THE VINCENTIAN PDF - 18-04-19

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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THURSDAY,

APRIL 18, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.16

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

BOAT FIRE WARRANTS

INVESTIGATION became engulfed by fire.

According to Dr. Friday, he LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION, Dr saw the vessel being towed on Godwin Friday, on last Monday’s Tuesday and there was smoke New Times Radio Programme, coming from the back and front called for an investigation into of the boat, but not that much. the fire which destroyed the MV “And the thought that came Gem Star last week, describing to mind was how are the the situation as it unfolded as authorities going to put this fire baffling. out with the vessel being towed Last week Monday, shortly out to sea? after docking at the Grenadines “By the time it got out (to Wharf in Kingstown, there sea), it was engulfed in flames, appeared to be a fire on board and that needs to be the MV Gem Star, and investigated to determine what although efforts were made by went on, because it just seems the Fire Service and individuals to me that it begs an to contain the blaze, there was explanation as to how the boat still smoldering on Tuesday can be at the wharf causing the port authorities to docked…how is it possible that instruct that the vessel be we were not able to contain the removed from its berthing. fire?”, Dr. Friday asked.

Dr. Godwin Friday, Leader of the Opposition and MP for It was towed into open sea, the Northern Grenadines, issued a call for an but the entire vessel soon Continued on Page 3. investigation into the demise of the MV Gem Star.

by DAYLE DA SILVA

Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Benjamin said that, once assigned to a RSVGPF Department that has specific tasks, officers are trained accordingly.

TRYING TO BEAT THE RUSH MINI BUSES, they say, are always in a hurry to ‘ketch de dolla’. This photo bears this out. For is there another reason why this mini bus (top) would find itself in the lane at the Arnos Vale Round-About designated for outward traffic only (out of town traffic only), when it (mini bus) is heading into Kingstown?

The obvious result was that the mini bus slammed into the oncoming vehicle — an old model Land Rover of all vehicles — and came away the sorrier of the two drivers/owners.

When will they ever learn?

2. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

V News 3 NDP to bring electoral reform motion

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. 3.

EVEN THOUGH HE ACKNOWLEDGES thathistory is not on his party’s side, Leader of the Opposition and President of the New Democratic Party Dr. Godwin Friday, says that his party will bring a motion for electoral reform when Parliament meets on May 2.

Speaking on the ‘New Times’ radio programme on Monday, Friday said that it was hoped that the issue would be properly debated, this especially following the many issues that came out during the case of the two 2015 General Election petitions, involving the Central Leeward and North Windward constituencies.

Among the issues that came out were those related to official stamp and initial of the presiding officer, issues related to the recount and the ballot box.

Dr. Friday explained the intention as one in an effort to ensure that persons that are assigned the responsibilities during the elections, are

capable of doing so and perform impartially.

But, as he admitted, history is not on their side.

According to Dr. Friday, there is a provision that permits private members to bring motions in Parliament; however, it was a customary practice of the government side to permit any two nonministers on their side to bring motions.

“So, they have always put something down on the order paper to block us,” Friday said.

He noted that the NDP has tried in the public interest in seeing past to bring substantial that things are changed motions in the House, including one in relation to the integrity legislation and the social redemption charter, neither of which was properly debated.

Continued from “We had other motions Front Page. that had been brought forward and they have “That is a serious not seen the light of question that needs to be day,” he continued. answered because it is Yet, Dr. Friday said something that makes that they were me wonder if the fire anticipating that this one service is effective or would be successful. not,” he continued.

“This is a matter of

and improved,” Friday said. (DD)

Boat fire warrants investigation The Opposition Leader addressed the issue of the preparation of officers of the fire service, saying that the system where one enters the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) as a police officer and is then transferred into the fire

Local ECCO Director calls for respect Lancelot Chapman, SVG Director of the Board of ECCO.

by HAYDN HUGGINS LANCELOTT CHAPMAN, newlyelected local Director of the Eastern Caribbean Collection Organization for Music Rights Inc. (ECCO), is calling on all music creators, including writers, composers, producers and arrangers, to join the organization to have their rights protected.

“Throughout the Eastern Caribbean, there is a drive to have more people registered with ECCO. “People use music, and sometimes they use it without respect for the creators of this work.

Therefore, it is imperative on the creators of any work of music to protect

Even with history against his party, Dr. Godwin Friday intends to lay a motion on election reform in parliament.

themselves from the abuse of their property. It is also a good feeling to know that when your work is used, that respect is given to you in financial terms called royalties,” the veteran entertainer, song writer and cultural activist told THE VINCENTIAN on Tuesday.

Chapman, who sings under the calypso sobriquet, ‘Da Vincy’, explained, “When you are registered, your material is put into a data base, so anywhere in the world it is played, you are entitled to royalties.”

The ECCO Director is encouraging radio and television stations to play more local material so that royalty payment,

if collected, would not go mainly to non-nationals.

Chapman also stressed the need for persons to write material which has a more international appeal, so it could receive a much wider audience.

“The creative industry is a fast-growing industry, and if it is used properly can bring in much needed foreign exchange,” he explained.

In that vein, Chapman is calling on all public music users, including radio stations, television stations, night clubs, bars, hotels, minibuses and on-line streamers, to respect the work of the creators, and pay for what they use.

“Many of these users do not give this respect

to the creators, and that’s a shame,” he lamented.

Chapman, a member of the SVG Association of Music Professionals (AMP), and a publisher registered with the Performing Rights Society in England, was elected Local Director of ECCO April 6, 2019.

He succeeded former Local Director Jemmott Anthony, who had succeeded Joffre Venner, the first local Director of ECCO.

service, needs to end.

The time had come for a separated, proper and well-trained fire service to be put in place, Dr. Friday posited.

“The nature of fires is that they are deadly and destroy property,” Dr. Friday explained, “and we have to be better prepared to ensure that those things are minimized, and we cannot do that right now.”

The time for a review of the fire service was now, he asserted.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Benjamin, when contacted, explained that the Royal SVG Police Force (RSVGPF) is comprised of various departments, and once assigned to a department, an officer receives training relevant to the task of

that department.

Once an officer is deployed to the Fire Department, that officer will receive the relevant training, Benjamin assured.

“Once you join the Force, you can be deployed in any Department, and once enlisted as a member of the RSVGPF, it was mandatory for officers to assist in the event of a fire,” he added.

And this was the system that will remain until the Fire Department is separated from the RSVGPF, Benjamin said.

Interestingly, as Benjamin disclosed, there was a recruitment drive recently for applicants to the fire service, but this was to fill the staff at the fire service at the Argyle International Airport.

The MV Gem Star was towed out to sea where it burnt down to its steel hull.

V

4. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Ganja farmers urged to comply with guidelines

by HAYDN HUGGINS

Chambers is cautioning of the Cannabis Scientific marijuana farmers to Research Permission THE CARLOS JAMES Law comply with the guidelines Approval, granted to investors, and the Cannabis Revival Committee (CRC), of which some farmers are members.

The Law Firm has been providing free legal representation and JELANI ‘Bullo’ John, a 32-year-old man who left assistance to marijuana another paralysed following a body slam at Her farmers, leading up to Majesty’s Prison where both men were inmates the triggering of the some two years ago, was sentenced to five years Cannabis Cultivation and ten months imprisonment on Wednesday.

(Amnesty) Act 2018, the Justice Brian Cottle handed down the penalty granting of Licences to at the High Court Criminal Assizes after weighing cultivators, and the the aggravating and mitigating factors, using passage of amendments sentencing guidelines, precedence, and taking into to the Drugs (Prevention account the time spent on remand. of Misuse) Act. Following a trial, a nine-member mixed jury, This is according to last week, found John guilty of causing grievous Attorney Carlos James, bodily harm to Damani ‘Damo’ Williams of who is also a government Campden Park with intent, on January 22, 2017.

Senator and Deputy The Prosecution’s evidence revealed that John Speaker of the House of and Williams were at the time among several Assembly. inmates in a cell known as ‘Star Class 1’, James told THE commonly called ‘The Zoo’.

VINCENTIAN that, as it On the date in question, John and others were playing a game of dominoes when Williams relates to farmers passed, and came into contact with him. operating under the John asked Williams to apologize, but instead, CRC, the movement of the complainant left, returned, and his foot again any Cannabis Material came into contact with John. within the framework of An argument ensued between the men, during the permission granted which John took up a broom and proceeded to beat for Scientific Research, Williams. He then lifted him, and threw him on the concrete floor, the impact causing him to be paralysed.

Williams is unable to use his limbs, is bedridden, and is dependent on others for daily, round the clock care.

DALE DA BREO, While Justice Cottle acknowledged the serious described as being nature of the crime and injuries inflicted, he mentally ill, died after considered the fact that Williams deliberately being shot by police on provoked John, to be relevant. the Southern Grenadine Seven witnesses testified for the prosecution, island of Canouan, on including three who were inmates at Her Sunday.

Majesty’s Prison at the time of the incident.

According to a release John had several previous convictions, including one for assault, causing bodily harm. from the Royal SVG He was unrepresented at the trial and at the Police Force Public sentencing hearing. (HH) Relations and Complaints Department,

Body slammer jailed

must be done in coordination with the Narcotics Unit of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.

James said there are farmers who have been moving cannabis without this coordination, and have ended up before the Court.

James pointed out that, while marijuana is still illegal here, there are some farmers who could operate in relation to scientific research, pending the triggering of the afore-mentioned legislation. But, they have to operate in compliance with the guidelines of the Cannabis Scientific Research Permission Approval, or they could be arrested.

The permission for scientific research is granted pursuant to an order obtained by the Ministry of Agriculture, in accordance with the Drugs (Prevention of Misuse) Act.

Attorney Carlos James has represented a number of persons who have been brought before the courts for possession of cannabis during this period of uncertainty.

Within the past two weeks, James has represented a number of persons who appeared at the Serious Offences Court on separate charges of marijuana possession.

One of them, Sonel Isaccs, making his appearance last week, told the Court he was provided with an application form for a cultivator’s licence as he intends to get involved in the modern Medicinal Marijuana Industry, soon to come on stream, and he is already trying to deal with an investor.

Isaacs pleaded guilty

to possession of 5,054 grams with intent to supply, but his matter was adjourned to May 3 for the Court to verify certain things.

In relation to the other persons, who appeared in Court this week, James informed the Chief Magistrate that their matters were quite similar to Isaacs’s.

They pleaded not guilty, and their matters were adjourned to June 7.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that while applications are already open for licences, none has yet been granted.

Canouan resident shot police on the island responded to a report of a mentally man attacking residents.

On arriving at his residence, Da Breo is said to have attacked the police with a cutlass and knife.

He was shot and taken to the Canouan

Health Centre where he was pronounced dead.

Social media and callin programme on local radio, raised certain questions about the police action.

In a veiled response to these concerns, the release referred advised that ‘while using deadly

force is always a last resort, the law gives the police the authority to use the necessary force to protect life and property’.

A post mortem was expected to be conducted on the deceased earlier this week, to ascertain the cause of death.

V LIAT and employees in another impasse

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 18 , 2019. 5.

Regional

Below: Prime Ministers Mai Mottley(Barbados), Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (SVG) and Gaston Browne (Anu/Bar) were all smiles when they thought they had struck a deal with the LIAT workers.

IS CASH-STRAPPED regional airline LIAT heading for another run-in with its staff, especially its pilots?

That was the question on the lips of citizens in the region on the weekend, especially those served by and dependent on LIAT, when news broke that LIAT shareholder governments had said they would not entertain anything lower than a 10% cut in salaries across the board.

This position arose after the shareholder governments refused to accept a 6% offer made by the airline employees.

Following a shareholders’ meeting in St Vincent and the Grenadines last Friday, CMC reported the shareholders as saying “the six per cent cut did not go far enough,” and that “the six per cent cut

did not meet the immediate cost reduction objectives of the company at this time.”

All of this is nothing short of a turnabout on the part of the shareholder governments, LIAT employees claim.

Last month, pilots employed with the regional airline, agreed to a less than ten per cent salary cut as a demonstration of their preparedness to help keep the airline in the air.

Trade Unions representing the airline’s workers at its 15 destinations, had, during a six-hour meeting in Barbados with Prime Minister Mia Mottley and her St Vincent and the Grenadines counterpart, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, agreed in principle to a six per cent

salary cut, pending further deliberations with their members, this after .a LIAT request for the ten per cent pay cut across the board.

President of the Leeward Islands Airline Pilots Association (LIAPA), Carl Burke confirmed that that pilots “actually voted” on the salary cut, which has since been communicated to Prime Minister Mottley.

The workers had also agreed to allow LIAT to suspend its matching contributions to the five per cent deductions from their wages for a pension fund scheme.

And to add further to the impasse, the Antigua-based Observer Radio, reported Friday that there seemed to have been a misunderstanding

between the workers and LIAT management regarding the payment cuts.

It said that the workers were of the impression that the salary cuts would come from their basic salaries, while LIAT thought the six per cent cut would be from all the earnings of the workers.

The shareholder governments of the airline - Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines — have been seeking, since February, to get other Caribbean countries to contribute a total of US$5.4 million in emergency funding, needed to keep the

airline in the sky.

At the same time, 11 destinations were given until March 15, to respond to Minimal Revenue Guarantee model which, among other things, proposes flight cut to some destinations, unless the governments agree to fund then with a guarantee.

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6. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Two Vincy Registered Nurses honoured

Clarke’s daughter, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, representative for the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, said each honoree “earned” the PDPA recognition.

THE BROOKLYN, NEW YORK-BASED “As representative of the Progressive Democrats Political community, I am honored to join you Association (PDPA) on Sunday, honoured in celebration of this important two Vincentian Registered Nurses among milestone,” she said in her remarks in 19 outstanding women, during its 27th the souvenir journal.

Annual Women Celebrating Women New York Mayor Bill de Blasio also (WCW) gala at Tropical Paradise said in his remarks in the journal, that Ballroom on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn. the honorees are “committed to serving The event — headed by the our city and, through their leadership, trailblazing former New York City have inspired others to do the same.”

