained of a similar issue - part of his property has also been damaged by vehicles passing through the area. He told THE VINCENTIAN that for over twelve years, he has had some steps which lead to his home, and during that period, the area has never seen the amount of traffic that it is now having to deal with. “Friday night I went to sleep and when I get up Saturday morning, me steps gone,” Thomas said. The man said that his problem is that he cannot take action because he does not know who the person is who did the damage to his property. And, he says, even if he builds it back, someone else will knock it down again. When THE VINCENTIAN checked with BRAGSA for a comment on the complaints, an official confirmed the report made by King. The official, however, explained that the issue was one for the police to handle. As to the damage done to the property, the BRAGSA official said that repair work would have to be the responsibility of the driver and/or owner of the vehicle that caused the damage.
A section of the perimeter wall of Gemma King’s residence which she says was damaged by vehicles over the last two months.
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