Council Member, Jamaican Dr. Una Roberts-Griffin, who hails from S.T. Clarke — bestowed the honour on Frenches in Kingstown, told THE women, whose professions range from VINCENTIAN that she “felt very nursing to entrepreneurship and honored” to receive the award “among business, to law. child and family so many other great women doing advocacy and community activism. amazing things in their community.

The Vincentian Registered Nurses “In this political climate, where honored were Dionne Crichton-Bailey women’s voices are finally being heard, and Pamela Roberts-Griffin. it makes me proud that this The other honorees were: Irma organization has been ahead of the Gibb, Naeemah Senghor, Danielle curve for many years recognizing and Jones, Rhonda Binda, Gisselle Rice, celebrating woman,” said the president Cynthia Smith, Vaughan Danvers, of the Bronx, Manhattan, Westchester Elka E. Roberts-Riley, Julia James, Chapter of the New York Caribbean Coleen Babb, Annmarie Adamson, American Nurses Association, Inc. Jennifer Jones Austin, Michelle (MMW-CANA).

Randall Williams, Stephanie Myers, “It brings me great joy to help Dorensa Roberts, Joan Alexanderothers and to be recognized for doing Bakiriddin and Ella Frederick. what I love to do,” the former “For the women honoured for their Emmanuel High School, Kingstown, contributions, they come with many student added. “It is humbling, and it gifts and many talents that are encourages me to do more.” benefiting us,” Dr. Clarke told THE Crichton-Bailey, who hails from VINCENTIAN afterwards. “We should Lower Middle Street, Kingstown and keep on forefront of our minds that we, is president of the Brooklyn-based St. too, are contributors.”

Vincent and the Grenadines Nurses

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

Association of New York, Inc., said, when she was approached about being honoured at the WCW event, she was “a bit taken aback.

“I asked what it was all about, and Dr. Una S. T. Clarke (centre) with honorees Dionne was told it was for Crichton-Bailey and Pamela Roberts-Griffin. women who have made outstanding “Little did I know that I would be contributions in various ways to their honored for this,” she added. “It is, communities, etc.,” Crichton-Bailey told THE VINCENTIAN. “I questioned indeed, a great feeling and an honor to know that what I do is appreciated myself, ‘What have I done to deserve and has an impact on other people’s this?’ I then reflected on the various lives in one way or another. community and other activities in “So, in a nut shell, I must say I feel which I had been involved as a nurse, very honored to be honored,” Crichtonand thought I was just doing what I Bailey continued. loved doing, which is helping others.

Toronto Support Group marks National Heroes Day THE TORONTO SVG SUPPORT GROUP hosted its third annual National Heroes’ Day Luncheon in Toronto, Sunday, March 17.

The afternoon’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Adrian Fraser who gave an insightful one-hour presentation about the history of the Garifuna, the Indigenous people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Dr. Fraser drew a parallel of the historical telling of Garifuna history to a hunter’s tale of triumph over his prey, suggesting that, were we to Members of The Toronto SVG Support Group, ask the hunted lion to joined by Toronto Consul General Fitzgerald recount the same story Huggins (2nd from left middle row), surround from its perspective, the keynote speaker Dr. Adrian Fraser (2nd from claim of triumph might be right middle row). totally reversed.

Dr. Fraser took the Park; a song and pan number by opportunity to advocate for the Zarina Adams, whose father is from introduction of a comprehensive Union Island; songs of praise former system of national honours, that calypsonian turned gospel singer would include recognition of worthy Elgin ‘Black Ebou’ Hamlett; and a national service that does not quite headlined performance renowned rise to the level of a national hero, by saxophonist Julian McIntosh, of the persons either deceased, as is required multi-talented McIntosh family, who to be a national hero, or still alive. drove to Toronto from Montreal to He decried the fact that a statue of support the event. our only National Hero, paramount Leon “DJ Fusion” Foyle, hailing Chief Chatoyer, is yet to be erected, from Canouan, contributed his sound and suggested that until the history of engineering expertise for the third the Garifuna is more widely straight year. understood throughout St. Vincent The Toronto SVG Support Group is and the Grenadines and taught in grateful for the support of General every school, the naming of another Employees Co-operative Credit Union National Hero at this time might be (GECCU), Coreas Hazells, the St. premature.

Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Lunch for the event was catered by Authority and Vegetron Inc., a Chef Sonia Cuffy, renowned for having Vincentian-Canadian company won an episode of the reality cooking specializing in plantain chips. television series Chopped Canada.

Established in 2012, The Toronto Cultural items included: dance SVG Support Group has supported performances by Creative Connexions many activities and programmes of Performing Arts Centre, a Torontoother St. Vincent and the Grenadines based dance studio owned and community organizations, and made operated by Rhea Bowman Howley of numerous donations in Canada, SVG the Bowman family of Kingstown and other Caribbean countries.

V

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. 7.

Health

ÂFeel free to have childrenÊ

LUKE BROWNE, this country’s Health and Environment Minster, is confident about the provision of health services here, so much so he is encouraging citizens to go out and multiply.

Speaking at the opening of the Buccament Polyclinic last Monday, Browne beamed with pride as he traced the The Buccament Polyclinic – the third Health Care facility services offered at to be open here within less than a three-week period. the new facility, boasted about the “Full Delivery Suite, platform set earlier by his Permanent Secretary Cuthbert Knights, and and encouraged listeners to “feel free Health Planner David Latchman. to have children.”

Browne cited the cost of the For Knights, the significance of the building at $4.5 for construction. exercise was the “extensive Additional costs were incurred for investment” it spawned. He termed it furnishings and equipment, as well as as part of the Ministry’s vision of an Ambulance. modernising the health sector, and The Health Minister highlighted his anticipated that the new provision will government’s attention to health care, have a transformative impact on the and referred to the recent opening of people and on health care delivery. the Chateaubelair Smart Hospital and Latchman traced the history of the Levi Latham Health as fulfilment health development service here. He in that regard. highlighted the Human Resource But, “Don’t think we are done yet.,” expansion, and informed that the Browne alerted, and he teased his Ministry was able to assign 60 persons audience with disclosure that to the Buccament Polyclinic.

Barrouallie will soon get a Smart Jose Legarra, representative of the Health Care Centre.

European Union which funded the He also spoke of converting clinics in Union Island, Mayreau, and Bequia Polyclinic, lauded the opening of the as part of government’s plan of “health facility, and put in the context of his institution’s response to the “need for for all.” good quality health care.”

The Health Minister built on the

PM: ‘Take better care of yourself’ Patients at any of this country’s health institutions, have been assured that their rights will be respected at all times.

This, when, according to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, the Patient’s Charter is introduced.

But even when this Charter of rights comes into effect, the Vincentian leader stressed the need for persons to take of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves as he arrived at the themselves.

Buccament Polyclinic last Tuesday.

“You have to take better care of yourself,” he In reference to the Milton Cato cautioned, during an address at the Memorial Hospital being termed a opening of the Buccament Polyclinic “Butcher stall” by some citizens, Dr last Tuesday.

Gonsalves reminded that “Hospital is He reminded his audience of their for the sick.” consumption habits, and warned that He used the occasion to respond to avoiding breakfast and replacing it remarks from the opposition about the with alcohol will not help you.

“Sunset strong rum aint cutting no threat of tuberculosis on the country.

He deemed the “TB take over” as “fake gas,” he warned. He also pointed to people complaining about lungs while news.”

As far as Dr. Gonsalves is they smoke cigarettes one after the other. He cautioned pregnant ladies to concerned, “this country’s Public Health is sound.” He agreed that it is stay away from “strong rum, cocaine “important to take corrective measures and ganja.” when there is a slip.” (WKA)

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8. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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

Editorial

The power of WE WHEN IS THE LAST TIME we heard or witnessed a citizen standing up to a politician and saying: “Yeh man, I voted for you, but this is not what I voted for, this is wrong. I can’t accept that.”

The way things are today, you would have to be ‘crazy’, especially if this was said to a member of the party that sits as government, to even consider uttering such downing of this man or woman who has the power to make or break you.

After all, you have been demeaned; you are now a lowly subject at the whims and fancies of the one for whom you voted.

You see, we, the citizens, instead of being the watchdogs for our politicians, instead of standing up to them, we genuflect and accept their doings as if what they have to say and offer is a cup of bliss and glory.

What is it that creates this blind loyalty, this desire to have and keep our party in power at all costs? Is it some affiliation to ideology and/or culture?

Given what obtains today, with the ever-widening abyss between the reds and the yellows in this land, with this shadow of blind loyalty hovering over us, we are wont to conclude that we are more loyal to the red and yellow than we are to our families.

We would not hesitate to put down our husbands, our wives, our whosoever, before we utter a damning word against our party.

The frightening reality is that this loyalty supersedes any regard for anything else and anyone else.

In that reality, we have been made to forego that democracy means freedom to vote for whom we choose; rather we allow ourselves to be scolded into blindly supporting the red or the yellow symbols.

All of this is made manifest day in day out by party supporters who turn blind eyes to all the misdemeanours, the wrongdoings, the uncouth and ill-bred utterances, the poor impressions of picong, and poorly veiled innuendo that serve only to ‘pull down’ and denigrate the other side, as though in a real war of kill or be killed.

And the sum total of this neglect, this abdication of our right and responsibilities, is that we lose all sense of reason… right becomes wrong and wrong right.

And the justification becomes, ‘So they did it, so why can’t we.”

So let the corruption fly, let the lies and deceit sail unchallenged, let the leaders be lifted on high as we deified them, not realizing that we are losing sense of our own beings, our very souls.

It is nothing short of a national problem when we, the citizens, cannot separate ourselves from our party — from our red or yellow — and say this is wrong… we will not support it.

Until we return to recognising our individual strengths, to be strong to say when something is wrong, to become colour blind and focus on the national intertest instead of the narrow party agenda; until we can hold our leaders responsible for the good as well as the bad, and be strong enough to hold them accountable for their actions, then nothing will change about our politics.

But if the truth be told, the yellows will continue to criticise their red counterparts until they take over the reins, and then the reds would continue in the tradition of criticising the yellows for the next five years, and so on and so on.

We cannot move forward and progress in our politics until we shed our sheep’s image and attitude, refuse to be led blindly to the butcher’s stall, take stock of ourselves as citizens, and stand up and say truly, “Enough is enough… out with this brand of politics.”

Politicians are creatures who see only upwards. We must wake up to the reality that they get to the top on our backs, and that we have the power to effect change.

How NDP governments treated “ULP” public servants NOR DID MITCHELL allow narrow partisan consideration to limit his sights in recommending personnel for the sensitive area of the judiciary.

It stands to Mitchell’s credit that he felt comfortable with the filling of the post of Solicitor-General by Donald Browne, who contested in 1985 for the Labour Party which he once served as Deputy-Chairman.

Later, Donald Browne acted as AttorneyGeneral, the highest law office in the land.

Former Chairman of the Labour Party, the venerable Errol Clinton Mounsey, sat as Senior Magistrate, whence his wise saws and counsel have helped to keep this country from moral derailment.

For a reasonably long time, Labour’s former chairperson, lawyer Rene` Baptiste, held forth in the offshore banking business during the NDP administration. Her demonstrated capacity in one regime which provided her with a platform and practical training, spurred her on to higher heights in Labour to be virtually the First Lady of the land in various aspects of Vincentian life, social, cultural and political. She was eventually cut short of her higher ambitions, but that is another story.

In the boiler-rooms of the service itself, persons have been readily promoted without thought of their party affiliations, provided they met the objective criteria of competence, committedness and integrity.

Amazingly, this policy has been more or less followed, even where their personnels all but wore party labels on their sleeves, and despite the constant leakage of confidential matters to Mr Beache via one of his ‘little White angels”.

It needs to be added that none of these people ever brought the party alliance (if any) to bear on the work they were called upon to perform. We are dealing with perception and image, not actuality or reality.

Personages such as Evelyn Jackson and Carmen Jack might have moved in Labour circles, but that did not stop them from earning the respect of the PM or gaining elevation respectively to the posts of Accountant General and Budget Director, where they drew praise for their distinguished service.

Nor did the political orientation of their husbands in any way adversely affect the promotional prospects of Aberdine Browne (Principal Nursing Officer), Laura Browne (Deputy Chief Education Officer) or Lynette Glasgow (Director of Sports).

Social worker Wendell Paris was promoted in the Department of Welfare at the time that he was known to be under consideration as a ULP candidate for South Leeward.

In like manner, the impressive Tyrone Burke was appointed our youngest Primary School principal, when it was known by all and sundry that he was a political protégé of Dr. Gonsalves.

Headmaster Hugh Wyllie was granted sturdy leave at precisely the moment that his name had publicly appeared as being under consideration for the ULP candidacy in North Leeward.

There is, of course, the celebrated case of Mrs Pam Browne, wife of ULP Marriaqua strongman Ken Browne, resigning as Assistant Secretary, only to be later taken back on board in the berth she had left.

Within the last year, Winfield Williams, a former secretary of the Labour Party, was appointed Headmaster of the Grammar School.

Even when Labour launched its candidates at the Victoria Park in November 1997, the organisers could include in their programme of entertainment an item by Martin Quashie, a civil servant working in the Department of Culture.

Such a climate of political freedom never obtained in Labour’s days, yet persons have already begun to take their liberty for granted.

Finally, Matthew Thomas (himself a retiree in the public interest) was able to get several public servants who should know better, to sign a petition calling for my removal as Chairman of the Public Service Commission.

To date, not one of those offenders against the regulations has been written to, far less threatened with any form of punishment.

Consistent with Government’s policy of freedom to calypsonians to sing, FM stations to criticize, and the press to print as it likes, a breath of fresh air has been allowed to course through the musty corridors of the service.

To the extent that accusations have often been made by old-school NDPites, chieftains and rankand-file alike, that their party might be in office but that the opposition ULP runs the Government bureaucracy!

In power since 2001, the ULP Leader Dr. Gonsalves is keenly aware of the phenomenon, and set out early o’clock to stamp out root and branch, and the country now reels under its effects.

As for me personally as Chairman of the Public Service Commission, my name was dragged into the mêlée when my daughter Andrea was appointed Chief Nutritionist; the accusation was levelled of nepotism. The simple answer was that I had absented myself from the meeting which made the appointment.

Interestingly, I was so accused again when my niece Joy Browne was made Headmistress of the GHS in preference to Ercelle Thomas, wife of Mathew Thomas.

What was not noticed, strangely enough, was that Joy Browne had always been a committed ULP supporter!

Two matters were adjudicated in court against the Chairman for wrongful dismissal; both judgements went against the public servants, yet the Chairman was blamed for them. Firstly, the case against me by Agricultural Planner Godwin Daniel, and the case by the Airport Supervisor Felix Da Silva.

During my 16 or so years of occupancy of the post of Chairman of the PSC, I cannot “recall” any other serious grievances dealt with by the court.

I resigned, of my own free will, when the ULP leader had expressed lack of confidence in me.

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. 9.

Letters

No to changing the coach

I KNOW A lot of you hardened nationalists out there will take me to task, but here’s my take, anyway, on the recent firing of Richard Pybus as the coach of the West Indies Senior Cricket Team.

Newly elected president of CWI, Ricky Skerritt and his deputy Kishoew Shallow, are behaving like typical West Indian politicians.

The first thing West Indian politicians tend to do when they get into office is to get rid of all those persons who didn’t support them, or who they feel are against them. They look to undo everything that the previous government did, and they always complain about getting ‘a bad hand’.

Now, here is Skerritt, with not even an ounce of consultation with captain and cook of the team, firing Pybus, an

Englishman, and appointing Barbadian Floyd Reifer as his replacement.

Now, I have nothing against Reifer, but my question is: Does it make sense, on the eve of a big Competition like the World Cup, to fire your coach, even after he was in charge of the team when they turned things around against England earlier this year? The man must have done something good, even if it was just to get the players to believe in themselves.

It seems Skerritt is simply swallowing what I heard hardened West Indian nationalist Professor Sir Hilary Beckles preaching, i.e. that a Caribbean coach should lead the Windies at the World Cup. That position, to me, is all sentimental and not intelligent at all.

I wonder if Sir Hillary

Write the CoP, Ms. King

I AM NOT one of those ‘internet crazies’, so it took a very close friend of mine to influence me to read what I understand is referred to as a posting on Facebook.

Yes, I am a ‘fool’ when it comes to this internet/social media business that I hear being bandied about the place.

But, Mr. Editor, back to the business at hand.

I read the posting as my friend encouraged me to; it was made by Luzette King, who has become something of a celebrity here.

I understood the origin of the issue to be one in which Ms. King had made a complaint to the Police Public Relations and Complaints Department, about the obscene manner in which a certain Inspector of Police had spoken to her.

According to her, she had Ras Oba, somebody with some celebrity status here and who had witnessed what Ms. King had complaint about, file his evidence with the Police Department as referred to above.

What interested me even more was that Ms. King said that she had received, via telephone, a response (to her complaint) from one Assistant Superintendent of Police Simmons, who proceeded to inform her that her complaint (allegation) was unfounded.

I wonder if Ms. King realizes, and Ras Oba too, that in the absence of any evidence refuting their complaint, that they have both been made out to be BIG liars.I would encourage Ms. King, even though she gave reasons in her posting why she thinks this would be futile to write to Commission John requesting the report of the investigation that I assumed was conducted upon receipt of her complaint.

It would be interesting to see what’s in this report and, if no report is forthcoming, then Ms. King would have the last laugh (no ill-intent meant) that report would be yours to use as to how and when you see fit.

The truth remains to be seen.

Internet First Timer

realises that when he pushes a head like this, that he is flying in the face of those West Indians coaches who will carry foreign teams to the World Cup. Like he forget or just don’t think it matters to remember that people like Ottis Gibson, Phil Simmons and Courtney Walsh are the coaches of South Africa, Afghanistan and Bangladesh?

I want what is best for West Indies cricket, and if it means having a qualified, proven foreign coach to deal with our senior team, I have no problem with that. The question, on the back of what Sir Hillary is pushing, is whether we have a West Indian

coach who can handle the pressure. We have tried quite a few of them, including some of the legends, and that didn’t seem to work out, resulting in a whole set of pundits, and even Prime Ministers of some CARICOM states, blaming the administrators for the West Indian coaches and the team’s failure.

The one fellow who seemed to be getting somewhere was Simmons. Is Sherritt and company going to be able to attract him back to the West Indies?

We will wait and see what this fellow Reifer will do, but I repeat: I think it was a big mistake to change the

coach so close to the World Cup. Thanks for the added space, Bro Editor.

Charles, Edinboro

Submit to governmental authority “LET EVERYONE be subject to the governing

* What was that state-owned vehicle — the government vehicle assigned to the Office of the Prime Minister — doing in a political party march? * What happen to all the party vehicles that came in duty free? * Does the Sports Council have any intention to effectively refurbish the four hard courts at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex? * Or is that part of the Complex now given over officially to be used for entertainment purposes as a priority? * Seeing that the New Arnos Vale City is still an illusion, can’t we make use of the old terminal building at the E.T. Joshua Airport, just like how we allow the tarmac and runway to be used? Maybe we can even rent out some space there?

authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God”. (Romans 13:1) God alone possesses ultimate authority, and His limits on earthly authority raise tough questions. If governments are subordinates of God and accountable to Him for their actions, to what extent must Christians submit to them (governments)? Are there circumstances in which followers of Jesus should obey God rather than human rulers? Should the Church object when a government usurps God’s power and undermines His purposes? The early Church wrestled with these issues just as we wrestle with them today.

Christians throughout history have struggled to know when to obey and when to resist evil governments. There are no easy answers to guide us, but scripture clearly affirms that the Government is an avenue through which God accomplishes his purposes.

Obedience is more than mere external compliance. Our motivation to obey must

arise from our inner conviction and go beyond a fear of punishment.

Submission to human authorities reflects on our submission to the Lord’s authority. Both leaders and followers are accountable to God. “People may refuse our love or reject our message but they are defenseless against our prayers”.

Bishop Ezekiel Creese Faith Word Ministries Roseau

Inspiring others THE RECENT passing of Henry Afflick Haynes on February 17, 2019 at the age of 98, was an occasion to review the early politics of St. Vincent and the Grenadines after Universal Adult Suffrage in 1951.

Many from St. George would remember his visit to the Calliaqua Anglican School. He gave a scholarship from that school to the Grammar School that was won by the late Joel Huggins.

We remember the era of these early politicians and the political awakening of the masses, so to speak. It was an inspiration to the young students. We have come a long way since then, thankful for those who paved the way and ever conscious of their contribution to the development of the nation. The importance of the knowledge of the local history is ever present.

During this Holy Week, we pray that it would be a prayerful and reflective one that leads to a blessed Easter.

Let us inspire each other to love one another and help each other.

Cheryl Phills King

Investigate the fire officers IF WHAT I read in the newspaper is the truth, then we are in a bad shape.

It appears that our fire officers failed to carry out their duties, in a correct and professional manner, allowing the MV Gem Star to burn out of control.

I want to believe that our fire officers are trained to fight all kinds of fires; but if what we read and hear is what happened, then there should be a public inquiry into what took place on the two days the vessel was on fire.

How on earth could our fire officers, with all the equipment and training this administration says it has given them, allow a man’s living to just go up in flames. Somebody other than the insurance should pay for this. Somebody should be held responsible.

Mr. National Security Minister and Mr. Commissioner of Police, please set up an inquiry now, not tomorrow but NOW! Time we stop making excuses for ourselves and hiding the truth. We must admit when we are wrong, and face the consequences.

Thomas, Kingstown

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10. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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The State of the Union Election Petitions: Trial, Judgment and Appeal

Introduction ON THURSDAY, April 4th 2019, at the rally to mark the 18th anniversary of the ULP administration in office, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves made a profound statement on the country, one that has had a calming effect of Vincentians. He said “for those that are listening overseas, to say to them, that the state of the union, the state of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is sound, and we are developing well. We have a compelling developmental narrative and progress is being made in the interest of the people”.

Indeed this statement sets out the landscape for anyone who would ask the question “what’s happening in St. Vincent and the Grenadines”, in the face of the nasty dirty propaganda being conducted by the opposition New Democratic Party. Prime Minister Gonsalves has made a reassuring statement that is backed up by an incredible amount of facts, which we as Vincentians see every day, right before our very eyes.

And so, after eighteen years in office, there are things that the ULP can boast about, which have had a positive effect on Vincentians, even more than the prized project of the international airport at Argyle.

Poverty reduction and wages Let us begin with the issue of poverty reduction. In 2001, when the ULP arrived in office, indigence, or dirt poor poverty, stood at an amazing twenty six percent of the population.

This meant that more than twenty six thousand persons were living in dirt poor poverty conditions under the NDP and James Mitchell and Arnhim Eustace. Around that time, the NDP boasted of a surplus budget, but our children were on a shift system in the primary schools in the State.

Now today, under the ULP and Comrade Ralph, that figure has moved from twenty-six percent, to just three percent, through the programmes and strategies of the ULP administration. In 2001, the level of malnutrition in the country stood at twenty-two percent. Now that figure is five percent, and dropping, thanks to the work of the Zero Hunger Programme.

It is statistics like these which prove that the ULP is doing something good for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Let’s look at another one.

In 2001, the average income per head of population was under eight thousand dollars per year. Today, that figure is twenty-two thousand ($22,000) per year. What is the action that has supported this statistic? Well for one thing the ULP administration has increased the level of the minimum wage three times in eighteen years. The NDP did so once in seventeen years in office.

Here is another one. When the NIS came into being in 1987, the NDP increased the pension rate one time, in a period of fourteen years to 2001.

Under the ULP, the pension rate was increased four times in a period of 18 years. What a caring loving government. What a government that pays great attention to the welfare of

(Pt.2) its people!

And then we must mention the number of salary increases provided to our public servants, teachers, policemen and nurses over the years, including the re-classification process which has increased salaries beyond the expectation of Vincentians. All this has put additional monies in the hands of our workers, and has led to an increase in the standard of living in the country.

Social Programmes The ULP administration has expanded the level of social programmes which are available for poor and the working class in the country. At the tip of the iceberg is the health sector. In 2001, the NDP spent just 35 million dollars on the health sector. The ULP by comparison spent over 80 million dollars on health in 2018/2019. The services have been increased, with polyclinics at Stubbs, Mesopotamia and Buccament, and a new facility, the Diagnostic Centre in Georgetown. To these services the ULP administration will add the 130bed acute referral hospital to be constructed at the new city at Arnos Vale.

The other successful social programmes include the Zero Hunger Trust Fund, Lives-to-Live, Home-Help for the Elderly, and the School Feeding Programme. The government has also provided a safety net for the less fortunate in the country, by increasing the payments under the social welfare programme.

We must talk about the magnificent housing programme that the government has implemented over the last 18 years. First, there was the One Hundred Percent Mortgage for Public Servants, and then came the low income, middle income, and the no income housing policies which benefited many Vincentians. Then there is the provision of tax concessions to private sector builders of housing estates, and the revamping of the Housing and Land Development Corporation, to better implement the housing policies of the ULP administration.

All this is a demonstration that the ULP is committed to providing access to affordable housing, and building lots, as a basic human right.

Conclusion The ULP has performed outstandingly since 2001. In fact, St.Vincent and the Grenadines is a far better place to live today, than in 2001. We have made tremendous progress in all developmental indices, despite the challenges that have confronted us, particularly in relation to our size and our limited material resources.

But the leadership of the ULP is strong, resourceful and imaginative, and with the creativity and resilience of our people, the country will continue to thrive, despite the difficult and unfriendly international circumstances.

(Excerpts of Dr. Friday’s Press Statement) WE ARE NOT the only ones who believe the judgment is flawed. The lawyers for the Respondents also think so and have written to the Registrar of the High Court saying that the decision is flawed and urging that Justice Stanley John fix it by giving additional reasons for his decision.

This is extraordinary. The people who claimed they won the petitions cases are now complaining that the decision of the Judge in respect of the North Windward constituency case, is seriously flawed. In a letter dated March 22, 2019, (i.e. the day after the judgment), counsel Joseph A. Delves wrote to the Registrar of the High Court saying that the decision did not deal with significant evidence presented by the petitioners at the trial and suggesting that the problems with the judgment be corrected before an appeal is launched. Five days later, on March 27, 2019, not having had a response from the Court, Mr. Delves wrote a second time to enquire whether their letter had been received

by Acting Justice Stanley John and when his supplementary reasons would be given.

So, you see the Respondents’ lawyers in the North Windward constituency case are very concerned about the judgment in which they say they won. They were very anxious and could not wait even a week for the Court to reply to their first letter.

They had to write again. It would seem that they were anxious to have the Judge write additional reasons for his decision to fix the problems with the judgment that they had identified before an appeal was filed by the Petitioners. What are they afraid of?

Well, they are probably even more worried today, because the Court finally replied to their letters basically saying that Acting Justice Stanley John was no longer a Judge of the Court as his appointment ended on 21st March 2019, the day he gave his judgment, and that he had been informed of their letter.

So, the Registrar confirmed that the Judge was no longer a judge of the Court. This means that he could no longer do anything as a judge in the cases. The Judge himself had made it clear during the trial of the petitions that he had only until March 21, 2019 to complete the matter, when he finished his oral judgment in the Court on that day, he said that this brought the matter to an end.

Further, on the website of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court there is publicly available information showing that Justice Stanley John was appointed as a Judge only until March 21, 2019. Knowing this, the lawyers for the Respondents still felt it was proper and useful to write to the Court to ask the Judge to continue to act as judge in the matter by writing additional reasons for his decision to correct problems they saw

in the judgment.

ULP Protest Rally in Kingstown In one of the advertisements, the ULP have encouraged their supporters that they must wear red and “hut-up dey head”. Now, who speaks like this in this day and age?

This is a message intended to divide and conquer the people; not one about building the country, because no one can build the country with only half the people invited to participate.

We must reject once and for all, the old-style politics of division and hate practised by the ULP and its leaders.

To their diminishing number of supporters I say this, remember when they tell you to “hut-up dey head”, they are talking about people who sit next to you in church on Saturday or Sunday; they are talking about teachers who help your children prepare for their exams; they are talking about people who play cricket, football and netball on the same team with you; and they are also for many of us talking about members of our own families who do not share our political views. The point I am making is this: politics must not be used to divide our people to the point where we feel it is ok to hurt up their head, for it carries a lot more meaning. It means it is ok to hurt your neighbour, to prevent him from making a living, to deny his children opportunity to get ahead; to do things to people who would make them, as they have said, “suffer and die”.

We cannot build a brighter future for ourselves in this country if we continue in that way. The ULP have decided that is how they intend to win, and it is how they have governed.

For me, it is much better for our country and for our souls that we return to a politics of embracing of old foes, of reaching out to everyone, and of adhering to the principle that whatever we build and create in this country, we will do it together and share in it equally.

That is the message we must all carry, and we must do so not out of political expediency, but as a commitment to our people. We are too small as a country, too decent as a people, to allow ourselves to become so divided that we relish hurting our neighbour that way; whether in their head, in their wallet or otherwise.

I reject that politics of fear and selfishness. We must all reject it. We can start by letting Ralph and Camillo, Julian and Straker talk their hateful talk to themselves, while the rest of us set our sights higher, “unto the hills”, so to speak, from whence cometh our salvation as a people. The politics of divide and conquer helps only the politicians who profess it, and only for a while. It does not help the country.

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. 11.

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The seasons of life

It’s crunch time, Vincentians

“There is a season for everything under the sun—even when we can’t see the sun.” Jared A. Brock the author of A Year of Living Prayerfully, Bearded Gospel Men, and The Road to Dawn.

‘The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.’ -Friedrich Nietzsche

HAVING READ THE TITLE of this week’s essay and the introductory quotation, some readers immediately thought of the biblical passage in the third chapter of Ecclesiastes that reminds us that ‘there is a season and a time for every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill , and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.’ We may consider these to be the seasons of life.

Sometimes, especially when we are in the middle of the season, we need to be reminded that “this too will pass” – the good and the bad; the positive and the negative. The seasons do not last forever. Such reminders help us to better cope with the trauma that is often the result of our seasons of loss. They also assist us in remaining humble and grateful when we experience moments of happiness and plenty.

As long as there is life, there will be the varied seasons of life. While we may often seek to prolong the good times (and there is nothing wrong with this), it will be naïve to assume that these “glory days” will last forever.

The successful athlete must understand and appreciate that the aging process and accidents have a way of nullifying their talents and abilities. It is precisely because of this that we must constantly encourage those who experience success in sports, business, government, politics, and society, to have a “back up plan” for the period when they would no longer be basking in such glory. It would be foolish to assume that these successful accomplishments will last indefinitely.

Flowers do fade. Rain clouds will periodically darken the skies.

Accidents do happen. And we all age.

There is a time for everything under the sun.

The contents of the preceding paragraph are not presented in an effort to dampen our spirits. The thoughts shared are intended to encourage all of us to consider the fragility of life and the varied seasons of life. We all will experience life’s ups and downs; the mountain top experiences as well as the sojourns in the valley; the good times and the bad.

We will not be exempted. And it is precisely because of this that we need to be physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepared for the various seasons. Preparing for the seasons puts us in a much better and stronger position to cope with them.

There are many biblical passages that provide us with reasons to hope, even when we may not understand and/or appreciate some of life’s seasons. The lives of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and Job (for example) provide ample learning experiences that are still considered priceless today. Time and space will not allow

us to examine all of these in great detail. However, we can extract some pearls of wisdom and jewels of knowledge from their experiences.

Abraham and his wife, Sarah, were childless (and considered barren), when they were promised that their offspring would be numbered greater than the stars in the sky. Even though they went through seasons of doubt, they eventually experienced the joy of prophecies fulfilled.

Joseph knew what it was like to bask in the love of his father (who gave him the precious coat of many colours).

However, he also experienced the harsh seasons of hatred that had been generated and fuelled by the hatred of his jealous brothers. He was abandoned to a pit in anticipation of a slow death, and later sold into slavery exposing him to very harsh physical and emotional seasons. As a slave assigned to Potiphar’s house, he knew what it was like to bask in the success of being second in command to this rich Egyptian’s household.

Regrettably, he was falsely accused of attempting to rape Potiphar’s wife, and subsequently imprisoned. While there, his God-given gift of an interpreter of dreams resulted in his release after he had successfully interpreted Pharaoh’s forgotten dream.

He was later able to rise to the rank of being the second in command of the entire country. Many describe his seasons as going from the pit, to the prison, and then to the palace. All stages provided multiple lessons about faith, forgiveness, and fortitude.

Moses had his seasons too. He was born to low-income parents and should have been slaughtered with the other two-year-old males in his country after the Pharaoh of his day decreed that they should be killed. Miraculously he was “adopted” by Pharaoh’s daughter and lived in the palace for a number of years. He was educated and nurtured there. However, during his adult years, he was forced to abandon the palace life and sojourned in the wilderness before God summoned him to perform the task of persuading Pharaoh to free God’s people from bondage. The seasons in his life were often so very contrasting.

The biblical records of Job provide us with much hope to cope with life’s varied seasons. He had wealth and a large family. He was a man of great worth. However, within a relatively short period, he ended up losing the source of that wealth (his cattle), all of his children, and was stricken with a severe debilitating illness. His faith in God never wavered, even though his wife had encouraged him to “curse God and die”. In addition, the conversations with his visiting friends appeared to be more disheartening than uplifting. During this bleak season of his life, he remained faithful to God and thankful for His blessings.

He subsequently recovered from his illness, and his riches were eventually restored.

These examples give us reason to hope. They encourage us to be better prepared to cope with the varied seasons of life. We know that there is a season for everything under the sun–even when we can’t see the sun.

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

‘I won’t tell you that the world matters nothing, or the world’s voice, or the voice of society. They matter a good deal. They matter far too much. But there are moments when one has to choose between living one’s own life, fully, entirely, completely or dragging out some false, shallow, degrading existence that the world in its hypocrisy demands. You have that moment now.

Choose!’ - Oscar Wilde WE ARE AT A CRUCIAL POINT in our society where the cult of personality and political correctness has become permanent features of the political firmament. The sole intent of the power elite is to intimidate a large swath of society, friend and foe alike, into reluctant obedience.

All of us must decide what kind of future we want for ourselves and our children, our neighbours and the nation we call home. We must decide to speak up now or risk being enslaved by an overbearing orthodoxy that desires strict conformity; speaking up does not mean blind and mindless opposition. As Ta-Nahisi Coates says ‘it must mean placing our leaders and nation under unrelenting scrutiny because they are all we have got.’

We must never become so complacent so as to allow extreme minority voices to rule over the reasonable majority. It is a truism that the world will not be destroyed only by those who do wrong or evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.

Many of us went to the best schools, pursued outstanding careers and made successes of ourselves. However, we have been indoctrinated to believe the opinion moulders and mind benders.

The sad truth remains that we were trained, rather than educated. We cannot really claim to be educated if we never question prevailing reality or take life alternating risks in pursuit of what we believe.

How many of us are afraid to speak our minds? How many of us have seen friends, acquaintances, family members or anyone shamed, intimidated or brutalized into submission for speaking their minds? How many of us practise self-censorship, afraid to rouse the maddening mob, even when that mob is perceived, often incorrectly, to be the majority? How many of us are too scared to have our lives ruined, simply for standing up for what we believe in?

The people who try to silence those who dissent against popular belief, are scared of individual thought. They attempt to silent contrarian views not because their ideas are intellectually superior, but because they are fragile.

They don’t know how to coherently and confidently defend their ideas against scrutiny. They offer rage and slander instead of enlightened conversation.

Their mantra remains, wrong forum, not here, not now!

They want to shut down debate and conversation so that they can stay safe and certain in their conceited and deceitful bubbles. They don’t want to doubt their current beliefs. They refuse to grow and to acknowledge that they might be wrong. They confuse and conflate their views with what is right for the nation and its people. They have complete disregard for informed debate

and policy opinions that differ from theirs.

We need people to speak up, now more than ever. We need more people to be vocal and question the authority of those in control of our financial, educational, religious and power corridors.

Don’t be fooled, as Noam Chomsky insightfully said in his book, ‘The Common Good, ‘The smart way to keep a society passive and obedient is to strictly limit the spectrum of acceptable opinion, but allow very lively debate within that spectrum.’

Many of us in modern society, fall for this narrowing public space because we are cowards. We never speak up and say what we really want to say because we all believe we will suffer alone and be ridiculed. We think we will lose everything and gain nothing, so why speak up at all? We are all waiting for the hero to emerge and save the day, but never expect to be the hero ourselves. We can be the hero that saves ourselves and everyone else if we are courageous enough to face the intimidating and oppressive forces.

We are allowing other people to think for us. We are lazy and unwilling to examine our own beliefs. We echo words that we have seen or heard before, and insist that they are our own. We look confident on the outside but we crumble under critical examination. We are the herd, led mindlessly, unable to go off into the distance on our own.

We must display some backbone when we face adversity. A lot of us have no confidence in our ideas and principles. Why? Because we don’t spend time thinking about what we actually believe.

We have a general understanding of what kind of life ‘s rules we live by and what we might believe in, but when push comes to shove , we are willing to abandon everything and betray everyone, just to save our own skin.

The important thing to think about here is to pick our battles. We don’t want to say something completely outrageous to rile up controversy. We want to speak carefully and truthfully about our ideas, and minimize our mistakes as much as possible so that our detractors will have nothing to criticize. Their criticism of genuine change agents will be seen as nothing more than wild bluster.

Avoid mindless debates whose only result will be plenty heat and little light, but do not shy away from conversations that may bring others with an open mind closer to accepting and listening to your perspective. If you want to live as a free thinker, you must be ready to defend your ideas to the grave. Stand your ground and never apologize for stating your beliefs and your honest thoughts.

Although we must all strive to be open minded and ready to change our mind if our opponent makes irrefutable and reasonable points, we must make sure they are given a good challenge, and not fall victim to intimidation.

We can only hope that, sometime soon, more of us who are fearful, or exercise a callous indifference to the plight of others, will grow tired of being silent.

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

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12. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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Venezuela rescues ULP: EC$161.3m in debt relief in 2017

VENEZUELA is keeping the ULP regime in power in SVG with EC$161.3m of public debt relief in 2017.

It is of very serious concern to our nation that the financially incompetent ULP regime has not been able to fully understand that when the inflow of revenue is continually less than the outflow of expenditure, there will be a build-up of public debt.

More often than not, the financially incompetent ULP regime is forced to beg for Public Debt relief, or have the Public Debt repayments rescheduled at greater cost to our country and people. The ULP regime is a waste of time, and highly unqualified to manage the public accounts of SVG. The finances of our country are in such a bad state that the ULP regime begged the UK government for debt relief twice, in 2002 and in 2017, and received about EC$180 million in debt relief from that government.

Financially, and economically, our country is in a very bad situation.

It is shocking how both the Venezuelan and UK governments can be so short-sighted and give hundreds of millions of debt relief, yet ignore the serious breakdown in governance and accountability of the public accounts in SVG, and the plight of the people of SVG. The Venezuelan and UK governments are rewarding bad accountability and bad governance with debt relief. All of us should be deeply concerned that these governments are propping up the ULP regime, but at what cost to the people and economy of SVG. In SVG, there are high levels of unemployment, crime and poverty; there’s very little money circulating in the country; businesses have the worst sales in 40 years and have been forced to lay-off staff or close down; thousands of households are too poor to have mains water and electricity; and thousands of poor households are unable to feed themselves adequately.

After nearly 18 years in power in SVG, the ULP regime has failed to create any cash cows in SVG; they have failed to create large sources of sustainable income for our country.

The ULP regime failed to create income from abroad or export large amounts of goods manufactured in SVG. According to Retired British Royal Air Force Engineer Warrant Officer Ivan Bertie O’Neal, BSc (Hons) MSc, MBA, there is virtually no export industry in SVG. The lack of revenue creation and continual build-up of

hundreds of millions of public debt is a serious threat to the people of SVG. It impoverishes our people and pushes us into becoming second-class citizens in our own country. This can be seen throughout our country, as the ULP regime sells more land to foreigners to raise money.

The financially incompetent ULP regime must be voted out of power. We cannot afford to carry on with another Minister of Finance who is not a university graduate in Accounts or Finance, and financially instability, higher levels of public debt, unemployment, crime, poverty and businesses closing down.

SVG Green Party

The state of our national consciousness – reflections from Barbados

by RONNIE DANIEL ronnie.daniel@mycavehill.uwi.edu Final Part THE RECENT judgement by Justice Esco Henry of the High Court regarding the judicial review of the system of Promotions in the Public Service is therefore revealing and may give us a bird’s-eye view of the problem upon our hands. She noted on the matter of culpability, found on page 209 of the judgement that, “This leads me inexorably to the conclusion that either the members of the PSC are not sufficiently familiar with the Regulations to give effect to them, are not concerned about ensuring that they are substantially complied with or are complicit in the failures.

Whatever the reasons”, she continues, “the consequences of inaction could potentially lead to a total breakdown of the system and, in the case at the bar, has resulted in denial of due process to the affected public officers”.

Whatever your politics as a citizen, you ought to be concerned about this most serious indictment on our Public Service Commission and the Public Service as a whole. It is perhaps sufficient to echo here the words of Laura Anthony-Browne in her ‘Broken Window’ analysis of our country a few years ago, when she said, “There are many broken windows too in the public service, and I ask my fellow public servants to reflect on the ways in which we have contributed to the disorder and incivility in our society. If we are, if like Belshazzar, we have been weighted in the scales and found wanting, then we must decide consciously to help to fix it”. Don’t get me wrong, I have had excellent service throughout the Public Service by very committed and serious public servants, but I have also gotten shitty service as well. Can we make the former the norm rather than the exception? I think we can, but it must start with you and me- we, ourselves.

Waves are not only unpredictable and therefore interruptive, they are therapeutic and therefore can be a powerful source of healing. One of the things I try to do each year, which

has become a family ritual, is to take an annual trip to that beautiful Isle we know as Bequia. Apart from the grandeur that greets you at the Port Elizabeth harbour, or relaxing on Lower Bay or any of the beaches for that matter; listening to the tempting sounds and looking at the rhythmic movements of the waves, provide a basis for catharsis; it’s almost like an experience of transfiguration.

There are enough signs in our beloved country of waves that are potentially therapeutic.

Notwithstanding the fact that recent judgements against the Government show a tendency of the state machinery and Senior Public Servants to be complicit in preventing or allowing the failure of matters of due process, there is comfort in the very fact that more people are using the court as a remedy for matters that could otherwise lead to the break- down that Justice Esco Henry spoke about. This for me, demonstrates a maturing of our society that augurs well for our young democracy. We must also take comfort in the fact that more and more of our youth have access to diverse options for training at the tertiary levels. But having a degree by itself is perhaps useless in the end, without enough grounding in the real purposes of its use to nation building.

Our young people, and all of us for that matter, must therefore step up and be passionate about adding value to the form and substance of the space they and we call home- our beloved nation.

I end this rambling by quoting the late Alfie Roberts as found in a publication entitled, ’Search For Identity: Essays on St. Vincent and the Grenadines’, ed. by Kenneth John, and Baldwin and Cheryl King 2006: “So the problem facing us will not be solved by invective, abuse, vituperation, or by the use of correct grammar or not, or by being able to call to mind correct historical dates etc.. and being just a nice fellow, but only by a cool, clear, calm and calculating analysis of our situation and the remedies that this situation necessitates and taking into account that the life of man is paramount.”

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 18 , 2019. 13.

Education

Two Vincentians receive All Saints White Coats

to help that person and try to make them feel better.”

Having entered All Saints from secondary school, she had to pursue a year and half of PreMed courses before being accepted into the Doctor of Medicine programme.

She admitted that entering straight from secondary school put her at a disadvantage.

“I had to work hard and the Pre-Med courses were very rigorous ... I had to study a lot to get where I am today,” said Straker, adding, “You are in class with people who had Bachelor degrees … with all sorts of degrees … and here I was as a Girls High School graduate.”

But she was determined, and today, she has completed the three-year Doctor of Medicine programme, received her White Adriann – entering early Coat signifying that she is ready for her two-year Clinical Adriann entered secondary Rotation, which she will pursue school at the age of 10 years and at the Milton Cato Memorial graduated at 15 years old, and Hospital (MCMH). by 16 was “rubbing shoulders And after all the “hard work,” with students who had Adriann is feeling proud, and university degrees.” deservedly so.

She shared that she realized “I feel proud of myself her calling was in medicine, because the competition was “because I generally cared for stiff, the fight was rough, and people and if I saw someone basically I was overwhelmed,” sick, my first instinct would be she said.

TWO VINCENTIANS were among the twenty-nine students who received their White Coats from All Saints University College of Medicine(SVG), during a White Coat Ceremony last Saturday.

The (two) students are Adriann Straker of Vermont and Radika Ragguette of Lodge Village.

Both ladies attended the St. Vincent Girls’ High School.

Radika went on to graduate from the St. Vincent Comunity College before joining All Saints, while Adriann skipped the Community College and went directly to All Saint University at the tender age of 16.

The Vincentian Newspaper spoke with both students following the last Saturday’s Ceremony. Here’s some of what they had to say:

(L-R): Radika Ragguette and Adriann Straker proud recipients of White Coats as students of the All Saints University College of Medicine (SVG).

She expressed thanks to her family, particularly her mother Crislyn Straker, whom she described as her pillow.

And as for advice she has for other young persons, she offered: “My advice is if this is what you want to do, just aim for the stars , work hard and pursue your dream. It will be hard and you will just have to fight through it to get what you want to be in life.”

Radika - an early interest Radika was attracted to All Saints University because of its reputation. She was also prodded in that direction by the recommendations of persons who had had some association with the University.

Her interest in science and health was nurtured at an early age, not least being by her mother — a qualified nurse.

Once her career path was clearly defined and settled in her own mind, she recognized All Saints University as the right institution through which to pursue her dream.

She too admitted that the

journey to having earned your White Coat was a difficult one.

“The work is very challenging; it is a lot of information to learn. It calls for plenty late night studying, but once you really try your best and do what you are to do, then you can succeed.” Ragguette said, adding that despite being among only two Vincentians studying at the facility, the

VINLEC Linemen in St. Kitts Rodeo

SIX EMPLOYEES FROM THE TRANSMISSION and Distribution Department are attending the 2019 Lineman Symposium and Rodeo taking place in St. Kitts. The major objective of the event is to build capacity among Linemen, together the winner of Supervisors and each of the zonal Line workers preliminaries, is set for through a range of May 13th at the Girl methods which Guides Hut Conference include Room at 3pm. presentations, The Quiz will comprise teaching modules three rounds: an oral and practical skillquestion round, where building activities. students will select The participants questions from a game will also take part board; the science in a technical tour challenge round will see of the electric students showcasing their utility plant in St. practical skills by working Kitts. together to execute science The symposium related challenges; the is being held under fast answer round in the theme which students will “Caribbean answer simple questions Linesman: Creating as quickly as they can.

Connections; Education Officer with responsibility for Science - Strengthening Communities”.

Juanita Hunte-King said It is being that the Quiz is designed coordinated by to highlight students’ achievements, but can also the Caribbean Electric serve as a platform for Utilities teachers to aim for Corporation mastery of concepts.

Facey Trading sponsors inaugural Science Quiz

Harry Gibson, General Manager of Facey Trading SVG, said his company was pleased to be invested in this inaugural effort aimed at advancing science education here.

FACEY TRADING SVG, Distributive Agents for a range of top brand products, is investing EC11,000 in staging the first ever National Science Quiz in SVG. The investment is to be made in the name of America Fresh — a detergent for which Facey Trading is agent.

Speaking at a launch of the Quiz last Tuesday at the Curriculum Development Unit, Kingstown, Harry Gibson, General Manager of Facey Trading SVG, said his company was more than happy to partner with The Ministry of Education.

Gibson said the idea to have a National Science Quiz competition was first broached to Facey Trading in 2018. His company was enthralled with the idea of

the Quiz and agreed to source some level of assistance.

They were pleased when Amercia Fresh responded positively.

It is hoped that the partnership between Facey Trading/America Fresh and the Ministry of Education would be ongoing, Gibson said.

The Quiz will target secondary school students at the Form 2 level.

A preliminary round involving five zones and a total of 26 schools, begins on April 23 and runs until April 29, as follows: * Tuesday April 23rd 9:00am - South Central Windward Learning Resource Centre; * Wednesday April 24th - 9:00am - Marriaqua Learning Resource Centre; * Thursday April 25th — 9:00am - Doris Mc Kie Learning Resource Centre; Left: Juanita Hunte-King, * Friday April 26th — Education Officer with 9:00am - Fisheries responsibility for Conference Room Science, is looking * Monday April 29th forward to the Quiz 9:00am - Barrouallie showcasing students’ Learning Resource Centre. science prowess.

The final, which brings

students, who are mainly from Africa. “were nice to her.”

She said that she has not made up her mind as to an area of specialization but she is mindful that she would have to treat the sick.

“Patients are going to trust you, so you have to know what you are doing,” quipped the aspiring doctor. (KH)

Mrs. Hunte-King extended thanks to Facey Trading for investing in the development of scientific literacy here.

(KH)

VINLEC participants engage in a knot tying exercise.

(CARILEC) in collaboration with St. Kitts Electricity Services Limited. It began on Monday 15th April and will run until Thursday 18th April 18. The week will climax with a rodeo on Saturday, April 20th.

The rodeo provides a platform for the Linemen to represent both themselves and their utility, through various competitive pole-climbing events which challenge them to safely demonstrate skill under pressure, with agility and accuracy. The Rodeo requires the Line worker to bring all of his experiences to bear in a series of tasks that demand safe execution with no room for error.

VINLEC is being represented by Lamont Sterling, Omar Charles, Aaron Charles, Mowai Latham, Shane McDowall and Supervisor - Dave Dabriel.

The event was held in St. Vincent in 2018. (Source: VINLEC)

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14. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

People

Winston Davis honoured place, he would have been famous and feted across the cricket world,” the biography says, adding, “He had to break into a line-up that included Malcolm Marshall, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding and Joel Garner who, as far as opposing batsmen were concerned, were the ‘Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse’.”

Winston played 15 Test matches and 53 One Day Internationals for the West Indies.

“And one unusually, sunblessed day at Leeds (England), in 1983, he made history,” the biography recalls, “bowling out a mighty Australian team in a World Cup tie with a whirlwind burst of six wickets for 14, seven for 51 in all - which would stand as a World Cup record until the 21st century.”

In demand The biography says that Davis was “more often on the fringe than in the team.

“But in (English) county cricket, he was much in demand: Every English team wanted their own West Indian to bully the opposition, if only in self-defense.”

Former St. Vincent and the Grenadines Deputy Consul When Davis first went to General to New York Cyril “Scorcher” Thomas holds play for Glamorgan, according microphone as Winston Davis gives acceptance speech. to the biography, “he was a bit raw and naive.”

Story and photos by Grenadines Embassy in But, later, especially after Nelson A. King Washington, D.C., in he moved to naking@verizon.net; introducing the wheelchairNorthamptonshire, he was kingnaking210@yahoo.com bound Davis to the sell-out recognized as one of the best US CORRESPONDENT audience at the group’s 4th in the business, Annual Black-Tie Gala.

By 1992, at 34, Davis THE BROOKLYN, New York-based “Lloyd ‘Manager’ Lewis and “drifted out of the game.”

Friends of Sion Hill, Inc. on Winston Davis were all of us,” Late in 1997, he returned Saturday bestowed its Lifetime added Clarke, who played with to St. Vincent and the Achievement Award on former Davis in the formidable Sion Grenadines a born-again West Indies fast bowler Winston Hill Cricket Team in the local Christian, to help build a Davis, at a gala honor ceremony cricket championship in the church. at the Friends of Crown Heights late 1970s to early1980s. The “He was up in a tree, Educational Center in Brooklyn. late Lewis was manager of the sawing a branch that had “On April 23, 1983, Winston team. become entangled with Davis made us real proud,” Clarke recalled Davis’s another one. The top branch said Frank Montgomery destructive fast bowling then crashed down on him. He Clarke, a former Counsellor at returns of 7-51 for the West fell only a few feet, but he was the St. Vincent and the Indies against Australia in the left a tetraplegic,” the 1983 Cricket biography says.

World Cup.

Setting the bar

Cyril “Scorcher” Thomas (L) and president of the Friends of Sion Hill Oxley Lowman present award to Winston Davis (in wheel chair.)

insurance schemes then in operation, so much so, the special wheelchair and vehicle Davis needed had to be provided by friends and strangers.

The Association saw the problem and transformed itself; it became Davis’s biggest Cyril “Scorcher” Thomas (L) and former St. source of help.

Vincent and the Grenadines National Secondly, Soccer Captain Elliott “Morie” Millington the biography present award to Winston Davis. All are says Davis himself was “an Sion Hill natives. inspiration.”

“I got into trouble,” he “His enduring faith, his said, without elaborating, stoicism, his good nature and his humor entranced everyone after receiving a standing ovation. who came into contact with Davis said he never him,” it says. “People felt that if Winston could face adversity planned to play cricket for the West Indies. in such a manner, then they But “looking back now, I could face their own troubles, have no regret we didn’t spend too.

“More than 20 years on, he time in the classroom,” he said, disclosing that he spent is still an inspiration and a delight to everyone he meets,” more time playing cricket rather than learning Latin, it adds.

French and Spanish in secondary school.

Not big on awards “Cricket is a team sport,” he added. “And, as the speaker Davis, who now lives in (Dr. Richard Byron-Cox, who Worcestershire, England, appeared in a film, ‘Because of delivered the keynote address) said about leadership, you You’, made by follow good leaders.”

Worcestershire County Oxley Lowman, president of Council’s Social Services the Friends of Sion Hill, Inc., department. singled out members, Gary “People with a disability Thomas and Debbie Laidlowcan often be seen as just takers; and so, for me, starring Lewis, for working “tirelessly” in getting Davis to travel from in this film gave me the opportunity to give something the United Kingdom for the award. back to the community,” “As Winston gave his Wikipedia quoted Davis as ‘Thank You’ speech, I felt the saying about the film. joy in me for being at this Davis, who flew in from England for the ceremony, told historic event,” Lowman told THE VINCENTIAN patrons Saturday night that afterwards. he “was not big on awards.

An inspiration

Davis was flown to England for treatment.

In Davis’s “And it was then, in biography, this terrible time, that which was Winston was to perform a inadvertently more important role than omitted from he, or perhaps anyone, has the souvenir ever played on the field,” journal, the biography says.

Friends of Sion “Firstly, he would change Hill, Inc. the Professional described him Cricketers’ Association.” as “one of the Around the same time, best fast the biography says, a bowlers of the young cricketer, Jamie planet” in the Hood, was also terribly 1980s. injured in a car crash.

“In another Neither Davis nor Hood time, another was covered by the Section of patrons at the gala event.

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 18 , 2019. 15.

Tradition

SVGCC stages cultural exhibition Frying madongo bakes and baking farine bam bam.

The Herb Tea section.

AS PART OF THEIR PRACTICUM - a practical session of a course of study – second year students of the Hospitality Studies Department of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) put on an exhibition on the grounds of the cruise ship and ferry berth on Friday, April 12, displaying aspects of this country’s culture, Augustine ‘Sardo’ Sutherland, playing traditional including the live bamboo bird flute. preparation of local foods.

Augustine ‘Sardo’ Cooperative prepared According to tutor farine bam bam, Sutherland, in fitting Mrs. Solannie Hooper, madongo bakes and fried Kalinago attire, played Lecturer in the fish on the spot, with an instrument made Hospitalities everything, including from bamboo, which is Department, the activity farine, being sold. used to recreate was designed to add Other stalls provided birdsongs. It was the value to the tourism samples of bush teas, most melodious and product / experience, including breadfuit bush faithful reproduction of giving students the birdsongs many of the tea, and several fruit opportunity to display Exhibition’s patrons had drinks and smoothies aspects of our culture made from locally ever heard. that would enhance the available fruits.

The call for patenting visitor experience, as Also exhibiting were this instrument, the well as providing visitors technology passed down a look-in on aspects and the Forestry Division, National Trust and the from generation to relics of our history.

Kalinago Tribe. generation, could be The Fancy Farmers heard coming from among the patrons.

There was also live drumming and sweet pan music that kept the exhibition area ‘alive’, combined with the aroma of frying fish, bakes and gum wood resin.

Sampling juices made from locally available fruits.

National Trust display of artifacts found locally.

A visitor moved Visiting the exhibition was reigning Soca Monarch - Delroy “Fireman” Hooper, who was happy that an exhibition of this sort was exposing the lesser known aspects of our culture, and wished that similar activities could be staged in the communities where they are still carried out.

With what he saw on display, he was moved to suggest that the Nine Mornings Festival could be marketed by encouraging activities with particular focus on the traditions and culture of one community each morning.

He was hopeful that there would be a restoration programme that focused on what remains of the old sugar mills in places like

Display by the Forestry department.

Orange Hill. These, he said, would be of historical interest to visitors.

This practicum will be repeated annually but at different locations, to make both locals and visitors alike aware of our culture, some manifestation from which local people can make a living.

Report submitted by: Donald De Riggs

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16. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Arts

Sports Law book launched THE COMMONWEALTH CARIBBEAN now has a reference point on many of the legal matters in Sports, especially within the context of the region.

This has been made possible through the book ‘Commonwealth Caribbean Sports Law’, which was officially launched here last Monday night at Frenches House.

Co — authored by lawyers Vincentian Dr. Jason Haynes and J Tyrone Marcus, a Trinidadian, the 368page book delves into topics such as Sports Governance, Sports Contracts, Intellectual Property and the Protection of Sports Rights, Civil Liability in Sports , as well as The Legal Regulation of Drugs in Sports.

The discourses on the topics include support by several case studies which Caribbean peoples can readily relate to, and the corresponding laws which define and determine the issues.

One of the persons giving the Foreword to the publication, Justice Adrian Saunders, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, commented: “This text is the first of its kind in the region, and it brings together substantive law, and practical guidance that would be useful in the adjudication of sporting disputes in the Caribbean.”

“It is a defining

contribution to Caribbean legal literature, and the authors are to be congratulated for this pioneering venture,” Justice Saunders added.

At last Monday’s launch, several speakers gave the book high commendations .

Among those lauding the work were President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association Inc. Dr. Kishore Shallow; President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation — Marvin Fraser, and General Secretary of the St Vincent and the

Grenadines Olympic Committee- Keith Joseph.

Other commendable remarks came from Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves and Justice Brian Cottle.

Lawyer Jadric Cummings gave a Book Review.

Haynes and Marcus, in the preface of the book, wrote: “This is the first edition of this text… We the authors feel a real sense of privilege and honour to have contributed to this

(L-R): Tyrone Marcus and Dr. Jason Haynes signing copies of their book for President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation – Marvin Fraser, at the book launch last Monday at Frenches House. pioneering book, and we sincerely thank all those who have contributed to

this pioneering work.”

Similar launches of the book are planned for

other Caribbean islands in the upcoming months.

Drama, Dance, Drums and Dugu CULTURE AND THEATRE ARTS enthusiasts are in for a treat Saturday 4 May, with the staging of a theatre production ‘Mali’ Written by Zoila Ellis Browne, Honorary Consul for Belize in SVG, the work is directed by David ‘Darkie’ Williams and produced by Kevin Rodriquez.

There is input from calypsonian Ronald ‘Ron B’ Browne who provides melodies, and with the Heartbeat Resistance Drummers adding their bit, ‘Mali’ promises to be a moving affair.

Williams gave a preview of the production scheduled for the Peace Memorial Hall from 7:30 pm, at a press briefing last Tuesday.

He traced the origins of the Mali observance, which is something of a family reunion

for Garifuna people.

The play is inspired by one of the Garifuna ancestral traditions from which the Dugu emerges.

According to the Garifuna Heritage Foundation, “The Dugu stems from the African component of the Garifuna Heritage, and is connected to the Spiritual Baptist faith which is practised in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and other Caribbean islands.”

Mali is a ritual which runs for seven days, at the end of which the gathering experiences healing.

Rodriquez, Director of the 20year-old Agape Methodists Dramatists, is anxious about the venture. Not only has it aroused his interest in the Garifuna Heritage, but he views the collaboration with renowned Theatre Director Williams, as a

David ‘Darkie’ Williams and Kevin Rodriquez at last Tuesday’s press briefing. signal of a new level of Vincentian cultural/artistic expression.

And if Saturday’s episode delights, there is a repeat presentation the following

evening for those desirous of a second serving.

This event is in keeping with The Garifuna Heritage Foundation Month of activities, many of which were held in March.

V Trinity SMS donates to WPP

THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 18 , 2019. 17.

News

THE WORLD PEDIATRIC PROJECT (WPP) has St. Vincent and the Grenadines as the hub from which it reaches out to serving children across the OECS; its watch words being “heal one child at a time”. Diagnostic and surgical teams address the needs of these children who do not have immediate access to pediatric specialist care in their local health systems.

Recently, the Trinity School of Medicine Chapter of the Society of Medicine and Surgery (SMS) handed over a sum of money to Ms. Lauren McIntosh, Executive Director of the World Pediatric Project.

This handover represented a continuing show of support for the programme of the WPP, this being the third donation in three consecutive terms.

According to Vice President of SMS, second

term student Kenneth McGuire, SMS embodies what a medical school organization should be.

“We have an educational focus where we emphasize the academics, a social focus that highlights camaraderie, and a service focus that stresses community outreach,” she explained.

Coming out of the club’s emphasis on giving service and support to the community, the SMS chose to adopt the WPP as the charity organization to which it will make monetary contributions.

In order to facilitate these donations, the SMS holds three activities each term: a general knowledge trivia night; a dodge ball tournament, and a volleyball tournament. These all attract funds through team and individual registration.

Albeit, even as medical students become heavily engaged in studies that will take them through the first Basic Sciences phase of their education, many seek to become wellrounded physicians in the future. Trinity Medical Sciences University constitutes a fostering environment that enables capacities beyond books and studies. A vibrant Student Government Association guarantees that students who so desire, may become involved in extracurricular activities that create benefits for themselves, the institution and the community.

President of SMS, Farah Chaudhry needs little if any convincing that such activities enhance a future physician’s bedside manner, and outlined

SMS members with WPP’s Lauren McIntosh (2nd from left) and Dean Dr. Linda Adkison (extreme left).

the advantages of SMS working on such a project, saying, “We learn how to work as a team. …. This brings benefits such as fellowship, establishing bonds, camaraderie, and we get to release our frustrations too. The great weather makes it even better!”

President Farah also told of how the great relationship between Trinity Medical Sciences University and the World Pediatric Project affords the students the unique opportunity of working alongside world renowned pediatric specialists, both in diagnostic clinics and observing surgeries in the operating room.

This relationship

President of SMS Farah Chaudhry (left) hands over funds to WPP’s Lauren McIntosh. between the Society of Medicine and Surgery and the World Pediatric Project could well be

described as a ‘win-win’.

As a result, the SMS vows to continue their altruistic venture.

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18. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Solidarity

Evening of poetry, song honours two

THE EMBASSY of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, through the Venezuelan Institute of Culture and Cooperation “Hugo Chávez Frías”, the Nerissa King into her poetry recital that Solidarity zeroed in on the Group and the contributions of National women.

Council of Women in SVG, hosted an evening of poetry and song in honour of two women.

Held at the Mangoz Restaurant and Bar, Villa, on March 29, the activity was described as being held within the framework of the commemoration of International Women’s Day, the World Day of Poetry, and the Day of the Abolition of Slavery in Venezuela.

Francisco Pérez Santana, Head of the Venezuelan Mission in SVG, explained that effectively the event was meant to pay tribute to two women with records of outstanding struggle on behalf of their people:

Vincentian Germaine Rose , affectionately referred to as Granny Rose; and Algeria Laya of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela).

Kafi Rose, reflected on the life of her grandmother and honoree Granny Rose, highlighting her involvement in Early Childhood Education for more than 50 years, as a teacher, administrator and policy-maker.

Andreína Bermúdez, Coordinator of the Venezuelan Institute for Culture and Cooperation “Hugo Chávez Frías”, spoke about the life and work of Algeria Laya, a teacher and political and social activist, one of the pioneers of the feminist movement in Venezuela, and recognized particularly for her defence of the right of women to education.

Several voices united in different ways to pay tribute to the honorees and at the same time, to express their solidarity with the people of Venezuela.

Jomo Thomas, Speaker of the House of Assembly, dedicated his poetry to the unity of peoples, and issued a call to follow the dream of the Bolivarian Revolution. H.E Vilma Valdespino, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba in SVG, delighted the audience with three poems inspired by women. She

recited in English, Spanish and Russian. Nerissa King and Maxine Browne read verses dedicated to the struggle of the woman for a better world. Cecil ‘Blazer’ Williams — poet, novelist, columnist — enthralled the audience with a passionate reading of his poems. Cuban poet, Dr. Neuricel Fonseca dedicated her lyrics to the care of humanity, and Zoila Browne, Belize’s Honorary Consul in SVG, reaffirmed the solidarity that the

Vincentian people have with the Venezuelan people.

Dexter Rose and Zahily Sariol Valera performed several Cuban, Vincentian and Venezuelan musical pieces, Oswald Williams was in charge of starting the activity with his saxophone. Cuban singer Arianna Taylor had the audience , and the Resistance Heartbeat Drummers closed the evening’s activity with a drum recital.

Patrons enjoyed the ambience of a beach-side venue for an activity that honoured two outstanding women.

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 18 , 2019. 19.

News

ECGC Foundation active in 1st Quarter, 2019 DOMINICA-BORN Kevin Julien, a first year Law Student at University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, is the latest recipient of the East Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC) Foundation Award.

Julien received the award and US$1,000.00 to aid in his study expenses, during the UWI Cave Campus Student Awards

Ceremony 2019, held on the 2nd April at Lecture Theatre 1 in the Roy Marshall Teaching Complex.

The Award, which is open to OECS Nationals, has been granted to a number of University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus students over the years. Among the previous awardees are Vincentians Ms. Latoya Browne and Ms. Hannah Hamilton, valedictorians of the University of the West Indies Open Campus St. Vincent for the periods 2016-17 and 2017-18 respectively.

In a statement released earlier this week, the ECGC said it was pleased to contribute to the educational development of Vincentians and Mr. Kevin Julien – latest recipient of the East Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC) Foundation Award.

OECS nationals alike.

Support for Vincentians has come through collaboration with the University of the West Indies Open Campus and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College.

Meanwhile, the ECGC Foundation continued in its outreach to needy causes here when, on February 19, it contributed EC$10,000 to the St. World Pediatric Project (WPP), which has been active here since 2002, facilitating the provision of and training in pediatric specialty

care through outreach programmes for children and Health Care professionals here and in the Eastern Caribbean.

Bit it has not been simply a one-way flow of assistance. The ECGC Foundation was itself the recipient of a donation on 5th April, 2019, when Ms. Lydia Daniel of the SVG Central Florida Organization Inc. donated US$1,000.00 to aid in the execution of ECGC Foundation’s mandate to assist the less fortunate.

The SVG Central Florida Organization, Ms Daniel said, is a 501C3

(Left to Right): Representative of SVGCFO Ms Lydia Daniel hands over cheque to ECGC Chief Executive Officer Mr. Osmond Davy in the company of ECGC Human Resources Manager Mrs. Phyllis James. registered non-profit organization that seeks to “increase public

awareness of Caribbean Culture through arts, music and education”.

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20. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

No compromise Dear George,

MY BOYFRIEND and I have been dating for 13 months and the conversation is now leaning towards marriage. During this time, I have insisted on no sex before marriage, and he has complied.

Now that we are thinking of marriage, I asked him to do a complete medical before we tie the knot. I made it clear that I will not sleep with a man unless I know his health status, more specifically his HIV status, and that he can make children. He refused!!

I gave him an ultimatum … he has three months to change his mind or I move on with my life.

Do you think I’m unreasonable with my position? Is this an area where I should compromise?

Still wondering

Dear Still wondering There is nothing unreasonable about your request or demand. Both of you reserve the right to know the other’s medical history and status.

If your boyfriend is serious about spending the rest of his life with you, and genuinely loves you, then he ought not to have a problem with doing what you asked. Because of the seriousness of marriage and the fairness of your request, you should not compromise on this one.

George

You have to decide on ones and threesomes behind my back. I have spoken to him about it, THINGS HAVE been hard financially with my but it is as though he doesn’t care. It is husband and me lately, obviously ruining our but we have been marriage, but he seems benefiting from not to be bothered about our neighbour’s good that, and even said that graces.

I could go ahead and get Things got very complicated when both of a divorce. He scoffs at the idea of counseling or our neighbors (husband any “ outside and wife) came to us with a proposition. They interference”.

George, I do not want want my husband and I my marriage to crash, to sleep with both of them for a financial pay and neither do I want to have my health off. A foursome would compromised. I need earn us two thousand dollars, a threesome one your help. thousand, and one on Brokenhearted one five hundred. I absolutely refused, but my husband insisted we Dear Brokenhearted, should.

It’s rather ironic that I was very disgusted and disappointed when I your husband is against outside interference found out my husband when it comes to has been doing the one

Dear George,

counselling, but does not see having sexual relations with others as outside interference.

Introducing other sexual partners into your relationship is a recipe for marital disaster. In your case, your husband has abandoned the concepts of fidelity, commitment, loyalty and devotion. You cannot save a marriage when only one party is ok with the way things are. Your health concerns, too, are well founded.

You have to evaluate your situation and decide whether it’s worthwhile remaining in your situation, and keep fighting with the hope that things will return to normalcy sooner.

I encourage you to get some counseling to help arrive at a decision.

George

is threatening to leave.

What neither of them know is that I have this sister-in-law of mine on camera stealing from the cash register. I’m thinking about taking the matter to the police and let her get what she deserves.

Show the footage Dear George I’M THE OWNER of a retail business here in Kingstown, and I recently caught my sister-in-law pocketing some cash from the register. I reprimanded her and suspended her two months without pay, and told her the only reason why I was not involving the police was because of our relations.

What a shock it was when there and then, she came on to me and started touching me, so as to seduce me into keeping her on the job. That she would do that to her own sister made me sick to my stomach.

She obviously did have her way with me, but she told my wife I fired her because I came on to her. My wife believed her, and things have escalated to the point where my wife

What a pity Dear What a pity, It’s a shame that things have gotten this far. How about calling a meeting with your wife and sister-inlaw, and revealing the video evidence that you have? That way, your wife can no longer continue to give oxygen and mileage to the lies and accusations made by her sister.

With the truth on the table, the table would be set for a new beginning. Good luck!

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21‐ April 20) Get involved in groups that will help you meet established individuals.

Concentrate on yourself or your work.

Dig deep to find out how costly a new venture will be before you sign on the dotted line.

TAURUS (Apr. 21‐ May 21) You will learn a great deal about yourself if you go somewhere secluded. Too many opportunities and too many changes going on. Trips will be more than adventurous. Someone may be trying to take advantage of you.

GEMINI (May 22‐June 21) You may find yourself caught in the middle of an argument that has nothing to do with you. Overstatement will be your downfall. Evasion is likely if you aren't direct about your feelings. There's a good chance that they won't come back.

CANCER (June 22‐July 22) Much can be accomplished if you compromise. Direct your energy into physical entertainment. Changes at home might come fast and furious. You can solidify your relationship if you plan a special evening with your mate.

LEO (July 23‐Aug 22) You need time to think things through.

Secret affairs may be brought out in the open. You can make money through your creative efforts. Relationships have not been the best for you lately and it's left you somewhat gun shy.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 ‐Sept. 23) You will upset your partner if you have spent money on things that aren't necessary. You may find yourself caught in a triangle. Travel will be favorable.

Take part in stimulating debates that will allow you to show off your intelligence.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 ‐Oct. 23) You might find that a coworker has been two faced. You will be uncertain of your feelings. Don't blow situations out of proportion. Discuss your problems and complaints if you wish to rectify them.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 ‐ Nov. 22) You may be in love this week, but who knows what tomorrow may bring. Do something constructive outside. Use your innovative mind to surprise youngsters.

You will get out of shape easily if you don't keep on top of things.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 ‐Dec. 21) Concentrate on getting ahead financially and let your personal life settle down for a while. Children will be of major concern if you haven't kept the lines of communication open. You need to interact with others if you want to expand your knowledge.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.‐ Jan. 20) Friends may not be completely honest with you. Try not to make waves. Don't let friends or relatives make you feel guilty if you're not able to attend one of their affairs. If you have to deal with large institutions, be careful not to make waves.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.‐ Feb. 19) Renovations to your domestic scene will pay high rewards. Personal problems may be hanging over your head but don't confront the situation. Don't allow your personal problems to interfere with your professionalism.

PISCES (Feb. 20‐Mar. 20) Double‐check before you go out. Try to curb your tongue and let others at least get a word in. Your high energy will enable you to take the role of leader in group functions. You will be your usual charming self and the partners you attract may be the adventurous type.

ACROSS 1. Feminine pronoun 4. Hit (flies) 8. social slight 12. “_ you sure?”

13. Salon focus 14. Muscle quality 15. Month before June 16. Military force 17. Revise (copy) 18. Wee bite 20. Sleeveless garments 21. Pilfered 24. Broadcast 25. Money drawer 26. Blade part 28. See 1‐Across 31. Furthermore 32. Brazilian resort, briefly 33. Lock insert 34. Affirmative response 35. Bakery fixture 36. Hearth blaze 37. Boxer Louis 38. Gives way 40. Ms. Winfrey 43. _ Aviv, Mideast metropolis 44. Verse composition 45. Leaning Tower city 48. Terminate 51. Besides 52. Admired one 53. Paving gunk 54. Fish snares 55. Too curious 56. Muddy enclosure DOWN 1. Lunch meat 2. Important period 3. Burt of “deliverance” 4. Mold 5. Historic conflict 6. Marksmanship

ability 7. Strive (to) 8. Guide (a vehicle) 9. Indicates agreement 10. Condo division 11. Casino wagers 19. Not healthy 20. Contend (for) 21. Stick around 22. Fork prong 23. Brazenness 24. Suffering 27. Gambling cube 28. Frying pans 29. Cattle group 30. Storm centers 35. “Lovely!”

36. Usage charge 37. Actor Cagney

39. Austria neighbor 40. Candid 41. Gdansk native 42. Break from work 45. Sewing aid

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. 21.

46. Nuptial words 47. Nautical distress signal 49. Musical King Cole 50. Wipe (dishes)

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22. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Corporate

Davis and AIA make Public Speaking history TRACKEISHA DAVIS, representing the Argyle International Airport wrote herself into history here, when she copped the winner’s title at the inaugural National Corporate Public Speaking Championship (NCPSC).

The young lady took the title ahead of four other competitors in the finals of the Championship, held at the Girl Guides Headquarters, Saturday 13th April.

Two representatives of Massy Stores — Cavel King Jr. and Iyande Bramble — took the second and third places respectively.

The other finalists were Moise Cummings of the Royal SVG Police Force and Marla Nanton-James of XS Steel Inc. The finals comprised two segments: A Prepared Speech on the topic “The Role of Social Media in Business”, and an Impromptu component for which the topics were drawn on the spot.

The Impromptu component was entertaining as it was informative, and (L-R): Cavel King Jr., second place, and Iyande Bramble, third place, both of Massy Stores SVG.

when the judges’ hammers came down, Cavel King Jr was awarded first place in this category.

He was followed by Davis and Cummings in that order.

Arlette Miller, Contest The audience was Chairperson. not left out of the historymaking occasion. A number of prizes were offered for the taking, including: a prize for the Highest Engagement Facebook Fan, which went to Merlinda Bacchus; one for Participating Company With Highest Turnout, taken by the AIA; a $300.00 door prize which was copped by Desra RobinsonGlasgow; and a $200.00 door prize taken up by Avia Charles.

Certificates of recognition were presented to individuals and sponsors by the Minister of Education Hon. St. Clair Prince, Contest Chairperson

Trackeisha Davis, winner of the first ever National Corporate Public Speaking Championship held in SVG. Arlette Miller, St. Clair Stapleton, Dr. Francesca-Burnham-Onu and Janice O’ Loughlin.

This historic event was hosted by Toastmasters SVG for staff of registered businesses throughout St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. 23.

Bequia United takes Under-13 Football Title

as well to the tremendous support given by parents and others on the island, and considered the inaugural Under10 and Under-13 competitions held during last August, as helping to identify players to comprise the Under-13 unit.

Chelsea’s female player, during last Friday’s final at Victoria “That Park. tournament, which was the BEQUIA UNITED was the last to next four. first to be hosted be registered in the National On the other hand, Bequia Under-13 Club Football United scored penalty kicks 1, on the island, did SVGFF National Club Championships Under-13 winners- Bequia United. a lot for us in Competition, but ended at the 2, 5 and 7, thus missing exposing the top, when the final was numbers 3, 4, and 6, pinching The top performers in the contested the competition contested last Friday afternoon the nerves of their supporters, players to competition… But which began with a festival, competition, like the other we don’t stress a lot on the at Victoria Park. including parents, guardians before moving into the group components of the National competition, but for them to In their debut appearance in and other well- wishers. phase.

Club Championships, will have fun and learn the game in the competition, Bequia United Unfortunately, there was no Following the preliminary receive their awards when the got past Camdonia — Chelsea time for celebrating at Victoria the best way they can,” James round, there was the round of St. Vincent and the Grenadines commented further.

4-3 on penalty kicks, in a final Park, as the youngsters from 16, then the quarter finals, Football Federation holds a Apart from James, the other which had all those in Bequia had to whisk their way semi-finals, third place play off Gala Ceremony next month. key members of the Bequia attendance oohing and awing, to catch the ferry, which had Youth Soccer are Ralph Stowe, and final. at the display of the already delayed its departure Wayne Peters and Dr. Godwin youngsters. to accommodate them.

Friday.

It was a final filled with A planned motorcade was During the competition, passion and end to end also scheduled for yesterday, Bequia United conceded five excitement.

Wednesday on the island, as For Camdonia — Chelsea got the team was set to mark their goals, which James attributed to the players understanding things rolling when Juemar lien on the title.

Luke put them on the score One of the lead members of their roles.

In the third-place playoff sheet in the 9th minute.

Bequia Youth Soccer- Marlon Kanaldo Ollivierre found the James, described the triumph, which preceded last Friday’s final, System Three took the equaliser for Bequia United in as “a revelation of our honours over Layou, beating the 44th minute, to the send dedication, discipline and them 6-5 on penalties, after the the match into extra time. determination.”

The extra period could not He added, “We have worked teams played to a 1-1 draw at produce a deciding goal, thus hard for this, and as a coaching the end of regulation time.

Scoring for System Three in sending the final to the penalty staff, we always instill in the regulation time was Dayon spot kicks. players the need to work hard Byam, and for Layou- Marley Camdonia — Chelsea, after as well, and success will The Camdonia- Chelsea players were reduced to tears, after Jackson. converting their first three follow.” losing to Bequia United in last Friday’s Under-13 Football Twentysix club teams penalty kicks, missed their He apportioned the success final.

North Leeward Predators claims Knock- Out Cup

North Leeward Predators and supporters had much to cheer about last Friday night at the Victoria Park, after winning the SVG Knock- Out Cup in dramatic fashion.

NORTH LEEWARD PREDATORS’ continued their dream return to the top flight of the national

football set up, by taking the Knock -Out Cup last Friday night at Victoria Park.

However, North Leeward Predators did not have it all their way against Je Belle in the grand finale.

A stupendous overhead kick by Augustus Francois gave North Leeward Predators a 1-0 lead at the end of the first half.

Cleon Westfield doubled that lead with a tap in early in the second half.

The lead was extended when Francois got his second goal and his team’s.

However, a late surge

by Je Belle, made the contest intriguing.

First, Brandon Johnson

tapped one in from a corner to give Je Belle a lifeline.

Second half substituteAshano Benjamin, then made good of a long shot that beat Predators’ goal keeper- John Williams.

Benjamin, playing in the right back position, added another in injury time, to end the match 33, and send the encounter into extra time.

The extra period did not produce a goal; it was time for penalty kicks.

North Leeward Predators came out victors 6-5 in the penalty kicks, as more drama and nerve were added to the final.

Reflecting on the second half of the match, in which Je Belle made the remarkable comeback, Bishon Williams, Head Coach of the North Leeward Predators, assessed, “We were playing Coach of the North against our opponents Leeward Predatorswho wanted to win the Bishon Williams.

Cup just as we wanted…First half was which was promoted to the our time and second half Premier Division after was theirs… We made a winning the 2017 First couple mistakes and we Division, “is here to paid for them… A marvelous comeback by Je compete.”

North Leeward Belle.”

Predators currently lies Williams said last second behind BESCOFriday night’s triumph Pastures in the Premier showed that his team, Division League table.

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24. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Black Sands: Top Club at St. Lucia Meet

BLACK SANDS Swim Club emerged top team that participated in the 20th Anniversary of the annual Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre (RHAC) Championships in St Lucia, from April 1115.

Some 390 swimmers representing 21 clubs participated in the Championships.

Black Sands Swim Club, represented by a squad of 18 swimmers, returned home to SVG with a total of 65 medals, having broken 8 competition records, and 3 national records and accounted for 5 overall age group champions, on their way to being the top team.

The medals winners were: Eltonte’ Leonard — 8 Gold — 2 Silver; Eltonique Leonard — 5 Gold — 5 Silver; Kione

Deshong — 7 Gold — 2 Silver; Abigail Deshong — 3 Gold — 4 Silver; Mya DeFreitas — 6 Gold — 2 Silver — 1 Bronze; Aaron DeFreitas — 1 Bronze; Bryson George — 4 Gold — 1 Silver — 4 Bronze; Jamie Joachim — 3 Gold — 1 Silver — 2 Bronze; Kevern DaSilva — 2 Gold, and Tia Gun-Munro — 1 Silver.

The overall age group champions were: Kione Deshong - Boys 6 yrs & under; Abigail Deshong - Girls 11-12 yrs; Eltonte Leonard — Boys 11-12 yrs; Mya DeFreitas — Girls 13-14 yrs, and Bryson George — Boys 13-14 yrs.

Competition records were accounted for by: Mya DeFreitas — freestyle 1500m, 800m and 400m; Eltonique Leonard — 25m and 50m butterfly; Eltonte Leonard — 50m freestyle; Jamie Joachim — 1500m freestyle, and

Kione Deshong — 100m breaststroke.

Mya DeFreitas also set new nationals records in the 200m and 1500 freestyle and the 200m butterfly.

Kevern DaSilva now holds the national record for the 50m backstroke.

Head Coach Kyle Dougan said on the team’s return: “This highly competitive swim meet gave our swimmers a great opportunity to improve their times. They have put

Top team Black Sands Swim Clud with Head Coach Kyle Dougan (extreme right). hard work in training and it was a real privilege to witness the fantastic results from that hard work.”

Blue Marlins finish third at RHAC BLUE MARLINS SWIM CLUB placed third of 23 clubs at the 20th hosting of the Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre (RHAC) championships in St Lucia, last weekend.

Apart from the club’s Members of the Blue Marlins Swim Club, which participated in the RHAC Championships, last weekend in St Lucia.

placing, Blue Marlins were responsible for establishing three new relay records and two individual records.

Blue Marlins set a new mark of 2 minutes 19.26 seconds in the Girls’ 9-12 200m Medley Relay; 2 minutes 02.50 seconds in the 200m Freestyle Relay, and rewrote the Boys 8 and Under Medley Relay in 3 minutes 22.60 seconds.

Setting the new individual championship records were Blue Marlins’ pair of Zariel Nelson and Rhema Robinson.

Nelson clocked a new mark of 30.15 seconds in the Girls’ 9-10 50m Freestyle, and Robinson is the

Goal-keepers get workshop exposure GOAL-KEEPERS here were, last week, involved in keepers within the next a SVG Football Federation (SVGFF) sanctioned four or so years”, he workshop, at the Brighton Football Facility. asserted.

Conducted by Kevin Richardson, the goalBesides looking ahead, keeping coach of the senior national team, Richardson was pleased participants included male and female goal-keepers to report that Guadel from all the national age group teams, the senior Chance, one of this national teams and goal-keeping coaches generally. country’s outstanding Participants were exposed to various aspects, of young goal-keepers, has goal-keeping, e.g. back pass, crossing, positioning, been offered a scholarship angling, throwing, angle saving and distribution by from a university in the hand and foot.

USA. Chance was Richardson told THE VINCENTIAN, after the spotted while workshop, “What I have seen since 2017, tells me representing the Under that we are moving. We have some way to go, but 20 team in the USA last the goal-keepers are willing to learn.” year.

He pointed to more workshops/courses of this “Once everything nature, and even CONCACAF and FIFA level works out, this courses. opportunity will enhance his Richardson is working in pursuit of a SVGFF goal-keeping and will serve as goal of ensuring that each registered club has at motivation for other young least one specialist goal-keeper by 2020; this, as he goal-keepers,” Richardson said. pointed out, arising from a situation where approximately half the clubs are not so equipped.

I.B.A.ALLEN He is not daunted since, as he said, “the talent is there,” and he looks forward to a special programme to address the needs of goal-keepers at the primary and secondary schools.

“There is nothing to stop us from having an elite crop of goalParticipants at the goal-keeping workshop.

title holder of the record in the Girls 11-12 200m breaststroke, with her clocking of 3 minutes 08 seconds.

Nelson was also the 9-12 Girls Sprint Champion, and Tyler Robinson was the Boys 8 and Under Sprint Champion.

Blue Marlins’ swimmers also featured in the top three of four of the age groups.

Nelson was second in the girls 9-10; Kennice Greene placed third in the Girls’ 1112, with Seth Byron —third in the Boys’ 9-10 and Tyler Robinson finishing second in the Boys’ 8 and under.

Blue Marlins Swim Club was represented by 23 swimmers.

Black Sands Swim Squad of St Vincent and the Grenadines was the overall team champion.

Catalans retains TBPO F/Ball Title Kevin Richardson - national goalkeeping coach – is confident that the future holds well for goalkeeping in SVG.

CATALANS comfortably defended their champions title of the Coreas Distribution /COMSPORTS/XTREME Radio Top Belair Progressive Organization (TBPO) Nine-aSide Football Championship.

In the finals of the 2019 edition of the Championship, the defending champs beat Dream FC 5 — 3, last Sunday at the Dauphine Playing Field.

The odds, some ardent followers of the Championship said, were against Catalans, since Dream FC had gone into the finals not losing a game up to that point.

But Catalans defied those odds, with two goals coming from the boot of Malden Scrubb, one each from Emmanuel Ogbonnaya and Jawan Sawyers, and one, complimnents of an own goal by their opponents.

Dream FC’s three goals were scored by Romanio Dennie.

Continued on Page 27.

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. 25.

Sports

Different approach THE NEW West Indies Cricket administration seems set on renewing the spirit of the game, not just in the region but throughout the world.

Changes have been swift, and not unexpected. For everyone complained about the way things were going.

With the decisions taken, it is inevitable that there will be repercussions. Indeed cries of victimisation have surfaced as in the case of Vasbert Drakes. He plans to sue the authorities for his removal.

The new entity will have to be cautious on how it goes about dealing with human resources. They will be keen on avoiding displays of arrogance. It is easy for power to go to one’s head and abandon aspects of humility as soon as he ascends the throne.

One does not expect an immediate end to the plight that plagued West Indies cricket over the years. Suffice it to say that there were signs on the horizon that the region’s potential for a return to the hilt was real.

But the Caribbean is that typical melting pot.

And things can go awry in the blink of an eye. The evidence of the break-up of the Federation is a stark reminder of the region’s fragility.

While West Indies Cricket has outlived the disintegration process, the power of insularity always looms large over any regional collaboration.

The changing of the West Indies guard has ushered in a new era of West Indies Cricket.

Never in the region’s history has there been such an overwhelming response to the changes in the landscape.

The recent performances against England were hints of the region’s potential. But such beliefs don’t carry much weight. We are more into the practical means of doing things. And it is real life matters that counts. For the West Indies, the win margin must reflect the pride and interest fans have in the sport.

That Caribbean Brand has been well established. That’s what we have carved out for ourselves. Some of our history is splashed in unfortunate occurrences and we are still in search of a genuine identity. Whatever will be the condensation, we have a lot to be grateful for. The mixture is beyond imagination, for most parts of the world. And our climatic condition provides us with a wealth of blessings.

What we are drained with are those same factors that mark our diversity. Our circumstances have distinguished us. And in those delicate moments of coming together, there is also the possibility for great upheaval. We have witnessed it time and time again. Then we resort to that feature which we are endowed with. That is talk.

However, Caribbean people have shown they have more than mouth.

We are a zone of genuine action. What is required is harnessing the resources so that the region gets the most of what it possesses.

Somehow, the Caribbean tend to grab for that option of self-destruction. We play along to a certain extent. But when any threat appears, there is the willingness to grab the sword of destruction in the quest for survival.

Until we work out a genuine form of agreement, those rifts that drive us apart will remain.

Grenada takes Windwards senior cricket title

GRENADA are the 2019 Champions of Senior Men’s cricket in the Windward Islands.

All they needed was a draw against SVG to secure the tile of the Championship, which ended here last week Wednesday.

They had only one outright win against St. Lucia, but their two drawn encounters — one against SVG and the other against Dominca, were enough for them to Junior Henry of accumulate an unassailable St Lucia had 21 points. the SVG Grenada - Champions of Senior Men’s Tournament’s followed Windward Islands Cricket. highest single with 18 innings, 127. points, Johann Jerimiah, Denis Smith, 100 for Dominica Grenada versus Dominica; Desron Grenada, scored next with 12 the most runs.

Maloney 104 for SVG against points and St. Dominica; Keron Cottoy, 105 for Lucia holding Imran Joseph of SVG versus Grenada; Alick court at the Grenada, (twice) Athanaze, 102 for Dominica bottom with 6 and Alick Athanaze against St. Lucia. points. of Dominica took There were four five-wicket The five-wicket hauls. hauls: Kenneth Dember of SVG Tournament Off spinner Kenneth Dember of twice with 5 for 59 against recorded five SVG took the most wickets, 14, Dominica and 5 for 105 versus century makers: Grenada; Imran Josepgh 5 for 18 and Johann Jeremiah of Grenada Kenneh Junior Henry, scored the most runs, 198.

Dember, SVG, 127 for St. Lucia for Grenada against Dominica; and Alick Athanaze 5 for 69 for took the most against SVG; I.B.A.ALLEN Dominica against St. Lucia. wickets, 14.

Emmanuel Mespo takes cricket title THE EMMANUEL HIGH SCHOOL Mesopotamia (EHSM) was a late entrant in this year’s Massy Inter-Secondary Schools Under-19 Cricket Championship.

That did not prevent them from emerging title holders of the Championship.

It was, however, a victory that the School would have enjoyed even more, had the circumstances been different.

The boys from EHSM were crowned champions after the coach of their finals opponents, Georgetown Secondary School (GSS), called his player off the field during the course of play, forfeiting the game in the process.

GSS batted first and made 139 from 29.2 overs. Emmanuel High Mespo in reply were 72 for 4 from 17.3 overs when the coach of the Georgetown Secondary School called his players off the field, after registering dissatisfaction with a decision of one of the on field umpires.

THE VINCENTIAN understands that the Ministry of Education is investigating the circumstances surrounding the

Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia – 2019 InterSecondary Schools U-19 Cricket Champions. outcome of the match.

Notwithstanding those circumstances, top individual Championship performers were recognized: Tijorn Pope of the North Union Secondary School (NUSS) for the most runs, 181; Kamani Husbands also of NUSS for the most wickets, 16; Iruel Matthias of the GSS — MVP of the Championship with 100 runs and 10 wickets; and Brad Collins of the EHSM - MVP of the finals.

A total of 12 Schools took part in the Championship.

I.B.A.ALLEN

Iruel Matthias of the Georgetown Secondary MVP of the Championship tournament.

26. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2019. 27.

Classifieds

Catalans, Champions of Top Belair Football. MVP Marden Scrub is stooping at extra left.

Catalans retains TBPO F/Ball Title Continued from Page 24.

Earlier in the afternoon, FC Roma beat Hill Side Rollers 4-3 on penalty kicks, to take the third place playoof. The teams were tied on 2 at the end of regulation time.

For having defended their title and making two wins on a straight, Catalans took home a trophy and $1500.00.

Dream FC received a trophy and $1,000.00, and Roma FC walked away with a trophy and $500.00.

MVP of the finals was Catalans’ Malden Scrubb who scored 15 goals in the championship including his two in the finals.

Fourteen (14) teams will contest the 2019 Championship.

I.B.A.ALLEN

SYLVIA JACK

HERMON ARTHUR FINCH

JOYCILIN MAHALIA PETERS

Eberneza Adventist Church Belle View Sunday, 14th April, 2019 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 2:30 p.m.

Kingstown Church of Christ Sunday, 14th April, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

Seventh Day Adventist Church Kingstown Sunday, 14th April, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

FERDINAL FRANKLYN OLLIVIERRE Better known as Fat man Paget Farm Community Center Sunday, 14th April, 2019 Service: 2:00 p.m.

ALI BLACKETTE Church of God of Prophecy Kingstown Saturday, 13th April, 2019 Viewing: 2:00 p.m.

Service: 3:00 p.m.

SYDNEY GERALD New Life Pray Tabernacle, South Rivers Saturday, 13th April, 2019 Viewing: 1:00 p.m.

Service: 2:00 p.m.

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

S A L E

THURSDAY,

APRIL 18, 2019

VOLUME 113, No.16

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www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

WOMAN TO PAY FOR SLAPPING STUDENT bodily harm, February 28.

The facts showed that Williams, on receiving certain information, regarding her daughter, approached Palmer, as she exited the entrance of the school, during school hours, started arguing with the student, and slapped her.

Williams told the Court that she approached the student to speak to her in relation to another girl, who was harassing her daughter, also a student of that school, and Palmer proceeded to curse her. During the exchange, Palmer’s hand grazed her face, and she (Williams) slapped her.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche said it surprises him that a parent, instead of seeking to resolve the matter amicably, would take matters into her Hyacinth Williams can smile, now that she was own hands and slap a given a suspended sentence. (Facebook photo) student.

Chief Magistrate

by HAYDN HUGGINS She was also ordered to Rechanne Browne told pay $500 compensation Williams that the best HYACINTH WILLIAMS, to the victim by April 30. thing to have done was a 44-year-old woman of In default, she would go to go to the school’s Redemption Sharpes, to prison for three Principal. who took matters into months.

The Prosecutor told her own hands and However, Williams the woman, “This child slapped a 16-year-old may have received a can be your daughter Bishop’s College custodial sentence, had it too,” and questioned, Kingstown female not been for the “Why would a parent go student, was on Monday intervention of Attorney to a school and take ordered to pay Grant Connell, and matters in their own compensation to the documentation before the hands? Why would a victim, and placed on a Court, confirming that parent go to a school to suspended sentence. her 5-year-old son was take on a student?”

Wiliams was suffering from cancer.

According to sentenced to six months Williams had pleaded Delpleche, “If every imprisonment, but that guilty to assaulting Jada parent is to do that, we sentence was suspended. Palmer, causing her would have anarchy.”

The Magistrate stressed the extreme aggravating factors of the case, and said she would have to adjourn the matter to decide what penalty to impose.

It was at this stage that Williams informed the Court that her 5-year-old son was battling with cancer.

The matter was then stood down to have this confirmed.

In the Interim, Williams sought Connell’s assistance and he obtained medical documentation confirming that the 5year-old was indeed being treated for cancer.

This was presented to the Court when the matter resumed.

Connell agreed that a custodial sentence was justified in the circumstances, but suggested that it be suspended.

“If she is sent to prison, it can have a corrosive effect on her and her family.

“I am certain that she is one that has learnt from her lesson. She erred. I am humbly asking the Court to temper justice with mercy,” he pleaded.

The lawyer described the incident as very unfortunate, but added, “There is always the possibility of healing.”

He noted that the woman pleaded guilty, and had no previous convictions.

Delpleche agreed that the offence warranted a

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custodial sentence, but, given the documentation before the Court, he also agreed that the sentence should be suspended.

The Chief Magistrate, however, thought that a clear message should be sent out, since the student, who was slapped while in uniform,

suffered physical and psychological damage.

She noted that the incident occurred in public, and in the presence of children.

As a result, the Magistrate ordered compensation, in addition to the suspended sentence.

Front view of the AIA Terminal and Car Park.

AIA attendant robbed THE POLICE are soliciting the assistance of the public with respect to an incident of armed robbery of a car park attendant, at the Argyle International Airport (AIA).

According to a briefing from the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Public Relations Department, the police are investigating the report made by the 23-year-old attendant of Kingstown Park, who was robbed on Sunday.

The briefing stated that the attendant was robbed of EC$800.00 in cash and one security pass, by an assailant armed with a gun.

Personnel at the AIA declined to comment on the matter when contacted by THE VINCENTIAN. Persons with any information are asked to contact the Calliaqua Police at 458-4200 or the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in charge of crime at 456-1339. (DD)

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